July 2011 IS YOUR CHILD A PRODIGY?
KIDS AND CAFFEINE ANGER MANAGEMENT HOW TO TUNE OUT THE TUBE
Family AUGUSTA
m a g a z i n e
Arts, Sports and Summer Fun!
PLAY ON! JahiliL Brickhouse, 12, is the son of Latoya Ward and Thedotis Brickhouse, Jr., of Augusta.
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Family AUGUSTA
m a g a z i n e
w w w. a ugustafamily.com Publisher Kate Cooper Metts
Contents 21
JULY 2011
Is My Child a Prodigy?
Editor Karin Calloway Production Art Director Miles Anderson
—Charmain Z. Brackett
Graphic Artist Erika Harris Advertising Director of Advertising Adriene Goldman
22
Advertising Sales Donna Costello Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann marketing & circulation Manager Doressa Hawes
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 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.
LIFE AND SPORTs.. Aren’t Always Fair
departments
7 mom2mom
Life Lessons from Dr. Seuss —Jennie Montgomery
8 news&notes
—Lucy Adams
26 time out Anger Management —Lucy Adams
28 inspiration station Adventures in the Arts —Charmain Z. Brackett
11 mommy makeover
30 calendar
13 doctor/dad In Praise of Pets
38 family favorites ballot 52 talkin’ about my generation
Awesome Anna —Karin Calloway
—J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
14 healthy family Caffeinated Kids
—Cammie Jones
—Lucy Adams
Sachin Patel, Hannah Rigg and Patty Short —Grace Belangia
16 home front Is It Time To Tune Out the Tube?
on the cover:
Jahlil Brickhouse, 12, is the son of Latoya Ward and Thedotis Brickhouse, Jr. He attends Heritage Academy. Photo by John Harpring
July
quick pick
“What happens in sports mirrors what happens in life. To be able to create a sense of fairness in our minds for the sake of a team is going to carry over and be an asset for us the rest of our lives.” Andy Landers, head coach of University of Georgia’s women’s basketball team. Read more of Lucy Adams’ story on the lessons learned from sports that apply to real life on page 22.
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Augusta Family | July 2011 • 3
4 • Augusta Family | March 2011
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editor’spage by Karin Calloway
Easy? No. Worth it? Yes!
This month’s issue features stories about the arts and sports, and if you’re the mother of a child (or children) who participates in either you will definitely be able to relate to the story I’m about to share. I began dance lessons in pre-school and always had the dream of dancing at Walt Disney World. My family moved to Central Florida my freshman year of high school and the “bait” my parents used to make the move more appealing to me was to promise that I could pursue my Disney dream. My mother drove me to many classes at the School of Performing Arts in Orlando so that I could prepare for the parade and show auditions. And then I got the job! The only problem (for my mother) was that I didn’t have my drivers license yet. Disney was about 45 minutes from our house. That meant that for every eight hours I worked, my mother spent three on the road if she dropped me off and then went home while I worked. On top of that, rehearsals were often held after park hours, which meant some of my pickup times were in the middle of the night when most moms are sound asleep. I’d say that there aren’t very many moms who would put themselves out that much so that their child can pursue their dreams, but I’d be wrong. I have friends who drive around the state toting soccer players, divers, cheerleaders and dancers alike. My friends who have year-round swimmers spend hours upon hours driving to and from the Aquatic center or working at swim meets. I’ve spent countless hours at rehearsals (or waiting outside rehearsals) for my theatre-inclined children. Sitting in those theatres or parking lots allowed me to fully appreciate the sacrifice my mother made so that I could follow my dream. I am so grateful for the memories and experiences I had during my Disney days, all thanks to my mom. Whether your child is an artist or an athlete, give them as much encouragement as you can. Offering them the support and opportunity to pursue their passion and fulfill their dreams not only teaches them positive things like perseverance and work ethic, but they also get to know firsthand how great it feels when you’ve achieved your goal. Thanks, Mom, for putting in the miles to allow me to pursue a lifetime dream. I’m not sure how I could ever pay you back, but I did pay it forward with my children. Until Augusta,
Karin Calloway is 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
Augusta Family | March 2011 • 5
Activities
6 • July 2011 | Augusta Family
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2
mom m m by Jennie Montgomery
Illustration by Michael Rushbrook
Life Lessons from Dr. Seuss Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is my all-time favorite Dr. Seuss book. The story is about finding your way in life and learning from your mistakes. It’s about new beginnings…and it’s the perfect backdrop for my son’s high school graduation trip to the Grand Canyon. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Zack, it’s all up to you now. I’m sure your time exploring this natural wonder of the world is giving your mind (and your feet!) quite the workout. It’s interesting how private time helps us think…and I’m sure you are thinking about college and the career path you’ll take. Remember this: You will be a better-balanced adult if you have a little quiet time each day. “You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” OK, this scares me. Directions are not your forte! Standing up for what you believe in, though, is your strength…and as long as you make choices that don’t harm you, or anyone else, you’ll do well in life. “It’s opener there in the wide open air.” My favorite phrase in the whole book! Look around you: At the Grand Canyon no doubt it’s opener there, in the wide open air. Your world can be as wide as you’ll let it be. The only thing that limits you is your mind. “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” Well, maybe…it depends on whether we can get a duplicate driver’s license from the DDS. Since you LOST your wallet somewhere in the lava tubes, we’ve got to Fed Ex an official ID to Arizona so you can board the plane and fly back to Georgia. Good grief! What were you thinking? (By the way, Zack, your father is losing his mind over this.) Oh, The Places You’ll Go! JENNIE Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She’s married to Scott and they have three children: Zack, 18, Maddy, 16, and Sky, 15. www.augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | July 2011 • 7
news notes People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.”
~Anton Chekhov
She’s Got Art
Courtesy
of The Au
gusta Chr
onicle
Lakeside High School graduate Sara Mays is the 2011 Broad Street Artists’ Row Art Scholarship recipient for 2011. Mays received a $1,000 scholarship as well as an exhibition of her recent works at Gallery on the Row. Mays plans to continue her arts education at Augusta State University in the fall. In the meantime, she will be working with Artists’ Row on a public sculpture for the Westobou Arts Festival in September.
olarship.
ow Art Sch
Sara Mays
’R eet Artists 1 Broad Str
1
won the 20
Harry’s Favorite Foods For Harry Potter fans, July is an important month as the final installment of the Harry Potter films hits theatres in mid month. In honor of the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 we’re giving away one copy of the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz. The book features more than 150 magical recipes including Treacle Tart—Harry’s favorite dessert, Molly’s Meat Pies—Mrs. Weasley’s classic dish, Kreacher’s French Onion Soup and Pumpkin Pasties—a staple on the Hogwarts Express cart. Enter to win a copy of the book by “liking” Augusta Family Magazine and making a comment at our Facebook page. The winner will be chosen July 15, just in time for the movie’s release.
Record Setters The local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration brought in an estimated $857,893 in donations and pledges to benefit the services and programs at MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center. This year’s total is nearly $100,000 more than the donations and pledges received in 2010. Pictured to the left are Members of the 2011 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Planning Committee, WRDW-TV News 12, Kids ART and other supporters of MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center who gathered to celebrate the nearly $860,000 raised in support for the children’s hospital.
8 • Augusta Family | July 2011
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Eating Well with Kim
news notes
Photo By John Harpring
Healthier Potato Salad
Vegetable Potato Salad This potato salad is crunchy and creamy at the same time and will be a welcome addition to any cookout. • 1 ½ pound red potatoes, scrubbed and cubed (or cut into bite-sized pieces) • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper, 1 small/medium pepper • 1 cup chopped celery DRESSING • 6 ounces (one container) non-fat plain yogurt • 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise • 1 tablespoons sweet pickle relish • 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard • ¼ teaspoon salt
Summer, grilling out and picnics…all remind me of potato salad. Yum! I am pretty sure I am not at all Irish, but I do love potatoes any way you fix them. There is one exception: Grocery store pre-packaged potato salad (my apologies to the stores). Fresh is so much better and much healthier as well (that is what I call a win-win). Here is a great recipe for a vegetable- and flavor-rich potato salad along with some food safety tips for your next picnic.
Kim’s Picnic Notes Just as flavor is important to summer cookouts and picnics so is food safety: • Discard any food left out for more than two hours or one hour if the temperature is above 90ºF. When in doubt, throw it out! • Meat and poultry cooked on a grill often browns very fast on the outside. Use a thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe, minimum, internal temperature
- All poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees. - Ground beef patties should be cooked to 160 degrees. -Whole meat (steak, pork, veal, lamb) can be cooked to 145 degrees.
NOTE: Meat should be allowed to rest for 3 minutes after removal from the grill before slicing and serving. The USDA recently lowered the minimum safe temperature for pork but the 3-minute rest period is important to allow for additional pathogens to be destroyed. • The only way to accurately determine doneness is with a food thermometer. The color alone cannot be used to assure meat has been properly cooked.
Place cubed potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water, bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes or until just fork tender. Meanwhile mix the dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. Once the potatoes are done, drain them well and add them to a large bowl with the red pepper and celery. Pour dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently mix unit well combined. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Yield: 6 servings (serving size: ½ cup) Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 130, Fat 3g (0g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 260mg, Carbohydrate 24g, Fiber 3g, Protein 3g. Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To join the recipe club or view recipes, visit www.universityhealth.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk.
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Augusta Family | July 2011 • 9
10 • Augusta Family | July 2011
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mommymakeover
Awesome Anna by Karin Calloway
Leslie Fletcher blowdries Avrett’s hair.
