August 2012 Fall Fashion for Kids and Teens Dealing with “Frenemies� Better Budgeting Handling Backtalk and Cursing
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Books Dakota Neal, 6, is the daughter of Derek and April Neal of Augusta.
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Family AUGUSTA
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w w w. a u g u s t afamily.co m Publisher Kate Cooper Metts
Contents
August 2012
Production Art Director / Web Producer Miles Anderson
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Graphic Artist Tonietha Clayton
- Karin Calloway
Editor Karin Calloway
Our Annual Guide To Clothes, Shoes and Accessories for Children and Teens.
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Advertising Director of Advertising Adriene Goldman Advertising Sales Elizabeth Sisson Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann marketing & circulation Manager Doressa Hawes photography Chris Thelen contributors Lucy Adams Grace Belangia Monica Dutcher J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Jennie Montgomery Danielle Wong Moores 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.
Love-Hate, Hot-Cold Pinkie-Promise Best-Frenemies Until We Both Grow Old - Lucy Adams
departments
30 time out! She Said What?!?
7 editor’s page 9 mom2mom -Jennie Montgomery
10 news&notes 12 eating well with kim
18 healthy family The Battle of the Bug
32 inspiration station Autism Expert Augusta Psychologist Has a Heart for Autistic Children
Winning the War Against Head Lice -Cammie Jones
20 home front Budgeting Blues
How To Make the Most of Your Paycheck
-Monica Dutcher
Dakota Neal, 6, is the daughter of Derek and April Neal of Augusta. She is wearing fashions from Kid to Kid in Evans.
-Danielle Wong Moores
34 calendar 46 talkin’ about my generation
-J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
on the cover:
-Courtesy Family Features
Obesity, School Lunch and the Blame Game Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
17 doctor/dad Mid-Life Myth Busters
Understanding and Solving Problems With Backtalk and Cursing
Mothers: Gotta Love ‘Em
Photo by Chris Thelen. Photo taken at the Columbia County Library.
Becky Gilmore, Jack Jewitt and Liz Trotter -Grace Belangia
August
quick pick
“The daily grind of hearing the latest friend clash can prove gut-wrenching for parents. Reported hurts stab deeper into mom’s and dad’s hearts than into their 5th-grader’s, triggering the instinct to pounce and protect.” Read about how to handle your children’s on-again, off-again friendships in Lucy Adams’ article on page 26.
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editor’spage by Karin Calloway
My “Little” Girl
Enjoying the 2012 Augusta Prep Graduation reception.
I
’ve been doing some serious eavesdropping of late, observing the back-andforth between mothers and their young daughters as they do their back-toschool shopping. I came upon one mother who lectured her little girl about being bossy and exclaimed, “I simply will not tolerate this behavior.” The little girl begged forgiveness because she had picked out a lunchbox for the new school year and the consequence of her behavior was leaving the store without it. Another mother was in the awkward position of shopping with her daughter and two other little girls when the daughter decided that she didn’t like her friends laying claim to the new Barbie doll she was about to purchase. The mother calmly told her daughter that if she was going to get the doll, she’d have to share it with her friends. The daughter pouted throughout the checkout process. Watching these moms was an interesting study in parenting, to be sure, but that’s not why I observed their interactions with their daughters so closely. I was watching out of sheer jealousy that my days of back-to-school shopping with young kids have come to an end. It just doesn’t seem right, but over the next few weeks we’re packing our little girl up to head off to college. A big part of me wanted to say something encouraging to the mothers I observed. They were doing a great job! I wanted to tell them that their little girls will grow up more quickly than they can imagine and to take a deep breath and relish this time. But I kept my mouth shut, swallowed down a big lump in my throat and patted away a little dampness from the corners of my eyes, hoping it appeared that my allergies were way out of control this season. While this is definitely a “new” type of back-to-school season for me, it truly is an exciting time for families with school-age children. The process of back-to-school shopping and getting ready for that exhilarating and somewhat frightening first day of school are special milestones in the lives of growing kids. That’s also pretty much how I’d sum up the feelings I’m having as I approach our soon-to-be empty nest—exhilarated and frightened at the same time. So, here’s to a new school year for all of us. Take the time to cherish the phase your children are in right now because believe me, you’ll be in my shoes sooner than you think, scratching your head and wondering how they grew up so quickly. Until September,
Karin Calloway is a wife, mother of two college students, 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.cookingwithkarin.com.
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Save The DaTe!
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mom m m by Jennie Montgomery
Illustration by Michael Rushbrook
That shirt makes you as cute as a mustard packet!
Mothers: Gotta Love ‘Em “Honey, you look so good! Your jaw line is so defined…and you don’t have all those chins.” All those chins? Leave it to my mother to deliver a compliment with an insult! Why is it that this woman, who has been the biggest support system throughout my life, is also the woman who makes me feel most insecure? This is the same woman who told my sister during their summer beach visit that she, “Used to look so good in her clothes.” Gulp. Don’t you know my sister felt great parading around in her swimsuit and shorts after that! Amy and I have spent hours dissecting our mother’s lack of a filter. We love her—she’s smart, funny and generous. But what the heck has happened to her understanding of the phrase she said to us countless times when we were kids: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all!” I spent a good part of the summer in bed. I was sick and unable to care for my family. During the worst weeks, my mother was by my side. She ran errands for me, took me to medical appointments, helped pull off the graduation party for my daughter, Maddy. She mothered me, and I felt so guilty for ever even thinking unflattering thoughts of her. It was sweet and comforting to see how my mother could fill in for me as a mom…and yet be the mom that I needed when I was laid up in my bed. She was a blessing to me in many ways, not the least of which was giving me the reassurance that she would hold things together. Mama was my glue. By the time I saw her in early July, I was healing nicely and feeling like my old self. I couldn’t wait for her to see me all better: I was wearing clothes (not pajamas), my hair was fixed and I was wearing makeup! “Oh, you changed your hair color,” she declared. “I didn’t want to say anything before, but it was so wrong with your skin tone.” Really, Mama?
•August 25, 2012•
JENNIE Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She’s married to Scott and they have three children: Zack, 19, Maddy, 18, and Sky, 16.
auguST 25, 2012
Presented By
Event will be held at the Legends Club at 2701 Washington Road. For information, please call 706.823.3443
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Augusta Family | August 2012 • 9
news notes
“The difference between school and life?
In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” —Tom Bodett
Heading Toward the Holidays
Courtesy Pear Tree Greetings
Great family photo ops occur in the summer and during the early fall, so it’s not too early to begin thinking about using those priceless images in your family’s holiday greeting cards. With that in mind, Pear Tree Greetings is offering one lucky Augusta Family Magazine reader a $50 credit towards the purchase of their holiday cards. Pear Tree Greetings offers families the ability to create uniquely personal, high-quality greetings with hundreds of designs for every occasion. You simply design your card online (www.PearTreeGreetings.com) from a selection of hundreds of stylish options and unique shapes and sizes and receive your cards in about three to seven business days, depending on your chosen shipping method. Go to www.augustafamily.com to enter to win. Winner will be selected August 28.
View Our On-Line Extras at www.AUGUSTAFAMILY.com
Register to Win! November 2011 ANNUAL TOY GUIDE
ADOPTION SPECIAL FEATURE THANKSGIVING POINTERS ASTHMA INFORMATION
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Sarah, 3, and Sumter, 8, Brinson are the children of John and Verlinda Brinson of Martinez.
Fresh Faces
Is your child ready for their “close up?” If you think you’ve got a “cover kid,” submit their photo and information on our Web site and they may grace the cover of Augusta Family Magazine!
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EdVenture Tickets
Enter for your chance to win one of two family four-packs of passes to EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia where you can enjoy the Blooming Butterflies exhibit until October 6. Drawing will be held August 28th .
Apply Online!
Apply Online!
We’re looking for interesting members of the community ages 5 to 125 to feature in the Talkin’ About My Generation section of Augusta Family Magazine. Visit our Web site to apply on the contest page.
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news notes
Singular Sensation Vinyard Church of Augusta has planned a day of special events for single parents. The Single Parents Fair will be held Saturday, August 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will provide a bevy of free services including free oil changes, children’s haircuts, and medical, dental and legal resources. Walgreens will be on hand to offer free blood pressure checks and diabetes screenings. “The Single Parents Fair will benefit single parent homes in the CSRA by providing services free of charge,” says Eben Brusco, pastor at Vinyard Church of Augusta. “It is our hope to serve single parents in the Augusta area well, and to bring light to the fact that single parents need support systems. We want to come along side of them in that journey.” Other partners in the event include the Augusta Partnership for Children, Life Skills for Women, Goodwill Job Connections, Georgia Family Crises Solutions, Right from the Start Medicaid program, Bricks 4 Kidz After School Program and many more.
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Safe Kids Fast Fact Back-to-school means an increased amount of traffic and pedestrians on roads and sidewalks. It is vital for parents to discuss with their children the importance of getting on and off the school bus safely. For instance, while waiting for the bus, stand back at least 10 feet or five giant steps from the curb until the bus has completely stopped. Likewise, teach your child to take five giant steps away from the bus after getting off the bus. Instruct children to never walk next to or behind the bus and children under age 8 should be accompanied (hold hands) by an adult when crossing the road. Information provided by: Safe Kids East Central, led by Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center, Rene Hopkins, RN, Coordinator, 706-721-7606. Read the full article at www.augustafamily.com.
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eating well with kim by Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
Obesity, School Lunch and the Blame Game
O
ur children are in the midst of an obesity epidemic. While this is not news anymore, occasionally a political debate will be broadcast that highlights this issue. Recently, while watching an interview where two people complained about how school lunches were the cause of the current obesity epidemic in children, I became frustrated enough to post about it on Facebook. The interview made me think of “the blame game” and the “broken vase” scenario. You know, when you ask your kids “who broke the vase (or whatever),” and then everyone blames everyone else.
Pointing Fingers Doesn’t Work Basically it does not really matter who is to blame. It is the solution that matters. In the case of the vase, the solution is not to play ball in the house. The solution for the obesity epidemic may not be quite so clear cut. However, blaming each other is futile. Solution-minded thinking is so much more productive. Do you remember the quote, “It takes a village?” This is such a wonderful quote to keep in mind when speaking about shaping the lives, minds and bodies of our children. Parents should teach their children to eat right!. Yet it is not the sole responsibility of parents or the government or the schools. It takes ALL of us. We need government policy to dictate (and fund) healthier school lunches and we need parents to do the same at home and in packed meals. It does no good for parents to emphasize healthy foods to then have their children bombarded at school or other activities with unhealthy foods. Likewise it does no good for schools to provide healthy foods children will not eat because they are used to being fed junk food by their parents.
