August 2011 BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHIONS SCHOOL LUNCH: BAG OR BUY? MENU PLANNING POINTERS HOMESCHOOL HOW-TO
Family AUGUSTA
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Charlsie Linder, 4, is the daughter of Wes and Denise Linder of Augusta. She was photographed in the Children’s Room at the new Salvation Army of Augusta Kroc Center in downtown Augusta.
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Family AUGUSTA
m a g a z i n e
w w w. a u gustafamily.co m Publisher Kate Cooper Metts Editor Karin Calloway
Contents
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AUGUST 2011
Production Art Director Miles Anderson
24My Child
Graphic Artist Tonietha Clayton
Did What?????
Advertising Director of Advertising Adriene Goldman
22
Advertising Sales Donna Costello Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann marketing & circulation Manager Doressa Hawes
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
—Karin Calloway
departments 5 editor’s page
photography John Harpring contributors Lucy Adams Grace Belangia Charmain Z. Brackett J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Jennie Montgomery Michael Rushbrook
How To Deal With School Discipline Issues
7 mom2mom Needed: Dad
—Jennie Montgomery
8 news&notes 11 mommy makeover
Terrific Tonita
—Karin Calloway
15 doctor/dad The Brain Game
28 time out! Menu Makeover —Karin Calloway
30 inspiration station Time for Teens —Charmain Z. Brackett
32 calendar 44 talkin’ about my generation
—J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
—Lucy Adams
Photo by John Harpring
Renee H. Beasley, Jessica Pinson and Salley Wilson
August
—Cammie Jones
18 home front Home Education
Charlsie Linder, 4, is the daughter of Wes and Denise Linder of Augusta. Charlsie is wearing a smocked twopiece pants set from Baby Banks.
—Grace Belangia
16 healthy family Buy or Bag?
on the cover:
q ui c k pi c k
“Something parents seldom consider: Bad behavior isn’t necessarily bad. Think of it more as trial and error learning. The consequences of the action give the child information about its effectiveness.” Read more about dealing with calls and notes from teachers regarding your child’s behavior or misbehavior in Lucy Adams’ article on page 24.
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editor’spage by Karin Calloway
Bloopers “A characteristic of the normal child is he doesn’t act that way very often.” -Author Unknown We all laugh when we see outtakes or blooper reels of children doing or saying “funny” things. At least I do. It’s easy to forget that behind that camera operator is a mother who’s wincing with embarrassment. It’s that way at our photo shoots here at Augusta Family Magazine. Sometimes children just aren’t in the mood to have their picture taken. Or, they were in the mood, but then the mood passes. Their parents apologize profusely and I just reassure them that their child is doing just fine…all we need is one good photo. After all, I’m a mother of two Chloe Guler looks on as her brother “normal” children. Throughout Nathan contemplates whether he’s the years they’ve been cranky, said in a “picture mood.” or done something that has embarrassed me or have given their teacher a reason to call me. Here’s the bottom line of my experience: My child is not me. And, my children are not always a reflection of me. There are times when they are just themselves. As I’ve watched my two grow up, I’ve come to believe that children come into the world with their personalities completely formed. You can smooth out the edges by teaching them manners and setting rules and boundaries, but they are who they are. It’s very hard—when you get that call from a teacher, or your child decides to dye their hair pink, or any number of things that our children do that have the potential to embarrass us—to remember that they are not you. It’s definitely our job to provide consequences for bad behavior and to help our children learn from their mistakes and missteps. But, unfortunately, everything they do isn’t in our control. I decided a long time ago to celebrate my children’s uniqueness, their own Trippand C.C.-ness. As long as my “mom” boxes were checked—their clothes were clean, a healthy lunch was packed, they were respectful of others, etc.—I’ve tried not to personalize the wince-worthy moments. It’s not always (or even often) about me. And, most of the time if another person was watching these things as a blooper reel, they’d get a laugh. Maybe once in a while, I should, too. Until September,
Karin Calloway is a wife and mother of two teenagers. She’s also a journalist and recipe developer who writes the Wednesday cooking column for The Augusta Chronicle (augustachronicle.com/karin). You can follow Karin at twitter.com/KarinCalloway. Check out Karin’s cooking blog at www.karinsvikingkitchen.com. www.augustafamily.com
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Illustration by Michael Rushbrook
by Jennie Montgomery
Needed: Dad Not long ago my husband and I were in a restaurant with our three teenagers. Our waitress took our orders then looked right at our middle child and asked, “Will this be one check or several?” Maddy glanced over at me and then politely told the waitress, “Uh, just one check.” Can you imagine how this made the patriarch of the family feel? Poor Scott! It’s no wonder he sometimes says he just wants to feel needed. He got more than he bargained for in the “needed” department one hot July day. Fifteen-year-old Sky was taking care of a neighbor’s dog while he was on vacation. The house sits on a small lake. On day four, as she opened the kennel gate, Lucy the dog made a mad dash for the water. Within seconds she was airborne, leaping into the lake, quickly dog-paddling herself to the other side…which is in a totally different subdivision! Sky and I drove to the other neighborhood and pulled into a random driveway. She ran through a stranger’s backyard just in time to watch Lucy turn around and start swimming back to our neighborhood. We hightailed it back to the neighbor’s house and raced down to the water to coax Lucy back to shore. But when she spotted us she did a 180 and headed back across to the other side. Knowing we couldn’t catch her on our own, I made the, “We need you now,” call to Scott. That guy left work and came straight to ground zero. Without hesitation, he jumped in a canoe and started across the lake. I drove back around the other side, hopeful that between the two of us we’d capture Lucy. Sky was on her cell giving me the play-by-play of her dad’s water chase when I heard her gasp, “Oh my gosh, Daddy just flipped over in the canoe!” Oooops. We hadn’t expected that. Nor had we expected Scott’s reaction: He was all wet and pond-scum nasty, but he had caught Lucy and thus was a hero in his daughter’s eyes. “You girls needed me!” he beamed. Seriously? Hey Scott, babe: I need you to take the old mattress to the landfill, pressure wash the driveway… You want to feel needed? Not a problem. JENNIE Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She’s married to Scott and they have three children: Zack, 18, Maddy, 17, and Sky, 15. www.augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | August 2011 • 7
news notes
“Don’t cry because it’s over.
On August 7, the Salvation Army of Augusta Kroc Center opens its 17-acre, 100,000 square-foot campus in the Harrisburg neighborhood. Boasting a variety of activities, a bounty of space and the promise of great events to come in its 400-seat performing arts theater and worship hall, the center intends to become an educational, cultural and activity hub of the community. From small birthdays to big weddings, music, dance and drama performances, fitness classes, aquatics of all kinds, education from children to seniors, the Kroc Center will be at the heart of it. Funding for the expansive center was provided by Joan Kroc, who donated $1.7 billion to The Salvation Army to build and endow Kroc Centers across the nation. For more information, go to www.krocaugusta.org.
Courtesy of The Augusta Chronicle
Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss Kroc Opening
The Kroc Aquatic Center includes a 190-foot water slide, leisure pool, kids splash pad, lap pool, lazy river and sun deck.
Give Kids a Boost On August 5, kids can get a “boost” in two ways. First, Safe Kids East Central and Georgia State Patrol will be providing car seat check ups and booster seat distribution. To receive a booster seat the child must be present and be at least 4 years old, 40 pounds and no yet 4’9” tall. Car seat check ups and booster seat distribution will be held at the Georgia State Patrol Post 25. The Columbia County Health Department will be providing immunization boosters on the same day at their offices on William Few Parkway. Both events will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will close at 2 p.m. Call 706-721-7606 for more information.
Puppy Play Columbia County’s first dog park opened on July 28. The Riverside Dog Park is located behind Riverside Elementary School on Hardy McManus Road. The park will provide fenced space for pets to interact, along with watering stations.
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Photo By John Harpring
Eating Wellwith Kim Slow Cooker Fajita-Style Tacos
Technically, fajitas have grilled meat, but the green pepper and onion make these slow-cooker tacos “fajita style.” They are simple, tender and delicious. • 1 ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat (about 5 or 6) • 3 teaspoons chili powder • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth divided • 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained • 1 green bell pepper, sliced thin (1/8-1/4 inch pieces) • 1 onion, cut in half and sliced thin (1/8-1/4-inch pieces) • 2 cup shredded lettuce • 1 cup chopped tomato • ¼ cup chopped cilantro • 1-2 tablespoons lime juice • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream • 20 taco shells
news notes
Summer is almost over. Goodbye relaxed schedule that allows for random bursts of activity at a moment’s notice. Hello school schedule, un-yielding and routine. Alright, alright...the schedule thing is not really all that bad but I will miss hanging out with my kiddos during the easy days of summer where less has to be done “right now.” One thing that has to be done, if not “right now” then at least everyday, is cooking (well, really eating). But as studies show, people who cook their meals instead of eating out eat more fruits, vegetables and a healthier overall diet. The solution to the time crunch many parents feel in regards to cooking is to lean on “healthy” convenience products and incorporate favorite quick meal recipes into the weekly menu. Simply make a list of your favorite quick meals and use two to three meals from this list each week. This month’s recipe is one of my favorite quick meals that simmers up in your slow cooker, Slow Cooker Fajita-Style Tacos. Other Ideas for quick meals • Baked or microwaved potato or rice with black beans, salsa and steamed broccoli (you could also use flavored chili beans without the salsa). • Pasta with diced reduced-sodium tomatoes, asparagus and shrimp. • Whole wheat tortilla, spinach leaves, tomato, poached egg and dollop of light sour cream. • Reduced-sodium canned soup, whole wheat crackers and a piece of fruit. • Veggie burgers, frozen boxed vegetables and whole wheat bun with light cheese. One last thing before school starts: Breakfast is important! Eat it and have your children eat it everyday. Breakfast will help them (and you) stay focused and provide the brainpower needed to do their best. It can be as simple as cereal, milk and fruit. Aim for whole grain, protein and fruit, and if you can work in a vegetable then all the better! Until next time: Eat well, Live well!
