August 2014

Parent Atlanta’s No. 1 Parenting Magazine

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Ready for Back to School What you need to know before the first bell rings Like Us on FACEBOOK

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Don’t Miss Atlanta’s

BEST

Block Party!

Saturday, October 11 Mercer University Atlanta Campus

10 am - 4 pm Brought to you by Atlanta Parent Magazine atlantaparent.com

More than 50 family-friendly activities!

ENTERTAINMENT • TODDLER-ONLY PLAY AREA STORYTELLING • CRAFT ACTIVITIES TRICK-OR-TREAT STREET • EXHIBITORS • FOOD BENEFICIARIES: Page Turners Make Great Learners Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

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Inside 3 O August Vol. 31 / Number 8

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Features 12 16

Jeff Foxworthy, On Being a Dad

The Atlanta comedian gets downright serious about being a father. Foxworthy and seven other celebrity dads are part of the All Pro Dad LIVE event in metro Atlanta this month.

Neighborhood Gems

Get a history lesson on the Civil War, take in a drive-in movie, hear bluegrass and gospel music at Everett’s Music Barn and more, as Atlanta Parent wraps up its three-part series on neighborhood highlights.

20 42 60

Departments

All About Mud

Playing in mud never hurt any kid, and in fact, research suggests it has lots of benefits. Find out why getting dirty is a good thing.

just kids: Mission Possible

8 Publisher’s Note 10 News You Can Use 14 Free & Cheap 36 Kids Activity Guide

Special Advertising Section

74 Humor

Technology Takes Over the Bathroom

Family Fun Guide 49 50 51

Not-to-Miss Events

52

Mojobas Magnet Wall

53 54

Exhibit: Dream Cars at the High

56 58 59 64

Where to See the Stars

Two businesses and a sports team fill a niche and open up opportunities for children with special needs and their families.

Outfit Kids for Less

Savvy shoppers hit consignment sales looking for gently used clothing, toys and more. Check out our “big” list of sales.

22

Are You Ready for School?

We have all the info you need to tame the back-to-school monster – teach your kids to love school, how to get organized and parent-tested and highly-rated lunch boxes and gear.

Magazine Association of the Southeast

2013 Award Winner

Try It! Young Eagles Flight Program Free Fun:

Swing, Slide and Bounce Around the (Ware)House

Clue Crew: Room Escapes

Adventure & Urban Adventure Quest

Playground: Duncan Creek Park Eating Out: We Can Sit Where?

August Calendar

Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine

Atlanta’s Award-Winning Parenting Publication PUBLISHER Liz White

lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT MGR asmith@atlantaparent.com ACCOUNT Laura Powell EXECUTIVES lpowell@atlantaparent.com

Carolyn Haushalter

chaushalter@atlantaparent.com

SPECIAL EVENTS & Jordan Lisvosky

DIGITAL SALES jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dalia Faupel

CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen EDITOR

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery

ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

THROUGH DECEMBER 31

childrensmuseumatlanta.org 404.527.3693

PRODUCTION Robin Mintz

OPERATIONS Caroline Ward MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

Does your child have ASTHMA? Take part in a Clinical Research Study!

Pulmonary evaluation Compensation for time and travel 6 Atlanta Parent August 2014

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Be 5-21 years old

Asthma medications

DESIGN INTERNS Marie Krikorian (Kansas City Art Institute)

Sana Masud (Atlanta Girls’ School)

Sign Up For Our e-Newsletter at AtlantaParent.com

To participate in this study, you must:

Qualified participants will receive:

SPECIAL EVENTS Monica Scott INTERNS (University of Georgia)

Lindsey Wesloski (University of Georgia)

EDITORIAL INTERNS Ryan Rhodes (Morehouse College)

Teresa Farkas (University of Alabama)

Consider joining a research study at Emory University / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to improve asthma treatments for African Americans/Blacks.

Have at least one grandparent of African descent

Jennifer Dodds | 404-727-5176 jcdodds@emory.edu Alice Bruce | 404-712-1773 alice.bruce@emory.edu Shanneka Douglas | 404-727-7687 sdougl5@emory.edu

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341.

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Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine.

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Publisher’s Note Back to School Already?

We provide customized solutions that fit your family’s individual needs. Every Nanny is put through a rigorous background check and all are CPR trained. And we’re always there when you need us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At Nanny Poppinz we understand, because we’re moms too.

Stadium Childcare Providers for the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks

Summer Special TWO Prenatal or Postpartum massages for $100.

Must be purchased together and be used within three months of purchase.

Gift Certificates available.

Offer expires 8/31/14 (Cannot be combined with other specials.)

As I watched my kids running along the beach and splish-splashing in the ocean during a much-needed vacation, summer seemed so endless.

And yet, the school year is right around the corner – the first day of school in some metro districts is Aug. 4.

As a kid, I relished buying new school supplies and clothing and starting the new school year. I remember how much fun it was to get that all-important supplies list from school and go shopping with Mom and Dad. As I transitioned from elementary to middle school and high school, school orientations and open houses helped my parents and me get our bearings and learn what to expect as I made the leaps to the ’tween and teen years.

My own children soon will start this journey and I’m looking forward to seeing it from a whole new perspective. Whether they have the right notebook will still be a concern, but certainly not the top one! This month’s issue is full of tips and strategies to make a smooth transition from a more relaxed summer schedule to the go-go days of school and extracurricular activities. Look for suggestions in our back-to-school section (starting on Page 22) for helping your child love school, handling the avalanche of paperwork and school papers and organizing to get out the door on time.

You’ll also find lunch boxes and accessories that make putting that meal together less challenging.

Back in the not-so-long-ago Dark Ages when I was a child, we sometimes opened our lunch boxes to find a soggy sandwich that had suffered from a too-close proximity to a sweating juice box or freezer pack.

A typical lunch might be a PB&J sandwich, chips and a Little Debbie treat.

Kids today – and moms – have so many more healthful choices and even lunch boxes that keep the items separated (though it’s hard to beat PB&J or Sunbutter&J for easy nutrition that most kids love).

Check out our easy-preparation great lunch ideas in this issue. I hope you find something that suits you and your kid’s fancy for something delicious and nutritious as you hit the ground running at the beginning of a new school year.

Associate Publisher

Pregnancy Massage • Postpartum Massage Infant Massage Instruction Maternity Must Haves

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1300 Upper Hembree Rd., Roswell Tara@natlantapregnancy.com 8 Atlanta Parent August 2014

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Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

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

atlantaparent.com

ItFigures

by Cynthia Washam

School’s

Back ...

Time to Get

Back in

School Snippets 56

Shape

Number of countries Finland beat to top the world in reading and math tests taken by 15-year-olds

7

Age Finnish children start school and learn to read

Mommy

3

Number of languages most Finnish students learn

Makeover Special

3,000

Number of U.S. schools in 2012 that encouraged students to eat lunch with schoolmates they normally don’t associate with on the tolerance-building initiative, “Mix It Up at Lunch Day”

16 million

Estimated number of U.S. motorists each year who illegally pass a school bus with its stop-arm down

45

Percent of children who say their most embarrassing moment involved slipping and falling in front of their crush

18

Percent who said it involved milk spewing from their nose when they laughed

August Odds and Ends 20

visit website for details code AP

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ACTUAL PATIENT

• Read Dr. Mark Deutsch’s Credentials • See Before and After Pictures • Mommy Makeover Details • Liposuction, Tummy Tucks • Breast Implants • Injectables • Facial Plastic Surgery

Patient - Before

Patient - After

Number of people per day who go to the ER for injuries suffered at amusement parks

50

Number of shooting stars visible per hour during peak hours of the mid-August Perseid meteor showers

90

Percent of Americans whose view of the night sky, including meteors, is diminished by light pollution

Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

(404) 255-0886

Atlanta/Fayetteville

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Sources: Scholastic.com, The Progressive, HuffingtonPost. com, STNOnline.com, ABC News, Almanac.com, StarryNightLights.com

atlantaparent.com

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 9

News You Can Use

by Amanda Miller Allen

Older Siblings Teach Younger

Parents don’t need researchers to tell them that younger children learn from older siblings.

When Concordia University in Montreal recently completed a study that observed children in their homes, though, it found the amount of interaction and learning between siblings is greater than previously believed.

The study in the Journal of Cognition and Development found interactions between siblings were spontaneous and covered conceptual knowledge, such as how to tell the day of the week, as well as procedural knowledge, such as how to count. Usually the older child would explain something to the younger one without being asked, but sometimes the younger one initiated the teaching.

Modern Parenting Fathers are taking a bigger role in child care and housework, but moms carry more of the load. The average number of hours per week:

Paid work:

21 hours for moms, 37 hours for dads

Child care:

14 hours for moms, 7 hours for dads

Housework:

18 hours for moms, 10 hours for dads Source: Pew Research Center

What Girls Say About Bravery Most teen girls don’t see themselves as brave, even when they stand up to peer pressure, a new survey found. The survey was taken by Keds and the Girls Leadership Institute as part of the Keds Brave Life Project. More than 1,550 teens were questioned. Only 50 percent of teen girls think of themselves as brave. Almost 60 percent of girls define bravery as being heroic in a dangerous situation. One-third of girls say they need bravery when resisting peer pressure, and 24 percent of girls say their No. 1 fear when choosing to be brave is being judged by their peers.

Pediatric Center Opens in Kennesaw Only 18 percent think that standing up for their beliefs amid peer pressure is a brave act.

10 Atlanta Parent August 2014

WellStar Health System has opened the first WellStar Pediatric Center, providing a one-stop place to take care of office visits, sports injuries and imaging services.

The center will have a wide range of services from pediatric experts, including low-radiation imaging tests, sports injury rehabilitation and afterhours care, plus a pharmacy. Open seven days a week, it is staffed by KenMar Pediatrics, with appointments 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mondays-Fridays, with fast-track service 7-9 a.m. weekdays. The center is open to treat all children, regardless of primary physician, 5-9 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. The center is at 1180 Barrett Parkway NW. Find more information at wellstar.org or call 770-956-7827. atlantaparent.com

Sprouts Markets Offer Fresh Choices

S

prouts Farmers Market, with more than 175 stores in 10 states, is moving into the metro Atlanta market.

Sprouts’ second store just opened in Dunwoody, at 2480 Mount Vernon Rd.; the first store is in the Snellville/Lawrenceville area at 1250 Scenic Hwy. Two more will open by the end of the year, at 5130 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners, on Aug. 20, and at 3630 Peachtree Pkwy., Johns Creek, on Sept. 17.

Consumer Reports magazine has named Sprouts among the top five supermarket chains in the nation. (The other four are Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, Publix, and Costco.) The Sprouts store in Dunwoody is one of the first grocery stores in the United States to feature an advanced refrigeration system to prevent the emission of ozone-depleting substances.

Atlanta Parent took a tour of the Dunwoody store to check out opening specials and found some good deals. We were impressed with lots of organic choices at more affordable prices, gluten-free bakery items, and barrels filled with bulk items like yogurt covered pretzels and 12-flavor gummy bears (you scoop out and bag the amount you want to buy).

“What’s unique about Sprouts is our Healthy Living for Less approach to grocery shopping,” says Donna Egan, director of corporate

atlantaparent.com

Sprouts makes it easier to make healthy choices for my kids.

– Felicia Barman

I love the affordable organic produce.

– Kirsten Gromatzky

communications for Sprouts. “We offer fresh, natural and organic products at affordable prices for the average supermarket customer. Whereas in the past, specialty foods stores appealed to the affluent or hard-core natural foods shopper, Sprouts is proving that healthy eating and affordability are not mutually exclusive.”

Each week’s specials run Wednesday

to Wednesday, so shoppers on “Double Ad Wednesday” can take advantage of last week’s specials and the current week’s specials for more savings, Egan says. Typically one-third of the items in the store are on promotion at any given time.

Find more information at sprouts.com or at facebook/sproutsfarmersmarket-dunwoody.

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 11

Find Out ‘Something You Didn’t Know’

About Being a Dad

On Aug. 23, comedian Jeff Foxworthy and seven other celebrity fathers will be talking about their jobs – not the ones they do for a living, as a comedian, football coach, political and sports commentator or athlete. They’ll be talking about their real jobs as dads at the All Pro Dad LIVE event.

“It’s the most important job you have in life,” Foxworthy says. “One-hundred years from now, nobody will care what kind of job you had, what awards you’ve won, none of that matters. But they will care about what kind of kids you left behind.”

Some 3,000 fathers are expected to attend to hear Foxworthy, University of Georgia Head Football Coach Mark Richt and six others speak about their roles as fathers.

“I want to encourage dads to come to this,” Foxworthy says. “I guarantee you’ll walk away knowing something you didn’t know.”

Foxworthy, married for 29 years to Pamela Gregg and father of two daughters, Jordan, 22, and Jules, 20, had to teach himself how to be an involved father – his parents divorced when he was 9. So what kind of father is he? Atlanta Parent asked him about that role.

AP: What’s your style as a dad?

JF: My wife is the glue that keeps the whole thing

together, but I’m very hands-on. When the girls were young, I almost exclusively drove them to school each day (his two daughters and his brother’s three, who lived next door). I read to them at night. I liked talking with them and being with them. When they were school age, I would lease a plane and fly home after a club date so I could be there the next morning – it gave me 100 days more a year with my kids. The other job I had was I wanted to show them in the way I treated their Mom how they should expect to be treated by a guy.

AP: What’s one of your favorite

memories about being a father?

JF: That’s a tough question. One thing I did with them was I always tried to take them on trips, just them and 12 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Jeff Foxworthy with his wife Pamela and their daughters (from left) Jules and Jordan.

me, one-on-one. When Jordan was a teenager, 10 men at my church (North Point Community Church) decided to take our eldest daughters to Kenya on a mission to work in AIDS orphanages. It changed her life. (Jordan as a teenager did cupcake sales to buy mosquito nets for children in Africa to protect against malaria; when she was a senior, she was invited to the White House for a conference on kids changing the world. Jules also has done missions to Kenya, and Jordan and Jules both continue to do humanitarian work.)

AP: Your talk so proudly about your

daughters, so you’re not one of those dads who always wanted a son?

JF: The dad and daughter bond is just a special thing.

Before the girls were born, I would have said I always wanted to have boys because I like to bow hunt. The good Lord knew what I needed more. atlantaparent.com

AP: What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make when it comes to your daughters and family?

JF: That was probably the decision to leave L.A. People in the business told

All Pro Dad LIVE presented by h.h. gregg When: Aug. 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

me, ‘Your career will be over.’ It was one of those hold-your-nose-and-jump moments. I’m so grateful they got to grow up here. (The Foxworthys moved to Los Angeles for “six months” in the 1990s because nobody in TV would hire a comedian who lived in Atlanta. His comedy career took off, with club dates, TV appearances and The Jeff Foxworthy Show. They stayed 7½ years, but wanted their children to have a normal life, to grow up with their families and cousins, so they moved back to Atlanta.)

Where: Long Forum at Greater Atlanta Christian School; 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross

AP: Your career didn’t seem

n Tony Dungy, NBC analyst on Football Night

to suffer at all, so no regrets?

JF: I don’t regret it one bit. Being a

comedian is what I do. Being a husband, dad, brother and member of the community is who I am.

AP: If you could give one

The dad and daughter bond is just a special thing.

piece of advice to new dads, what would it be?

JF:

It’s an important relationship. You see a lot of good moms, but not as many good dads. A friend gave me a small jar full of beads – there weren’t that many beads – and he told me each bead was how many weekends I would have with my child before she leaves home. I kept that jar on the kitchen counter for years to remind me to never take that time for granted. By the hour, by the day, by the week, time goes real slow, but by the year it flies by. c – Amanda Miller Allen

atlantaparent.com

Speakers: n Jeff Foxworthy, comedian, author and host

of American Bible Challenge n Mark Richt, head football coach at the

University of Georgia America and former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts n Mark Dominik, NFL analyst for ESPN n Bret Baier, chief political anchor for Fox

News n Danny Wuerffel, executive director of Desire

Street Ministries and former Heisman Trophy winner n Charlie Ward, Heisman winner and later star

player for the NBA’s New York Knicks n Troy Vincent, executive vice president of

NFL operations and former Philadelphia Eagles player.

Tickets: $49 Information: allprodadlive.com

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 13

&

FREE cheap

by Dalia Faupel

After you’re finished back-to-school shopping, reuse

those clothing store paper bags

Reuse Reuse it!

It!

How to Save on…

School Supplies Back to school = shopping!

Save money with these tips for supply savings. n Shop at Home: Inventory what you already have left over from last year.

Most likely you have notebook paper, crayons and other items that can be reused. n Take off Taxes: Shop the annual sales tax holiday Aug. 1-2 and save on purchases of clothing and footwear ($100 or less per item), computers, components and software for home use ($1,000 or less per item), and school supplies ($20 or less per item.) n Use the List: Most schools have a supply list to use as a guideline. Other necessities may crop up, but stick to the list initially to avoid overbuying of items that you “may” need. n Compare Prices and Coupon: Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping online or the ShopSavvy app to find retailers with the lowest prices.

Use paper coupons or online ones, on sites like RetailMeNot, for discounts.

Follow favorite stores and brands on social media for insider deals.

n Skip Shipping Costs: Shop online at sites that offer free shipping or those that ship free with a low minimum purchase. For example, Old Navy and GapKids (as well as Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Piperlime) host combined shopping carts, so a $50 free shipping minimum is easy to reach. Also, stores like Best Buy, Payless, and Kmart, offer a “ship to store” option. n Meet Kids Halfway: If your child wants an item that’s more expensive than you had planned to buy, have them pay the difference from their allowance or earned money so you stay on budget. n Buy Quality when it Counts: For heavily used items, like backpacks, look for those that come with a warranty so they can be replaced if damaged. (Save receipt and tags!) On some items however, like printer ink or printer paper, go off-brand for best savings when the materials aren’t needed for highquality photographs. n Time it Right. Wait to buy extras and items your child doesn’t need for the first day – they’ll go on sale following the August rush.

Sources: Trae Bodge of RetailMeNot, frugalliving.com, moneycrashers.com

Georgia State Parks. Get 50 percent

DEALS

Around Town 14 Atlanta Parent August 2014

off campsite fees at select state parks for stays through Aug. 28. gastateparks.org/ Summer-Camping

n Make textbook covers. (tutorial at inmyownstyle. com/2012/07/how-to-make-shopping-bag-text-bookcovers.html) n Cut on the seams and use them as wrapping paper. n Store craft supplies or holiday decorations in them. n Cut into sections and use the non-printed side as note or drawing paper. n Shred to use as packing for mailed packages. n Cut, flatten, and cover them with compost in a garden area to prevent weed growth.

Sources: modernmom.com, apartmenttherapy.com

Photo courtesy of inmyownstyle.com

in new ways.

Kids Eat

FREE n Hudson Grille.

Alpharetta. Every Wed. and Thurs., get a free kids’ meal with each adult meal purchased. facebook.com/hudsongrillealpharetta n Grinds and Wines. Peachtree City. Get one free kids’ meal per adult meal every day, 3-5 p.m. grindsandwines.com n Paradise Grille. Marietta. Two deals are offered, one in each section of the restaurant: Every Wednesday, kids eat free with adult meal purchase in the Grille (traditional American.) Every Wednesday, kids eat free with adult meal purchase in Paradise South of the Border (Mexican.) paradisegrillemarietta.com

Sparkles Family Fun Centers.