Better School Lunches Changes in the school lunch menu are already taking place in an effort to address some of the obesity and nutrition concerns for our children. In January, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Sec-
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retary Tom Vilsack revealed new meal requirements. The changes include the following: • Increased fruit and vegetable offerings each day—¾ to 1 cup of vegetables and ½ to 1 cup of fruit per day will be offered. • Increased offerings of whole grains. This school year one-half of the grains offered must be whole grains, with goals of 100 percent whole grains by July 2014. • Proper portion sizes and caloric intake based on age: K-5, 6-8 and grades 9-12 will receive portion sizes and meals of appropriate calorie ranges for their respective ages • Milk offerings will be 1 percent or fat-free (unflavored/flavored) • Additional changes relating to sodium content will be phased in over the next three years. • Lunch will be the focus of the first year. Changes in breakfast will come in the following two years.
Implementing the Changes I spoke with Donna Martin, EdS, RD, LD, SNS, director of the school nutrition program for Burke County Schools, and Dr. Jane Wiggins, RD, LD, director of the school nutrition program for Columbia County, about the new regulations and found that both of the school nutrition programs have already implemented some of these changes as well as other creative techniques to increase nutrients provided to the students. Both menus are already exceeding the recommendation for whole grains with over 50 percent of the grains being whole grain offerings. Sweet potato fries take the place of regular fries many times and they are baked, not fried. In Burke County, Martin is providing increased exposure to fruits and vegetables through a federal fresh fruit and vegetable grant. Last year her students were able to try produce like lychee nuts, tangelos and pomegranates as part of that grant program. This year she is working with local farmers to provide more locally grown fruits and vegetables for her menu.
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Good Nutrition at Home There is clearly a level of commitment to good nutrition already in place in our local school systems. The next question that begs to be asked is, “What can we, as parents, do to help”? Volunteering in the lunch room is one way parents can help out, according to Martin. She suggests that parents can help to cut up fruits and vegetables and help to give out samples of new recipes. She says that giving out samples in a sample cup would greatly increase the number of students who would try a new healthy recipe over the number who would try a new recipe if it were just in a bowl on the lunch line. Dr. Wiggins says that providing a good example at home is a great way to support good nutrition at school in addition to packing a healthy variety of foods when sending in packed lunches. When packing your child’s lunch think food groups. Try to include some form of protein (lean meats, cheese, beans and nuts), whole-grain starch (breads, crackers), milk or yogurt, fruit and vegetables. This month’s delicious recipe for Turkey RollUps includs three of the five food groups. Just add some fruit and milk or yogurt to your child’s lunchbox and you get them all! Here’s a link to the new guidelines: http://www.schoolnutrition.org/uploadedFiles/ School_Nutrition/102_ResourceCenter/MealPattern/TA%20-%20New%20Meal%20Patterns%20 and%20Dietary%20Specifications.pdf?n=4638 For more information about partnering with your schools, check out these resources: • www.thelunchbox.org • www.lunchlessons.org 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
Turkey Roll-Ups Roll-ups are a great sandwich alternative, but they need a little “something special” now and then as well. This one will not disappoint. 4 whole wheat wraps 4 tablespoons light cream cheese 2 teaspoons apricot-peach jam 8 ounces turkey (Boars Head lower sodium is a great option) 1⅓ cup fresh spinach leaves Mix the cream cheese and jam in a small bowl and spread evenly over the tortilla. Evenly layer the spinach and turkey over the tortilla (leaving about one-quarter of the bottom section of the tortilla uncovered). Fold up the uncovered portion of the tortilla over the turkey and spinach then roll the tortilla up starting on one side until completely rolled. Wrap in plastic or foil and refrigerate until ready to eat. Yield: 4 servings Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 200, Fat 3.5g (1.5g saturated), Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 600mg, Carbohydrate 29g, Fiber 5g, Protein 16g, Potassium 81mg, Phosphorus 82mg. Percent Daily Value: 8% Vitamin C, 10% Vitamin A, 10% Iron, 4% Calcium Carbohydrate Choices: 1½ Carbohydrates Diabetes Exchange Value: 1½ Starch, 3 Lean Meats
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Augusta Family | August 2012 • 13
Back To School
Back To School
doctor dad by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
Mid-Life Myth Busters
S
ometimes myths are so much darn fun to spread. Like, “The government is here to help you,” and “Corn dogs are brain food.” There are three common myths that are near and dear to my maturing heart—the myth of the middle aged spread, the myth of the mid-life crisis and the myth of the empty nester. With the aplomb of 53-year-old Zorro, I will slice and dice these untruths and reveal the fallacies behind their unfortunate perpetuation.
Myth 1: The Middle-Age Spread We are a nation of fatties. Recent estimates put 70 percent of us either overweight or obese. Just as our President is fond of making excuses, (trickle down scapegoating), so we as a people have a nasty habit of looking for every reason outside our personal purview to explain our extra tonnage. The most pervasive excuse among baby boomers is the golden rule explaining everything that goes wrong: It must be that I’m getting older. While there is a sliver of truth to this supposition, it is not a written-in- stone, 10 commandments-type dictate. There is no question that your basic metabolic rate, the energy required to keep little things like your heart and kidneys working, decreases slightly as you age, but it is only one of many factors that influences weight gain in the middle years (and the middle belly). Middle aged scientists tell us that the BMR changes one to two percent every year in the average humanoid. In reality, this is a minimal amount and can be countered in two simple ways. One, eat a little less (and better quality) and two, move more. The Einsteinian equation governing weight gain is simply burn off more than you take in, so altering either side of that equation can result in stable weight, or even weight loss if desired. That goes for
kids, teens, middle agers and octogenarians. You are not relegated to portliness in your mid life any more than your daughter is subject to the freshman 15 when she goes off to college. Prevent weight gain in your mature years by walking, running, kickboxing, aerobic gardening (don’t ask, use your imagination), golf (no carts and carrying your bag), tennis, dodge ball, swimming, jumping to conclusions (only if you get your heart rate up for 45 minutes), mud wrestling (with a close friend, preferably of the opposite sex), or biking. The answer is to simply move more in midlife.
Myth 2: The Mid-Life Crisis Myth number two is the quintessential rite of Spring (for leisure-suit wearing guys in particular)— that of the midlife crisis. This has become a selfperpetuating lame excuse for sports car purchases, dating “20-somethings” and wearing dad jeans (and thinking they look good). This fallacy has long been associated predominately with males, and I suspect, was created by males to give cover such childish and bad behavior. The origins of this societal farce stems from a small study of a select few World War II vets who found themselves confused and disillusioned at midlife. These were men who were thrust into harrowing wartime situations, often marrying in a rush before being shipped overseas, essentially robbed of their youth, reentered society, did their nine-to-five, built their pension and then turned around and saw they were 50 and were confused by it all. They rebelled against their trepidation by practicing “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.” The reality is that this was a very specific small segment of the population and the psychiatrist who did the study coined the term “mid-life crisis” to describe what he observed in these few men who cracked up. Subsequently, much broader and much
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better-executed studies revealed that the vast majority of mid-packers adjust perfectly well to the stresses and strains of this time and are better equipped emotionally to do so. Today we understand that someone in a so called “mid-life crisis” is almost always dealing with other issues that have nothing to do with age or existential angst.
Myth 3: The Empty Nest Syndrome In 1966 a study was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry involving 16 institutionalized women. These women were all hospitalized for severe depression and, in an attempt to find a common denominator to their illness, the author of the paper concluded that several of the women had, over the past few years, experienced their children leave the home setting. This was a logical error of mistaking cause and association. There might be an association between little Johnny flying the coop, but there was no evidence of this as a cause of mom’s breakdown. A newspaper article in 1972 quoted Pat Nixon, the first lady at the time, as saying she was handling the “empty nest syndrome well” with her two daughters married and out of the big house, and thus the concept was cemented in the gestalt of the general public as being something that was real. Leave it to that nasty myth busting real science to come in and explode this fallacy as multiple studies over many years have shown consistently that the vast majority of mid-lifers handle this transition well and blossom personally and socially during this time. Embrace mid life with zest and pass me the Bocci Ball schedule. Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have twoteenage daughters.
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healthyfamily }
by Cammie Jones
The Battle of the Bug Winning the War Against Head Lice
I
t reminds me of little creepy crawlers that invade in the night. The majority of my friends’ children have had it. It comes in waves and it is like an epidemic that hits a school or group of friends or entire families. The Jones’ girls have not had it yet and I say “yet” because I am sure as I sit down to write this article it will soon invade my home. It’s that nasty word that is sometimes whispered in public—the dreaded head lice. What is it? Can you prevent it? How do you treat it? “Head lice (pediculosis capitas) are small parasitic insects that live on the scalp and hair and survive by removing small amounts of blood from the scalp,” says Kelly Hitchcock, RN, school nurse for Westminster Schools of Augusta. The most common symptom includes itching, which is mainly caused by the allergic reaction to the saliva of the louse.
Pharmaceutical and Natural Treatments There are many treatment options out there for head lice, including over-the-counter products, pre-
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scription products from your doctor and natural and herbal therapies. Although the FDA does not yet approve many of the natural and herbal remedies, they work quite well. In fact, Hitchcock says she believes many of the lice she has found recently are developing some resistance to the over-the-counter products. Mary Anne Franklin, mother of three children, ages 11, 9, and 5, recently had a lice experience. When she called her pediatrician, he recommended Googling the “New York Times Cetaphil lice treatment.” “The article explains that this is just as effective as the over-the-counter treatments, and it allows you to treat without using pesticides,” she says. Basically you put Cetaphil cleanser all over the hair, blow it dry, put a shower cap over the head and sleep the with hair treated and covered. The next morning, you wash the hair and pick out any nits. Continue to look for and pick out nits for a couple of days after treatment. Whichever treatment a parent chooses to use, Hitchcock recommends to continue to “nit pick” with a fine-tooth comb to remove all the nits from the hair. “This takes much time and patience, and it needs to be done every day until the nits are not found,” she adds. Robin Barfield, mother of three boys,
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successfully used the Cetaphil treatment but before that washed the boys’ hair with Rosemary Mint shampoo. “The lice hate the odor and a lot of them came out after that,” she says. She then washed their hair with Palmolive dish soap, which helped the lice to “slide out.” Next, she used the Nix over-thecounter treatment but still saw some bugs in one of the boy’s hair. The Cetaphil treatment, combined with literally picking the nits out of the hair, did the trick. After about seven days, Barfield treated again with Nix and then used a tree oil shampoo for a week to further prevent infestation. A handbook called “Live Lice Free” by Susan Thomas suggests the following remedy to remove lice. The ingredients are all natural and most products are available at a health food store.