Combine the first 6 ingredients into a slow cooker (chicken through salt), stir to coat chicken pieces, add ½ cup broth and cook for 8 hours on low. After 7 hours remove the chicken, shred with 2 forks and return to the slow cooker with the beans, green pepper, onion and remaining ½ cup broth, cook for 1 more hour until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Meanwhile combine lettuce, tomato, cilantro and lime juice. The kids can do this! To serve, heat the taco shells according to package directions and fill each one with ¼ cup meat mixture, 2 tablespoons lettuce mixture and one dollop of sour cream. Enjoy. Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 2 tacos). Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 280, Fat 9g (2g saturated, 1g monounsaturated), Cholesterol 60mg, Sodium 300mg, Carbohydrate 31g, Fiber 6g, Protein 20g Kim’s note: If you don’t want to worry about keeping your onion and green pepper “crisp-tender” just toss them in from the start and the dish will turn out just fine. In addition, this makes a tasty wrap for lunches, too. 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. www.augustafamily.com
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mommymakeover
Terrific Tonita
After
by Karin Calloway
Felicia Lamar styles Cody’s hair.
ring
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n Harp
After
By Joh
Before
ist Keith Harrison. Harrison used the following steps and Estee Lauder products to complete Cody’s look: 1. Preparing the skin. Harrison applied Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, Estee Lauder’s newest breakthrough product that reduces discoloration and Day Wear Moisturizer lotion. 2. Foundation. Harrison used a foundation brush to apply Double Wear foundation in rich ginger. He says to start application on the cheeks and then brush it in towards the nose and out onto the rest of the face. He followed with powder in new soft chestnut. 3. Eyes. Harrison began with Double Wear eye shadow base in café au lait. The base can be used to prime the eye for eye shadow or it can be used alone as an eye color. He then applied blazing bronze and berry burst shadows over the lid, intense violet in the corners of her eyes and satin just beneath the brow. He used a dark brown shadow to fill in her brows, lined her upper lid with Double Wear gel eyeliner in stay onyx and finished with MagnaScope mascara. 4. Finishing touches. Some nude nuance powder blush was applied mostly on the apples of the cheeks and then brushed over the cheekbone. For Cody’s lips, Harrison applied Lip Conditioner, lined and filled in her lips with tea rose liner followed by Pure Color lipsticks in a combination of pink and brown tones and finished with a little gloss. Photo
Keith Harrison applies Estee Lauder cosmetics for Cody’s “after” look.
T
onita Cody, 42, is a wife, mother of two and pastor of Parks Grove F.B.H. Church in Lincolnton. Between caring for her family and ministering to her church members, Cody’s busy schedule leaves little personal time. A Mommy Makeover was the perfect opportunity for Cody to get some fashion and makeup tips as well as freshen up her hair color and style. Cody began her day at Dillard’s Augusta Mall with a foundation fitting with Jessica Pach, a fit specialist and business manager of Dillard’s lingerie department. Like most women, Cody was wearing the wrong size bra. Pach explained that building a good foundation with your undergarments makes a huge difference in the way your clothes hang on your body. She also fitted Cody in a TC Shaper body suit/full-body shaper. Pach explains that foundation fitting is a service Dillard’s provides to everyone. While customers can get a fitting at any time, she recommends calling the lingerie department to schedule a fitting to ensure that the fit specialist has sufficient time to spend with you. Cody likes to wear skirts and dresses and Dealynn Fryer showed her which silhouettes looked best on her. Cody chose a MSSP Women’s rose and cream peasant-style dress, rose gold metallic leather Michael Kors shoes and Badgley Mischka bag for her “after” photo shoot. “This look is fresh and youthful, very angelic,” says Fryer. Cody’s next stop was with master stylist Felicia Lamar at the Dillard’s salon. Lamar’s first step was to do a color cleanse, which is the application of a combination of Aveda Shampure shampoo, water, lightener and 10-volume developer. She washed the color cleanse out and then used Aveda hair color in a brownish-blonde shade. Lamar used the following Aveda products when styling Cody’s hair: Color Conserve shampoo, Damage Control conditioner, Smooth Infusion style prep and glossing lotion and Confixer liquid gel. She styled Cody’s hair by having her sit under the hair dryer and then used a flat iron on the top to provide some spiky curl and finished her look with some Aveda Defining Whip. Cody’s last stop before her photo shoot was a skincare and makeup consultation with Estee Lauder makeup art-
Want a makeover? Send a recent photo, contact information and a letter describing why you deserve a makeover to: Karin Calloway, editor, Augusta Family Magazine, P.O. Box 1405, Augusta, GA 30903 or to karin.calloway@ augustafamily.com. Applications also may be submitted at www.augustafamily.com.
Augusta Family | August 2011 • 11
Back To
School
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Augusta Family | May/June 2010 • 13
Back to school
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}Doctor/Dad
by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
A Brain Game Weight Control—It’s All in Your Head “You can’t change your weight until you change your mind!” This tag line of Dr. John Sklare, noted authority on the psychological aspects of weight loss, is the basis for his claim that before any meaningful and persistent weight loss can be achieved you must be absolutely committed mentally and emotionally. I couldn’t agree more.
Food Is More Than Fuel The psychology of food is a fascinating study. Many of us assume that we eat simply to fuel our bodies. However, a careful analysis shows that the underlying motivation for some eating is a study in pleasure, social interaction and cultural norms. Few of us sit down to a big Sunday dinner and think, “I know my liver is excited about this steak.” No, when we sit down to dinner, we are more concerned about why our 16-year-old is still at his girlfriend’s house rather than with the nutritional content of the meal. We don’t consciously think of meals as refueling, instead we tend to associate them with social interaction and habit. In fact, many of us respond to the clock for meals more than we respond to signals that our bodies need to replenish. We have become “automatized” and relatively rigid about meals.
Why Do We Overeat? When we dine, we respond to the texture, smell and taste of the food along with the feeling of satisfaction that comes from the meal. Scientists are discovering that there are physiological connections in the brain that play a role in satiety and overeating. One theory claims that overeaters consume more food because they get a magnified, pleasurable jolt from dopamine— a potent neurotransmitter or brain hormone. Ann Kelly, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin, says, “The implication is that long-term over ingestion of foods that are highly preferred, such as fats, could have a drug-like effect on the brain.” Let’s be honest, most of us do get a psychological boost from eating. Even memories of pleasure can be triggered by certain foods. I will never forget the smell
and the taste of the turkey and dressing my mother would make every Thanksgiving. I associate this food with a sense of peace and relaxation. In that instance, it is not just about providing protein for my muscles, it now becomes a source of positive psychological reinforcement. These can be very powerful feelings, enough so that eating can be an attempt for some to recreate these positive emotions. And it should—we have an unbelievable cornucopia of things to eat. We need to celebrate that abundance…in moderation.
Finding Your Inner Triggers “According to published reports, up to 99 percent of all people fail at weight control. The reason for this incredible failure rate is the lack of focus and attention given to the underlying thoughts and behaviors that trigger, motivate and sustain overeating. In order to successfully manage your weight, you must address more than just your weight. You must also address those underlying issues that trigger overeating.” (www. innnerdiet.com) The physical and psychological satisfaction from eating can lead you to try to recreate nurturing experiences through meals. We also know that food can be a very strong motivator. We all use this tool to “bribe” our children. How many of us were rewarded with a tasty piece of candy or a dessert because we were “good”? I once tried to reward my kids with an extra serving of turnips and they threatened to call child protective services! However, those early reinforcements that food, especially sugar, means “good” stick with us for a lifetime. Dr. Andrew Weil, renowned physician and health advocate, states, “I think it is fair to say that food is an important source of pleasure for most of us, and a primary source of it for some of us. For that reason www.augustafamily.com
any recommendations for healthy eating that diminish or eliminate the pleasure of the experience of eating are sure to fail.” Concepts such as this, combined with years of scientific research, confirm that moderate weight loss is primarily a brain game.
Identify Underlying Problems Some people are introspective enough to uncover subtle reasons for overeating. Others can’t tell you a reason, they just do it. In his book Thin Again, Dr. Arthur Halliday speculates that a person’s excess weight is always a symptom of an underlying problem or false belief and that permanent resolution depends on identifying and correcting the cause whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. While I believe that is not always the case, it raises interesting issues. The point is that weight loss, fat proofing your family and getting fit involves a balance of mind, body and spirit. The bottom line is that weight control is a complex balance and too many of us ignore the emotional and mental aspect. Start your weight loss journey with a check up from the neck up! Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/ GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two teenage daughters.
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healthyfamily}
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by Cammie Jones
Buy or Bag?
What You Need To Know About Local Public School Lunches
ach week of the school year, I let my girls mark off the days on the school lunch menu when they want to eat at school. They have their favorites, of course, and those days are highlighted. I love those days because a. I don’t have to make a lunch, which cuts out a few minutes of madness in the morning and b. there is usually something on the menu in addition to the main course that my children might try for the first time. This year, all three of my girls will be in elementary school and I am looking forward to seeing who likes what and which menu items are to become “must haves.” One thing that does concern me is making sure my children are getting a healthy, balanced meal when they eat the school lunch. Are vegetables and fruits included? What about fat, sugar and sodium content? I spoke with the directors of the school nutrition programs in Aiken, Columbia and Richmond counties as well as a spokesperson from the American Dietetic Association (ADA) to find out what constitutes a healthy lunch and if we, locally, are meeting our children’s nutritional needs.
Aiken, Columbia and Richmond county school systems all follow this model with some variations. Jane Wiggins, director of the school nutrition program in Columbia County, says they follow the traditional food-based menu using different meal patterns.