Kennesaw and Hiram locations offer free skating 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays for families through Aug. 28. Each child/children must be accompanied by at least one adult to receive the discount. Skate rental is separate. Check the centers’ calendars for details. sparklesfamilyfuncenters.com

atlantaparent.com

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Neighborhood Gems RT S N O

We wrap our three-part Neighborhood Gems series this month (check atlantaparent.com for previous neighborhoods) with more spots to play in sun or shade, flavorful finds, and places your kids will love learning something new.

by Felicia Barman, Dalia Faupel and Jen Haslam

East Atlanta l Inman Park l Grant Park l Old Fourth Ward Sun Make a splash at the Historic Fourth Ward Park that draws families in with sleek playground structures, active splashpad and a nearby skate park area, an outdoor theater, huge lake, neat walkways and open green spaces. 664 Angier Ave. NE and 666 Rankin St., Old Fourth Ward, 404-546-6757, h4wpc.com

Shade The StarLight Drive-In, metro Atlanta’s only drive-in theater, shows evening films on multiple screens. Each ticket is good for a double feature, so you get two films for the price of one and kids 9 and younger get in for just $1. Tune in with an FM radio and relax in your ride or grab blankets and lawn chairs to create comfy viewing in the great outdoors. 2000 Moreland Ave. SE, Grant Park, starlightdrivein.com

Taste Folk Art Restaurant serves breakfast all day, plus lunch and dinner, in an arty atmosphere. Menu choices include sure-fire kid eats, plus dishes with all-ages appeal like five-cheese grilled cheese and peanut butter and banana pancakes. 465 N. Highland Ave. NE, Inman Park, 404-537-4493, folkartrestaurant.com

Learn Atlanta artist Susie Boggs Antell hosts Art Attack at Hodgepodge Coffee House each Monday, with themed storytime and songs, inventive art projects and crafting. Kids can parade around the coffee house with their creations held high for all to see. Registration is appreciated. 720 Moreland Ave., East Atlanta, 404-622-8525, facebook.com/ArtAttackKids

Historic Fourth Ward Park

16 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Art Attack at Hodgepodge Coffee House

atlantaparent.com

Marietta l Kennesaw Sun The 15.5 acre park at the Aviation Wing of the Marietta Museum of History showcases civilian and military aircraft from the 1940s to the present. Open Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

For a party of 10 or more, call to book a walking outdoor tour. Suitable for ages 5 and older, wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Parking, $5. 550 Perrin Rd., Marietta, 770-794-5710, mariettahistory.org

Shade Hobbytown USA covers almost every hobby imaginable in its 30,000-square-foot store. Be prepared to stay awhile as children visit hands-on activity centers and play with large model train sets, kitchen sets, dollhouses, robots and other in-store attractions. 840 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw, 770-426-8800, hobbytown.com/Kennesaw-GA

Aviation Wing of the Marietta Museum of History

Taste Twisted Kitchen features build-your-own pasta, noodle or wrap dishes made to order. Kids can customize their dish after viewing pasta choices on display. Don’t leave without a freshly-baked cookie for dessert! 125 E. Barrett Pkwy., Marietta, 770-675-3721, twistedkitchen.net

Learn Get a history lesson at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which was a Civil War battleground for the Atlanta Campaign. Hit the visitor center and museum and, on weekdays, feel free to drive to the top of the mountain. On weekends, hike to the top or take a shuttle bus to snag spectacular sweeping views of Atlanta.

900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw, 770-427-4686, nps.gov/kemo/index.htm

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Buckhead l Brookhaven Sun Peachtree Heights/Garden Hills Duck Pond is an open-to-the-public oasis tucked inside a historic neighborhood, where duck and geese roam, along with turtles, birds and other wildlife. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted for kids. Stone foot bridges encourage exploration and benches offer relaxation. 70 Lakeview Ave. NE, Buckhead, 404-921-5900, peachtreeheightseast.org

Shade An eco-friendly indoor playground, HippoHopp offers a three-lane obstacle course, plenty of jumpies, slides and climbing structures, ride-on toys, basketball hoops, free games, and space to just run around. Plus, the café serves up natural, mostly organic foods on a seasonal menu. 1936 Briarwood Ct. NE, Brookhaven, 404-634-4964, hippohopp.com

Taste The Cookie Studio bakes more than 18 flavors daily, like cherry ginger explosion, hot chocolate, and some gluten free versions of classics. Parents can get their gourmet caffeine fix from the coffee and espresso bar and kids enjoy occasional in-store activities. 30 Pharr Rd., Buckhead, 404-373-8527, thecookiestudio.com

MOCA Georgia

Learn Soak up some local culture at MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) Georgia, where more than 700 works – sculpture, painting, photography and more – by about 250 Georgia artists are on display.

Tours are available by reservation Tues.-Fri. and all ages can register for Draw@MOCA workshops, offered on select Sat. afternoons.

75 Bennett St., Suite A2, Buckhead, 404-367-8700, mocaga.org Cont’d on page 18

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 17

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RT S N Learn about the placement of planets in relation to the sun and moon on the Solar System Walking Tour that serves as a scale model of the solar system. Created by the North Georgia Astronomers Group, the tour covers 1.8 miles and begins in downtown Gainesville; download the map before heading out. 118 Main St. SW, Gainesville, northgeorgiaastronomers.org/scalemodel

Shade

Everett’s Music Barn

Hear bluegrass and gospel musicians at Everett’s Music Barn, a heritage concert venue where Saturday night shows have been played for 50 years. Family concerts are free (donations appreciated), and professional touring acts are $15 per adult. Children are welcome; no alcohol is served, but sweets and refreshments are. 4055 Stonecypher Rd., Suwanee, facebook.com/EverettsMusicBarn

Taste 2 Dog, set in a historic 1800s home, offers eclectic dog-lovers’ décor inside and a pretty patio outside (great for wandering little ones.) The restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, and bakes and makes it all in-house. Don’t miss the peanut butter pie. 317 Spring St. SE, Gainesville, 770-287-8384, 2dogrestaurant.com

Learn Mayfield Dairy Tours give families a behind-the-scenes look at how milk makes it from cow to grocery store, complete with Jersey cow replicas and scoops of Mayfield ice cream in the parlor at the end. 1160 Broadway Ave., Braselton, 888-2980396, mayfielddairy.com Mayfield Dairy Tours

Conyers l Lithonia l Covington Sun Take a self-guided bike tour or explore the terrain of Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area on foot. Two massive granite outcrops and dozens of rare plants provide plenty of views, and more than 40 geocaches can be found along the way.

3787 Klondike Rd., Lithonia, 770-492-5220, arabiaalliance.org North Georgia Live Steamers miniature outdoor railroad club gives public rides on small live steam locomotives. Adults and children can hop on; future dates include Aug. 9 and Sept. 27. Trains begin at 1 p.m. weather permitting. 1632 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers, northgeorgialivesteamers.org

Learn Tour the Old Jail Museum on the first Sat. of each month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to see where Rockdale County sheriffs’ families lived between 1897 and 1969. Learn about the area’s law-enforcement history and check out the maximum security area and upstairs hanging room. 967 Milstead Ave., Conyers, 770-401-1662, rockdalehistory.org/old-jail-museum

Shade Peek into daily life of the Trappist monks on a tour of Monastery of the Holy Spirit. A beautiful example of Gothic architecture sits on lush grounds where you can stroll, feed the ducks, learn about the art of bonsai, and even pick up some fudge, fruitcake and biscotti at the bakery. 2625 Hwy. 212 SW, Conyers, 770-4838705, trappist.net

Taste Square Perk offers a kid-welcoming atmosphere with a small play area by the lunch counter. Inventive coffee drinks are popular picks on the huge menu.

1105 Church St., Covington, 678-712-6464, squareperk.com

18 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Old Jail Museum

atlantaparent.com

Stone Mountain l Tucker l Snellville Sun Eighty-seven acres of green space make up T.W. Briscoe Park, an ideal place to spend an outdoor day. Fishing is permitted in the lake, and two playgrounds, a fitness trail, tennis courts, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, outdoor pool, and basketball courts give endless get-active options.

2500 Sawyer Pkwy SW, Snellville, 770-985-3535, snellville.org

Scan the code below with your smartphone to access your tour.

Shade Can you solve a puzzle to save your life? The danger is pretend, but plan to bring problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude to an outing at Room Escape Adventures. Participants (younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult) work together to escape a locked room before a zombie can “get” them. 1751 Montreal Circle, Ste. D, Tucker, roomescapeadventures.com

Taste

Stone’s Throw self-guided walking tour

Savor some fried chicken, grits, sweet tea and a slice of sweet potato pie at We Got Soul. Kids are welcome, and eat free on Wednesdays from a limited menu. 5210 Stone Mountain Hwy., Stone Mountain, 770-413-4213, facebook.com/ WeGotSoulfood

Learn

atlantaparent.com

Take the Stone’s Throw self-guided walking tour of Stone Mountain Village to explore buildings standing since the 1800s, the Freedom Bell, the city’s original train depot, and a 1914 train caboose that now serves as a visitor center.

891 Main St., Stone Mountain, 770-879-4971, stonemountainvillage.com c

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 19

Get Muddy!

A Little Dirt Never Hurt Anyone, and It Has Surprising Benefits

by Ashley Talmadge

Kids love mud. Whether it’s the batter for fresh muffins, or the building material for mini dams and roadways, or just the satisfying squish between toes, mud fascinates a young child.

Parents, on the other hand, may be less enthusiastic. For one thing, mud is dirty. But there are plenty of good reasons to let your kids play in mud. The National Wildlife Federation’s report The Dirt on Dirt: How Getting Dirty Outdoors Benefits Kids (2012) states, “The things small children want to do outside, like building mud castles, splashing around in puddles and rolling down hills … may, in fact, be a grubby little prescription for health and happiness.” Here’s more on the benefits of getting muddy.

Physical Health A growing body of evidence suggests that early contact with some of the infectious microbes found in soil can result in a lower risk of heart disease later in life. Other studies have linked the over-use of sanitizers and sterilizing products to a higher incidence of allergies and autoimmune disorders.

In addition, many experts have noted the connection between a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy body.

“We have an epidemic of obesity in this country,” says pediatrician Dr. Bruce Birk. “All the best efforts to change diet are important, but secondary to the importance of regular physical activity, especially outdoors.”

20 Atlanta Parent August 2014

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Mental Health Look at a child’s face as she splashes in a muddy puddle, and you know she just feels good. Studies suggest that this feeling of well-being may result, at least in part, from a child’s contact with the soil. A bacterium found in dirt (M. vaccae) has been linked to increased levels of serotonin, a compound in the brain related to feelings of happiness. Physical play outdoors can also result in gains in independence and creativity.

Chrissy Larson, an outdoor educator and preschool teacher, observes that a child’s “play in natural spaces is much more creative because of the lack of structure and the constant change with the seasons and weather.”

Educational Benefits Young children learn by engaging in hands-on activities with real objects.

Put simply, children learn by getting their hands dirty. Unstructured play (that is, play initiated by the child and not led by an adult) is an important part of their education; it has been shown to promote cognitive growth and to positively influence social interactions.

Yet today, a child’s schedule is often packed with hours of directed activities in school, sports or aftercare programs. Free time is spent in front of one screen or another. There seems to be less and less time to “just muck about.” During unstructured play children plan, make decisions, and see the results on their own.

Connection with Nature

Make Your Own Mud Pit No rain in the weather forecast? No worries. This DIY backyard mud pit will provide hours of hands-on entertainment for budding bakers and engineers. n Find a corner of the yard where you won’t

miss the grass. Kids will enjoy excavating the area with you. n Add lots of water for masses of ooey-

gooey mud. If you’re using a hose, decide who controls the flow of water before play begins. n Provide tools of the trade: old pots and

utensils; PVC pipe and connecting joints; hose, sprinkler, and wading pool. n Bury some booty for young treasure-

Many experts agree that today’s children are quickly losing a connection to the natural world. Larson has seen her young students blossom as they follow raccoon tracks in the mud, and learn to recognize the trees that provide good rain shelter.

She says, “I truly believe all that time spent digging in the dirt, playing on the dirt, sliding down the dirt, and sitting for snacks and stories in the dirt literally roots them to the earth … They begin to gain an understanding of the simplest and most complex parts of nature.”

Today our children have more on their plates (often literally) than ever before.

We tend to lead over-scheduled, yet sedentary lives. The CDC reports that obesity rates among our youth have tripled in the last 30 years. Pediatric use of antidepressants has skyrocketed. But it seems that playing in the dirt and mud, whether in the backyard or hiking along a creek bed, might be the perfect antidote.

As Birk says, “There is nothing better or simpler than just going outside for unstructured play time in nature.”

Couldn’t your kids use a little mud medicine? c

seekers: marbles, toy cars, shells, miniature plastic animals. n Clean-up tactics that save your sanity: Use

specific clothing for mud play. Set a dishpan of water and an old towel near the door for pre-rinsing hands and feet. Enforce post-mud showers if necessary.

Marvelous Mud Books n Mud Puddle, by

Robert Munsch, illustrated by Dusan Petricic (Annick Press, 2012). Ages 4-7. n Jump into

Look at a child’s face as she splashes in a muddy puddle, and you know she just feels good.

atlantaparent.com

Science: Dirt, by Steve Tomecek and Nancy Woodman (National Geographic Children’s Books, 2007). Ages 4-8. n I Love Dirt: 52

Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature, by Jennifer Ward (Roost Books, 2008). Activities for any age.

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 21

FOUR WAYS

To Teach Your Child To Love School

by Christina Katz

Raising engaged students is not just the responsibility of the teachers and the administrators at your school, it’s a job that starts with every parent. You may have anxiety about your child going to school. But if you can muster up your courage, you will find that raising a child who loves school is easier than you might have imagined. Just follow these four guidelines, keep your interactions with your school’s employees constructive and upbeat, and watch the magic that occurs when your child loves learning. n SHARE

TO PREPARE. Tell your child what you enjoyed about school. If your spouse enjoyed school, encourage him to share stories, too. But if you had a difficult time in school, share those stories with someone who is not your child. Talk to another adult about the ways you struggled, and how those struggles might color your expectations of what school will be like for your child. Let go of your fears and biases about school so you won’t unwittingly pass them on. Remember, your child is not you. That was then, this is now. Open the doors to a positive school experience for your child today.

Did You ‘Love’ School?

If your child does not love learning by the time he or she graduates from elementary school, you may be in for a long uphill climb in middle school, high school and college.

Keep your attitude toward academics upbeat if you want to instill a lifelong love of learning in your child. Tell us what you loved – or didn’t – about your school years and how your child is adjusting to school this fall. Does he or she love learning? Join the conversation at Facebook.com/AtlantaParentMagazine.

22 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Back to School

atlantaparent.com

n STEP BACK. Some parents have trouble trusting that a

school will care about their child as much as they do. And it’s true – teachers won’t treat your child like a parent would. They will probably expect more. And they will care about your child as educational professionals, who want to challenge your child so he can realize his potential, so let them do their jobs. Smart parents know that school is not just about academics. When your child is in school, she is learning how to be a member of a community. She is learning how to socialize and enjoy playtime. She is learning how to express herself through art, music and physical activity. Remind yourself that the folks who run schools are trained professionals. Trust them with your child’s daily education and wellbeing.

n BE

POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE. Try to find

something to like about your school on a regular basis. If you don’t know what to like, then you might not know the school well enough. Have a working knowledge of the school layout.

Introduce yourself to teachers on open house days and meet the folks who work in the front office, including the principal.

Make sure the teacher knows you are on her team. If you have a miscommunication or misunderstanding with a teacher or administrator, strive to work things out in a calm, pro-active manner. Confident, secure parents seek solutions not squabbles.

Put yourself in the teacher or administrator’s shoes before you pick up the phone or shoot off that e-mail. Remember, the way you would like to be treated is the way to behave, no matter how you feel in the heat of the moment.

Cont’d on page 24

Year-long Teacher Appreciation If you are waiting until May each year to say thanks to your child’s teacher, consider stepping up sooner. Pay attention to teacher-appreciation activities and try to celebrate your teacher all year long.

Catch a teacher or administrator doing something right and express your appreciation with a quick thank-you note. Here is a list of inexpensive gifts that make a nice gesture any time of year: n Your best cookie recipe

n A pair of movie tickets n A small bouquet of flowers

with the cookies

n Gift card to an art supply store

n An iTunes card

n Something for her sweet tooth

n A pot of assorted herbs

n A potted perennial

n Office supply gift card

n Restaurant gift certificate

n Gourmet food basket

n Gift card to a bookstore

n Coffee or tea shop gift card

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Back to School

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 23

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770-664-7764 24 Atlanta Parent August 2014

www.mcginniswoods.org

Back to School

FOUR WAYS To Teach Your Child To Love School n GIVE

WITHOUT STRINGS.

Whether you work full time or not, there are two types of parent volunteers: Those who willingly pitch in and help and those who don’t want to spend time at school but do it for their kids. Be honest about the kind of parent you are, so you can find ways to be a cheerful contributor to the school.

If you like to pitch in, join the PTA or sign up to be a room parent. You will find plenty of opportunities to contribute, but do so without expectations of payoffs for your child based on your involvement. The benefits for your child come when you happily contribute, not when you use your position as an insider to create There are two an ongoing list types of parent of how you volunteers: Those would do things differently who willingly pitch and better. Be in and help and service-minded, those who don’t looking for want to spend opportunities to match the time at school but school’s needs do it for their kids. with what you Be honest about have to offer. the kind of parent Do your best not to criticize you are. parents who are less committed to volunteering than you.

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time at school, acknowledge that your child could benefit from seeing you at school once in a while whether you enjoy volunteering or not. Break the school year up into three parts and try to pitch in to help or chaperone at least once each season. Don’t forget to get your spouse involved. Two reasonably involved parents are better than none. And don’t feel guilty about not being a parenting association volunteer. There are plenty of ways to contribute that don’t funnel through the PTA. Give money to financially support the programs of the PTA, if you can swing it. Then go to your child’s teacher when looking for ways to contribute.

Parents who invest energy cheerfully and proactively in their child’s school, set a great example for their kids. c atlantaparent.com

SCHOOL TOOLS:

Getting Organized to Avoid Mayhem

by Dalia Faupel

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as the new school year begins – from establishing morning routines to handling piles of paperwork. How to keep the chaos under control?

We asked the experts.

COMMAND CENTRAL Kim Friedman of Nest, a professional organizing company based in Roswell, says that the most important thing to do before school starts is to set up a central station for incoming papers, pending projects, and homework materials.

“Have a home for all that paper,” says Friedman. “The more paper we see, the more overwhelmed we feel. Things start to fall through the cracks.” Read it, mark necessary information on a calendar or planner, and put the paper away. Assign a folder or accordion file section for everything, she says, including schoolwork, extra-curricular activities and forms that need to go back to school.

Putting papers away also keeps them clean, especially if they’re items you’ll want to display at a later date.

Professional organizer Stephanie Christopoulos (organizedchick. com) of Snellville says that the kitchen is an ideal place to set up a “command center” for school materials. Her school paper tracking method uses a 12-section accordion folder with enough space for artwork and important papers, divided by months of the school year.

She also dedicates pockets for her 6-year-old daughter’s school directory, awards, and miscellaneous items.

On her refrigerator, she uses a magnetized folder for holding papers that need to be returned. She assigns the responsibility for putting them there to her daughter, and advises client families to give their kids this task as well.

For housing items with return dates, like library books, Friedman uses a basket or plastic bin. “Keeping them together means nothing gets lost in the house, and you can keep it portable for easy car transfer,” she says. atlantaparent.com

Stephanie Christopoulos’ school paper tracking method

uses a 12-section accordion folder with enough space for artwork and important papers, divided by months of the school year.

SUNDAY START Both Friedman and Christopoulos advise taking time on a weekend day to plan for the coming week. On Sundays, Friedman prints out the week’s lunch menus and together with her 8-year-old son, they choose the bring/buy days for that week, and then post it in their pantry. They also check the weather and choose school day outfits, placing them in an organizer for easy access.

Christopoulos prepares for the week on Sunday as well, portioning school snacks and placing them in a pantry bin for grab-and-go ease.

She and her daughter also go through papers that didn’t get attention during the school week. On a particularly busy weekend, she suggests setting an early alarm for Monday and tackling that prep work then.

Tracy Coney, a North Atlanta professional organizer (powerovermyspace.com) recommends clients make a weekly appointment to handle paperwork. “Create a pattern of organization and you’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish quickly,” she says.

Back to School

Cont’d on page 26

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 25

Getting Organized to Avoid Mayhem HABIT FORMING Friedman works with families based on their existing habits. Think about where the kids take off their shoes and dump backpacks to determine the best places to store them. Maybe backpacks get hooks in the garage instead of an interior closet, based on typical house entry. Whatever the routine for packing/unpacking, Friedman says it should start before school does to cement the habits of putting shoes “here” and hanging jackets “there.”

Establishing a morning routine is also key to a smooth school day, Friedman says. “Delegate that to the kids,” she advises. Younger kids can use a laminated list to check off tasks like brushing teeth and filling their water bottle.

Setting a smartphone alarm, or even using a kitchen timer can keep drowsy breakfast eaters on track without drama. Allot, for example, 15 minutes for dressing and 15 minutes for eating breakfast.

Reward kids for keeping up helpful organization habits, Friedman says, with small toys or a chance to choose a family meal or activity.

TRASH OR TREASURE “Keepsakes belong to the first-time event,” Coney says.

There’s a first time for a citizen of the week award and a 100 test grade. “We don’t need to keep them all, every school year.” She recommends weekly check-and-clear maintenance – no more than 10 minutes – on command center folders, and slipping “keepers” into a binder with plastic sheet protectors.

Friedman prefers to display select artwork and awards in a dedicated space. When new work comes home, she transfers older pieces to an art drawer. At the end of the year, she and her son go through it and decide what to keep. “Looking at it all at once, you can tell what’s special and what can be tossed,” she says.

Have a home for all that paper.