{ healthyfamily Live Lice Free Natural Treatment for Head Lice 10 drops tea tree oil 15 drops anise seed oil 3 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons neem oil or coconut oil (Can also use lavender) Mix together, pour over the head and rub into hair. Cover with shower cap and leave on for one and a half hours to overnight. Comb through hair with a brush and then with a lice comb. Separate out sections of the hair and search for eggs and any lice. Wash as normal. Repeat every day if/when you see lice. Definitely repeat in 10 days. Rinsing hair with Listerine also helps. As for all the stuff your children have slept on or touched two days before infestation, there are a few things you can do. Either wash all pillowcases, comforters, stuffed animals, etc., in hot water or store them in plastic bags for two weeks. This will kill any lice that may still be alive. Vacuum the floors and furniture. Soak combs and brushes for one hour in a solution of Lysol and rubbing alcohol or wash with soap and warm water. Once washed, place the items in a bag and put in the freezer for two days, according to the Web-site MedicineNet.com.
Preventive Measures “Head lice cannot necessarily be prevented but there are some ways to deter them,” says Hitchcock. Recommend that your child not borrow or use other people’s brushes, hair clips, combs, pillows, hats and helmets. Also, lice do not like hair products so it would help to put a hair product on your child’s hair during an outbreak. “I have also been told that mixing gold Listerine with water (half and half) and putting it in a spray bottle to apply to the child’s hair in the morning before going to school may help,” she says. Franklin’s advice for parents is to just relax and follow the treatment plan you choose to try and you should be lice free in a couple of days. “There are much bigger problems,” she says. Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Common Myths About Head Lice There are many myths associated with head lice that parents need to be aware of. Here are a few: 1. Having lice is a sign of poor hygiene. Actually, lice prefer clean hair. It spreads through close contact or sharing brushes, combs, etc. 2. Lice can fly or jump. Lice can only crawl at a rate of 12 inches per minute. 3. Pets can host lice. Lice can only feed on human blood. 4. Lice cannot survive away from the human body. Lice can actually live for 48 hours away from the human scalp. Their eggs can survive for 10 days.
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Augusta Family | August 2012 • 19
homefront }
by Monica Dutcher
Budgeting Blues How To Make the Most of Your Paycheck
J
ust when you thought you couldn’t pull the corset on your budget any tighter, gas prices spike, stocks dip and real estate softens. Oh, and did your boss mention—no raises this year? Again. The mathematics of this tough economy is simple: There’s more going out than there is coming in. How to navigate the rocky financial terrain that we’re presented, however, is not always quite as black and white. According to the 2011 American Payroll Association (APA) national online survey entitled “Getting Paid in America,” 70 percent of America’s workers would experience financial difficulties if their paychecks were delayed for just one week, indicating that many workers are living paycheck to paycheck (www.nationalpayrollweek.com). By making a few adjustments, employees can maximize income through strategic management of their paychecks and other tricks of the savings trade.
when they receive a cash surprise—phew! Just in time for spring break. Don’t be so swayed by this “gift” from the government, though. When you owe money, it’s like letting the IRS hold your money for a year on an interest-free loan. And, if you get money back, you’ve withheld too much and therefore lost the interest that you could’ve made on additional take-home pay. So, owe nothing and receive nothing by adding or removing exemptions from your W-4. (Remember that adding exemptions increases take-home pay and subtracting exemptions increases withholdings and decreases take-home pay. Neither is “right” or “wrong;” rather, the W-4 must be completed accurately depending on your tax situation).
To Withhold or Not To Withhold?
Check with your company to see if you are allowed to make pre-tax contributions through salary deferral into your 401k. Since these contributions are executed on a pre-tax basis, you will not pay any current income tax on the money that is deferred into the plan. Furthermore, the money that is saved can earn interest and continue to grow tax-free. You will only be taxed on the money when it is withdrawn from the plan as ordinary income. “We generally do not save enough for retirement. With larger companies doing away with pensions, there is more and more responsibility on the employee to save,” says Sinclair.
Rhett Sinclair, certified financial planner with Creative Financial Strategies in Aiken, emphasizes that it’s important to first and foremost be aware of how you are filing your annual income tax return, even if you have worked in the same job for a while. “Adjust your withholdings. Ask yourself, ‘Have I historically gotten a refund or do I have to pay taxes?’ Ideally, you want to not owe anything and not get a refund. It’s a play between your withholdings and tax liability,” he says. Unfortunately, he adds, a lot of people actually budget for that refund in April or are excited
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Don’t Flex Your Spending Muscle…Do Set Up a Flex Spending Account Many employers offer a flexible spending account (sometimes referred to as cafeteria plans) into which employees can make pre-tax contributions toward childcare and out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Often, some of your insurance premium costs can even be pre-tax. Any expense that is considered a deductible medical expense and is not reimbursed through insurance can be reimbursed through the flex spending account (www.financialplan.about.com). “What are your co-pays? How frequently do you get sick? Figure your monthly cost and have that taken out of your check pretax for your flex spending account,” says Sinclair.
Be Direct Remember Retirement
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According to www.nationalpayrollweek.com, “direct deposit is an easier way to manage your paycheck deductions and to continue saving for a rainy day.” Direct deposit ensures that a portion of your paycheck is automatically added to savings. With many Americans saving less than five percent of their annual income, direct deposit can be an easy and powerful financial strategy. Research shows that those who allot money for both their checking and savings accounts are more likely to live within their budget.
Keep An Eye on Your Grocery Cart It seems every financial plan out there includes a
{ homefront ban on restaurants. But eating in can pose challenges too, especially when the cost of living seems to only know how to go in one direction—up. Kiplinger.com suggests exposing and reigning in your supermarket splurges by using a free online budgeting site, such as Mint.com or Buxfer.com. While foregoing specialty and gourmet markets, compare prices among chain or warehouse-type grocers and bring your coupons, which you can find online (at CouponMom.com, Coupons.com and CouponCabin.com). You can also tally up your savings at ShoppingNanny.com, which states that if you spend more than $90 a week at the grocery store, you’ll save $40 a month or your next month’s membership of $5.95 is free.
always free. If you really don’t watch many of the cable channels you are currently paying for, consider a vintage look for your HD flat screen and pull out the rabbit ears. You’ll also be surprised to find out just how much of your favorite programming and movies are available on the Internet, through lowcost sites like Netflix and Hulu. If, however, you’re not ready to part with cable or satellite, switch your TV package—now is a good time, since competition among providers is fierce. Kiplinger.com recommends the TV tool at BillShrink.com, where you enter information such as your address, your must-have shows and channels and the TV equipment you own.
Dust Off the Rabbit Ears
Five Other Tips To Jump Start Your Savings
In these tight times, “free” is a golden word. You may have seen the commercials reminding viewers that local channels tuned in from the airwaves are
1. Clean your car’s air filter. A clean air filter can improve your gas mileage by up to seven percent. 2. Pump up your tires. For every two psi that all
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of your tires are below the recommended level, you lose one percent on your gas mileage. Most car tires are five to 10 psi below the normal level. Inflate your tires to improve gas mileage by up to five percent. 3. Peruse your community calendar. You don’t have to spend money to have fun. There are tons of free events, many listed right here in Augusta Family Magazine, going on in the CSRA. 4. Remove credit card numbers from your online accounts. It’s easy to spend online when your card information is stored in an account. If you delete your card from the account, you’ll be forced to spend the time to get your card and think about why you’re spending this money. 5. Cancel unused club memberships. Are you paying dues for a gym or country club membership that you never use? Providing there are no astronomical cancellation fees, bow out of membership status. Monica Dutcher is an Aiken freelance writer and editor who love to read.
Augusta Family | August 2012 • 21
Summer Fall Fashion
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Our Annual Guide To Clothes, Shoes and Accessories for Children and Teens Children and teens throughout the CSRA will head back to school this month, so we headed to the Columbia County Library to share a look at the trending fashions for fall. Classic looks abound, including the return of Mary Jane-style shoes for girls, and sporty still reins supreme in fashion for boys. By Karin Calloway • Photography By Chris Thelen and Miles Anderson
STYLISH SHOES Some little girls were born fashionistas! These suede and fur Brinley ankle boots are just right for the girl who was born to steal the fashion spotlight.
Your little girl will have the cutest sneakers on the block with these oh-so-charming Hello Kitty Charmmy Mary Jane sneakers by Keds.
These handsome Charter boat shoe by Sperry Top-Sider are perfect for letting out some energy at the park. Caroline Rodwell, 4, is cute and comfortable in this versatile print two-piece outfit by Bailey Boys. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Caroline is the daughter of Chris and Ashley Rodwell of Evans.
Canvas and suede pair in these Tyson boy’s shoes by Stride Rite. The combination of pebble, tone and moab colors will look great on the playground. Shoes provided by Little Feet.
23 • Augusta Family | August 2012
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Augusta Family | Month • 23
Presley Neal, 1, is pretty and perky in this two-piece combo by Lolly Wolly Doodle and Kids Express shoes. Clothing provided by Kid to Kid. Presley is the daughter of Derek and April Neal of Augusta.
Brand-E-Land plaid Bermuda shorts, coordinating t-shirt and vest are perfect for back-toschool for Walker Phillips, 7. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Backpack provided by Communigraphics. Walker is the son of Doug and Shelli Phillips of Martinez.
Dalton Neal, 8, looks comfortable and casual in a Polo shirt, Gap jeans and Dockers shoes. Clothing provided by Kid to Kid. Dalton is the son of Derek and April Neal of Augusta.
24 • Augusta Family | Month
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Augusta Family | August 2012 • 24
{ healthyfamily
Marshall Knox, 17, hits the books in a Nike Golf polo, A & F jeans and Nike shoes. Clothes provided by Uptown Cheapskate. Marshall is the son of John and Michelle Knox of Evans.
Dakota Neal, 6, enjoys an eclectic fashion style in this plaid shirt from Abercrombie, Children’s Place skirt and Lucas clogs. Clothing provided by Kid to Kid.
Caiti Manning, 21, heads into fall with Joe Jeans, an Uptown cami and Velvet cardigan. Clothes provided by Uptown Cheapskate. Caiti is the daughter of Debbie and Jay Bower and Lee and Betty-Ann Manning, all of Augusta.