Richmond County also offers three entree choices in elementary school and, in middle and high school, students can choose both the entree and sides. “We don’t allow elementary school students to choose the sides because we want them to try new things,” says Richmond County’s Director of School Nutrition Josephine Mack. Aiken County schools also offer main dish choices and,
In elementary school, students can choose between three entrees (including the daily peanut butter and jelly sandwich) as well as three of four side items. “It can be two vegetables and two fruits, three vegetables and one fruit, or one vegetable and three fruits, depending on the day,” she says. In middle and high schools in Columbia County, the number of entree choices is greater.
in elementary school, they offer a chef salad as an alternative. In high school, a fresh salad bar is offered every day. The central office is not necessarily the body that determines the school’s menu. In Richmond County it is the school nutrition managers who plan the schools’ monthly menus. “They see what the children eat and don’t eat and menus are de-
Local School Lunch Programs
The Guidelines According to the American Dietetic Association, schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) are held to strict guidelines regarding the meals they serve to children. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the agency that develops these guidelines. Currently, the meal pattern must include: • 2 ounces of meat or meat alternative • 2 servings of fruit or vegetables • 8 servings of bread/grains over the week • 1 cup of fluid, low-fat or non-fat milk Debbi Beauvais, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the ADA, says that school lunches must also meet other nutrition guidelines such as limiting fat and saturated fats in meals, providing one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for protein, calcium, iron and Vitamins A and C, meeting the dietary guidelines and serving in age-appropriate portion sizes with the right balance of protein, dairy, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. 16 • Augusta Family | August 2011
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termined by this,” says Mack. The system also periodically conducts taste tests to get feedback from the students about what the they seem to like best. These menu items usually make it on the list and this is how the peanut butter and jelly sandwich arrived as a daily alternative.
It’s All About Averages Even if your child has choices, how can you be sure that what is being served is not loaded with sodium, too much sugar or too much fat? “We do a nutritional analysis of all our menus using a USDA-approved software program,” says Wiggins. “Averaged over the week, the meals cannot have more than 30 percent calories from fat and only 10 percent of that fat can be saturated.” All three school systems follow the RDA’s for calcium, calories, iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin A as required by federal regulations. “Looking at the menu alone may not give you all the information you need to decide healthy versus unhealthy,” says Beauvais. Her favorite phrase when talking with parents is, “All chicken nuggets are not created equal.” Many school food vendors have specially formulated products that are like their deep fried cousins but are prepared in the oven, often having a nutrition profile that exceeds the guidelines used in school meal programs. “I encourage parents to get involved in the school wellness program in their school to learn and understand the offerings at mealtime and other guidelines related to nutrition and wellness in the school,” says Beauvais. After reviewing our local school systems’ Web sites and spring lunch menus, Beauvais found our schools did meet the NSLP’s guidelines but again says it is hard to determine whether the foods are prepared in a healthful fashion (e.g. not deep fried) by just looking at the menu. That is why it is so important for families to take the time to check out what their school offers at meal time and not make judgments on the menu alone. “We make everything from scratch, from chili to brownies to yeast rolls,” says Wiggins. Columbia County also requires that the french fries contain no trans fats and closely monitoring sodium levels and sugar in all foods. The only way to acquire this information is to know your school’s lunchroom personnel, ask questions and get involved. “The overall goal of our program is to help children develop lifelong, healthy eating habits,” says Mack. “The children are our customers so we want to serve them nutritious as well as tasty meals on a daily basis.”
Changes Are on the Way The Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 calls for major changes to the meal pattern used in the National School Lunch Program. Comments received on the proposed meal pattern are currently being reviewed by the USDA before a final ruling is made. Following are some of the broad changes being proposed: • Use low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt; flavored milk needs to be fat-free and all milk served must be either low-fat or fat-free. • Jazz up menus with fruits. Limit the amount of juice and increase whole fruit consumption. • Vary your vegetables. Include more dark green and orange varieties. • Serve more dry beans and peas. • Serve more whole grains. • Be salt savvy. Cut back on sodium. • Include fiber-rich foods. • Limit saturated fat and cholesterol. • Trim trans fat. Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three. www.augustafamily.com
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homefront }
by Lucy Adams
Home Education What’s Involved in One of the Nation’s Fastest Growing Educational Trends?
“When you take the love of a mom and dad combined with the realization that it all rests on their shoulders, you create the perfect storm of thunderous teaching and lightning-bolt learning!” ~Michelle Wiley, Homeschooling mother of four
O
ne of the fastest growing trends in education is families choosing to homeschool their children as an alternative to public or private schools. The National Home Education Research Institute estimates that in 2010 approximately 2.04 million U.S. children were homeschooled, a seven percent increase since 2007.
Why Families Choose Home Education Charlene Peavey, the conference coordinator for the Georgia Home Education Association, who has also homeschooled her own five children for the past 25 years, says there are many reasons why parents choose home schooling over other education models. “At least half choose to home educate because of the curriculum choice,” she says. These parents either object to morals or values expressed in standard school curriculums or they’re dissatisfied with the academic standards. Another large portion of parents desire to insulate their children from the social environment or negative peer influences that they judge to be prevalent within a school or system. Concerns over the ability of school administrators to manage problematic student behaviors keep these parents from placing their children there. A third much smaller group of parents find themselves in a situation in which they 18 • Augusta Family | August 2011
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have no other alternative. For whatever reason, their child has been told he or she may no longer attend a school. Various other reasons for homeschooling abound and not all spring out of unhappiness with traditional classroom education. Michelle Wiley, a former public school teacher, and her husband, Jason, never thought their children would attend anything other than public school. Michelle describes their choice to homeschool their four children, Parker,11, Spencer, 8, Brendan, 7, and Sara Kate, 5, as a Christian calling, something they were led to do not as a rejection of anything in particular but as an embrace of a biblically prescribed way of raising their children.
Advantages of Home Education One of the biggest advantages of home education is that the parent or parents have flexibility. The curriculum for each subject area, instructional strategies and school calendar can be tailored to fit the family and each individual child’s strengths, weaknesses and learning style. “Being able to enhance a subject the child is really interested in, being able to speed up or slow down in a subject according to the child’s needs,” makes home education very appealing, says Peavey. Families who perhaps find December to be a particularly busy month can block it out of their school schedule. Students who discover a personal interest in outer space can engage in self-guided in-depth study. Parents can provide lots of hands-on activities for children who prefer to touch and do. “I really enjoy being with my kids, flexibility in our calendar, and taking ownership of their learning,” says Michelle. The second advantage Peavey appreciates about home education is the socialization aspect. She recognizes that this is often where
naysayers of home education focus their attention. “Social skills aren’t learned in a classroom environment. They are learned in life,” says Michelle. By the very nature of home schooling, argues Peavey, the child hones better social skills. Because multiple ages of children generally learn together, as opposed to the traditional classroom in which children are grouped by age and ability, homeschooled pupils develop communication and interaction skills with children both older and younger. “The parent can choose social situations for the child,” Peavey adds. Homeschooled does not mean isolated. These students still play on sports teams, attend church and Sunday school, go to camps and enjoy a multitude other child-centered group activities. Closer family relationships is a third advantage Peavey mentions and Parker Wiley wholeheartedly agrees. “I like that I get to see my family more,” says Parker. “I get to be with my brothers more and bond with them.” Siblings take on the responsibility of learning together. Older children help younger ones. Tasks of daily living, known in kid jargon as chores, become shared learning experiences. Points of study become dinner table topics of discussion. “Everything is always in a learning mode,” says Peavey, and everyone in the family is in that mode together. “Homeschooling our children has really given me the gift of time,” says Michelle, “time to really see and evaluate the hearts of my children and encourage growth in so many areas, time to laugh with my kids, time to watch the relationships between my children develop into sweet friendships.”
Getting Started If you’re considering home education as an option for your own family, Peavey offers the following suggestions: • Examine your level of commitment. Is this a year-by-year plan, keeping the traditional school as an option, or are you in it for the long haul? If this is short-term, use a curriculum that matches that of the public or private school your child may go back to. If you are making a long-term commitment, prepare yourself to arrange your life around learning. • Seek counsel on curriculums. Know the academic areas your child struggles in. Know what your child finds stimulating and interesting. Know your child’s learning style—visual, auditory, kinesthetic. Design a curriculum that fits your child. Homeschool-curriculum.org has a wealth of information about the many approaches to homeschooling and curriculums available on the market. • Prepare yourself for some expense. The cost of homeschooling varies from very little to as much as a private school education depending on the curriculum selected, academic experiences planned and record keeping services one might use. Figure
out what you can afford and plug that piece into your planning. • Know the legalities. The Georgia laws governing home education are summarized below. Go to www. ghea.org and www.doe.k12.ga.us for more complete details. In Georgia: —Children between the ages of 6 to 16 must attend formal education. —Eighty days of instruction are required. —A basic academic program must include, but is not limited to, reading, language arts, math, social studies and science. —Parents must submit a declaration of intent to their local superintendent within 30 days of beginning homeschooling and annually by September 1. —Each school day must consist of 4.5 hours. —Attendance records must be kept and submitted to the superintendent each month. —Parents must write an annual progress report for each home-schooled child. —Parents may only teach their own children. They may employ a tutor to teach their children. —The teaching parent must have at least a high school diploma or GED. —Students in 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th grades must take a national standardized achievement test.
Naysayers and Stumbling Blocks Home education has its critics. Michelle says of her own apprehension about home schooling, “I worried that others would question the structure and quality of my children’s education...and they do.” Many parents ponder taking on the challenge of home education, but fear what others will say. As much as they desire to take advantage of all of its benefits, they harbor doubts about whether they can do it. “There’s nothing special about me or any other home-school mom,” asserts Michelle. Even veteran home educators like the Wileys, who have homeschooled their children for six years and counting, hit stumbling blocks requiring them to reassess and regroup. “You find that teachable moments occur throughout the day, so I really have to work on shutting down and just letting the kids have some free time,” says Michelle. Homeschooling may not be a simple solution to fulfilling a desire to exert greater influence over the direction of your child’s education, but as Michelle unhesitatingly says, “There are difficulties in whatever option a family chooses: public, private or home school.” Lucy Adams is the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson with her husband and their four children. Email Lucy at lucybgoosey@aol. com and visit her web site, www.IfMama.com.. www.augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | August 2011 • 19
20 • Augusta Family | August 2011
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By Karin Calloway Photography By John Harpring
With the back-to-school season comes back-to-school shopping... and we’re featuring the season’s hottest looks from tots to teens, all in the backdrop of the new Salvation Army of Augusta Kroc Center. Fashions from Baby Banks, Posh Tots, Kid to Kid and Uptown Cheapskate give you a great idea of what to expect in fashion trends this school year.