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n Harp ring
After
dients. She then pressed the cream into the skin, rather than rubbing it in. • Eye treatment: Clarins Advanced Extra Firming Eye Contour Serum. She used a pea-sized amount for both eyes and followed the same warming procedure used with the moisturizer. She then applied the serum starting with the brow bone and then directly underneath the lower lashes. • Booster: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm which tightens and brightens. • Spot treatment: Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate. Bodner used this on the lines between Avrett’s eyes and around her mouth. • Foundation: Skin Illusion Foundation, which is derived from mineral extracts and adds a little luminescence to the skin. • Concealer: Instant Smooth Light Reflecting Concealer, which covers gray or green tones and under-eye circles. • Eye base: Instant Light Eye Perfecting base. This product creates a pretty canvas for eye shadow and evens out the color of the lid. • Eye makeup: The “Earth” palette for eyes. Grayish-navy eyeliner to play up Avrett’s blue eyes. Wonder Perfect mascara in black. Brow powder to fill in brows. • Finishing touches: Soft peach blush. Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector followed by Bay Rose lip liner and Coral Tulip lipstick. By Joh
Before
Anna Avrett, 51, an architect and mother of three teenagers, is a three-time winner of the Family Y’s Team Lean weight loss competition, losing a total of 60 pounds. With her weight-loss success in mind, the Family Y contacted us to see if we could give Avrett a Dillard’s Mommy Makeover. Avrett spent a few hours trying on clothes that would complement her size four figure, including a good number of dresses. She also was able to find the perfect swim suit for the summer. Her favorite look was a tailored Tahari navy polka dot dress combined with pops of red from accessories. Her next stop was with Leslie Fletcher in the Dillard’s salon. Fletcher colored Avrett’s hair using Aveda’s Full Spectrum deep color line and shampooed and conditioned her hair using Aveda’s Color Conserve line. She trimmed the ends of Avrett’s hair, which will help it naturally turn under at the ends and then used Smooth Infusion products and a flat iron for a sleek, glossy look. Traci Bodner, Dillard’s Clarins counter manager, got Avrett’s face ready for her “after” shot using the following steps: • Cleaner: Clarins Cleansing Milk applied using the Clairsonic cleansing machine, which can remove up to six times more makeup than other cleansing methods. • Toner: Clarins Toning Lotion made with chamomile. • Moisturizer: Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream. (Bodner says the best time to moisturize is while the skin is still slightly damp from toner.) Bodner used a peanut M&M-sized amount of the cream and warmed it in her hands to activate the ingre-
Photo
Traci Bodner applies Clarins foundation.
after
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 | July 2011 • 11
12 • Augusta Family | July 2011
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}Doctor/Dad
by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
In Praise of Pets Companionship Is Only One Benefit of Pet Ownership
I
’m not a cat person. For that matter, I’m not a dog, gerbil or boa constrictor person either. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals...as long as they are someone else’s. I find this strange because I don’t ever remember a time in my life when I didn’t have a pet. It’s sort of like acne, it’s something I’ve always had.
A Trip to the Vet I suspect my recent animosity towards pets came when I mistakenly agreed to take our two dogs to the veterinarian for their annual checkup and shots. We have two “pound puppies,” which I prefer over the genetically inbred pedigree pouches. (Titles are for English royalty not Cocker Spaniels). Our 65-pound Labrador Retriever and Boxer mix...that union taking place creates a scary image... pulled me into the vet’s office like I was an Iditarod musher and I checked in. My first objection was when the prepubescent receptionist identified the dogs using my last name as if they were the fruits of my loins. Then the Vet had the audacity to suggest that both the dogs were a bit overweight. I told him that I would immediately put them on the Atkins Diet and join a doggie health spa. He ignored me and drew some blood, stuck a stick up their rear end and gave them three shots a piece. They tolerated this amazingly well (you would have to put me asleep for the stick thing) and I proceeded to the check out counter. I was handed the bill and almost blacked out.
Sticker Shock “But miss,” I stammered to the pierced, purple-haired receptionist, “they only had three shots and the stick. It can’t be this much!” She assured me the bill was correct and
I staggered out feeling a had wasted eight years of medical education learning to treat humans. It occurred to me that it cost more for the dogs to get a yearly check up than I charge for an annual exam for one of my patients. By the time I got home my stress level was a 15 on a 10-point scale. My wife calmly directed me to an article she had recently read touting the health benefits of pets. I groaned, slithered to the couch and picked up the magazine and read for myself.
The Family Pet Has Health Benefits Indeed a number of studies show that owning a pet is good for your health. According to the National Center for Infectious Disease, pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness. Many studies have shown the positive psychological benefit of pet ownership. The first use of animals in a therapeutic setting in the United States was in 1919 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., when Superintendent Dr. W.A. White received a letter from Secretary of the Interior F.K. Lane suggesting the use of dogs as companions for the psychiatric hospital’s resident patients. Following this, the earliest extensive use of companion animals in the United States occurred from 1944 to 1945 at an Army Air Corps Convalescent Hospital at Pawling, N.Y. Patients recovering from war experiences were encouraged to work at the hospital’s farm with hogs, cattle, horses and poultry. After the war, modest efforts began in using animals in outpatient psychotherapy and
during the 1970s, numerous case studies of animals facilitating therapy with children and senior citizens were reported.
Pets Can Be an Aid Against Allergies In spite of common complaints about pet allergies some studies suggest that kids growing up in a home with furred animals—whether it’s a pet cat, dog or on a farm and exposed to large animals—will have less risk of allergies and asthma. Researcher James E. Gern, MD, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, states in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, “Dogs are dirty animals, and my research suggests that babies who have greater exposure to dirt and allergens have a stronger immune system.”
The “Heart” of the Matter Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without according to several studies. Male pet owners have fewer signs of heart disease—lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels—than non-owners, researchers say. In one study, stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people without pets. “The benefit is especially pronounced when people are strongly attached to their pets,” says researcher Judith Siegel, PhD. A study published in the March 1999 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that senior citizens who own pets are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation and are more active than those who do not own pets. The take-home message is that, on the whole, pets are good for your family’s health...just have someone else pay the veterinarian bills! Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/ GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two teenage daughters.
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Augusta Family | July 2011 • 13
healthyfamily}
by Cammie Jones
Caffeinated Kids
How Much Caffeine Should Children and Teens Consume?
C
Caffeine consumption in children and teens is on the rise.
affeine is cool. It continues to get a hipper image thanks to energy drinks that promote increased vivacity and sophistication if consumed. And the days of ordering your coffee “black” are over. Now you can easily buy mochas, iced lattes and many other enticing cups of “Joe” at your local fast-food restaurants or corner coffee shop. Personally, just give me a plain cup of coffee, black, and I am satisfied. Of course, I am an adult but as a teenager, I would’ve been the first one in line for a vanilla latte with extra whipped cream. With this new “caffeine is great” idea, what are the negative health issues associated with caffeine consumption for children and teens? How much is too much and how can moderation be stressed in this “up-size it” world? To find out the overall negative health impact of caffeine consumption in children and teens I sought the counsel of a few experts.
level out,” says Samantha Ellefson, pediatric dietitian at MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center. Most dark sodas such as colas or diet colas have phosphorus in them so when a lot is consumed the levels in our bloodstream increase. “When this happens, if that person does not have enough calcium in their diet, the body will leach calcium from their bones,” Ellefson says. Another concern with caffeine consumption is dependency. As for how long it takes for the body to become dependent on caffeine, that depends on the person’s own body, according to Ellefson. “I do not believe there is a definite or objective number that can be placed as to how long it takes to feel or show signs of addiction,” she says. Once the body is dependent on caffeine Ellefson says you’ll show evidence of withdrawl through headaches or moodiness.
The Physiological Impact
The main sources of caffeine for adolescents are soda and energy drinks, but it can also be found in coffee and teas that seem to be increasingly marketed to this demographic. In 2006, teenagers and young adults spent $2.3 billion on heavily caffeinated energy drinks. Dr. Stallworth says parents’ lack of control over what their teenager drinks when not at home may make them unaware of how much caffeine the teen is consuming. “Also, the irritability that may occur in the teenager due to caffeine may be misconstrued as ‘just being a teenager,’” he says. Caffeinated beverages are used by many teens to help them stay awake to study but that may not always be the case. Ellefson says that caffeine can help you become more alert but if too much is consumed, irritability and feeling jittery may occur. Also, it has been shown that adolescents who drink caffeine on a regular basis will typically get fewer hours of sleep at night. “This may lead to increased
“Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and also has affects on the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract,” says Clay Stallworth, MD, pediatrician with Pediatric Primary Care Associates in Augusta, citing the Academy of Pediatrics publication Handbook of Common Poisonings in Children. Caffeine’s main effects on the brain include hyperactivity, mental agitation and irritability, sleeplessness and tremors, which are more severe with increasing doses. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain may happen in the stomach and intestines. Caffeine also increases heart rate and can cause premature ventricular contractions, or ‘skipped beats’ and a fluttering sensation in the chest,” he adds. “Also our bodies keep a balance of calcium and phosphorus in our blood, and when one is higher than the other, our bodies will find sources to balance this 14 • Augusta Family | July 2011
Caffeine and Teens
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sleepiness during daytime hours,” says Ellefson. “Being tired during the day may cause decreased attentiveness as well as comprehension while in the classroom.”
Caffeine and Your Kids Alice Hagler, mother of seven children ages 4 to 17, says, “I definitely don’t let the younger kids have caffeine after lunchtime.” She doesn’t keep tabs on the older children’s caffeine intake, but she says they are good at monitoring themselves. “Our refrigerator is not stocked with sodas,” says Hagler. “We always have milk with lunch and dinner and some form of juice with breakfast. They just don’t have access to sodas and other drinks with caffeine.” Dudley Guitton of Augusta, mother of three teenagers, says she didn’t allow her children to have any caffeine when they were younger. “As they have gotten older, I don’t mind them having a Coke here or there because I don’t feel it affects them as negatively,” she says. She says she worries about these new “energy drinks” and discourages her children from drinking them. “However, they do have a natural curiosity about them,” she adds. As far as how much caffeine children should consume, the FDA so far has not developed any guidelines when if comes to caffeine consumption in the United States, says Ellefson. However, Canada does recommend that 4 to 6 year olds consume no more than 45 mg/day (approximately a 12 ounce can of soda), 7 to 9 year olds no more than 62 mg/day and 10 to 12 year olds no more than 85 mg/ day. “I don’t see any reason for a young child to have more than the equivalent of one or two cola drinks a day or an adolescent to have more than a cup of coffee a day,” says Dr. Stallworth. In May 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics said in a report that young children and teens should avoid energy drinks entirely and routine consumption of sports drinks should be limited or eliminated, according to US News and World Report’s HealthDay.
Q
Alternatives to Caffeinated Drinks With all these warnings, what should children drink? “Water and non-caffeinated juices, teas and sodas,” says Dr. Stallworth. Ellefson agrees: “I believe it is important for parents to know that caffeine really has no benefits for children and for that reason does not need to be introduced into their diet. If it is consumed during childhood years, a child is more likely to keep it in their diet.” Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Caffeine Amounts in Popular Drinks Coffee: 95 – 200 mg/serving (generic, brewed) Cola drinks: 35 mg/serving Mountain Dew: 54 mg/serving Sunkist Orange: 41 mg/serving Chocolate: 9 mg/1.55 ounces (Hershey’s Milk Chocolate) Dark Chocolate: 31 mg/1.45 ounces (Hershey’s Special Dark) Iced Tea: 27 mg/serving (generic, instant mixed) Black Tea: 40–100 mg/serving Red Bull: 76 mg/8.3 ounce Monster Energy: 160 mg/16 ounce Anacin: 64 mg/two tablets Excedrin: 130 mg/two tablets NoDoz: 260 mg/two tablets Vivarin: 200 mg/caplet
A
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Augusta Family | July 2011 • 15
by Lucy Adams
Photo Illustration By Miles Anderson
homefront }
Is It Time To Tune Out the Tube?
