Atlanta Parent September 2020

AtlantaParent September 2020 / atlantaparent.com

Fun on the Farm

Celebrating Birthdays: Party On!

Childhood Cancer Awareness Atlanta Baby Inside

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Reimagining Education Support for Children & Families Pre-K – 12 Assistance with homework, projects, tutoring and more Customized learning experiences for each student Engaging environments to empower learners Certified Teachers Experienced professionals provide consistent feedback and communication

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4 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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Inside 36 September

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Publisher’s Note / 8

Good Stuff / 9

For the Fridge / 50

10

Keep Your Family Healthy and Happy

20

It’s a Birthday! Party On

26

Childhood Cancer

Experts share their strategies and tips for surviving COVID-19.

Great ideas for social distancing celebrations; plus, where to go for “get out of the house” parties.

Lean about the cancer journey of three local families, plus the current research and where to find support.

Fall Fun Guide: Farm Fun, Events and Festivals, and more! Page 39

32 Atlanta Baby Special Section:

n Pregnancy and COVID-19: What You Need to Know n Brain-Building Games for Babies n Subscription Boxes for New Moms and Babies SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Meet the Head of School: Leadership Profiles / 14 Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 5

TIRED OF ASTHMA? Consider joining a clinical research study to prevent future asthma attacks.

Eligible children age 1-17 years will receive, at no cost:  Allergy testing

PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com

 Health exams

 Asthma medications

 Breathing tests Participants will receive compensation for time and travel.

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

ACCOUNT Carolyn Haushalter EXECUTIVE chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

Morgan Nicholls 404.785.2958 morgan.nicholls@choa.org

ACCOUNT Melinda McGuire EXECUTIVE mmcguire@atlantaparent.com

STAFF Emily Webb WRITER ewebb@atlantaparent.com

COPY Mary Williams

EDITOR EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

Montessori School at Emory is Open and Prepared for a "New Normal"

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By Individual Instruction A Love of Learning To Think Outside the Box Independence Respect for Others A Solid Foundation Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening & More

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PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

ADMINISTRATIVE Amelia Ramirez

ASSISTANT

MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM

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HALF OR FULL DAY YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS Montessori School at Emory

3021 N. Decatur Road • Decatur, GA 30033 MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com • 404-634-5777 Accredited Toddler Through Middle School Programs

6 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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SIX FEET APART? NO PROBLEM WE’RE OPEN NOW WITH NEW GUIDELINES THAT PROMOTE SOCIAL DISTANCING As we transition back into a new normal, we are taking every precaution to keep you and our animals safe. We can’t wait to see you.

Timed tickets required so reserve yours now at zooatlanta.org.

#ONLYZOOATL

Atlanta Parent’s

Must-Read Online Stories Bringing our readers the resources and information they need during the coronavirus pandemic.  Best Orchards for Apple Picking  Creative Fun at the High Museum of Art  Yoga with Animals for Kids  Things to Love About Children’s Museum of Atlanta  Introduce Your Kids to Stargazing  Best Scavenger Hunts in Atlanta  Best Splash Pads, Pools and Water Playgrounds  Atlanta Parent’s MomApproved Doctors  Plan a Date Night at Home  Best Kid-Friendly Takeout and Delivery  Best DIY Craft Recipes

Publisher’s Note

I

saw this quote online a few days ago: “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” It seems appropriate as we continue the challenge of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

I’m trying to remember that it won’t last forever; in the meantime, I’m trying to be patient with my kids and keep them busy. My son asked if we could do something different every day, so we came up with a list of things to do and wrote each one on a slip of paper. They’re in a box, and every day we pull one out. The activities are simple – have an outdoor storytime, go on a walk with one parent, bake something – but the “reveal” is a fun moment and adds a little variety to the day.

For our September issue, we asked mom and writer Sherry Crawley to share how she’s been dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 situation. We all had some good strategies, but the novelty has worn off, and our patience is wearing thin. In her article, Sherry offers some fresh and creative ideas for keeping yourself and your family happy and healthy; I’m going to use a few, especially her suggestions for finding joy in small things and giving my kids the power to make some decisions on their own.

With school back in session, flexibility is key. We’re all trying to make the best choices for our families – whether to learn virtually or at school, whether to stay home or get out and do things. My family isn’t ready to dine at a restaurant or go to a crowded park, but we’re still taking hikes, riding our bicycles, and trying to appreciate the gift of spending time together. In this month’s issue, you’ll find some great suggestions for making your child’s birthday special. Our Fall Fun Guide is a good place to find events happening in and around Atlanta, including a list of area farms where you can pick apples, choose a pumpkin, or explore a corn maze. There are also plenty of virtual things to do this month, from the Decatur Book Festival to Dragon Con. I hope you are finding patience, flexibility and the ability to stay positive.

The reality is that this pandemic won’t be going away any time soon.

Remember to do your part and make a difference by social distancing and wearing a mask whenever you’re out and about. We’re all in this together.

 Fun Things to Do This Week  Guide to Camping and Campgrounds in Georgia

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We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

8 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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by Emily Webb

Good StUff

THINGS WE LIKE

Inside the Box

Entertain your child with ease with the Busy Box Child. These sensory boxes include hands-on tools and toys for kids to explore using their senses, and it’s screen-free fun. Themed boxes include play dough, beads, pearls, toys, building blocks and more depending on what your child loves. For ages 3 and older. Available for $38-$42 at busyboxchild.com.

Shopping on a Dime

It’s Easy Being Green

Be smarter about packing your kid’s lunch box or storing snacks with Whiskware. Instead of using plastic bags, these reusable snack containers come in assorted sizes, are easy to carry, have a removable handle, twist and lock and are dishwasher safe. Plus, they come in cute designs featuring your child’s favorite characters from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel and DC. Available for $9.99-$12.99 at whiskware.com.

Time for Adventure

Have fun with your family with the Adventure Challenge Book, a scratch-off keepsake that challenges you to 50 exciting adventures. The Family Edition has icons indicating what the adventure will be, such as meal, mess, indoors, outdoors and more, and each challenge can be modified to fit within your budget.

Designed for families with kids ages 4-15, this book is a great way to help you connect and try new things with your family members. Available for $39.99 at theadventurechallenge.com.

atlantaparent.com

Get your groceries for cheaper with Basket, a grocery shopping app built by shoppers for shoppers. Compare in-store and online prices on groceries and purchases to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Create your shopping list in the app to see what the total price is at each store, with information on Whole Foods, Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Amazon and more. Available for free at basket.com.

Internet Security

Stay cyber safe with Firewalla, a security protection service which alerts and protects from cyber threats.

You can see what your kids are doing, whether they’re playing games, actually doing their schoolwork or visiting a site they shouldn’t. The service also offers VPN, ad block and “Social Hour,” which blocks all social networks for one hour. Available for $129-$179 at firewalla.com.

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 9

Thank you to our local experts who offered insight and ideas.

Katelynn Villari is a licensed social worker and the clinical director at Intown Family Therapy in Grant Park. She supports families in private practice and in the community, including serving as a counselor at the Global Village Project, a nonprofit school for refugee girls. intownfamilytherapy.com Anne Marie Hoffman, a native of Atlanta, grew up enjoying the outdoors with her family. A scientist by training, she has developed and taught nature-based curriculum around the world. Today, she offers guided hikes, virtual camps and other outdoor experiences for families with young children. tykehike.com Kelly McCool is certified in multiple forms of yoga, and she is an experienced elementary school teacher.

Through her business, McCool Kids Yoga, she teaches a variety of parent and child classes around Atlanta and online. mccoolkidsyoga.com

10 Atlanta Parent September 2020

STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN — AND BEYOND

by Sherry V. Crawley

Six months ago when the COVID-19 lockdown began, I went into organization overdrive. I set up virtual playdates, wrote daily itineraries to ensure my 11-year-old son was reading and exercising, and made a chart to keep screen time in check.

We put together puzzles, organized closets and yes, even baked sourdough bread. I thought to myself, “We can do this!”

That all lasted about three weeks. And then I ugly cried.

The reality of trying to do my demanding job as a communications consultant while juggling my son’s virtual learning and the seemingly endless cooking and cleaning settled in. My son missed his buddies. And we were all managing anxiety, feelings of helplessness and concern for our friends and neighbors trying to navigate these difficult days with their own challenging circumstances. atlantaparent.com

MORE ADVICE

HERE ARE FOUR WAYS FOR EVERYONE (PARENTS INCLUDED) TO DE-STRESS. Recreate Research has shown that children’s stress decreases when they have access to green spaces, and movement is a great way to break up the day. n Anne Marie: Make your backyard or block a place of wonder! Go outside with the intention of examining something in particular – such as trees. Collect and examine leaves, feel the bark, look up and imagine what the view looks like from the top. Measure its circumference, look up its species, talk about what animals might call it home. n Kelly: Turn on some music and just dance, dance, dance! Go with the flow, and be aware of the positive change in your mind and body. Put it on the schedule every day, and let the kids choose the music.

Separate We all need opportunities to be with our own thoughts. n Katelynn: Avoid making time alone feel like a punishment – it’s not about anger or frustration. Work time alone into the schedule every day, and be intentional about telling children why giving each other space is good and needed – for them and for you. Even if you are in the same room, be clear about times that are for solo activities. n Kelly: Take a walk – alone or with others – in silence. Try to be fully present. With each step notice how the ground feels beneath your feet or the wind across your skin. Take deep breaths and notice the sights, colors and sounds around you. Afterwards, reflect on what you noticed and how you felt – you might be surprised by the things you became aware of for the first time. n Katelynn: Begin a shared journal with your family. Write messages to each other. It’s sometimes easier to write something down than to say it out loud. And, this serves as a record of how you all coped during this historic time.

Cont’d on next page Photo by Jason Crawley

My family’s experiences are not unique. Like many people, we take daily walks – alone and with each other around our Decatur neighborhood – to ward off the strain. We cut ourselves some slack on housework and chores. We read a lot, try to exercise, and remind each other to be grateful for the privileges we have. Yet, as summer turns to fall, the effectiveness of those strategies is wearing off. We are bickering over screen time. We are tired of the sidewalks and sights of our neighborhood. And the internal battle between turning off the news and staying up-to-date rages on.

“We each have a unique window of tolerance,” says Katelynn Villari, a social worker and clinical director for Intown Family Therapy in Grant Park.

“What might be stressful for one person is not for another. But through this prolonged period of stress, all of our windows of tolerance are closing.”

So what now?

Villari says, “For kids and families, structure and knowing of steps is something that provides a lot of emotional support, and we don’t have that right now.

It isn’t easy to be comfortable with ambiguity. We can’t solve this situation, but we can control how we respond.”

That point resonated with me – and it inspired me to change up a few routines in our household.

I look for decisions I can allow my son to make.

What treat should we prepare for movie night? Which direction should we go today on our walk? What cause or organization should we support? Giving him some influence helps mix up the days.

I wrote PE activities (for example, 25 jumping jacks, 30-second plank, 10 sit-ups, 60-second wall sit, etc.) on index cards, and at intervals during the day, I have my son randomly choose a card or a few – and we often do them together!

I want my son to connect virtually with friends, but they always end up playing video games. Some of that is okay – but I encourage him to tell his friends at the beginning of a call, “Let’s talk for 15 minutes before we get into a game.” And finding analog things to do – Mad Libs, a virtual book club with a few buddies – is also proving successful.

Villari also emphasizes that communication is more important than ever. “If something happens and you need a break, or the day’s schedule needs to be altered, say it out loud. Modeling that with kids shows it’s okay to express our needs and feelings.”

She suggested that families purposefully and routinely check in on a high and a low, a comfortable and uncomfortable feeling of the day – and try to avoid labeling feelings as bad. My family is taking that challenge to heart – and taking one day at a time.

ACCORDING TO VILLARI, “IT ISN’T EASY TO BE COMFORTABLE WITH AMBIGUITY. WE CAN’T SOLVE THIS SITUATION, BUT WE CAN CONTROL HOW WE RESPOND.” atlantaparent.com

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 11

STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH COVID-19 LOCKDOWN Participate Being with one another isn’t something we do just when we have time – we have to do it intentionally. n Katelynn: Be intentional about searching for joy in the small things and point it out to your kids, your partner and yourself. n Kelly: Create a mantra, a repeated 4-word phrase, together. I often use “peace begins with me.” Take time each day to sit up tall, legs stretched long or crisscrossed.