The more paper we see, the more overwhelmed we feel. Things start to fall through the cracks.

Kim Friedman

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26 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Back to School

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Your School Supplies The kids have their No. 2 pencils and lunchboxes for school, but don’t forget materials you’ll need to keep order at home!

The organizers we interviewed consider these must-haves for school year sanity.

HOMEWORK Homework time! If you haven’t gone through saved papers from the previous school year, do it with your kids before meet-the-teacher time.

Go through closets to pull outgrown items, and separate school clothes from the tutus and cowboy hats, making sure your kids know what’s what. “The last thing you want to do at 7 a.m. is fight with a 6-year-old about their clothes,” Coney points out.

Shop for your own school supplies (see our suggested list) and get your command station ready. Establish easily accessible areas for expected papers, projects and school gear. No parent wants to be late because they’re searching for a show-and-tell item or a permission slip.

And share responsibility for keeping organization on track at home.

“Talk with your kids and plan being organized together,” Christopoulos says. “When they start pitching in, it’s easier for everyone!” c

atlantaparent.com

n Write-in planner or smartphone calendar app n Caddy of common supplies: pens, pencils, calculator, ruler, stapler n Magazine holders to store supplies vertically on a counter n Accordion file (scrapbook size) or individual folders n Three-ring binders with clear sheet protectors n Banker’s boxes or shoe box size containers for long-term projects or library books

Keepsakes belong to the first-time event.

We don’t need to keep them all, every school year.

Tracy Coney

Back to School

n Sweater holder or day of the week organizer for kids’ clothes n Zip top bags for Box Tops, memory sticks, glue sticks n Command hooks for hanging backpacks, jackets, sports bags n Bulletin board or dry erase board for family calendar

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 27

Let’s Do LUNCH!

Pack It & Snack It Choosing back-to-school lunch gear is never easy – it has to be kid-pleasing, but not budgetbusting, and functional as well. Snack foods have to please all, too, with kid-approved flavor but healthy nutrition moms and dads require.

Atlanta Parent magazine’s staff, contributors and Parent Advisory Board (PAB) members were up to the challenge. On a recent evening in the Whole Foods Market Buckhead’s café, we tasted and tested good-for-you snacks and new lunch gear that should win over the pickiest of kids and delight their grown-ups.

Read about our fave picks for healthier snacks and the gear that rose above the rest.

Gear Up

Visit atlantaparent.com/ deals for AP reader discounts on our back-to-school gear picks!

n Mamoo Kids Rover red toddler backpack, $29, mamookids.com While not specifically a lunch bag, it’s roomy inside space, easy magnetic clasp and adorable design make this a standout option for brown (or red!) bagging. Plus, it’s machine washable.

Ayanna Hawkins, PAB: “I love the design and magnetic closure.”

n Packit Freezable Lunch Bag, $19.99, packit.com and Bed, Bath & Beyond

n Milkdot Stoh Lunch Tote Striped Collection, $27, milkdot.com

A cool idea: a soft-sided freezable lunch bag that keeps foods cold for about 10 hours. It folds flat when not in use so it takes up very little freezer space.

Rebecca Leffler, AP Contributor: “I love that it keeps things cold for several hours and folds flat for backpack stashing and home storage.”

28 Atlanta Parent August 2014

A lightweight, handily handled lunch tote with organization pockets inside and out has a water-repellant exterior and wipes clean inside.

Meredith Snellings, PAB: “Nice handle!

The shape and size make it easy to pull out of a backpack and carry.”

Back to School

atlantaparent.com

n I See Me Personalized Tin Lunchbox, $29.95, iseeme.com Tin (no lead) lunchboxes with your kid’s name displayed on multiple sides makes bringing lunch a lot more special. A chalkboard lining the lid is the perfect spot for notes from home.

Rebecca Leffler, AP Contributor: “These remind me of lunchboxes when I was a kid – really cute! I love that it can be personalized and the chalkboard on the inside!”

n Eco Vessel Smashbox Collapsible Lunch Box, Single Compartment $16.95, Double Compartment $19.95, ecovessel.com Any foods can go inside the collapsible container that’s dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe. A multi-use spork fits into the lid, and it folds down to a compact size.

Melissa Williams, PAB: “Love that you can collapse it for storage or smaller snacks. It’s like a two-in-one!”

n Eco Lunch Gear Sandwich Wrap and Bag, Wrap $10.50, Snack Bag $10.50, ecolunchgear.com Lined to keep food fresh, these 100 percent cotton reusable food huggers are machine washable and a good-looking green alternative to plastic baggies.

Alicia Garcia, PAB: “Adorable and functional.”

n Beatrix NY Cozy Can, $22.50, beatrixny.com They look like sodas, but these stainless steel insulated cans hold water or whatever healthy drink you pour, plus the lid holds a built-in straw.

Melissa Williams, PAB: “My kids would love to drink out of this.”

n Booginhead Pack‘Ems, $9.99, booginhead.com, Walmart and other retailers Reusable food bags with Velcro Press-Lok closure keep everything clean on the go, and the stand-up, expanding bottoms make it easy to stuff in snacks and sandwiches.

Dalia Faupel, AP Associate Editor: “I love how they stand up for easy filling and they stayed closed, even in a messy bag.”

n Contigo Autospout Striker Kids Water Bottle, $10.99, gocontigo.com, Target and other retailers

n ECOlunchbox Blue Water Splashbox with Cotton Carrying Bag, Splash Box $22.50, Bag $16, ecolunchboxes.com

A ready-for-anything water bottle has a protective spout cover to keep it clean, plus a one-touch lid pops up for onehanded straw drinking. It’s even spill proof with the spout open.

Meredith Snellings, PAB: “My son would go bananas for this one, plus it has a great spout to keep germs out.”

n Nalgene On the Fly Kids Water Bottle, $10, Target and REI

An embossed (for good grip) silicon leak-free lid covers a stainless steel lunch compartment.

The 100 percent cotton carry bags have sturdy cord handles and are machine washable.

Designs connect the purpose of no plastic: to protect our oceans.

Alicia Garcia, PAB: “I’ll take it now! It’s easy to open and clean, leak-proof, cute, and I love the coordinating bag.”

atlantaparent.com

A durable, easy-to-clean water bottle for little hands has a smooth-operating drinking spout, locking, leak-proof cap and designs with kid appeal.

Kim Curnutt, PAB: “This would really get my son interested in drinking more water.”

Back to School

Cont’d on page 30

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 29

New Healthier Snacks

Kids love a treat for lunch, but many moms want something that has more nutrition than Oreos. We found several healthy choices that meet the taste-test. n Bitsy’s Brainfood Smart Snacks, $2.99/box, Whole Foods Tasty letter shapes made with whole grains, fruits and veggies come in combos like Lemon Broccoli and Orange Chocolate Beet. They don’t hide their healthy side! Go online for kid nutrition games and coloring pages.

Tenisha Bell, PAB: “I love that they’re tasty, educational and have great nutritional value.”

Decatur 404-828-0810 134 New Street, Decatur 30030 East Point 1460 East Cleveland Avenue, East Point 30344 404-768-2111 Ask about The Green School Elementary Program at East Point For more information, call 404-768-2111 or visit www.LittleLinguistsPreschool.com

n Surf Sweets Gummy Bears, $2.19 per bag, Whole Foods Who doesn’t love gummies? These bright bears have 100 percent Vitamin C per serving and are made with organic fruit juice and natural flavors and colorings.

Caren Lightfoot, PAB: “It’s great that they don’t use artificial sweeteners or colors and they’re not too sweet.”

A healthy alternative for chip lovers, it’s packed with protein, contains no artificial colors or flavors and marries sharp cheddar flavor with supergrain quinoa’s nutty taste.

Ayanna Hawkins, PAB: “They’re flavorful and made with quinoa. I’d buy immediately.”

n Gnu Foods FiberLove Bars, $1.69, Whole Foods A chewy, filling bar with 12g of fiber, whole grains and a moist texture comes in flavors from fruity (Banana Walnut, Apple Cobbler) to fudgy. Sugar content stays moderate even in Peanut Butter Chip and Blondie.

Laura Powell, AP Associate Publisher: “The banana one is delicious. It doesn’t taste like a high fiber bar.”

n GoPicnic, $2.99 each, Target and gopicnic.com GoPicnic ready-to-eat snacks are each under 300 calories and come cutely boxed for an occasional weekday treat. Choices like black bean dip, hummus and accompanying crackers or flats need no refrigeration and have no artificial ingredients.

Jordan Lisvosky, AP Special Events: “These are healthy snacks in a fun package. They’d be great for a field trip day.”

n Krave Basil Citrus Turkey Jerky, $3.49 per 1.5 oz. bag, Target, Cost Plus World Market A soft, tangy jerky made from turkey and natural ingredients is a high protein snack food with bite! A strong snack alternative to deli meats, it requires no refrigeration to stay fresh.

Monica Scott, AP Intern: “This has amazing flavor and is fresh tasting.”

30 Atlanta Parent August 2014

n Simply 7 Cheddar Quinoa Chips, $3.19, Whole Foods and Goodness Grocery

Back to School

n KIND Healthy Grains Clusters, $5.99 per bag, Whole Foods and Target A version of granola is a big source of fiber and whole grains (oats, millet, amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa) that’s a solid pick for dry snacking or a crunchy, nottoo-sweet topper for yogurt.

Andrea Neiman, PAB: “It’s a yummy, multi-purpose healthy option.”

n Honest Tea Lemonades, $2.49, exclusive to Whole Foods Refreshing lemonades made with natural ingredients and flavored with mango, berry and lime are sweet to sip, but low on sugar compared to similar drinks Kim Curnutt, PAB: “Not too sweet, great alternative sugarwise.”

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Tried and True n GoGo squeez Applesauce on the Go, $2.59 for a 4-pack, Publix, Kroger and other retailers Applesauces – straight or paired with other fruit friends – in resealable pouches make it simple to squeeze in another serving of fruit.

Andrea Neiman, PAB: “These are a great to-go snack pick.”

n 365 Everyday Value Organic Fruit Strips, $0.59 each, Whole Foods Individually wrapped not-toosticky fruit leathers made with organic fruits and juices hit the sweet spot in flavors like strawberry, cranberry and blueberry.

Marteeta Spradling, AP Contributor: “These have great fruit taste and seem to be a healthy option for a sweeter snack.”

n Lifeway ProBugs Organic Whole Milk Kefir, $5.99 for 4-pack, Whole Foods and Kroger

Visit atlantaparent.com/ backtoschool for quick check-off school notes for transportation changes and more, plus lunchbox messages for making kids’ school day sweeter.

The classic healthy snack is a school day staple. Cheesy baked puffs of rice and corn are portable and poppable. Pirate shapes (anchors and ship steering wheels) come in the new Crunchy Treasures version.

Tenisha Bell, PAB: “Love that it’s a healthy and a light snack with a satisfying crunch.”

n Florida’s Natural Organic Nuggets, $4.99 box of 10 pouches, Whole Foods and Target Fruit snacks made with real organic fruit get high marks for taste, not too much sweetness, and “chewability.”

Stacy Harris, PAB: “They’re chewy, fun and not overly sweet.” c

Bright, grippable pouches with no-spill spouts house tasty kefir. Flavors like the tart (yet sweet) Goo-berry Pie are filled with good bacteria for tummy health.

Caren Lightfoot, PAB: “It’s a good tasting probiotic, and the packaging is fun.”

Atlanta Parent makes going back to school easier with free time-saving printables!

n Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar Snacks, $3.29, 4-oz. bag, Most grocery retailers

Find Out How YOUR Child can be a

PEACHTREE PARK PREP GRADUATE

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool Kindergarten • 1st Grade • Scholars Private Preschool Education

~ Loving to Learn at PPP ~

JOHNS CREEK CAMPUS 9670 Ventana Way Johns Creek 30022 770-497-6680 (Off Medlock Bridge)

ALPHARETTA CAMPUS 225 Park Bridge Parkway Alpharetta 30005 770-667-8854 (Off Old Milton Parkway)

www.peachtreeparkprep.com

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Back to School

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 31

Spotlight on

Education

Country Brook and Covered Bridge Montessori Schools

C

ountry Brook and Covered Bridge Montessori Schools are among the longest operating Montessori programs in the Atlanta area. Established in 1981, Covered Bridge Montessori’s two campuses serve children from 14 months to 9 years of age in Smyrna and its neighboring communities. Operating since 1988, Country Brook Montessori School welcomes children 18 months to 9 years of age from Norcross and the surrounding areas.

Now under new ownership, all three campuses are continuing the Montessori legacy that has successfully served so many children during the past 30+ years. Affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS), all students are provided a true Montessori school experience in classrooms specially prepared with Montessori designed materials and under the guidance of experienced and dedicated Montessori trained teachers.

For more information about Country Brook and Covered Bridge Montessori Schools, visit our websites at www.countrybrookmontessori.com or www. coveredbridgemontessori.com. Better yet…pick up the phone, give us a call, and schedule an appointment today.

770-446-2397 (Norcross) or 770-434-3181 (Smyrna)

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs & Montessori at Vickery

M

ontessori Academy at Sharon Springs and Montessori at Vickery provide a comprehensive Montessori method of education resulting from, an integration of research on development, learning, curriculum, and teaching. Children 18 months-15 years experience the rich and rewarding Montessori education. We offer two campus locations in Cumming, serving Forsyth County and nearby Alpharetta and Duluth.

The curriculum offers children a carefully prepared environment rich in learning materials and experiences.

Students are grouped in mixed-age classrooms that allow students to interact on a variety of levels. The teacher is a facilitator in the learning process. Through careful observation and guidance, children are directed toward meaningful activity, which helps them discover and develop their own interests and abilities.

The school is proud to offer a high quality individualized Montessori education experience, focused on fostering independence combined with a sense of community and global awareness, in each and every child. Please visit www. montessoriacademygeorgia.com to learn more or stop by for a tour!

32 Atlanta Parent August 2014

McGinnis Woods Country Day School

M

cGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle Grades Education. The school is located in Alpharetta on the border of Forsyth and North Fulton counties. The Preschool accepts children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School has top accreditations, including GAC, SACS and NAEYC. It is also a member of the Georgia Independent School Association.

The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the Passion to excel. This goal is accomplished by providing superior hands-on academics fostering self-confidence, self-esteem, and inspiring a love of learning. Classes with low student-teacher ratios, provide for frequent one-on-one learning. Superior educational resources are implemented to maximize the classroom experience of our diverse student population. Frequent guest speakers, monthly field trips and community service round out the curriculum. Use of Interactive technologies, an emphasis on STEM and hands-on learning activities bring the rigorous curriculum to life.

Competitive Sports and Robotics teams train year round. After school programs and clubs are also available.

Please visit www.mcginniswoods.org to learn more. Tours are available upon request.

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy

M

t. Bethel Christian Academy, a private Christ-centered school in East Cobb, is pleased to announce the opening of their new upper school this August 2014.

“The addition of our upper school completes the original vision of our founders, to provide a rigorous, college-preparatory education for students in grades K-12 rooted in a Christian worldview.” said Jim Callis, Head of School. Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is the only such school in East Cobb County. Freshmen enrollment is now open with an additional grade to be added each year.

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy opened in 1998 and holds dual accreditation with SACS and SAIS. For more information about the school, visit mtbethelchristian.org.

The lower and middle school campus is located at 4385 Lower Roswell Road and the upper school campus is located at 2509 Post Oak Tritt Road, Marietta, GA. Bus service is available to both locations.

Special Advertising Section

atlantaparent.com

12 Tips for Getting Out the Door in Good Spirits

by Rachael Nevins

Getting ready on school mornings takes patience, endurance and sometimes even heroic effort. If you are dreading the start to each day, here are some ways to get out the door without rushing – and maybe even with a smile.

1 2 3 4

Do as much as you can the night before. Imagine the relief of waking with some of the morning’s work already done! Of course, evenings are busy, too, so combine preparations for the morning with the tasks you already do at night. Pack lunches as you make dinner, set the table for breakfast as you clear the table after dinner, and help your children choose and lay out clothing for the next day as they get ready for bed.

Make sleep a priority. Instead of hitting the snooze button again and again in the mornings, do what it takes to get to bed earlier. To truly commit to an earlier and consistent bedtime, you and your family might need to give up other commitments. In return, your family’s immune systems, metabolism, memory, and ability to learn will improve.

Wake up before the kids. Giving yourself even just 10 minutes to do something for yourself can help you respond to your children with equanimity later on. Use the time to take a shower and get dressed. Brew some coffee. Read.

Meditate. Or write the day’s to-do list. You wake up more easily if you begin the day by treating yourself.

Rely on a routine. The predictability of a routine may be especially comforting for small children, but don’t discount its benefits to you and your older children. With a routine, you will have fewer decisions to make and will be less likely to begin the day overwhelmed. Also, if you follow the same order of operations every morning, you will find a rhythm that helps you meet the varied needs of your children, especially if they wake up at different times.

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5 6 7

Change a routine that isn’t working. Tweak your routine until you find the best flow. And don’t be afraid of making big changes. See what happens if you eat breakfast in your pajamas, for example, even if you’ve been getting dressed first for years.

Have a schedule. Set some benchmarks to help you keep your family on track. Know at what times everyone needs to be dressed, breakfast needs to be finished, and teeth need to be brushed. Be sure to base the schedule not on wishful thinking, but on the time it actually takes to do things, especially if you have young children.

Eat a simple sit-down breakfast together. Plenty of nutritious foods require little to no preparation: whole wheat cereals or toast, nuts and peanut butter, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, cheese and fruit. If you want a hot breakfast, try making oatmeal from steel-cut oats overnight in a slow cooker. After a healthful breakfast, you and your family will be more alert and able to concentrate better throughout the day.

Back to School

Cont’d on page 34

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 33

12 Tips for Getting Out the Door in Good Spirits

8 9

&

COUNTRY BROOK COVERED BRIDGE MONTESSORI SCHOOLS Building Foundations for a Strong Future

Credentialed and Experienced Montessori Teachers

10

 Toddler, Primary & Lower Elementary Programs  Before & After School Programs (year around)  ONE Norcross and TWO Smyrna Campuses NORCROSS

 AMS Affiliated & GAC Accredited

2175 N. Norcross-Tucker Rd. Norcross 30071 770-446-2397 countrybrookmontessori.com

3941 Covered Bridge Place Smyrna 30082 770-434-3181 coveredbridgemontessori.com

SMYRNA

488 Hurt Rd. Smyrna 30082 770-801-8292 coveredbridgemontessori.com

12

ing r e t gis

Re The mission of The Bedford School is to maximize the potential of students with learning differences and develop foundations for success.

770-774-8001

5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn www.thebedfordschool.org

34 Atlanta Parent August 2014

11

FALL 2014 GRADES 4-8

Academic Excellence Caring School Climate Small Classes 400 nptehr $

mo

4344 Danforth Road SW Atlanta 30331 (Cascade Area)

www.scienceartacademy.org 404-914-6809

Back to School

Listen to music. In fact, ban all other media. Watching TV or checking email on your phone can distract you from priorities and listening to the news on TV or radio can be distressing. Listening to music has been shown to reduce stress.

Teach the children to pitch in. With clear instructions and gentle guidance, even 2-year-olds can help put things away. Preschoolers can make their own beds and clear the table. Older children can set the table and pack their own lunches.

Mornings will go more smoothly, and your children will learn that caring for the home is everyone’s job.

When things go wrong, breathe. Your kids are stalling or goofing off, you can’t find a matching pair of socks, and you’ve burned all the toast. Your body might interpret this situation as an emergency and go in to fight-or-flight mode, flooding the body with stress hormones.

Pause and take a few deep breaths to fill your body with oxygen and help you to relax by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

The beds are unmade, the pajamas are on the floor, and only five minutes remain before you really must head out. Although it’s good to be in the habit of cleaning up after yourself, it’s even better for you and your family to be dressed, fed, and ready on time.

Everything else can wait until later.

Finally, remember that being late doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person. Most of us are going to be tardy at least once in a while. There will be mornings when you sleep through your alarm, homework goes missing, or the baby has a blow-out diaper just as you are about to leave. Of course, chronic lateness requires some selfexamination; perhaps you should be getting up earlier or doing more the night before. If you find yourself running late, take a moment for three deep breaths. Then, just complete the next task you need to do to get ready. c

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Spotlight on

Education

Mount Pisgah Christian School

Peachtree Park Prep

rom preschool to graduation, Pisgah provides an experience that develops students who are truly prepared for college and ready for life. Graduates are well-prepared for the country’s most challenging colleges. Recent graduates were accepted to the nation’s top universities including Princeton, Cornell, Davidson, Dartmouth, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and more. More than 90% of Pisgah graduates were accepted to their college of first choice.

