Augusta Family Magazine July 2013 by Augusta Family Magazine

July 2013 DON’T DASH THEIR DREAMS SUN SAFE CANNING FUN DANCE THERAPY

Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

ARTS, SPORTS & SUMMER FUN

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2013 Gold Award Winner Editorial and Design Awards Competition

Jaden Samuel Jenkins, 8, is the son of Jay and Bonita Jefferies Jenkins of Augusta.

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Augusta Family | Month â&#x20AC;˘ 3

Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

w w w. a u g u s t afamily.co m Publisher Kate Cooper Metts Editor Karin Calloway Production Art Director / Web Producer Michael Rushbrook Graphic Artist Chris Goodman Advertising Director of Advertising Lisa Dorn Advertising Sales Elizabeth Jones Sisson Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann

Contents

July 2013

Don’t Dash Their Dreams Let Your Children Reach for the Stars - Monica Dutcher

When Tragedy Strikes the Nation How To Handle the Often Difficult Conversations

photography Branch Carter and John Harpring contributors Lucy Adams Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE Grace Belangia Monica Dutcher J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Lara Krupicka Jennie Montgomery Danielle Wong Moores Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at karin.calloway@augustafamily.com or mail to 127A 7th Street, Augusta, GA 30901 or telephone (706) 828-3946. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/ distribution, call (706) 823-3722.

- Lucy Adams

Audience Development Manager Doressa Hawes

July

departments

7 editor’s page 9 mom2mom

Sticking Together Now...and Then -Jennie Montgomery

10 news&notes 13 eating well with kim Survival 101 -Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

17 doctor/dad The Times, They Are Changing -J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

18 healthy family Sun Safe

20 home front A Jam Anyone Can Get Into -Lara Krupicka

26 time out! Get Off the Grid

-Lucy Adams

28 inspiration station Dance Therapy -Danielle Wong Moores

31 calendar 46 talkin’ about my generation

-Danielle Wong Moores

Dee Widener Alton, Virginia Sullivan Chew and Jesus Abraham Ramos

-Grace Belangia

on the cover: Jaden Samuel Jenkins, 8, is the son of Jay and Bonita Jefferies Jenkins of Augusta.

quick pick “Is it (their passion) going to be a career? No one really knows. But it’s not our job as parents to say, ‘You can’t do this because,’” says Dr. Kevin Turner, an Augusta psychologist in private practice. “There’s some sort of reality to this that will unfold naturally. Live day-by-day, game-bygame, competition-bycompetition. If they had fun and tried their best, there’s a blessing to doing that (activity).” Read more about encouraging your children to pursue their passion for the arts and sports in Monica Dutcher’s

Photo by Branch Carter

4 • Augusta Family | July 2013

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article on page 22.

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6 â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta Family | July 2013

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editor’s by Karin Calloway

Fun Summer To-Do List...

hen we have our monthly staff meetings my publisher, Kate Metts, always starts out with what she calls “housekeeping.” It’s when she makes announcements about items like health insurance, United Way, etc. This month, I thought I’d do a little “housekeeping” with you, our loyal readers, because we have a lot going on here at Augusta Family Magazine!

Here are a few reminders: >> Be sure to vote for Augusta Family Favorites! We need to hear from you. This list of favorites is a wonderful guide for all of us when looking for restaurants, healthcare providers and retailers who come highly recommended by other parents. The ballot is available in this issue on page 30 or online at www.augustafamily.com. >> It’s mid-summer and I hope you haven’t slacked off on applying sunscreen to yourself and your children. Yes, rubbing down a toddler with the recommended one ounce of sunscreen is like trying to catch a greased pig, but it’s necessary to protect them from skin cancer down the road. Read Danielle Wong Moores story about the importance of sun protection on page 18. >> Are your children bored at the mid-summer mark? If so, you can find information about a variety of camps in the online version of our annual Camp Guide. Just go to www.augustafamily.com to check it out. I hope you’ll enjoy this issue of Augusta Family Magazine. It is informationpacked! Monica Dutcher delves into the importance of encouraging your children in their pursuits of the arts and sports, Lucy Adams asks the experts how to talk to your kids about national tragedies and disasters in her feature on page 24 and she also gives you some great ideas about how to turn off the technology and tune in to each other on page 26. This issue also includes one of the largest calendar sections we’ve ever published. There are so many family oriented activities going on this summer, so be sure to keep a copy of this issue handy for making family plans. Until August,

Karin Calloway is a wife and mother of two. She’s also a journalist and recipe developer who writes the Wednesday cooking column for The Augusta Chronicle. You can watch Karin prepare her weekly recipes in segments on WJBF NewsChannel 6 on Tuesdays during Midday at Noon and on Wednesdays during Good Morning Augusta.

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Augusta Family | July 2013 • 7

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mom m m by Jennie Montgomery

brook

Illustration by Michael Rush

Sticking Together Now...and Then

y three nearly grown kids still get into fights on a regular basis, but they’re also quick to band together when the opportunity arises to pull the wool over their parent’s eyes. They almost got away with their last attempt, but a series of letters from various attorneys’ offices in another state gave them away. One kid had gotten a speeding ticket—he or she begged their siblings to help them pay it off. THEN they would tell their dad and me about the unfortunate incident…but those letters arriving in our mailbox effectively blew the whistle on the lead-foot driver! The whole thing reminded me of the first time these three banded together for a cause and (almost) got away with it. They were ages 1, 2 and 3. Scott had them by himself on a Saturday afternoon. It was nearly naptime and the backyard needed mowing. He thought they’d fall asleep to Dragon Tales, as they were all on blankies on the family room floor. He could even see into the room from the backyard and figured he’d mow while they slept. Problem was, they didn’t sleep. Scott made the turn at the end of a freshly mowed row, to head back across the yard, and was shocked to see our baby being waved over the fence… in someone’s out-stretched arms. A mysterious voice called out, “Daddy, Daddy, look at me!” Our next-door neighbor, Sherrie, was a guardian angel that day. She was standing in her front yard when she saw two tow-heads bobbing down our sidewalk. They were followed by a dark-haired baby crawling fast to keep up. In seconds she steered Zack and Maddy back inside the wide-open front door, swooped up Sky Baby and walked around to the backyard and waved her high over the fence! Scott rushed over and Sherrie explained about the three wee escapees. They walked around to the front door and saw a barstool just inside the door jamb. Seems the eldest two had dragged a stool from the kitchen, one climbed up and stood on it, reaching and unlatching the chain lock high on the door. Thank goodness Sherrie was nearby to “blow the whistle” on that very first group escapade! JENNIE Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She’s married to Scott and they have three children: Zack, 20, Maddy, 19, and Sky, 17. www.augustafamily.com

Augusta Family | July 2013 • 9

news notes

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.

IllustrAtIon by bob cAnAdA

—Sam Keen

Your familY car can be deadly. Even on a relatively mild day, the temperature inside a car can get above 100 degrees. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than that of an adult, so kids are at greater risk for heat stroke. Never leave your child unattended in a motor vehicle, even with windows open. Also, keep children from playing in or around vehicles as they could become trapped inside a hot car. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/ safekids. Read the whole article about keeping your children out of hot cars at www.augustafamily.com.

Did you get an e-reader? Still stumped ab out how to use it? Did you know th at you can dow nload e-books and audio book s for free from th e Georgia Download Destination through our loca l libraries?

Learn about the GA DD program and all about your e-re at several special ader sessions at CSRA libraries: July 3. Friedman Branch Library. 2: 30 p.m. July 15. Maxwell Branch Library. 10 -11 a.m. July 16. Appleby Branch Library. 11 a.m.-noon July 29. Diamon d Lakes Library. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Th

e Diamond Lakes program includes smartphones and information on lap other portable de tops, vices as well.

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View Our On-Line Extras at www.AUGUSTAFAMILY.com

May/Ju

D TRIP THE ROA ENT BE INDEPEND CAMP TO T SUMMER THE RIGH PICKING P DAY CAM SPECIAL NURSING ANNUAL

RULES OF

SECTION

Fresh Faces

Is your child ready for their Family “close up?” If you think A AUGUST

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Award Winn

you’ve got a “cover kid,” submit their photo and information on our website and they may grace the cover of Augusta Family Magazine!

Fun! ER MER MM SU SUM

Apply Online!

Visit our Web site to apply on the contest page.

the and 6, are ages 9, 4 of Evans. el Miller, and Annab Jennifer Miller Ava, Jack Scout and children of

10 • Augusta Family | July 2013

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Apply Online! We’re looking for interesting members of the community ages 5 to 125 to feature in the Talkin’ About My Generation section of Augusta Family Magazine.

What’s the happiest sound ever...? ...a giggling baby app...

! c i t s a T App-

Button Book App is Making Everyone Giggle Originally intended for toddlers ages 1 to 3, the app known as “The Button Book” is also striking a funny chord with parents. Ben Hillman & Company released this giggling baby app for tablets and phones on the App Store and Google Play. The app features 10 animated photos of different babies, with 30 different laugh-overs. Tap or tickle the babies’ belly buttons and they come alive, erupting into delicious laughter. It is an extremely effective way to turn your grouchy toddler into the happy dream child you always knew they could be. The babies are not the only ones laughing, however. Adults are using The Button Book too, when they need some amusement—sometimes at the expense of their little ones. One reviewer said, “This app is a laugh riot! My 2- and 5-year-olds won’t put it down, and I have to admit it’s really infectious. I find myself using it all the time.” Just make sure your kids get a turn too! “With the launch of The Button Book, we have an opportunity to help parents anywhere calm their child down,” says Ben Hillman. “And of course, if it helps the parents calm down too, we have no objection. It’s the happiest sound in the world.”

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Augusta Family | July 2013 • 11

eating well with kim

by Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Survival 101

Teaching Children To Cook Will Promote a Healthy Future

This recipe is a great way to get multiple colorful vegetables into one dish.

illustraton coutesy of Audra Furuich

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce ½ large sweet onion, peeled and sliced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced 1 large carrot, sliced into matchsticks 1 red pepper, sliced into matchsticks 1 pound snow peas, about 2 cups once you string them 1 8-ounce can bamboo shoots, drained 2 cups cooked brown rice

eaching basic cooking is a survival skill just like teaching children to read and write. We have to eat and what we eat impacts our health and future successes. There is no question that eating more nutritious foods promotes health. Healthful food is the foundation for all other activities, as I see it. Why is it, then, that cooking, eating and enjoying food has taken a backseat in our culture? We are seeing the results of poor eating habits and lack of home-cooked meals—not to mention a sedentary lifestyle—via the obesity epidemic. That alone is a great reason to teach our children, teens and young adults to cook. On a different level, it is important for teens to learn cooking skills because it is empowering. Our children (teens) should be able to feed themselves versus having to rely on others (restaurants, grocery stores and factories) to do it for them. I am not sure it is important to teach them to prepare certain meals as much as it is important to teach cooking skills. Taste preferences are individual, but eliminating fear of the kitchen and embracing trial and error is the best cooking lesson. Sometimes recipes work out and sometimes they don’t. Practice defiantly helps, and it can be fun. Meals that teach basic Plus, you usually get to eat the end result. cooking skills can include: If you are a parent who does not know how to cook then it can be • Some type of pasta meal. a shared learning experience. Pick one recipe a week and get going. • Simple steamed or sautéed Cooking has come naturally to me, so it is hard to understand vegetables—many people say that someone might need to learn how to cook pasta. However, the they do not know how to cook reason cooking is easy for me is not because of a God-given talent. vegetables. Experiment with It is because I cooked with my mom and grandmother throughout seasoning here. childhood. They did not set out to teach me (or maybe they did). I • Cooking fish seems to cause fear learned from being with them in the kitchen. Hanging out in the in people but is really easy and kitchen teaches cooking skills AND builds memories. I will never should be part of a basic forget the time Granny and I set the stove on fire. Yes, memories to cooking repertoire. If not fish, be cherished! then chicken. • Lastly, a basic stir-fry is also a nice skill or recipe to have. They are quick and easy and contain a lot of vegetables.