Try closing your eyes, and using the mantra, touch each fingertip to your thumb as you say each word. As you repeat, notice how your fingers feel as your thumb taps each one. If your mind wanders, bring your attention back to what you are doing and say the mantra out loud. Mindfulness can help us to stop and pause and refocus our energy, as a result, reducing stress and anxiety. n Katelynn: If you notice drastic changes in daily behaviors, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. We have teachers to help us with academic success, and sometimes we need support from a professional for emotional wellbeing.

Moderate Use purposeful breaks and outdoor spaces to manage monotony and screen time fatigue. n Kelly: Because we sit so much in front of screens, it is important to take breaks.

Even if you don’t have time to get up, scan your body for tension. Relax your forehead and shoulders and unclench your jaw. Notice other places you may be unconsciously tensing up. We often hold our breath or breathe shallowly, which can cause tension in the body. Inhale through the nose as you

expand your belly and your chest rises. Hold this breath for three to five seconds. Exhale through the nose as you release the breath and draw your navel to your spine. Try this breathing for as long as you like and as often as you like during the day. n Anne Marie: Make outdoor spaces part of your home classroom. Consider what spots can you get to easily – a balcony or porch, backyard or courtyard, park or nature preserve – and have predictable places set aside for reading time, recess and other aspects of learning from home.

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12 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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COVID COPING ADVICE for Parents

Parents need a break, too! Working from home, helping kids with schoolwork and having little social time of their own can bring on feelings of stress and fatigue. Dr. Alok Trivedi, a health and human behavior expert and author of the book “Chasing Success,” offers these suggestions. n Take a break: You took breaks at the office; do the same at home when you are constantly with your kids and family. That’s not being selfish, it’s taking care of your mental health and well-being, and helping you be your best when you’re with family. n Get out of the house: You may not want to go to the mall or grocery store, but you can still get out. Go for rides in the car or walks around the neighborhood. Sit outside while the kids play in the yard. Just make sure each day includes time out of the house. n Date time/adult time: Even though your kids are always around, it’s important for parents to get adult time in. Make time to spend alone with your spouse. Give each other a massage. Hold hands. Physical contact is a great stress reliever.

Hold a virtual happy hour. FaceTime your friends.

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n Focus on self-care: Everyone should put a focus on self-care, especially in times of craziness. Take at least 20 to 30 minutes each day to do something that you truly enjoy, whether it’s taking a warm bath, spending time in nature, reading or listening to music. n Delegate: Working from home, helping with schoolwork and more puts a lot of responsibility on parents. Get your kids involved and break up the daily and weekly tasks that must be completed. This not only teaches children responsibility, it will remove some of the stress parents are feeling. n Make it fun: Reduce stress by adding fun to your daily tasks. Maybe it’s rocking out to Aerosmith while you clean the house. Take a break from schoolwork for a quick game of hide and seek or bake a cake with the kids. Whatever is fun for you, do more of it. n Plan the future: Parents can get caught in the hustle and bustle of the here and now, but things will eventually go back to some type of normal. Plan a trip. Plan a party for when you can have people over. Look for restaurants to try when you’re ready to eat out again. Think ahead to a time when you can do more of your favorite things.

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FALL VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

Engineering For Kids of East Atlanta is excited to bring STEM learning to kids ages 4-14 with our virtual hands-on or tech-based classes and camps!

Tap into your child’s natural curiosity and combine learning with fun connecting science, technology, engineering and math to the real world.

Registration is OPEN! Check our website for virtual program options, early bird discounts active through September 7 and ongoing loyalty discounts: www.amilia.com/store/en/engineering-forkids-of-east-atlanta/shop/programs Engineering For Kids of East Atlanta 404-981-4627 www.engineeringforkids.com/east-atlanta/

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MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Here is a personal look at the educational leaders who set the tone at their schools to ensure superb curriculum, effective teaching and student success.

Learn more about the philosophy on which some of Atlanta’s top schools are built, and how their leaders implement these ideas.

Atlanta Parent recognizes these administrative leaders’ dedication to students, teachers and parents.

Dr. Doug Abels, Head of School Killian Hill Christian School

Killian Hill Christian School welcomed Dr. Doug Abels this year as the new Minister of Education and Head of School.

Dr. Abels follows the ministry of Mr. Paul Williams, who served Killian Hill for over 26 years and leaves a legacy of academic excellence. Killian Hill Christian School has served its community for over 43 years and is recognized for producing top graduates who are succeeding in endeavors around the world.

Dr. Abels will continue that legacy at Killian Hill Christian School. His educational credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education, a Master of Education in Secondary Education, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. He spent the last 15 years leading Harvest Christian Academy in Guam, seeing both his teachers and students thrive under his leadership.

14 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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His experience in a highly-competitive international environment uniquely prepares Dr. Abels to lead Killian Hill Christian School into the future. As a leading K-12 school, Killian Hill is recognized both for its rich diversity and for its mission to train scholars, make disciples, and graduate leaders. Small class sizes, community and international diversity, advanced college preparatory courses equip their students with an unmatched combination of spiritual and academic training. Killian Hill has a strong community of parents, faculty, and staff members dedicated in preparing their students to be future Christian leaders. Visit khcs.org to learn more.

Lilburn khcs.org 770-921-3224

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MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Lisa Baker, Head of School High Meadows School

Lisa Baker joined the High Meadows community as the Head of School and Camp in summer 2020.

Prior to her move to Georgia, Lisa served as the Head of Upper School at Bancroft School in Worcester, Massachusetts. Lisa’s experience in school and camp leadership paired with her passion around the topics of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, and outdoor education aligned perfectly with High Meadows mission and strategic focuses.

Lisa received her Certificate of School Administration from McDaniel College, her Master of Science in School counseling from Johns Hopkins University, and her Bachelor of Arts in English from The American University.

For nearly 50 years, High Meadows has inspired children in Preschool through Eighth Grade to think critically, learn creatively, act globally, and live compassionately. www.highmeadows.org

Roswell highmeadows.org 770-993-2940

Paul Barton, Head of School Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Paul A. Barton began work as the 10th head of school at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in 2014. Prior to his move to Atlanta, Mr. Barton led the Avery Coonley School near Chicago for seven years.

During his career, Mr. Barton’s roles in pre-K through 12th grade have included being a teacher, coach, residential dean, admissions associate and senior administrator.

He has participated in two of the most respected professional development programs for educational leadership, the Klingenstein Visiting Heads Fellowship at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the Kellogg Executive Scholars Program at Northwestern University.

Mr. Barton holds a master’s degree in education, administration and supervision from DePaul University, a master of arts in liberal education from

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St. John’s College and a bachelor of arts in history from Loras College.

Mr. Barton is an inspirational and engaging educational leader during a time when HIES is growing academically and the campus is expanding.

Mr. Barton and his wife, Leanne, have three children: Sam, Abby and Charlie.

To learn more, call 404-847-1159 or visit hies.org.

Atlanta hies.org 404-847-1159

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 15

MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Chris Cleveland, Head of School Wesleyan School

Chris Cleveland assumed the role of Head of School at Wesleyan School in fall 2014 after serving the school in a variety of leadership roles since he came to Wesleyan in 2002. Under Chris’ leadership, the school has reached record enrollment, maintained exceptional student retention levels, launched morning and afternoon bus service throughout the north metro area, and maintained at least 95% parent participation in annual giving among Wesleyan parents.

An unwavering follower of Jesus Christ and fierce advocate for the power of education, Cleveland believes that we are not called to choose faith over intellect. Rather, the two are excellent compliments to one another.

“The world tells us that in order to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ, we must ‘check our brain at the door,’” says Cleveland. “At Wesleyan we simply do not agree.

What originally drew me to the school many years ago was the fervent belief that being genuinely Christ-centered and having a zeal for academic and intellectual curiosity are not mutually exclusive.”

Peachtree Corners wesleyanschool.org 770-448-7640

Shannon Dishman, Head of School Atlanta Academy

NEED PHOTO

Roswell atlantaacademy.com 678-461-6102

16 Atlanta Parent September 2020

“If you ask me what I wanted to accomplish in my second year as Head of School, I can assure you that it was never leading our school community through a pandemic. There are no historical guidelines or archived playbooks for this unprecedented situation. Every day I question what the right answer is.” As a former teacher, Shannon Dishman knows that school provides academic learning and social and emotional support critical to a child’s well-being.

Atlanta Academy’s mission to give every student the individual attention they need to succeed remains at the core of everything it does. This guiding principle helps the school challenge its faculty to explore innovative ways to engage students while delivering a premier academic program.

Atlanta Academy has made many significant enhancements to protect its

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entire community as it reopened for the 2020-2021 school year. The school has closely followed federal and state guidelines to implement additional health and safety initiatives on campus.

Delivering high-quality, innovative academic excellence is a nonnegotiable standard. This year, Atlanta Academy is proud to offer a flexible hybrid learning model that allows all students to participate with their teacher and classmates in real-time via a virtual classroom. Supporting families in the present while preparing for what lies ahead is challenging for anyone.

But with the school’s foundation and staying true to its values of modeling skills such as resilience, determination, courage, positivity, creativity, and more, it will continue forging new paths and moving forward.

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MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dr. J. Brett Jacobsen, Head of School The Mount Vernon School

Mount Vernon has reunited as a community after being separated for five months due to the global pandemic and during a transformative, racial justice movement in our city and throughout the world. Fundamentally designed for this moment, Mount Vernon is poised to empower this generation of students to design a better world.

While addressing the shifting, fluid public health situation, since the onset of the global pandemic, the School has established rigorous health and well-being protocols, designed multiple teaching and learning models, planned various students schedules for each division, maximized all spaces to reduce the density of students and staff, and adjusted the financial model to support School families.

Additionally, advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and action at Mount Vernon is a high priority. Honoring and respecting one another, regardless of identity and background, empowers

members of our community to realize their full potential, to engage meaningfully in life, and to leave at the end of each day with their humanity fully intact. The School seeks to respect, affirm, and protect the dignity and worth of each member of our community.

Reflective of being named Most Admired CEO by Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2017, CEO & Head of School Dr. Brett Jacobsen, is an innovative leader among independent schools throughout the country.

“We must seize this opportunity to effect change, cultivate a community of endurance, start from where we are, and be a light for others to follow.” Dr. Brett Jacobsen.

Sandy Springs mountvernonschool.org 404-252-3448

Chris Pomar Head of School Swift School

Swift School welcomes Chris Pomar as Head of School. Swift prepares children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences to be successful in life.

Experienced both in independent school leadership and in working with children with dyslexia, Pomar is uniquely qualified to take the leadership reins at Swift. Chris’s past experiences include serving as the founding Executive Director of The Dyslexia Resource, a nonprofit which supports Atlanta public schools in remediating students with dyslexia, and as a 15-year member of the leadership team at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.

Serving students in grades 1 through 8, Swift School employs educational approaches—including Orton-Gillingham —specifically tailored to the needs of

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students with language-based learning differences. Swift students achieve a level of academic progress that eluded them at other schools. Chris says, “Once these students understand their learning styles and how to advocate for themselves, the secrets to reading and learning are unlocked. The sky becomes the limit for them.”

Chris and his wife Pam are ardent Atlanta United fans. They have three children and a granddaughter.

Roswell theswiftschool.org 678-205-4988

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 17

MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

The Rev. Brian Sullivan, Head of School St. Benedict’s Episcopal School The Rev. Brian Sullivan ensures that academic excellence remains at the core of St. Benedict’s Episcopal School.

His deep commitment to children’s development focuses on academics along with students’ lifelong role as global citizens. With the Episcopal education values of love, faith, and respect for diversity, Sullivan knows that immersing children in a school experience with these values leads to development of character which will serve them well throughout their lives.

The preschool-8th grade model in place at St. Benedict’s allows middle school students to assume a role of school leadership which helps them to determine their “true north.” This definition of character serves students well when they leave St. Benedict’s for high performing area high schools.

Sullivan was most drawn to his curriculum classes in his Master’s of Education program which confirmed that education is one of the most transformative tools in children’s future.