I
can mark periods of my life by the television programs I watched. In my early years, my older brother and I revolved our Saturday routine around morning cartoons, rising during the Farmer Chambers Show so we could eat our cereal and take our places in front of the television until American Bandstand released us from our hypnotic states and we ran outside to play. Weekdays wore on with Sesame Street and Electric Company. The Little Rascals re-runs and Donny & Marie root themselves in my primary school years, while afternoons of Gilligan’s Island re-runs were hallmarks of elementary school. Shows I was forced to mostly vicariously appreciate through friends, such as The Bionic Woman, were re-enacted daily on the playground. On scarce, but lucky, Saturday nights my older brother and I managed to wheedle our parents into letting us stay up to watch Shock Theater on WRDW Channel 12. But it wasn’t until middle school that I routinely watched weekend programming and so developed a relationship with Julie from the Love Boat and Tattoo of Fantasy Island. And no one could ever come between me and Bo Duke of The Dukes of Hazard, except maybe my mother telling us to turn off the television. By high school, my friends and I had to make a choice between each other and Miami Vice. Cheers made a lasting impact, as I worked a postmarriage trip to Boston around visiting the bar that inspired the production. Much has changed since the three big networks, that once went off the air at midnight, after playing the national anthem, were eclipsed by cable networks. We have choices. We have 24/7 programming on hundreds of stations. There’s no such thing as saying, “There’s nothing on,” anymore. There’s always something on. 16 • Augusta Family | July 2011
The Changing Nature of Television Viewing Even when throwing out the issue of wasted time, the very nature of television viewing is problematic in itself. In general it is a solitary activity requiring no interaction or problem solving. “TV viewing is not a reciprocal social activity. It’s a passive experience,” says Bernard Davidson, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at Georgia Health Sciences University, who specializes in family psychology. A child may be sitting in a room full of other children watching educational television, but receiving little or no benefit from the so-called quality programming. In fact, a child may get so immersed in what is happening on screen that he does not respond to prompting from adults or exchanges initiated by peers. Unfortunately, television viewing by children of all ages is on the rise. According to the results of a Kaiser Family Foundation study of children ages 818 released in 2010, kids and teens spend nearly 4 hours a day in front of a television screen. Less than 50 percent report that they have household rules about what shows they can watch and 71 percent say they have a television in their room. Davidson says that the estimated hours of TV time for children ages 12-17 is about 23 hours per week, which amounts to approximately 40,000 commercials per year. Over 60 percent of children say that the TV is on during meals and 45 percent say the television remains on most of the time, even if no one is watching it. Furthermore, the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that children under 6 watch an average of 2 hours of television or videos per day as do two-thirds of infants and toddlers. These are astounding statistics, especially when one considers that “American children spend more time watching TV than they do in school,” says Davidson. www.augustafamily.com
Many factors, including multiple technology platforms over which to view television shows and videos, American affluence allowing families to afford a TV (often more than one) and niche programming, have attributed to this rise in what Mike Brody, M.D., chair of the Media Committee of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, refers to as “screen time.” Parents in higher socioeconomic groups trend toward using television for social control. In other words, for them it serves as a babysitter. Parents in lower socio-economic groups trend toward using it as a resource for educational enrichment.
Television’s Impact on Children More important, however, than an explanation for the increased screen time are the ultimate outcomes for children. “Television is serving as a displacement activity for other things that are very important; primarily play, reading, friends and exercise,” says Brody, all of which contribute to child development. The impact is decidedly detrimental but, as Ashley Merryman, co-author of Nurture Shock: New Thinking About Children, which explores recent findings of the science of child development, says, “The real question is how bad is it?”
Language Development A sampling of what researchers know about the effects of television viewing up to this point: Davidson says that language develops through interpersonal interaction and feedback. Though the young child hears words spoken in television shows and watches other people engaged in conversation, the passive nature of watching television does not afford the opportunity for reciprocal communication.
Merryman cites a study out of the University of Washington which indicated that videos designed for infants and toddlers actually retard language development and slow vocabulary growth. Furthermore, she notes, “Having a TV on in the background reduces family conversations and the number of words spoken to the child, as well as the number of words the child speaks.”
who watch little or no television tell their own stories and use their play to solve problems. As the hours spent watching television rises, creative, child-initiated pursuits decline.
Childhood Obesity
Over the years, television producers have responded to researchers’ concerns about violent content by creating child-centered programming geared toward educational enrichment and development of pro-social behaviors. Still, what researchers have found, says, Merryman, is that yes, children do learn the positive behaviors modeled in these episodes, but they learn the undesirable behaviors equally as well. “When watching these shows,” she says, “they learn each behavior as a different idea.” In addition, she mentions that the weight of the programs is taken up with conflict, while only two minutes or so may be spent on resolution.
“There’s some pretty solid evidence that when a child is watching TV the metabolism is much slower than when just sitting there,” says Davidson. Interestingly, sedentary children, who simply remain inactive but do not use television as a filler activity, fare better in terms of their health than children who watch television. More obvious than slowing metabolism, television or videos, used as a convenient go-to for entertainment, interrupts children’s natural inclination to seek physical activity and exercise through unstructured play. “If you watch children’s television, a lot of the advertising is more about food than toys,” says Brody.
Sleep Watching TV before bed delays production of melatonin. According to research reviewed by Merryman, the brain perceives the light from the television’s cathode ray tube as sunlight. This interference with melatonin production causes children difficulty with falling asleep—it can postpone falling asleep for up two and a half hours—and staying asleep. In addition, says Merryman, for children who consistently fall asleep to television, sleep disturbances such as night terrors, nightmares and nighttime wakefulness can persist into adulthood.
Aggressive Behavior Probably one of the most studied topics in regard to children and television is that of the influence of viewing television violence on children’s actual behavior. Inspired by Albert Bandura’s bo-bo doll experiments in which he demonstrated that children who watch adults engage in aggressive behaviors express more aggression in their subsequent play, scientists have explored the link between violence on television and children’s aggression. As early as 1972, the United States Surgeon General issued a warning regarding television and youth violence. “Even when there are consequences to the perpetrator of a negative activity, young children are more likely to remember the violent sensational acts rather than the negative consequences,” says Davidson. Brody agrees, saying, “There’s no doubt that watching violent television creates aggression in a child’s affect and in the content of his thoughts, and so forth.”
Pro-Social Development
Economics Children’s programming, paid for by advertisements geared toward the target audience, as well as spin-off products related to specific shows, creates young consumers. “People discovered there’s a children’s market. In other words, you can sell things to kids using media,” says Brody, who sees this consumerism as a potential financial burden for families. The three big networks that I grew up with give time and place anchors to my childhood memories. It was a simpler time when multiple channels of endless shows of every variety were still the stuff of science fiction. When Gilligan’s Island ended with the crew and passengers of the S.S.Minnow again nearly rescued but yet still stranded until the next episode, instead of clicking a channel changer (also nonexistent) I went outside to play; I already knew there wasn’t anything else on that interested me. Unfortunately, today, television’s pervasiveness presents problems for parents and children like never before. Lucy Adams is the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run and If Mama Don’t Laugh, It Ain’t Funny. She lives with her husband and their four children in Thomson, Ga.
American Academy of Pediatrics: Viewing Recommendations • Ages 2 and Under—No screen time. • Ages 3 and Up—No more than 1-2 hours of educational, non-violent screen time per day. • All screen time should be supervised by a parent or responsible adult. • Remove television sets from children’s bedrooms. • Encourage alternative entertainment.
Tips for Parents
Brain Development Though a plethora of behavioral studies has been conducted over the last few decades, consideration of effects of television on brain development is an emerging area of questioning. Technology such as PET scans and MRIs allow scientists to see the structure of the brain and how the structure develops in response to exposure to television and similar mediums. “One thing that is coming out,” says Brody, “is that they do impact the brain.”
Creativity and Innovation Scientists worry about a decline in creativity and innovation as a result of kids conveniently filling the void they call boredom with television. “When you’re bored, that’s when you think up something to do,” says Merryman. That’s when kids make up games, draw pictures, build things, write stories, use their imaginations and actively engage in numerous other creative activities. “If you watch a child at play, that child is always telling a story,” says Brody. Children who watch television generally tell the story of a scripted show they’ve seen. Children
• Use parental controls available through your cable or dish provider to limit what programs your child can access. • Try implementing television-free weekdays or hours of the day. • Discuss viewing choices with your child or teen. • Watch TV with your child or teen and use the commercial breaks to discuss the content. • Model appropriate screen-time habits and choices. • Never use TV as a babysitter. (The same goes for video games and computer.) • Look for alternatives to TV for entertainment, such as puzzles, games, hobbies, listening to music, visiting a library, etc. • Don’t watch the television or have it on in the background during family meals. • Encourage your children to watch educational programming. • Turn the television off when your child or teen is doing homework. • Ask older kids who balk at viewing limits to keep a time diary for a week. It will help them understand where their time is going.
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Augusta Family | July 2011 • 17
Arts & Sports
Arts & Sports
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Augusta Family | May/June 2010 • 19
Is My Child a Prodigy? By Charmain Z. Brackett
S
area during mass at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, my mother found out she could keep him quiet by simply giving him a piece of paper and a pencil. “I knew he could draw,” says my mother, Nona Zimmerman. “He could outdraw me when he was 5.” Our parents enrolled him in art classes at the YMCA when he was about 6 and then at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. “The art teacher (at the Gertrude) told us he had a talent and we should invest in it as much as possible,” she says. And they did over the years with some mixed responses from his teachers on his ability.
It’s Not Only About Talent Families of Picassos (or Porkchops), Mozarts or Baryshnikovs may think their children are the brightest and best but sheer talent isn’t always a measure of success. Arts educators say that a balance of talent, hard work, quality instruction and creativity are often the best indicators. And since art can be subjective, one teacher may think a child is brilliant, while another doesn’t share that view.
“I don’t think I’ve ever taught a kid I’d consider a dance prodigy,” says Renee Toole, chairwoman of the John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School’s fine arts department and former professional dancer. “I had one who was naturally gifted and never had any training before she was in the 6th grade. She went on to Julliard.” Most of those who have stood out in dance had some natural talents which were molded and developed into something more, says Toole.