Exceptional extracurricular programs are a Pisgah trademark. Students participate in highly successful, championship athletic programs, with coaches who develop the complete student-athlete: mind, body and spirit. Superb Fine Arts are offered for all students preschool through twelfth grade, providing unique opportunities for exploration and creative self-expression. Students are given the opportunity to explore their faith through spiritual retreats, Chapel, Bible courses, leadership/mentor opportunities, and mission trips.

The Pisgah Experience - a clear vision and purpose with a strong sense of community built around families. Pisgah’s Admissions team invites you to visit. Mount Pisgah Christian School, 9820 Nesbit Ferry Road, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022.

678-336-3443. experiencepisgah.org

eachtree Park Prep is proud to be celebrating the 19th anniversary of serving families of North Fulton & Gwinnett Counties for Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade private education. The Primary Program of Peachtree Park Prep is located in conjunction with the privately owned preschool facility at the Alpharetta campus off Old Milton Parkway at Park Bridge.

The students of PPP, both preschool and primary, are exposed to an advanced level of curriculum objectives which has resulted in the placement of students throughout Atlanta’s top private school institutions.

Beginning each school year in First Grade text books and objectives for the Kindergarten students and continuing inSecond Grade level text materials for the First Grade students, places students of PPP, through ITBS national standardized testing result data, into the top percentile rankings and Grade Equivalencies ranging into Third Grade levels.

The advanced curriculum is enhanced by specialty instruction in Art, Music, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Computer, and Physical Education. Combining high academic standards with an outstanding faculty and administrative staff, Peachtree Park Prep is the hallmark of early private education.

PPP offers care and private preparatory education from 6 weeks through First Grade, After School, and Summer Day Camp. Johns Creek Campus 770-497-6680/Alpharetta Campus 770-667-8854. Find out how your child can be a Peachtree Park Prep graduate! www.peachtreeparkprep.com

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P

Special Advertising Section

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Back to School

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 35

French Classes

kids

For Adults & Children

Saturday

activity guide

Paris?

in

REGISTER

for Classes Online NOW! Saturday Program

18 months - 12 yrs. • Buckhead location at the Atlanta International School

Bébé et Moi (Baby and Me)

Enrich your child’s mind and life with extracurricular activities. In our Kids Activity Guide, you’ll find listings for a variety of programs including acting, dance, music and sports.

ages 18 - 36 months

Open House: Aug 23 9:30 - noon

Special Advertising Section

Acting The Actor’s Scene Register Online at:

www.frenchschoolatlanta.org or call

770-634-6228

Fun begins with Fencing

Calling all Beginners!

Let us introduce you to the coolest Olympic sport around!

SUMMER CAMPS • (ages 7-10) FENCING IS FUN! PROGRAM (ages 5-7; 8-10; 11-13) TRY IT CLASS • (ages 5 + up) COMPETITIVE START PROGRAM (ages 5 + up) $25 discount code for Summer Camps and Fencing is Fun is 546

Training Champions of all Ages REGISTER NOW!

All programs under the direction of U.S. Olympic Coach, Maestro Arkady Burdan

1530 Carroll Dr. NW Atlanta 30318 (404) 603-3600 www.nellyafencers.com

36 Atlanta Parent August 2014

www.theactorsscene.com

An award winning acting studio for ages 4-101 providing on-camera acting classes while focusing on improving confidence and self-esteem. Also provides Life Skills Communication classes and events for talent agency placement.770-904-6646.

Creative Studios of Atlanta www.csatl.com

CSA is the premier school for actors and their families who want to hone their talents and business skills for working in Film/TV/Commercials and Voice Over.

Classes for all ages. Actors on a career path are invited to audition for our CSA Film Academy. 2 locations: Atlantic Station and downtown Alpharetta. 404355-4588.

Art Little Inklings Art & Drama Classes www.thebridgeatl.org

Art & Drama Classes for Ages 4-16 years.

Mommy & Me Classes. Ages 6 months-3 years. Resources for children with special needs. Register Now for 20% off your first 10-Week Session. 404-875-1211.

Dance Dance and Arts Showcase www.danceandarts.com

47 years in Dance Excellence, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Piano & Guitar. Ages 2 to Adult. 2861 Henderson Mill Rd. Open House. Aug. 2 & 3 , 10 to 4 P.M. Call 770-934-5010 to sign up for Fall classes.

Lee Harper Studios www.leeharperanddancers.com Excellent dance instruction. Ages 3 and up. Creative movement, Pre-Ballet, Modern, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Tap. Over 35 years experience. “Lexus Leader of the Arts.” 3080 East Shadowlawn Ave., Atlanta. 404-364-9555.

Moving in the Spirit

www.movinginthespirit.org

Dynamic classes focused on Modern Dance, Creative Movement, Choreography and Leadership Training.

Ages 3-18. Open House August 23, 11 AM-1 PM at 750 Glenwood Ave Atlanta.

404-624-5295.

Educational Enrichment Big Thinkers Science Exploration

Vinings School of Art

www.viningsschoolofart.com

ALL 1-hr. classes ages 2-14 are $15 or less. FINE ARTS: Drawing, painting, sculpture-making, clay. SPANISH (6 levels). DRAMATIC ARTS: kids develop own characters. MUSIC: 1-hr group piano. 678-213-4278.

www.big-thinkers.com

At Big Thinkers, we are excited about science and are experts at making it fun for children! We offer afterschool programs, in-school field trips, preschool classes, camps, special events and birthday parties. It’s so much fun, that you’ll forget that you’re learning! atlantaparent.com

Unity Learning Network

www.unitylearningacademy.com

Kid Chess

www.kidchess.com

Kid Chess is the most popular after-school program in metro Atlanta where children improve skills such as focus, critical thinking, decision-making, concentration, memory and planning. Chess makes you smart and Kid Chess makes it fun. Kid-friendly coaches provide engaging and fun lessons, and utilize professionally-produced cartoons containing entertaining additional instruction. 770-5755802.

Robotic Explorers

K-6th Afterschool Kids University. We offer “STEAM” Classes to include Lego Robotics, Singapore Math, Science Labs, Piano/Strings, Game Design, Chess and Adv. Tutoring. School Pick Up, Evening Classes, 2 Locations: Servicing City of Decatur, DeKalb & Rockdale Counties. 678-753-5192.

Ecole Du Samedi www.frenchschoolatlanta.org French classes for children 18 months 12 years every Saturday, on the campus of the Atlanta International School in Buckhead. For information visit the web site or call Marc Mallet 770-634-6228.

Horseback Riding Fruition Farm

www.FruitionFarm.com

Horseback riding lessons for children ages 4 and up. Fruition Farm offers lessons, trail rides, pony parties and story time through our two locations in Vinings and Fairburn. 404-512-0834.

www.roboticexplorers.com

Robotic Explorers offers fun, interactive, high-quality enrichment to help students from preschool to high school develop science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills through robotics-based afterschool programs, in-school enrichment, customized workshops, summer camps birthday parties, and competitions. Visit our website at roboticsexplorers.com or contact us at 770772-6622.

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Language Alliance Française d’Atlanta

Music

www.afatl.com

Atlanta Boy Choir

French classes for all ages: Bébé Alliance toddlers 12-24 months & 24 to 36 months| Petite Alliance Ages 4-6 | After school program K through 4 | Saturday youth program ages 7-16 | Midtown & Roswell locations. 404-875-1211.

The Atlanta Boy Choir now in its 57th season, under the direction of Maestro Fletcher Wolfe, is now auditioning for its 2014-2015 season. Wanted: Boys ages 6-13 who love to sing. 404-378-0064.

atlantaboychoir.org

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 37

kids activity guide

European School of Music and Chess Euroschoolmusic.org

Program “Beyond Tutoring…Improving Academics!” Our method of teaching piano, violin, cello, guitar, saxophone, drums, voice, language, math, chess etc. significantly develops musical and intellectual abilities, focus, attention – all of which help students to reach their full academic potential. Buckhead/Sandy Springs. 404-255-8382.

The Music Class

www.themusicclass.com/atlanta

Rob Sayer’s fun filled classes of singing, dancing, movement and instrument play. Parents learn how to enrich their child’s music environment, increase music potential and understand music development. Ages birth - six years. Over 150 classes offered metro-wide. Buckhead, Intown Kirkwood, Sandy Springs, Historic Roswell, Toco Hills, Woodstock, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, East Cobb, Smyrna, Suwanee. 770-645-5578.

Music Classes at Callanwolde www.callanwolde.org/music

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center offers music classes for children of all ages. Private and group lessons available. Located in Druid Hills at 980 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. To register, call 404-872-5338.

Scouting Cub Scouts

Dance Classes & Leadership Training Ages 3 - 18 Boys & Girls, All Levels

www.atlantabsa.org/cubscouts

Cub Scouts is a fun, educational, family based program that gets your kids outdoors with their friends. Visit www.atlantabsa. org/cubscouts or call 678-269-7775 to find out more today.

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta www.GirlScoutsAtl.org

Have you ever felt so excited that you just can’t wait? Start the fun now with Girl Scouts. Get started today. Call 770-7029100.

Sports Nellya Fencers

www.nellyafencers.com

Fun begins with fencing! Let us introduce you to the coolest Olympic sport around!

Ages 5 & up. 1530 Carroll Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-603-3600.

38 Atlanta Parent August 2014

atlantaparent.com

Spotlight: Activity Guide Dance and Arts Showcase

Ecole du Samedi

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Little Inklings Art & Drama Classes

ave you ever felt so excited that you just can’t wait?

Start the fun now with Girl Scouts.

At Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, girls are always counting down to the next adventure. Maybe it’s artistic.

Maybe it’s an experiment.

Maybe it’s getting outside or helping the community. With Girl Scouts, you’ll make a lot of new friends and have a ton of new experiences that show you how exciting the world is, and how awesome you are, over and over again.

Girl Scouts opens the doors to truly enriching experiences where girls can develop values and skills to help them discover their own potential. We are the largest national organization dedicated solely to girls—all girls—where, in a diverse, inclusive, accepting and nurturing environment, girls build skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

So what are you waiting for? Learn more by visiting GirlScoutsAtl.org or call 770.702.9100. Get started today!

nowing that not all parents need full time care, The Bridge School Atlanta presents Little Inklings enrichment classes for children as young as six months and up to 16.

These ten-week classes are focused on creativity while simultaneously meeting sensory development and social interaction needs.

The enrichment classes are the passion of school director Whitney Fahner. She has been teaching art and drama to children for more than a decade and is excited to provide a platform for childhood creativity in East Atlanta. It is also the heart of The Bridge School to provide much-needed resources for children with special needs. Little Inklings classes aim to provide an integrated environment of typical and special needs kids. The Bridge School Atlanta was founded by four women committed to meeting the childcare needs of their East Atlanta neighborhoods. The founders themselves are a group of moms dedicated to developing community-driven lifelong learners of all abilities. For more information about The Bridge School Atlanta’s 2014 fall class schedule, please visit www.thebridgeatl.org or call 770-580-3008.

D

ance and Arts Showcase offers an exciting array of classes including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Piano, Guitar, Middle Eastern, Karate, Hip Hop and Ballroom. Classes are offered for ages 2-adult.

They offer an outstanding Broadway Dance Recital at the Gwinnett Civic Center.

Jean Shapiro, director and owner, is a native Atlantan and has been teaching dance and gym classes for 45 years.

She was the principal dancer of The Atlanta Playhouse Theatre, and produced-directed her own original T.V. show called “Exercise And Health” which won a cable award.

Winner of The Golden Peach Award for Best Teacher-Director of The Georgia Tech Ballet Club and listed in the World Of Who’s Who Of Women, she has dedicated her life to helping children and adults learn beauty through the art of dance.

Dance and Arts Showcase teachers are experienced, wellqualified and share a wonderful teacher-student relationship.

Dance and Arts Showcase can come to your daycare center and teach there.To sign up for fall classes, register online at www.danceandarts.com or call 770-934-5010.

2861 Henderson Mill Rd., near Northlake Mall.Open Houses: August 2 & 3, Chamblee; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

H

atlantaparent.com

A

t Ecole du Samedi, children and adults benefit from a Frenchspeaking environment and an enriching French immersion program.

Literally a ‘School on Saturday’, classes are held Saturday mornings 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for children ages 18 months - 12 years. All classes are taught by experienced teachers, and the school year lasts 30 Saturdays. Ecole du Samedi offers a native and a nonnative track. The following classes are offered for non-native speakers: Preschool, Kindergarten, Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. The native track follows the curriculum of the French “Education Nationale.” French language is taught through games, rhymes, arts and crafts, songs and stories. Children also acquire foundations in vocabulary and grammar. Students can also prepare for the DELF exam offered by the French Ministry of Education.

You are invited to an Open House on August 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You can also register for classes on the web site www.frenchschoolatlanta.org. Pricing for classes varies by program, and discounts are available for enrolling multiple children. Ecole du Samedi is located in Buckhead on the campus of the Atlanta International School, 2890 North Fulton Dr., Atlanta, GA 30305. For more information, call 770-634-6228 or e-mail michel@ecoledusamedi.org.

K

[Special Education Guide ] Advertising Section

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 39

Dance & Arts Showcase

UT F U N IN & O L OF SCHOO

kids activity

Ages 3-12

guide

Ages Two-Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar • Adult Ballet & Tap

Sign Up Now for Fall Classes!

OPEN HOUSE

AUGUST 2 & 3: 10am-4pm

770-934-5010 www.danceandarts.com

Chamblee/Tucker - 2861 Henderson Mill Rd.

10 OFF

$

REGISTRATION FEE Must mention this ad. Expires 10/1/14

SwimAtlanta

www.swimatlanta.com

We have FUN down to a science!

 Workshops!  Shows  Parents Night Out!  Scout Programs!  Festivals!  Much More!

SwimAtlanta delivers proven swimming instruction – enhanced by a competitive perspective – to metro Atlanta’s children and adults. Private, semi-private, and small-group lessons are offered for ages 6 months and up.

Five metro locations.

678-392-1500

Big-Thinkers.com

Tutoring Kumon

kumon.com

LEE HARPER STUDIOS Home of

Lee Harper & Dancers and Lee Harper & Dancers II, a children’s dance company

35 Years of Teaching and Performing in Atlanta

Now Registering for the 2014 School Year

Ages 3 - Adult Creative Movement • Modern Ballet •Pointe • Tap Call for class schedule & registration package

404-364-9555

3080 E. Shadowlawn • Buckhead between Peachtree & E. Paces Ferry

leeharperanddancers.com

Kumon is the world’s largest after-school learning program for children in pre-school through high school. Visit website for more information.

Ladder Learning Services www.atlantareads.org

1:1 in-home tutoring in Metro Atlanta.

Specialists in Orton-Gillingham, Handwriting Without Tears, multisensory math and writing programs. Kindergarten & private school prep. All Ages. 404-654-3557.

Maria Tandon Tutoring

http://mariahtandon.wix.com/tutor

Private tutoring that builds your child’s academic skills and self-confidence.

Specializing in serving children with: learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder (ADD/ ADHD), anxiety, and autism. PreschoolGrade 12. 404-490-1270.

For parenting resources you can actually use.

Point.

Click.

You’re There. atlantaparent.com

Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter while you’re there.

You don‛t have to be an NFL star like Reggie Bush to be a player! Just Get up and play an hour a day!

40 Atlanta Parent August 2014

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Spotlight: Activity Guide

Special Advertising Section

Moving in the Spirit

Atlanta Boy Choir

oving in the Spirit is an awardwinning youth development program that uses dance to transform the lives of children and teens. Through dynamic classes that combine Modern Dance, Ballet, Choreography and Leadership Training, Moving in the Spirit inspires young people to become creative artists and compassionate leaders.

Moving in the Spirit Teaching Artists are carefully selected for their outstanding credentials and dedication to the well-being and success of their students. Dancers can meet their teacher, tour the dance facility, take a sample dance class and enroll in classes during Open House on August 23, 2014 from 11 AM - 1 PM. Experienced students are encouraged to audition for Moving in the Spirit’s intermediate and advanced performance programs. Auditions for the Apprentice Corporation (ages 1318) will be held on August 16, 2014 from 1 PM – 3 PM, while auditions for the Junior Company (girls ages 9-12) and Men in Motion (boys ages 10-12) will be held from 1:30 PM – 3 PM. Need-based scholarships are available.

Open House and Auditions take place at Moving in the Sprit’s home theater at 750 Glenwood Ave Atlanta, GA 30316. For more information or to enroll in classes, call 404-624-5295, or visit www.movinginthespirit.org.

rammy Award Winning Choir Now Auditioning.

Atlanta’s world famous singing boys have just returned from Poland and the Czech Republic where they thrilled sold out audiences.

The Atlanta Boy Choir now in its 57th season under the direction of Maestro Fletcher Wolfe boasts some 8,000 metro boys who have gone through their ranks over the years. Many of these boys, now men, are on the world’s musical scene in Broadway performances, television and movie productions.

Some of these include Broadway Tony winner Schuler Hensley, multiple Grammy Award winner Richard Clement, Metropolitan Opera star Morris Robinson, and Emmy Award winning “Mad Men” TV producer Dwayne Shattuck.

Parents interested in their son becoming a part of Atlanta’s most prestigious musical group should call the choir at 404.378.0064 or email info@atlantaboychoir.org.

Boys 6-13 are now being accepted for the 2014-2015 season.

Each year the choir concertizes in various countries around the world. “They Sing and the World Listens.”

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Atlanta Parent is looking for you! If you’re interested in joining our Family Reporter Pool, please send an email to editor@atlantaparent.com with your contact information, availability and a review of your kids’ favorite Atlanta attraction (300 words or less). uide Fun G FamenilyGinger Asian Fusion a Atlant in metro rsushi.com

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 41

just kids

A quarterly focus on Special Needs

Mission Possible Parents Step Up to Help Kids Shine

by Teresa Farkas

Playing with toys and playing with others can be the building blocks to socialization and problem solving for all children. Often the opportunities are not readily available for special needs families.

When these metro-Atlanta parents experienced this first-hand, they stepped up to fill the gaps, helping their own child and many others. n Sensations Therafun Started by Jay and Michelle Perkins

Colorful walls of children’s handprints and sounds of laughter fill the massive space at Sensations Therafun. Children of all abilities and ages are riding the zip-line, biking around the track with custom-made tricycles and swinging on the therapeutic swings.

The center, opened by Jay and Michelle Perkins in March 2009, gives parents, kids and therapists a place to play and learn that is fun for the whole family of a special needs child. Entire families come to the space and play on all of the equipment together. Even though they specialize in special needs, anyone should feel welcome to come and enjoy the space.

“We were looking for a place for our daughter Jennifer to continue what she was learning in therapy, but also make it fun,” Jay Perkins says. Jennifer, has significant sensory challenges that require a lot of different therapies. “We couldn’t find anywhere for her to go and play, so we built it inside an empty warehouse.”

The bright colors and interactive play areas show that Sensations Therafun is a place to let loose and relax away from therapy appointments. The children are able to play freely on the equipment, while they learn important skills such as balance and coordination.

“Children can use occupational therapy based swings, but unlike a therapy appointment, they can play as long as they want for a full sensory experience,” Perkins says.

One of the play areas provides equipment for sensory needs like climbing walls, monkey bars, and 42 Atlanta Parent August 2014

suspended swings. The business also provides an activity center for after school and summer groups as well as meeting spaces for the special needs community.

The Therasports part of the building has sports leagues that are not only cost effective but also non-competitive. Perkins says his daughter wanted to bring home a sports trophy like her other siblings, so they decided to make that dream a reality.

“Everyone is welcome to our facility, which makes it ideal for all types of families,” Perkins says, “A parent can bring their kids to play, instead of sitting in a waiting room, while their sibling receives therapy; it makes the family involved in all areas.”

The bright colors and interactive play areas show that Sensations Therafun is a place to let loose and relax away from therapy appointments. atlantaparent.com

n Team Spirit for Young Adults Started by Rick Thompson

On a Saturday afternoon at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, the Titan Wheelchair Sports program scrimmage is in full swing. Kids are outfitted in custom jerseys and some are using specially made wheelchairs. Fun music is playing and laughter fills the gym. You won’t see a competitive basketball game, but something more akin to a close-knit club, all of them greeting friends as they move around the basketball court.

After high school, many young adults with disabilities are considered “too old” for wheelchair basketball, unless they can play in college. Johns Creek parent Rick Thompson, along with many volunteers, decided to create a team where anyone was welcome and age or ability level weren’t factors.

“My son Matthew played wheelchair basketball in high school, and every year someone aged out.” Thompson says. “It became a sad event in the child’s life, and so we decided to change that by starting Titans.”