Totally Teens
Kristi, 15, and Steven St. Clair, 13, are fashionably ready to head back to school. Kristi wears a blouse from Express, jeans from the Gap, an Olivia Moon cardigan and booties by Dollhouse. Her brother, Steven, is wearing a plaid shirt from Hollister, BKE jeans and Nike shoes. They are the children of Brian and Karen St. Clair of Harlem.
Clothing Provded By: Uptown Cheapskate
Augusta Family | August 2011 • 21
Pretty in Purses
Charlsie, 4, and Leighton Linder, 5, are ready to head back to school in their pursed-up outfits. Charlsie is wearing a two-piece knit pant set with purse appliquĂŠ and Leighton is wearing a bishop dress with purse smocking. They are the children of Wes and Denise Linder of Augusta.
Clothing provided by: Baby Banks.
Remarkable Re-Sale
Chloe, 10, and Nathan Guler, 3, are decked in name brands from head to toe. Chloe is wearing a plaid shirt and jeans from Abercrombie and X-Appeal boots. Nathan is dapper in a Nautica polo shirt, Janey & Jack pants, and shoes from Old Navy. They are the children of Anthony and Leslie Guler of Grovetown.
Clothing provided by: Kid to Kid.
22 • Augusta August 2011 | Augusta Family | AugustFamily 2010
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Practical Performers Sara, 12, and Avery Kitchens, 8, are ready to enjoy a school assembly or a theatrical performance in their back-toschool looks. Sara models a Blush silky print tunic and brown leggings while her brother, Avery, sports a Bailey Boys golf shirt and Heart Strings seersucker pants. They are the children of Lisa Kitchens of Evans and James Kitchens of Cartersville, Ga.
Clothing provided by: Posh Tots.
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Augusta Family | August 2011 • 23 Augusta Family | August 2010 • 23
My Child Did What????? How To Deal With School Discipline Issues by Lucy Adams
W
ell, Mrs. Adams,” the voice on the other end of the line cut through the fog that fell when I realized it was my son’s teacher calling me. “He hasn’t been turning in his homework.” I didn’t know at that moment who I felt angrier toward, the teacher for just now telling me or my son for putting me in this awkward position. “Haven’t you been getting my notes I’ve sent home?” she added. The heat of my furious silence prompted her to continue with the litany of bad news. “Is there any reason you can think of that he would have fallen into this slump? He’s done so well up until now,” she asked, her voice so sweet it agitated me. I felt judged. I’d been very busy with work and hadn’t had time to check homework with the kids and I assumed they would meet their obligations like I was struggling to meet mine. I refused to admit that to the teacher, though. Instead I tried to smooth over my uncomfortable feeling, saying, “He’s usually so good. I’ll talk to him and let you know what I find out.” Irritation probably spilled over into the receiver. As parents, we are programmed to protect our offspring from dangerous situations, from dangerous people and from themselves. This fierce commitment to our children’s welfare naturally applies
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to the school setting, where, for the most part, we hand them over to the care of other adults with the understanding that we will receive them back at the end of each day a little smarter, a little taller and little more able to adapt to the world they will eventually negotiate on their own. It pains us, it frightens us, it alarms us when teachers or administrators say that our child is not meeting expected academic or behavior standards. The most frustrating part is that we often feel that we have no control over the situation.
Typical Disciplinary Concerns In general the disciplinary issues that arise in elementary school are relatively vanilla. Talking out of turn, not completing assignments, getting out of one’s seat without permission, disrupting instruction and engaging in physical expression of anger or frustration on the playground are typical behaviors teachers deal with daily. As children advance through the middle grades, these mild misbehaviors persist in classrooms, but other unwanted actions arise as well. The general middle school population, meaning the average kid, will at some time or other violate the dress code, engage in he-said-she-said drama, sass an authority figure or bring contraband technology to school (such as a cell phone). Dr. Sonya Jefferson, principal of Sego Middle School, says that middle schoolers are in a phase of testing limits. “They’re seeing who they want to be.”
Responding To a Teacher’s Note Even “good” kids sometimes earn a note home, an e-mail or a phone call from the teacher to the parent. This is not cause for panic. “At that level, the teacher’s intent is just to inform the parent, to let the parent know what occurred that day and what the consequences were,” says Melissa Shepard, principal of Sue Reynolds Elementary School. The teacher is not expecting a response from the parent other than acknowledgement that an incident happened and how it was handled at school, both to the teacher and to the child. Dr. Jefferson concurs that the main purpose of these communications is to make the parent aware. They establish and maintain a relationship between parent and teacher for the best interest of the child. Dr. Maria Brown, senior coordinator for the Richmond County Department of Student Services, assures parents, “When you get that first phone call, chances are it will work out with the phone conference and a conversation with the child.”
The Value of Misbehavior Something parents seldom consider: Bad behavior isn’t necessarily bad. Think of it more as trial and error learning. The consequences of the action give the child information about its effectiveness. While adults are often able to predict cause and effect, children lack the life experience to foresee B in the event of A. “Children don’t come to school looking to misbehave,” says Shepard, who urges parents to seize this opportunity for what she calls “productive talk.” Ask the child what he or she did. Ask the child to explain how his or her behavior affected others. Finally, ask your child what he or she could have done differently. “You have to teach kids those processing steps,” she says. Most of the time, kids are simply trying out various choices. Mistakes provide feedback and are important to a child’s growth and development.
Managing School Discipline In managing minor classroom behavior problems, the best thing a parent can do is form a unified front with the teacher. “Once that child knows the parent and the teacher are working together,” says Dr. Brown, “that’s when behavior changes.” Understanding the teacher’s expectations for behavior and persistently set-
ting the same standards yourself will send a clear and consistent message to your child. Second, avoid criticizing the teacher or her rules. “It’s better to have that conversation between adults,” says Dr. Jefferson, “so you can maintain that unified front.” On another note, an effective way to circumvent misbehavior at school is to know the rules to begin with. Dr. Brown encourages parents to read through the student handbook or code of conduct with their children. It’s definitely easier for a child to follow a rule if he or she is aware of it from the start. Sometimes a pattern of behavior emerges indicating that something more profound than simple mischief is at play. Several notes or phone calls from the teacher warrant taking additional action. A face-to-face conference usually aids the process of resolving the problem. The following tips will benefit parents who find themselves heading in this direction: • Stay calm. Don’t react. Listen to the teacher. Listen to your child. Gather as much information about the behavior in question as you can. • Keep negative opinions of the teacher or the rule in question between yourself and the teacher. Do not share them with your child. • Avoid making excuses for the child. • Share relevant information with the teacher. Just like you can’t be at school with your child all day, the teacher can’t be at your house. It’s easier to address the behavior in question if the teacher has some background about what’s going on at home. Getting to the root cause of continuous misbehavior and correcting that will help resolve the behavior long-term. • Maintain set expectations for behavior that your child knows he or she must meet in all places at all times. Clearly define the consequences for violations. Consistently follow through. • Work with the teacher to develop an appropriate and specific plan of action that is consistent between home and school. Make consequences appropriate to and in proportion to the behavior you’re trying to change. • Remember to recognize and praise positive behaviors. Implement a reward system as well as a punishment protocol. No matter what emotions parents feel when finding out that their child is engaging in undesirable behavior at school, the fact remains that teachers and administrators want the best for every child. It is not a personal attack on the child. It is not a judgment of the parent. It’s reaching out to form a team to support the child. Sometimes that team can expand to include more people than just the parent and the teacher. A student support team, which includes the parent, the teacher, a school administrator, the school psychologist and a guidance counselor, works together to design a viable plan for the student based on all of the available information. Either the school or the parent may request the formation of a student support team. “Be an advocate for your child,” says Dr. Brown, who views parental involvement as vital to a child’s success. Granted it is difficult to advocate for a child who has crumpled up all of the notes his teacher sent home and dropped them into the box freezer on the back porch. But I did my best. After talking to him, it became evident that my scatterbrained lifestyle was rubbing off on my son. I wasn’t a good model of personal organization at the time. I confessed my shortcomings to his teacher and shared my idea for helping him come up with a solution. The three of us sat down and hammered out a doable homework plan and checklist, which he wrote down and attached to his backpack as a reminder. And in retrospect, though I didn’t want the frustration of it at the time, I’m so glad his teacher intervened when she did because the happily-ever-after is that my son is now a successful self-starter. Lucy Adams is the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson with her husband and their four children. E-mail Lucy at lucybgoosey@ aol.com and visit her web site, www.IfMama.com.
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Augusta Family | August 2011 • 25
Back To
School
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Augusta Family | May/June 2010 • 27
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by Karin Calloway
Menu Makeover
Online Services Take the Stress Out of Planning Family Meals
C
alling them the lazy days of summer is fitting at my house when it comes to our evening family meals. Dinner is served later than during the school year and menus are often planned at the last minute, after a stop by the produce stand or supermarket. Once school gets back in session, my lackadaisical summer ways must be forgotten until next summer if I want to keep my busy family fed. The start of a new school year is a great time to begin a new menu planning routine and you don’t have to be a master chef or personal organizer to put together a family menu plan. In fact, there are a bevy of services that do all of the work for you, from planning a weekly menu, selecting recipes and preparing a grocery list. Here’s a sampling of some of the on-line services that may help you get in the groove of planned family meals.
school lunches, which she does once a week in under an hour.
E-mealz www.mealtimemakeover.com Cost: $15 for three months This on-line meal planning service offers a weekly, downloadable menu based on your family’s preferences. You can choose meal plans that serve four
Make Dinner Easy www.makedinnereasy.com Cost: Free Crystal Maleski, a mother of four who loves to cook, started Make Dinner Easy, a free subscriptionbased menu planning service. The weekly menu plans include five child-friendly dinner menus that are quick and easy to make. The site also includes a recipe archive and a link to Maleski’s Easy Dinner Blog. One recent menu plan included Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicken Enchiladas, Slow Cooker Taco Filling served with Corn and Bean Salad, Creamy Baked Ziti With Meat Sauce and Loaded Potato Soup. Maleski tries to include fresh fruits and vegetables in the menus and also tries to use a minimum of processed foods. A detailed, printable grocery list is included with each week’s menu.