Natural Talent, Gifted or Prodigy? Prodigies are a rarity. Most adults can’t write the complicated music that Mozart was composing at the age of 5, and not every 11 year old can handle the academics associated with college. Even those children classified as “gifted” are small in numbers according to the National Association for Gifted Children, www.nagc.org. The organization estimates there are about 3 million gifted children in classrooms today. Their gifts can be exhibited in various disciplines including the arts, academics and sports. The NAGC defines gifted individuals as “those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (de-
photo courtesy of augusta magazine
pecial effects weren’t the norm for the vacation Bible school productions of the late 1970s unless my brother, Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman, Jr., happened to be part of them. When the Second Baptist Church around the corner from our house decided to end VBS with a play on Moses and the burning bush, there weren’t paper flames taped to the semblance of a tree. No, my 6-year-old brother got high-tech for the time and rigged lights up to the tree to create the illusion of a tree that burned but was not consumed by the flame. From what I remember, it was pretty impressive especially for a little kid. My brother always oozed creativity, which in the years since the bush incident, has been expressed through a variety of media including painting, photography and graphic design. Last year, the readers of both Augusta Magazine and the Metro Spirit gave his work their stamp of approval by naming him their favorite local artist. Many motorists probably know him for the happy robot mural he painted on the Augusta Water Works’ wall facing Wrightsboro Road. My parents saw his talent and love of art early on. When he wouldn’t go into the designated children’s
Artist Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman’s playful robot artwork can be seen at the Augusta Water Works facility.
20 • Augusta Family | July 2011
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Photo by MILES ANDERSON
Leonard “Porkchop” Zimmerman is an Augusta artist who received both praise and discouragement when pursuing his passion for art.
fined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10 percent or rarer) in one or more domains. Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language) and/or set of sensorimotor skills (e.g., painting, dance, sports).”
Exposure Enhances Natural Talent Helping to develop that natural talent is one of the most important things parents can do, says Toole. “How are you going to know you have a prodigy unless you expose them to it? It all has to do with opportunity,” she says. Toole followed her own advice with her daughter, Jillian, a rising 7th grader at Davidson. “With Jillian, I exposed her to a lot of different movement classes. She took pre-ballet when she asked for it,” she says. “I put her in Kindermusik and gave her the opportunity to learn to love music.” There are many individuals and organizations in the Augusta area offering training for children in the arts. Toole says to wait until they are 3 or 4 years old to start exposing them to formal classes. “Before that, they just need to play,” she says.
When my brother was interested in learning more about art, there weren’t a lot of opportunities for instruction in the Augusta area. Davidson was just starting and my parents pushed hard to get him into the school. He was on a waiting list and even after he got in, not all the teachers were sold on his abilities. My mother says they were told he “wasn’t Davidson material” by one teacher and my brother recalls another who told him that he couldn’t draw. “I didn’t listen because it’s what I like to do,” says Leonard, who not only paints the happy robots that earned him the Best of Augusta nods but uses his art in his day job as a graphic designer at Wierhouse. For every one of his naysayer, there were others, such as Rosanne Stutts, a longtime Davidson teacher, who fully believed in his ability to succeed. He attended the Savannah College of Art and Design after Stutts submitted a photograph to the school which garnered him a scholarship. Also, in art, it’s often not about who has the best technique, Leonard says. There are intangibles of passion and creativity which often find their way into works of art, whether it be a painting, a song or a dance. “I know someone who has excellent technical skills. He can pen and ink anything, but he has the www.augustafamily.com
imagination of a pylon. He has skill out the wazoo but he doesn’t know what to do with it,” he says.
An Artistic Future? Translating those talents into a career is not an easy task, hence the phrase “starving artist.” “I know I’m one of the lucky ones,” says Leonard. “I have a job I love.” At Davidson, where fine arts are a main focus, not even half of those seniors who graduate each year plan to pursue a career in art, says Toole. “The highest percentage of our graduates (who intended to study art) was about four years ago, which was 40 percent,” she says. However, even those who don’t pursue careers in the arts have expressed their appreciation for their arts education, she says. “I’ve had students come back from medical school to tell me how ballet helped them. It taught them tenacity to always strive for a high level of achievement and all those rehearsals helped them with time management,” she says. Charmain Z. Brackett is not only the sister of a very talented individual, but she’s the mother of three artistic children who have more stage credits to their name than space will allow. Augusta Family | July 2011 • 21
LIFE AND SPORTs.. Aren’t Always Fair I
by Lucy Adams • illustration BY MILES ANDERSON
n Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia’s spring graduation is underway. At the same time, at UGA’s Spec Towns Track, the SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships are in full stride. Bridget Lyons, her feet working in steady rhythm to keep a winner’s pace in the 10k, is missing the procession, the pomp and circumstance, the thrill of reaching the finish line with her peers at her college graduation. She is missing it in hopes that she’ll cross a different kind of finish line, ahead of her peers.
22 • Augusta Family | July 2011
A synchronous set of feet matches the defending first-place winner of the 2010 SEC Championship 10,000m step for step. Lyons hears the thump, thump, the other runner’s breath, the sound of a body not seen but sensed. Her opponent settles in behind her, content to let Lyons set the pace, lead the field, savor a clear view to the finish. In the last lap, something happens, however. Lyons’s competitor, in a well-timed, strategic move, starts a sprint to the finish line that unseats the defending champion.
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Two days later in the SEC Championship 5k, the scenario repeats itself. “It wasn’t fair,” says Lyons. “I did all the work and she won the race.” Lyons couldn’t wait to face this runner again at NCAA Regionals. But her coach counsels her to step back from the defeat and her emotions. Lyons recounts, “At Regionals, my coach told me not to obsess over it, that there were bigger goals than beating her.” Knowing that Lyons might jeopardize her objectives and those of her team by trying to set things right, the coach directs the Greenbrier High School Graduate to focus on the larger picture.
disappointment or unfairness is always a fuel for me to try harder. I channel my frustration into doing something better,” says Lyons. An inequity triggers action. Lyons applies what she’s learned through athletic competition to other areas of her life. She finished up at UGA with bachelor’s degrees in biology and Spanish. She was the female recipient of the 2011 Brad Davis SEC Community Service Award for her leadership and volunteerism. In the fall, she will begin studies in the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine.
Sports Mirror Life
Fair or Unfair, A Matter of Perspective Despite all of the rules applied to organized sports to ensure that competitors on all sides have equal advantage, skills aside, at every level of play, from youth sports to the college game and beyond, players, their parents and coaches run into “unfair” situations. Andy Landers, head coach of University of Georgia’s women’s basketball team for the past 32 years, says that fair and unfair are a matter of perspective. “What one person views as being unfair, another person might view as the opposite,” he says. “Fair is defined by who that individual is.” The roots of fair versus unfair, if allowed to grow, sprout discontent and affect not just the individual player, but the entire team and their experience of the game. As David Jacobson, spokesperson for Positive Coaching Alliance, notes, kids and parents can lose sight of the real life lessons of youth sports—competence, resiliency, respect for others, overcoming obstacles and adversity, teamwork, sportsmanship, goal setting and commitment—by bogging themselves down in issues such as who got which jersey number, what position the child plays, how much playing time the child gets, supposed favoritism, other teams’ facilities or uniforms, a referee’s call and so on. Generally, the issues deemed as unfair are things beyond the control of the person naming them as such. Ruminating on unfair is a self-centered activity
“What one person views as being unfair, another person might view as the opposite.” that inhibits personal development. Lyons, who advanced through the ranks of club soccer with Augusta Arsenal, only beginning her running career as a sophomore in high school, wisely states, “In sports I’ve learned that nothing’s fair. You learn to cope with it.”
Using Unfair to One’s Advantage Tom Norton, club director for Augusta Arsenal, agrees, saying, “Life is disappointing and there’s no better place to learn that than on the sports field.” Allowing kids to wallow, moan, complain and place blame, or, worse, joining them in the bellyaching as a parent, prevents children from assuming accountability. It strips them of the motivation to assess their personal contributions and to work harder to attain a different, more desirable outcome in the future. “I feel like
Her success off the track isn’t a surprise. “What happens in sports mirrors what happens in life,” says Landers. “To be able to create a sense of fairness in our minds for the sake of a team is going to carry over and be an asset for us the rest of our lives.” Lyons had to let go of the desire to even things up between her and her nemesis at the NCAA Regionals and channel that energy into advancing the goals of the entire track and field team. Focusing on personal injustices, real or imagined, blinds us to opportunities. Just as there will always be wrongs, in sports and in life, there will always be other games, other competitions, other tomorrows. Team players worry less about a bad call, a missed shot, the minutes of playing time and more about goals and the collective process of reaching them. Landers believes, “We’re only going to be as successful as the people around us allow us to be. How we affect those people, how we motivate those people, how we inspire those people drives how successful we as individuals become.” It’s a mutual process that has no room for whining about wrongs.
Helping Kids Grasp the Lesson Parents can begin at the earliest stages of organized sports to aid their children in moving past what is beyond their control. Instead of playing the role of constant defenders and advocates for their children, Norton encourages parents “to step aside and let kids play and learn.” Real development as a player and a person comes from the effort of the child. Jacobson offers the following advice for parents: • View youth sports as a developmental opportunity for your child, rather than as a win-loss record. • Don’t give in to the reflex to inject yourself into your child’s battle. Act as an advisor, but allow your child the chance to manage his business as a player. You want your child to have that battle. That’s where growth occurs. • Don’t put the kid in the middle of a dispute between you and the coach. • “Cheer without verbs.” This means providing support for your child without giving directions. Let the coach handle that. • Start a mistake ritual; a hand signal, such as flicking your shoulder, that lets your child know you saw the mistake and cues him or her to move on and continue play. The signal tells the child to put it in the past and seek another advantageous opening to help the team. Is it unfair that Lyons missed her college graduation to participate in the SEC Championships while other student athletes attended? Is it unfair that an opponent out-strategized her in not one, but two, races? Is it unfair that that same opponent didn’t qualify for the NCAA Championships while Lyons did? Is it unfair that Lyons was accepted to dental school and another applicant, with similar qualifications, likely wasn’t? Like Landers says, it’s a matter of perspective. In the end, “unfair” isn’t relevant. What a person does with it, as he or she goes forward, makes all the difference. Lucy Adams is the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run and If Mama Don’t Laugh, It Ain’t Funny. She lives with her husband and their four children in Thomson, GA. Contact Lucy at lucybgoosey@aol.com and visit her web site, www.IfMama.com.