Created in the fall of 2010, the Titan program primarily serves physically challenged young adults who are mostly out of high school, giving them social and athletic opportunities.

Coaches and other volunteers are engaged with the young adults, knowing atlantaparent.com

each by name, and willing to help them in any way they need. This includes helping them with the wheelchair equipment, telling jokes or pushing them down the court.

Thompson says the coaches want to create an environment where the young adults are allowed to have fun and develop long-lasting friendships.

Team member Sarah Grace, 20, says the experience has helped her become bold enough to go out of state for college. “I have met so many close friends,” she adds.

The participants have physical challenges resulting from conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Some have mild cognitive challenges in addition to their physical special needs. Thompson’s son was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease.

The members have a devotional, group discussion and then hop in the chairs and play some ball. The team goes to a local restaurant after every practice and they are also involved in service projects, including raising around $30,000 for wheelchairs.

“They have been served so much during their lives, that it is important to teach them how to serve others,” Thompson says. “This program brings them out of their shells and teaches them valuable life lessons.”

Johns Creek parent Rick Thompson, along with many volunteers, decided to create a team where anyone was welcome and age or ability level weren’t factors.

Info: n Sensations Therafun 1704 Chantilly Drive NE, Atlanta 404-634-3500 sensationstherafun.com n Titans Wheelchair Sports Team Rick Thompson, coordinator/coach rthompson@lexmark.com 678-777-3723 titanswheelchairsports.com n Momo’s Special Toys 2323 Shallowford Rd., Marietta 770-926-1999 momospecialtoys.com

Cont’d on page 44

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 43

just kids n Momo’s Special Toys

Momo is the name of Melissa Henry’s son’s favorite stuffed animal, so it was only appropriate to choose that name for the store.

Started by Melissa Henry

Everywhere you look at Momo’s Special Toys, children are having fun while their parents shop. One child is wildly running around the store pushing a toy car. Others are laughing and playing with a tea set at a small table. Children are always encouraged to “test” a toy before a purchase, and most of them do.

Marietta mom Melissa Henry opened Momo’s last October, recognizing that toys can be a fun way to introduce concepts that may be harder to grasp for special needs kids. Her son, Ayden was diagnosed with apraxia, coordination delays, and hearing loss. Momo is the name of her son’s favorite stuffed animal, so it was only appropriate to choose that name for the store.

Henry struggled to find affordable and easily accessible toys for her son, so she decided to open an online store that has evolved into a retail location.

“It all started with the search for a chewy tube for my son,” Henry says, “You would think something so small would be

easy to find, but after searching around town, I could only find it online with a high price tag.”

“That’s where the idea for the toy store came about; I wanted to provide families with the items therapists highly recommend at manufacturers recommended pricing,” she says.

Momo’s offers a $10 credit for every

$100 spent and a $5 gift certificate for the child’s birthday. Free gift wrapping is available.

The whimsical space offers therapeutic products, peanut balls, and many more toys for any child, not just those with special needs. She also has demo toys for families to try before purchasing and is happy to help recommend what may be best. c

Children’s Special Services, LLC Handwriting and Homework Skill Specialist

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OPTIMIZE LEARNIN POTENTIAL! Developmental Screenings!

ADD, ADHD, ASD, Autism, Sensory Integration, Dyslexia, Dyspraphia, LD ...and more

“An Exceptional School for Exceptional Students”

Individual & Group therapy sessions available

College prep and vocational programs designed for grades 4-12 and postgraduate students with high functioning Autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD and other learning differences.

Comprehensive Evaluations Addressing Sensory Motor • Visual Motor • Coordination Visual Processing • Handwriting • Autism Organizational Skills • ADD • ADHD • PDD OCD • Behavior Disorders • Sensory Integration

Susan N. Schriber Orloff, OTR/L Director, Occupational Therapy

• Over 35 years experience • 2006 Georgia OT of the Year

650 A Mt. Vernon Hwy, NE • Atlanta, GA 30328

www.cumberlandacademy.org 404-835-9000

770-394-9791

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www.childrens-services.com

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Spotlight on Special Needs Resources Circus Arts Therapy®

Porter Academy

arrie Heller, MSW, LCSW, RPT, invites you to the Circus Arts Institute where she conducts Circus Arts Therapy (CAT) sessions for individuals, families and groups. CAT is a unique experiential therapy utilizing Low Trapeze, soft rope climbing with tricks, Low tight wire walking, Balance Boards, Juggling and other ground and aerial equipment in a safe, enthusiastic environment.

This therapy is designed for children and teens with learning differences, attention difficulties, sensory challenges, behavioral and emotional issues, physical challenges and more. This includes children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, PDD as well as children with other behavioral, emotional and social challenges.

Each summer, Carrie offers the CIRCUS ARTS SOCIAL SUMMER (CASS) for two weeks in July.

Circus Arts Therapy® as well as the Circus Arts Social Summer program include specific activities to encourage and enhance: Bilateral coordination skills; Muscle strength, including core muscles; Crossing the midline abilities; Brain and body balancing; Self esteem; Ability to overcome fears; Communication with peers; Balance, flexibility & coordination; Focus and attention; Teamwork and Social Skill development (CAT group) Please go to www.circusartsinstitute.com or call 404-5493000 for more information and registration.

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orter Academy is dedicated to educating children Pre-K through 8th grade by utilizing individualized programs that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level and learning style. If one technique is not proving effective for a particular child, then the teachers will try alternative techniques until they find one that works. The team of teachers, therapists, and administrators work together to develop academic abilities, foundational abilities (e.g, processing skills, attention, motor skills), and self-esteem.

Porter Academy utilizes 1) small homerooms grouped by social-developmental level, 2) assessments to determine academic and developmental level, 3) individualized academic programs, 4) small group instruction of core academics to ensure comprehension, 5) use of physical movement and multi-sensory techniques to enhance learning efficiency, 6) social guidance and intentional character development, and 7) therapeutic support (speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy) within a group setting.

“This is the first environment which has enabled my daughter to be successful in so many ways. She knows herself that she is learning and improving academically.” – Porter Academy Parent For more information, visit www.porteracademy.org or call 770-594-1313.

Village Pathways Therapy

WRAP Autism Center

rimary Pathways Speech & Language Services and Progress Village Pediatric Therapy have come together as Village Pathways Therapy, LLC in Decatur to offer a comprehensive program to support children with special needs and their parents. “Our goal is to get a child to his very best ability,” says co-owner and occupational therapist Dionne Redding. Ms. Redding and partner Dr. Jacqueline Murry, a speech-language pathologist, and their team of professionals evaluate each child individually. Working collaboratively with parents, they set goals for the child and the family and evaluate as they meet their goals. The team offers speech therapy (oral motor skills, articulation, language expression, and more), physical therapy (improving problems moving and performing physical activities), occupational therapy (fine motor, visual motor, and sensory processing skills) and swallowing and feeding therapy.

Village Pathways Therapy strives for a positive atmosphere where therapists never say your child “can’t.” It’s a caring community that helps families and children reach their goals.

To find out more about Village Pathways Therapy, call 404-289-4270 or visit villagepathwaystherapy.com.

he focus at WRAP is to provide educational services for low to moderate functioning children, between the ages of 6-16, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other Spectrumlike disorders. With a traditional school day or after school program, their educational model allows the team to provide specialized attention to every aspect of a child’s cognitive and social abilities.

The program uses two methods of teaching, at once, to arouse memory and for skill comprehension. This design boosts the child’s capacity to eventually be mainstreamed into public, private or other school systems.

At WRAP, the children are separated into small groups based upon their functioning level, appropriateness and skill level. Each group will have their own room designed for both one-on-one and inclusion education so that while skills are being mastered, they can also work on group learning and socialization.

The program will be intense at times, but will also be fun and invigorating. At WRAP, they promote independence and individual success and have designed this program to unveil each child’s strength and turn it into a useful skill ... for the rest of their lives. WRAP (We Reach Amazing Potential) is conveniently located in Dunwoody at Shallowford and I-285. Visit www.wrapautism.com or call 1-888-920-9727 for a tour or more information.

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Special Advertising Section

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 45

just kids f.y.i

The Adaptive Learning Center Building Communities Through The Inclusion of Children With Special Needs & Their Families

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It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity, or service.

The Cutest Kids and the most Awesome Parents come to VILLAGE PATHWAYS THERAPY SPEECH Therapy CU OC PATIONAL Therapy PHYSICAL Therapy

Medical Alert Bands That Kids Will Wear Medical alert bracelets save lives for kids with serious allergies or a medical condition, but plenty of kids don’t want to wear them.

Beware Bandits is a medical alert wristband that kids like. The wristbands has colorful characters that correspond to the child’s medical issue, with a phrase such as “I have diabetes.” For instance, Billy the Bee for allergic reaction to insect stings.

The wristbands are $6.99 each at bewarebandits.com and available at Wal-Mart, Target and some pharmacies.

WOW In-Sync Founder Honored Karen Lynn, founder and president of WOW In-Sync, has been named one of Money magazine’s “50 Heroes, 50 States,” representing Georgia. The article appeared in Money’s July issue and online at money.com.

Lynn was recognized for her 16 years of work helping to prepare young adults, many with developmental disabilities and autism, for more independent living, including providing them with basic living and career skills.

WOW In-Sync, now teaches 175 adults with developmental disabilities and autism.

For more information about WOW In-Sync, visit wowinsync.org. c

TRUST-IT CHOICE A referral agency specializing in referring CPR certified nannies, babysitters and care providers with mobile streaming availability.

info@trustitchoice.com | 770-569-3993 www.trustitchoice.com 2786 North Decatur Road • Decatur • 404-289-4270 VillagePathwaysTherapy.com

46 Atlanta Parent August 2014

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Chalk

Fun with

by Sarai Gardner

With colorful markers, crayons, and even paint, chalk should be just a distant memory. In schools, chalkboards have been replaced with white boards and smart boards.

So why would anyone want to play with chalk? Erase that thought, and try these fun and inexpensive ideas.

Chalkboard Paint This paint can transform ordinary surfaces into chalkboards.

Just get a rag, scrub, and write or draw to instantly redecorate!

Buy chalkboard paint already mixed or use latex paint to mix your own – it’s a great way to use leftover latex paint. You’ll need non-sanded grout, latex paint in any color, mixing cup or bucket, brush or roller, and paint mixer drill attachment.

How to make it: n Mix the latex paint with the non-sanded grout in a cup or bucket.

A good ratio to use is 1 cup grout to 8 cups paint. n Paint the surface of a wall or other item with the chalkboard paint.

Prep the surface as you would for any paint job. Paint two coats for even coverage. houzz.com n Condition the chalkboard. Get your chalkboard ready for drawing by rubbing the board with chalk, then wiping it off with a dry towel in circular strokes. For more information and exact proportions on how to make chalkboard paint, visit houzz.com/ideabooks/3454588/list/ DIY--Make-Your-Own-Chalkboard-Paint

Fun with Chalkboard Paint n Chalkboard Tablet: Make a portable chalkboard the size of an iPad, that’s perfect for backseat on-the-go entertainment.

Michaels crafts stores also sell a chalkboard tablet for $1.99. n Chalkboard Refrigerator: Turn your refrigerator into a large memo pad, easily reminding kids to get lunch, or start a grocery list. n Chalkboard Wall: It’s an easy way to change a wall without repainting again and again. n Chalkboard Children’s Table: Paint the top of an old table. A great way to keep children doodling and busy while you’re making dinner!

Chalkboard Tees Your child can write or draw a message on The Chalkboard Tee, expressing how they feel that day, what they do or do not like, or telling everyone to wish them happy birthday! Each shirt is equipped with a tiny pocket to hold a piece of chalk. Chalkboard shapes can be a simple square, a butterfly, heart or many other designs.

And, yes, the chalkboard holds up in the laundry. To order a Chalkboard Tee ($27-$30), visit chalkboardtee.com.

Celebrate Chalk Art A main event of the Art in the Park Festival in Marietta Square Aug. 30-Sept. 1 is a street chalk competition on opening day, for ages 5-18. The art will be displayed during the festival.

Advance registration is recommended. Application fee before Aug. 15 is $10; after Aug. 15 is $20. Participants receive a 30-count box of Sargent Sidewalk Chalk, a goodie bag and a certificate of participation. For more information on the free festival and events, visit artparkmarietta.com

Find lots of chalkboard paint projects and tutorials at creativegreenliving.com.

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48 Atlanta Parent    August 2014

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Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

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Free Fun

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Exhibits

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Playground

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Calendar

Not-to-miss events for August

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1

‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’

Center for Puppetry Arts Aug. 5-17, 10 a.m. and noon Tues.-Fri., noon and 2 p.m.

Sat, and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sun. The beloved stories of Eric Carle – The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud and The Mixed-up Chameleon – come to life with fanciful puppets in a new production from the Center for Puppetry Arts. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391.

Ages 2 and older, $16.50. puppet.org

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2

3

Butterfly Festival

Butterfly Festival

Dinosaur Birthday Bash

Dunwoody Nature Center Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Two enormous tents filled with hundreds of butterflies are the big attraction at this annual event. Activities include a Birds of Prey show, live animal encounters, games, educational booths, crafts, music, food and drinks. 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322.

Adults, $10; ages 4-12, $5; 3 and younger, free; purchase advance tickets for $8 and $4 until Aug. 10. dunwoodynature.org

There’s dinosaur fun for everyone with activities that include dinosaurand birthday-themed games and crafts as the museum celebrates the 13th anniversary of “Giants of the Mesozoic.”

Dinosaur costumes encouraged.

767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

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Family Fun Guide TRY IT!

Taking Flight W

hen our family found out about the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Young Eagles aviation program, we knew that we had to add it to our must-do list. The program gives kids the opportunity to fly in an airplane and discover the world of aviation. Flights are free, thanks to EAA member volunteers.

After arriving, we completed registration for my twin 8-year-old boys. Jaxson and Jayson received their boarding passes and excitedly listened to safety briefing conducted by a retired Delta Airlines flight captain.

He spoke about the importance of math and science classes in school and encouraged students interested in flight to pay close attention to their lessons in those areas!

Certified FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) pilots running that day’s flights answered questions about the planes and aviation. They explained that flights would last about 20 minutes, and no aerobatic maneuvers are performed.

Planes are small and can hold one to three passengers, plus the pilot. My sons got to walk through the pre-flight inspections with their pilots and go over the aeronautical

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade

Sept. 6. Line up, 7:30 p.m.

Step off, 8:30 p.m. n

Make your own lantern workshops in August.

50 Atlanta Parent August 2014

chart, or map of the flight route, before takeoff. Inside the plane, they learned about the instrument panel and the interior, including safety features.

Separated into two groups, my boys got to experience different pilots and flight plans. Jaxson flew over Stone Mountain while Jayson flew over Lake Lanier. Both boys enjoyed it so much that they plan to complete the online Young Eagles training and return for the next phase in the Young Eagles program, a real flight lesson!

Insider Tips: Arrive early, as the Young Eagles program is popular and lines can be long. Your child will receive a logbook with an entry of the day’s flight and a certificate. The first flight automatically qualifies your child for membership with the EAA. Once your child has experienced the adventure of flight, his/her name will be permanently entered in the World’s Largest Logbook at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis. – Marteeta Spradling

If You Go EAA Young Eagles Aviation Program EAA 690 Hangar Sports Aviation Complex 690 Airport Road, Lawrenceville duanehuff@yahoo.com; eaa.org n Cost: Free n Hours: Each third Saturday of the month, weather permitting from 9 a.m.-noon. n Ages: 8-17

Art on the Atlanta BeltLine kicks off with an evening Lantern Parade, a glowing procession of light and music that celebrates Atlanta’s biggest temporary art exhibition. Families can light up the BeltLine and participate with a handmade lantern!

Make your own, or join a workshop to make globe lanterns, stick forms and lantern hats that take place on select dates in August at Lantern House, 589 Ralph McGill Atlanta. Advance reservations are required; workshops cost $20-$40. Parade watching and participation, free. art.beltline.org/ lantern-parade/

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FREE FUN atlantaparent.com

Bounce Around the (Ware)House When the weather threatens and you need an indoor spot for kids to be active, head to the sizeable showrooms of Superior Play Systems, where playground equipment, swing sets, trampolines and basketball hoops are fair game.

Free open play is offered Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.1 p.m., with exceptions for holidays.

Families can bring snacks and drinks to eat on picnic tables or in designated areas. On a recent visit to the Alpharetta location, there were two large enclosed trampolines, four mini-tramps, and nearly a dozen equipment sets (with features like twisty slides, tire swings, and rockclimbing walls) inside the large warehouse with soft flooring. Kids can swing, slide, jump, bounce and climb for hours. (Psst. We saw a few parents swinging and jumping as well!)

Notes: This is a showroom, so expect to see regular customers and salespeople. On Mon., Tues. and Thurs, it costs $4 per child to play.

Sat.-Sun. the cost is $6 per child.

Superior Play Systems

Free Play

superiorplay.com Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sun., noon-4 p.m.

We’re looking for more indoor play places that are free to use! Do you know of a church, synagogue or retail space with an indoor playground or area that’s free for all? Write to us at editor@atlantaparent.com with the details and we’ll share the list in an upcoming issue.

– Dalia Faupel

n 5463-A Goshen Springs Rd., Norcross. 678-380-5551 n 1355 Stonefield Ct., Alpharetta. 678-624-7529

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 51

Climb the Walls and Melt Down

M

y kids were curious to try the only magnetic climbing wall in Georgia, so we headed to MoJoBaS Fun Factory. The indoor play space offers many inflatables and play areas, but my twin 8-yearold boys were focused on the magnetic wall and immediately got suited up in the climbing gear that clings securely to the wall.

Each climber is provided a spotter and given a brief overview of how to maneuver up and down, sideways and even upside down.

The ideal size for climbing is 35-150 lbs. and climbers need good upper body strength to move along the wall. Breaks are encouraged between each climb!

My sons said they felt like Spider-Man, as they defied gravity. Jayson liked it so much that he took a second turn. His first time, he went up and down and side to side. The second time, he walked upside down. My 6-year-old niece, hesitant at first, quickly got over her fears and took her turn climbing as well.

The wall is challenging because, due to magnetic force, climbers can’t just lift their hands or legs freely. There is a special method that requires rolling hands and feet to become unstuck for movement. It takes some practice, but kids get used to it quickly. My children have never done anything close to this experience and they thought it was out-of-thisworld cool.

However, the Meltdown is stiff competition for the coolest activity in MoJoBas. The Meltdown is similar to The Sweeper on ABC’s hit show, Wipeout.

Children (at least 4 feet tall) and adults stand on platforms and jump over or duck under a padded crane arm as it passes by. The crane moves at an automatic pace, but the operator can control the speed.

If You Go MoJoBaS Fun Factory 7442 Douglas Blvd., Douglasville 770-575-0717; mojobasfunfactory.com n Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. n Cost: $7; Toddler Play Area, $3; Accompanying playing adults, $3

When my kids first stepped on, it was at a regular speed. They got used to the sweeping motion of the crane and they begged the operator to make it faster. As long as the participants follow safety rules and there isn’t a line, children can stay on it as long as they like. My kids even played with other kids there as if they were all show contestants. The laughter proved the children were having a blast, and they got a great workout at the same time.

Insider tips: Group passes and monthly passes are available. Free Wi-Fi is offered and you can bring your own food. Socks are required in open play areas.

– Marteeta Spradling

Child Models We’ve booked kids for $2,000 per day and more, others at $50 - $60 per hour.

Could your baby, toddler or kid be one?

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www.williamreynoldsagency.com 52 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Family Fun Guide

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Exhibit:

Get out of My Dreams, Get in to My Car

H

ave you ever seen a car with skin?

What about a living room on wheels?

My 8-year-old son and I explored the Dream Cars exhibit at the High Museum of Art and saw both, plus cars that amazed us with their unusual designs and features.

What’s even more amazing is that most of these cars weren’t created last year or even within the past decade! An electric egg-shaped car was built in the 1940s, and a space shuttle-shaped GM debuted in the 1950s when the space program soared in popularity.

My son’s favorite was the LeSabre XP-8, modeled after a jet plane design.

The dashboard elements looked like the instrument panel of an aircraft, and although it was manufactured in 1951, it featured elements like heated seats and a rain sensor that we might expect to find in high end cars today or in the future.

William Stout’s Scarab, designed in 1936, introduced the idea of a car being a living space as well as a mode of transportation, with huge inside room and seats that faced each other. It could fit up to seven people who could eat, play games and interact while the car was in motion.

My son thought the silver spandex-like skin on the BMW gina (built in 2001) felt “rubbery and smooth”, and more like the cover we might put on our outdoor grill than a car’s exterior. We got to touch a sample of the flexible skin that stretches over the movable frame, so the car can change shape.