Chicken Snow Pea Stir-Fry

Cut the chicken breast into thin slices. Spray a non-stick skillet or wok with vegetable oil cooking spray and add 1 teaspoon oil. While the oil heats combine ¾ cup broth, cornstarch and soy sauce and set aside. Once the oil is hot add the chicken. Cook, stirring constantly about 4-6 minutes or until chicken is done. Remove chicken from the pan and add remaining oil. Add onion, carrots and red pepper to the pan, sauté for 3 minutes or until onion is translucent. Add in the garlic ,snow peas and bamboo shoots. If the pan is a little dry add a few tablespoons of broth to help steam the snow peas until they just begin to get tender. Stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine and add it, along with the chicken, to the pan. Cover and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat and stir to combine and heat everything throughout. Serve over brown rice. Yield: 4 Servings Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 370, Fat 8g. (1g saturated fat, 3.4g monounsaturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg, Sodium 680mg, Carbohydrate 43, Fiber 7g, Protein 32g, Potassium 900mg, Phosphorus 418mg. Percent Daily Value: 80% Vitamin A, 170% Vitamin C, 20% Iron, 8% Calcium Carbohydrate Choice: 2 ½ Carbohydrates Diabetes Exchanges: 1 ½ Starch, 3 Vegetables, 3 Lean meats

Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To join the recipe club or view recipes, visit www.universityhealth.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk.

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Augusta Family | July 2013 • 13

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doctor dad by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

The Times, They Are Changing

We Can’t Predict the Future, but a Proactive, Healthy Lifestyle Is a Must for Future Generations

hange is hard, but it is often necessary and even inevitable. Once you accept that change is going to occur, then it becomes a question of what to do about it. One such example is the changing world of healthcare. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is the law of the land, but it is far from definitive as to how the legislation will impact you and me. One thing is clear...it will most certainly be a change. One of the most interesting developments is how companies are reacting to the new costs. Our health insurance system is built on the shoulders of industry. If you aren’t on Medicare, Medicaid or in the military, chances are you get your insurance through your employer. Many pundants claim that this is a flawed system, yet Obamacare will do little to change that. What it will do is shift more folks from an employerbased system to a governmental system, which is essentially one of the longterm goals of the Washington wonks. However, for the immediate future, your employer will still be the source of most private insurance purchases. Titans of industry will complain that one of their greatest expenses is employee benefits, and health care co-ops the majority of that burden. I know as a small business owner my insurance and that of my employees takes a substantial bite out of my budget, such that many companies are looking for ways to minimize this expense while continuing to provide the benefit (and not turning it over to the government).

Wellness-Based Insurance Profiling One controversial idea already being implemented in some larger companies is tying insurance premiums to behaviors and body shape. In other words, if your waist size is greater than 41 inches, you pay

risk criteria in their hiring practices. Cleveland Clinic, for example, stopped hiring smokers in 2007.

Employee Wellness or Margin Motivation

more for health insurance. The trunk gets taxed while the twig gets discounted. And, weight is just one characteristic that is being targeted. For example, Michelin of North America, one of the largest tire manufacturers, will charge up to $1,000 more per year in premiums to employees who have high blood pressure. On the other side of the coin, they reward employees with rebates and reduced premiums who lower blood pressure and cholesterol, exercise on a regular basis and meet certain other health goals. As you can surmise, this has raised the ire of many, including the unions which claim this is “legal discrimination”. Proponents of these changes claim that this type of reward/penalty pricing has existed in many industries for decades. No one raises an eyebrow when your auto insurance premium goes up after an accident or your homeowner’s protection costs are more when you build in a flood zone. A 2011 Gallup survey estimated that industry lost around $153 billion of productivity a year due to obesity related medical problems, and workers missed up to 450 million days of work. General Electric is another massive corporation that has partially cut their healthcare costs by charging admitted smokers $652 in additional premiums each year. A corporate spokesperson said this not only cut claims but also encouraged many employees to quit smoking. Some companies have taken it even further by using health

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Opponents of these practices claim a variety of both legal and ethical breaches. Many employees feel this is an invasion of privacy and a company has no business addressing behaviors off the job. In addition, many feel it gives excessive influence to bosses to evaluate employees arbitrarily and not based on job performance. Those who vocally decry these tactics portend a future where someone with hypertension or obesity is passed over for a promotion based solely on their blood profile and medication use and not their job performance. All these changes are a result of the shifting marketplace and arguably can be linked back to economics. Granted some companies are very employee-centric and really do want their folks to be healthier simply for the benefit of the individual, but I suspect the majority of companies are driven by the margin motive and are not as altruistic as they want to appear. The fairness debate will rage on, as in almost any other aspect of the owner/employee dichotomy, yet in a marketplace where good jobs are a premium, it certainly behooves any of us in the workforce to be as healthy and as productive as we can be. My libertarian leanings cause me to cringe when I see business or government involved in an individual right and responsibility. However, therein lies the rub. We have departed from thinking about personal responsibility. Neither the government nor your employer should dictate personal health decisions. You need to take charge and live a healthy life for your benefit and that of your family, period. Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two teenage daughters.

Augusta Family | July 2013 • 17

healthyfamily }

by Danielle Wong Moores

Sun Safe

Applying Sunscreen Year-Round Protects You and Your Children From Skin Cancer

hen dermatologist Dr. Anna Kay Duckworth asks her patients if they’re wearing their sunscreen, she often gets a lot of grimaces and some uncomfortable squirming. We all know that we should wear sunscreen, but the truth is, most Americans don’t. In fact, a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that only about 30 percent of adults regularly apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. This, despite sobering statistics from the American Academy of Dermatology that say one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime—and 3.5 million new cases will be diagnosed just this year. Even more startling, it’s estimated that one American dies every hour from malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. “That hits me hard every time,” says Dr. Duckworth. She’s also not alone in noticing a disturbing trend in her practice—an increasing number of young people presenting with skin cancers. According to recent studies, the 40 and younger age group is at increasingly higher risk for skin cancer.

Add to that the fact that there’s no easy trick for smearing on sunscreen. It takes time, it feels greasy, and not everyone appreciates the smell. But the question everyone should ask themselves is this: How do an extra few minutes and a minor annoyance compare against a lifetime of wrinkled skin, sun spots and skin cancer (plus scars from removing these cancers)? “You have to decide it’s important and until you decide it’s important, you’re not going to remember,” says Dr. Duckworth.

Tips for Total Sun Protection—At Every Age With a genetic predisposition to freckles, Dr. Duckworth is careful about sun protection both for herself and her family. Her routine includes a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 (“15 is not enough,” she says) that she applies under her makeup every day. Want to look tan? Opt for a bronzer or get a

The Growing Risk of Skin Cancer

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i at tr

re ai

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Skin cancer risk is related to one thing—overexposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or from tanning beds. And what you do in your past can haunt you: One blistering sunburn in childhood, or five or more typical sunburns, doubles your chance of getting melanoma later in life, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. And, adds Dr. Duckworth, “If you use a tanning bed prior to age 35, you are 87 percent more likely to develop melanoma.” With all this data, why don’t we protect ourselves and our families better? “Our society feels like being tan is more beautiful,” says Dr. Duckworth. “If we could ever change the mentality that you’re beautiful for longer if you don’t tan, then we might get somewhere…there’s no such thing as a safe tan or safe color.”

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spray tan (which costs about the same as a tanning bed session). When she takes her 2-year-old and 5-year-old to the pool, she makes sure to apply sunscreen before they get dressed to make it easier—and she does it 15 minutes before they go out into the sun, as directed. While aerosol versions may seem like a good idea, “Creams are more effective because they’re more evenly applied,” says Dr. Duckworth. “Most people don’t rub in a spray...so if it doesn’t touch the body surface area that you’re spraying or if you haven’t rubbed it in, it’s not effective.” She also works on timing so that they avoid the sun’s most intense rays from late morning to midafternoon. “In the main part of summer, we are out in the early morning and I very rarely have the children outside beyond 11 a.m.,” she says. After lunch and naps, “We typically don’t come back out until about 4:30.” This also limits the number of times she has

{ healthyfamily to reapply sunscreen: It’s recommended that you reapply every two hours that you’re out in the sun as the sun’s rays will inactivate the product. All moms know: “Putting sunscreen on children is just a circus,” says Dr. Duckworth. “You’ve got to catch them, you’ve got to keep them still, you’ve got to rub it all in—it’s not easy. You don’t want to have to do it but just a few times.”

Getting Dad To Use Sunscreen As for husbands, their sun exposure most often comes in the form of yard work, or during outdoor activities such as golfing or fishing. Men will remember their golf tees or leaf bags, but won’t think about sunscreen. Dr. Duckworth first advises making it easy by keeping sunscreen available in a golf bag, in the car or in your shed. If men complain about sunscreen making their hands greasy, add a packet of baby

wipes to make it easy to clean up afterward. For the face, a moisturizer with SPF 30 added is less likely to run into eyes and cause stinging. Clothing can also provide sun protection. Eschew caps or visors, which protect the face, but not

the neck or ears, and develop the habit of wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Dr. Duckworth also chooses sun-protective clothing for her kids when they go to the beach, and this is also a great option for adults during outdoor activities. Due to their construction, dyes, treatments, fiber type and other factors, this clothing provides an Ultraviolet Protection Spotting Skin Cancer Factor against the sun’s burning Good skin health starts with the ABCDE’s. Examine your skin rays, similar to SPF on sunscreen regularly to see if you have pigmented spots or moles that exhibit products, and are widely available the following characteristics: at sporting goods retailers. A = Asymmetry. One half is unlike the other half. Good sun protection practices B = Border. An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border. not only reduce risk of skin cancer, C = Color. Color is varied. but also the aging effects of the sun. D = Diameter. Melanomas are usually larger than 6mm when Treatments to fix wrinkles and sun diagnosed (the size of a pencil eraser). spots later in life are not only costE = Evolving. A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the ly, but also invasive. Plus, no magic rest or is changing in size, shape or color. cream or treatment will fix those wrinkles and sun spots as well as Sources: Academy of Dermatology avoiding the sun or a tanning bed in the first place.

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Augusta Family | July 2013 • 19

homefront }

by Lara Krupicka

A Jam Anyone Can Get Into Turn Summer Fruits Into a Fun Family Project

ith the trend in consuming products as close to the source as possible and the continued rise in food costs, it’s no wonder that more people are turning to home canning and preserving. According to Brenda Schmidt, brand manager of Fresh Preserving at Jarden Home Brands (manufacturer of the popular Ball and Kerr canning products), sales in the industry grew 40 percent between 2008 and 2011. Making homemade jam may sound daunting, but anyone can do it using basic kitchen skills. And, children can take part in the process, too. Try these steps with your family to enjoy your own homemade jam—the process works for blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and boysenberries.

Getting Started >> Buy or pick your fruit. A visit to a pick-your-own farm brings you directly to the source. It also ensures the freshest produce for canning. Most farms are kid-friendly so everyone can take part in picking. Joy Cox, mom to three young children, says that some of the fun for her comes from watching her kids get excited about picking the fruit because they know it’s for jam. For those short on time or who live too far from berry farms, a quick trip to a nearby farmer’s market or the local supermarket also works. You’ll need about 2 ¼ to 4 ½ pounds of berries per batch of jam. >> Reserve two to three hours. Plan your jam-making adventure for an uninterrupted block of time. For more fun, invite some friends to join you. Our family often holds jam-making sessions with friends to share the work and to pass along the skills to others. >> Set up your work area. Clear your kitchen table or counter to make space for your supplies and for working. Make room on the stove for three pots—one for cooking the jam, one for heating jar lids and the third for the boiling canner. >> Gather your supplies. One of the drawbacks to trying out home preserv-

6 Ways To Get the Kids Involved

Picking fruit, even small hands can help.