He established faculty-led Professional Learning Committees (PLCs) to develop curriculum standards that prepare students to succeed at their chosen high schools. Brian Sullivan is active in the NAIS, SAIS, and is a member of the 2019-2020 Class of Leadership Cobb.

Smyrna stbs.org 678-279-4300

Joy Wood, Head of School GRACEPOINT

Joy Wood joined GRACEPOINT in 2015, bringing with her more than 35 years of experience as an educator. Prior to coming to GRACEPOINT, Mrs. Wood served as the Director of Curriculum at Christ the King Catholic School and Elementary Principal at Wesleyan School where she managed and mentored a staff of 60 educators. Since 1995, Mrs. Wood has represented the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools as an Accreditation Team Member for many different schools in the southeastern states.

During the summer of 2016, Mrs. Wood oversaw the relocation of GRACEPOINT to the campus of Piedmont Church in Marietta. Since moving into the building, enrollment increased from 83 to 120 students, confirming the need in the community for a specialized education for dyslexic learners.

The mission of GRACEPOINT is to

18 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confident learners, through sequential, systematic and multisensory instruction.

GRACEPOINT serves students in grades 1-8 using the Orton-Gillingham teaching method.

The goal for each student is to instill a lifelong desire for growing in wisdom and gaining knowledge of the Lord so that each may fulfill God’s purposes and bring glory to Him.

Marietta gracepointschool.org 678-709-6634

atlantaparent.com

8 Ways to Connect with Grandparents During the Pandemic

by Jill Morgenstern

As a child, I was envious of kids who had grandparents close by. But how can we maintain a connection when physical distance is a necessity? Even grandparents who live nearby may be avoiding inperson visits during the pandemic.

Gabrielle Nidus discovered a way to keep the relationship between her son and his grandmother close – she gives him daily piano lessons over Skype.

“They play piano and then talk. I am so grateful to her for learning how to Skype and sharing her love of music with him. It’s a new bond between them.”

September is National Grandparents Month, so now is the perfect time to find ways to engage your kids with their grandparents.

Try some of these ideas:

1 2 3 4

The Social Distancing Dinner: Many families are getting together outside when weather permits, spacing chairs out more than six feet apart and enjoying time together. If grandparents are close by, this is an easy way to keep in close contact. Many families have a standing weekly date. Others take a more casual approach.

Read a Book Together:

My mother calls my 8-year-old daughter at 10:30 each morning for another chapter of “The Borrowers.”

This not only serves to keep them connected but has all the benefits of reading aloud, such as building her vocabulary and giving her a positive attitude toward reading.

Online Games: Just because you can’t get together in person doesn’t mean that game night is out of the question! There are many opportunities to play online games such as Scrabble Go or Spyfall.

Additionally, apps such as Together or Houseparty offer fun games for grandparents and children to play together. Just as traditional board games offer educational benefits during play, online games can help develop skills such as vocabulary and math.

Take an Online Class Together: Kids may be

interested in taking an online class alongside their grandparents. Find something that interests both kids and adults such as a yoga or dance class. Online schools such as outschool.com offer classes that appeal to different age groups and offer a wide variety of courses, such as a Harry Potter cooking class.

atlantaparent.com

5 6 7 8

Texting and email: What a great way to practice writing while putting a smile on grandma or grandpa’s face!

The Post Office: A letter from a grandchild is a

great improvement over the usual stack of bills and junk mail. The Touchnote app allows children to mail postcards from a phone, complete with a picture. As an added bonus, kids get to practice their writing skills and conventions of letter writing.

Video Chat: Many families are using Zoom and FaceTime to keep grandparents and grandkids connected.

My own family has established a weekly Zoom call with my parents, brother, nephews and children all participating on the same call. Jen Morrison, a grandmother of three, is keeping up via FaceTime since she can not have her usual visits in person. “We have lots of FaceTime calls with our 1-year-old granddaughter in Arkansas. Usually it’s when she’s eating dinner because that’s the only time she’s pretty stationary. And she likes the entertainment while eating. It’s a great way for us to keep up with her.”

Create Online Artwork Together: Apps

such as Zoom offer a screen sharing option that lets kids and grandparents create artwork together. What a fun way to create!

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 19

BiRTHDaYS in the Age of Social Distancing

Buckhead Yard Greetings

by Emily Webb

Even though everyone is stuck at home, you can still make your child’s birthday feel special with these fun ideas of what to do at home, ways to connect with family friends, how to host virtual visits and where to find special touches. Please check websites for more information on delivery and services.

What to Do at Home Decorations: Go crazy with the birthday decor. Make his room, the house and the yard feel celebratory. Hang banners and streamers, blow balloons, sprinkle confetti all over the place and make signs. Create a photo collage using his age; find instructions at nobiggie.net. Get help decorating the yard from Buckhead Yard Greetings (buckheadyardgreetings.com) or Peachtree Yard Cards (peachtreeyardcards.com), depending on your location. Hang a poster board or banner on your fence and ask friends and neighbors to sign it with happy birthday wishes.

Activities: Cater to her interests. What does she like to do? If she’s a budding fashionista, hold a runway show. Have a spa day.

Play video games or karaoke. Cook together. Hold a dance party. Sit in on a virtual art or coding class. Watch her favorite show.

Royalty for a Day: As much as you can, let him choose how his day will go – what he eats, what he does or what he watches. Host a movie night and let him choose the movie and his snacks. Let him choose what games the family plays and what you order for dinner.

20 Atlanta Parent September 2020

Go Outdoors: Create a backyard obstacle course with the trampoline, cardboard boxes, the swing set and other materials.

Have a water balloon or water gun fight. Play pool volleyball.

Listen to beach music to transport your family to a beach vacation. Camp out and make s’mores.

Jump for Joy: Rent bounce houses for your backyard for entertainment for the birthday girl and her siblings. Jumptastic (jumptastic.com) is offering free delivery if you meet minimum order requirements for bounce houses, bounce and slide combos, obstacle courses, water slides, inflatable games and more. Jump 2 it (jump2itpartyrentals.com) has inflatables, games and rides. Astro Jump (astrojump.com) has water slides, mechanical bulls, rides, foam pits, obstacle courses, bounce houses and more.

How to Connect with Family and Friends Video Connection: Host a Zoom (zoom.us) party for her friends, where they can see each other and play easy games, like Charades or Pictionary. Ask friends and family members to create birthday videos that you can show her each hour, or have them collaborate in helping you create a VidHug (vidhug.com).

Themed Party: Use Netflix Party (netflixparty.com) to host a watch party for him and his friends. Have a virtual art birthday party with Young Art (youngartusa.co).

Letters: Bring back the lost form of letter writing! Have friends and family write and decorate letters or ship small presents that she can open on her special day. atlantaparent.com

Virtual Visits n Dream Friends Entertainment offers virtual Zoom parties with your child, their friends and their favorite character, or get a one-on-one interactive video. Choose from superheroes, princesses and more. A Zoom videogram costs $75, and a full virtual party costs $150. dreamfriendsentertainment.com n Virtual character visits are available from Atlanta Birthday Party Characters. Have a 15-minute live interaction with any of the costumed characters, princesses or superheroes starting at $50. atlanta-birthday-party-characters.com n Learn face painting, juggling, magic and more with Circus Camp’s online parties. These virtual parties start at $150 and can include a magic show and lesson, customized circus skill classes, a juggling performance, balloon twisting and more, as well as a circus-in-a-box to the birthday child. circuscamp.org n Amazing Fairytale Parties offers free YouTube or virtual storytimes, as well as a video birthday message or a virtual party with one of their princesses for $75. amazingfairytaleparties.com

Dream Friends Entertainment

n On Thur.-Sat. at 5 p.m., Camp, a family experience store, celebrates birthdays for free with magic, storytimes, dance and more. camp.com n Enjoy a chat with The Princess Party Co., which can include storytime, games and more from $29-$49. princessparty.com Cont’d on next page

atlantaparent.com

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 21

BiRTHDaYS

Impress Your Party Guests with a Unique Party Experience

in the Age of Social Distancing

Puppets Storytelling Perfect for 1 to 6 year olds In-House Preschool Field Trips

770-402-0564|AuntieReneeStoryteller.com Renee@AuntieReneeSpeaks.com

A Birthday Concert for Your Child JuggleGrams

•Live kids music for all occasions •Parties •Schools Festivals •Camps •Affordable •Best for ages 1-7 D New aCble Avail

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www.jasonsmusicparty.com

Parade: Ask local family members, friends and neighbors to participate in a parade. They can decorate their cars with banners or balloons, and then ask them to drive by your house at a certain time.

Scavenger Hunt: Ask neighbors to hide cards or little gifts outside their houses that he can search for. If he’s into pirates, hide presents around your house and create a treasure map for his quest.

A Circus Act: If you’re in the 30030 zip code, JuggleGrams (empowerdecatur.com/ jugglegrams) will perform a juggling show that you can watch from your window or porch. Proceeds will go to the COVID-19 Relief Fund of the Decatur First United Methodist Church.

Driveway Wishes: Leave sidewalk chalk on the driveway so local family, friends and neighbors can drop by to sign and decorate the driveway with birthday wishes, messages and doodles.

Three Ways to Socially Distance and Party with Guests

KIDS BIRTHDAYS

n Backyard Campout: Have a few friends over to spend a night under the stars in their own separate tents. Roast s’mores over a bonfire, project a movie onto the side of the house, and set up stargazing equipment.

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VIRTUAL-PARTY IN A BOX

Advertise your PARTY business.

Call 770-454-7599 22 Atlanta Parent September 2020

Birthday Buddy: Young children will enjoy making birthday memories with Happy the Birthday Bird. Start a new tradition. Anticipation of the special day is half the fun – think about a certain elf. Happy comes with creative multimedia ways to keep the party going all week long. Read the accompanying book, and follow the steps to activate Happy’s magic and bring him to life. Give Happy a middle and last name when he arrives, and play bird-n-seek to find where Happy is hiding each morning. Each day, you can hide small birthday surprises in Happy’s backpack for extra fun. $39.99. Learn more at happythebirthdaybird.com

n Ice Cream Truck: It’s a sweet treat for the whole neighborhood! Rent an ice cream or shaved ice truck, and invite your child’s friends over for a delicious celebration sans cake.

Set timed visits to stagger guests. n Puppets to Your Yard: The touring puppet theater, Piccadilly Puppets Company, will come to your location for an entertaining and educational puppet show for your birthday kid and the neighborhood crew.

Book one of their 10 shows today. piccadillypuppets.org

atlantaparent.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

Party Planning Made Easy

Make your child’s birthday extra-special with these party venues and services.

They do the work for you!

n Ready, Set … Party!

Ready Set FUN! is a modern play and birthday event facility specializing in teaching kids sensory and motor skills through play. Sip on a latté from the boutique coffee shop while the kids discover animals in the augmented reality sandbox, or see their art come to life in the draw alive room. The obstacle course lets kids burn off energy while learning important motor skills. Activity classes for after school include fun themes like cooking and arts/crafts. All-inclusive birthdays include a full-service experience with catering menu, decorations and themes. Ready Set Fun! does it all while parents relax and create joyful memories!

404-596-5566; readysetfun.com Ready, Set, FUN!

n Party with a Perfect Strike At Stars and Strikes, they understand parents, because they are parents and that means birthday parties are kid-pleasing and easy to book! Parties include bowling, arcade games, laser tag and bumper cars to keep everyone entertained. Packages include everything from set up to clean up. The most popular package, the MVP, is a party on the lanes with a host, a session of bumper cars, laser tag, arcade time and a choice of food and drink. Balloons and paper products provided. At the end, the party parent gets a Grown Up Play Date Voucher for another visit. 678-965-5707; starsandstrikes.com Stars and Strikes

n Gift Wrapping Made Special Specializing in luxury gift-wrapping & balloon decor, That’s a Wrap! ensures that presents have presence. Now more than ever, people are toasting to life, whether digitally or inperson, and presentation is key. That’s a Wrap! translates their customers’ vision with themed character centerpieces, balloon bouquets, balloon arches, and BYOB (Build Your Own Bouquet) Balloon Bar. Party favor wrapping and gender reveal boxes are sure to be a hit. They make the magic – just share an event or gifting vision, approve the plan, and have the most fun you’ve had all year. Actually, best … event … ever. 404-704-0604; thatsawrapatl.com atlantaparent.com

That’s a Wrap!