Because the skin is translucent, the taillights shine through the fabric! atlantaparent.com

If You Go Dream Cars at the High Museum of Art 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 404-733-4400; high.org n Hours: Through Sept. 7. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. n Cost: Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free. Audio Tour: Adults, $6; ages 17 and younger, $4. App for iPhone or Android: $1.99

We were intrigued to learn how changing one element of a car could influence others, like how having a panoramic wraparound windshield and bubble top meant there was no need for rearview mirrors on the 1956 Buick Centurion XP-301. Fascinating!

Visitors can choose between the adult and kids’ touch screen audio tours, and we toggled back and forth between both. The adult version offered more trivia and design background, while the kids’ version invited listeners to choose one element of each car on display to create their own imaginary dream car. It also offered automobile-themed jokes and promoted discussion about how imagination and engineering can work together. On the tour devices, clicking to see video clips about the manufacturing of several automobiles gives expanded insight, and we sat in the lounge area within the exhibit to watch some before turning in our audio guides. If you bring your iPhone or Android, you can buy the Dream Cars tour app instead.

– Dalia Faupel

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 53

Clue Crew

If completing challenges and playing detective excite your kids, go on a solving spree! We tried two options in metro Atlanta – one inside and one outside – that go way beyond the basic backyard scavenger hunt.

Room with A View … of a Zombie!

T

he timer clicked down another five minutes and the chain holding the hungry zombie to the wall lengthened.

One of my Girl Scouts jumped onto a table while another brave soul set up a loud chant (a Christmas carol?!) to keep the zombie’s focus away from the group trying hard to solve the last puzzle between us and escape. While the teenagers nimbly avoided being “eaten” and enthusiastically solved the riddles, I contributed by shrieking and standing on a window ledge. With only 20 minutes to go, we still hadn’t found the master key, and the zombie was almost within striking distance …

Trapped in a Room with a Zombie is a fun, interactive production run out of an old building in Tucker. You and the 11 others in your session (if you have fewer in your group you may share your session with others) have 60 minutes to locate numerous clues and solve riddles leading to an escape from the locked room before the zombie can

54 Atlanta Parent August 2014

reach you. The riddles in the room stimulate critical thinking – from requiring groups to work with uncommon units of measurement to sleuthing tricky genealogy, with a rebus thrown in for good measure!

To find all the clues, you literally have to take the room apart, examining every surface, nook and cranny, all under time pressure as the zombie gains a foot of chain every five minutes. The hour flies by in a flurry of nonstop physical and mental entertainment, combining elements of Sherlock Holmes with the time pressure of games such as A Minute to Win It. My teenage group loved this activity and I was impressed and humbled to see the speed at which they organized a system to hunt down information, distract the zombie and communicate, becoming a real team. A fair amount of squealing was involved!

The zombie element is real and fun (makeup, some howling and tattered clothing is involved) but it’s not so scary as

Family Fun Guide

If You Go Trapped in a Room with a Zombie Room Escape Adventures 1751 Montreal Circle, Suite C, Tucker atlanta@roomescapeadventures.com; roomescapeadventures.com n Hours: Wed.-Sun.; times vary.

Reservations are taken up to one month ahead, private parties are welcome. Up to 12 people can participate per session. n Cost: $28 per person n Ages: 10 and older. Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

to keep you, or younger kids, from enjoying the hour. The goal is not to scare you, but to keep the time pressure on.

This would be a terrific team building activity, birthday party or young adult outing.

Go at night for that extra boost of adrenaline the dark always brings!

– Melanie Rohrbach

atlantaparent.com

A Quest for Knowledge and Fun

G

iven the opportunity, my children – a teenager and a preteen – will ignore me in favor of texting their friends and looking at Instagram. Recently I discovered an engaging physical and mental activity we could do together, without my having to say, “Put the phone down.” Atlanta Urban Adventure Quest is a cool way to explore the city and its rich history using a smartphone as your guide as you solve clues and complete location-based challenges.

After registering online, we headed to Centennial Olympic Park for the initial challenge. Several clues led us to nearby Pemberton Place, and our adventure began!

Over the course of the day we received 20 official challenges and several bonus questions. Clues were complex and required multiple steps and quick thinking. For example, in Pemberton Place we had to locate the statue of a famous beverage inventor, and then look through the crook of his arm to identify the name of the hotel you see there.

Then we scrambled/unscrambled the letters of the second word in that hotel name to find the word leading to the next clue.

The teenagers in our group were the most enthusiastic about the activity, and my daughter led the way. The Quest provided us bits of lore about the monuments we passed and other points of interest, giving us history lessons. A round trip on MARTA to Oakland Cemetery was the highlight for everyone.

All together, we were able to answer 18 of the questions correctly. The kids got a kick out of being ranked against other teams on the website’s Leader Board.

If You Go Urban Adventure Quest Starting Point: Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave. NW, Downtown Urbanadventurequest.com n Hours: Anytime during regular park hours n Cost: $49 for a team of 4 or 5 n Ages: Best for 8 and older

We could have paused the game and explored the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coke, or the MLK Center. But by the time we returned to our car, we’d been “Questing” for about 3 hours and we were ready to hit the pool.

Questers can be any age, but the adventure

involves lots of walking outdoors.

Having more than one smartphone is ideal, so that one team member can read the clues aloud and another member can research. The online registration and whenever-you-want schedule means no standing in lines or feeling pressure to get somewhere on time. The educational aspect is valuable, and the whole process required good teamwork.

Insider tips: You’ll need money or a credit card for expenses. Parking downtown can cost $10; a MARTA Breeze pass for each person is $5 roundtrip. Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen. Check the Centennial Olympic Park website the day you plan to go to make sure it isn’t closed for special events.

– Beth Balga

JOIN THE FUN!

October 11 Mercer University Atlanta Campus 10 am – 4 pm

Exhibit, Volunteer, Donate Contact Jordan for more information: 678-222-1911 JLisvosky@atlantaparent.com

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 55

Look, Up in the Sky!

The peak of the Perseids meteor shower, Aug. 12

Photo courtesy of Glenn Emery

Three Big Events in August

by Karri Ferron

August marks the point in the summer when children’s summer vacation routines grow stalest. But it’s a month also full of opportunities to take in some big skywatching happenings. Dr. John Wilson, Astronomy professor at Georgia State University, says that all of these events can be seen without the aid of a telescope from your backyard.

Plan on a late bedtime one night to view one of these sky events and make a memory for you and your child:

“Super Moon” from July

The “Super Moon,” Aug. 10 The “Super Moon” isn’t a huge sky event because full moon isn’t the best time to see any of the moon’s surface details, but it does garner lots of attention. The largest full moon of 2014 is Aug. 10, when the moon makes its closest approach to Earth on its elliptical orbit.

A popular meteor shower each year, the Perseids will feature plenty of “shooting stars.” Find your way to a spot away from city lights, look the opposite direction of the Moon, and take in these stunning space rocks.

Venus and Jupiter come together, Aug. 18 The two brightest planets – Venus and Jupiter – will make a spectacular pair before dawn in midAugust. Catch those two as they appear close together in the eastern sky, and then stay up for a beautiful sunrise 30 minutes later. Saturn and Mars will line up in a less impressive but still colorful union that you can view through binoculars during August’s final two weeks. Closing out the month, on Aug. 31, a crescent moon joins the scene in the western evening sky.

If none of these dates works for your family, there’s still plenty to look at in the August sky at the end of the month when the band of our galaxy, the Milky Way, rides high overhead by 10 p.m. Take your kids away from city lights and see if they can point out some of the most popular star patterns of summer: the Northern Cross of the constellation Cygnus, the W of Cassiopeia or the Teapot of Sagittarius.

Ferron is production editor for Astronomy magazine.

To learn more about skywatching and all things astronomy, please visit astronomy.com.

MEET z PAST A F E S T I VA L B Saturday, August 23, 2014 J 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Experience the best of Meet the Past offerings through interactions with characters that bring to life the stories of people from Atlanta and Georgia’s past.

FAMILY PROGRAM AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Family 56 Atlanta Parent August 2014

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If you would like to see the stars up close, here are some places around the area to visit:

Hard Labor Creek Observatory Georgia State University at Hard Labor Creek State Park 2010 Fairplay Rd., Rutledge More than 50 miles from Atlanta, this observatory has a new 20-inch telescope as well as others that allow stargazers a bird’s-eye view of galaxies and planets. GSU Department of Physics and Astronomy. 404-413-6033.

Observatory: 706-342-9051

Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium Fernbank Science Center 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta, 678-874-7102 Thurs. and Fri., 9-10:30 p.m.

Fernbank offers a 36-inch reflecting telescope, one of the largest available to nonastronomers in Georgia. Astronomers will be on hand to point out planets and stars.

Dunwoody Observatory Georgia Perimeter College Dunwoody Campus 2101 Womack Road, Dunwoody, 770-274-5000 The observatory is open to the public at no charge the second Sunday of the month, weather permitting. Visitors can go online at http://depts. gpc.edu/~dunpslb/Telescope/Telescopestatus. htm, to schedule an appointment. c

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Playground: Duncan Creek Park

TOUCHDOWN

ATLANTA The College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience opens Sat., Aug. 23 at 9 a.m. with a free tailgate party including university drum lines and mascots, sports competitions and tailgate refreshments. The Hall of Fame opens at 10 a.m., and offers interactive exhibits including the Building a Champion gallery, celebrating student athletes and coaches, a Game Day gallery that salutes dedicated fans, and 45-yard indoor football field that will host daily games and activities. Advance tickets are available starting Aug. 1. Cost: $19.99 adults; $16.99 ages 12 and younger; free for 2 and younger. 250 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta.

404-880-4800, cfbhall.com. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

58 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Come prepared to play! Kids can rock, roll and ramp up the fun at this 110-acre park with two brightly-colored, shaded playground structures. My 4-year-old son immediately began to climb up a snowy looking “mountain,” walk across ramps and suspended beams, and scoot down curvy slides. He also explored see-saws, got sky high in the swings, and operated mechanical shovels in the sizeable sand play area. One playground structure is for older kids and the other is for younger, but the entire play area has features that can be used by children of all abilities, including ramps, forgiving rubber surfaces and a braille board.

The sand area is huge, with mechanical shovels kids can use to scoop, dump and move sand around. But, for those ready to get sandy and sit right down to play, there are regular sandbox toys available. A variety of different types of swings means everyone can get up off the ground, from babies to big kids. There are also playground elements that make music, some that encourage balancing techniques, and even a playhouse for pretend play.

Family Fun Guide

n Features: A 15,000-square-foot playground area with handicap-accessible features, lighted skateboard complex, four basketball courts, three sand volleyball courts, multi-purpose field, and football field. n Amenities: A large covered pavilion, restrooms, grills and numerous shade covers and benches. The Hamilton Mill Branch Library is near the park’s border for a shade and reading break. n Location: 3700 Braselton Hwy, Dacula.

678-277-0855, gwinnettcounty.com – Ayanna Cato-Hawkins

atlantaparent.com

We Can Sit Where?!

EATING OUT

For kids, dining out isn’t always about what they eat. Sometimes where they eat it is most appetizing. We’ve found four restaurants in the metro area with unusual seating arrangements.

Twisted Taco 9700 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 678-822-5900; twistedtaco.com/atlanta-tex-mex-locations/twisted-taco-johns-creek Five booths at the Johns Creek location of Twisted Taco are designed to look like Old West jail cells, with TVs and remotes inside. You can’t reserve the cells, but request one upon arriving. If they’re full, you can be moved once one opens up. Cell doors don’t lock, and there’s plenty of room inside for high chairs.

Imperial Fez 2285 Peachtree Rd. NE, Buckhead 404-351-0870; imperialfez.com Step into the “tent” to experience a Moroccan setting, with floor cushion seating at low dining tables. Prepare to eat with your hands, Moroccanstyle, and enjoy some bellydancing.

Kids eat free on Sundays, two free kids’ meals per two adult entrees.

Mellow Mushroom 935 Woodstock Rd., Roswell 770-645-8383; mellowmushroom.com/store/roswell Sit inside a manmade tree at a table that seats up to eight. You can’t reserve the tree in advance, but if it’s open, anyone can sit in it. The interior and exterior are covered in colorful doodles, which diners may add to with crayons or marker. Behind the tree, kids can draw on a chalkboard wall. An adjacent table, in the “shade” of the tree is also a popular choice.

Orient Express 2921 Paces Ferry Rd. SE, Vinings 770-438-9090; orientexpressatl.com All aboard at the three-in-one (Chinese, Hibachi and sushi) restaurant where guests sit in a renovated train car that survived a derailment in the 1950s. With the restaurant located alongside real tracks, diners can pretend they’re riding the rails.

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Fall 2014

KiDS’

Consignment Sales

At fall consignment sales, parents can outfit kids for less – replacing clothing they’ve outgrown or worn out, just as the new school year gets under way. No wonder the sales are popular! These sales in August and September have a large selection of gently used clothing, shoes, books, toys and more at bargain prices.

Be sure to call or check the website before you go. Visit atlantaparent.com for the most up-todate list of sales. Happy shopping!

KinderMart Children’s Consignment Sale

Carroll

Cobb

My Kidz Closet Children’s Consignment Sale.

Happy Valley Baptist Church. Sept. 25-27. Thur.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 605 Main St., Villa Rica. www.mykidzclosetgeorgia.com.

Born Again Blessings Children’s Consignment Sale. Cobb County Civic Center. Aug. 1-2. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.noon. 548 Marietta Pkwy., Marietta. www. bornagainblessings.com.

Cherokee All 4 Kids – Woodstock. Corner of Main Street & Hwy. 92 in the old Walmart Bldg. July 31-Aug. 2. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 10029 Hwy. 92, Woodstock. www.all4kids.com.

The Glen @ Kingsgate Kids Sale. Cobb/Cherokee.

CASH ONLY!! August 9-10, Sat. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 158 Nocatee Trail, Woodstock. 770367-3532.

First Baptist Canton Kids Consignment Sale. First Baptist Church Canton. Aug. 15-16. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1 Mission Point, Canton. www. fbckidssale.com.

The Blessing Line Kids’ Consignment Sale. First Baptist Church Woodstock. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock.

770-591-2509. www.blessingline.com.

All 4 Kids - Marietta. Cobb County Fairgrounds. Aug. 7-9. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

(No strollers before 11 a.m.), Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. www.all4kids.com.

Kids Kingdom Consignment Sale. Orange Hill Baptist Church. Aug. 14-16. Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 4293 Austell Rd., Austell. 770-948-9388 ext.53. www. orangehill.org.

Twice Blessed Children’s Consignment Sale. McEachern United Methodist Church.

Aug. 14-16. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (No strollers), Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

(No strollers). 4075 Macland Rd., Powder Springs. 770-943-3008, ext. 1212. www.twiceblessed.org.

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event.

Sprayberry Square Shopping Center. Aug. 17-21.

Sun. Noon.-7 p.m., Mon. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tues. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2550 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. www. rhealana.com.

Due West Treasure Chest. Due West United Methodist Church. Aug. 21-23. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. 3956 Due West Rd., Marietta. http://www.duewest.org/ pages/Community/Consignment_Sale/.

All 4 Kids - Marietta. Mt. Paran North Church of God. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (No strollers before 11 a.m.), Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1700 Allgood Rd., Marietta. www.all4kids.com.

Lil’ Blessings Consignment Sale. Kennesaw First Baptist Church. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1p.m. 2958 North Main St., Kennesaw.

770-427-3109. www.kfbc.org.

Mt. Bethel UMC Fall/Winter Consignment Sale.

Mt. Bethel UMC Fellowship Hall. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. www.mtbethelccs.com.

ST!

Give your BIZ a BOO

ADVERTISE in Atlanta Parent Call 770-454-7599 60 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Family Fun Guide

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Divine Children’s Show. The Mansour Center.

Sept. 4-5. Wed. 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 995 Roswell St., Marietta. 678-9845654 or 770-367-3152. www.dcskids.com.

Everything for Children Consignment Sale. St. Andrew UMC. Sept. 5-6. Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. Cash or check only. 3455 Canton Rd., Marietta. 770-926-3488. http://www. thepumpkinchurch.org.

Pass It On Fall/Winter Children’s Consignment Sale. Acworth United Methodist Church. Sept.

5-6. Fri. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4340 Collins Circle, Acworth.

770-974-3312. www.acworthumc.org/passiton.

Tots to Tweens Consignment Sale. Sandy Plains Baptist Church. Sept. 6. Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 2825 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. www.NOWAMOM.org.

KinderMart Fall/Winter Children’s Consignment Sale. Smyrna First United Methodist Church.

Sept. 12-13. Fri. 9:30 a.m.8 p.m. (No strollers between 9:30-11 a.m.), Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 1315 Concord Rd., Smyrna. www.kindermartsale.com.

Lil’ Lambs Closet. First United Methodist Church of Marietta. Sept. 12-13. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 56 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-4297850, ext. 7860. www.lil-lambs.org.

CCC MOPS Children’s Consignment Sale.

Cumberland Community Church. Oct. 3-4.

Fri. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

3110 Sports Ave., Smyrna.678-557-1388. www.cccmopssale.com.

Coweta Consigning Closets Consignment Sale.

SonRise Baptist Church. Aug. 22-23. Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 6 Shenandoah Blvd., Newnan. 678485-8708. www.ConsigningClosets.com.

DeKalb Dunwoody United Methodist Church Kids Consignment Sale. Dunwoody UMC. Aug. 21-23.

Thurs. 5-8 p.m. (No children), Fri. 9:30 a.m.1 p.m. (Children in strollers or carriers only), Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1548 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody. www.dunwoodyumc.org.

Kid ReSales. Cross and Crown Lutheran Church.

Aug. 21-23. Thurs. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (No children until noon except newborns in baby sling or children over age 10), Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 4276 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Chamblee.

770-827-5644. www.kidresales.com.

Five and Dime Kids Consignment Sale. Epworth UMC. Sept. 5-6. Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cash or check only. 1561 McLendon Ave. NE, Atlanta. www.fiveanddimekids. com.

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event.

Chamblee Shopping Center. Sept. 14-20. Sun. Noon-7 p.m., Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 5508 Peachtree Blvd., Chamblee. www. rhealana.com.

KidStuff Consignment Sale. Kingswood United Methodist Church. Sept. 18-20. Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m-1 p.m. 5015 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. www.kingswoodumc.org/missions/ kidstuff.htm.

Decatur Consignment Sale. Rehoboth Presbyterian Church. Sept. 19-20. Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cash or local checks only. 2729 Lawrenceville Hwy., Decatur. 770-414-6099. www. decaturconsignment.com.

Kids’ Used Clothes n’ Stuff. Decatur First United Methodist Church Gym. Sept. 21- 22. Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 300 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-372-7478. www. kidsusedclothesnstuff.com.

Cont’d on page 62

What to Know Before You Go Consignment sales are a rich source of back-to-school bargains. You’ll find everything from designer labels to basic duds, from never-worn clothing and shoes to gently-worn. Many also offer toys, from bicycles to board games, and books.

Expect to pay 50-75 percent less than retail for your treasures.

Some tips to make your shopping smoother: n Carry cash: Many sales do not accept credit cards or checks. n Go with a budget and a clothing list: Bargains will temp you to spend more than you intended or buy items you or your children don’t need. Take a list of their needs and clothing sizes. n BYOB: That’s Bring Your Own Bags, boxes or even a laundry basket to carry purchases home. Bags are in short supply at consignment sales. n Inspect your items: Some used clothing might have flaws, such as holes or stains or missing buttons; books might have missing pages. Most sales won’t take returned merchandise. n Leave the children with a sitter: Consignment sales are packed with merchandise and people, and navigating with children is difficult; some sales don’t allow children, or allow them only at certain times. n Go on half-price day: Even if you go earlier during the sale, return on the last day, often a Saturday; items are usually deeply discounted. n Plan in advance: Call or check the sale’s website in advance so you’re aware of restrictions.

atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 61

Fall 2014

KiDS’

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event.

Publix Shopping Center. Sept. 17-23. Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thurs.

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 7710 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Suwanee.

404-539-0937. www.rhealana.com.

Consignment Sales

Oak Grove Young Children’s School Fall/Winter Consignment Sale. Oak Grove Methodist Church.

Sept. 26-27. Fri. 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. 1722 Oak Grove Rd., Decatur. www. ogycsconsign.org.

Mountain Park UMC MOPS Consignment Sale. Mountain Park United Methodist Church.

Sept. 19-20. Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

1405 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain. mtnparkmops.bravesites.com.

Fayette

Henry

Peachtree Kids Market Upscale Consignment Sale. Saville Studios and Crosspointe Church. Sept.

12-13. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 401 Dividend Dr., Peachtree City, 404-931-4243. www. eachtreekidsmarket.com.