Counting out jars, rims, and lids.

ing has typically been the expense of investing in supplies. Hot-water-bath processing (recommended by the USDA) requires a large canning pot with a rack and accessories, which can cost up to $50. However, Jarden Home Brands offers an inexpensive starter kit, perfect for small canning projects such as this one, that includes a rack and lifter designed to fit a regular stockpot for under $15.

Making the Jam >> Prepare the fruit. Rinse berries quickly under cool water in a colander. Drain briefly. Next, in a large bowl, mash the fruit, a small amount at a time using a potato masher. Children particularly enjoy this part of the process so assign them the role of smashing the berries. >> Prepare containers. Wash jars, rims and lids in hot soapy water. To prevent jars from breaking, bring water in your canning pot to a low boil. Turn off heat. Then submerge clean jars for 10 minutes. >> Simmer up the jam. Transfer mashed berries to the saucepot in the quantity indicated in the pectin instructions. Add pectin. Heat to boiling, then add sugar according to pectin manufacturer’s recommendations. Stir until dissolved and return to rolling boil. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Be careful to follow times exactly, as the jelling process requires precision. In our house, the kids like counting down the seconds and announcing when time is up. >> Skim off the foam. Once the jam has cooked, remove from heat and skim foam from surface of cooked jam with metal spoon and transfer to a separate bowl. Set aside. >> Jar the jam. Pour water out of each heated jar just prior to using. Then, using the funnel and ladle, scoop jam into jars, leaving a quarter-inch gap between the top of the jar and the jam. Carefully wipe the lip of the jar clean, then put on the lid and rim, closing fingertip tight.

4 56 Watching the timer during jam cooking.

Smashing the berries.

Eating the jam.

Handing rims to an adult as jars are filled.

Brenda Schmidt, brand manager of Fresh Preserving at Jarden Home Brands, suggests adding the low-sugar variety to yogurt or hot cereal to get more fruit in kids’ diets.

20 • Augusta Family | July 2013

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{ homefront >> Process in a hot water bath. Place jars on raised rack in canning pot as soon as they are filled and capped. When rack is full, slowly lower rack with jars into heated water, until jars are submerged. Return to boiling and boil for 15 minutes. Turn off heat. Carefully remove jars from pot using jar lifter and set on wood cutting board, trivets or thick towel to cool.

Celebrate

photo by camy west

While you clean up, listen for the sound of jar lids popping as the seals set. Cheer with each pop. You did it! As Cox says, “knowing that I’m providing something for my family that they thoroughly enjoy brings me a feeling of great accomplishment.” Your jam is made. Spread it on bread. Enjoy!

Canning Supplies Checklist Here’s what you’ll need to enter the world of canning and jam-making: • 3 pint or 6 half-pint glass

canning jars (companies offer

different shapes, sizes and styles to meet your canning needs)

• 1 two-piece cap for each jar (with a new lid which

matches the jar size—either wide-mouth or regular)

• Sugar

• Pectin—a thickening agent

available in liquid or powder

and found in the baking aisle of your local supermarket

• Potato masher for crushing the berries

• Metal spoon

• Rubber scraper • Large bowl

• A 6- to 8-quart saucepot • Ladle

• Lid wand—for removing lids from hot water. Tongs will also work

• Jar lifter

• Wide-mouth funnel

• Large canning pot with rack (stockpot and rack insert)

Freelance writer, Lara Krupicka, enjoys making jam every summer with her daughters after they go blueberry picking.

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Augusta Family | July 2013 • 21

I just knew I was going to be a Rockette. With

long legs and a precise Shuffle Off to Buffalo, I

thought my dance career was on the fast track to Radio City Music Hall, where my parents had taken me to see the Radio City Christmas Music Spec-

tacular starring that world famous, kick-lining crew. Between ages 10 and 17, I took all sorts of dance lessons and performed on the “varsity” dance com-

pany in high school. Today, I am just a Rockette

at heart—but I would not have done anything dif-

ferently and recall those days with great fondness, even remembering how supportive my parents were of me and my dancer dreams.

22 • Augusta Family | July 2013

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Although a lucrative career in dance—and the

their passions. Her two sons are currently college

would ultimately have a fulfilling life. “They could

difficult to launch, my parents never focused on

University and Will plays Southeastern Conference

says. “We are a very spiritual family. If it’s God plan,

arts or professional sports in general—is extremely

that—or the fact that most of the girls in my classes had been dancing since they were 3, way earlier

athletes: Sam plays division I baseball at Samford football at the University of Mississippi.

“Both of our sons were born wanting to com-

than I had started. They knew that dance turned

pete and wanting to be the best. They never leave

they made it possible for me to work hard at the

boys bring to their athletic pursuits. “I don’t think a

a light on inside me that nothing else did and so

craft, which ultimately developed me in ways that

had nothing to do with a perfectly executed pas de bourree.

anything on the field,” Few says of the passion her parent can push their child enough to succeed at

college. If you don’t have it in you, you’re going to

wake up tomorrow in college and say I’m done,” she it’s going to happen.”

The Backup Plan In a culture that loves winning athletes and

only the most original of artists, parents may be concerned that their child, convinced that he or she wants to make it in one of these fields, may not have

what it takes—either from an emotional or a sheer

Building More Than Dreams

talent standpoint—to rise above such fierce competition. No parent wants to watch their child struggle

If you’re a parent of a tutu-clad bunhead who

by being without work and financial security. But of-

has her sights set on the stage or a young musician

ten, if a child’s plan A doesn’t unravel as intended, a

who wants to produce albums, do not assume that

plan B is waiting in the wings. College athletes who

you are feeding a delusion by funding or encourag-

don’t continue to the professional level can have

ing the activity. “By expressing curiosity in the arts,

rewarding and stable careers as coaches, educa-

your child is off on an adventure with many possible

tors, and sports therapists. And have confidence in

outcomes,” says Heather Dundas in her article,

those young artists, whose creative muscle alone

“Child’s Play or Real Ambition?” (www.artsedge.

can take them on highly successful, often unfore-

kennedy-center.org). “Don’t worry about whether

seeable journeys.

your child will become a professional artist. Artistic

It’s important for parents to explain that “the

yearning does not necessarily equate with a career

back-up plan” does not make the child any less of a

exploration not the destination.”

tion. “The odds (of becoming a professional athlete

path or even a college scholarship. Focus on the

person than if the original dream had come to frui-

Of child athletes, Mona Ackerman, clinical psy-

get cut.” That’s the difference, she adds, between

fers similar advice, imploring parents to recognize

younger and the ones who were not—the ones who

chologist and contributor to The Huffington Post, ofthe multi-application of sports skills and to stop

pressuring them into what we as adults perceive as

kids who were pushed by parents when they were weren’t are the ones playing in college.

There’s no question that Will and Sam’s ath-

or artist) are slim—it’s OK to be honest about that,” says Dr. Kevin Turner, an Augusta psychologist in private practice. “Our job is more to help them interpret their feelings as opposed to judge.”

Their coaches or whoever may or may not hire

the traditional routes to success. “We need to take

letic endeavors are their own. For instance, Few re-

them are the ones responsible for providing a se-

they are, to how they learn best and to what are the

would practically rise at the crack of dawn to crack

passion) going to be a career? No one really knows.

the time to observe our kids and to listen to who areas that will give them the best jumpstart in life,” she writes. “And if that is athletics, then that is the route to pursue. It is not the success of the swim-

ming meet that matters; it is the success of how to handle situations, how to work around one’s weaknesses and how to stay focused, disciplined and

motivated. Aren’t these worthwhile traits no matter

what one’s career is?” (“Raising a Child Athlete: How To Do it Right”—Huffington Post).

Their Dreams, Not Yours Augusta mom Indee Few knows well what

it means to let her children lead when it comes to

members when Sam, as far back as the 5th grade,

the bat in the backyard batting cage. And when the

Few family went on vacation, the boys, of their own

volition, would always bring their baseball and foot-

ball equipment so as not to miss a beat in practice.

“There’s a fine line between equipping your kids

with that they need and pushing them,” says Few.

“If you force them, that’s when you’re wasting time

rious evaluation of talent, says Turner. “Is it (their But it’s not our job as parents to say, ‘You can’t do

this because,’” Dr. Turner says. “There’s some sort of reality to this that will unfold naturally. Live day-by-

day, game-by-game, competition-by-competition. If they had fun and tried their best, there’s a blessing to doing that (activity).”

No matter the reality, be there for your children

and money. It’s the ones who are begging for extra

as they shoot for the stars. Listen to them and provide

only go so far.”

them rejoice in their moments of achievement and en-

help that I think it all pays off. A parent’s dream can

Sam and Will both want to play professional

sports—and if that doesn’t happen for whatever

reason, Few is not worried because she knows

there are other career options for them and that they

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comfort and gentle guidance when their aim is off. Let joy whatever incredible individual they become.

Monica Dutcher is a former dancer who works as a technical writer, freelance feature writer and editor.

Augusta Family | | July 2013 • 23

rter y tim ca photo b

n the last 6 months, disasters both natural and manmade have crowded the national headlines. Steady cycling news clips, commentary and analysis of the resulting death and destruction strike an ironic note of instability. The hashing and re-hashing of the who, why and how voiced over

replays of the visual images incite us to want to shout, “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” Because that’s how it feels, like the arm of God swept the nearly completed jigsaw puzzle off the table onto the floor. The Connecticut school shooting, the Boston Marathon bombing, the Texas fertilizer plant

explosion, the Oklahoma tornadoes leave us horrified, saddened, unstable and vulnerable. We imagine ourselves as victims-in-waiting. And our children, ever watchful, see the emotions streaking across our faces. The earth trembling beneath our feet registers on their radar. They pause for us to make everything in the world right again, for us to reassure them. The most difficult aspect of dealing with tragedies of this nature, ones that are geographically distant but emotionally close to home, is helping our children make sense of them and put them into perspective. It’s difficult to know how much information to give or the words to say that will restore confidence.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

photo by V Pavic

“A child learns to relate to the world based on how the child’s caregiver reacts,” says David Johnson, a licensed marriage and family counselor with McKenzie Medical Center in McKenzie, Tenn. “Whatever we model in front of them, that’s how they make sense of the world.” When we wring our hands and fret, our children experience anxiety as well. If we respond to the event as if it is a pervasive danger, rather than an isolated occurrence in a specific location, our children will pensively expect crisis around the next corner, too.

24 • Augusta Family | July 2013

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Block Out the Bad News Experts agree that sensationalized news accounts are not appropriate viewing material for children of any age. Pam Tucker, director, Columbia County Emergency and Operations Division, says, “My best professional advice is for parents to limit the amount of visual exposure to disaster scenes via broadcast media and the Internet. The constant national TV coverage can cause traumatic stress to those nowhere near the incident location.” Younger children, explains Chansky, may not understand that Boston, for instance, is a great distance from here. To them, the disaster is near, and the repetition of the images on the news makes it seem as if it is happening over and over again. One of the best things a parent can do to protect a child and herself from undue anxiety over the event is to turn off the television.