Make 5 Dinners in One Hour www.5dinners1hour.blogspot.com Cost: $15 for three months Wyley, Texas, mom Michelle Dudley offers up a menu plan that lets you prep five dinners in an hour or less. Her menus include assembly instructions, making this an extremely simple plan for the novice cook. When ready to cook, the plan offers menu instructions to help you get dinner on the table with little fuss. Her plans even include a list of the kitchen equipment you’ll need to complete your one-hour prepping session along with helpful “tips and tricks” to modify the recipes to your family’s tastes. The grocery lists are broken down by supermarket section, such as canned/packaged goods, freezer section, etc. A past menu included Cuban Sandwiches, Grilled Orange Chicken Tenders, Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken, Green Eggs & Ham Cups and Broiled Steak Bites. All side dish suggestions are included in the instructions. Her recipes are child-friendly and each week will usually include one slow cooker meal and one meal that can be frozen. The recipes are light on processed ingredients and rely heavily on fresh meats and fresh or frozen vegetables. Meal plans are sent via e-mail at the beginning of each month. Dudley blogs about mealtime organization, recipes and more at the same Web address and often shares helpful tips for preparing and storing your children’s 28 • Augusta Family | August 2011
to six or just two, and the shopping lists are specifically laid out according our choice of supermarket— Kroger, Publix, WalMart or a generic “any store” list. Specialty family meal plans are also available including gluten free, low-carbohydrate, low-fat, portion control and vegetarian. A recent seven-night menu plan included Italian Beef Over Linguini, Lime Butter Tilapia, Italian Portobella Chicken, Chicken Orzo Skillet, Southwest Pork Chops, Grilled Chicken & Spinach Salad and Cheesy Burgers. Menus are posted every Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, based on your supermarket preference.
Saving Dinner www.savingdinner.com Cost: $15 for three months, $47 for one year Leanne Ely is a recipe developer with an impressive resume that includes cookbook author, syndicated newspaper columnist and author of the Food for Thought column at the popular Web site www. FlyLady.net. Ely’s service offers six menus a week and, like the other services, includes a grocery list that is organized by sections of the supermarket. All of the recipes include side-dish suggestions, nutrition information and nutrition and dietary exchange information. Vegetarian and kosher modification suggestions are also included. www.augustafamily.com
A free sample menu available on the Web site included recipes for Skillet Chicken Florentine, Garlic Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Apple Cider Turkey, Peppery Portobello Pasta, Apricot Pork and Slow Cooker Santa Fe Beef. Menu plans are available for weight loss, freezer meals, daytime menus, “morphing” menus, seasonal menus and more. The site also has a school and group fundraising program in which money can be raised by selling menu subscriptions.
Meal Plan Monday www.orgjunkie.com Cost: Free I’m an Organizing Junkie, a home organization blog, is home to Menu Plan Monday. Each Monday over 300 bloggers share what’s on their menus for the week and anyone can join in the fun. Links to the blogs are shared at the bottom of the Menu Plan Monday posts, so you can get ideas from a variety of home cooks. Most bloggers include printable menus, groceries and recipes. The menus at I’m an Organizing Junkie include four dinner menus with two nights blank so families can enjoy a meal out or heat up leftovers. Sundays are “YOYO,” you’re on your own.
A recent plan includes recipes for Cheesy Beef Tostados, 20-Minute Teriyaki Chicken and Rice, Quick Homemade Pizza, Summer Spinach Salad and Chicken Pesto Paninis. The Eat at Home blog (www.eatathomecooks. com) was one of the links on a recent Monday and included a menu with the following recipes for six dinners plus one dessert: Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos (slow cooker recipe), Asian Salmon on the Grill, Italian Sausage and Spinach Stuffed Shells, Southwest Chicken and Brown Rice, Winter Fruit Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing, Honey Mustard Chicken (slow cooker recipe) and Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Dream Dinners www.dreamdinners.com 105 Shartom Dr., 706-210-1187 or AugustaBusCtrGA@dreamdinners.com Cost: Varies by meals selected and includes food If the shopping part of family menu planning is your least favorite, you can let Dream Dinners do the shopping and most of the prep-work for you. You just go on-line and select which menu items you’d like to prepare and schedule when you’ll attend one of their preparation sessions. At the session, you can
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prepare entrees for either three or six servings. You’ll need to bring a laundry basket or cooler to your session and Dream Dinners will provide aluminum trays (for baked items) and zip-top plastic bags for marinated items or items to be cooked on the stove. All of the ingredients for each of the available menu selections are set up at a station and each station has an instruction card. You just follow the instructions, using their measuring utensils, assemble your dinners and you’re done. Dream Dinners does all of the cleanup from each session so you can simply pack up your ready-to-cook meals and head home to stash them in your freezer. Menu choices for this month include Chicken Enchiladas, Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches With French Rolls, Herb-Dijon Chicken Breasts With Garlic Bread, Cornflake-Crusted Chicken With Dipping Sauce, Cheese Lover’s Manicotti and Chicken Paella. Their “best of the best selections” are slightly more expensive and they also offer a few “fast lane” options that are already assembled and ready to go. Karin Calloway is the editor of Augusta Family Magazine. She writes a weekly cooking column in The Augusta Chronicle and demonstrates her recipes in weekly cooking segments on WJBF NewsChannel 6. She also develops recipes and blogs for Viking Range Corporation at www. karinsvikingkitchen.com.
Augusta Family | August 2011 • 29
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by Charmain Z. Brackett
Time for Teens
Local Young Life Program Builds Bonds With High School Students
Photo Cour
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van Dietz felt like he was suspiciously viewed as the “old guy” when he began volunteering for Augusta’s Young Life program. Part of the 21-year-old’s duties as a volunteer and mentor is to be in the places where teens hang out—high school football games, basketball games and other high school events. “I really have a heart for high school kids. I want to do something that has an impact on young people,” says Dietz, who pushed through that odd feeling because he believes he has made a positive impact in his year and a half with the organization. Young Life is a national organization that started in Dallas in 1941. It has been in Augusta since 1953, according to Ogden Tabb, area coordinator. At the core of Young Life isn’t a program or group of activities. “Young Life is relational. It’s all about building friendships,” he says. “We’re an outreach and our target audience is spiritually disengaged teens.” Young Life crosses various denominations. Tabb says he has volunteer leaders from a mix of churches including Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist and Catholic. Currently, Young Life works with teenagers at three area schools—Evans, Westside and Lakeside high schools. “Our leaders know 500 to 600 kids by name” in each school, he says. “They log 2,000 hours a year just working on building relationships.”
Young Life Makes the Connection
n Tabb
Building relationships can be done in a variety of ways. Dietz has a group of teenage boys he regularly plays video games and disc golf with. In addition to building bridges of friendship, Young Life leaders bridge spiritual gaps through their outreach. Each week, there is a “club” meeting. “It’s like a really fun youth group designed with the kid in mind who wouldn’t come to church,” he says. “We don’t sing Christian songs. We sing what they’d hear on the radio. We play high-energy games. We have a laughing mission. There is a lot of laughing. We do funny skits and messy fun games. Then we have eight to 12 minutes, where all the talk is about Jesus.” The club meetings are not held on school campuses. During the last school year, about 450 teens total attended club meetings with an average weekly attendance of 150 among the three schools.
Photo Cour
tesy of Ogde
More Than Meetings
Kelsey Riffl e, Lakesid e High Sch Allie Knab ool Young le joined a Life Leade lmost 40 a r April Hen dults and yo ry an uth on a tr ip to Colora d do.
30 • Augusta Family | August 2011
For those teens who’d like to become more involved with Young Life, there are additional opportunities including more in-depth Bible studies, community service projects and the chance to go to summer camp. About 40 teens from Augusta traveled to Colorado earlier this summer, where they rappelled and climbed a 12,000-foot mountain summit all while building relationships. Dietz says the best times during the day were the cabin times when his group of 10 guys could talk to each other about the issues impacting them. “We met
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Photo Courtesy of Ogden Tabb
Young Life members enjoyed an adventure
excursion this summer.
some guys from Auburn and they’ve become like family to us. They told us stuff they hadn’t told their other friends or family,” he says. Tabb says the week at camp is often life-changing for the teens. A few weeks after this summer’s trip, he received an e-mail from a mother who wrote her child was completely different after the experience. During the school year, there is a camp in North Georgia, where Young Lifers can go for a weekend.
Growth Is on the Horizon Although Young Life has been in Augusta for five decades, Tabb says the organization has had peaks and valleys. He’s been working on building the program over the past few years, but he sees Young Life in Augusta expanding over the next few years. “I’d like to double our impact in at least five years. I’m working on that. We are at three schools. I want to be at six. We have 18 leaders. I want 40. We take 40 kids to camp. I’d like to take 80,” he says. To achieve that type of goal, Tabb says Young Life would have to add to its paid staff of one and recruit more volunteers, but becoming a youth leader is not as easy as it sounds. The local chapter has 18 adult leaders between the ages of 19 and 32 with Tabb being the oldest. Volunteers come from all walks of life. They are teachers, artists, nurses, information technology specialists and college students. Not only do the leaders go through a criminal background check, but they must complete five months of in-depth training with Tabb. “That vets out those who aren’t as serious,” he says. During that five months, the potential leaders don’t interact with the teenagers. “I’m getting to know them on a personal level,” he says. Completing the training doesn’t automatically mean someone will be allowed to volunteer. Tabb says candidates have to exemplify the qualities of Jesus. Since the program is all about building relationships, Tabb says volunteers have to be committed to stick with the program and invest a lot of time in it. There also is a need for volunteers who don’t want to work directly with teens in the Young Life program. He says they need people who will pray for the organization and its leaders. There are also adult volunteers who support the work of the club meetings by preparing meals for the leaders. For more information, call 706-733-2507. Charmain Z. Brackett is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three. www.augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | August 2011 • 31
calendar August 2011
Paddlefest 2011 Grab a paddle and race along the Savannah River in Paddlefest, a canoe, kayak and homemade raft competition on Saturday, August 20. The course begins at Savannah Rapids Pavilion and ends at the Boathouse in downtown Augusta. Rafts and canoes will be judged on design, originality and control. Visit paddlefestga.com for details.