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Augusta Family | July 2011 • 23
Summer And
Fall Activities
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Augusta Family | May/June 2010 • 25
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by Cammie Jones
Anger Management How To Cope With Angry People and Manage Your Own Anger
“Y
ou can’t handle the truth,” Col. Nathan Jessep, played by Jack Nicholson, spits out during an intense scene in the movie, A Few Good Men. A line that has been quoted many times since it’s 1992 debut, the words and their presentation define Nicholson’s character as someone with deep “anger issues.” That’s all just fine when we are talking about an entertaining, fictional film, but what do we do when anger management issues creep in to our real life? What do we do if we or someone we know cannot control their anger and how do we become better role models for our children?
When Anger Becomes Abuse Dr. Bernard Davison, family psychologist at Georgia Health Sciences University, says that anger is a normal response and sometimes not expressing anger can be more of a problem. “However, when anger becomes intentionally designed or used to hurt 26 • Augusta Family | July 2011
someone physically or psychologically, it’s a problem,” he says. Dr. Gregory Jantz, licensed mental health counselor and author of Every Woman’s Guide to Managing Your Anger, says anger becomes abuse when it goes from an inwardly experienced emotion to outwardly expressed rage. “Anger should motivate you to take positive steps to express the pain or work toward justice,” says Dr. Jantz. Some warning signs to look for include finding yourself in repeat situations where you explode and then ask for forgiveness after, and if you feel a strong urge to insult someone’s self-esteem, according to Dr. Davison. “There’s a repetitive quality to anger when it is a problem. It keeps coming back up,” he adds. Look for times when you get extremely angry during a situation where most people would react in a more matter-of-fact way. Also, personalizing an event, as if someone was against you personally, is another warning sign. “Emotionally healthy people experience anger but anger—in all its forms—is not the dominant emotion in their life,” adds Dr. Jantz. www.augustafamily.com
If you are dealing with a friend or acquaintance who has anger issues, Dr. Davison suggests not getting caught up in the escalating, coercive cycle. Let the small stuff go. He also says to stop and listen. “Try to see the other’s point of view before you answer and put yourself in the other’s shoes,” he says. “When you feel understood by someone, your anger subsides.”
Anger on the Road Road rage is an epidemic we hear about frequently occurring in our world today. “A lot of road rage is personalized. Instead of interpreting the driver as dangerous, you instead feel like that driver is out to get you personally,” says Dr. Davison. The test is how you react. You have a choice to ignore it and just get out of the way. “There is no need to retaliate or put you or others in danger,” he says. Some road rage remedies include pretending you don’t see or hear the person, saying a silent prayer, thinking of something pleasant that makes you hap-
py and turning on soothing music. Know that road rage is one of the top 10 bad driving habits passed on to our children later in life.
Anger on the Sidelines Another anger management matter many parents deal with today is yelling from the sidelines during your child’s sports games. The Family Y has policies in place to deal with this called “The Spectator Code of Conduct.” J.D. McCauley, youth sports director at the Wilson Family Y in Augusta, says this code starts with, “As a parent/spectator, I pledge to...” and goes on to list many positive statements including: • Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sporting events • Remember that the game is for the youth, not adults and • Make sure that my child and I treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability. McCauley says the Family Y helps ensure this code is met by reciting a prayer and creed before each game. The Family Y also gives the game’s official complete control of their field. “They are the best judge of when a parent/spectator is getting out of control,” says McCauley. “The official has full authority to ask the parent/spectator to leave the field.”
Anger’s Effect on Children How does this out-of-control anger affect our children? A child who witnesses inappropriate expressions of anger will likely model this behavior, according to Dr. Davison. Also, a child may think he is caught in the anger, such as when parents argue. Anger management issues can also lead to a lower frustration tolerance in children. “They will snap more quickly or get angry more easily,” he says. “For anyone, repeated exposure to anger and aggression can lead to depression and anxiety.” McCauley agrees and says that being an angry parent is a learned behavior and some parents are just imitating what they saw and heard their parents do as a child. “That being said, there is still no excuse for anger on the sidelines,” he says. Although it is not always a precursor to violent action, it is a definite warning sign and needs to be dealt with immediately.
Follow your angry feelings back to their source, and then take the time to drain the negative patterns and effects from your life. “This takes time and patience,” he adds. “Fill up your life with things like hope, optimism and joy.” Dr. Davison recommends several steps to help control your anger: 1. Slow down. Adrenaline increases when people get angry. 2. Exit and wait. Step away from the situation and take a break. 3. Smile. There is something therapeutic about smiling. “It is almost impossible to laugh and be angry at the same time,” he adds. 4. Plan ahead. If you have a family situation, it is good to have some sort of timeout signal with your spouse or family member. “Plan ahead at a time when you’re not angry and agree on a signal to take a break and decrease emotional reactivity,” says Dr. Davison. He suggests using a non-verbal cue to let the other person know that you are not telling them to be quiet but that the discussion will continue at another time. 5. Learn what anger feels like. Learning how anger manifests itself in the body is helpful. Look for some early signs such as a racing heart, clenched teeth, headache, tension and knots in the stomach. If you do still lose control and get angry in front of your children, admit it. Then, share what you should have done with your children and family. “This kind of reaction/admission will also help teach your children to better monitor their own behavior,” says Dr. Davidson. “Angry people always take what happens personally and always assume the worst in others,” says Dr. Jantz. “Happy people allow circumstances to happen without internalizing them and tend to assume the best of others.” To set a better example for our children, let’s aim for the latter. Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Anger Management Support If you do feel as if you have an anger management problem there are several programs offered in our area. Below are a few of them, suggested by Dr. Davison, but be sure to also do some research to find the right program for you. • Family Therapists at Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU)
Managing Your Anger
• The Cumbee Center in Aiken, 803-649-0480
Dr. Jantz says the first step to better control is recognizing you have an anger management problem.
• Family Counseling Service of the CSRA, 706722-6512. www.augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | July 2011 • 27
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by Charmain Z. Brackett
Adventures in the Arts
Photo by John Harpring
Art Factory Offers Arts Education for Children
From left to right: Julia Budenstein, Asia McGee, Maggie Makuch, Tia Harvey and Markayla Barnes rehearse for a summer stock production.
As budgets are cut and belts are tightened, Cindy O’Brien believes there’s even more of a need for her organization. O’Brien is executive director of the Art Factory, an organization which has been providing arts education to those in the Augusta Area since 1994. “So many people don’t have exposure to the arts,” says O’Brien. “It’s getting almost non-existent. South Carolina is (considering) cutting arts funding. It’s very sad right now for education in general. The arts are always the first to go.” O’Brien finds that a paradox because she says art is an integral part of people’s everyday lives. “You wouldn’t drive a car without an industrial designer. Everything in our lives is touched by art—from the clothes we wear to the design of a cereal box to the sound systems in people’s cars,” she says. Not only does it provide that aesthetic quality to life, but O’Brien points to studies which show the arts help children with their critical thinking and reasoning skills.
A Shift in Service Delivery In its 17-year history, the Art Factory has had a mission to provide quality fine arts education. Over the years, there have been some changes and evolution to the delivery methods, but the core remains the same. For many years, the Art Factory offered classes in the Harrisburg neighborhood in different locations on Crawford Avenue. When it had to relocate its offices to Johns Road, student numbers took a dip as many of the 28 • Augusta Family | July 2011
low-income families it had served in Harrisburg could not get transportation to the new site. The Art Factory stopped offering classes in-house and developed outreach programs at area schools and by partnering with other organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Augusta and Thomson. The Art Factory developed the Art @ School program for children in kindergarten through the 5th grade. Through it, children study a particular artist, the artist’s time period and the significance of the artist’s contributions. Art @ School has highlighted the works of a wide variety of artists from Leonardo da Vinci to South Carolina contemporary artist Jonathan Green. Other artists featured include Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and George and Benny Andrews. The Art @ School program focuses on a mix of disciplines including math, language arts and visual arts. In the da Vinci lesson, children learn about some of da Vinci’s inventions and the creative process. The Art @ School curriculum meets Georgia Performance Standard and the National Standards for Art Education. It culminates with an art exhibit at the school and at the Richmond County Board of Education main office. The Art @ School program and other artist-in-residence programs have been implemented at several schools including T. Harry Garrett, National Hills, Lamar-Milledge, McBean, Copeland and Sue Reynolds Elementary Schools.
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Forming New Partnerships Another Art Factory partnership came through its Art on the Wall project with the Augusta Utilities Department and the water works building near Daniel Village. Students and professionals used their skills to beautify the four walls seen by commuters daily. One group of Art on the Wall participants was comprised of juvenile first offenders. O’Brien said the teens did more than just paint the wall, which had a theme of water. “Some of them had no clue our water came from the Savannah River,” says O’Brien. “They said it came from the faucet. We were able to create a curriculum that included a history of Augusta and the role of the river in Augusta’s development.” They also learned environmentally friendly topics of water conservation, learning how many gallons of water they waste by leaving the water running when brushing their teeth. O’Brien says it was an awesome experience to watch them paint their portion of the mural. “We couldn’t get the paintbrushes out of their hands,” she says. “It gave them a sense of accomplishment and pride.” O’Brien said there have been positive reports from the teens involved including one of them succeeding academically and enrolling in AP classes at his high school. She says she hopes to work with the Department of Juvenile Justice again in the future.
Taking the Stage Another offering of the Art Factory is its annual summer stock camp which
gives children the opportunity to work on all aspects of a theatrical production. Each summer, there are two three-week camp sessions. The first session wrapped up on June 24 with a performance of Alice Through the Looking Glass. The second session is July 5-22 at the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. Children will take part in the production of Pirates of the Curry Bean. This fall, the Art Factory will come full circle. It will move from its office space at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center to become a partnering organization at the Kroc Center less than a mile from where it offered classes in the Harrisburg neighborhood. It will provide a full slate of arts classes in the visual arts, dance, drama and music. Classes will be available to both adults and children. “We’re really excited about the Kroc partnership,” says O’Brien. “I think it’s going to be amazing.” The Kroc Center will provide classroom space and has a theater. O’Brien says a full listing of classes will be available at its Web site (www. artfactoryinc.org). Grand opening celebrations for the Kroc Center are slated for the beginning of August and the Art Factory will present an art exhibit featuring the professional artists whose work is represented at the water works in the center beginning mid-July. For more information, call the Art Factory at 706-731-0008. Charmain Z. Brackett is the mother of three children, including two John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School grads and one current DFA student, who received some of their early arts exposure at the Art Factory. Her son, Jeremy, graduated in May and was a member of DFA’s chapter of the National Art Honor Society.