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 23

BiRTHDaYS Away from Home

by Emily Webb

If you’re ready to put the party planning into someone else’s hands, check out these venues that are now open for birthday parties. Party places are following guidelines and creating safety procedures to protect guests from the spread of coronavirus. These protocols can include private parties, limiting capacity, added cleaning and sanitization, requiring masks, checking temperatures, enforcing social distancing and more. “If people do not seem safe at Tiny Towne, they will not seem safe anywhere,” says Tiny Towne founder Pierre Maalouf of the new safety measures. n Ready Set FUN! in Sandy Springs

is an indoor playground and birthday venue.

“We have elaborate birthday parties, and we specialize in birthday events. Birthday party packages are A-Z all-inclusive – parents just need to walk in,” says Hedi Toub, the creative director and founder. “Packages are completely customizable and curated to parents’ needs.”

As part of the safety precautions during this time, all birthday events are private at no extra charge. The venue has multiple hand sanitizing stations and has set up HEPA filters with UV lights. All employees are wearing PPE, and masks are required for ages 6 and older.

Ready Set FUN! is also offering a Birthday in a Box program, where they will deliver all the necessary birthday supplies, such as plates, napkins, custom cupcakes, balloons and more, to your house for a special at-home celebration. n Dunwoody Nature Center’s

birthday parties are exclusively for members and include the reservation of the screenedin back porch of the main building.

Party educators are required to follow certain safety protocols, according to program manager Caroline Williamson.

These include: wiping down and sanitizing surfaces before the party, taking guests’ temperatures, requiring masks for anyone over the age of 10, distributing hand sanitizer or directing guests to the bathrooms for hand washing upon arrival, keeping the building locked to prevent other visitors to Dunwoody Nature Center from entering, and wiping down surfaces and items after the party.

“Party families will be asked to keep their total group size to 25 people or less,” Williamson says. “We also are currently not 24 Atlanta Parent September 2020

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids

booking back-to-back parties to allow for plenty of time to clean in between and for air circulation in the party room.”

Nature-themed activities and fun change depending on the party theme and the age of the birthday child. Entertainment and educational activities include seasonal fun, learning about bugs and insects, a worm hunt hike, scavenger hunts, exploring Wildcat Creek, s’mores or owls. n Tiny Towne in Norcross is open with

private space booking before and after hours for events. Sanitizers are available at the main entrance, throughout the facility and

in every party room. Guests must wear a face mask, and temperatures are taken upon arrival. Cars, trains and games are sanitized by employees after each use, and sanitizer wipes are also available for guests.

“Tiny Towne is a 36,000 square foot facility, so social distancing is not a problem,” says Maalouf. “Everything we are doing makes Tiny Towne a safer place than having a party at home. You can have the entire place to yourselves for 20 people, when our normal capacity is 520 people.

We can do whatever the parents want, with whatever their budget is or whatever makes them feel safe.” atlantaparent.com

To find more information about these venues and other party places open in Atlanta, check their websites:

Maalouf also says that before the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiny Towne received a bunch of new games, so visitors can expect new experiences at the venue, along with their strict safety precautions.

n Adventure Air Sports; kennesaw. adventureairsports.com

n Interactive Neighborhood for

Kids in Gainesville has a variety of birthday party packages. The venue is holding birthday parties on Saturdays with a maximum capacity of 30 people. Only 50 people are allowed in the building at one time.

“It’s very easy to have a social distancing party,” says executive director Mandy Volpe.

“INK has 25,000 square feet and can hold 600 people, so there’s a lot of room to spread out. Birthday parties are held in our largest room, which could hold 100 people, so with 30 people in the room, it is very easy to stay socially distanced.”

The museum is also requiring masks for all adults, and they close in between the 2-hour play sessions in order to clean surfaces and items. They also have seven hand sanitizers set up, and two hand washing stations, along with the bathrooms. In September, according to Volpe, they are receiving an ozone cleaning machine to help clean toys and costumes. “It’s another way that we have upped our cleaning game,” she says.

n Chattahoochee Nature Center; chattnaturecenter.org n Dunwoody Nature Center; dunwoodynature.org n Funopolis Family Fun Center; funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com

Tiny Towne

Other venues around Atlanta have reopened for birthday parties. Sky Zone, with four currently open metro Atlanta locations, has hours before and after the park is open to the general public for private birthday parties with jump time, a party space, pizza, drinks, a party host, supplies and invitations. The Pink Hotel in Stone Mountain offers the entire 10,000 sq. ft. facility for an exclusive party. Guests must pass a non-touch temperature check, and they provide masks and hand sanitizer. Treetop Quest, with locations in Dunwoody and Gwinnett, is requiring guests to wear face masks and encouraging participants to bring their own gloves.

Social distancing is enforced while on the ground and in the trees, harnesses are being washed frequently, and staff will wear masks and appropriate PPE.

n Interactive Neighborhood for Kids; inkfun.org n Nitro Zone; nitrozone.com n The Pink Hotel; pinkhotelatl.com n Ready Set FUN!; readysetfun.com n Sky Zone; skyzone.com n Stars and Strikes; starsandstrikes.com n Tiny Towne; tinytowne.com n Treetop Quest; treetopquest.org n Young Chefs Academy; youngchefsacademy.com

EVERYTHING A Toy Store Should Be

ing ng

See what’s HOT See what’s NEW See what’s TRIED See what’s TRUE That’s Kazoo...

a Buckhead staple since 2012 ...and do it SAFELY with

CURBSIDE PICK-UP or EXCLUSIVE APPOINTMENTS Accepting Holiday Shopping Reservations October 1 3718 Roswell Rd. | Powers Ferry Sq. | 404-500-1027

KazooToysAtlanta.com

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PICCADILLY PUPPETS Let our puppets entertain you indoors, outdoors or virtually!

Birthday child always gets a puppet!

404-636-0022 www.piccadillypuppets.org piccadillypuppets@gmail.com September 2020 Atlanta Parent 25

CHILDHOOD CANCER

Three Families Share Their Journeys

by Mary Welch

Hearing a doctor say that their child has cancer is something that no parent expects. Navigating the journey is a confusing, heartbreaking and stressful time.

We asked three families to share their experiences.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

n The Doukov Family Kostadin Doukov never expected to be out walking with his 5-year-old on a Friday and then taking his 5-month-old to the hospital to be diagnosed with bilateral Wilm’s tumor. “Life prepares you for so many things, but not this,” he says. “It just hits you. For any reasonable parent, your world just stops and your child leads the way.“ Diana was diagnosed with bilateral Wilm’s tumor, a cancer that starts in the kidneys when the white blood cells grow out of control.

Her tumor was three times the size of her kidneys. It is the most common of the childhood kidney cancers and usually affects only one kidney. But Diana was affected in both. She went through 12 weeks of chemo followed by a partial removal of her kidney. She continued chemo for nine months; currently she is in remission.

“One thing I learned is that cancer changes day-to-day life.

Obviously you become focused on the cure and the availability of treatment and procedures. There are so many decisions a parent has to make, especially the first several weeks. There are no prescribed treatments like for an adult, so it’s at the discretion of the oncologist.”

During treatment Diana’s system was weak and had to be protected, so Kos’ wife decided to stop working and stay at home. “We had the financial ability to do that but I know a lot of parents who have had to sell their businesses, their homes, everything to help pay for their child’s treatment. I could do anything that was best for my daughter. A lot of parents are not in that situation, and I’m not blind to that.”

Kos said CURE helps in so many ways, from its research to supporting families. “There’s so much pain, and they have so much empathy for the families. Again, we had support – from our families, my firm, colleagues – but others didn’t, and CURE fills the gap. It’s as simple as when your child goes to chemo, where are you going to sleep the night before? Where do you park your car? What happens to your other kids? There are so many examples of how they go above and beyond the treatment plan.”

Diana is lucky that she will probably not remember much of her treatments. “She won’t have the memories of, say, a teenager who does know what’s happening and their pain is so much more significant.”

Childhood Cancer Stats

More children die of cancer than any other childhood disease in the U.S.

26 Atlanta Parent September 2020

Diana Doukov

Diana is still not out of the woods. She is reaching and exceeding her development milestones, but she will have to be monitored for the rest of her life. The next six years are “risky,” and there is a fear it will come back. “We try not to think about that,” Kos says. “We’ve learned to live with it, and we’re glad she is definitely much better and doing extremely well.”

Less Than

4

Percent of government cancer research funding that addresses cancers affecting children atlantaparent.com

n The Connor Family Caroline Connor barely knows a life without cancer. The 6-year-old was diagnosed with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), a rare brain tumor, three days after her first birthday.

Since then she has undergone several chemotherapy and immunization treatments, as well as trying new drugs, some still in the research phase, because the standard options weren’t working.

“She has experienced all those things that someone with cancer would experience. Hair loss, vomiting, horrible rashes,” says her mother, Camille Connor.

“The last research drug did horrible things to her body. She had a rash all over her body. We had to treat her like a burn patient and wrap her legs.”

Caroline is on a new drug that has stabilized the tumor, and there are signs it may be reducing it. “We’re in a great place right now,” says Camille. “The side effects from this drug have been mild and she’s able to live like a normal 6-year-old.”

JPA is a slow-growing tumor that tends to be benign; Caroline’s was not.

Unfortunately, Caroline’s tumor was inoperable. The Connors were told there was a 2 to 3% chance it would metastasize.

“It wasn’t a big window,” Camille says.

“But hers did.”

Caroline, her identical twin and her older brother all went through Caroline’s journey as a family. “We’ve never hidden it. We made a decision as a family to talk about it and what it was. Caroline’s beginning to understand why she has to take a shot every week and go to the doctor.

She knows it doesn’t feel good, but it will feel worse if the brain tumor grows.”

Helping her through the process was her involvement with CURE. “They understand what families are going through. They’ll give you a bag of information and a chicken sandwich and tell you that you can open the bag or not; it’s up to you.”

That bag proved to be a lifeline to normalcy. “It had toiletries when you didn’t figure you needed them; it had food even though you didn’t think you wanted to eat.

They wouldn’t leave the room; they would

4

Caroline Connor

just sit there and be with you consistently.”

Perhaps CURE’s biggest contribution was they knew what to say. “People don’t really want to talk about it and if they do, they don’t know what to say to you. CURE knows what to say and will talk with you whenever you want to talk.”

Even though Caroline is in a good place, Camille says that they are in it for the long haul. They are focusing on genetic testing to possibly determine a more specific treatment. “Some patients finish treatment in two years. We’re going on five years and not stopping. We never know when something is going to stop working, and we need options.”

Number of drugs that have been developed and approved specifically for children, in the last 25 years.

atlantaparent.com

Thankfully, Caroline is on a new drug that has stabilized the tumor, and there are signs it may be reducing it. “We’re in a great place right now,” says Camille. “The side effects from this drug have been mild and she’s able to live like a normal 6-year-old.”

Cont’d on next page

Nearly 17,000

Number of children in the United States and more than 300,000 worldwide who are diagnosed with cancer every year.

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 27

CHILDHOOD CANCER n The Glee Family When Miles was 9, his parents noticed that his neck was swollen, but their pediatrician told them to simply watch it. Fortunately, a doctor at a neighborhood party suggested a trip to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Miles’ father took him to Children’s while his mom, Nikki was at home, still thinking it was nothing. “They were there and I’m thinking, how long does it take to get an antibiotic? The next morning my husband said the doctors wanted to talk to us. I wasn’t concerned.”

It turned out that the lump in his neck was T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive disease that progresses quickly in which too many immature white blood cells are found in the bone marrow and blood.

The survival rate for leukemia is better than some other childhood cancers. “But it started our journey.” Nikki says.

The experience fundamentally changed Nikki and her family.

“You never stop worrying and you look at your life differently. I thought I was strong but I had to compartmentalize my feelings. It was stressful.”

Nikki, who had just started a new job at Delta, said the family had no “clue about anything. But CURE was there. CURE had people on the hospital floor and were able to support us and others. It was a humbling experience. I was able to work at home, and we weren’t in a bad space economically. But you’re on that floor, and it’s people from all walks of life experiencing the same thing. It brings you to your knees.”