Second Time Around Kids Consignment Sale.

McDonough First United Methodist Church Gym. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.mnoon. 151 Macon St., McDonough. 770-3128962 or 770-312-1086. www. secondtimearoundkids.com.

Forsyth North Fulton Mothers of Multiples Kids Consignment Sale. Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center. Aug. 2. Sat. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. No strollers or bags. 3410 Ronald Reagan Pkwy., Cumming. www.nfmomc.org.

Creekside MOPS Fall Consignment Sale. Creekside UMC. Aug. 15-16. Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.1 p.m. 673 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming. 770-8888449. www.creekside.net.

Green With Envy Kids Boutique Sample and Consignment Event. Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

1321 Atlanta Hwy., Cumming. 678-938-2680. www. greenwithenvykids.com.

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event.

Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. Sept. 6-11. Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Mon. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tues. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 1321 Atlanta Hwy., Cumming. www.rhealana.com.

CFUMC Kids Consignment Sale. Cumming First United Methodist Church. Sept. 11-13. Thurs.

8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (No strollers allowed) and 5-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 770 Canton Hwy., Cumming. 770-887-2900. www.cfumcga.com/kids-consignment-sale.

Fulton All 4 Kids - Roswell. Roswell Town Center. Aug. 14-16. Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. 608 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Roswell. www.all4kids.com.

Restoration Kids, Teen and Home Sale. Restoration Church of God Gym. Aug. 21-24. Thurs. 7:309:30 p.m., Fri. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.2:30 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. 410 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta.

404-277-6650. www.restorationchurchna.org.

Angels Attic Consignment Sale. Johns Creek United Methodist Church. Sept. 5-6. Fri. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 11180 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 770-497-8215. www.johnscreekumc.org/Children/Consignment-Sale.aspx.

RUMCK Consignment Sale. Roswell United Methodist Church Preschool and Kindergarten. Sept. 5-6.

Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (No strollers before noon), Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 770-9988699. www.rumc.com/rumck.

St James UMC Fall/Winter Consignment Sale. St James UMC. Sept. 26-27. 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. 404-261-3121. www.stjamesatlanta.org.

62 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event

Gwinnett WeeCycle Consignment Sale. Kroger Plaza.

July 30-Aug. 3. Wed. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 7380 Spout Springs Rd., Flowery Branch. 404-569-0285. www.weecycleconsignment.com.

Kidsignments. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.

Aug. 12-16. Tues. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (No children, infants, strollers, carriers, etc. before 2 p.m.), Wed.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.6 p.m. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. www.kidsignments.com.

Fancy Finds Kids Consignment Sale.

Hamilton Quarters. Aug. 21-23. Thurs. 6-9 p.m.

(No children unless in baby carrier or sling carrier), Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.1 p.m. 3685 Braselton Hwy., Ste. 103, Dacula. 770-283-9261. www.fancyfindskids.com.

Jack & Jill Kids Sale. Village Shoppes at Creekside. Aug. 21-23. Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.7 pm., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 860 Duluth Hwy., Ste. 120, Lawrenceville. 770-312-7528. www.jackandjillkidssale.com.

3 Savvy Sisters Kids Consignment Sale.

Stein Mart Shopping Center. Aug. 6-9. Wed. 3-8 p.m., Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

1600 Mall of Georgia, Ste. 1010, Buford. www.3savvysisters.com.

Cannon Kids Fall Consignment Sale. Cannon UMC. Aug. 15-16. Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. 2424 Webb Gin House Rd., Snellville. 678-501-6442. www.cannonchurch.org.

MOPS Consignment Sale. North Metro First Baptist Church. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. 1026 Old Peachtree Rd. NE, Lawrenceville. 770-995-9055. www.northmetro.net/mops.

Second Childhood Consignment. Shakerag Shopping Center. Sept. 10-13. Wed. 5-8 p.m.

(No strollers), Thurs. Noon-8 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 7710 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Suwanee. 770-713-6628. http://www.secondchildhoodconsignment.com.

McKendree Kids Clothes Closet. McKendree UMC. Sept. 12-13. Fri. 1-8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.3 p.m. 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd., Lawrenceville. 770-339-9801. www. mckendreekidsclothescloset.com.

Family Fun Guide

Twice is Nice Consignment Sale. Hampton First Baptist Church. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 85 McDonough St., Hampton. 770-946-4804. www.twiceisnicehfb. com.

Paulding My Kidz Closet Children’s Consignment Sale.

Community Fellowship Church. Aug. 21-23.

Thurs.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 612 Cohran Store Rd., Douglasville. www. mykidzclosetgeorgia.com.

Rockdale Tykes, Tots & Teens Consignment Sale. GA International Horse Park. Sept. 13-20. Sat. Sept. 13.

9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m (closed from 6-7 p.m). 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy., Conyers. 844-698-8872. www.TTTsale.com.

Walton Bright Beginnings Preschool Kids Fall Consignment Sale. First Baptist Church of Loganville Gym. Sept. 11-13. Thurs. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4-8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.1 p.m. 680 Tom Brewer Rd., Loganville. 770-4662770. www.bbpreschool.org.

Beyond Atlanta Fairy Dust Baby, Kids & Teens Consignment Sale. New Liberty United Methodist Church.

Aug. 20-23. Wed.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.1 p.m. 59 Charlie Smith Rd. Braselton. 404-4147158. www.fairydustsale.com.

Kidz Consignment Sale. The River Community Church Gym. Aug. 22-23. Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon and 12:30-2 p.m. 5043 Thompson Bridge Rd., Murrayville. 706-865-7389. www. consignmentkidz.com.

Tykes, Tots & Teens Consignment Sale. GA National Fairgrounds. Aug. 8-10. Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed from 1-2 p.m.)

401 Larry Walker Pkwy., Perry. 844-698-8872. www.TTTsale.com.

Lollipop Kids Consignment Sale. Jefferson Civic Center. Aug. 21-23. Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. 65 Kissam St., Jefferson. 706-3870055. www.lpkidssale.com. c

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Read All About It

Photo by Bill Mahan

The largest independent book festival in the country takes over Decatur Square with author readings, live music, parades, poetry slams and writing workshops. Here are our children’s must-dos for the weekend:

WORKSHOPS CLASSES

n The Kidnote Address Fri., Aug. 29, 5 p.m.

Agnes Scott College Presser Hall

If You Go Decatur Book Festival Decatur Square, 101 E. Court Square 404-471-5769; decaturbookfestival.com n Dates: Aug. 29-31. Check website for full event schedule. n Cost: Free

Author Jon Scieszka, best known for children’s books The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales introduces his new chapter book, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor in a creative children’s version of a keynote address. (First come-first seated)

n 90 Second Newbery Film Festival Sun., Aug. 31, 3:45 p.m.

Decatur Library Stage

n Children’s Kick-off Parades Sat., Aug. 30, 9:30 a.m.

Sun., Aug. 31, 11:30 a.m.

Start at DeKalb County Courthouse Southeast Lawn

n Author Reading: Eric Litwin Sun., Aug. 31, 5:15 p.m.

Children’s Stage

On Saturday, kids are encouraged to join a marching band of Whistle Blowers (bring kazoos, tambourines, and homemade instruments) led by Kebbi Williams and Music in the Park. Sunday’s parade features the cast from Serenbe Playhouse’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with puppets by The Center for Puppetry Arts. Kids and parents are invited to join the procession dressed as favorite characters from Oz, then watch the show performed on the children’s stage.

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A screening features winners of the annual video contest in which kid filmmakers create movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in 90 seconds or less.

Local children’s musician and author of the original Pete the Cat books, Eric Litwin, shares his newest picture book-with-songs creation, The Nuts: Bedtime at the Nuthouse, to close out the children’s events.

Family Fun Guide

August 2014 Atlanta Parent 63

Calendar

August

n

Visit our Calendar at atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

n

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

n

Submit your Family-Friendly Calendar Event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

classes Home Depot Kid’s Workshop. All locations.

Learn tool safety while building a craft and receive a kid-size orange apron. First Sat. of each month. Aug. 2. 9 a.m.-noon.

Homedepot.com. Ages 5-12, free.

INK Craft Weeks. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids. Cow craft, Aug. 4-8; Back to School craft, Aug. 11-15; Picture craft, Aug. 18-22; INK birthday craft, Aug. 25-29. $1 with museum admission. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville. 770-536-1900. Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6.

Indoor Basic Archery. Panola Mountain State Park. Learn archery basics.

Equipment provided. Aug. 2, 3, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31. 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.

2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770389-7801. Pre-register. $10; parking, $5.

n

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

TRUCKS, TRAINS AND MORE Trains, Trucks Tractors Southeastern Railway Museum AUG. 2-3, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. During the Trains, Tucks and Tractors event, kids can explore their favorite vehicle, get a temporary caboose tattoo, go for a wagon ride or create a craft.

3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. srmduluth.org. Adults, $8; ages 2-12, $5; 2 and younger, free.

Touch a Truck Wills Park AUG. 23, 10 A.M.-2 P.M.

Summer Reading Bookmark Craft. American Girl. Create a bookmark for summer reading. Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26. 4-6 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Ages 8 and older, free.

Touch a Truck showcases all kinds of vehicles, from fire engines to cars, trucks, military transports, motorcycles, buses, heavy-duty construction equipment and more. Activities also include animal balloons, moonwalks and face painting.

1825 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta. 678297-6133. willspark.com. Free.

Flower Anklet Craft. American Girl. Create a summer anklet for you and your doll. Aug. 7, 14 and 21. 4-6 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877-247-5223. Ages 8 and older, free.

Mommy and Me Preschool Program. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. Different activities each week. Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28. 10 and 11:30 a.m. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Recommended for ages 3-5. Adults, $7.50; ages 4-12, $5.50; ages 3 and younger, free.

Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle introduce history through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts. Aug. 9. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-8519111. Recommended for ages 2-5.

Donations encouraged.

Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4.

Thursdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400.

Free with admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Yoga for Kids. Johns Creek Yoga. Preschool and children’s yoga classes each Sat. Ages 3-5, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; ages 6-9, 11 a.m.-noon. 11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 770-619-1283. $12.

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Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Take a drawing, painting or pottery class.

Supplies included. Ages 2-13. Sat. 10 and 11 a.m.

1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278.

Pre-register. $15, siblings $12.

Mice Tours. Marietta Museum of History. Mascots Murray and Etta mouse introduce history through tours, storytime and craft. Aug. 13. 10:30 a.m. 1 Depot St., Marietta. 770-794-5710. Reservations required. Ages 3-5, $5.

Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program includes circle time, an activity and craft. Ages 1-4. Aug. 14. 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth.

770-495-0253. $7 per child, one adult free, additional adult, $8.

Build and Grow Clinics. Lowes. Clinics teach kids to build wooden crafts. Free apron, goggles and merit patch. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for times and locations. 800-445-6937. Pre-register. Free.

Drop-In Family Class: Magical Mosaics. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Create and design colorful mosaic creatures using various artistic materials.

Aug. 16, 23. 11 a.m.-noon. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $6 plus admission; Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; 2 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Weekends in the Naturalist Center.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Activities include animal encounters, science explorations and more. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.

767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-9296300. Activities included with price of admission. Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; younger than 3, free.

Lil’ Bean Heads Crafts. Bean Head Toys. Create an art project twice a month. All ages welcome, but smaller children may need assistance. First and third Wednesday of every month.

3-4 p.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. Free.

Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning. Make a different craft each week. Sat. 11 a.m.3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta.

770-578-3100. Free.

Drop-In and Draw. Gas-Arts at North DeKalb Mall. Make a different project each week. Every Sat. in Aug. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Every Sun. in Aug. 1- 5 p.m. 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy. 404-801-4926. $5.

atlantaparent.com

Calendar exhibits The Civil War in Sandy Springs. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Exhibit detailing the Civil War in Sandy Springs featuring letters, diaries, family artifacts, and cannon shells. Through April 2015.

Wed. and Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Adults, $3; ages 6-12, $1; ages 5 and younger, free.

Native Lands: Indians and Georgia. Atlanta History Center. Celebrates the state’s original inhabitants beginning with the Mississippian peoples and continuing with their descendants, the Creeks and the Cherokees. Through October 12. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; ages 3 and younger, free.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants. Atlanta Botanical Garden. An exhibit featuring twenty-eight topiary-like sculptures includes three life-sized gorillas, an earth goddess, a shaggy dog, and a unicorn. Through Oct. 31. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thur., until 10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859.

Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Bodies: The Exhibition. Atlantic Station. An intimate and informative view into the human body. Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.- Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing.

265 18th St., Atlanta. 404-496-4274. Adult, $24; ages 3-11, $16.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Tellus Science Museum AUG. 9, 6-10 P.M. Ask Albert Einstein or Indiana Jones a question on this special night, when real and fictional scientists and inventors come to life, portrayed by costumed adults. Kids can talk with the Wright brothers or Captain America about defying the laws of gravity, and they can come dressed up as their favorite person from history or fiction for a costume contest. Tellus Madd Scientists also will entertain.

100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. tellusmuseum.org. $20 per person.

Cinderella’s Tightrope: Adapted Childhood Tales Special Exhibit Gallery. Center for Puppetry Arts. See how characters like Cinderella and the Little Mermaid from classic childhood tales can be adapted for the puppet stage. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.

1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391.

Museum admission, $8.25. Free admission Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.

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Dolphin Tales. Georgia Aquarium. The live show incorporates dolphins, actors and special effects. Multiple shows per day, times vary. Reservations recommended.

Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. until Aug. 16. After Aug. 16, Sun.- Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Admission price depends on date of visit; Adults, $35.95; ages 3-12, $29.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

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Family Fun Guide

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 65

Calendar Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas. High Museum of Art. Exhibit featuring cars by Ferrari, Bugatti, General Motors and Porsche from the early 1930s to the 21st century. Through Sept. 7. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. until 8 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000.

Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; ages 5 and younger, free.

Whales: Giants of the Deep. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The exhibit features life-sized whale skeletons, a walkthrough replica whale heart, and a designa-dolphin experience. Through Aug. 24.

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m.

767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6400.

Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; ages 2 and younger, free.

All About Trains. Tellus Museum. Exhibit featuring model trains on 100 feet of track running past scenes of an imaginary village, displays about the basics of model railroading, how to build railroad scenes and popular model scales. Through March 29.

100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700.

Adults, $14; ages 3-17, $10; ages 2 and younger, free.

Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family in Amsterdam. Includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m.

5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-2061558. Ages 10 and older, free.

66 Atlanta Parent August 2014

‘MARY POPPINS SING-A-LONG’ Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival Fox Theatre AUG. 17, 2 P.M. Get ready to sing “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and other favorites during the “Mary Poppins Singa-Long,” a can’t-miss family event during the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. Other shows in August include “Saturday Morning Cartoons” at 10 a.m. Aug. 2; “Mamma Mia” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2; “Young Frankenstein” and “Blazing Saddles” at 2 p.m. Aug. 3; “Double Indemnity” at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 14; and “The Women” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. Foxtheatre. org. “Mary Poppins” tickets are reserved seating, $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Cartoons are $5, and other tickets are $10-$20; advanced purchase is recommended.

Outside the Box. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Create cities, buildings, castles and bridges with cardboard boxes, cylinders and tubes. Invent high-powered paper airplanes or walking robots. Through Dec. 31. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission after 1 p.m. second Tuesday of the month made possible through a Target grant.

275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta.

404-659-5437. $12.75; younger than 1, free.

Family Fun Guide

Sea Monsters Revealed: Aquatic Bodies. Georgia Aquarium. An exhibit of sea creatures includes an 18-foot-long, 3,000 pound whale shark. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. until Aug. 16. After Aug. 16, Sun.- Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-5814000. Admission price depends on date of visit; Adults, $35.95; ages 3-12, $29.95; ages 2 and younger, free

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Calendar Centennial Olympic Games Exhibit. Atlanta History Center. Learn about the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; 3 and younger, free.

Quarry Exhibit at Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain Park. This outdoor display was developed to tell the story of an industry that played a significant part in the history of Stone Mountain. Mon.-Sun., dawn to dusk. 770-4985690. U.S. Hwy 78 E., Stone Mountain. Free.

Parking, $10.

movies Fox Theatre: Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival.

The classic films festival runs through August, with a pre-show sing-a-long and a vintage cartoon. Special tours prior to the film take in depth look at how the films were made. Aug. 2, 10 a.m., “Saturday Morning Cartoons;” Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m., “Mamma Mia;” Aug. 3, 2 p.m., “Young Frankenstein” and “Blazing Saddles;” Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., “Double Indemnity;” Aug. 17, 2 p.m., “Mary Poppins Sing-a-Long;” Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m., “The Woman.” 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 855-285-8499. $5-15; advanced purchase is recommended.

Movies in Central Park. Atlantic Station. Movies start at dusk in Central Park. Aug. 7, “Clueless.”

1380 Atlantic Dr. Atlanta. 404-733-1221. Free.

Movies and Music in the Park. Emory Point.

Enjoy complimentary live music and movies with your family every other Thursday in Emory Point Park. Music and activites begin at 6 p.m. Movie begins at sundown. Aug. 7, “Despicable Me 2;” Aug. 21, “Secret Life of Walter Mitty;” Aug. 30, “Frozen.” 1727 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. Free.

Johns Creek: Movies at Newtown Park.

Outdoor family-friendly movies shown on a big inflatable screen. Pre-show activities include face painting, an inflatable moon bounce, and giveaways. The movie starts at dusk, pre-show activities begin two hours prior. Aug. 9, movie TBA. 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. 678512-3200. Free.

Movies under the Stars. Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center. Movie begins at dusk (9 p.m.). Bring your popcorn and a blanket.

Aug. 9, “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” at International Park, 2300 Hwy. 138 SE, Jonesboro. 770-477-3766. Free.

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Through Aug. 14.

See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

B at the Movies. B98.5 hosting outdoor movies through Aug. 23. Family films on a giant 45foot screen. Concessions will be available until the half-way point of the featured film, or bring your own picnic baskets and coolers. Aug. 2 at Friendship Community Park, 12785 Birmingham Hwy., “The Princess Bride;” Aug. 16 at Veterans Park, 240 Constitution Blvd., “Rio 2;” Aug. 23 at Suwanee Town Center, 330 Town Center Ave., movie TBA. B985.com/news. Free.

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 67

Calendar Great White Shark. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Through Sept. 18. A documentary following one of the greatest undersea predators.

See fernbankmuseum.org for show times. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

music Brown Bag Concert Series. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Various artists perform free music on the lawn. First Friday of each month. Aug. 1.

Includes crafts and face painting. Pack a lunch and bring a picnic blanket. Concerts 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

185 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450.

Free.

Roswell Riverside Sounds Concert Series.

Riverside Park. Outdoor concert series in the park.

Sonia Leigh, Aug.2. Concerts from 7-9 p.m. with food trucks available from 6-9 p.m. 575 Riverside Rd., Roswell. 770-641-3705. Free.

Summer Concert Series. Thrasher Park. A-Town A-List, Aug. 1; Adrian Duke Project, Aug. 15; A1A, Aug. 29. Concerts every other Friday from 7:309:30 p.m.. Playground adjacent to concert area.

Picnic dinners permitted. 93 Park Dr., Norcross.

678-421-2049. Free.

Pickin’ on the Square. Newnan. Acoustic musicians of all genres and skill levels are welcome to join in on the first and third Saturday of every month. 11 a.m. on Aug. 2 and 16. Historic Downtown Newnan Courthouse Square at LaGrange St. and E. Broad St. 770-253-8283. Free.

68 Atlanta Parent August 2014

Summer Concert Series. Village Green in Smyrna. Open-air summer concert series features a wide array of talent under the stars from R&B, rock and soul. Aug. 2. Various artists, call for band details. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. Bring friends, chairs and blankets. 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. 770-434-6600.

Free.

Concerts by the Springs. Heritage Green. The Highballs, Aug. 10. Bring picnic baskets, coolers and blankets. Smoking and pets prohibited. Lawn opens at 5 p.m., concerts from 7-8:30 p.m. 6110 Bluestone Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Free.

Friday Night Music Remix. High Museum of Art. Live music every third Friday of the month. Extended hours and access to special exhibitions. Friday, Aug. 15. 5-10 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. $10.

Music at Noon. Centennial Olympic Park.

Enjoy lunch and live music performed by local artists. Tues. and Thurs. through Oct. Concerts from noon-1 p.m., 265 Park Ave. West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free.

Wednesday Wind Down. Centennial Olympic Park. Concert series includes jazz, R&B and blues performed by local and national touring acts. Wednesdays through Sept.

Concerts from 5:30-8 p.m., 265 Park Ave. West, Atlanta. 404-223-4412. Free.