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Augusta Family | July 2011 • 29
calendar July 2011
Independence Day Celebrations Independence Day this year offers Augusta residents the opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July not once but twice! On July 2 come downtown at 4 p.m. and join the festivities with plenty of food, fun and music with fireworks after dark. Then on July 4, the official calendar day, take the family out to Patriot’s Park in Columbia County for plenty of patriotic fun including food, rides, music and more culminating with a spectacular fireworks display. Festivities start at 4 p.m.
SPECIAL EVENTS July 1. First Friday. Stroll along Broad Street and enjoy open art galleries, street performers, music, food and artisan crafts. 5-9 p.m. Downtown Augusta. www.augustaarts.com/firstfriday.htm. July 1. Starlight Cinema: National Treasure. Free outdoor movie at 8:15 p.m., Langley Pond. 803642-7559. In case of inclement weather, movies will be shown the following Saturday night at the same location and time. July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. DuPont Planetarium Shows. Larry Cat in Space, 8 p.m. To the Moon and Beyond, 9 p.m. www.usca.edu/rpsec/planetarium. July 2. Downtown Augusta July 4 Celebration. Food, face painting, handcrafted merchandise and more. Fireworks after dark. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Riverwalk. July 3. Augusta GreenJackets Baseball Fireworks. Come watch the GreenJackets take on the Savannah Sand Gnats and then enjoy fireworks
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presented by the Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinics, The Augusta Chronicle and Kicks 99. Game starts at 7:05 p.m.
a friend. Not required to be a Girl Scout to participate. 10 .m.-noon at Brookfield Park, 2740 Mayo Rd. Call Patty Lennon at 706-774-0505.
July 4. Columbia County Independence Day Celebration. Family fun and fireworks. Patriot’s Park. Begins at 4 p.m. Grovetown.
July 15-17. Augusta Southern Nationals. Enjoy a weekend of Thunder on the River drag boat races. Proceeds benefit the local chapter of the Georgia Special Olympics. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Riverwalk downtown. www. augustasouthernnationals.org.
July 9. Tomato Festival. Aiken County Farmers Market. 803-293-2214.
July 15. Full Moon Hike. Phinizy Swamp Nature July 10. Girl Scouts Traveling Troop: Disc Golf. For girls ages 5 to 17. Design and decorate frisbees then try a game of disc golf. Bring a friend. Not required to be a Girl Scout to participate. 10 a.m.-noon at Pendleton King Park. Call Patty Lennon at 706-774-0505. July 12. Mommy and Me Support Group. For mothers and infants. 10-11:30 a.m. at Babies R Us in Evans. Registration required. Call 706-774-2825 to make a reservation. July 13. Girl Scouts Traveling Troop: Color My World. Make a designer sidewalk with chalk. Bring
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Park comes alive by the light of the full moon. Join Academy staff in search of animals such as owls, frogs, beavers and bats by nature’s brightest night light. The hike lasts two hours and may cover up to 2/5 miles. Early registration is required. Call 706828-2109. July 16. Augusta GreenJackets Fireworks and Military Appreciation Night. After the GreenJackets take on the Savannah Sand Gnats you can enjoy fireworks sponsored by Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinics, The Augusta Chronicle and Kicks 99. Game starts at 7:05.
calendar
July 18. Girl Scouts Traveling Troop: Scrapbooking Party. Learn some new scrapbooking techniques. Bring summer memories and pictures to create a page. Bring a friend. Not required to be a Girl Scout to participate. 10 a.m.-noon at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 1301 Greene St. Call Patty Lennon at 706-774-0505. July 23. Augusta Chronicle/Augusta Family Back2School Expo. Vendors, prizes and entertainment along with valuable school information. Admission is free with the donation of a school supply. United Way will be on hand conducting
awareness tips. The event also includes fun activities for children. Go to www.universityhealth.org/ calendar or www.columbiacountyga.gov or www. ccboe.net for information. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Evans Middle School, 4785 Hereford Farm Rd. July 30. Augusta GreenJackets Baseball Fireworks and Halloween in July. Game begins at 7:05. Fireworks and Halloween in July are sponsored by Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinics, NBC Augusta and Kicks 99.
The Arts, Music and More!
their “Stuff the Bus” campaign. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the ASU Christenberry Fieldhouse. Go to augustachronicle.com/back2schoolexpo for more information. July 30. University Hospital’s Back-To-School Festival. This free event is a one-stop resource for immunization information, information on beforeand after-school programs, Columbia County school calendars and bus schedules, college education planning and drug, alcohol and safety
July 3, 10, 24 & 31. Candelight Jazz Series. Looking for something to do Sunday evening before the hectic work-week? Relax as you take in the sounds of jazz performed live on the banks of the Savannah River. Visit www.gardencityjazz.com for a line up of performing artists. 8-9:30 p.m. at the 8th Street Bulkhead.
Performing Arts Stage. Free Admission. 803-6427631. July 4. Marine Corps Concert Band from Parris Island. July 11. Brass to the Future. July 18. Doug and the Henrys. July 25. ABATSU African Drummers & Dancers. July 5. Sing-Clap-Wiggle Jazz4Kids. Garden City Jazz. 2:30 and 6 p.m. Regional libraries. July 5. Evenings in the Appleby Garden: Signal Corps Band. Enjoy some down-home blues. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. 8 p.m. 706-736-6244 July 5-22. Summer Stock @ the Art Factory. Annual camp focuses on the arts of musical theatre with daily instruction in dance, theatre, music and visual art. Ages 6-16. Campers create sets and costumes and participate in a perfor-
Hopelands Gardens Summer Concert Series Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Roland H. Windham
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mance open to the public the last day of camp. Camp is held each weekday from 8:30 a.m.-3
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32 • Augusta Family | July 2011
www.augustafamily.com
calendar p.m. Enrollment fee includes lunch and snacks. Tuition assistance is available. Call 706-731-
and make your own paint and canvas flower. 1011 a.m. or 11:15 a.m-12:15 p.m.
0008 or e-mail info@artfactory.org. July 9. Second Saturday Concerts: The Stephen Lee Band. Come enjoy an evening of music at the Columbia County Amphitheatre. No coolers or pets, please. Call 706-312-7192 or go to www.columbiacountyga.gov for ticket information. July 15-16, 21-24, 28-30. The General and His Lady. ENOPION Theatre Company presents the inaugural musical performance at the Salvation Army Kroc Center depicting the lives of William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, and his wife, Catherine. Friday, July 15, 8 p.m. Friday, July 22 & 29, 7 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 4 p.m. Kroc Center Performing Arts Center. 706-771-7777. July 15-17, 22-23. The Altos. An interactive musical comedy mystery spoof of the famous HBO series. Meet the family that inspired it all, the Altos. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com. July 15-16, 22-23, 28-30. Here on the Flight Path. Flight Path is a hilarious look at a would-be ladies man’s relationships with three attractive women. 7 p.m. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. (706) 793-8552. July 19-August 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.
July 9. Artist Workshop: Nature Hike and Sketching With Philip Juras. Explore Silver Bluff with the artist and sketch while learning about native plants and history. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Paid registration. July 9-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-19thcentury life. July 10. Artrageous! Family Sunday: That Puppet Guy. Lee Bryan presents Planet Earth. 2 p.m. July 14. Civil War Redux: Pinhole Photographs by Willie Anne Wright. Exhibition opening and lecture. Reception follows. 6 p.m.. July 17. Music at the Morris: Opal String Quartet. 2 p.m. July 17. Sunday Sketch. Sketch in the galleries, with materials supplied by the museum. Check-in in the activity room. FREE. 2-3:30 p.m. July 18-22. Art Travelers! Summer Camp at Episcopal Day School. Registration fees apply. Call 706-828-3867 for information. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. each day. July 22. Art at Lunch: Matthew Buzzell. Film-
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.
maker whose work appears on PBS and at the Tribeca Film Festival discusses his craft. Noon. Paid reservations. July 23-24. Artist Workshop: Pinhole Photography for Beginners. Build your own pinhole camera, take images and develop photos. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Paid registration. July 26. No Nature, No Art. Celebrate the opening of Morris Eminent Scholar William Willis’s show. 6 p.m. July 31. Bartram’s Living Legacy. Lecture and
July 1. Movie. Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake, 1942. Noon.
discussion by the book’s editor Dorinda Dallmeyer.
July 7. Toddler Time: Art Adventures With Nature. View paintings, listen to a children’s book
Musical Theatre Workshops 412-2 Vaughn Rd., Martinez (off Furys Ferry Rd.
Reception and book signing follow. 2 p.m.
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behind Rite Aid) Contact Mickey Lubeck, director, at 706-2311759, musicaltheatredirector@gmail.com. www. onwiththeshow.biz. Summer Workshop Classes Registering Now. Teaches acting technique through dramatic exercises and theatre games as well as improv. Theatre dance and ensemble singing are also incorporated into the classes. New larger location and more classes. Visit their Web site for all available classes for actors ages 5-High School. Class sizes are limited and fill quickly.
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. July 1-31. History Theater Film: Patriots Day. Follow reenactors as they move between the 18th and 21st centuries. It shows that patriotism, a love of costumes, civic duty, the urge to perform and a passion for history all play in recreators’ lives. July 6. Brown Bag History Series Lecture. Presenting the Colonial Era through Living History featuring Lynn Thompson of the Living History Park, North Augusta. Refreshments begin at 11:30 a.m., lecture at 12:30 p.m. May 14. Voices of the Past: A Petersburg Boat Pilot. Performances at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Reed Creek Park 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration required. July 1 & 12. Critters Underground. Looking for holes, under logs and under dead leaves, you’ll find the creepy crawlies that like to live in the dark. Ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m. on July 1, 10-11 a.m. on July 12. July 6 & 21. Nurturing Nature Walks. Ages 3-5. Songs, movement and using our senses on an outdoor walk. 10-11 a.m. July 7. Simple Science. Collect creek clay and create your own miniature volcano. See if your tiny soil dam holds water better than others. This is a program to explore hands-on (and really messy) science. Ages 5 and up. 10-11:30 a.m. July 9 & 23. Pond Exploration. Learn about animals
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that live in the pond. Be prepared to get a little wet and muddy. Ages 5 and up. 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the 19th, 10-11 a.m. on the 28th. July 20. Insect Investigations. Learn about our six-legged friends while catching and releasing insects in different areas of the park. Ages 5 and up. 10-11 a.m. July 22. How Does the Earth Work? What if there was no gravity on Earth? Where do clouds come from? What would happen if we ran out of water? Take a look at the forces that shape our Earth from the past, present and on to the future. Ages 7 and up. 4:305:30 p.m. July 30. Fly, Butterfly! Learn about the amazing life of the butterfly and go for a walk to identify and discover the many different butterflies in Georgia. Ages 5 and up. 10-11 a.m.