SPECIAL EVENTS August 5. First Friday. Celebrate the First Friday of each month in downtown Augusta when art galleries display new works, performers take to the sidewalks and streets, arts and
August 6, 13, 20, 27. DuPont Planetarium Shows. Follow the Drinking Gourd, 8 p.m. Digistar Laser Fantasy, 9 p.m. Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, 471 University Pkwy. Aiken. 803-641-3654.
craft vendors offer hand-made goods for sale. Event is free and family-friendly. Broad Street. Downtown Augusta. www. augustaarts.com. August 5. Aiken County Parks and Recreation Starlight Cinema: Ernest Goes to Camp. Aiken State Park. Free. Movies start at dark. In case of inclement weather, movie will be shown on August 6 at the same location and time. August 6. Fried Green Tomato Festival. The Iron Horse Bar and Grill. Beech Island. 803867-2388. www.ironhorsebarandgrill.net August 6. Classic Car Show. Aiken Horsepower First Saturday of the month cruise-in. 6-8 p.m. Home Depot. Aiken. 803-270-3505.
32 • Augusta Family | August 2011
August 7. Give Kids a Boost. Safe Kids East Central and Georgia State Patrol will be providing car seat check ups and booster seat distribution. Child must be present and be at least 4 years old, 40 pounds and not yet 4’ 9” tall. The Health Department will be on hand to provide immunization boosters. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Georgia State Patrol Post 25 and Columbia County Health Department on William Few Parkway. Event closes at 2 p.m. Call 706-721-7606 for information. August 7. Bike for the Ballet. The Augusta Ballet partners with the Greater Augusta Sports Council to present this event that celebrates the athleticism of dance. Both cyclists and non-cyclists will follow the training route of the ESI Ironman 70.3. 9 a.m. To register call 706-261-0555.
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August 13. CareFair for Women. This free event will offer everything from pampering and spa treatments to health screening of all kinds for women. This year there will also be an “Ask a Doc” booth. The event includes many vendor booths so women can learn about services, shops and more in the CSRA. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Augusta State University’s Christenberry Fieldhouse, Wrightsboro Rd. August 16 & 17. Back-To-School Bash. WAFJ is hosting two free concerts to help area students ease the transition back to school. The August 16 concert will be held at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Augusta. On August 17, the concert will be held at 6 p.m. at Millbrook Baptist Church in Aiken. Admission is free with the donation of school supplies for needy children. The concerts will feature Royal Tailor, Caleb and Samestate, three alternative Christian rock bands. Go to WAFJ.com or call 1-866-440-7880 for information.
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Ballet on Wheels The Augusta Ballet partners with the Greater Augusta Sports Council to present Bike for the Ballet, a collaborative fight against childhood obesity. On August 7, both cyclist and non-cyclist will follow the training route of the ESi Ironman 70.3. After a scenic ride, the groups will host a celebration from 12 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Ride begins at 8 a.m. Enterprise Mill.
August 20. Aiken Arts Alive! A day of fun with live entertainment, including singers and cloggers, artists demonstrations and more. Free activities for children including crafts, mural creating, wacky photography, face painting, caricatures. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Aiken Art Center. www.aikencenterforthearts.org. August 20. Community Talent Show. Cash prizes awarded for the top five acts. Sponsored by Lakeside High School Chorus. Auditions held August 20 in the morning. Call 706-210-5406 by August 15. Show starts at 6 p.m. Columbia County Amphitheater. August 20. Paddlefest. U.S. Canoe and Kayak Association sanctioned kayak, canoe and homemade raft race on the Savannah River from the Boathouse to the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Sponsored
August 27. Colonial Times. Ongoing living history demonstrations. Witness history firsthand through living exhibits and demonstrations of Colonial life. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. North Augusta. 803-279-7560. www.colonialtimes.us.
The Arts, Music and More! August 1-27. About Face. An exhibit that focuses on the elegance of portraits, torso and full-length styles across various media. Arts & Heritage Center. North Augusta. 803-441-4380. August 6. Merle Haggard. As a performer and a songwriter, Haggard was the most important country artist to emerge in the 1960s.Throughout his career, Haggard has been a champion of the working man, largely due to his rough and tumble history. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
by the Savannah Riverkeeper. Visit paddlefestga. com for details.
August 8. Bryan Adams: The Bare Bones Tour.
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With his distinctive vocals and blue-collar songwriting skills, this Canadian icon took on rock ‘n’ roll basics and found a niche that has lasted for over 25 years. 8 p.m. Imperial Theatre. www.imperialtheatre.com. August 8. Meet and Greet the Augusta Chorale Reception. Prospective members, chorale supporters, friends and fans are invited. 7-9 p.m. at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, 1116 Phillips St. August 12-13. Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. An evening filled with food, laughs and audience interaction. Benefits Downtown Aiken. 803-649-2221. www.downtownaiken.com. August 13. Keith Urban: Get Closer 2011 World Tour. Critics have called Urban’s shows “one of the best reasons in the world to attend a live concert.” 7:30 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
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calendar August 13. The Jeremy Graham Band. Columbia County Amphitheater. Evans. 7 p.m. 706-312-7192. www.columbiacountyga.gov. August 19-21. Tuesdays With Morrie. Based on the book by Mitch Albom. Aiken. 803-648-1438. www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com Hopelands Gardens Summer Concerts 1700 Whiskey Rd. Downtown Aiken 803-642-7630 August 1. The Skelligs. 7 p.m. August 8.* Ft. Gordon Jazz Ensemble. 7 p.m. August 15. Aiken Big Band. 7 p.m. August 22. Savannah River Stringband. 7 p.m. August 29.* Aiken Concert Band. 6:30 p.m. *Shuttle available. Family Music of Augusta Musikgarten classes for children up to age 9. Go to familymusicofaugusta.org or call Kathleen at 706-955-7819. Junior Jazz Karen Gordon, instructor Augusta Jewish Community Center, 898 Weinberger Way, Evans. Call 706-228-3636 to register. Classes are held on Tuesday afternoons from 4-5 p.m. Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or themorris.org. August 1-September 4. Civil War Redux: Pinhole Photographs by Willie Anne Wright. A unique exhibition of sepia-toned gelatin silver print photographs shot with a pinhole camera, which mimics vintage photographs. Wright followed reenactors for 13 years, capturing the essence of mid-19th-century life. August 1-14. Philip Juras: The Southern Frontier Landscapes Inspired by Bartram’s Travels. Augusta native Juras recreates the Southern wilderness inspired by the writings of 18th-century naturalist William Bartram. August 2. Day Trip to Beaufort, South Carolina. Tour the John Mark Verdier House, a restored early 19th-century Federal-style mansion, learn about Gullah culture at the Penn Center’s York W. Bailey Museum and explore the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church. Plus lunch and shopping. Paid reservations required by July 15. August 4. Toddler Time: Sun Print Fun! Learn about the magic of photography while viewing the exhibition Civil War Redux. Afterward create your own sun print. Registration required. 10-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. August 5. Films on Friday: God’s Little Acre (1958). After viewing the film, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Noon. August 7. Sunday Sketch. Sketch in the galleries with materials supplied by the museum. 2-3:30 p.m.
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calendar August 7. Artrageous! Family Sunday: We’re With the Band! A special performance of Civil War–era music by re-enactors from the Eighth Regiment Band. Afterward create sun prints and decorate frames. 2 p.m. August 11. Terra Cognita: Juan Logan. Painter, sculptor and mixed-media artist Juan Logan discusses his work. Reception follows. 6 p.m. August 13-14. Artist Workshop: Acrylic Painting With William Willis. Morris Eminent Scholar and Augusta State University professor William Willis leads participants through an exciting workshop highlighting acrylic painting techniques inspired by his exhibition No Nature, No Art. All materials included. Paid registration required by August 6. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, 12:30–4:30 p.m. August 19. Art at Lunch: Confederate Faces in Color. David Wynn Vaughan provides a detailed look at 50 hand-tinted photographs of Confederate soldiers drawn from his enormous private collection. Noon. Paid reservations due August 17. August 27-November 20. Preservation of Place: The Art of Edward Rice. Exhibition features 30 paintings produced since 1982 by the noted realist, drawn from private and public collections across the South. One of the most inclusive overviews of Rice’s career to date. August 28. Music of the Baroque Period. Augusta State University faculty present two performances of 17th and 18th century music. 2 and 3:15 p.m. Musical Theatre Workshops and Footnotes Dance Academy 3833 Martinez Blvd., Martinez (in front of the Martinez Post Office) Contact Mickey Lubeck, director, at 706-2311759, musicaltheatredirector@gmail.com. www. onwiththeshow.biz. August 6. Open House. Stop by to check out the Workshop’s new location which includes multiple studios to study acting, voice and dance. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. August 13. Vocal Workshops with Cristell Reyes. Love to sing? Want to have better vocal technique? Try out a class before you register. Boys and girls, men and women. Ages 8-11, noon-1 p.m.; 12-16, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; 16 and up, 3-4 p.m.
Closer To Country Don’t miss Grammy-winner Keith Urban, one of the world’s biggest country music stars, when he appears in concert on Saturday, August 13, during his Keith Urban: Get Closer 2011 World Tour. The album is the follow-up to 2009’s platinum-selling Defying Gravity, which entered Billboard’s pop and country charts at number one and spun off five top-10 hits, including the chart-toppers “Sweet Thing” and “Only You Can Love Me This Way.” 7:30 p.m. James Brown Arena.