Drum Circle. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Chuck Cogliandro leads a drum circle open to drummers and spectators. Aug. 22. 8 p.m.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $5 donation.

Family Fun Guide

Glover Park Concert Series. Glover Park.

Pack a picnic and blanket to hear the John King Band. Aug. 22. 8 p.m. 50 Park Sq., Marietta. 770-794-5601. Free.

Moonlight and Music Concert Series.

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Lawn. Sons of Sailors, Aug. 29. Concert begin at 8 p.m.

Bring chairs, blankets and food. Alcohol is prohibited. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

678-226-2639. Free.

Friday Night Live. Atlantic Station. Up-andcoming artists perform on the stage in Central Park; genres range from country to rock, jazz to blues. Last Friday of the month.

Aug. 29. Concerts begin around 7 p.m. 18th St. NW., Atlanta. 404-733-1221. Free.

nature Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb.

Panola Mountain State Park. Explore the tree canopy using ropes and harnesses.

Registration required. Aug. 2 and 16.

1 and 3 p.m. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Ages 8 and older, $15; $5 parking.

Adventure Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Learn about animals on the African savanna, tour the zoo and meet an animal ambassador. Aug. 6 and 9. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-5822. Recommended for ages 3 and 4. Reservations are requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

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FAMILY PARTY

Join the 11th anniversary celebration at Booth Western Art Museum for a fun-filled day of games, activities and entertainment. Visitors can help Master Model Builder from LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta build a masterpiece. At noon and 1 p.m., the Chattahoochee Nature Center will host a Hawk Encounter.

Two puppeteers from the Center for Puppetry Arts also will entertain, along with musicians throughout the day. Lunch and birthday cake available ($5). 501 Museum Drive, Cartersville. 770-387-1300. boothmuseum.org. $10 for adults, free for ages 12 and younger.

Treasure Hunt. Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Search for golden and sparkly treasures in the Children’s Garden. Meet in the Levy Parterre.

Thur. 10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta.

404-876-5859. Free with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Night Treks. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Embark on a relaxing, familyfriendly evening trek through trails and roast marshmallows around a campfire afterwards.

Aug. 8. 8-9:30 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-904-3500. Pre-register. Adults, $8; children, $6; family, $20.

Geology Hike. Sweetwater Creek State Park.

A geologist leads a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Also visit inside the ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill alongside beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Aug. 9.

10-noon. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs.

770-732-5871. $5/person; parking, $5.

Moonlight Mountain Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Night hike up the mountain.

Aug. 9. 7:30 p.m. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Pre-register.

Ages 8 and older, $7; $5 parking.

Stroller Cubs. Zoo Atlanta. Programs for babies to 2 years and parents/caregivers.

Aug. 27 and 30. 10-11 a.m. 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-5822. Reservations are requested. $12 per person includes zoo admission.

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Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda.

Aug. 1. 6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock.

678-494-4251. Ages 12-15, $5.

Back to School STEM Saturday. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Enjoy fun activities connected to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Meet a real live weather scientist, make your own weather barometer, use robots and discover the physics behind amusement park rides. Aug. 2. 11 a.m.3 p.m. 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. 770-9043500. Ages 13 and older, $5; ages 3-12, $3; 2 and younger, free.

Cool Dads Rock Soap Box Derby. Historic Fourth Ward Park. An all-day family event filled with food trucks, music, activities, prizes, cars, and of course, the soap box derby. Aug. 2, 11 a.m. 644 Rankin St., Atlanta. 678-653-2371.

Free.

Water Day. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Come for a cool and fun day all about water. Bring your wet gear and get ready for water-themed story time, bubble show, games, crafts, a sprinkler that shoots water 12 feet in the air and more. Aug. 2. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

Giggles. Emory Point. Beach-themed event with craft activities, live music, face painting and balloon animals. Aug. 9. 10 a.m.-noon. 727 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 678-686-3106. Free.

Summer Arts and Crafts Festival. Piedmont Park. Features artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, a Street Market, children’s play area plus festival foods and beverages.

Aug. 16-17. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.6 p.m. 1215 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-8450793. Free.

LEGO City Weekend. LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Phipps Plaza. Come play, build and look at a variety of spectacular exhibits while enjoying activities for everyone. Aug. 16-17. Sat.,10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

(Last admission 2 hrs. before closing.) 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Adult, $19; ages 3-12, $17, 2 and younger, free.

Butterfly Festival. Dunwoody Nature Center.

Features hundreds of live butterflies with two enormous tents. Activities include a Birds of Prey show, live animal encounters, games, educational booths, crafts, music, food and drinks. Aug. 16. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 5342 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. Adults, $10; ages 4-12, $5; 3 and younger, free.

Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival. Adams Park.

Enjoy live music and family entertainment, a Kid Zone featuring inflatables, interactive games, food, beverages and a street festival atmosphere of arts and crafts. Aug. 22-23.

Fri., 6-10 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 2753 Watts Dr., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. Free admission.

Family Fun Guide

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Feeding Time. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of the resident animals as the Wildlife Dept. feeds them. Tuesdays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-9922055. Ages 5 and older, $10/person plus admission. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

special events Fridays -N- Duluth. Duluth Town Green.

Activities include movies, musicians and children’s activities each Friday night. Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. 6-9 p.m. Food for purchase or bring a picnic. 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770476-3434. Free.

ATLA

Booth Western Art Museum Cartersville AUG. 23, 10:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M.

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Call 770-454-7599 for advertising information. atlantaparent.com August 2014 Atlanta Parent 69

Calendar Dinosaur Birthday Bash. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Enjoy a day filled with dinosaur and birthday-themed activities including games, crafts and more.

Dinosaur costumes encouraged. Aug. 23.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular hours are Mon.Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300.

Adults, $18; ages 3-12, $16; 2 and younger, free.

Summer Shade Festival. Grant Park. Artist market, stages featuring live music, and a fun kids zone with storytellers, puppet shows and art activities. Aug. 23-24. Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 840 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-521-0938.

Free.

Teen Night. High Museum of Art. This Teen Night is inspired by “Dream Cars” and includes music by DJ Khal and Apex Society, an “Interpret the Future” style competition, a photo booth, an ARTswap, an open mic poetry slam, cool art projects, and more. Aug. 23. 7-10 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Ages 14-18, free with high school identification.

Touch a Truck. Wills Park. This event showcases all types of vehicles including fire engines, cars, truck, heavy-duty construction equipment, military vehicles, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, buses and more. Activities also include animal balloons, moonwalks and face painting.

Aug. 23. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1825 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta. 678-297-6133. Free.

Festival Peachtree Latino. Piedmont Park.

Features hundreds of exhibitors, family activities, arts and crafts, international foods and live music concerts with renowned international and local recording artists.

Aug. 24. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-551-0969. Free.

Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’. Historic Roswell Square. Taste more than 100 flavors of ice cream and enjoy live music all for a good cause. Don’t miss out on the Kid’s Korner activity zone. Aug. 24. 2-4 p.m. 600 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-5874712. $6/person; $20/family up to 6.

Stay up to speed on the latest events.

MISS MARY’S ICE CREAM CRANKIN’ Historic Roswell Square AUG. 24, 2-4 P.M. Taste more than 100 flavors of homemade ice cream and enjoy live music at this event to benefit The Drake House. Don’t miss out on the Kid’s Korner activity zone and see who wins a prize for the best ice cream recipe.

600 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-587-4712. missmarysicecream.org. $6 per person; $20 per family up to six.

Civil War Event at the Yellow River Post Office at the Hudson. Nash Farm. Learn about the local skirmish that occurred at the Yellow River Bridge. Visit the post office and general store and see how women and children received news of loved ones during the Civil War. Aug. 30. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3519 Five Forks Trickum Rd., Lilburn. 770-904-3500. Pre-register.

Adults, $5; ages 3-12, $3; age 2 and younger, free.

Meet the Past Festival. Atlanta History Center.

Families can interact with characters that bring to life the stories of people who lived in Atlanta and Georgia. Explore the galleries of the museum, the Smith Family Farm, and Swan House and engage in activities and discussions with historical interpreters.

Aug 23. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW. Atlanta. 404-814-4000 Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; free for under age 4.

storytelling Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Join the volunteer librarian as she uses books, puppets and songs to share stories about nature.

Ages 3-5. Aug. 6. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

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COMPLETE EVENT LISTINGS 70 Atlanta Parent August 2014

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Family Fun Guide

Bitty Baby and Me Story Time. American Girl.

Hear a story about Bitty Baby and a magical mermaid adventure. Aug. 12. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877247-5223. Ages 3 and older, free.

Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Storytelling three times a week.

Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs. Milk and cookies provided. Tues. 11 a.m., Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free.

Storybook Time. Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Storytime in the Children’s Garden Amphitheater. Weds. through October.

10:30 a.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta.

404-876-5859. Free with admission. Adults, $18.95; ages 3-12, $12.95; ages 2 and younger, free.

Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest.

Ramblers host storytelling each Sat. 1 p.m.

1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta.

404-753-7735. Adults, $8; ages 4-12, $5; 4 and younger, free. (Price includes storytelling).

Children’s Storytime. FoxTale Book Shoppe.

Storytimes are followed by dance and songs. Mon. and Sat. 11 a.m. 105 East Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free.

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Calendar Next Chapter JV Book Club. FoxTale Book Shoppe. This book club is for ages 6-12 and includes a snack, discussion and an activity. Aug. 8. 4:30 p.m. 105 East Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free.

Tales for Toddlers. Bean Head Toys. Listen to stories in the indoor tree house and make a craft to take home. Every Thurs. 10:30 a.m.

220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404851-2980. Free.

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theater High School Musical Jr. The Strand Theatre.

Features catchy songs and exciting dance numbers from the popular Disney movie. An all-student cast tells the story of two high school students from rival cliques trying out for the lead roles in their school musical.

Aug. 1-10. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m, Sun., 3 p.m. 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Serenbe Playhouse. Based on L. Frank Baum’s tale this production includes actors and puppets from Center for Puppetry Arts. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Through Aug. 2.

Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. 9110 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-1110. Adults 13 and older, $15; ages 12 and younger, $10.

Guyi-Guyi: The Other Ugly Duckling Center for Puppetry Arts. The story of a crocodile born to a duck family. Through Aug. 3. Tue.Fri. 10 a.m. and noon; Sat. 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun. 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 4 and older, $16.50.

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The Music Man. The Legacy Theatre. This classic musical follows Harold Hill as he attempts to con an Iowa town into buying music instruments and uniforms. Through Aug. 3. Fri., 8 p.m. Sat., 3 and 8 p.m. Sun., 3 p.m. 1175 Senoia Rd., Tyrone. 404-895-1473.

Adults, $25; ages 12 and younger, $15.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites. Center for Puppetry Arts.

Eric Carle’s beloved stories The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud, and The Mixed-Up Chameleon are brought back to life through the magic of blacklight and fanciful puppets.

Aug. 5-17. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m. and noon. Sat., noon and 2 p.m. Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 2 and older, $16.50.

Mary Poppins. Aurora Theatre. A musical production of P.L. Travers and Walt Disney Film’s classic tale of the perfect nanny.

Through Aug. 31. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m. Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sun., 2:30 p.m. 128 East Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $30-$50.

Right On. Horizon Theatre. Bella, a black activist turned business executive, returns to her college campus where old friendships are rekindled and past issues are stirred. Set to funk music, the play runs two hours and 20 minutes. Through Aug. 31. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m. Sat., 3 and 8:30 p.m. Sun., 5 p.m. 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta. 404-523-1477. Ages 13 and older, $20-$30.

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The Bush Centre for Ballet: Classical Ballet Program (Ages 3-adult). Contemporary lyric jazz, pointe, pre-pointe. Annual recital. Summer Camp. Sandy Springs. www.bushballetcentre.com. 404-256-5542.

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 71

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LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVENTS n AJC Decatur Book Festival. Historic Downtown Decatur Square. Aug. 29-31. Fri., 5 p.m.

Kidnote address, 8 p.m. Keynote address; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Stories galore at this weekend festival. Children’s parades happening both Saturday and Sunday invite kids to bring instruments and dress up as their favorite Wizard of Oz characters. And don’t miss kidnote speaker Jon Scieszka as he presents his newest book, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor. 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-471-5769. Free.

Parties include: • Pony Rides • Petting Zoo • Play Area • Picnic Area

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n Art in the Park. Glover Park. A weekend celebrating fine arts includes an artist market, children’s art alley, and Chalk Spot, a street chalk art display for children K-12 to create unique designs in 3-foot square spaces. Aug. 30- Sept.1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Historic Marietta Square. 404-966-8497. Free. n Pioneer Day Festival. Sam Smith Park.

Celebrate Labor Day with carnival rides and games, arts and crafts shows, live entertainment and fireworks. Aug. 29 -Sept. 1. Fri., 4-11 p.m., Sat.-Sun., noon-11 p.m., Mon., noon-10 p.m. 1155 Douthit Ferry Rd., Cartersville. 770-974-9033. Adults, $5; ages 12 and younger, free. Unlimited rides each day, $25 wristbands.

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n Dragon Con Parade. Downtown Atlanta. The largest pop culture convention featuring comics, film, TV and gaming boasts a colorful parade through downtown. Aug. 30, 10 a.m. Visit website for parade details. 404-669-0773. Free. Dragoncon.org.

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n Callaway’s Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Callaway Gardens. Watch the skies light up with a balloon glow on Friday evening and stick around for balloon launches Sat. and Sun. in the mornings and evenings. Between balloon launches, experience a Kids Zone, classic car show, or disc dog demonstration. Aug. 29-31. Visit callawaygardens. com for scheduled events and times. Hwy 27, Pine Mountain. 706-663-2281. Adults, $25; ages 6-12, $12.50; children 5 and younger, free. n Labor Day Beach Bash.Tybee Island. Enjoy free live entertainment and fireworks at the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. There will be an oceanfront beach party featuring live music and entertainment at the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Aug. 31, 7-10 p.m. 1605 Strand Ave., Tybee Island. 912-786-5444. Free.

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Glow-In-The-Dark Play Area Features: Dinosaur Train

minigolf football soccer basketball air cannons glow-in-the-dark inflatables lighted interactive game floor

beyond atlanta Dinosaur Train. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train from the PBS series chugs along the Tuckasegee River Excursion route. A one hour and 45 minute layover includes costumed Buddy meet and greet, dino putt-putt golf, bouncy slide, and games. Aug 1-3. Fri. and Sat., 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sun., 3 p.m. 226 Everett St., Bryson City, NC. 800-872-4681. Adults, $39$59; ages 2-12, $30-$40; ages 23 months and younger, $10.

First Friday Night Concert Series. Hancock Park, Dahlonega. Bring friends, family and lawn chairs and listen to entertaining bands.

Aug. 1. 6:30 p.m. North Park and Warwick Streets, Dahlonega. 706-482-2707. Free.

Alligators, Monkeys, Farm Friends and more!

Live animals of all kinds!

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River Giants Exhibit. Tennessee Aquarium.

A collection of freshwater fish at legendary sizes, the “goliaths” of freshwater. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. One Broad St., Chattanooga, Tenn. 800-262-0695. Adults, $26.95; ages 3-12 $16.95; 2 and younger, free. c

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Family Sandcastle Tournament. Tugaloo State Park. Bring your sand pails and shovels to the park’s beach for a little friendly competition.

Judging begins at noon and prizes will be given for top three sand castles. Aug. 16.

10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 1763 Tugaloo State Park Rd., Lavonia. 706-356-4362. Free. Parking, $5.

Historic Trolley Tour. Downtown Augusta. Take the Lady Libby Trolley for a kid-friendly ride to see some of Augusta’s most famous homes and the Augusta Canal. Hear a historical story and head to the James Brown exhibit at the Augusta History Museum. Saturdays.

1 p.m. 560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-7244067. Pre-register. $12 per person, includes admission to the museum.

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Riders in the Sky. Tweetsie Railroad. Come hear America’s Favorite Cowboys as they sing and entertain audiences, “the cowboy way.” Seating is first come first served. Aug. 9-10. Noon and 3 p.m. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., Blowing Rock, NC. 800-526-5740. Show included with park admission. Adults, $39; ages 3-12, $26; 2 and younger, free.

Saturday Market on the River. Augusta Riverwalk. Browse local produce, baked goods, art and more on the banks of the Savannah River. Saturdays through Dec. 6. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 8th St. Plaza, Augusta. 706-6270128. Free.

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August 2014 Atlanta Parent 73

Humor

by Lara Krupicka

Technology Takes Over the Bathroom

“M

ommy, I gotta go potty.”

Why do those five words, when spoken in public, cause your heart to race and your teeth to clench?

Is it because you know to get a preschooler successfully in and out of a public restroom you dash all hopes of completing any errand?

And why is meeting such a commonplace need so risky?

I’ve had plenty of time holding doors closed for my children’s privacy to consider this. It’s because of the “new and improved” facilities that abound these days.

I’m all for new technology in the right places.

But the bathroom? The standard flush toilet worked fine. And then they changed it. Now it’s auto-flush everywhere. Come to think of it there’s also autorinse on sinks and auto-dispense on paper towels.

Soon we’ll be waving our hands for our allotments of toilet paper and soap too. But whoever designed all these sanitation conveniences was certainly not a 3-foot tall preschooler or the mother of one.

Auto-flush has ruined excursions outside our home. Every trip to a public restroom begins with questions like “Is it loud? Does it flush by itself?”

My children must think I’ve pre-screened every potty. And let me tell you, auto-flush requires great care. Just getting a child to approach the throne means lots of coaxing, cajoling and downright commanding.

“Don’t worry it’s not gonna flush yet. But whatever you do, once you sit down – DON’T 74 Atlanta Parent August 2014

MOVE. Okay, I’ll hold my hand over the sensor while you go. I PROMISE it won’t flush on you.”

Even after all that, there’s no guarantee the child won’t decide the need wasn’t so urgent after all.

Thanks to this modern invention, my once independent children now require all this handholding over something as ordinary as going to the bathroom. Then they flee with their pants at their ankles fearing the flush. Which brings me to the dangers of public restrooms. I’m certain we’ll emerge one day from a bathroom trip with a broken nose or gashed forehead from these flights of fear.

As for sensors on sinks, what’s the secret to those?

I hold my hands under the My once faucet. Forward. Back. independent Side-to-side. Nothing. So I move my body. Forward. children now Backward. Side-to-side. Still require all nothing. Pretty soon I’m doing this intricate dance this handwith spins and twirls until ... holding over swish! The water turns on.

But at this point my back is something as to the sink. I turn and plunge my hands under the faucet ordinary as as the water turns off. Next going to the come my kids who can barely reach the faucet, let alone trip bathroom. the sensor. So I hoist them up and do the water boogie with them. Forward. Back. Nothing. Shift kid to hip.

Twirl. Water on. Hands under and ... off!

Once we’ve gotten a brief squirt of water, soaped up and sprained an ankle trying to rinse off, we spend a little time waving at the paper towel dispenser before we give up and leave. At least I get looks of sympathy for my gimpy leg as my children happily trot to the car. c atlantaparent.com

57 years of beautiful singing all over the world.

Boys ages 6-13 who love to sing!

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MABLETON • 770.739.6284

ALPHARETTA – MILTON • 770.777.9121

MARIETTA – EAST • 770.321.2637

ALPHARETTA - NESBIT FERRY • 770.645.8252

MARIETTA --KENNESAW MOUNTAIN • 678.602.3618

ALPHARETTA – SARGENT • 770.664.6284

MARIETTA – SOUTH • 770.330.5233

ALPHARETTA - WINDWARD PARKWAY • 770.619.5651

MARIETTA - SOUTH SANDY PLAINS • 678.213.3347

ATLANTA - BUCKHEAD NORTH • 404.497.0588

NEWNAN • 770.304.9044

ATLANTA - CASCADE CROSSING • 404.946.0077

NORCROSS - GLOBAL MALL • 770.840.8040

ATLANTA – LAVISTA • 678.732.9250

NORCROSS - PEACHTREE CORNERS • 770.416.9500

ATLANTA – NORTHLAKE • 404.418.8848

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DACULA - HAMILTON MILL • 678.546.6725 DULUTH - BERKELEY LAKE • 770.743.4000 DULUTH - GWINNETT PLACE • 678.206.2000 DULUTH - TOWN CENTER • 770.418.1088 DUNWOODY • 770.673.0013 FAYETTEVILLE • 770.716.5932 JOHNS CREEK – NORTH • 770.622.5886 KENNESAW-WADE GREEN RD. • 678.766.6284 LAWRENCEVILLE - COLLINS HILL • 678.571.2475 LAWRENCEVILLE – SOUTH • 678.389.9088 LAWRENCEVILLE - SUGARLOAF CROSSING • 678.442.7509 LILBURN - KILLIAN HILL • 770.806-8830

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