SPORTS Augusta GreenJackets All games at 7:05 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. www.GreenJacketsbaseball.com July 1-2. Savannah. July 3. Savannah, 5:35 p.m. July 12-15. Hagerstown. July 16. Savannah. July 17. Savannah, 5:35 p.m. July 18. Savannah, 12:05 p.m. July 28-30. Hickory. July 31. Hickory, 5:35 p.m. 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.
softball, soccer and football. Patriots Park Office.
North Augusta. Ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Sibling discount available.
of breakout sessions, ages and weeks vary by breakout session.
CSRA Defensive Arts
July 16. Parents Night Out at Family Y of Aiken County. Ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Sibling discount available.
July 5–30. Camp Marshall. Arts and crafts, games, songs and character development activities. Ages 5 - 12. Wesley United Methodist Church.
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. 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. July 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 11November 17 at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. Participants will be guided through a workout twice a week and one on their own. July 5-14. Family Y Swim Lessons Summer Session. Lessons for all ages and skill levels, ages 6 months to 12 years. Two-week sessions Monday-Thursday at the indoor pools at the Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Aiken. Sibling discount available. July 8. 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. Registration required.
July 18-28. Family Y Adult Swim Lessons. Beginner and advanced swim lessons for ages 13 and up. Lessons are Tuesday and Thursday at the indoor pools at the Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Aiken County. July 23. 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. July 23. Parent’s Night Out for Children of Deployed Soldiers at the Marshall Family Y. Children of deployed soldiers ages 2-12. 69:30 p.m. Free. July 28. Nutrition Seminar. Seven Habits of Highly Wholesome Consumer: Learn To Make the Daily Choices that Keep You Fit. 6 p.m. at the Wilson Family Y. Family Y Day and Overnight Camps July 5-8. Family Y of North Augusta Drama Camp. Introduction to drama using props, free expression and imagination. Ages 5-12. Mossy Creek Elementary School July 5-8. Camp Lakeside Camps. Junior Lacrosse Camp, ages
July 5-30. Camps at Southside Tubman. Day Camp or Sports Camp, ages 5-12. Family Y of Southside Tubman, Milledgeville Road. July 5-30. Child Development Center Summer Experience. Campers participate in education enrichment activities. Ages 5-12. Child Development Center, 1425 Walton Way. July 5–30. Little Tykes Mini Camp. Campers will enjoy age-appropriate activities from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Ages 3 & 4 (must be potty trained). Wilson Family Y. July 5-30. Camp Aiken. Campers will enjoy arts and crafts, games, songs and character development activities. Ages 5-12. Family Y of Aiken County. July 5-30. Camp North Augusta. Arts and crafts, games, songs, field trips and character development activities. Ages 5-12. Mossy Creek Elementary School. July 6–9. Pioneer Camp for Boys. Ages: 9-10. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton.
9–12. Football Camp, ages 7-12. Cheerleading Camp, ages 7-12. Rock-Out Camp, ages 7-12. Camp
Columbia County Recreation Department 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. 706-863-7523.
July 9. 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.
July 11-August 5. Fall Sports Registration. Sign up for baseball,
July 9. Parent’s Night Out at Marshall Family Y and Family Y of
specialty breakout session weekly.
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July 5-30. Camp Lakeside Day Camps. Day Camp, ages 5–12. Teen Leadership Camp, ages 1317. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton.
Lakeside, Lincolnton.
.
July 5-30. Camp Wilson. Begin and end each day in a traditional camp setting where campers will have the opportunity to be challenged in one Campers can choose from a variety
July 10–13. Way-Makers Camp for Girls. Ages 9-10. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton. July 11-15. Family Y of North Augusta Baking Camp. Learn to decorate and bake treats. Ages 5-12. Mossy Creek Elementary School. July 11-15. Camp Lakeside
Camps. Science and Exploration Camp, Soccer Day Camp, Superstar Camp and Sportsman Camp, ages 7-12. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton July 13–16. Adventure Camp for Boys. Ages 11-14. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton. July 17–20. Trendsetters Girls Only Resident Camp. Ages 11–14. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton July 18–22. North Augusta Construction Camp. Campers will learn different building techniques using recycled objects and building wood crafts. Ages 5-12. Mossy Creek Elementary School. July 18–22. Golf Camp. Camp activities are from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Ages 6–17. Wedges and Woods Driving Range and Teaching Facility, 3731 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta. July 18-22. Camp Lakeside Camps. Junior Camp, ages 9–12. Ultimate Frisbee Camp, ages 7-12. Photography Camp, ages 7-12. Glee Camp, ages 7-12. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton. July 24-30. Camp Lakeside Overnight Camps. Trailblazers, ages 11–12. Pathfinders, ages 9-10. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton. July 24–August 6. Leader in Training (LIT). Ages 14–17. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton. July 25-29. North Augusta Sports Galore Camp. Kids will be introduced to different sports each day of the week. Ages 5–12. Mossy Creek Elementary School July 25-29. Camp Lakeside Camps. Superstar Camp, ages 7-12. Creative Camp, ages 7-12. Soccer Camp, ages 7-12. Kayak Camp, age 12. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton. July 31–August 6. Camp Lakeside Overnight Camps. Pathfinders Camp, ages 9–10. Trailblazers,
ages 11-12. Camp Lakeside, Lincolnton. Family Y Ongoing Activities 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-onone 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.
enhance self-esteem. 5-5:30 p.m.
ages 2-5. 9-9:45 a.m. Introduction to basic motor skills.
Ongoing on Fridays. Ballroom Dancing at the North Augusta Family YMCA. 7-8 p.m. Features different dance styles. Call 803278-0882 for details and fees. Ongoing on the First Friday of Every Month. Break Dance Classes at the Wilson Family Y. Ages 13 and older. Session runs four weeks beginning the first Friday of the month. 7-8:30 p.m. 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. Ongoing on Saturdays. Y World of Sports at North Augusta Family Y. Four classes per monthly session for
Ongoing on Saturdays. Qigong at the Wilson Family Y. Learn Qigong, which consists primarily of the use of intention, meditation, relaxation and physical movement or posture, mind-body integration and breathing exercises. Noon. Ongoing on Saturdays. Fairy Tale Ballet at North Augusta Family Y. Ages 3-5. Basic ballet using fairy tales and dressing up. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Discounts available for siblings.
Childbirth, Breastfeeding and Parenting Support Groups AugustaAreaMommies Contact Jennifer Stanley at 706855-0072 or phlegalesfan@att.net. A community for moms in the Augusta area offering support, friendship and fun as well as the
Ongoing. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease Aquatics Class. Sponsored by the 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 First Thursday of Each Month. Sock Monkey Music and Dance. Movement, music and dance for ages 2-5. 11-11:45 a.m. Ongoing on the Third Thursday of Each Month. Sock Monkey Craft Time. Parents and kids create arts and crafts together. Ages 1-5. 1111:45 a.m. Ongoing on Tuesdays. Adapted Gymnastics. Small group sessions for physically and developmentally challenged children to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and
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calendar opportunity to exchange information. The group, which is part of The Mommies Network, also provides discussion forums, an events calendar and more. Meeting are held online, at local parks, members homes (for monthly BUNCO) and on field trips. All mothers are welcome. Augusta 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 at 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.
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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 706364-5245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/.
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MOMS Club Visit momsclubaugusta.org. Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other athome mothers at the MOMS Club, an international nonprofit organization. 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 Trinity-on-the-Hill United Methodist Church on Monte Sano 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. AJCC Day Camp. Children ages 3 through 13. Eleven one-week sessions from through August 5. Camp is from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday with early drop off and late stay available for an additional fee. Regular camp includes swimming, tennis, archery, arts and crafts and special events. A variety of specialty camps will be offered. All camp staff is first-aid and CPR certified. All lifeguard staff is first-aid, CPR and WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certified. $160 a week for regular camps. $225 a week for specialty camps. Mini Camp (9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for 3 and 4 year olds only) is available for $125 a week if a full day is not desired. Holiday Weeks, May 23-27 and July 4-8, are special four-day camp weeks (Tuesday-Friday) at a cost of $125 a week. Discounts available for early bird registration (May 2 deadline), siblings and AJCC members except for Holiday Weeks.
calendar 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 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.
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. July 5. 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.
Out To the BallGame
July 9 & 10. 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.
The Augusta Green Jackets games this month include more than baseball. There will be fireworks after they play the Savannah Sand Gnats on July 3, and fireworks and Military appreciation night at the game on July 16. On July 30, the festivities will include fireworks and “Halloween in July.” See page 34 for a schedule of GreenJackets home games in July.
July 12 & 19. 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.
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calendar June 14. 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. July 16. Teen Education Seminar. For teen girls and their mothers. Two classrooms are utilized so that mothers can receive the same information as their daughters. By learning in separate rooms, teen girls are more comfortable about asking questions that may be embarrassing in the presence of their mothers. Subjects include peer pressure, drug use, eating disorders and sexual activity. Call 706-651-4343 to register. July 21. Baby 101. Learn about infant development and care of new babies, including normal newborn appearance and behavior, bathing, crying, diapering, swaddling and feeding. 7-9 p.m. July 23. Babysitting Class. Teaches students ages 1113 safe and nurturing childcare techniques, management and appropriate responses to medical emergencies. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 26, August 2 & 9. Ready and Able. Classes are the third in the “Nine Months and Counting” series and should be taken during the third trimester. Labor, delivery and postpartum care are among the topics covered. Showing and Glowing should be taken before this class. 7-9:30 p.m. July 28. SeniorFest at Doctors Hospital. An all-day event with more than 30 vendors providing targeted information on everything from home health to travel and leisure. Doctors and speakers will talk about urinary incontinence, aging gracefully, estate planning and gardening. There also will be a variety show. Registration will be required for the speakers and variety show and those who register will receive a boxed lunch. Free. Call 706-651-4343 to register. MCGHealth System
Thunder on the River Enjoy an action-packed weekend as the Augusta Southern Nationals bring the thrills of dragboat racing to the Savannah River July 15-17 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on the Riverwalk in Downtown Augusta. Proceeds benefit the local chapter of the Georgia Special Olympics. Go to www.augustasouthernnationals.org for information.