Choose Your Words “What we can convey to children,” says Chansky, as opposed to raw emotion, “is our grief, sadness and confidence in those who are restoring safety.” Make sure your child grasps that many, many good people are helping those involved in the tragedy. Nonetheless, it may not be necessary to talk about it at all, particularly with older children. According to Johnson, older children are still very ego-centric. They may not have a desire to discuss it or may talk about it in terms of how it affects their life (for example, will their summer vacation be cancelled). When a kid does bring it up, allow him to express his understanding of what has happened and what it means. Exchange ideas rather than telling him what to think. Provide pieces of information as

photo by lorainne disabato

Whether they see television footage of the event, read the headline on the front page of the newspaper or learn about it from friends, children trust their parents’ interpretation. “Parents are the translators for children. Children look to their parents to find out how bad it is,” says Tamar Chansky, Ph.D., author of Freeing Your Child from Anxiety. Chansky encourages parents to privately process their emotions before addressing the tragedy with their kids. Parental fear and shock sends the message that everything is out of control. This sense of precariousness can scare a child more than the event itself. The ground seems to shift under their own feet in their own home, seemingly diminishing the distance between themselves and threat.

needed to help fill gaps in the child’s knowledge of what happened. This can be an occasion to discuss how people with different beliefs can communicate their agendas in acceptable ways. This can serve as a lesson about how bad things can lead to good things, like community building. It can be a chance to feel empathy. It can be an opportunity to help teenagers construct their own context that enables them to make sense of things. At the same time, Johnson says, “If a kid doesn’t bring it up, I wouldn’t bring it up. I would let it go.” Johnson says to avoid making generalized statements. “Avoid saying, ‘That will never happen here,’ or ‘I’ll take care of you and make sure that never happens.’” A realistic view of the world accepts that anything can happen at any time. Still, be equally careful not to over-dramatize this fact. Honestly assess risk and implement common-sense safety measures. Tucker agrees, saying, “With children, it’s much less traumatic and more effective to let them know that while disasters do happen there are ways to be prepared and there are organizations that step in immediately to also help.”

Rely on Routine Certainly, when the news of a terroristic act or a catastrophic tornado or a random act of mass violence breaks, it rattles us to the core. The sensation of “that could have been me” shakes us. Fear that more disaster will follow tightens our chests and keeps us glued to the breaking news. Once the initial alarm subsides, however, walk

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yourself back from irrational thoughts and re-establish routine as quickly as possible. Eat dinner at the usual hour. Read bedtime stories as always. Wake up the next day at the regular time and perform the normal daily activities. Children crave routine, and it is a source of ordered behavior that demonstrates that nothing has changed in their own lives. If a child continues to have questions about the incident and the people affected by it, incorporate praying for those involved in bedtime prayers. Dinner conversation can center around brainstorming ways to assist. Family game night might be spent putting together care packages or writing letters to emergency responders or victims’ families. Parents can keep the routine without ignoring that something did happen. Childhood is short, but so much of a person’s worldview is formed during those brief years. It’s influenced by exposure to crises within and outside of one’s community. It’s influenced by how parents respond to and explain those events. It becomes the narrative an adult tells himself about the world. Thus, Chansky says, “We are not affected by events. We are affected by the story we tell ourselves about the events.” It’s up to parents to help their child compose an optimistic, hopeful story that rests in logic and reality instead of fear, anger and insecurity. Lucy Adams is a freelance writer and he author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson, Ga., with her husband and their four children. Email questions or comments to lucybgoosey@ aol.com.

Augusta Family | July 2013 • 25

timeout }

by Lucy Adams

NO TECH ZONE “...is it true that Grandma made it without a phone and computer...?!”

“...how will I know if my fb friends are OK?”

“...hurry... google where we can get fish bait...”

“...dad...is this how you lived?”

Get Off the Grid

Turn Off the Technology, Tune In To Each Other

fter spending any length of time with a teenager, one might draw the conclusion that texting was God’s ultimate intent for opposable thumbs. One might also decide that it isn’t our thumbs, perhaps, that separate us from the apes, but, rather, our ability to ignore each other in social groups. Out of the corner of my eye, I see my 13-yearold son’s stubby digits moving swiftly across his cell phone’s keyboard. This, in the middle of what I thought was a perfectly good conversation, stimulating even. Seeing him so casually divide his attention angers me. The child receives a heated lecture on how I’d like to throw the phone out of the window, crash a brick through the television and sink the Xbox to the bottom of the deep blue sea. I cap it off with “I like you so much better when you don’t have

26 • Augusta Family | July 2013

your phone.” My dramatic expression of the desire to go off the grid kills any hope of revisiting our original topic. Among friends, family and strangers alike, the current social arena resembles a scene out of a science fiction movie. Individuals cast their eyes downward, staring hypnotically. Their fingers move as if automated. An eerie glow reflects off of each person’s face. They’ve been cured of the need for mindless, sometimes uncomfortable, small talk, but at what expense?

“devices,” in this age of technological fast-forward puts up walls far taller and stronger than an unwelcoming pair of crossed arms ever could. Eye contact, the most important indicator of full engagement has been eliminated. We talk to people, even our children, without looking at them. “Attentiveness,” reminds Dr. Perkins, “is listening with your eyes, ears and heart.”

The Message We Send

Shannon Battle, licensed professional counselor and clinical director of Family Services of America in Fayetteville, N.C., is quite clear that technology isn’t the enemy. How we use it is the concern. In fact, keeping up with trends in technology can benefit the family. “If we’re going to communicate with children, we have to learn their language,” she asserts.

“When you’re looking at technology with your eyes, you’re giving a message with your behavior,” says James A. Perkins, D.Min., CEO of Family Priorities, Inc., and pastor of Dayspring Church. Our body language, primarily our interactions with our

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Technology Isn’t All Bad

{ timeout “It shows children that you’re adaptable to change.” Using their modes of social interaction can actually open the door to increased exchange of information and ideas. Parents can become more deeply involved in and aware of what their kids are discussing with peers. The challenge is finding the line between too much use of technology and the right amount.

Why Go Off the Grid Voluntarily giving up technology, as a family, for a period of time, say a weekend, can help resolve what Battle calls “a spirit of isolation” within a family. Offsetting the daily routine in this way encourages reestablishment of old-fashioned communication: Interactive conversation. It redirects attention to the here and now, the present moment, the people at hand. “When we’re habitually focused on technology, we’re violating family relationships. Our family needs to receive us, not a shadow of us,” echoes Dr. Perkins. Setting technology aside for a period restores the relational balance within a family. The constant pull of technology exhausts us. It makes us irritable. Being unendingly accessible to input from the outside world takes a toll on both parents and children. “There is a great human need to rest,” Dr. Perkins says. “We need to go away, be still, reflect, meditate, take slow walks and deep, long breaths. We need to stare at serene sights that calm the soul and empower our spirit.” Looking at a restful scene on a screen saver isn’t the same as being there. Summer, when the kids are out of school and demands on schedules are generally more relaxed, is a great time for parents and children to reconnect with each other.

Be Strategic Laying down the smart phone for the weekend may not be as easy as simply putting it in a drawer and vowing not to look at it again until Sunday night. And, taking up the children’s gadgets while retaining and using one’s own won’t necessarily achieve the desired results. “If you’re just doing it to make a point,” says Battle, “it won’t work.” Warn (which is different from threaten) the kids that an off-the-grid weekend is on the calendar. This gives them a chance to adjust to the idea and provides them time to let their friends know that they will be unavailable to chat and text. At the same time, explain your reasoning. They may not understand it or agree with it, but they will know that you

aren’t punishing them. Set a specific day and time when they can expect the privilege of using various modes of technology to be restored. By doing these things, parents acknowledge the importance of technology to their child, while also expressing the essential need for moderation. It sparks the beginning of developing new habits all around. Above all, have a plan for the weekend. Take the family camping at one of the many area state parks. Go on an excursion and try something new like geocaching, zip-lining, horseback riding or kayaking. If budget constraints don’t allow a weekend away from home, then get everyone involved and organize a technology-free staycation. Cook special meals together, play games or even invite neighbors over for an off-the-grid backyard barbecue, requiring all guests to give up their gadgets at the door. Whatever you do, Battle encourages parents not to give in to resistance. “Your children are going to oppose anything new you introduce,” he says.

Keep It Going If you like the results, keep the trend going once the weekend is over. Though it’s unrealistic to totally go tech-free, inserting downtime into the normal routine will bring a bit of the off-grid weekend into daily life. Battle advises, “If this is something you want to do to facilitate change in your family, make sure you’re consistently using off-the-grid practices.” Draw some boundaries within the daily schedule. Reserve meal times or certain hours of the day or other specific blocks of time/activities for face-toface conversation sans phones, tablets, computers and television. We adults may not use technology in the same way our children do, but we’re just as hooked and dependent, whether we realize it or not. As for me, it isn’t until my harsh, unrestrained words scatter over the car’s dashboard that I realize their stinging bite. My boy recoils, letting his phone drop into his lap. He’s wounded. A respectful silence veils his thoughts. He doesn’t say it, but there have been many times when he’s tried to talk to me while my eyes were glued to a screen. He probably likes me better, too, when I don’t have my phone. It really is time for a weekend without. Lucy Adams is a freelance writer and the author of If Mama Don’t Laugh, It Ain’t Funny. She lives with her husband and four children in Thomson, Ga. Email questions or comments to lucybgoosey@aol.com.

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Augusta Family | July 2013 • 27

by Danielle Wong Moores

Photo by danielle wonG moores

inspirationstation}

Mallory Lanier, right, has taken steps for children with special needs. Here, she is pictured with 6-year-old dancer Mallory Crowe.

Dance Therapy

Steps of Grace Offers Ballet Lessons for Special Needs Children

nside the sky-blue practice room at Pulse Dance Center, a group of small girls flutters into their ballet class. In their pink dresses and tights, they resemble graceful little flowers, even more so when one dances over to the barre and moves into a plie, then on to tiptoes with one arm raised. Then in the next moment, a game of tickle chase erupts and the girls break apart, giggling and racing away from one another. “Girls!” calls teacher Mallory Lanier. “Let’s get into a group.” It’s a typical Tuesday for the Steps of Grace School—a not-so-typical ballet class that’s designed for children with special needs. Launched in 2011 by Lanier, a pediatric occupational therapist, the school offers a true ballet experience with therapeutic benefits and an emphasis on fun.

28 • Augusta Family | July 2013

Combining Two Passions Lanier herself has danced since she was 5 years old, focusing on ballet and jazz. “My mom says I used to dance in the grocery store aisle when I was little,” says Lanier with a laugh. As she grew up, she had a heart for kids and a desire to work in healthcare. Once she shadowed an occupational therapist, she knew that career was for her. Steps of Grace brings together both her love of dance and her passion for therapy—and was inspired, Lanier says, by an article she read back when she was in high school about a similar program, “and I wanted to do something like that here.” During the Tuesday night classes, the group of roughly 12 girls enjoys an authentic ballet class, where they learn and move through various ballet

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steps. After practicing their performance for the end-of-the-year recital, Lanier leads the girls in a series of graceful ballet positions. Three assistant teachers float among the students, providing oneon-one guidance when needed. “Jump!” calls Lanier, leaping lightly from her toes, and the girls follow, grins popping out as they land. Next come the props. After a tambourine dance using brightly colored instruments and simple arm and leg movements, Lanier brings out a glittery blue tiara. “Now it’s time for our Princess Walk,” she says, and each girl has a chance to walk majestically across the black-and-white tiled dance floor, head held high, back straight, toes pointed and arms outstretched over imaginary full skirts—smiling at themselves the whole time as they watch their progress along a mirrored wall.

{ inspirationstation Boosting Coordination and Self Esteem As a dance teacher who is also an occupational therapist, Lanier leads her class, she says, with three goals in mind: “There’s the therapist in me who wants to work on balance issues…and coordination issues,” she says. “The dance teacher in me wants them to be on the same foot and pointing toes…But the biggest goal is for them to enjoy what they’re doing.” And while the class is not designed as therapy, it is therapeutic, says Lanier. “They are all working on balance and coordination with each of the steps because that’s what ballet is,” she says. Mom Kim Crowe says she’s noticed positive benefits since her daughter, Mallory, 6, started taking Lanier’s class two years ago. “She absolutely loves ballet,” says Crowe. “It’s amazing how she’s progressed from last year to this year. Mallory really doesn’t think of it as therapy, but it really is therapy in so many ways.”