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calendar Museum and Science Events Augusta Museum of History 560 Reynolds St. 706-722-8454. Museum Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 1-5 p.m. August 1-31. The Civil War, America: A Look Back. This film is a tribute to three men whose lives touched the hearts and minds of a nation divided: President Abraham Lincoln, General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant. Augusta Museum of History. Reed Creek Park 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. August 13. Pond Exploration. Learn about animals that live in the pond. Be prepared to get a little wet and muddy. Ages 5 and up. 10-11 a.m. August 19. Pollution Solution. Hands-on activities demonstrating the types of pollution, their causes and effects. Ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m.
SPORTS Augusta GreenJackets All games at 7:05 p.m. www.GreenJacketsbaseball.com. August 3 vs. Rome Braves (Fireworks and Fan Appreciation Night) August 5 vs. Rome Braves August 6 vs. Rome Braves (Fireworks and Faith Night) August 7 vs. Rome Braves (Kids Eat Free! Children under 12 receive a free small hot dog, small soda and bag of chips with paid ticket. Presented by The Augusta Chronicle) August 8 vs. Rome Braves August 18 vs. Charleston RiverDogs August 19 vs. Charleston RiverDogs (Augie’s Birthday Bash) August 20 vs. Charleston RiverDogs (80s Night and Fireworks) August 21 vs. Charleston RiverDogs (Kids Eat Free! Children under 12 receive a free small hot dog, small soda and bag of chips with paid ticket. Presented by The Augusta Chronicle) August 22 vs. Kannapolis Intimidators August 23 vs. Kannapolis Intimidators August 24 vs. Kannapolis Intimidators (Baseball Bingo) August 25 vs. Kannapolis Intimidators Aiken-Augusta Swim League Swimming Programs www.swimasl.com or contact Terry Dennis at tgmdennis@hotmail.com. Ongoing on weekdays and Saturdays. Swimming lessons for 4- to 12-year-olds. Lessons offered at the USC Aiken Pool, the Augusta Aquatics Center and the Riverwood Plantation pool. Competitive swimming programs are also available. Augusta Richmond County Recreation and Parks East Augusta: May Park Athletic Office, 622 4th St., 706-724-0505 South Augusta: Fleming Athletic Office, Daniel Street, 706-796-5047 West Augusta:
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calendar Eisenhower Park Athletic Office, 488 Eisenhower Dr., 706-821-2801 . August 1-31. Fall Sports Registration. Sign up for adult fall flag football and adult fall softball. Registration also for Youth Athletics: Co-ed soccer, ages 5-13; cheerleading bantam, ages 6-9, midgets 10-12; fall baseball and softball, ages 9-14; flag football, ages 7-8; bantam football, ages 9-10, 60-140 pound weight limit; midget football, 11-12, 70-160 pound weight limit.
out twice a week and one on their own. August 1-September 4. Wilson Family Y Adult Kickball Registration. Ages 18 and up. Season begins October 4. Games played Wednesdays at the First Baptist Church sports field. August 8-28. Family Y Flag Football and Cheerleading Registratoin. Ages 5-14 at multiple Family Y locations. Season begins in October and games are played on Saturdays.
CSRA Defensive Arts 803-221-0300 or www.csraDefensiveArts.com. Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8-adult. Taught by a certified Karate for Christ International instructor with 18 years of experience. Classes are held at Heights Church, behind Mi-Rancho in Clearwater, S.C., directly on the Aiken-Augusta Highway.
August 12. Freedom Friday at Family Y of Augusta South. Fun, entertaining night for children of deployed soldiers. Ages 8 weeks to 12 years. 6-9:30 p.m.
The Family Y Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. Register at any branch or online at www. thefamilyy.org or call 706-922-9622.
August 13. Movie Night on the Field at the Wilson Family Y. Enjoy family time at the sports fields behind the Wilson Family Y. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and movie begins at sundown. Event is free. Visit their Web site for more information.
Beginning August 1. Family Y Prime Time Before- and After-School Care. A licensed before and after-school program in select Aiken and Richmond County Elementary Schools. The program begins August 8 in Richmond County and August 15 in Aiken County. Registration dates vary at locations. Visit their Web site or call 706738-7006 for additional information and a list of participating schools. Beginning August 1. Family Y Swim Lessons Summer Session. All ages and skill levels, 6 months to 12 years and age 13 to adults. Lessons are held twice a week for four weeks in the indoor pools at the Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Aiken County. August 1-12. Family Y Day Camps. Day Camps continue for children of all ages. See branches for specific listings of camps offered. Early drop-off and late pick-up available at no additional charge. August 1-October 12. Registration for Couch to 5K at the Wilson Family Y. This program is designed for beginner and intermediate runners and walkers to prepare for the Y’s Gasping Gobbler 5K run on November 19, 2011. Two sixweek sessions are offered August 23-September 29 and October 11-November 17 at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. Participants will be guided through a work-
August 13. Parent’s Night Out at Marshall Family Y and Family Y of North Augusta. Ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Sibling discount available.
Wilson Family Y. Ages 2-4. Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Ongoing. Adapted Kardio Kidz. Fun fitness class especially for children 9-16 with physical and developmental disabilities. Taught by specially trained personal trainers. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Wilson Family Y. Call for prices and to register. Ongoing. Adapted Wii Special Populations at the Wilson Family Y. Individual half-hour classes (one-on-one ratio) for physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages. Specially trained staff uses Wii Interactive Computer games to improve participant’s independence and quality of life. By appointment. Call Claudia Collins at 706-922-9662. Ongoing. Tae Kwon Do. Lessons are twice a week and are offered at the Wilson Family Y, Family Y of South Augusta and the Family Y of North Augusta. Registration and fees required. Ongoing. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease Aquatics Class. Sponsored by the
August 15-31. Wilson Family Y Adult Basketball Registration. Ages 18 and up. Season begins September 13. August 20. Parents Night Out at Family Y of Aiken County. Ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Sibling discount available. August 25. Nutrition Seminar: Drink Refresher. Learn to improve your health from the experts. 6 p.m. at the Wilson Family Y. August 27. Parent’s Night Out at Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Augusta South. Ages 8 weeks to 12 years at the family Y of Augusta South, 6-9:30 p.m. Ages 2-12 at the Wilson Family Y from 6-9:30 p.m. August 27. Parent’s Night Out for Children of Deployed Soldiers at the Marshall Family Y. Children of deployed soldiers ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Free. Parents’ Morning Out Programs. Enjoy the morning out while your child plays games, does arts and crafts and more. Augusta South Family Y Drop and Shop. MondayFriday from 9 a.m.-noon for ages 6 weeks-4 years. North Augusta Family Y Drop and ShopProgram. Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-noon for ages 6 months to 12 years.
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CSRA Parkinson Support Group and the Family Y. Group class designed specifically for ambulatory participants affected by Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease. Mondays and Fridays at the Wilson Family Y. Noon. Registration required. Ongoing on the Fridays. Break Dance Class at the Wilson Family Y. Designed to promote dance and culture for ages 13 and up while emphasizing Christian character values. Sessions are four weeks longing beginning the first Friday of the month. 7-8:30 p.m.
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.
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calendar Augusta Area Newcomers Organization Contact hospitality@augustanewcomers.com or call Susan Salisbury at 706-814-6297. This non-profit organization helps people who are new to the area get acclimated and make friends. They offer a variety of activities including golf, book groups and dining out. Be sure to confirm your attendance at their events by e-mailing or calling the above numbers. Augusta Birth Network (ABN). This non-profit group is part of a grassroots movement based on the belief that birth can profoundly affect our physical, mental and spiritual well being as defined by the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative. By making informed choices and having confidence in the process, families can experience safe and satisfying childbirth. Free meetings are held the first Monday of each month at Earth Fare on Furys Ferry Road. 7-8:30 p.m. For a directory of the CSRA’s many birthing options visit augustabirthnetwork.org. Second Monday of Each Month. Free Doula Tea. Enjoy a cup of tea and a DVD. Meet certified doulas and discuss topics including: Who should come to my birth? What are the benefits of having a doula? Why hire a doula? Coping with labor—the doula way. Babies in arms welcome, but please do not bring children. Call to confirm your attendance a few days in advance—706-312-9855 or e-mail vegachristen@ gmail.com. 7-8 p.m. at Steinle Wellness Center, 122 Old Evans Rd. Trust Birth Augusta: Birth Stories and Cinema Circle. Not another expert, not another class. Women talking to women about birth. Trust Birth meets the fourth Monday of each month. Steinly Wellness Center, 122 Old Evans Rd. 7-9 p.m. Infants and quiet children welcome. 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. 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. 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. Hypnobabies 706-312-9855 or abirthingintuition.com. Hypnosis for Childbirth Classes. Call for dates and location. 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. MCGHealth Mom’s Connection This weekly support group for mothers meets each Tuesday at 1225 Walton Way in Room 101C. The group is for new moms and babies looking for support in the early stages of parenthood. Call 706721-8283 or go to mcghealth.org. 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 706-364-5245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http://groups. yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/. MOMS Club Visit momsclubaugusta.org. Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other at-home mothers at the MOMS Club, an international nonprofit organization. Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) A nondenominational Christian group for mothers of preschool-aged children. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon and the first Tuesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Trinityon-the-Hill United Methodist Church on Monte Sano
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Ave. Call 706-738-8822 or visit orgsites.com/ga/trinityumcmops.
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 Visit classicalconversations.com or e-mail Terri at classicalaugusta@yahoo.com. A Classical Christian Community of home schoolers that meets once a week from August through April with the goal of training their children to know God and to make Him known in all areas of life. E-mail Terri for information. Homeschool Playgroup Creighton Park, next to Living History Park in North Augusta. Call 803-613-0484 or emilykohlbacher@ hotmail.com. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. All welcome. Monkey Joe’s 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. PHC Weight Loss and Wellness Martinez: 706-868-5332. Augusta: 706-796-6267. Aiken: 803-649-3428. Logon at www.phcweightloss. com. Student Plan Orientations. Students with parent or guardian can attend 45 minute complimentary sessions by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays between 3 and 6 p.m. Call for information.