Dakota is the daughter of Derek and April Neal of Augusta.
ACCESSORIES One of the highlights of the back-to-school season for most kids is picking out new backpacks and lunch boxes. These whimsical items by Stephen Joseph top the wish list for children of all ages. Accessories provided by Communigraphics.
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Augusta Family | Month • 25
Fren A
n interview in the April/May issue of Garden & Gun magazine, actress Sissy Spacek is quoted as saying, “We all face adversity. But it’s not so much what happens to you in life, but how you respond to what happens.” I completely agree and I try to live that out. But when the adversity befalls one of my children at the hands of a so-called friend, I’m quick to want to shield her from it. Last school year, however, nearly cured me of that inclination. Every afternoon, as soon as I picked up carpool, I found myself in the throes of 5th-grade girl crises. If there was ever anyone contrary to a peaceable kingdom, it’s a fifth-grade girl, who possesses the unique constitution required to passionately adore a friend day one, despise her day two and pledge friends forever day three—without ever worrying about the wild ride on which she’s taking her trembling mother.
Predicting Friction in Friendships As social beings, wired to connect with other people, children naturally seek out friends. “Developmentally, children only need a few friendships to be emotionally satisfied,” says Brenda Nixon, author of The Birth to Five Book and host of the online radio show, “The Parents’ Plate,” on www.toginet.com. Still, while some kids prefer to have one or two close confidants, others collect multiple friends.
26 • Augusta Family | August 2012
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mies
Love-Hate, Hot-Cold Pinkie-Promise Best-Frenemies Until We Both Grow Old
By Lucy Adams • Illustration By Miles Anderson
Personality and temperament are pretty good predictors of how a child’s friendships will play out. For example, children who favor quantity of friends typically also have the most frienemy friction. An even-keeled child whose emotions don’t swing widely from high to low, generally suffers little drama or conflict with friends, notes Nixon. Not to imply that the on-again-off-again friendship will never occur for this type of child, only that it is infrequent. Children who exhibit what John Duffy, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and author of The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens, calls emotional lability are prone to gravitate toward relationships with bouts of turmoil, crisis and strain. In addition, they may exaggerate frienemy tensions to a greater degree. These hot-cold, I-like-you-I-hate-you friendships can begin as early as 4 and 5 years old. “Keep in mind,” says Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and co-author of Smart Parenting for Smart Kids, “especially with younger children, they tend to be impulsive and their empathy is not developed.” Between the ages of 7-12, a lot of emphasis is placed on inclusion and exclusion, which many parents will recognize as a common source of daily controversy during the elementary years. Dr. Duffy observes that social media ramps up the middle-grades friendship drama, but also that by high school it significantly subsides.
Keep Those Emotions in Check The daily grind of hearing the latest friend clash can prove gut-wrenching for parents. Reported hurts stab deeper into Mom’s and Dad’s hearts than into their 5th-grader’s, triggering the instinct to pounce and protect. Nixon warns parents against “reacting” emotionally to their child’s description of the strife or disagreement. She says, “It can fuel the child and
fuel her stories to get a little bit more grandiose.We cannot be on an emotional roller-coaster with everything our children go through.” Though the initial reflex might be to march to the teacher or to call the parents of the offending child or to address the child directly, this avenue of remediation is not the wisest route. Sometimes whatever occurred between the children is not as big of a deal as parents make it out to be and the parental feedback or attempt at resolution is out of proportion to the actual event. Such over-reaction can have the unintended consequence of not only creating ill-feelings between parents, but it may also cause a child to hesitate to share openly with the parent in the future. Your kids need to know “they can come talk to you at any time and feel that you won’t overreact or embarrass them,” says Eve Pearson, an Augusta-based licensed clinical social worker. Dealing with a parent’s emotional reaction compounds the stresses of handling discord in a friendship. Besides, whatever two kids were at odds about on Wednesday is usually forgiven by Thursday. They’re best friends again while the parent still seethes. “It’s so important for parents to keep in mind that children’s emotions change very quickly,” says Dr. KennedyMoore. “Don’t over-interpret a lull in a friendship.” Furthermore, when parents interfere in children’s minor disputes (ones not accompanied by physical harm or serious emotional damage), they shortstop accomplishment of a developmental goal. “These friendships help kids develop tools to manage conflict inherent in most close relationships they’re going to experience for the rest of their lives,” says Dr. Duffy.
Best Frenemies Forever In the hidden world inside kids’ heads, they have their reasons for maintaining frienemy alliances. Children may stick with a conflict-ridden friendship
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because it has the side benefit of providing social status. With that also comes the fear that the social structure of their peer group is fragile and that if they break off the problematic friendship, loss of other friends will follow. They may erroneously believe that there are no other options and that a mean friend is better than no friend at all. Finally, and very simply, the fun and good times in the tumultuous friendship may outstrip the phases of antagonism and anger.
Become Your Child’s Guide to the Universe Rather than knee-jerk react to every up-anddown, just respond. “A response is thought out and planned,” explains Nixon. The first step in responding is listening. “Children vent and that’s a good thing,” says Pearson. They want to tell their side of the story and to be heard without judgment. Supply appropriate empathy and affirmation to validate their frustrations, but keep a cap on your own strong emotions. Next, ask questions. Find out the who, what, when and where. Stick to open-ended queries that require more than a yes or no answer. Once the facts are established, begin probing about the characteristics your child thinks a good friend should have and which friends’ behaviors demonstrate those characteristics. Ask quite frankly how much he or she wants you to get involved, if at all. Find out what your child’s plan is for handling the situation. Help your child think through the various consequences he or she might realistically expect. It is not your job to fix, direct or lecture. “Do not take it out of the child’s hands,” says Nixon. Provide guidance and support for his or her own brand of problem-solving. Model healthy relationships in your own interactions. Children watch how we treat other people and how we let them treat us. If your spouse calls you names and you behave rudely to the grocery
Augusta Family | August 2012 • 27
FRENEmies store cashier and you voice complaints about helping a neighbor, your children learn to expect hostility, selfishness and criticism in their relationships with other people. Try limiting the amount of time your child spends with a frienemy. At the same time, broaden your child’s options by getting him or her involved with other groups. If having the frienemy over for the day, shift the dynamics by allowing your child to ask a few additional friends to join in. Supervise without intruding. And give your child permission to withdraw from conversations or activities that are escalating into opposition.
Tolerate Some Teasing Avoid the rally-cry, “That kid’s a bully!” Mis-
28 • Augusta Family | August 2012
A blurred friendship; a friend and a rival or enemy. Example: My classmates made me look bad—they are being such frenemies to me today. Source: www.urbandictionary.com
behavior, many times, is just what Dr. KennedyMoore calls “ordinary meanness,” and it’s a normal part of growing up. Kids need to learn to cope with that kind of stuff. “When our kids go out into the big, wide world, not everyone is going to be nice to them,” she says. And not all teasing is bad. Between friends, it may contain undertones of affection that parents don’t detect. Teasing can create humor and build intimacy. “Parents don’t need to be so vigilant about bullying that they take camaraderie away from children,” Nixon says. “The wisdom comes with parents determining when it’s moving beyond minor and becoming something emotionally toxic.” (Not clear on the distinction between normal teasing and bullying? Go here: http://www.parentfurther.com/highrisk-behaviors/bullying/definition)
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Difficult as it may be for parents to bear witness to, frenemies teach the hard lesson that “not every friend is going to be a soul mate,” points out Dr. Kennedy-Moore. Nixon concurs, saying, “It’s not realistic that we’re going to get along with everybody.” We parents must release the desire to squelch animosity that arises between our children and their peers. “Some things need patience, not a fix,” Nixon says. And if patience runs short, take heart. High conflict friendships, experts agree, seldom last, even if there was a pinkie-promise to be best frenemies forever. Lucy Adams is the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson, Ga., with her husband and their four children.
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Augusta Family | August 2012 • 29
timeout }
by Karin Calloway
She Said What?!? Understanding and Solving Problems With Backtalk and Cursing
S
he was the picture of innocence. An angelic blue-eyed blonde with a big bow in her hair. That was until she met up with a noncompliant computer during her kindergarten’s computer lab. “Oh, $#&@!” she blurted out. The para-professional who was monitoring the computer lab was so taken by surprise that she had to turn her back to disguise the laughter she couldn’t suppress. But cursing in the classroom is a serious matter and, hence, I received my first-ever call from the principal’s office.
“She said WHAT?!” I replied. Where on earth had she heard that word? Definitely not from me…it must have been her father... We took the matter seriously, had a long discussion about appropriate and inappropriate words and issued two punishments. First, there would be no television or computer games for one week. Second, she had to write a letter of apology to her teacher and para-pro along with writing “I will not say bad words” 20 times.
What’s a Parent To Do? If parents “don’t correct this the first time it happens, then you have 6-year-olds humiliating their mom at a grocery store, 4-year-olds ignoring their father’s pleadings and 15-year-old girls refusing to talk to their mom,” says Harry H. Harrison, Jr., author of Father to Son, Life Lessons on Raising a Boy, Father to Daughter, Life Lessons on Raising a Girl and a seven-book “1001” series. “The most important thing to remember is to nip backtalk or cursing in the bud immediately, the first time.”
30 • Augusta Family | August 2012
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Harrison suggests parents make their displeasure at the behavior exceedingly clear. “Slam your fist on the table and say in a stern voice, ‘You will never talk to me this way again. Ever! Do you understand me?’” Laura A. Gray, an attorney and founder of Socratic Parenting LLC (www.SocraticParenting.com) says that the best discipline a parent can employ is self-discipline. “We discipline ourselves and disciple our children. It is never appropriate to slap, strike, spank or wash a child’s mouth out with soap for talking back or swearing,” she says. “Instead, parents need to remain calm and encourage clear, appropriate communication.” Gray suggests the following parental response: “I feel very disrespected by the way you just talked to me/the words you just said. You must be feeling very angry/hurt/disappointed. What can I do to help?” Ali Iorio, M.Ed., president of Champion Parenting, Inc. (www.championparentingpower.com), recommends the following approach to bad language or backtalking: 1. Make sure to have established rules in the home that everyone is to follow. (Example: No bad language will be used.) 2. If bad language or backtalk is used, then consequences will be issued. 3. First time, a warning, followed by removal of the most important activity the child enjoys. Iorio says that the entire family must obey and participate in the family rules for them to be effective.