When she was only 9 months old, Mallory had her first seizure and was later diagnosed with a seizure disorder which has resulted in delayed speech as well as motor issues. Dancing has helped her sense of balance and muscle strength, improving her gait. And through the class, her family discovered that music and singing helps Mallory both with speech and with her memory. That afternoon, says Crowe, she asked for her ballet shoes for the first time— a big step since putting words and compound syllables together can be difficult for her. And at home, she’ll often mimic the moves and steps she’s learned in class. Another unexpected benefit has been opening up new friendships for Mallory and the other students. “What people don’t realize is that it’s hard to find playmates and friends,” says Crowe. “When Mallory goes to school, she’s in a special needs class, but it’s a small group. This gives us a whole set of friends for her to play with—that’s huge for us.” The class is open to anyone in the area with special needs, with no age limit—although Lanier

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suggests children start no younger than 5, and the average age of her pupils is 7 or 8. The class runs through the school year, and a summer camp is also offered. Along with positive responses from the parents, Lanier has also had great feedback from her pupils. One of her students, Clara, came up to her last week and said, “Miss Mallory, I just love to dance—it makes me feel good.” “That makes me feel good too,” says Lanier. “These kids spend so much of their time in therapy and in doctors’ appointments. Everyone is focused on their disability and what’s wrong, and when they come here, they’re just in ballet class—a normal ballet class—and that’s really what I wanted to offer them.” To find out more about Steps of Grace, contact Mallory Lanier at 912-531-2719 or find them on Facebook. Danielle Wong Moores is an Augusta freelance writer.

Augusta Family | July 2013 • 29

Here’s your chance to tell us your Family Favorites...those people, places, restaurants, schools and spots for family fun that make our city such a unique place to live. Cast your vote for those places and people you think deserve recognition for a job well done, focusing on places that are family friendly. No photocopies accepted. One ballot per reader please! All ballot categories must be completed in order for votes to be considered. Fold ballot, place in envelope and mail with correct postage to:

AugustA FAmily mAgAzine P.O. Box 1405 • Augusta, GA 30903 DEADLINE: July 11, 2013• Online voting available at www.augustafamily.com

ARts/musiC/DAnCing Visual Art Instruction Jazz/Hip Hop Dance Lessons Traditional Dance Lessons Music Lessons (piano, violin, drums, etc.) Performing Arts Group

Toddler Party Place Elementary Age Party Place School/Class Parties Party Supply Store

liFestyle/meDiCAl

sCHOOls

Auto Service Financial Institution (Bank or Credit Union) Place for Children’s Haircuts Computer Repair Service Place to Get Coffee Veterinarian Dog Groomer Kennel Pediatrician

FAmily Fun Annual Family Event Day Trip Traditional Family Photographer Non-Traditional Family Photographer Indoor Playground Indoor Playground Overnight Trip Picnic Spot Rainy Day Outing Story Time

Pediatric Dentist OB/GYN Orthodontist After-Hours Medical Care Family Vision Care

FOOD Breakfast Spot Burgers Desserts Drive-Thru

meDiA Radio Station Television Station Local website Favorite Part of Augusta Family Magazine

Date Night Restaurant Restaurant-Chain Restaurant-Locally Owned Fries Pizza Chicken Fingers Mac & Cheese 24 30 • Augusta Family | May-June • Augusta Family2013 | July

Place To Get Coffee Healthy Menu Place for Ice Cream Kids Menu

PARties Birthday Cakes

2013

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Daycare Elementary School Middle School High School Tutoring Service

sHOPPing Car Dealer

Baby Clothes Boys Clothes Girls Clothes Consignment Shop Grocery Store School Supplies Toy Store

sPORts

Children/Teen Sports Program Family Sporting Event Gymnastics/Cheer Instruction Martial Arts Program Swimming Lessons Tennis Program Family Fitness Center

calendar July 2013

calendar

Thunder on the Water The Augusta Southern Nationals crash into the Savannah River July 19-21, bringing several classes of high performance boats accelerating over a measured quarter mile straightaway. Gates open daily at 8 a.m. Races start at 9 a.m. Savannah River in downtown Augusta.

Visit www.augustasouthernnationals.org for more information.

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Augusta Family | July 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 31

calendar

Family Movie Matinees Enjoy a free family friendly movie in the Evans Branch Library Theater. Movies start at 1 p.m. Call 706-312-1358 for more information July 10. Hotel Transylvania. July 17. The Lorax. July 24. The Pirates! Band of Misfits. July 31. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.

Special Events July 4. 19th Annual Fourth of July Celebration. In addition to traditional fireworks display, the event features food, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and more. Patriots Park. 706-312-7192. July 4. Independence Day Celebration. Live entertainment, vendors, inflatables for the kids and more lead up to the launch of the largest fireworks show in Augusta. 4-10 p.m. Downtown Augusta Common. 706-821-1754. July 4. Annual Star Spangled Fourth. A Riverwalk Series event featuring the Independence Day Chorus & Orchestra under the musical direction of

Keith Shafer. Afterglow Barbecue catered by Crum’s on Central in the River Room during the fireworks display. 7:30 p.m. Saint Paul’s Church. 706-7223463 or www.RiverwalkSeries.com. July 6, 13, 20 & 27. DuPont Planetarium Presents Explorers of Mauna Key and Digistar “Laser” Fantasy. Join the explorers who work in the world-class observatories on Mauna Key, a dormant volcano in Hawaii in Explorers of Mauna Key. 8 p.m. Or, enjoy the soothing music and parade of shapes that dance in front of you in Digistar “Laser” Fantasy. 9 p.m. Reserve your seats by calling 803-641-3654. July 9. Visionary Warriors Training Camp. The Georgia Regents University division of Pediatric Ophthalmology is partnering with Super Academy Self-Defense School for a free, fun, safe, confidence-boosting event for children with visual impairment. Camp teaches children who suffer from visual disorders the basics of self-defense through specially tailored martial arts classes. Ages 6-14. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 706-364-8127 or email admin@superioracademy.com. July 19-21. Augusta Southern Nationals. The Augusta Southern Nationals kicks off with this massive display of fire power from its drag boat race participants. Gates open daily 8 a.m. Races start at 9 a.m. Savannah River in downtown Augusta. For more information, www.augustasouthernnationals.org.

Delightful Bites Cakery Kids Cooking Camp 3801-A & C Washington Rd., Martinez. 706-294-5067 or email delightfulbitescakery@gmail.com. Register online at www.delightfulbitescakery.com/2013-summer-camp.html. Explore the culinary arts under professional supervision, learn how to prepare age-appropriate snacks and meals, gain nutrition education, learn basic measuring, table setting, etiquette and more. Junior and regular sessions will also enjoy preparing a luncheon for camper’s parents on the final day of camp showing off all that they’ve learned that week. Mini camp, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Junior and regular sessions, 9:30 a.m.-noon. July 10. Mini Camp. Ages 3-5. July 11. Mini Camp. Ages 3-5. July 16-19. Junior Camp. Ages 6-9. July 23-26. Ages 10-14.

32 • Augusta Family | July 2013

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calendar

Music in the Park All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Free admission Maude Edenfield Park • North Augusta 803-442-7588 www.naartscouncil.org July 11. Savannah River Bluegrass July 18. Preston and Weston July 25. 246th Army Jazz Band and Art Show 6

Hopeland Gardens Summer Concert Series All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Free admission 803-643-4661 July 1. To be announced July 8. To be announced July 15. Karen Gordon & Garden City Jazz July 22. 4 Cats in the Dog House July 29. Ken Gabriel Band

July 22-27. Christmas in July. While the downtown businesses can’t do anything about the July heat, they can help bring winter’s biggest holiday a little early. Participating businesses offer bargains reminiscent of Christmas sales. Decorations will be on display and even Santa’s elves visit. Downtown Aiken. 803-649-2221. July 25. 10 in 10 Awards Luncheon. Join Augusta Magazine and the Metro Augusta Chamber in honoring the 2013 selection of the city’s 10 most outstanding young professionals. Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. For tickets 706-821-1300. July 27. Gastroschisis Awareness Day. Head to Warren Road Community Center for free food and games to celebrate Gastroschisis Awareness Day. 11 a.m. 300 Warren Rd., Martinez. Call Michelle Marzolf at 706-589 2321 for information. Sponsored by Avery’s Angels Gastroschisis Foundation. July 27. Outdoor Movie Night. Looking for something the whole family can enjoy? Head out under the stars at Reed Creek Park with your blankets, beach chairs and snacks to watch Antz on the big screen. The movie will start at dusk (approximately 8:15 p.m.). Come early to stake your ground and enjoy a pre-movie dance contest. 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027. www.ReedCreekPark.com.

Museum and Science Events Augusta Museum of History 560 Reynolds St. 706-722-8454. July 10. Brown Bag History Talk: Growing Up

Southern, Another Point of View by Dr. James E. Carter III. Bring a lunch. Beverages provided. Refreshments served at 11:30 a.m. Lecture, 12:30-1 p.m. July 13. Civil War Re-Enactors. Located in the Museum’s Rotunda. Free.

Reed Creek Park and Wetlands Interpretive Center 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027. www.ReedCreekPark.com. Pre-registration required for all programs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. July 6. Simply Science: Squishy Sensations. Learn the steps of the scientific method and create slimy, squishy, bouncy, springy balls out of different materials. Ages 5 and up. 10-11 a.m. July 10. Wilderness Survival. This is a fun and informative program for those interested in back country camping or anyone wanting tips in emergency survival skills. Learn compass- and mapwork, what to bring when you go camping, as well as tips on making fires and shelters in the wilderness (without matches or a tent). Ages 8-18. 4:305:30 p.m. July 13. Pond Exploration. With dip nets in hand, children will explore and learn about what critters live in the pond. Be prepared to get wet and muddy (bring boots). Ages 5 and up. 9-10 a.m. July 20. Skulls and Scat. Ever wonder what animal left droppings or paw prints in your backyard? Learn to identify animal species based on their tracks, skulls and scat (droppings). Definitely the best time you’ll ever have looking at poop! Ages 5 and up. 1011 a.m.

The Arts. Music and More Through July 26. Gertrude Herbert Summer Art Camp. Offers children ages 5-12 an opportunity to explore a wide range of visual arts media in an enjoyable, relaxed setting. Sessions run July 8-12, 15-19 and 22-26. Morning sessions meet MondayFriday from 10 a.m.-noon. Afternoon camp sessions run from 12:45-2:45 p.m. Call 706-722-5495 or go to www.ghia.org for more information. Through July 26. Chad Tolley. Printmaker Chad Tolley bridges the connections between people and nature, between the menaced and the menacing. His color schemes, which emerge as much from elaborately patterned textures as from choice of inks, contribute to the sense of sharpened, slightly heightened vision given by the drawings. Opening

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reception and gallery talk. June 7. 6-8 p.m. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. 706-722-5495. July 1-July 26. Dick Dunlap: Augusta Woods and Waterways. Well-known Augusta plein air painter Dick Dunlap will exhibit selected recent works. Best known for his beautiful renditions of area landscapes and rivers, Dunlap is also a gifted art educator. Opening reception and gallery talk, June 7. 6-8 p.m. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. 706722-5495. July 1-August 11. Picasso: Prints Inspired by the Ballets Russe From the Weatherspoon Art Museum. Gallery 15. Columbia Museum of Art. Columbia, S.C. 803-799-2810 or www.columbiamuseum.org. July 2. Appleby Library Garden Concert Series: Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band. 2260 Walton Way. 706-736-6244. July 5-6. Twelve Angry Men. The case seemed open-and-shut and the 12 jurors have adjourned to do their civic duty. However, one juror isn’t so sure of the defendant’s guilt and begins to open the others’ eyes to some key facts in the case. As the debate progresses, tempers get short, arguments grow heated and the jurors become 12 angry men. 8 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. 803-648-1438. July 19-20, 26-27 and August 1-3. Social Security. Two married art dealers struggle with the visit of the wife’s archetypal Jewish mother and goody-goody sister and her uptight CPA husband. Show is full of laughs and great humor. Dinner, 7 p.m. Show, 8 p.m. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. 706-793-8552. July 19-21 and 26-27. The Cemetery Club. Ida, Lucille and Doris belong to a club. Once a month they meet for tea and then go to the cemetery to visit their husbands’ graves. But things start to change when they meet Sam during their night club meetings. Aiken Community Playhouse Black Box Production. July 19-20 and 26-27 at 8 p.m. July 21 at 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. 803-648-1438.