Register online at mcghealth.org. Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their Web site. July 5. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “A-Team”). Provides support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, first floor, Family Re-
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source Library. July 7. 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. July 13. 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-
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. Tuesdays, July 5-26, Mondays, July 11-August 8, Tuesdays June 7-28 and Wednesdays, July 13August 10. Childbirth Preparation Class. Fourweek series. 7-9:30 p.m.
541-3970. 10 a.m.-noon at the Columbia County Sheriff Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr., Evans. July 19. 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
July 8 & 9 or July 29 & 30. Weekender Childbirth Preparation Class. Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 14. Breastfeeding Class. 7-9 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans. July 28. Introduction to Infant CPR. 7-8:30 p.m.
and Family Resource Library.
Library Events July 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 706-7217606 to register. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 N. Belair Rd., Evans. Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. July 9. 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. July 23. 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.
NOTE: All Augusta-Richmond County Libraries will be closed July 3 and 4 in observance of Independence Day. The Columbia County Libraries will be closed July 2-4. Augusta Headquarters Library 823 Telfair St. 706-821-2600. Foreign Film Series July 7. El Angel Esterminador. Spanish film directed by Luis Bunuel. 6:30 p.m. July 14. The Hidden Fortress. Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa. 6 p.m. Computer Classes July 6. Absolute Beginners’ Computer. 10 a.m. July 13. Google Earth. 10 a.m. July 19. Microsoft Word I. 6:30 p.m. July 20. Facebook for Seniors. 10 a.m. July 27. Excel I. 10 a.m. Special Story Times at Pendleton King Park 10 a.m. July 7. Ann Sprinkle and the Therapy Dogs. July 15. Inspiration Sensation. July 21. Children’s Librarian Eileen McCoy.
July 15. Bricks 4 Kidz (Legos). 9:30 a.m. July 16. Afernoon Movie: Winnie the Pooh. Rated G. 2 p.m. July 19. Animal Sounds Around the World Performance. 2 p.m. July 22. Flower Hunter. Ages 5 and up. Presented by the Morris Museum of Art. 9:30 a.m. July 23. Afternoon Movie: Rango. Rated PG. 2 p.m. July 29. Dance with Joslynn. 10 a.m. July 7. Young Adult Movie: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hollows Part I. Wear your Potter gear. All attendee’s names will be entered to win two tickets for the newest Harry Potter movie. Snacks provided. 2 shows: 2:30-5 p.m. and 68:30 p.m., 2nd floor YA Room. July 11. Guitar Hero Contest. Practice is from 6-7 p.m. and the competition begins at 7 p.m. Finals will be held July 20. First, second and third-place winners will receive gift cards. July 16. Saturday Market on the River. Stop by the Library’s table for a fun kids’ craft and games. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 8th Street Plaza in downtown Augusta. July 19. Lunch Box Book Discussion. Miles To Go (sequel to The Walk) by Richard Paul Evans. 11:30 a.m. July 21. Tips and Tricks for Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest.com. Learn how to search for genealogical gems using these powerful on-line tools. Registration required. Call 706-826-1511. Appleby Branch 260 Walton Way. 706-736-6244. One World Many Stories Registration begins on July 1. July 6. Tara Scheyer Guitar and Songs. 10:30 a.m. July 11. Embroidery Guild of America. 4-6 p.m. July 12. Crafts. 10:30 a.m. July 13. Animal Sounds from Around the World. 10:30 a.m. July 20. Therapy Dogs. 10:30 a.m. July 27. Yoga for Kids. 10:30 a.m. July 28. Crafts. 11 a.m. July 19. Guitar Hero Contest. Practice from 2-3 p.m., contest from 3-5 p.m. Finals will be
Children’s Stories and Events
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held July 20 at the Headquarters Library. First,
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calendar second and third-place winners will receive gift cards. Columbia County Library 7022 Evans Towne Center Blvd. 706-863-1946. Story Times Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Slots available for children ages 2, 3 and 5. Call to register. Registration is limited. Children’s Events. 2 p.m. July 6. Water Safety with the Army Corps of Engineers. July 13. Camping Safety with Mistletoe State Park. July 20. Puppet Show. July 21. Brown Bag Book Discussion. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet by Jamie Ford. 11:30 a.m. Diamond Lakes Branch 101 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. 706-772-2432. Mondays. Monday Movie Matinees. Bring your own snacks and enjoy a movie on the library’s semi-large screen. No reservations required. Contact the library for a list of movies. No movie scheduled for July 4. Children’s Programs & Events Registration required for groups of six or more. July 12. Animal Sounds from Around the World. 10 a.m. July 14. AJADACO and ABATSU African Drums and Dance. 10 a.m. July 19. Lions: Stories and a Craft. 10 a.m. July 21. Porkchop Productions Presents The Bremen Town Musicians. Best for ages 4-10. 10 a.m. July 26. The Weather Around Us. Rich Rogers of NBC Augusta WAGT 26 shares information about thunderstorms, hurricanes and other weather phenomena. Best for ages 6-12. July 6, 18 & 25. Less Than Two Minutes Film Contest for Young Adults. Write and create your own film of less than two minutes in length using a video medium of your choice. Work alone or with a team. Attend the Getting Started Workshop at 3 p.m. on July 6. Deadline for submissions is July 18 and the Less Than Two Minutes Film Festival will be held at 6 p.m. on July 25. The Film Festival is best for ages 12 and up,
snacks are provided. July 7. Young Adult Program: Bandana Pillows. Make your own no-sew pillows using bandanas. Bring your own bandanas or use the ones provided. Best for ages 11-17. Limited to 15 participants and registration required. 2 p.m. July 13. Guitar Hero Contest. Practice from 1-2 p.m., contest begins at 2 p.m. Finals will be held July 20 at the Headquarters Library. First, second and third-place winners will receive gift cards. July 14. Young Adult Program: AJADACO & ABATSU African Drums and Dance. Dance, drum and have fun while learning about West African traditions. All ages will enjoy the performance. Registration required for groups of six or more. 10 .m. July 19. Young Adult Program: Tie-Dye Shirts. Bring your own cotton t-shirt to tie-dye. Go traditional or innovate—your choice. Best for ages 14-17. Limited to 12 participants. Registration required. Friedman Branch 1447 Jackson Rd. 706-736-6758. Children’s Programs & Events July 12. Animals of the Galapagos Islands. Dr. Cathy from the ASU Biology Department. 10 a.m. July 19. K-9 Dogs with Richmond County Sheriff’s Department. 10 a.m. July 20. Hands On Science. With Nate Hobbs of Reed Creek Park. 4 p.m. July 5. Movie Matinee: Chicken Run. Rated G. 10 a.m. July 11. Movie Night: Harry Pottery and the Deathly Hallows Part I. Rated PG 13.
July 14. Gulliver’s Travels. Rated PG for brief rude humor, mild language and action. July 19. Yogi Bear. Rated PG for some rude humor. July 21. Tron: Legacy. Rated PG for sci-fi action, violence and brief mild language. July 26. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Rated PG for some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action. July 28. The King’s Speech. Rated PG 13 for language. Children’s Story Times & Events July 5. Animal Sounds from Around the World. 10 a.m. July 11. Let’s Explore Australia. Ages 3-5. Celebrate the country of Australia and make a boomerang. July 13. Nature Program. Nate Hobbs/Reed Creek Park & Wetlands. July 18. Our Friends in China. Ages 6-10. Create a Chinese fan with tissue paper. 3 p.m. July 20. K-9 Dogs. Richmond Countty Sheriff’s Department. 10 a.m. July 27. Therapy Dogs & Ann Sprinkle. 10 a.m. July 20. Teen Craft: Choco-latte. Make crafts with coffee stirrers, share coffee trivia and identify various candy bars without the wrappers. 1-2 p.m. Wallace Branch 1237 Laney-Walker Blvd. 706-722-6275. Children’s Programs. 10 a.m. Please pre-register. July 12. A Trip To Ghana. Presented by Kahfre Abif. July 13. Sean Poppy of the Savannah River Ecoloby Lab. July 19. A Trip To Brazil. Presented by Kahfre Abif. July 20. Craft: Make Your Own Book Mark.
Maxwell Branch 1927 Lumpkin Rd. 706-793-2020.
Tuesday Movies. 2:30 p.m. July 12. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage
Summer Movies @ Maxwell Some movies are for children and some are for adults only. Please note the ratings. July 5. Megamind. Rated PG for language and action. July 7. Harry Potter and the Deadly Hollows Part I. Rated PG 13 for some intense action, violence and frightening images. July 12. Tangled. Rated PG for brief, mild violence.
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to the Dawn Treader. Rated PG. July 19. Tangled. Rated PG. July 26. Yogi Bear. Rated PG. Computer Classes. 6 p.m. July 12. Beginning Computer I. July 14. Beginning Computer II. July 19. Beginning Computer I. July 22. Beginning Computer II.
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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
Hannah Rigg,
7, is the daughter of Jack and Danielle Rigg of Evans. Likes To: Play with friends. Never Wants To Do Again: Hang around mean kids. Favorite Thing About the Summer: I get to do lots of fun camps. Artist or Athlete: A little of both. Time Travel? She’d Go Here: To the Flintstones’ time and to the future because I think it would be cool.
Patty Short, 47, of Appling, is a wife and mother of three who works as a software integrator. Likes To: Play with my kids. Friends Say She’s: Mellow. Favorite Possession: My Droid phone. Favorite Thing About the Summer: Swimming. Artist or Athlete: An athlete. I love sports, especially soccer. Favorite Indulgence. Chocolate milkshakes.
Sachin Patel
, 30, is a software developer who lives in West Augusta with his wife, Urvashi. Likes To: Spend quality time with family and friends. Favorite Thing About the Summer: Longer days with sun. Artist or Athlete: Athlete, as I played soccer and cricket at a very competitive level for many years. I am a terrible loser but over the years have learned how to deal with losing and use losing as motivation to get better.
Favorite Place To Be: The mall.
Time Travel? She’d Go Here: Pioneer days.
Favorite Place To Be: In London, England, as this is where I grew up.
Song Playing in Her Head: Bad Romance by Lady Gaga.
Song Playing in Her Head: Beautiful by Shawn McDonald.
Words He Lives By: Don’t look back in anger. Work hard and play harder.
Words She Lives By: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.” -Colossians 3:23
Friends Say He’s: Opinionated.
Greatest Hope: To be famous when I grow up. Finds Inspiration: From funny things, nice people and hugs from my mom.
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Greatest Hope: That I teach my kids right. Is Reading: One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury. www.augustafamily.com
Message in a Bottle: Treat all others like you would like to be treated yourself, with honor, respect and compassion.