Why They Do It There are several reasons why children curse or talk back, according to Jennie Aguirre, a teacher and certified life coach. “Children are wonderful observers and horrible interpreters, meaning a child may be
{ timeout exposed to this kind of language in their home and, if this has been modeled, it is possible that a young child may not understand the social implications of using profanity at school.” Behavior has two functions, she says, to avoid something or to gain something. “So context is key when trying to understand why the child chose to say what they did, when they did.” She suggests that parents seek to establish the context and then have a conversation with the child about the use of words that are appropriate and inappropriate. “Backtalk and bad language are two things most children will try out,” says Iorio. “Why? They are either hanging out with children who are doing it or they hear it from you, the parent, or older children.” Judy Gruen, a mother of four and author of four books and a tip sheet entitled 13 Ways To Keep Young Kids From Swearing (downloadable at http:// www.judygruen.com/index.pho/tipsheets/), says parents should consider whether the cursing or backtalk is a cry for attention. If that turns out to be the case, she suggests parents make an effort to give kids positive attention so they won’t resort to getting it in a negative way.
What Behavior Are You Modeling? Just like my first inclination to blame my husband for our daughter’s use of an expletive at school, parents need to consider whether they are a contributing factor. “Kids model the behavior they see and repeat the language they hear,” says Gruen. If parents are speaking this way and have foul-mouthed TV shows, movies or music as part of the backdrop of the family atmosphere, they can’t expect their young kids not to mimic it. “Our society has become so used to profanity that suddenly, parents seem surprised when they hear it popping from the mouths of babes,” she say. She believes the answer is for parents to be more careful and sensitive with how they talk and what media influences they allow in the home. “My husband and I sometimes swear like drunken sailors with each other and our friends,” says Gray, “but we choose not to use profanity in front of our 10-yearold daughter or in front of my own parents, for that matter.” Gray recalls a time when her then 5-year-old daughter heard a friend say that another person was “so damn dumb.” The daughter was horrified that he’d used the “d” word, but not the one you’d think. The use of “dumb” is what bothered her daughter. “The other four-letter ‘d’ word didn’t even register with her.”
She suggests parents forget the old “do as I say, not as I do” approach and model the kind of respectful communication they desire, not only with their children, but with their partner and other adults. Karin Calloway is the editor of Augusta Family Magazine and a mother of two college students.
Strategies Worth Considering Jennie Aguirre suggests the following steps to get to the bottom of the intention behind your child’s inappropriate use of words. • Start with the feeling that motivated the profanity. Ask what they were feeling before they used the expletive. Feelings drive behavior. In order to understand what the action is (what is observable), you need to get at what is behind the behavior. • Next explore the thoughts that created the feeling. Every feeling has a thought behind it. So if the child told you his feeling was anger, a good question might be, “What were you thinking that made you feel angry?” • Ask more questions. Explore why they decided to use those words. You can have this conversation with a 4-year-old or 15-yearold. Ask, “What is it about ‘those words?’” Ask them what other words they could choose next time. • Help the child develop a strategy for the behavior. In most cases, profanity is a result of angry feelings and anger is just the mask we wear when we are actually sad, embarrassed, hurt or scared. Develop a plan for the next time they are thinking “X,” feeling “Y” and saying “Z.” Suggest alternatives such as walking away, counting to 10, asking for time out or writing in a journal.
August 2012 Fall Fashion for Kids and Teens Dealing with “Frenemies” Better Budgeting Handling Backtalk and Cursing
Family AUGUSTA
m a g a z i n e
Back to the
Books Dakota Neal, 6, is the daughter of Derek and April Neal of Augusta.
• Finally, whenever we say anything, it is our intention to be heard. The same goes for our children so, as unpleasant as this reality may be, allow them the space to explain why they used these words. In turn, choose words that convey safety, support and understanding when having this conversation.
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Augusta Family | August 2012 • 31
inspirationstation}
by Danielle Wong Moores
Autism Expert
PhotoS by danielle wong moores
Augusta Psychologist Has a Heart for Autistic Children
Dr. Stephanie Northington helps schools and families adapt their environments to better educate children on the autistic spectrum. Here, she works with Kylee Hunter of Augusta.
W
hen she was in college, Stephanie Northington, planned to be an engineer. But all that changed when she took a psychology course during the second semester of her freshman year. “I fell in love with it,” said Dr. Northington. It made sense. “I was the person all my friends came to for advice. And I was really good at keeping secrets,” added Dr. Northington with a laugh. “So I changed my major.” The world may have lost a great engineer, but over the past decade, Dr. Northington has put her problem-solving skills to work in helping children with autism and their families. As a pediatric clinical psychologist at Walton Behavioral Medicine, she can diagnose and treat a variety of learning and neurobehavioral disorders, but autism is a disorder that she has always made sure was part of her practice.
32 • Augusta Family | August 2012
“It’s not for everyone,” says Dr. Northington. “Not everyone wants to work with kids on the spectrum or who are low-functioning or who have disruptive behaviors. But when you see them be successful, it makes the hard days a little bit easier to get through…and when it goes right, it’s so rewarding.”
Hands-On Help for Autism What makes Dr. Northington’s practice unique is her focus on hands-on training at home and in the school setting, to help parents and teachers who may be struggling with how to best educate a child with autism and meet his or her specific needs. “I look at real world applications…and I figure out what works practically and what doesn’t work,” says Dr. Northington. “If a child is struggling in school, I’m not going to
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see it in the office. In order to get the most benefit, I would go into the school and see what’s going on.” It’s a way of practicing that Dr. Northington has adopted throughout her career, starting during her training in psychology (both her masters and Ph.D.) at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Having grown up in the CSRA (she’s a graduate of Aiken High School), Dr. Northington returned to the Augusta area to help children with autism after her sister-in-law and sister, both local teachers, expressed a need in this area. “Teachers are taught really well how to handle a classroom and construct a syllabus, but more and more, they are being exposed to kids who have behavioral problems and learning difficulties,” says Dr. Northington. “And sometimes they do struggle because they don’t have all the tools they need to be
{ inspirationstation successful. School psychology has helped some, but school districts have limitations. That’s just the reality…and that’s where an outside evaluator, a consultant, can help as well.”
General Tips for Teachers (and Parents) As a consultant working with parents and teachers, Dr. Northington observes the classroom setting, noting how the classroom is structured, how many children there are per teacher and if there is assistance in the form of aides or volunteers. She then makes realistic recommendations and provides help to put recommendations in place, as much as she can. Some of the basic guidelines she starts out with can help not just the child with autism but any child. “It’s about meeting kids and their unique needs, without adding more stress,” says Dr. Northington. Her list of good, basic behavioral principles for the classroom include: • Post rules clearly. This ensures that everyone knows what the basic rules are. • Praise. When you catch kids being good (and even kids who misbehave are good at some point!), comment on it. It labels and reinforces what is the expected behavior. • Point out. If kids then misbehave, remind them of what they were doing well and what they can do next time. • Structure. Create structure as much as possible. • Take a break. Create a “break” area in the classroom where children can go quietly if they need to get up and stretch. Alternatley, establish regular break times where kids can stand up or do a silly dance at their desks. Some kids act out when they are uncomfortable after sitting for long periods.
Teachers, Learn About Autism Dr. Northington also encourages teachers to learn as much as possible about the signs and symptoms of autism, so they can know what kinds of behavior to expect. “You don’t want a child getting in trouble for a behavior related to their disorder,” she says. Some of these behaviors can include poor social interaction with peers, acting out, which can involve both aggressive and antisocial behavior, and repetitive behaviors, like humming or rocking. Teachers who understand these behaviors can help prevent or redirect them. For example, a child with autism may
need help during group tasks, or a teacher might offer a child who is humming a piece of gum, providing a repetitive behavior that isn’t so distracting to the rest of the class. While every child is different, and it is important to individualize recommendations, according to Dr. Northington, there are also some specific things that teachers can do to help children with autism learn and socialize in school. • Keep lessons short. Because children with autism are easily distracted and overstimulated, make sure verbal and written instructions match and are brief. If appropriate, offer visual support to help underscore the verbal instructions. • Modify assignments. But keep them related to the rest of the class. For example, if the lesson calls for 20 math problems on a single page, provide the child with autism the same set of problems but only five to a page. This keeps the child from being overstimulated by too much information. As the child completes each page, award the child with a sticker. • Utilize aides and other support. If available, the role of aides and parent volunteers is very important in schools to help provide individual support during learning and to reinforce correct behaviors. • Prompt and practice. Children with autism don’t pick up on social cues as easily and can get frustrated when they don’t know what to do in a social situation. While it’s important for teachers, aides or volunteers not to hover (and thus prevent interaction with peers), a good compromise is to observe and provide gentle prompts if a child with autism seems to be struggling with interacting with another student. Then, step back. Teachers and aides (and parents too) can also help practice social skills with children ahead of time. “It’s about being able to provide a safety net for them, for learning skills then practicing them with someone there to help them as needed,” says Dr. Northington. Most of all, be flexible, be open, be compassionate and don’t take it personally when children with autism act out. “Because the minute they smile at you or start talking to you—I’ve had kids turn and say ‘I love you’ or ‘Stephanie, when are you coming back?’—when you see that spark of recognition, that interaction, it makes it so worth it.” Danielle Wong Moores is an Augusta freelance writer.