Candlelight Jazz Concerts Hosted by Garden City Jazz • 8 p.m. Augusta Riverwalk 8th Street Entertainment Stage www.gardencityjazz.com July 7. Funk You July 14. Buzz Clifford July 21. Edwin Hamilton Trio (Charleston) July 28. Courtland Saxon & Desire

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34 â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta Family | July 2013

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calendar Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org. July 7. Artrageous! Family Sunday: World of Anansi the Spider. After a performance by the Columbia Marionette Theatre, create a marionette. Free. 2 p.m. July 11. What’s in the Box?: Everyday Brilliant. View works by Jonathan Brilliant and create a print made with everyday objects and a surprise from the box. 10-11 a.m. For required registration call 706-828-3867. July 12. Films on Friday: St. Louis Blues (1929). With the only filmed performance by Bessie Smith, this 20-minute short is a fairly standard he-doneher-wrong melodrama, lifted to the level of the operatic by Smith’s electrifying presence. Program includes other short musical films featuring Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Cab Calloway. After the films museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Free. Noon. July 13. Adult Artist Workshop: Sweetgrass Baskets. South Carolina artist Mary GrahamGrant teaches weaving techniques for creating traditional sweetgrass baskets. All materials included. 1-4 p.m. Paid registration due by July 5. Call 706-828-3867. July 19. Art at Lunch: Helen Hatch Inglesby. John Duncan, historian and owner of V&J Duncan in Savannah, Ga., discusses the delicate and intricate silhouettes created by artist Helen Hatch Inglesby. Noon. Paid reservations due July 17. Call 706-828-3867.

Augusta GreenJackets Home Games Lake Olmstead Stadium For tickets (706) 736-7889 Sunday games, 2:05 p.m. All other days, 7:05 p.m. www.greenjacketsbaseball.com July 4-7 vs. Charleston July 17-19 vs. Lakewood July 20-23 vs. Asheville West Augusta: Eisenhower Athletic Office. 488 Eisenhower Dr. 706-821-2801 July 29-August 9. Youth Fall Athletic Registration. Leagues: Co-ed soccer, ages 5-13; cheerleading bantam, ages 6-9; midget, ages 10-12; fall baseball and softball, ages 9-14; flag football, ages 7-8; bantam football, ages 9-10, 60-140-pound weight limit, those over 120 pounds are ineligible to carry football; midget football, ages 11-12, 70-160-pound weight limit, those over 140 pounds are ineligible to carry football.

Columbia County Recreation Department 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. 706-863-7523. July 29–August 9. Fall Registration. Register for fall baseball, softball, soccer and football. Season played September-November.

803-221-0330 or csraDefensiveArts.com. Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8-adult. Goshinjitsu, Kindai Karate and Kobojutsu. Call for information.

Recreation Programs Champions Made From Adversity

July 22-26. Summer Camp: Drawing Jam! With Jay Jacobs. Explore a variety of drawing materials and styles, from realism to animation, while participating in creative games and off-the-wall exercises. Camp is held at Augusta Preparatory Day School. Call 706-294-8550 for registration information.

P.O. Box 980, Evans, Ga. 706-364-2422. www.cmfa.us This nonprofit organization strives to advance the lives of people with physical disabilities and their families through sport and leisure opportunities.

Sports Augusta-Richmond County Recreation, Parks & Facilities East Augusta: May Park. 622 4th St. 706-724-0505.South Augusta: Fleming Athletic Office. Daniel St. 706-796-5047.

Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. Register at any branch or online at www. thefamilyy.org or call 706-922-9622. July 1-7. Youth Soccer Registration. Soccer for ages 5-15. Soccer School for ages 3-4. Games played the Wilson Family Y. July 1-31. Adult Basketball. Enjoy adult sports at the Family Y of Aiken County. Big kids can play, too. July 13. Movies in the Gym/Park at Family Y of Aiken County. Enjoy a free family friendly movie. July 13 & 27. Parent’s Night Out at Marshall Family and Family Y of North Augusta. Fun, entertaining night from 6-9:30 p.m. for children ages 2-12. July 13 only at the Family Y of North Augusta. July 20. Parent’s Night Out at Family Y of Aiken County. Open to children ages 2-12 with care from 5:30-9 p.m. Kids enjoy activities and fun while parents enjoy a night out. July 27. Parent’s Night Out for Children of Deployed Soldiers. Take the children to Marshall Family Y in Evans for a free evening of fun. Ages 2-13. 6-9:30 p.m. July 27. Parent’s Night Out at Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Augusta South. Enjoy a date night while your kids have fun. 6-9:30 p.m.

CSRA Defensive Arts

July 21. Music at the Morris: Chris Ndeti. Enjoy an acoustic performance from this guitarist and soulful singer-songwriter. Free. 2 p.m.

July 27. Saturday Special: Drum Circle. Community drum circle event presented by Not Gaddy from IDrum2U. Refreshments provided. Free. 2 p.m.

The Family Y

Current weekly schedule: Monday—Adapted fitness at the Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. and wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday—Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m. Friday—Adapted cycling at the uptown VA, 1:302:30 p.m.

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Ongoing. Tae Kwon Do at Family Y of Augusta South. Teaches self-discipline, focus and social skills. Beginner classes Tuesday/Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and advanced classes Tuesday/Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Ongoing. Tae Kwon Do at Wilson Family Y. Teaches self-discipline, focus and social skills. Beginner and advanced classes Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Thursday at 8 p.m.

Family Y Day Camps A variety of camp experiences for children ages 3-17. Early drop-off at 7 a.m. and late pickup until 6 p.m. available for no additional cost. July 15-19. Golf Camp at the Wilson Family Y. Ages 6-17. Activities are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instruction includes fundamentals, swing techniques and short game training. Last day includes nine holds at Wedges and Woods Driving and Teaching Range. Through August 2. Camp Marshall. Ages 5-12. Camp held at Wesley United Methodist Church. Enjoy arts and crafts, games, sports, devotions and

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calendar character development activities. No camp the week of July 4. Through August 2. Child Development Center Summer Experience. 4-year-olds. 1425 Walton Way. Boost confidence, encourage self-expression and enrich social development. This is a state-licensed facility. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Through August 5. Camp Lakeside Day Camps. Ages 5-17. Choices include Boys Adventure Camp, Sports Camp, Girls Adventure Camp, Kinder Camp and Leaders in Training (LIT) Camp. Through August 9. Family Y of Augusta South and Southside Tubman Camps. Ages 5-14. Arts, crafts, games, songs, interactive skits, character development and more. Through August 5. Camp Wilson. Ages and weeks vary by breakout session offered. Traditional day camp with breakout sessions weekly. Through August 5. Little Tykes Mini Camp at the Wilson Family Y. Ages 3 and 4 (must be potty trained). Campers enjoy crafts, games, outside time and swimming. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Through August 5. Teen Leadership Camp at the Wilson Family Y. Ages 13-17. Have fun with character values in mind. Through August 9. Camp Aiken at the Family Y of Aiken County. Ages and weeks vary by breakout sessions. Traditional day camp with weekly breakout sessions. Through August 16. Camp North Augusta. Ages 5-12. Camp held at Mossy Creek Elementary. Arts and crafts, games, sports, devotions and character development activities. Weekly specialty camps offered in dance, art, sports, drama, baking and construction. Through August 16. Leaders-InTraining at Family Y of North Augusta. Ages 13-17. Teaches teenagers to become future leaders. Participants play games and acquire necessary skills for personal character development.

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The Salvation Army Kroc Center 1833 Broad Street, Augusta. www.krocaugusta.org. 706-364-KROC or info@krocaugusta.org. July 5, 12, 19 & 26. Kroc Tots Activity Hour. Action-packed play date for mothers and toddlers featuring children’s literature, arts and crafts projects and social play. 9:30 a.m. July 5. Kid’s Night Out. Parents enjoy a night out by bringing your child to the Kroc Center. Activities may include swimming, gym play, inflatables and crafts. Dinner included. 6-10 p.m. July 13. CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Designed for lifeguards and healthcare professionals. Course includes AED training. Ages 15 and up. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 20. CPR & First Aid Training. A Red Cross course designed for the everyday person who wants to be prepared for emergencies. Ages 15 and up. 10 a.m.-noon. July 23-August 27. Summer Jam with Eryn Eubanks. Join Eryn Eubanks on Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m. for a jam session. Guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin and other string instruments welcome. You only need to know a few basic chords to join in these fun sessions that have a folk music/bluegrass feel. July 26. Family Movie Night. Free event open to everyone. Refreshments available for purchase. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6 p.m.

Kroc Swim Lessons July 1-August 8. Hatchlings. Twoweek sessions for ages 6 months to 3 years. 9 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. July 8-19 and July 22-August 1. Kroclets. Weekday lessons held Monday-Thursday from 9-9:30 a.m. or 6-6:30 p.m. Ages 3-5. July 1-August 3. Kroclets Saturdays. Ages 3-5 from 9:45-10:15 a.m.

calendar calendar

Pickin’ & Grinnin’

education. Four locations currently serve families in the CSRA—Augusta, Evans, Grovetown/Martinez and North Augusta.

Pick up your guitar, bass,

Monkey Joe’s

ukulele, mandolin or other string instrument and head over to one of Eryn Eubanks’ weekly Summer Jam Sessions at the Kroc Center. These fun sessions will have a folk and bluegrass feel and you only need to know a few basic chords to join in. Tuesdays from July 23 through August 27. For more information, visit

368 Furys Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). monkeyjoes.com. First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m.

North Augusta Homeschool Playgroup Meets Thursdays at various North Augusta parks for play. Field trips will also be scheduled. All homeschoolers are welcome. Call 803-613-0484 or e-mail emilykohlbacher@hotmail.com.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1833 Broad Street, Augusta. Go to their website at www.krocaugusta.org, call 706-364-KROC or email info@krocaugusta.org.

July 9-August 1. Still Krocin’. It’s never too late to learn to swim or improve your skills. Ages 16 and up. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11-11:45 a.m. or 7:25-8 p.m.

Camp Kroc & Junior Camp Camp Kroc is for grades 5K-12. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Junior Camp is for ages 3-5. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration includes hot lunch. July 1-5. Water Works. Come splash around, play water games, have water wars and beat the summer heat. July 8-12. Emergency Services. Meet and learn about the men and women who are dedicated to keeping you and your family safe. July 15-19. Time Travelers. This week, the past, present and future come alive as campers use their imaginations to explore what once was and venture a guess at what is still to come. July 22-26. Doing the Most Good. Venture into the Salvation Army’s curriculum. Activities include putting up a tent, planting seeds, music, crafts, caring for animals and cooking. July 29-August 2. Tons of Talent. It’s time to show off your talent! Share and appreciate each other’s gifts and activities.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Aiken Home School Times Playgroup 803-648-7042 or fourmckeels@yahoo.com. Thursdays. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the O’Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon.

Augusta Jewish Community Center 898 Weinberger Way. 706-228-3636 or log on at augustajcc.org. Ongoing. The Mothers Circle. Free course, resources, education and events for women of other backgrounds raising Jewish children. Call for details. Sign Up for Class! The AJCC offers a wide variety of classes for children of all ages and adults, including athletics, the arts, cooking, language and more. Log on to download a complete listing.

Classical Conversations www.classicalconversations.com. kelli.c.graham@att.net. Classical Conversations is a community of home educators following a Christian, classical model of

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CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS AugustaAreaMommies Contact Jennifer Stanley at 706-855-0072 or phlegalesfan@att.net. A community for moms in the Augusta area offering support, friendship and fun as well as the opportunity to exchange information. The group, which is part of The Mommies Network, also provides discussion forums, an events calendar and more. Meeting are held online, at local parks, members homes (for monthly BUNCO) and on field trips. All mothers are welcome.