The experience fundamentally changed her and her family. “You never stop worrying, and you look at your life differently. I thought I was strong, but I had to compartmentalize my feelings. It was stressful.”

Miles has a twin sister and an older brother. “The kids became mini-adults. We just had to trust that they would do what was asked of them. My husband and I were going back and forth from home to work to the hospital. They had heard about people dying from cancer and they had to believe that not all people die, so that was another stress.”

Cancer gave Nikki a unique perspective. “I have a big job at Delta. I would go to work and then to the hospital and before Miles got sick I would have been so stressed about work,” she says. “Now, I know I can do this. I don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Miles has had 40 months of treatment, and he’s getting back to a normal routine. He loves to swim but that was curtailed with his diagnosis. He enjoys playing golf. “He loves cooking,” says Nikki. “He’s made bottles of hot sauce and given them away. I don’t think he wants to be a chef, but he does want to have his own line of food. At the end of the day, he’s a salesman.”

28 Atlanta Parent September 2020

Miles Glee

Surviving the Journey:

Advice from Parents

n Nikki Glee: I tell them that they will make it. And then I cry for them. I just remember what it was like. Keep saying you will make it, keep the faith, and take care of yourself. You have to make time for yourself. People told me that a lot, and it is important to just step away from the stress of it all. Get your mind onto something else. For me it was work. Work was a place where I could go and solve other problems.

n Camille Conner: The biggest thing I tell mothers is to take it one day at a time. You just can’t jump into it and know what you’re going to do. The truth is that we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so focus on today. If you can’t read that book today, pick a page and read it tomorrow. Focus on your own speed. I would also say not to forget the big picture. We get so caught up in the moment that we need to take a deep breath, remember what’s around us and be thankful for it.

n Kos Doukov: You’ve got to do what is best for your child and find out where the best treatment is and get it. That’s priority number one. Two, understand that this is a long journey, not just a week or month. It’s going to go on for a while and chances are it’s not going to end. Our oncologist said that we may never get to a place where we know Diana is cured. But one day you will leave your house and won’t think of cancer.

atlantaparent.com

Research Brings Progress

by Mary Welch

A

diagnosis of cancer is news that no parent wants to hear, but the outlook is more hopeful today than it was 20 years ago. Great strides have been made in pediatric cancer treatment; however, there is more work to be done in the areas of funding and research.

There are 15,000 pediatric cancer cases diagnosed every year in the U.S.; about 80% of those children will survive.

Those are good numbers, but still heartbreaking for the remaining 20%.

Metro Atlanta – and indeed the Southeast – is fortunate to have one of the country’s leading pediatric cancer centers in Atlanta: The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The center treats all forms of childhood cancers and blood disorders, whether common or rare.

“There are 15 to 20 different cancer entities that children commonly get,” says Dr. Dan Wechsler, director of pediatric oncology at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “Kids get leukemia, brain tumors, kidney and bone tumors, among others. Some cancer survival rates are better than others. The cure rate for Acute Lymophoblastic Leukemia is over 90% for certain brain tumors it’s less than 10 to 20%. A kidney or muscle tumor that has spread gives a cure rate of about 15 to 20%, and not much has changed in the last 30 to 40 years.”

Wechsler points out that even after a child is cured, the problems may not go away. “We have a long way to go. Even when the cancer is cured we have to make sure it doesn’t come back. But we also have to focus on the impact that the treatment had on their lives. Some of the treatments may have long-term side effects, such as infertility, growth disturbances or second cancers.”

Funding is Key The key to finding cures is research; however, less than 4% of government funding for cancer research goes to pediatric cancers. Unfortunately, it’s a matter of numbers. atlantaparent.com

Dr. Dan Wechsler with patient Wade Wolfe.

Dr. Wechsler points out that even after a child is cured, the problems may not go away. “We have a long way to go.

Even when the cancer is cured we have to make sure it doesn’t come back. But we also have to focus on the impact that the treatment had on their lives. Some of the treatments may have long-term side effects such as infertility, growth disturbances or second cancers.”

“In the past 30 years, only four drugs have been developed specifically for children fighting cancer, while hundreds have been created for adult cancers,” says Mark Myers, director of communications for CURE Childhood Cancer. “The newly enacted RACE for Children Act encourages pediatric drug development and also gives children greater access to drugs known to be effective for adults.”

Because funding is scarce, the best and brightest scientific minds typically don’t go into childhood cancer research. “We are funding young investigators who may not have enough publications to warrant money to support the research,” Myers says.

Atlanta-based CURE has two missions: fund targeted research and support patients and their families. To that end, CURE invests more than $4.3 million annually in promising research.

Sharing Research “It’s important to pool talents, research and information,” says Wechsler. For example, the Children’s Oncology Group made up of 240 institutions around the country and world are taking the same approach to pediatric cancer. “If you’re the parent of a child diagnosed in St. Louis, you will be offered the same treatments and clinical trials as a child anywhere in the country. In the adult cancer world, that’s not the case,” he says. “The benefit is that parents don’t have to ‘shop’ for medical treatment. They will get the same treatment anywhere, and advances have been made because people cooperate really well. Everyone puts their egos aside and does what’s best for the kids. We all know early on what’s working or not, and we share it.”

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September 2020 Atlanta Parent 29

CHILDHOOD CANCER Breakthroughs Funding from CURE has led to breakthroughs in treatment. The latest advance is in precision medicine; CURE has contributed more than $6 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s and to the Target Pediatric AML project.

Precision medicine involves initially treating all patients with the standard protocol proven effective for their cancer, but if there is no positive response, the patient undergoes genetic testing on the cancerous tumor. That way, doctors can pinpoint the mutated cells and devise a customized plan to kill the cells.

“This research is for kids who have run out of options. At that point, they have their gene sequences done and they may find options,” says Myers. “Children are alive today because of the precision medicine research at Children’s. Our research is helping the 20% of kids who aren’t surviving.”

At Children’s, doctors and researchers are trying to understand the individual tumors, what makes them appear and how are they vulnerable. “Really understanding

At Children’s, doctors and researchers are trying to understand the individual tumors, what makes them appear and how are they vulnerable. “Really understanding how tumors develop in the first place is critical,” Wechsler says. how tumors develop in the first place is critical,” Wechsler says.

Genetic testing helps researchers discover whether the tumor was hereditary, if certain treatments can cause it to reoccur more often, and if siblings inherited the gene. “We know that roughly 10% of pediatric cancers have a genetic basis,” Wechsler says. “We are identifying more and more gene mutations that can put children at a higher risk of developing cancer. The trick is to be able to know with confidence which children are more likely to get cancer – but we’re not there yet.”

Myers admits that it is often difficult to show the impact of investing in research.

“It could take years before you make headway with any type of research, and ‘no’ is a possible answer. It means you don’t go down that path, but no one

wants to spend money to get a ‘no.’ But sometimes you get a ‘yes’ – Lauren’s Run funded T-Cell therapy and now it’s a frontline treatment.”

In addition to funding research, CURE supports children and families – emotionally, financially and during bereavement. “It’s a devastating time. Half of our mission is to take care of families in every way we can,” says Myers.

Children’s and CURE are working together to fund research and save lives. The mission shouldn’t be measured in dollars, Wechsler says. “It’s important to recognize that the 5-year-old you’re treating today could be a future president. We’re trying to give them back their most productive years.

Through research, we are continuing to work on finding cures – and there are some exciting new things coming.”

Read our Atlanta Baby Digital Edition online!

Find even more online-only content: Mom-Approved OB/GYNs and Midwives l

Our Comprehensive Hospital Chart l

Childcare Options l

Best Products for Mom and Baby And more

atlantaparent.com/atlanta-baby 30 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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More Local Support and Resources Parents of a child diagnosed with cancer may not know where to turn. Here are some local resources that offer much-needed support to patients and their families. n Camp Sunshine: Programs and resources for parents and families, as well as a summer camp for children with cancer. 404-325-7979. mycampsunshine.com

CURE is there when families like the Glees need them most.

CURE Childhood Cancer: Providing Support in a Time of Need

F

or parents, a child’s diagnosis of cancer can leave them feeling confused and alone. In the midst of uncertainty and stress, they need support they can lean on, and that’s where CURE comes in. CURE exists to walk beside patients and families, offering unwavering help throughout their difficult journey.

Until there is a cure, there’s CURE. The second part of this Atlanta-based organization’s mission is to support families devastated by a childhood cancer diagnosis through programs designed to meet their emotional, practical and financial needs quickly and appropriately.

CURE serves meals in hospitals several days a week, provides emergency financial support to ease the burden of families, and offers professional counseling to patients and family members. CURE also offers bereavement support for families who must deal with unimaginable loss.

There are many more ways CURE serves cancer patients and their families.

Its goal – to be an ever-present help to families in crisis – encompasses dozens of services designed to lighten the load of families and make sure they know they aren’t alone. While COVID-19 has temporarily changed some of its protocols,

CURE remains dedicated to supporting families in every way possible.

CURE was founded in 1975 by a pediatric oncologist at Emory University.

At that time, few children diagnosed with cancer survived. Research has come a long way since then; today, more than 80% of children diagnosed will live. That’s good progress, but with a 1-in-5 survival rate, it’s not enough.

Additionally, many children who do survive will experience significant health complications due to the side effects of cancer treatments.

Research is the key to unlocking breakthroughs that will save the lives of children diagnosed with cancer, and funding research is a vital part of CURE’s mission. In the past 10 years, CURE has invested $27 million in innovative research at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and many other leading pediatric cancer research institutions. Their hope is that the research they fund leads to a safe and effective treatment for all children fighting cancer.

For more information on CURE Childhood Cancer’s support services, or to see how you can get involved during September, visit curechildhoodcancer.org.

CURE’s goal – to be an ever-present help to families in crisis – encompasses dozens of services designed to lighten the load of families and make sure they know they aren’t alone. atlantaparent.com

n Lighthouse Family Retreat: Restorative retreats for families of children with cancer and resources such as podcasts, articles and handbooks. 678-290-2955. lighthousefamilyretreat.org n Aurora Day Camp: Seven-week summer day camps and year-round activities for children with cancer.

470-632-0909. auroradaycamp.org n Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Southeast Region: The PBTF’s Southeast Region offers social, emotional and financial support for families of children with brain tumors. 404-252-4107. curethekids.org/get-involved/ chapters/georgia/ n Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Georgia and South Carolina: LLS provides a wealth of information and resources on blood cancers as well as support for parents, siblings and caregivers.

800-955-4572. lls.org/ga-sc n Atlanta Ronald McDonald House: Housing, meals and other resources for families whose child is receiving medical care in Atlanta.

404-315-133. armhc.org n Aflac Inc.: The insurance provider offers ongoing support to Children’s and families with events, such as Braves Night, and My Special Aflac Duck, a toy and app designed to provide comfort and distract children from the burdens of cancer treatment. 800-992-3522. aflac.com

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 31

WHAT EXPECTANT MOTHERS Should Know About COVID-19

by Emily Webb

In these unprecedented times, expectant mothers may have concerns about coronavirus and its effects on pregnancy. Atlanta Parent spoke to Denise J. Jamieson, MD, MPH, the department chair of Gynecology & Obstetrics at Emory University School of Medicine and an adjunct professor of epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health, about what pregnant mothers should do to protect themselves during this time.

Besides social distancing and hand washing, what else can a pregnant woman do to protect herself from the coronavirus? n In addition to all the things we are telling everyone to do to avoid COVID-19, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing a mask and staying away from other people as much as possible, pregnant women should take some extra steps to ensure their safety during this COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women should make sure they have a birth plan which includes some emergency provisions. For example, who will take care of her baby if she and/or her partner are sick near delivery? Does she have enough food and supplies for the first week after the birth of her baby?

Can she go out? If so, should she always wear a mask, even if it’s a place where you can maintain a six foot distance? n Pregnant women, like everyone, should avoid crowds and self-quarantine when possible. If her job is essential, such as a health care worker, she can continue to work. However, we advise everyone, including pregnant women, to wear masks when leaving the home.

What about prenatal visits? Are most OBs still seeing patients on a regular basis?