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Augusta Family | August 2012 • 33
August 2012
Special Events Through September 9. Moneyville. Money isn’t just about dollars and cents. Learn about money and how it works and explore the history, science, math and economics behind money in this interactive traveling exhibition. EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columbia. www.edventure.org. Through October 6. Blooming Butterflies. A living exhibit that lets you explore the world of these fascinating insects. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columbia. www.edventure.org. August 4, 11, 18, 25. Saturday Market on the River. Rise and shine to get the best from local growers and artists at this family-friendly event every Saturday. Select from bountiful vegetables, fruits, bread, plants, handmade items and more. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 8th Street downtown. www.theaugustamarket.com. August 4, 11, 18, 25. DuPont Planetarium Shows. Follow the Drinking Gourd. Learn how slaves used astronomy and song to escape the bondage of slav-
34 • Augusta Family | August 2012
ery. 8 p.m. Digistar Virtual Journey, Take a wild ride with unique laser graphics while enjoying soothing music and a visual parade of shapes. 9 p.m. For information or reservations call 803-641-3769. August 9 & 10. Back to School Luau. Hickory Knob State Resort Park. 864-391-5380 or www.hickoryknobresort.com. August 11. 6th Annual Paddlefest. This USA Canoe/Kayak event benefits the Savannah Riverkeeper, Inc. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. www.paddlefestga.com. August 11. Southeastern Toy Soldier Show. See, buy or trade toy soldiers or other military miniatures from various periods of history and enjoy special museum programs presented during the day. More than 30 exhibitors from across the South will display their collections. Living history reenactments on the museum’s front grounds. South Carolina State Museum, Columbia. 803-898-4952. August 11. The Cornhole Challenge. A brand new fundraiser for the Augusta Training Shop. Also
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known as bean bag toss, baggo or bags, this is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. A corn bag in the hole scores three points, while one on the platform scores one point. James Brown Arena Exhibit Hall. www.augustatrainingshop.com/cornhole. August 18. Single Parents Fair. Hosted by Vinyard Church of Augusta to serve and empower single parents in the CSRA. See complete information in News and Notes on page 10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact Pastor Eben Brusco at eben@vinyardaugusta. org or call 614-596-7590. August 25. Aiken Arts Alive! A day of fun with live entertainment, including singers and cloggers, artists’ demonstrations and more. Free activities for children including crafts and face painting. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aiken Center for the Arts. 803-641-9094. www. aikencenterforthearts.com. August 25. Outdoor Movie Night. Reed Creek Park. 7 p.m. www.visitcocoga.com.
calendar
Paddling Parade
}
The 6th Annual Paddlefest on August 11 will fill the Savannah River with paddle enthusiasts from all over the Southeast in canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards and homemade rafts. Watch the paddlers come in and enjoy delicious food and a local array of outdoor vendors at the festival following the races. Paddlefest is free to spectators and brings people out on the Savannah River to raise awareness about its conservation, recreational use and heritage. All proceeds benefit Savannah Riverkeeper, Inc. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Go to www.paddlefestga.com for information and registration.
Museum and Science Events Augusta Museum of History 560 Reynolds St., 706-722-8454. www.augustamuseum.org. Regular hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. August 1-31. Blast From the Past. Featured artifacts from 1940-1990 represent how displays appeared years ago.
American teen pop quartet will embark on their biggest headlining U.S tour. 7 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www. augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
conjunction with the South Carolina Watermedia Society. Aiken Center for the Arts. 803-641-9094. www.aikencenterforthearts.org.
August 2-4. Almost, Maine. On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. By John Cariani. www.fortgordon.com/theatre.php.
August 4-September 29. Social ARTiFacts: A World Vision through Art. Socially relevant art featuring visual and performance arts from around the country. Opening reception featuring performances, Aug. 4, 6-9 p.m. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. 706-724-3576
The Arts, Music and More Hopelands Gardens Summer Concerts 1700 Whiskey Rd. Downtown Aiken 803-642-7630 August 6. Veronika Jackson. 7 p.m. August 13. Ft. Gordon The Semifours Trombone. 7 p.m. August 20. Ken Gabriel. 7 p.m. August 27. Aiken Concert Band. 6:30 p.m. August 2. Mindless Behavior: The #1 Girl Tour. The
August 3, 10, 17. Columbia County Amateur Series. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the family friendly competition where soloists, dancers and other entertainers perform before judges each month to be picked for the annual competition. 7-9 p.m. Columbia County Amphitheater. www.columbiacountyga.gov. August 3-24. Water Media Exhibition. Thirty paintings by 30 artists are featured in this traveling exhibit sponsored by the South Carolina State Museum in
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August 9-11, 16-18, 25. The Prince Is Giving a Ball. An original musical production by the Enopian Theater. Thursdays and Fridays, 7 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Kroc Center Theater. 706-771-7777. August 10-11. Ed Turner and Number 9. Enjoy the legendary music from the entire Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album and classic tunes by Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and more. 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706-722-8341. August 11. Karaoke Night. Columbia County Library Amphitheater.
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calendar
August 16-September 13. Philip Morsberger and Tom Nakashima Exhibit. Recent works by the William S. Morris Eminent Scholars in Art. Opening lecture August 16, 4 p.m., Reception 5-6:30 p.m. Mary S. Byrd Gallery of Art. University Hall. ASU campus. 706-737-1444. August 17-19, 24-25. Uncle Fang-En-Stein’s Last Show. A comedic portrayal of unusual late-night theater hosts’ battle for power. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. 803-648-1438. August 18. KEM and K’Jon. R&B musical performance. Bell Auditorium. 8 p.m. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. August 26. Bike for the Ballet. The second annual art-meets-sport event is the only training ride for the ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta. Tutu-clad cyclists ride to raise awareness in the battle against childhood obesity with national and local partners. Hosted by the Augusta Ballet. Ride begins at 8 a.m. Post-celebration at Enterprise Mill, noon. To register, go to www. augustaballet.org. Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org. August 1-16. The Morris at Twenty. This exhibition emphasizes acquisitions made over the past 10 years—an unusually rich period marked especially by the addition of the Julia J. Norrell Collection, with particular strength in folk art and photography. August 2. What’s in the Box? Summer Fun at the Beach. View paintings of people enjoying the beach and create sculpture using items from the box. Registration required. 10-11 a.m. August 3. Films on Fridays: Porgy and Bess (1959). After viewing the film, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Noon. August 4.-October 28. The Art of Alfred Hutty: Woodstock to Charleston. Hutty is of one of the principal artists of the Charleston Renaissance of the early 20th century. The exhibition features more than 50 works in oil, watercolor, pastel, and, most importantly, his exquisite prints created in Charleston and Woodstock, N.Y. August 5. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Tara Scheyer and the Mudpuppy Band. Dance and sing along to the music. Afterwards, make a watercolor painting. 2 p.m. August 9. The Art of Alfred Hutty: From Woodstock to Charleston. Sara Arnold, curator at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, discusses the exhibition. Reception 6-8:30 p.m. August 26. Sunday Sketch. Sketch in the galleries with materials supplied by the museum. 2-3:30 p.m. Musical Theatre Workshops and Footnotes Dance Academy 3833 Martinez Blvd., Martinez (in front of the Martinez Post Office). Contact Mickey Lubeck, director, at 706-231-1759, musicaltheatredirector@gmail.com. www.onwiththeshow.biz.
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calendar Ongoing. Multiple studios for classes in acting, voice and dance. Visit their Web site for current class offerings. SPORTS August 5. Live Roller Derby. Soul City Sirens vs. Burn City, from Auburn, Ala. Redwing Rollerway. 5:30 p.m. 706-860-1548 or soulcitysirens.com. August 10-13. USTA GA State Mixed Championships. Newman Tennis Center. 706-821-1600. August 25. Yellow Jacket Invitational. Sponsored by North Augusta High School. Features high school swim teams from throughout South Carolina. Augusta Aquatics Center. 706-261-0424. August 26-27. Fourth Annual Paine College Golf Tournament. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, greens fees, golf cart, brunch, beverages and awards dinner. Pairing party Sunday, 6 p.m. Registration Monday, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Shotgun start, 11 a.m. www.paine.edu/golf. Augusta GreenJackets All games at 7:05 p.m. www.GreenJacketsbaseball.com. August 3. vs. Charlotte August 4. vs. Charlotte August 5. vs. Charlotte August 6. vs. Charlotte August 13. vs. Lakewood August 14. vs. Lakewood August 15. vs. Lakewood August 23. vs. Greensboro August 24. vs. Greensboro August 25. vs. Greensboro August 26. vs. Greensboro August 31. vs. Charlotte Augusta-Richmond County Recreation and Parks East Augusta—May Park, 622 4th St. 706-724-0505. South Augusta—Fleming Athletic Office, Daniel Street, 706-796-5047. West Augusta—Eisenhower Athletic Office, 488 Eisenhower Dr., 706-821-2801. Department Through August 10. Youth Fall Athletic Registration. Co-ed soccer for ages 5-13, cheerleading bantam for ages 6-9, midget ages 10-12, fall baseball and softball ages 9-14, flag football ages 7-8, bantam football ages 9-10, midget football ages 11-12. Register Monday-Friday between noon and 6 p.m. at any of the department offices. Through August 31. Adult Fall Softball Registration. Open coed and men’s open, men’s and women’s church, open coed church and open men’s industrial. Register from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Diamond
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Lakes Regional Park Softball Complex, 108 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. 706-771-2980.
November 17. Wilson Family Y. Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30 a.m. or 7 p.m.
Columbia County Recreation and Parks 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. 706-863-7523
August 18. Parent’s Night Out at the Family Y of Aiken County. Ages 2-12. 5:30-9 p.m.
Through August 10. Fall Sports Registration. Baseball, softball, soccer and football. Patriots Park office. CSRA Defensive Arts 803-221-0330 or csraDefensiveArts.com. Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8-adult. Goshinjitsu, Kindai Karate and Kobojutsu. Call for information. The Family Y Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. Register at any branch or online at www.thefamilyy.org or call 706-922-9622. August 6-26. Registration for Cheerleading and Youth Flag Football at the Wilson Family Y. Season runs October 15-December 1. Ages 5-14. Games played on Saturdays and practices are held during the week. August 6-26. Registration for Youth Flag Football League at the Family Y of Aiken. Each team has a volunteer coach who organizes practices, coaches and encourages participants during the games. Ages 3-4 years or 5-14 years. August 7-October 11. Adult Soccer League at the Wilson Family Y. Family friendly league has two divisions, 16-34 and 35+. Practice held on Monday and Thursday at 8:30 p.m. August 11 & 25. Parent’s Night Out at Marshall Family Y. Entertaining evening for children ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. August 11. Movies in the Gym/Park at the Family Y of Aiken. Movies are family friendly and free. August 13-September 7. Family Y Swim Lessons Summer Session. All ages and skill levels, ages 6 months to adult beginners. Offered at the Wilson Family Y, Family Y of Aiken County, Marshall Family Y and the Family Y of Downtown Augusta. Register at any Family Y location.