Augusta Food Allergy Group Does your child have severe, potentially fatal food allergies. Would you like to get together with other parents who face the same challenges? This group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Evans Government Center Auditorium, Building A, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr. Free and welcome to anyone dealing with food allergies. Meetings often include special guest speakers. 6 p.m. Contact Sheena Whitlock at swhitlock@augustafoodallergy.org or go to www.augustafoodallergy.org.

AustiCare Contact Donyale Clarke at 803-384-0522. This Autism support group meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at AGC Teacher Supply. Preregistration is required. Attendance is free.

Burn Survivors Support Group The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation invites all burn survivors to attend this monthly support group. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday each month at 2 p.m. at the Southeastern

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calendar Firefighters Burn Foundation, 3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Building C. Call 800-650-BURN or go to www.sfbd.net.

Celiac Disease Support Group E-mail RoseforHealth@aol.com. Meets the third Tuesday of every month in Suite 120 of the Summerville Building, adjacent to Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Open to those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or on a gluten-free diet. Discussions include information on celiac disease, do’s and don’ts of a gluten-free diet and more. 7-8:30 p.m.

Common Bond Parent Support Group Geneice McCoy, organizer. 706-729-0012 or commonbond@comcast.net. For parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Call for location.

La Leche League This breastfeeding support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2204 Kimberly Dr. Evening meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. Call 706-737-2405 or log on at lllusa.org/web/AugustaGA.html.

MOMS Club Visit momsclubaugusta.org. Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other athome mothers at the MOMS Club, an international nonprofit organization.

MOMS Club of Grovetown www.momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com Momsclubofgrovetown@gmail.com Members come from Grovetown, Harlem and the communities of Fort Gordon. The group is not affiliated with any parenting style, religion, or ethnic group. MOMS Club is open to and accepting of any and all moms who are at-home with their children.

Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age (Mama’s) Did you have a child at age 35 or older? Are you expecting? This group of “older” moms welcomes you for meetings, support and play dates. Disabled children welcome. Contact Ami McKenzie at 706-3645245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) A nondenominational Christian group for mothers of preschool-aged children. Childcare provided.

Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, 642 Telfair Street. Call Amy Toney at 803-341-1904 or go to www.firstpresaugusta.org/MOPS. The Aiken Charter group of MOPS meets the Second Tuesday of each month for moms to learn, share, support each other and socialize. Meetings are held in the South Aiken Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1711 Whiskey Rd. Free childcare and dinner for those attending, reservations required. You do not need to be a member of South Aiken Presbyterian to attend. Check out MOPS Aiken on Facebook, contact Jennie Beat at 803-640-4742 or e-mail mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare.

Neighbor To Family 801 Greene St., Augusta. Call Kimberly Lee-Branch, coordinator of licensing, recruitment and training at 706-396-2180, ext. 107. The goal of this organization is to revolutionize foster care by keeping siblings together while building healthier families.

Overeaters Anonymous 907-854-1509. A non-profit 12-step support group for people addicted to food. No dues or fees for membership. Meets in Augusta on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3551 Wheeler Road, and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way.

Parent Support Group The Child Advocacy Center, a program of Child Enrichment Inc., a nonprofit organization serving victims of sexual abuse in our community, is offering a support group for parents and caregivers of children who have been sexually abused. Groups will be held the second Tuesday of each month. Call 706-737-4631 for information and location. This group is not appropriate for sex offenders.

Peaceful Parenting Augusta This unofficial Attachment Parenting support group is for families who believe in parenting gently and building children’s spirits, minds and bodies through nurturing, attentive and practical approaches. Join their Yahoo! group at Peaceful_Parenting_Augusta or e-mail Jen at theotherbradford@yahoo.com.

HOSPITAL PROGRAMS Doctors Hospital Call 706-651-BABY (2229) or go to doctors-hospital.net for registration and class location. Pre-registration required for most programs.

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Mondays, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22. Ready and Able. This three-session class is recommended for late pregnancy. Topics include the childbirth process, comfort techniques, medications/epidurals, relaxation and breathing techniques. Intended to be taken with Showing and Glowing. 7-9:30 p.m. July 18. Breastfeeding. Getting started, latching on and positioning are discussed for a smooth start to breastfeeding. July 20 & 21. Short and Sweet. A weekend childbirth class covering the process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques and childbirth, medication/ epidurals and relaxation and breathing techniques. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. July 25. Safe Sitter. Teaches students ages 11-13 safe and nurturing childcare techniques, management and appropriate responses to medical emergencies. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 30. The Daddy Class. Taught by an experienced dad, this class talks about the joys and challenges of fatherhood and ways to support mom. 7-9 p.m.

Georgia Regents Medical Center Register online at gru.edu. Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their Web site. July 2. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “A-Team”). Provides support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. Children’s Hospital of Georgia, First Floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801. Call Family Services Development at 706-721-5160 for more information. July 5 or 10. Safe Kids East Central Child Safety Seat Inspection. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly. July 5 in Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706721-7606 to schedule an appointment at the downtown location. July 10 at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Drive. Call 706-541-3870 to make an appointment at the Columbia County location. July 17. Safe Kids Greater Augusta Presents Cribs for Kids. Learn how to provide a safe sleep environment for your child. Families who demonstrate a financial need will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and pacifier for a small fee. 9:45noon. Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene

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calendar Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606 or go to grhealth.org/ safekids.

Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. July 2. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. 6-8:30 p.m. July 6. Baby Care Basics and Breastfeeding. Two popular classes offered together. 9 a.m.-noon. July 10. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 6-8 p.m. July 13. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Education. Helps mother and support person understand the final stages of pregnancy as well as labor and the birth of your baby. Covers natural and medicated deliveries, Lamaze coping techniques and more. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. July 13. Growing Boys. Boys ages 9-12 accompanied by their father, male relative or friend will find helpful information on what to expect in the preadolescent years. 9:30 a.m.-noon. July 20. Childcare and Babysitting Safety. Program emphasizes that the number one priority of a childcare provider is to be responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the children in one’s care. Course includes information on playtime, hand washing, telephone calls, infant and child feeding, diapering, sleep time and emergency care. For ages 11-14. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch included in registration fee. July 30. On Being a Girl. Girls ages 9-12 with their mother, a female relative or friend will discuss physical and emotional changes of puberty. 6-9 p.m.

University Health Care System

preparation classes is designed to inform and prepare all expectant parents regardless of birth plans. Class topics include various states of labor, breathing and relaxation and how to care for yourself and your new baby. 7-9 p.m. in the Women’s Center Third Floor Classroom. Registration required.

exotic birds will delight with their tricks. All ages welcome. 11 a.m.-noon.

July 18. Breastfeeding. This class is designed for the expectant mother who plans to breastfeed. If you want in-depth information on how to evaluate breastfeeding and get off to a good start, this class is for you. Call 706-774-2825 to register. 7-9 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans.

July 25. Patron Appreciation Day. Enjoy refreshments and visit with friends and staff to celebrate the success of the Summer Reading program. All ages welcome. 2-3 p.m.

July 25. Introduction to Infant CPR. Do you worry about knowing how to revive your baby should the need arise? This class provides an opportunity to learn and practice infant CPR on mannequins and learn other aspects of infant safety. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. 7-8:30 p.m.

Library Events Appleby Library 2260 Walton Way. 706-736-6244. July 2. Augusta-Aiken Birds. Join Paul Koehler of the Augusta-Aiken Audubon Society to discover birds in our area. Ages 18 and up. 10-11 a.m. July 3. Curious George Marathon. Enjoy the antics of Curious George. Ages 3 and up. 10-11:45 a.m. July 8. Scavenger Hunt. Find treasures while learning about Appleby Library. Ages 11-17. 3-4 p.m. July 9. Roses of the South. Jane Burckhalter of the Augusta Rose Society will answer your questions about roses. Ages 18 and up. 10-11 a.m. July 10. Dig Into Reading. Special program for ages 2 and up. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth.org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs.

July 15. Exploration of Caves. Cave Masters will share the fun and excitement of cave exploration. Ages 11-17. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Support Group. For parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. Meets the first Monday of each month.

July 16. E-Books. Bring your e-book reader and learn how to access titles. Ages 18 and up. 11 a.m.-noon.

Young Women with Breast Cancer. Meets the third Friday each month. A support group for women in their 20s through 30s dealing with breast cancer. 12:20 p.m. at the University Hospital Breast Health Center, Professional Center 2, Suite 205, 818 St. Sebastian Way. July 2-23 (Tuesdays), July 22-August 12 (Mondays) and July 24-August 14 (Wednesdays). Prenatal Education. This four-week series of childbirth

40 • Augusta Family | July 2013

July 17. Karen Gordon: Jazz. Ages 2 and up. 10:30-11:30 a.m. July 18. Movie: The Hunger Games. Ages 11-17. 2-4 p.m. July 22. Sand Art. Use colored sand to make your own creation in a bottle. Ages 11-17. 5-6 p.m. July 23. Larry’s Amazing Bird Show. Larry and his

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July 24. Tawanna Kelly. Giggle along with Tawanna and her puppet pal, Joy. Ages 2 and up. 10:3011:30 a.m.

July 31. Officer Bethune. Come enjoy a story and talk about safety with Officer Bethune. Ages 3 and up. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Diamond Lakes Library 101 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah 706-772-2432. July 1. Heat of the Day Movies: Sounder. The son of a black sharecropper comes of age in the Depression-era South after his father is imprisoned for stealing food. Bring your own snacks. Rated PG. 2 p.m. July 2. Movie and Craft. Enjoy a short movie and make a craft inspired by what you watched. Best for ages 2-11. Registration required for groups of six or more. 10-11 a.m. July 8. Porkchop Productions: Special Effects Makeup for Teens. Learn the history and application of special-effects makeup for the stage. Design your own look and apply your own makeup. Bring your camera because you will want to share this. Best for ages 11-17. Registration required for individuals and groups. Call to register. 2-3:30 p.m. July 8. Decorating with Style. Learn to decorate your home using basic design principles. Led by decorator Carolyn Ellis. 6-7:45 p.m. July 9. ARCPL Children’s Department Presents: Let’s Dig Into Gardening. Fun stories and songs— can you dig it? Yes, you can! Best for ages 2-10. Groups must pre-register. 10-10:45 a.m. July 10. Pop-Top Jewelry, a Craft for Teens. Recycle soda can tabs into wearable art. All supplies provided. Best for ages 11-17. Limited to 25 participants and registration required. Call to register. 2-3:30 p.m. July 10. Self-Esteem Seminar. For older teens and adults. Led by Tara Tanksley Stallings, a certified life coach. Registration required. 6 p.m. July 11. Porkchop Productions Presents “The Three Goats Gruff.” Live music, dance and audience participation highlight this story about friendship and holding fast to your dreams. Best for ages 2-12, but all ages will enjoy the perfor-

calendar calendar

A Knack for the News Family Y locations throughout Augusta, Evans, North Augusta and Aiken continue to offer a variety of weekly summer day camps through the first week of August. The journalism breakout session at Camp Wilson, held at the Wilson Family Y on Wheeler Road, is a popular

July 30. MarioKart for Kids. Start your engines. Play for fun or enter the tournament. Tournament top finishers win prizes. Best for ages 5-10. Registration required. 10 a.m.-noon.