Dr. Denise J. Jamieson

32 Atlanta Parent September 2020

n Many obstetric providers are spacing out visits so that pregnant women do not have to come for as many prenatal visits. This has been done

atlanta baby

in other settings outside of COVID-19 and seems to be safe. Obstetric providers are also providing some prenatal care virtually with telehealth visits.

When pregnant women do come for prenatal care, offices are taking precautions to ensure their patients’ safety, including limiting or eliminating visitors and ensuring that patients are six feet apart or more when possible, including the waiting room.

What should she do if she thinks she has the coronavirus? n If a pregnant women thinks she has the coronavirus, she should call her OB provider.

She should not go to the emergency room or her doctor’s office unexpectedly. She should call and get specific instructions for what to do and where to go.

Is there any information available yet about the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and unborn babies? n There is now some evidence that COVID-19 may be more severe in pregnant women compared with non-pregnant women. This highlights how important it is that if a pregnant woman feels ill or has symptoms, she calls her doctor. In terms of the baby, there is no evidence that COVID-19 causes birth defects. Although there are now some cases of the virus being passed to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth, this seems to happen only rarely. Once the baby is born, an ill mother can pass the virus to her baby.

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What hospital procedures will be different right now? Who can accompany the mother to the hospital for delivery? n Most hospitals are limiting visitors to one support person during the delivery hospitalization. That needs to be the same person throughout labor. Visitors are asked to stay in the room and not visit other areas in the hospital, such as the cafeteria or nursery. Labor and delivery units are carefully screening all patients and visitors for symptoms. If a pregnant woman has symptoms, she is asked to wear a mask, and she is separated from others. L&D staff have increased their use of personal protective equipment, including the use of masks.

Surfaces in the hospital are being frequently cleaned and disinfected. Measures are being taken to ensure social distancing, as much as possible, in the hospital setting including waiting and registration areas.

What about breastfeeding? n If a woman has COVID-19, then she and her doctor should discuss various options.

One option is for her to express her milk and feed the milk to her infant. Another option is to breastfeed her baby after washing her hands carefully and while wearing a mask.

LABOR AND DELIVERY UNITS ARE CAREFULLY SCREENING ALL PATIENTS AND VISITORS FOR SYMPTOMS. IF A PREGNANT WOMAN HAS SYMPTOMS, SHE IS ASKED TO WEAR A MASK, AND SHE IS SEPARATED FROM OTHERS. L&D STAFF HAVE INCREASED THEIR USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING THE USE OF MASKS.

What would you tell mothers if they’re expecting their first baby during this time?

Are there any tips to help pregnant moms cope with anxiety right now?

n The safest place to have a baby is still in a hospital, so I would not advise pregnant women to change their plans for delivery due to COVID-19. Pregnant mothers should have an emergency plan in place for her family, in case she or someone else in the family becomes ill.

n The majority of babies born in the next few months will be healthy and will not be affected by COVID-19. I think it is also important to remember that we will get through this. Once we have a safe and effective vaccine, COVID-19 will no longer be a major public health threat. Although my children will remember the months they spent in quarantine, your newborn baby will be blissfully unaware.

With stores closed and Amazon deliveries being delayed, what necessities should parents try to get if they’re expecting their baby in the next few months? n New mothers and their families will need food, diapers, wipes, a car seat, a crib and other necessities.

What other advice or recommendations do you have for moms? n Try to cherish motherhood and time spent with your baby despite all that is going on around you.

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September 2020 Atlanta Parent 33

BUNDLES of JOY 1O Subscription Boxes for Babies and New Parents

Baby Boxes l Honest This Diapers + Wipes Subscription includes sizes for newborns to 6 months of their eco-friendly diapers and plant-based baby wipes.

Choose your favorite prints each month, and get early access to limited edition prints. Available for $96.45 at honest.com. l Hello Bello Hello Bello’s Bundle Box comes with seven packs of diapers, four packs of wipes, 15% off up to five additional items and random freebies.

Each month, choose diapers in different designs and add on any other items that you need. For newborns to 6 months. Starts at $65 at hellobello.com. l Noobie Box Celebrate new life with Noobie Box, and order a free pregnancy box filled with samples and goodies for you and your new baby. A Year of Wonders comes with four milestone baby boxes for your child’s first year with five full-size products. Or enjoy being a parent with the Noobie Parents Box filled with items just for mom and dad. Starts at $34.95 at noobiebox.com.

Honest

Little Learner l Lovevery Lovevery has play essentials for babies and toddlers designed by experts.

The Play Kits have items for newborns to age 3 and come every 2-3 months. Each kit includes multiple items for learning and play, with a guide on how to play backed by research. Starts at $36 at lovevery.com. l KiwiCo KiwiCo’s Panda Crate is for 0-24 months and contains tools and toys for a baby’s developing brain. Boxes are delivered every other month, and each crate contains developmentally appropriate tools for hands-on learning and play and helping you bond with baby. Starts at $19.95 at kiwico.com. l Tiny Humans Read Help your baby hone their reading skills with Tiny Humans Read’s subscription box, and choose from board books, picture books or both.

Each box comes with three whimsical books, as well as activity ideas and printables. For ages 0-8 years. Starts at $25.99 at tinyhumansread.com.

34 Atlanta Parent September 2020

Tiny Humans Read

atlanta baby

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Bump Boxes

Mom Boxes l Countdown to Mama Treat yourself or the expectant mom in your life with a 14-gift countdown experience in this “advent-style” gift box. These luxurious and practical gifts include a drawstring gift bag, a rose gold necklace, a toiletry set, a baby swaddle and more valued at $249. Available for $185 at countdowntomama.com. l Bump Boxes Celebrate your pregnancy with Bump Boxes, which sends you five products hand-picked for each month of the pregnancy.

Products are free from harsh chemicals to protect you and your baby. Starts at $39.99 at bumpboxes.com. l Ecocentric Mom Ecocentric Mom’s monthly care packages include chemicalfree and toxin-free items. Each box is matched to your stage of pregnancy or your child’s age from newborn to 2 years. Get the best non-toxic, organic, natural and unique products for you and for baby. Starts at $39.99 at ecocentricmom.com. l Mama Needs This subscription box has specific self-care items to pamper moms and help them remember to take care of themselves, too. Each box is tailored around a specific theme for self-care, with the September box being “Mama Needs a Plan” to help moms get through the start of a new school year. Starts at $39.99 at mamaneedsbox.com.

– Emily Webb

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THE GREAT BABY STUFF GIVEAWAY! Enter to win these great prizes.

n Countdown to Mama (includes 14 mom-approved gifts)

n Baby Box from Tiny Humans Read

n BRIO™ My First Farm

Enter to win at atlantaparent.com/contests

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September 2020 Atlanta Parent 35

SMaRT STaRT Ten brainbuilding games to play with your baby

by Malia Jacobson

Playing with your baby yields more than sweet smiles, squeals and coos. According to researchers and child development experts, simple, everyday games can boost your baby’s brain development, fostering growth in language, science, math and organizational skills (called executive functions), along with social and emotional learning.

Babies at play are learning about themselves and their world, says Sarah R. Lytle, Ph.D.,

director of outreach and education for the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) at University of Washington. “Babies are these natural scientists. They’re always playing games that are actually experiments. Every time a baby drops their spoon off their high chair, they’re figuring out their world and how it works.”

Here’s how to help your little scientist along with games that benefit cognitive development from birth through age one.

Back and forth

Baby gym

Quality interactions with loving caregivers are vital to cognitive development in general – things like responding to babies’ coos and cries, gazing into their eyes and making silly faces. “In a high-quality interaction, you want to see a true back-andforth exchange between a parent and a baby.

When the baby babbles, the parent responds like they’re having a conversation,” says Lytle.

No, you don’t need to take your baby to spin class. But physical activity – think tummy time, crawling, scooting, walking practice, or parent-child swim – can boost brain growth.

Canadian researchers found that physical activity benefits cognitive development, especially executive functions and language skills, in children from birth through age 5.

Where’s the cup?

When your baby hands you a toy and looks at you expectantly, they’re initiating a game that develops social and emotional intelligence, says Lytle. Play along by responding with delight (“Thank you so much!”), waiting a beat, then handing the toy back, and keep the back-and-forth going for as long as your baby stays interested.

By 4 to 7 months old, babies begin developing object permanence, or the knowledge that something still exists even when it’s not visible. Simple games like moving a cup just out of sight and asking your baby “Where’s the cup?” help your baby toward this memory milestone.

36 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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Why, thank you!

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Bust a move Exposing babies to music introduces the concept of rhythm, which benefits mathematical skills, says Lytle. Encourage this learning with mini dance sessions as early as the newborn stage (holding your baby, of course), spending 5-10 minutes bouncing and swaying to the beat of songs you know and love.

Rhyme time Reading books filled with rhyming words, like “The Cat and the Hat,” help your baby develop phonological awareness, an important component of language and literacy, says Lytle. “Books work well for this because as parents we don’t normally speak in rhymes. And we tend to get into verbal ruts and use the same words over and over again. Books expose babies to words and rhymes you might not normally use.”

Face it Just hours after birth, babies show a preference for gazing at faces, which boosts visual development and cognitive growth.

Stanford researchers found that by 4 months old, babies facial recognition skills rival those of adults. A simple game like placing

your face 10-12 inches from your baby’s face, then switching with another person or even a stuffed animal and waiting for your baby to respond, can help babies hone this important skill.

Skill-building That shape sorter you may have received at your baby shower is great for developing spatial awareness and mathematical ability, says Lytle. Once babies get a bit older, building blocks can help continue that development. “With blocks, babies are testing their environment and really getting into some complex concepts related to math, like volume, distance and how structures work,” she says.

Baby comedian “Parents sometimes think that in order to build language skills they need to ‘fill their baby’s bucket’ with a lot of words,” says Lytle. “But the back-and-forth interaction is what really benefits cognitive growth.” Try responding to your baby’s early coos and first words with a hearty laugh, a squeal or a surprised face. The sillier the better, since babies are often delighted by these responses and more interested in keeping the interaction going.

Best Start for Baby

I get it Playing together provides opportunities to boost social and emotional skills by helping your baby understand and process emotions, says Lytle. “When your child becomes frustrated, talking about the emotions they’re feeling is important. When parents say ‘I understand why that made you upset,’ they’re scaffolding [or supporting] important social and emotional concepts.”

Focused, attentive interactions with loving caregivers are the best brain-builders, says Lytle. When caregivers play with babies, they can make the experience even more beneficial by focusing on their baby and tuning out their phone and other distractions.

“To create a high-quality interaction, it’s important to be fully present and really focus your attention on your child.”

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September 2020 Atlanta Parent 37

Please join us next year on

Oct. 2, 2021 Oct. 3, 2020 event is cancelled.

More than 50 Family-Friendly Activities!

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38 Atlanta Parent    September 2020

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SEPTEMBER: Things to do this month

Top Events l Fall Farm Fun l Fun at Callaway Picture Perfect Visit to the High l Art Festivals l and more atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 39

SEPTEMBER TOP EVENTS Events may be cancelled or changed before our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

Taste of Soul

West Downtown Atlanta Sept. 4-6. Fri., 6:30-11 p.m. and Sat.-Sun., noon-9 p.m.

Watch live performances, see artists and celebrities, taste wines, enjoy kids’ events and more. 10 Northside Dr. and N. MLK Jr. Dr., Atlanta. Free admission. tasteofsoulatlanta.com

Peachtree City’s Rescheduled Independence Day Fireworks Sept. 5, 8:30-9:30 p.m.

This impressive fireworks display is held each year over Lake Peachtree at Drake Field. 155 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City.

770-631-2525. Free admission. peachtreecity.org

Courtesy of The DeFeo Groupe

Peachtree City’s Rescheduled Independence Day Fireworks

Cool Cars & Trains

Southeastern Railway Museum Sept. 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

See classic and modern cars, participate in a raffle, win door prizes, tour the museum, take a train ride and more at this fundraiser. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 404-732-6842. Donation; train ride, $3+. georgiacoolcruisers.org

TiNYCon

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Sept. 5-6 This celebration just for kids features fantasy, science fiction, comics, gaming and technology. Reservations required. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta.