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calendar 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. August 2. The Daddy Class. For dads only and taught by an experienced dad. Covers the joys and challenges of fatherhood and ways to support mom. 7-6 p.m. August 11. Breastfeeding. Getting started, latching on and positioning are discussed for a smooth start to breastfeeding. 6:30-9:30 p.m. August 20. You’re a Big Girl Now. For girls ages 9-12 along with their mothers. Information on puberty and adolescence including subjects such as emotions, acne, menstruation and normal body changes. August 23. Pickles and Ice Cream. Perfect for the first-time mom, but
recommended for all. Nutrition, exercise, fetal development and body changes are discussed. 7-9 p.m.
Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their Web site.
August 25. Babies, Bumps and Bruises. Infant CPR for parents, friends and family. Infant and child safety information is also discussed including choking, car seats and babysitter tips. 7-9 p.m.
August 2. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “ATeam”). Provides support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, first floor, Family Resource Library.
August 28. Short and Sweet. This is a weekend express childbirth preparation course covering relaxation and breathing techniques, labor, delivery and postpartum care and much more. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. August 30. Showing & Glowing. First of two sessions and should be taken in the second trimester. Two-day class will cover labor, relaxation and breathing and becoming a family. 7-9:30 p.m. MCGHealth System Register online at mcghealth.org. Ongoing. Support Group for Families
August 4. Safe Kids East Central 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. 5:45-8 p.m. MCGHealth Building 1010C, 1125 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606. August 10. Safe Kids East Central Safety Seat Inspection. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly by calling 706-5413970. 10 a.m.-noon at the Columbia County Sheriff Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr., Evans. August 11. Car Seat Class. Car seat safety, education and training. Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care-eligible families. 5:45-8 p.m., MCGHealth Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-721-7606 to register. August 16. Breastfeeding Class. This free class, led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, helps expectant parents gain knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m. MCGHealth Medical Center, 1120 15th St., West Entrance, first floor, Patient and Family Resource Library. August 27. Safe Kids East Central Safe Sitter Program. Teaches 11-13 year olds how to handle emergencies while caring for younger children. During the course, instructors provide students hands-on practice in basic techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis. Call 706-721-7606 to register. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 N. Belair Rd., Evans.
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Ongoing. Safe Kids East Central Car Seat Classes. By appointment only at the following locations: Safe Kids Office, MCGHealth Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way and Martinez Columbia Fire Rescue Headquarters. Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. August 5. Baby Care Basics & Breastfeeding. Information about the physiology of milk production, nutritional needs of mother and baby, nipple care and milk storage. Also will help parents obtain knowledge and gain confidence in the care of newborns. 9 a.m.-noon. August 6. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth. 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. August 11. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 7-9 p.m. August 11. Childbirth 101. This evening class provides an overview to the signs, symptoms and stages of labor and delivery. Information provided on pain relief options for labor such as epidural anesthesia and narcotic analgesics. 6:30-8:30 p.m. University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 for information. Registration is required for most programs. New: 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. August 9. Baby U: First Six Weeks of Infant Care. William E. Cannady,
calendar M.D., Pediatrician, will be the presenter. Free. Dinner is provided and reservations are required. 6:30-8 p.m. in the University Hospital Cafeteria Dining Rooms 1-3. August 18. Breastfeeding Class. 7-9 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans. August 19 & 20 or August 26 & 27. Weekender Childbirth Preparation Class. Friday from 6:309:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. August 22-September 19 (Mondays), August 2-23 (Tuesdays) and August 24-September 14 (Wednedays). Childbirth Preparation Class. Four-week series. 7-9:30 p.m. August 25. Introduction to Infant CPR. 7-8:30 p.m.
Library Events
August 20. Afternoon Movie: Rio. Rated G. Refreshments provided. August 25. Resume Writing. Bring your resume for tips from a trained instructor from the Department of Labor.
Story Time. Beginning August 16. Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
August 27. Craft Workshop. Hosted by Lowe’s of North Augusta. Ages 5-12. Free. Parents are welcome to join their children. Registration required. 2 p.m.
August 1. Wimpy Kid Double Feature. Diary of a Wimpy Kid begins at 1 p.m., followed by Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules at 2:40 p.m. Both are rated PG. Free. Bring snacks.
Computer Boot Camp August 22. Keyboarding and Mouse Skills. 10 a.m. August 23. Absolute Beginners Computer. 10 a.m. August 24. Microsoft Word I. 10 a.m. August 24. Microsoft Word II. 2:30 p.m. August 25. Internet Basics. 2:30 p.m. August 26. E-mail. 10 a.m.
August 2. The Tuskegee Airmen. Meet Lt. Colonel Alfonzo Jackson and learn about the Tuskegee Airmen, an elite group of AfricanAmerican flyers during World War II. Stay after the presentation for a close-up view of a race car. Bring your camera. Best for ages 4 and up. 10 a.m.
Note: All libraries in the ECGR System will be closed Wednesday, August 17 for staff training.
Appleby Branch 260 Walton Way. 706-736-6244.
Augusta Headquarters Library 823 Telfair St. 706-821-2600.
Story Times Wednesdays. 10:05-10:20 a.m., 18-35 months. Parent must stay with child. 10:30-11:15 a.m., ages 3 and up.
August 1-31. The Guessing Game. Guess how many Tootsie Rolls are in the jar. The person with the closest guess wins. Winner will be announced on September 7. Story Times Tuesdays. Preschool, ages 3-6. 10 a.m. Special Stories: August 16—Frogs, August 23—The Zoo and August 30—Caterpillars. Wednesdays. Ages 2 and under accompanied by parent. 10 a.m. August 6. Children’s Program: Luau Back-toSchool Party. Make old-fashioned ice cream and enjoy a free scoop. Learn about the first ice cream freezer invented in 1948. 2 p.m. August 13. Restored Dreams. This special program brings the community together through the arts with music, poetry, singing and more. Featuring the Diamond in the Rough Artistic Showcase. Free. Refreshments served. 4:306:30 p.m. August 13. Book Signing: Rick Busby. Author of Simple Habits that Will Change Your Life. 1:30-4 p.m. in the Library Atrium.
Diamond Lakes Branch 101 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. 706-772-2432.
August 25. Craft Workshop. Ages 3-5. 11 a.m. Registration begins August 1. August 30. Computer Class: Setting Up E-Mail. 11 a.m. Registration begins August 1. Columbia County Library 7022 Evans Towne Center Blvd. 706-863-1946. Story Times No Story Time this month. How It’s Made, Homemade Ages 6-11. Registration required. August 10, 1 p.m. August 11, 4 p.m. August 14, 1 p.m. August 25, 4 p.m. August 7. Cookbook Book Club. Dinner at My Place by Tyler Florence. 6 p.m. August 15. Monday Night Book Club. Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. 6:30 p.m.
August 16. Genealogy: How To Research Your Property or Family Homestead. 2 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Georgia Room. Call ahead to register.
August 18. Brown Bag Book Club. Roanoke by Lee Miller. 11:30 a.m.
August 20. Book Signing: Saffron Kelley. Author of Kindly. 1:30-4:30 in the Library Atrium.
August 29. Non-Fiction Book Club. Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman. 6:30 p.m.
www.augustafamily.com
Computer Classes Registration required. August 19, 26 & September 2. Computing for Beginners. 10 a.m. August 24, 31, September 7 & 14. Google: More Than a Search Engine. 6 p.m. Friedman Branch 1447 Jackson Rd. 706-736-6758. August 3. Family Movie Matinee. Rango. 2:30 p.m. Maxwell Branch 1927 Lumpkin Rd. 706-793-2020. Story Times. Begins August 3. Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Registration required. August 30. BYOT—Bring Your Own Technology Workshop. Bring your different devices, mobile/smart phones, tablets, laptops, readers and join in a roundtable discussion and handson demonstration of the uses and functions of these items. Lisa Winebrenner, deputy course manager at the US Army, Fort Gordon, will lead the discussion. 6:30 p.m. Wallace Branch 1237 Laney-Walker Blvd. 706-722-6275. Story Times Begins August 17. Wednesdays at 10-11:15 a.m. Registration required. Computer Classes. 10 a.m. August 2 & 4. Introduction to Computer. August 7 & 11. Introduction to Word. August 14. Introduction to the Internet. August 21. Introduction to Excel.
Augusta Family | August 2011 • 43
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
Jessica Pinson,
21, of South Augusta, is in nursing school in the Tendercare Training Program. Likes To: Play soccer in my free time and softball when I can. I love going to the lake and riding in the boat with friends and family, riding the tube, laughing and having a good time. Friends Say She’s: Fun. Favorite Thing About the First Day of School: Reuniting with some people that I haven’t seen in awhile. Favorite School Subject: Literature. College Football Team: Georgia Bull DAWGS, of course! Would Like To Meet: Beyonce Knowles. I love her music and the storytelling in her music. Message in a Bottle: Keep pushing and don’t give up no matter how hard life gets. 44 • Augusta Family | August 2011
Salley Wilson, 10, lives on The Hill with her parents, Tripp and Anna Wilson, her brother, Thomas, a dog named Lucy and a cat named Molly (who is 22 years old).
Likes To: Play tennis, soccer, basketball and swim team. Favorite Thing About the First Day of School: Seeing my friends that I have not seen all summer. Favorite Subject: Math and science. Favorite Indulgence: To go to Tutti Frutti with a friend. Would Like To Meet: Taylor Swift. College Football Team: Georgia. Favorite Place To Be: Camp Greystone, the beach, Highlands, N.C., and New York. Words She Lives By: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Is Reading: Mrs. Frisbey and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien. www.augustafamily.com
Renee H. Beasley,
50, is opening the Bee Hive Preschool at the Augusta Jewish Community Center. She and her husband, Sam, have three children. Their son, Edward, is serving in the U.S. Army on his third tour in Iraq. Likes To: Play...in my studio making mosaic art or in my garden and greenhouse growing things. Favorite Possession: My century-old homeplace...another creative work-in-progress!
Favorite Thing About the First Day of School: The exciting anticipation of the children...you can just feel it! Favorite Indulgence: Dark chocolate Kisses. Would Like To Meet: Maria Montessori. Words She Lives By: Our struggles make us stronger. Greatest Hope: That the children I have taught will always keep their playful spirit as they grow up. Is Reading: Southern Living magazine.