August 20. Dance Lessons Begin at the Wilson Family Y. Fairy Tale Ballet, once a week for ages 3-5. Ballet/Tap, once a week for ages 6-8. Jazz/Hip Hop, Fridays from 5-6 p.m. for ages 7 and up. Rhythm & Step, Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. for ages 7-12. Ballet Barre, Tuesdays from 6-7 for ages 16 and up. August 25. Parent’s Night out for Children of Deployed Soldiers at the Marshall Family Y. 6-9:30 p.m. Ages 2-12. Free for children of deployed soldiers. August 20-October 7. Acrobatics and Drama Lessons and the Wilson Family Y. Days, classes and fees vary by age. Information available at any branch. August 25. Parent’s Night Out at Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Augusta South. Enjoy a date night while your kids have fun at the Y. 6-9:30 p.m. Free. Register in advance. Ongoing. Tae Kwon Do at the Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Aiken. Learn self-discipline, focus and social skills. Beginner and advanced classes offered Ages 5 and up. Registration required. The Salvation Army Kroc Center 1833 Broad Street, Augusta. www.krocaugusta.org. 706-364-KROC or info@krocaugusta.org. Every Friday. Kroc Tots Activity Hour. Dive into the exciting world of imagination with story time, a fun craft and lots of movement. 9-10 a.m. August 3. Kids Night Out. Parents, enjoy a night out by bringing your child, ages 2-12, to the Kroc Center. 6-10 p.m. Dinner included. Activities may include swimming, gym play, inflatables and crafts. Call for costs. Beginning August 13. Homeschool P.E. 9-11 a.m. August 13 & 16. Free Nutritional Education Classes. 5:30 p.m. on the 13th, 11:30 a.m. on the 16th.
August 13-31. Registration for Men’s and Women’s Basketball at the Wilson Family Y. Season begins September 10. Women’s basketball for ages 16 and up, men’s basketball for ages 18 and up.
August 15. Babysitting Course. A Red Cross course designed to provide you the with knowledge and skills to safely and responsibly care for children and infants. Ages 11 and up. Registration ends the Wednesday before class. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
August 14-November 15. Couch to 5K. All levels of runners and walkers invited to work towards completing a 5K. Hour-long workout twice a week with the goal of participating in the Gasping Gobbler on
August 31. Trivia Night. Bring the whole family to compete against other families or against each other with trivia questions. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. 6:30-9:30 p.m.
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calendar Kroc Center Camps. Through August 17. A variety of week-long camps for ages 5-12. Bring your bathing suit, towel and tennis shoes. Lunch and snack provided. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with early drop-off beginning at 7 a.m. and late pickup until 6 p.m. for additional weekly fees. August 6-10—Everything 80s. August 13-17—Around the World. Logon their Web site for more complete details about weekly themes. Multi-week discounts available. FAMILY ACTIVITIES Aiken Home School Times Playgroup 803-648-7042 or fourmckeels@yahoo.com. Thursdays. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the O’Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon. Augusta Jewish Community Center 898 Weinberger Way. 706-228-3636 or log on at augustajcc.org. Ongoing. The Mothers Circle. Free course, resources, education and events for women of other backgrounds raising Jewish children. Call for details. Sign Up for Class! The AJCC offers a wide variety of classes for children of all ages and adults, including athletics, the arts, cooking, language and more. Log on to download a complete listing. Classical Conversations Visit classicalconversations.com or e-mail Terri at classicalaugusta@yahoo.com. A Classical Christian Community of home schoolers that meets once a week from August through April with the goal of training their children to know God and to make Him known in all areas of life. E-mail Terri for information.
sions by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays between 3 and 6 p.m. Call for information. CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS AugustaAreaMommies Contact Jennifer Stanley at 706-855-0072 or phlegalesfan@att.net. A community for moms in the Augusta area offering support, friendship and fun as well as the opportunity to exchange information. The group, which is part of The Mommies Network, also provides discussion forums, an events calendar and more. Meeting are held online, at local parks, members homes (for monthly BUNCO) and on field trips. All mothers are welcome. Augusta Food Allergy Group Does your child have severe, potentially fatal food allergies. Would you like to get together with other parents who face the same challenges? This group meets the fourth Monday of each month in Earth Fare’s community room, Furys Ferry Rd., Martinez. Free and welcome to anyone dealing with food allergies. Meetings often include special guest speakers. 6 p.m. Contact Sheena Whitlock at augustafoodallergy@gmail.com. CSRA Birthing Connections (1st Mondays) August 6. “First Hour After Birth.” Learn why the first hour of your baby’s life is a special time that will never come again and how you and your baby can benefit from being together as much as possible during that hour. Contact Betsy 206-890-3387, Heather 404-936-2127 or Jennifer 706-799-9213 or e-mail admin@csrabirthingconnections.org. 7-8:30 p.m. at Earth Fare, 368 Fury’s Ferry Rd.
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.
VBAC BABY! Augusta (2nd Mondays) August 13. “Silent Knife.” Guest speaker Courtney Gustin, certified nurse midwife, mother of four. VBAC BABY! Augusta offers in-person facilitated meetings to listen to and share birth-related stories in a safe and confidential setting, as well as support and offer referrals to local community and national resources for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) for moms who have had C-Sections or any form of “medicalized” birth or desire to learn how to avoid an unnecessary one in the future. Contact Lynn Reed AugustaBirthNetwork@comcast.net. 7-8:30 p.m. at Steinle Wellness Center, 122 Old Evans Rd.
PHC Weight Loss and Wellness Martinez: 706-868-5332. Augusta: 706-7966267. Aiken: 803-649-3428. Logon at www.phcweightloss.com. Student Plan Orientations. Students with parent or guardian can attend 45-minute complimentary ses-
Doula Tea (3rd Mondays) August 20. “Coping with Labor the Doula Way.” Enjoy a cup of tea, watch a short DVD and meet certified and trained doulas. Learn how doulas can help you cope with labor, how to decide who should come to your birth and what the other benefits of
Homeschool Playgroup Creighton Park, next to Living History Park in North Augusta. Call 803-613-0484 or emilykohlbacher@ hotmail.com. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. All welcome.
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having a doula are. Bring your partner. Children are welcome. Call Laura Selvidio to confirm your attendance a few days in advance at 706-288-4440 or e-mail CSRADoula@gmail.com 7-8:30 p.m. at Earth Fare 368 Fury’s Ferry Rd. A TRUST BIRTH Stories & Cinema Circle! (4th Monday) August 27. “Elk and The Epidural.” Pam England’s colorful and whimsical pastel drawings illustrate the truthful and typical experience of labor with an epidural. Parents learn about the advantages, disadvantages and the cascade of medical support that accompanies epidurals. Watch the film, discuss and then share our own birth stories. Trust Birth Initiative stands on the truth that “Birth is Safe, Interference is Risky,” and that woman (and their partners) have the ability and responsibility to educate themselves to make informed choices. Contact Lynn Reed, Trust Birth facilitator, at 706-833-5101 or e-mail TrustBirthAugusta@comcast.net. 7-8:30 p.m. at Steinle Wellness Center, 122 Old Evans Rd. La Leche League This breastfeeding support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2204 Kimberly Dr. Evening meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. Call 706-737-2405 or log on at lllusa.org/ web/AugustaGA.html. Peaceful Parenting Augusta This unofficial Attachment Parenting support group is for families who believe in parenting gently and building children’s spirits, minds and bodies through nurturing, attentive and practical approaches. Join their Yahoo! group at Peaceful_Parenting_Augusta or e-mail Jen at theotherbradford@yahoo.com. Celiac Disease Support Group E-mail RoseforHealth@aol.com. Meets the third Tuesday of every month in Suite 120 of the Summerville Building, adjacent to Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Open to those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or on a gluten-free diet. Discussions include information on celiac disease, do’s and don’ts of a gluten-free diet and more. 7-8:30 p.m. Common Bond Parent Support Group Geneice McCoy, organizer. 706-729-0012 or commonbond@comcast.net. For parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Call for location. Georgia Health Sciences Health System (formerly MCGHealth) Mom’s Connection
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calendar 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 706-7218283 or go to georgiahealth.org. 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 706-7374631 for information and location. This group is not appropriate for sex offenders. Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age (Mama’s) Did you have a child at age 35 or older? Are you expecting? This group of “older” moms welcomes you for meetings, support and play dates. Disabled children welcome. Contact Ami McKenzie at 706-3645245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/. MOMS Club Visit momsclubaugusta.org. Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other at-home mothers at the MOMS Club, an international nonprofit organization. MOMS Club of Grovetown www.momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com Momsclubofgrovetown@gmail.com Our members come from Grovetown, Harlem, and the communities of Fort Gordon. The group is not affiliated with any parenting style, religion, or ethnic group. MOMS Club is open to and accepting of any and all moms who are at-home with their children. Mothers of 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. The Aiken Charter group of MOPS meets the Second Tuesday of each month for moms to learn, share, support each other and socialize. Meetings are held in the South Aiken Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1711 Whiskey Rd. Free childcare and dinner for those attending, reservations required. You do not need to be a member of South Aiken Presbyterian to attend. Check out MOPS Aiken on Facebook, contact Jennie Beat at 803-640-4742 or e-mail mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare.
HOSPITAL PROGRAMS Doctors Hospital Call 706-651-BABY (2229) or go to doctors-hospital. net for registration and class location. Pre-registration required for most programs. August 7. The Daddy Class. Taught by an experienced dad, this class talks about the joys and challenges of fatherhood and ways to support mom. 7-9 p.m. August 7. Pickles and Ice Cream. Great for the first-time mom, but recommended for all. Nutrition, exercise, fetal development and body changes are discussed. 7-9:30 p.m. August 9. Breastfeeding. Getting started, latching on and positioning are discussed for a smooth start to breastfeeding. 6:30-9:30 p.m. August 11. Short and Sweet. Two sessions. A weekend childbirth class covering the process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques and childbirth, medication/epidurals and relaxation and breathing techniques. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. August 14 & 21. Showing and Glowing. Two sessions. To be taken during mid pregnancy. Dispels myths of pregnancy and childbirth. 7-9:30 p.m. on both dates. August 16. The Happiest Baby on the Block Educational Session. Teaches moms, dads and other family members the techniques they can use to calm a fussy baby and to help baby sleep better. 7 p.m. August 21. Babies, Bumps and Bruises. For families, parents and friends. Infant CPR taught by the American Heart Association. Infant safety issues are also covered. 7-9 p.m. August 28. Ready and Able. This three-session class is recommended for late pregnancy. Topics include childbirth, comfort techniques, medications/epidurals, relaxation and breathing techniques. Intended to be taken with Showing and Glowing. 7-9:30 p.m. August 30. Baby 101. Learn about infant development and care. 7-9:30 p.m.
ronment 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. Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606. August 3. 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 Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606. Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. August 7. 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. Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center, First Floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801. Call Family Services Development at 706721-5160 or e-mail ddrakele@georgiahealth.edu for more information. August 7. 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. Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, 1120 15th St., West Entrance, First Floor, Patient and Family Resource Library. August 8. Safe Kids East Central Safety Seat Inspection. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly by calling 706-5413970. Columbia County Sheriff Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr., Evans. August 9. Car Seat Class. Car seat safety, education and training. Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care-eligible families. Call 706721-7606 to register. August 18. Safe Kids East Central Safe Sitter Program. Ages 11-13. Teaches how to handle emergencies while caring for younger children and gives students hands-on practice in basic techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis. 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
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.