404-659-5437. $18.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org Cool Cars & Trains

Survival Safari

Zoo Atlanta Sept. 11 and 25, 6:30-9 p.m.

Compete in an evening of team challenges, scavenger hunts and interactive activities with your family and friends to see if you have what it takes to be an Animal Care Specialist. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $20; ages 3 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org

Grandparent’s Day Special

Chattahoochee Nature Center Sept. 13, noon-7 p.m.

Grandparents can get in free to enjoy programs, trails, the Wildlife Walk and more. Reservations required. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell.

770-992-2055. $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

40 Atlanta Parent September 2020

TinyCon

Family Fun Guide

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Second Sunday

High Museum of Art Sept. 13, noon-5 p.m.

The museum offers free admission so you and your family can view the permanent and featured exhibits. Reservation required. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400.

Free. high.org

Farm Day

Pumpkin Festival

Second Sunday

NOW OPEN for SAFE Shopping ity & Matern ns’ Childrees!

Cloth

Accepting FALL & WINTER Clothes

Stone Mountain Park Sept. 19-Nov. 1. Fri.-Sun. 2-9 p.m.

Enjoy park attractions, games, live shows, displays and more. At night, see the Glow

by Night experience with a massive carved pumpkin displays and Jack’s GIANT Glowing Pumpkin Tree. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-104-2407. $19.95; ages 2 and younger, free. stonemountainpark.com

Farm Day

Chattahoochee Nature Center Sept. 20, noon-4 p.m.

Meet live farm animals, explore the urban farm, try the scavenger hunt, and enjoy crafts, face painting, games, storytimes and more. Reservation required. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

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September 2020 Atlanta Parent 41

FUN AT CALLAWAY Light Up Your Labor Day Weekend

Photo by Jay Youkhanna

Callaway Gardens / Sept. 4-6 See the Balloon Glow every night, relax on Robin Lake Beach, watch fireworks, view Birds of Prey shows and more. Reservations required. 17800 US Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 844-512-3826. $29.95; Adult 3-Day ticket, $69.95; Adult 2-Day ticket, $49.95; ages 6-12, $19.95; Child 3-Day ticket, $49.95; Child 2-Day ticket, $39.95; ages 5 and younger, free. callawaygardens.com

Callaway Gardens

Butterfly Festival

Callaway Gardens / Sept. 26-27 Celebrate butterflies, caterpillars, insects and more with crafts, games and activities at the Cecil B. Day Tropical Butterfly Conservatory and other beautiful areas at Callaway. Reservations required. 17800 US Hwy. 27, Pine Mountain. 844-512-3826. $19.95; ages 6-12, $14.95; ages 5 and younger, free. callawaygardens.com

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Roswell Free Family Movie Series

Riverside Park / Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Bring a picnic along to watch “Aladdin” under the stars. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-594-6158. Free admission. roswellgov.com

Friday Night Flicks

Swift-Cantrell Park / Sept. 18, 5-10 p.m.

Enjoy a throwback night of 90s entertainment with “Jurassic Park” on the giant inflatable screen. Concessions available for purchase. Registration required. 3140 Old Hwy. 41, Kennesaw. 770-424-8274. Free admission; kennesaw-ga.gov

Outdoor Movie Series

Swift-Cantrell Park / Sept. 26, 6 p.m.

Bring a blanket to watch “Sonic the Hedgehog” under the stars.

Registration required. 3140 Old Hwy. 41, Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free. kennesaw-ga.gov

DRIVE-THRU FOOD FUN Road Trip to Greece

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation Sept. 25-27. Drive-thru only. See website for hours.

Taste feta, gyro, souvlaki and more Greek and Mediterranean foods at this drive-thru festival celebrating Greek heritage and cuisine. 2500 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta. 404-633-5870. atlantagreekfestival.org

The Taste of the Fair

Jim R. Miller Park / Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 2-4 Pick up your favorite fair foods from the North Georgia State Fair at this drive-thru experience. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. 770-423-1330. northgeorgiastatefair.com

42 Atlanta Parent September 2020

Family Fun Guide

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EXCITING EXHIBITS Naturally Artistic

Chattahoochee Nature Center Sept. 20-Nov. 30 Get inspired as you reflect on art and nature with exhibit stations filled with drawings, music and poetry. Reservation required. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $10; ages 13-18, $7; ages 3-12, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org

Spanning the World of Minerals: The Gail & Jim Spann Collection

Tellus Science Museum Through Sept. 27 See more than 14,000 minerals from around the world, from thumbnail-sized specimens to high-end collector minerals. Reservation required. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $15.95; ages 3-17, $11.95; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org

Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined Atlanta Botanical Garden Through Nov. 1 Glimpse the terrifying 16-foot Red Queen and a 14foot Alice in this whimsical celebration of the famed story. Reservation required. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $21.95; ages 3-12, $18.95; ages 2 and younger, free. atlantabg.org

Dinosaur Explore

Stone Mountain Park Through Nov. 8 See a life-sized T-Rex, Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops and more with paleontology tents, a feeding wall and more. Reservation required. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. $19.95; ages 2 and younger, free; parking, $20. stonemountainpark.com

Dinosaur Explore

Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement through Children’s Books

High Museum of Art Through Nov. 8 More than 80 artworks from children’s books showcase the history and icons of the Civil Rights Movement. Reservation required. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. $14.50. high.org

Murmuration

Woodruff Art Center’s Sifly Piazza Through Nov. 29 This soaring installation reflects Atlanta’s reputation as a “city in the forest” and includes feeding stations and perches for birds. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400. Free. high.org

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Family Fun Guide

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September 2020 Atlanta Parent 43

ART FESTIVALS Happy Days Weekend

Jess Lucas Park / Sept. 18, 7-11 p.m.

This family-friendly event features live music and great food with performances by Darwin & Friends and Spectrum.

680 S. Central Ave., Hapeville. 404-669-2100. Free admission. hapeville.org

Arts Festival

Rose Lawn Museum Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sept. 20, noon-5 p.m.

Enjoy music, entertainment, performing arts, unique creations, food and more. 224 W. Cherokee Ave., Cartersville.

770-387-5162. Free admission. roselawnmuseum.com

Shakerag Arts and Crafts Festival

McIntosh Trail Recreation Complex Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sept. 20, noon-5 p.m.

More than 100 vendors will sell handmade arts and crafts, and enjoy food, music and a kid’s zone. 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. 770-631-2525. Free admission. peachtree-city.org

Buckhead Fine Arts Festival

Buckhead Village Sept. 19, noon-6 p.m. and Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

This outdoor festival features 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalwork and more, with artist demonstrations and live music. 259 Buckhead Ave., Atlanta. Free admission. buckheadartsfestival.com

Dynamo Swim School Swimming: The one lesson that can save your child’s life!

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European Market

Milton Avenue / Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Shop home collectibles and décor, furniture, jewelry, clothing, art and more. Main St. and Roswell/Canton Rd., Alpharetta. Free admission. europeanmarketonmilton.weebly.com

Alpharetta Art in Brooke Street Park

Brooke Street Park / Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

This artists market features handcrafted works, pottery, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry, children’s clothing and more. 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-297-2811.

Free admission. awesomealpharetta.com

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• Heated Indoor Pools • Year-round instruction • Online and On-Site registration

Dynamo Provides swimming instruction to all ages DynaBabies (6-36 months) Preschool (3-5 years) Grade School (6-14 years) Adult (15 years and up)

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Alpharetta Art in Brooke Street Park

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A PICTURE PERFECT VISIT TO THE HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

T

he “Picture the Dream” exhibit at the High Museum of Art was a picture-perfect outing! With all of the challenges of 2020, from COVID-19 leisure limitations to a heightened awareness of racial and social inequities, I was happy to find a timely and engaging outing for my entire family.

My family and I strolled up Peachtree Street to a very open High Museum that was not at all crowded ... neither inside nor out. We wore masks with our timed tickets in tow, which are now required for safety measures. Once inside, my 8-year-old twins enthusiastically ran towards a table filled with blue smARTboxes, which contained complimentary supplies for art projects. The boxes are free to Georgia residents ages 6-12 and contain a new set of art supplies that can be picked up every month.

Once we collected our smARTboxes, we were off to the exhibit.

The Details Upon immediately Picture the Dream: The Story entering the “Picture of the Civil Rights Movement the Dream” exhibit, Through Children’s Books I was impressed with High Museum of Art. the beautiful set up 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. and colorful display 404-733-4400, high.org of several pieces of n Hours: Through Nov. 8. Tues.-Sat. artwork, ranging 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed Mon. from paintings and n Tickets: Timed ticket entry is required. prints to collages and $14.50; ages 5 and younger, free. drawings. My twins were immediately drawn to the various images and captions that powerfully represented key events from the Civil Rights Movement. Artwork depicting children of the Civil Rights Movements and their roles as activists with titles such as “The Story of Ruby Bridges” drew special interest. Fortunately, I was able to use my “Picture the Dream” Family Discussion Guide to further engage my children and encourage them to think about the story the artist was trying to tell.

A stroll through the exhibit, which also included an area with a looping short film of interviews with key Civil Rights leaders, gave me an opportunity to really talk about bigotry and oppression with my children in an age-appropriate way.

My entire family was intrigued throughout all three sections of the exhibit. The first section investigated the conditions leading up

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to the Civil Rights Movement. The second section highlighted key voices and events of the movement, while the third section explored present day conditions with a look at what has changed and what progressive work can still be done.

After we exited the third section of the exhibit, I was very pleased as a parent to see the small “pop-up” library of children’s books related to the exhibit that were available for browsing right outside. The area was complete with a few tables and bookshelves containing various titles that could be purchased in the museum gift shop as well. Fortunately, my twins and I were able to sit in this area and read a few books before heading out of the High Museum.

The “Picture the Dream” exhibit was a very enlightening experience, that was both fun and educational, and a great conversation starter for parents and their children about history, activism and race.

– Monica Croom

Family Fun Guide

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 45

21 FANTASTIC FARMS

FOR FALL FUN

Pick your own juicy apples, get lost in a corn maze, pose with pumpkins, smell autumnal flowers and more at these farms and orchards open for seasonal activities.

Due to precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some farms may be offering different services or requiring face masks. Some activities may be unavailable or canceled. Call or check websites before you go.

Red Apple Barn

Through Dec. 23.

Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 12:30-5:30 p.m.

U-Pick starts Aug. 29.

Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 1-4 p.m.

Pick an apple and two flowers, ride a tractor to the orchard, paint rocks and pumpkins, enjoy apple cider and a doughnut and more. Stop in the farm market for apple treats, muscadine and blackberry cider, fritters, jams and more. 3379 Tailscreek Rd., Ellijay. 706-6355898. $9; ages 2 and younger, free; U-pick, extra. redapplebarn.com

B.J. Reece Orchards

Aug. 29-Oct. 31. Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

U-Pick varieties include Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Mutsu and more. On Weekend Farm Fun days, kids can enjoy wagon rides, cow milking, pig races and the giant slide. 9131 Hwy. 52 E., Ellijay. 706-276-3048. $2-$5; ages 2 and younger, free; U-pick, extra. reeceorchards.com

Burt’s Pumpkin Farm

Opens Sept. 1. Daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Enjoy the cool mountain air of North Georgia as you shop more than 20 varieties of pumpkins, go on a hayride around the property, listen to storytime with animated pumpkins Autumn and Gordy, taste baked goods and more. 5 Burts Pumpkin Farm Rd., Dawsonville. 800-6002878. Free admission; hayride, $6; ages 2 and younger, free. burtsfarm.com

Hillcrest Orchards

Sept. 5-Nov. 1. Hours vary.

The orchard’s Apple Pickin’ Jubilees occur on weekends, where you can pick your own apples, milk a cow, watch swimming pig races, enjoy live music and more. 9696 Hwy. 52 E., Ellijay. 706-273-3838. $8-$14; U-pick, extra. hillcrestorchards.net

Buford Corn Maze

Sept. 5-Nov. 15. Hours vary.

Find your way out of the corn maze, play in the Kid’s CORNer, take a hayride and view goats, pigs, chickens and more. For kids ages 10 and older, get your scare on at the spooky Haunted Forest, which opens Sept.