Euchee Creek Library 5907 Euchee Creek Dr. 706- 556-0594. July 1, 8 & 15. Child Enrichment. Stories, rhymes, songs and crafts. 10:30 a.m. July 2, 9 & 16. Child Enrichment. Stories, rhymes, songs and crafts. 4:30 p.m. July 8. Movie Night: Ice Age—Dawn of the Dino. 5:30 p.m. Registration required by 5 p.m. the day before the movie. July 10. Bricks4Kidz. Learn about building detailed structures with Legos. Registration required. 2:30 p.m.

new addition to the mix. Go to www.thefamilyy.org for complete camp information at to register. Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs.

mance. Registration required for groups of six or more. 10-11 a.m. July 15. Evening Book Group. Call the library for the title. Light refreshments provided. No registration necessary. 6-7:45 p.m. July 16. Larry “The Birdman” and His Amazing Birds. Watch Larry’s birds perform amazing tricks while learning about parrots, macaws and other exotic birds. Best for ages 4 and up. Registration required for groups of six or more. 10-10:45 a.m. July 17. It’s Jawsome! Shark Fest! Celebrate all things sharks. Play games, eat snacks and make crafts with a shark theme while watching shark videos. Best for ages 11-17. Registration required. 3-6 p.m. July 18. YouTube: A How-To Guide. Learn how to navigate YouTube, create and maintain your own channel and upload videos. Participants need a general knowledge of computing and experience using Internet resources. Registration required. 10 a.m.-noon. July 20. Author Talk and book Signing with S.D. Lewis. Join this local writer for a lively discussion about her book, The Maid of Honor. Light refreshments will be served. No registration required. 2-3:30 p.m.

July 22. Financial Empowerment Workshop. Learn how to repair credit, originate or refinance a mortgage and save for requirement. Registration required. 3:30-6 p.m. July 23. Nutrition for Kids. Join the UGA Cooperative Extension for a fun, informative activity about nutrition for children. Limited seating, so registration is required. Best for ages 6-10. 10-11 a.m. July 24. Manga Techniques. Draw with artist Xavier Jones and learn new techniques for drawing Manga. Best for ages 12-17. Limited to 10 participants and registration required. 2-4 p.m. July 24. Books to Film. Watch and discuss a film based on a popular novel. You help select the film. Voting began on June 10. Light refreshments served. No registration necessary. 6-7:45 p.m.

July 17. Reptile Show. What’s cold blooded, has four or no legs and scales, not fur? Reptiles. Meet some with Savannah River Ecology Lab. 2:30 p.m. July 24. Therapy Dogs. Enjoy a visit with the therapy dogs and watch them do amazing tricks. Registration required by 5 p.m. the day before the event. 2:30 p.m.

Evans Branch Library 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd. 706-863-1946. July 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17 & 18. Child Enrichment. 2-year-olds. Stories, rhymes, songs and crafts. 10:15 a.m. July 1, 4, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17 & 18. Child Enrichment. Ages 3-5. Stories, rhymes, songs and crafts. 11 a.m. July 2, 9 & 16. Child Enrichment. Stories, puppets, rhymes and songs for babies under 2. 10:15 a.m. or 11 a.m. July 3. Morris Museum of Art. Join Museum staff for stories and art. 11-11:30 a.m.

July 25. Just Dance! Tournament. Bring your friends and show off your best dance moves. Dance for fun and to win prizes. Best for ages 11-17. Registration required. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

July 8. Teen Short Film Workshop. Teens will partner with other teens into three groups and make a short film that will be shown during Movie Festival (July 10, 17 & 25 from 1-3 p.m.). Equipment provided. Registration required by 5 p.m. the day before the workshop. 2 p.m.

July 29. Your Tech, Your Way Workshop. Bring your laptop or portable device (tablet, smartphone, e-reader) and receive one-on-one assistance from library staff and volunteers. Registration required. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

July 10. Teen Film Festival: The Hobbit. Before the premiere film, you’ll get to see a screening of short films created by teens. Registration required by 5 p.m. the day before the event. Refreshments will be served. 1 p.m.

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Augusta Family | July 2013 • 43

July 10. Stories with Earthfare. Dig into learning about healthy eating and meet Earthfare’s tomato mascot. 2 p.m. July 17. Teen Film Festival: Beetlejuice. Before the premiere film, you’ll get to see a screening of short films created by teens. Registration required by 5 p.m. the day before the event. Refreshments will be served. 1 p.m. July 17. Dissecting Owl Pellets. Learn interesting things about owl regurgitation pellets. 2 p.m. Registration required. July 23. Pine Tree Planters for Teens. Paint a container and plant a seed to transplant later. Registration required by 5 p.m. the day before the event. 1 p.m. July 24. Teen Film Festival: X-Men Origins. Before the premiere film, you’ll get to see a screening of short films created by teens. Registration required by 5 p.m. the day before the event. Refreshments will be served. 1 p.m

July 16. Jazz for Kids. Sing, clap, wiggle and shake with Ms. Karen of Garden City Jazz in this high-energy program that’s fun for all ages. 10-11 a.m. July 17. Adult/Teen Movie Night: Warm Bodies. Rated R. A highly unusual zombie saves Julie from an attack, the two form a relationship that sets in motion a sequence of events that might transform the entire lifeless world. From the novel by Isaac Marion. Snacks are welcome in the meeting room theater only. 6-8 p.m. July 18. Larry’s Amazing Bird Show. Live exotic birds will delight the whole family. 10-11 a.m. July 23. Special Program: Ventriloquist Tawanna Kelly. Ms. Kelly and her special friend, star puppet Joy will make you giggle in this end of the Summer Reading program spectacular. 10-11 a.m. July 30. Preschool Story Time. Enjoy stories, crafts and fun. Groups of six or more must pre-register. 1010:30 a.m.

Friedman Branch Library

Harlem Library

1447 Jackson Road. 706-736-6758.

375 North Louisville St. 706-556-9795.

July 2. Summer Reading Theme Movie: The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Rated PG. Bring snacks (for enjoyment in the meeting room theater only). 10 a.m.

July 3, 9 & 16. Child Enrichment. Stories, rhymes, songs and crafts. 10:30 a.m.

Maxwell Branch Library 1927 Lumpkin Rd. 706-793-2020. July 2. Movies at the Maxwell: Cities of Ember. You won’t want to miss this movie based on the young adult novel of the same name by Jeanne DuPrau. Rated PG. 3 p.m. July 3. Morning Movie Special: Tangled. Rated PG. 10 a.m. July 6. Clipping and Clicking for $avings. Learn how to save the most money by using print and ecoupons. 10 a.m.-noon. July 9. Movies at the Maxwell: Ice Age—Meltdown. Rated PG. 3 p.m. July 10. Scott Doubla—Steel Drums. Registration required for groups of six or more. 10-10:30 a.m. July 10. Children’s Craft: Jack and the Beanstalk. Ages 6 and up. Space is limited to call to register. 3:30-4:30 p.m.

July 9. Movie Matinee. Title to be announced. 2:30 p.m.

July 15. Georgia Download Destination (GADD) Help. Did you get an e-reader? Still stumped about how to use it? Learn how to download e-books and audio books for free from Georgia Download Destination. Participants need a general knowledge of computers and experience using the Internet. Registration required. 10-11 a.m.

July 10. Self Defense for Kids. Registration required. 2:30 p.m.

July 16. Movies at the Maxwell: Ice Age—Continental Drift. Rated PG. 3 p.m.

July 17. Design Your Own T-Shirt. Registration required. 2:30 p.m.

July 17. Therapy Dogs. Registration required for groups of six of more. 10-10:30 a.m.

July 8. Teen Karaoke Night. Sing to your hearts are content. Light snacks provided. Pre-registration preferred. Grades 6-12. 6-7:30 p.m.

Headquarters Library

July 17. Children’s Craft: Egyptian Mobiles. Ages 6 and up. Registration required. 3:30-4:30 p.m.

July 9. Special Program: Therapy Dogs. Visit with these special pets and learn all about dogs with Ms. Ann and friends. 10-11 a.m.

July 6, 13, 20 & 27. Yoga for Kids. 9-10 a.m.

July 10. Peace Corps Information Session. Interested in joining the Peace Corps or want to find out more about the exciting opportunities available? Join Peace Corps representative Emily Whitfield for an information session. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

July 13. Famous Entertainers from Augusta. Don Rhodes will discuss the famous entertainers that came from the CSRA. 2:30-2:30 p.m.

July 3. GA Download Destination Help Session. Learn to use GADD (powered by Overdrive) in order to download free audio books and ebooks through your library. Bring you e-reader and/or portable audio device (for audio books). 2:30 p.m.

July 11. Mr. Bill, Singer and Storyteller. Mr. Bill, Ms. Nancy and his guitar, George. 10-11 a.m. July 15. Techniques with Media in Anime and Manga. “Manga guru” Xavier Jones will lead this class, which is great for beginners and experienced artists alike. Best for ages 11 and up. Registration is required. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

44 • Augusta Family | July 2013

823 Telfair St. 706-821-2600.

July 6, 13, 20 & 27. Yoga for Beginners. 10:15 a.m.-noon.

July 18. It’s Your Book Club. Skype with author Tracey Michae’l Lewis about her book The Unlikely Remnant. 6-8:30 p.m., program begins at 6:30 p.m. July 23. Talk the Talk Ladies Book Club. Come discuss the book, Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. 5:30-8 p.m. July 31. Pinterest Class. 2-3:30 p.m. in the computer lab.

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July 23. Movies at the Maxwell: Prince of Persia— The Sands of Time. Rated PG-13. 3-5 p.m. July 24. Larry the Birdman’s Amazing Tropical Bird Show. Registration required for groups of six or more. 10-1:30 a.m. July 24. Children’s Craft: Ladybugs. Ages 6 and up. Registration required. 3:30-4:30 p.m. July 25. Maxwell Morning Book Club: The Sociopath Next Door. By Martha Stout. Visit the blog for details about the topics: http://maxwellbookclub. wordpress.com. 10 a.m.-noon.

Submit calendar entries to Karin Calloway at karin. calloway@augustafamily.com or enter your event online at www.augustafamily.com.

calendar

Talkin’ About My Generation

Three residents representing three age groups share their reflections on family, life and fun.

by Grace Belangia photos by John Harpring

Dee Widener Alton, 43, of

Martinez, says she is “beyond blessed to be a mother of four and a teacher.” Likes To: Inspire others—and make people laugh. Favorite Possession: Handwritten letters from my late mother. Favorite Thing About the Summer: I get to sleep more, and of course, THE BEACH. Artist or Athlete? I like to think I am both. I used to swim and play tennis competitively, but I will teach drama and language arts, so I feel I must be pretty creative. Friends Say She’s: Upbeat. Favorite Indulgence: I hate to admit it— Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Never Wants To Do Again: Have my heart broken. Admires the Most: My amazing father and my beautiful late mother. Ice Cream Flavor: Rocky Road. 46 • Augusta Family | July 2013

Jesus Abraham Ramos, 26,

and his wife, Antoinette, have a Jack Russell named Roxie. He works as a soccer coach and attends college. Likes To: Coach and play soccer. I love to eat and enjoy working out. Favorite Thing About Summer: Longer daylight! Artist or Athlete? I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old. I played varsity four years in high school and club at Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club. Travel in Time—Where To? Brazil World Cup 2014. Favorite Indulgence: Learning. Words He Lives By: “Whatever you do, don’t stop trying because learning makes lots of mistakes.” -Jason Upton. Friends Say He’s: Responsible.

Virginia Sullivan Chew, 10, of West Augusta, is the daughter of Ginger and Baxley Chew. She has a brother, a sister, a cat named Woodrow and a dog named Harriett. Likes To: Play sports and be with my friends. Favorite Thing About Summer: School’s out and going to Camp Chattooga. Artist or Athlete? Both. I love to play sports (especially Arsenal soccer) and I have an awesome art teacher. Favorite Indulgence: Eating a lot of sugar! Can’t Live Without: My two blankets. Biggest Fear: Clowns. Greatest Hope: That I live to be 100. Friends Say She’s: Loud.

Biggest Fear: Becoming complacent.

Never Wants To Do Again: Break a bone or go to the circus.

Ice Cream: Pistachio.

Ice Cream: Cotton candy from Brewsters