Ongoing. Safe Kids East Central Child Safety Seat inspections. By appointment at the following locations: Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way—Contact Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606; Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue, Engine Company 3—Conact Jamie champion at 706-860-7763.
August 2. Safe Kids East Central Presents Cribs for Kids. Learn how to provide a safe sleep envi-
Ongoing. Safe Kids East Central Car Seat Classes. By appointment at the following locations: Safe Kids
Georgia Health Sciences Health System Register online at georgiahealth.org.
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calendar Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way; MartinezColumbia Fire Rescue Headquarters. Call Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606. Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. August 3. Baby Care Basics and Breastfeeding. Two popular classes offered together. 9 a.m.-noon. August 7. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 6-8 p.m. August 8-September 26. Beginning Sign Language. An eight-week course covering systems of sign language, facets of deaf culture, expressive and receptive finger spelling using signs in short sentences. The test “A Basic Course in American Sign Language is required. Wednesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. August 11. Stepping Into Manhood. Boys ages 12-15 accompanied by their father, male relative or friend, join the instructor in frank discussions of sexuality, peer pressure and responsible decision making. Teaches teenage boys the importance of making their own decision and how to assertively say, “No.” 9:30 a.m.-noon. August 11, 18 & 25. Sign Language for Kids. Students ages 6-12 years old will enjoy learning the basics of American Sign Language, including the alphabet, numbers and various phrases. 10-11 a.m.
Friday each month. A support group for women in their 20s through 30s dealing with breast cancer. 12:20 p.m. at the University Hospital Breast Health Center, Professional Center 2, Suite 205, 818 St. Sebastian Way. August 3 & 4 or 24 & 25. Weekender Childbirth Preparation Class. A complete childbirth preparation class designed for those with time constraints or fluctuating schedules. Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. August 7-28 (Tuesdays) or August 27-September 24 (Mondays). Childbirth Preparation. This four-week series is designed to inform and prepare all expectant parents regardless of birth plans. Class topics include various stages of labor, breathing and relaxation and how to care for yourself and your new baby. August 16. Breastfeeding Class. 7-9 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans. August 23. Introduction to Infant CPR. 7-8:30 p.m.
Where the Wild Things Are in the parking lot of the headquarters library. Bring lawn chairs. Every child will receive a copy of the book. 8:30 p.m. August 9. Author Visit. Edna Davis, author of It’s All About Me! Becoming a Conscious Eater. 7-8:30 p.m. August 11. Author Visit. Charmain Bracket, author of The Key of Elyon. 1:30-3 p.m. August 11. Board Games. Come to the library and enjoy an afternoon of board games. 2-4 p.m. August 11. Get Understanding Youth Speaker Series: Musiq Soulchild. Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, community activist and author Musiq Soulchild will be the inaugural speaker for this new series.Ages 11-17. Teens attending for the first event are required to go to the library to receive their free ticket and must be a library card holder in good standing. Must check out five books that day in order to have their tickets released. One adult may accompany any child under 16. Call Nancy Carver at 706-826-1509.
LIBRARY EVENTS All libraries in the East Central Georgia Regional Library System will be closed for training on Wednesday, August 15. Augusta Headquarters Library 823 Telfair St. 706-821-2600.
August 16. It’s Your Book Club. It Worked for Me by Colin Powel. 6:30 p.m. August 18. Give Your Family Tree a Harder Shake. Presented by The Augusta Genealogical Society, Inc. Discover more about your family history. Speakers include Patricia E. Kruger, Susan Sloan, Don Rhodes and Nancy Lindroth. Check in from 8-8:45 a.m.
Story Times Preschoolers Ages 3-6: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Ages 2 and under: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Parent must stay with child.
August 25. Children’s Program: Back to School with Cutno Dance Studio. Learn and experience dance on every level, age and style. 2 p.m.
Every Tuesday in August. Lunch & Learn Series: Learn How To Crochet. Learn to make a winter scarf with Stephanie Brandmeir. All materials are free. Registration required. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
August 28. Talk the Talk Ladies Book Club. Black Berry Days of Summer by Ruth P. Watson. Join the blog discussion at talkthetalkbooklub. wordpress.com. 6:30 p.m. Appleby Branch 2260 Walton Way. 706-736-6244.
August 23. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. 6-8:30 p.m.
Computer Classes 10 a.m.-noon unless otherwise noted. August 20. Basic Mouse and Keyboarding Skills. August 21. Beginner Computer. August 22 Word I. August 22. Word II. 2-4 p.m. August 23. Beginners E-Mail. August 24. Beginners Internet. August 29. Excel I. August 29. Excel II. 2-4 p.m.
University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth. org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs.
Children’s Movies Call for times. August 4. The Secret World of Arrietty. Rated G. August 18. Dr. Seuss: The Lorax. Rated PG.
August 16. Craft Workshop: Beat the Heat. Ages 3-5. Bring glue, crayons and markers. 11 a.m. Registration begins August 1.
Young Women with Breast Cancer. Meets the third
August 3. Family Movie on the Big Screen. Enjoy
August 13. “HUG” Your Baby. This class provides Help, Understanding and Guidance for young families as they prepare for the birth of their infant. Learn how your infant communicates with you and strategies to help calm your baby. 4-5 p.m. August 18. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Education. Helps mother and support person understand the final stages of pregnancy as well as labor and the birth of your baby. Covers natural and medicated deliveries, Lamaze coping techniques and more. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
42 • Augusta Family | August 2012
www.augustafamily.com
Story Times Wednesdays. 10:05-10:20 a.m., ages 18-35 months (adult must stay with child). 10:30-11:15 a.m. age 3 and up. Every Monday in August. Introduction to Crochet. Registration begins August 1. 4:40-6:30 p.m.
August 28. Computer Classes: Setting Up an E-Mail. Registration begins August 1. 11 a.m.
calendar Columbia County Library 7022 Evans Towne Center Blvd. 706-863-1946. Registration is required for all programs. August 3, 9 & 11. Coupon Classes with Carol Gunter. The Coupon Lady from The Augusta Chronicle shares her tips on saving money with coupons. 10 a.m. on the 3rd, 6 p.m. on the 9th and 2 p.m. on the 11th. August 16. Brown Bag Book Discussion. Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. 11:30 a.m. August 20. Monday Night Book Club. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. 6 p.m. Diamond Lakes Library Diamond Lakes Regional Park. 706-772-2432. Registration required for groups of six or more.
August 3. Social Networking for Adults. This onesession class introduces adults to social networking. Mouse and keyboard skills are required. 10 a.m.
Story Time. Tuesdays. 10:30 a.m.
August 9, 16 & 23. Computing for Beginners. No prerequisites. Establishes a basic computing vocabulary and introduces first-time computer uers to the mouse, keyboard and Windows desktop. 10 a.m.
August 16. Book Club. Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman. 4 p.m.
Euchee Creek Library 5907 Euchee Creek Dr. 706-556-0594. Story Times. Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Every Thursday. Genealogy Class. Learn about your heritage. 1 p.m.. Friedman Branch 1447 Jackson Rd. 706-736-6758.
August 14. Family Movie Night. 5 p.m.
Maxwell Branch Library 1927 Lumpkin Rd. 706-793-2020. August 30. Thursday Morning Book Club. My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. 10 a.m. Wallace Branch Library 1237 Laney-Walker Blvd. 706-722-6275. August 7. Beginners Internet. 6-7:30 p.m. August 8. Summer Craft for Kids. Ages 5-8. 10 a.m. August 9. Creating an E-mail Account. 6-7:30 p.m.
Story Times. Tuesdays at 10 a.m. August 1. Let’s Talk: Self Esteem. Seminar for women led by Tara Tanksley Stallings, a certified life coach. Seating is limited and registration is required. 6 p.m.
August 14. Story Time. 10 a.m. Groups of six of more must register in advance. Harlem Branch Library 375 N. Louisville St. 706-556-9795.
www.augustafamily.com
Submit calendar entries by e-mail to Karin Calloway, editor, Augusta Family Magazine, at karin.calloway@ augustafamily.com or enter your event online at www. augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | August 2012 • 43
Back To School
Talkin’ About My Generation
Three residents representing three age groups share their reflections on family, life and fun.
by Grace Belangia photos by Chris Thelen
Liz Trotter, 26, lives in “Summerville”
with her husband, Paul Trotter, D.M.D., an orthodontic resident at GHSU. She is coordinator of special programs at Augusta State University and is a master of education candidate at Georgia Southern University. Likes To: Too many to name...travel to UGA football games and PGA golf tournaments (cheering for Rory, Bubba and Freddie)... Favorite Possession: My family. Favorite Indulgence: Fried shrimp and parmesan cheese grits at Silver Moon, Lake Oconee.
Jack Jewitt,
6, of Evans, lives with his parents, Aaron and Luiza Jewitt, and brothers Ryan and Cody. Likes To: Swim. I am on a competitive swim team (ASL). My favorite strokes are backstroke, freestyle and butterfly. College Team: Stanford. Favorite Indulgence: Oreo cookies. Favorite Place To Be: The pool and California. Would Most Like To Meet: Michael Phelps.
Favorite Place To Be: Anywhere on the water.
Words He Lives By: “It just takes practice.”
Admires the Most: Our brave, noble, courageous and selfless veterans and service men and women and their families.
Is Inspired By: My family and my sports coaches.
Biggest Fear: Bugs.
Song Playing in Her Head: God Gave Me You, by Blake Shelton.
Song Playing in His Head: Anything by Lady Gaga.
Message in a Bottle: “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.”
Admires the Most: My mom and dad.
46 • Augusta Family | August 2012
Message in a Bottle: Just keep swimming. www.augustafamily.com
Becky Gilmore,
54, of Augusta, is the head of school at Augusta Preparatory Day School. She has two children, ages 21 and 19. Likes To: Read, spend time with my family, travel and try new things. Favorite Thing About the First Day of School: The sense of excitement about a fresh start and a new day. Favorite Subjects: Biology and English. College Team: Duke Blue Devils! Favorite Place To Be: Anywhere with family or friends catching up or trying to solve the problems of the world. It’s usually on a porch or in front of a fireplace or around a table. Words She Lives By: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Can’t Live Without: Some alone time. Greatest Hope: That my work with young people will help them realize they have the ability to change the world.