20. 4470 Bennett Rd., Buford. Corn maze, $15; haunted forest, $15; combo ticket, $25; ages 3 and younger, free. bufordcornmaze.com

Jaemor Farms

Sept. 12-Nov. 8. Hours vary.

Enjoy hayrides, farm slides, a petting zoo, farm skeeball, the pumpkin train, duck races, apple cannons and more. Wander the corn maze, or try the mini maze. 5340 Cornelia Hwy. 365, Alto. 770-869-3999. $14; ages 2 and younger, free. jaemorfarms.com

Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

Sept. 12-Nov. 25. Hours vary.

Walk the pumpkin patch, try to solve the 13-acre corn maze or kiddie maze, play on tire mountain, launch the corn cannon and more. For extra, grab some festival food, search for gemstones, have your face painted, and take a pony ride. 125 Bannister Rd., Dawsonville. 770-772-6223.

Corn maze, $15; haunted trail, $20; combo, $25; ages 4 and younger, free. uncleshucks.com

46 Atlanta Parent September 2020

Family Fun Guide

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Red Apple Barn

Fausett Farms

Opens Sept. 19. Hours vary.

Experience farm life for a day as you wander the rows and rows of 900,000 sunflowers.

Horse riders can bring their own horses to try the miles of trails. 11336 Hwy. 136 W., Dawsonville. 706-265-9661. $5; ages 4 and younger, free; horse riding, $10. fausettfarmssunflowers.com

Yahoo Farm

Southern Belle Farm

Washington Farms

Sept. 19-Nov. 8. Fri. 4-11 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 1-6 p.m.

See all kinds of pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, walk through sunflowers and wildflowers, and kids will love the cow train, petting zoo, pig races, inflatables, corn maze and more. For extra, play paintball or shoot the corn cannon. 5671 Hog Mountain Rd., Bogart. 706-769-0627. $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. washingtonfarms.net

Opens Sept. 19. Hours vary.

Wander the corn maze, shoot the corn cannon, search for fossils and gems, go on a hayride or pony ride, race rubber ducks and more. For free, see farm animals, hunt pumpkins, and walk through the butterfly and flower garden.

4729 Waleska Hwy. 108, Jasper. 770-735-3638.

Activities, $3-$5; pass, $25. yahoofarm.com

Southern Belle Farm

Pettit Creek Farms

Sept. 19-20, 26-27 and Oct. 1-31. Tues.-Fri. 2-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. This farms’ annual fall festival features a 2-acre corn maze, 20 varieties of animals in the petting zoo, hayrides, moonwalks and other activities for extra. 337 Cassville Rd., Cartersville. 770-3868688. $15; ages 1-12, $12. pettitcreekfarms.com

Sept. 25-Nov. 8. Hours vary.

Try the 7-acre corn maze and search for the games inside. Take a hayride, see the farm animals, race pedal karts, chug along on the cow train and more at this farm market with pick-yourown pumpkins. 797 Macedonia Church Rd., Oxford. 770-855-1530. $12; ages 3 and younger, free; extras available. mitchamfarm.com

Still Family Farm

Sleepy Hollow Farm

Warbington Farms

Copper Creek Farm

Sept. 19-Nov. 1. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-dusk.

This 128-acre farm features a 5-acre zinnia maze of orange, pink, yellow and green flowers, a pumpkin patch, a kiddie climb, duck races, hayrides and a tractor display. 5630 Macland Rd., Powder Springs. 678-283-6951. $15; ages 4 and younger, free. stillfamilyfarm. com

Sept. 19-Nov. 8. Fri.-Sun. Hours vary.

Wander the pumpkin patch and corn maze, take a “hey”ride, and visit the petting zoo barn. Kids will love the Family Fun Park, with a jumping pillow, corn crib, slides, obstacle course and more. 5555 Crow Rd., Cumming.

770-889-1515. $12; ages 2 and younger, free. warbingtonfarms.com

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Sept. 19-Nov. 8. Hours vary.

Play in the corn maze, pick pumpkins for painting or carving, ride the cow train, shoot corn cannons, watch the pig races and more. 1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough. 770-288-2582. $15.95; ages 2 and younger, free. southernbellefarm.com

Mitcham Farm

Sept. 26-Nov. 1. Closed Mon.-Tues. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Open Oct. 20 and 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Take a tractor ride around the farm, explore the corn maze, walk through the pumpkin patch, play games in the farm playground, see farm animals and more. 628 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Powder Springs. 770-880-8846. $12; ages 2 and younger, free. sleepyhollowtrees.com

Sept. 26-Nov. 7. Hours vary.

Solve the giant or kiddie corn mazes, take a wagon hayride, brave the zip line, go mining for gems, take on the mechanical bull and more.

See fireworks every Saturday night in October.

1514 Reeves Station Rd. SW, Calhoun. 706280-5592. $16.83; ages 2 and younger, free. coppercreekfarm.com

Family Fun Guide

Mercier Orchards

Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This 300+ acre orchard has seasonal fruits and veggies, with new apple varieties coming in monthly. Pick up delicious breakfast and lunch options at the Farm Café, or grab jams, jellies, preserves, apple butter, fried pies and more in the market. No apple picking this year. 8660 Blue Ridge Dr., Blue Ridge. 706-632-3411. Free admission. mercier-orchards.com

Opening in October Yule Forest

Mon.-Thurs. 4-7 p.m.

Fri. 4-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Choose from pre-cut pumpkins or pick one straight off the vine. Go on a hayride through Expedition Woods, solve the hay maze, meet farm animals, play in the fun zone, see puppet shows and more. 3565 Hwy. 155 N., Stockbridge. 770-954-9356. $12; ages 2 and younger, free. yuleforest.com

Kinsey Family Farm

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Find seasonal crops and pumpkins at this farm, take a hayride, visit with the barn animals, feed the fish and more. At the shop, purchase fresh apples, apple cider, honey, jams, jellies, pies, bread and more. 7170 Jot-em Down Rd., Gainesville.

770-887-6028. Hayride: $3; ages 2 and younger, free. kinseyfamilyfarm.com

Berry Patch Farms

Hours vary.

Take a hayride out to their Pumpkin Patch to pick out your own pumpkins, and get apple cider, fried pies, boiled peanuts or popcorn. Kids will enjoy the playground and seeing the baby farm animals. 786 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock. 770-926-0561.

Parking, $4. berrypatchfarms.net

September 2020 Atlanta Parent 47

Photo by Angie Mosier

A HOLE IN ONE! OUR FAVORITE DONUT SHOPS

These donut places are open for pickup or delivery. Place an order for your favorite treats that are sure to please your family.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns

Hero Doughnuts & Buns

Dutch Monkey

Da Vinci’s Donuts

Sublime Doughnuts

This shop has more than 15 flavors of donuts, hashbrowns, burgers, sandwiches and more.

Kid Favorite: Cereal Milk Most Unique: Pistachio Best Seller: Boston Cream Filled 33 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta. 470-369-6800. herodoughnutsandbuns.com

Donut lovers can choose from already crafted flavors or get creative and customize your own with many toppings to sprinkle on your donut. Order a Donut Decorating Kit to create your own delicious masterpieces.

Kid Favorites: Cookies and Cream and Vanilla Fruity Pebbles Most Unique: Salted Caramel Best Seller: Maple Bacon 131 S. Main St., Alpharetta. 678-392-2523.

5610 Glenridge Dr., Sandy Springs. 678-951-0975.

3393 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 678-897-1865.

145 Dawson Forest Rd., Dawsonville. 706-974-8562. davincisdonuts.com

At this Mom and Pop gourmet donut shop, kids can watch the treats being made from scratch.

Kid Favorite: Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Most Unique: The Dutch Monkey Best Seller: Caramel Apple Fritter 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. 404-4823650. dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com

This shop is known for a whimsical atmosphere with faux grass for carpet and big fluffy clouds for lighting fixtures, and of course, its donuts.

Kid Favorite: Nestlé Crunch Most Unique: Salt & Vinegar Best Seller: Fresh Strawberry N Cream 2566 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-315-6899.

535 10th St. NW, Atlanta. 404-897-1801. sublimedoughnuts.com

Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee This shop is known for organic ingredients and gluten/grain-free and vegan friendly options. Menu changes monthly.

Kid Favorite: Cherry Cheesecake Most Unique: Crunchy Mister, a ham and cheese doughnut Best Seller: Vanilla Bean 908 W. College Ave., Decatur. 745 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta. 470-428-2023. revolutiondonuts.com

Krispy Kreme

These shops bake donuts using a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe developed by a New Orleans French chef. When the red light is on – announcing the donuts are warm from the oven – customers line up at the original Atlanta location on Ponce and at others throughout the metro area.

Kid Favorite: Cake Batter Most Unique: New York Cheesecake Best Seller: Original Glazed Multiple locations. krispykreme.com

Dunkin’

Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee

Order hot or iced coffee and tea, try breakfast sandwiches, bagels and muffins, and of course, a delicious donut or cute MUNCHKINS donut holes.

Kid Favorite: Any flavor with sprinkles.

Most Unique: Guava Best Seller: Chocolate Frosted Multiple locations. dunkindonuts.com

Dough in the Box

At this shop, enjoy a variety of different types of donuts made every day. Or try a cronut, a glazed croissant!

Kid Favorites: During holidays, they offer themed holiday-shaped donuts from green shamrocks to giant hearts.

Most Unique: Italian Cannoli Best Sellers: Apple and Blueberry Fritters 3184 Austell Rd. SW, Marietta. 770-436-5155.

2799 Veterans Memorial Hwy. SW, Austell. 770726-2295. doughinthebox.com

48 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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YOU’RE VIRTUALLY THERE! Enjoy these events without leaving your house.

Dragon Con

Sept. 3-7 This celebration of pop culture will include new content, old favorite experiences, costume and hallway costume contests, a parade in place, gaming, livestreams and more. 404-669-0773. Free; streaming membership: $10. dragoncon.org

AJC Decatur Book Festival

Sept. 4-Oct. 4 Celebrate books of all genres and topics with authors, chefs, journalists and more during this virtual event. 470-344-6349. Free. decaturbookfestival.com

Puppet Shows

Through Sept. 6. Closed. Mon.-Tue. Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m. Sat.-Sun. 1 p.m.

Presented by the Center for Puppetry Arts, watch Peter Picker as he tries to seek fame and fortune in “The Pied Picker” through Sept. 6. Sept. 6. From Sept. 9-20, watch “Jack and the Beanstalk,” where Jack must find a giant to help him solve a problem. Includes a downloadable puppet packet and tutorial to create your own. 404-873-3391. $11. puppet.org

Virtual Ocmulgee Indian Celebration

Sept. 19-20 This virtual event honors American Indian people and cultures with dancing, storytelling, demonstrations, crafting and cooking. 478-7528257. Free. nps.gov/ocmu

Suwanee Fest

Sept. 19-20 Prior to the start of this virtual festival, submit your parade video, jokes and costumes, and enjoy entertainment, games and activities on Sept. 1920. Free. suwaneefest.com

Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade-in-Place

Sept. 21-26 For Intown neighborhoods, create homemade lanterns to light your porch, balcony, yard and windows to enjoy the spirit of the lantern parade.

Post a photo of your decorated home or yard with #BeltLineParadeInPlace and your residential block.

On Sept. 24-26 between 8-10 p.m., the Krewe of the Grateful Glutton’s giant lantern puppets and parade bands will make pop-up appearances in BeltLine neighborhoods. Free. art.beltline.org/lantern-parade

Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade-in-Place

East Atlanta Strut

Sept. 26, noon-6 p.m.

Celebrate East Atlanta’s art, culture, businesses and more with a socially distanced strut in place event in your yard or neighborhood, and stream live entertainment. Free. eastatlantastrut.com

JapanFest Finale Weekend

Sept. 26-27 The finale weekend of this virtual event includes fun activities, webinars and more for appreciating Japan and its culture. 404-8420736. Free. japanfest.org

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October: Print and Online School Tour Directory November: Why Parents Love Your School January: A+ Education Guide CALL NOW 770-454-7599 to advertise your school or EMAIL chaushalter@atlantaparent.com September 2020 Atlanta Parent 49

for thee fridg

The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children. – unknown 50 Atlanta Parent September 2020

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