Augusta Family Magazine August 2014

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August 2014 BACK TO SCHOOL FASHIONS HANDLING STUDENT-TEACHER CONFLICT SAYING NO TO VOLUNTEERING BACKPACK SAFETY TIPS

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School

Bella French, 9, is the daughter of Aimee French of Martinez.

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Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

w w w. a u g u s t af a m i l y. c om PUBLISHER Kate Cooper Metts

Contents

August 2014

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EDITOR Karin Calloway PRODUCTION Art Director / Web Producer Michael Rushbrook

Fall Fashion By Karin Calloway

Photos by Branch Carter

ADVERTISING Director of Advertising Lisa Dorn

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Advertising Sales Doressa Hawes Lisa Taylor Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann

The Geometry of Classroom Conflict Supporting the Teacher and Your Student

Audience Development Manager Jessica Seigler PHOTOGRAPHY Branch Carter and John Harpring CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Adams Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Mary Ashton Mills Jennie Montgomery Danielle Wong Moores Joanna Nesbit PRE PRESS SERVICES .JDLFZ ,JCMFS r .JMFT "OEFSTPO 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.

By Lucy Adams

departments 7 9

editor’s page mom2mom

34

Carpet Catastrophes! -Jennie Montgomery

10 13

news&notes 36 eating well with kim Teen Eating Machines

doctor/dad

Not Your Mama’s Birth Control -J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

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smart mom’s guide

Cliques and Conflicts Helping Young Girls Manage the Socia Scene -Joanna Nesbit

-Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

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August

time out!

inspiration station

The Art of “Making” Young Makers Group Provides Opportunities for Curious Tweens and Teens -Danielle Wong Moores

38 46

Saying “No” to Volunteering -Cammie Jones

calendar go girl! Kelly Thompson -Karin Calloway

qu ick pick “Where teachers value individuals getting with the group program, parents value individuality, particularly the self-expression of their child. They resist anyone who squelches it. ” Read Lucy Adams’ article about dealing with student-teacher conflict on page 28.

ON THE COVER: Bella French, 9, is the daughter of Aimee French of Martinez. Clothing and accessories provided by Kid to Kid on Washington Road in Evans and in National Hills Shopping Center. Photo by Branch Carter.

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editor’s by Karin Calloway

Good Luck, Gage!

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’ve written about my nephews, Gage and Graham Marcus, who live in Atlanta, on several occasions and this month is an important one for Gage. It’s hard to believe, but Gage is going to kindergarten. Proud aunt that I am (and “Aunt� is still the name he calls me), here are two things I’d Graham, almost 2, and Gage, 5, Marcus, like his new private Christian summer 2014. school to know about Gage. r )F JT POF PG UIF LJOEFTU BOE NPTU DBSJOH CPZT * WF FWFS LOPXO r )F JT B UFBN QMBZFS *O GBDU BT IJT GBNJMZ XBT NPWJOH JOUP UIFJS OFX IPNF last month Gage was taking inventory of the family members who were coming UP IFMQ XJUI UIF NPWF )F BTLFE NZ TJTUFS -FTMJF JG i"VOUu XBT DPNJOH UP IFMQ because, to quote Gage, “we need the whole team.� And, here’s my advice to my nephew as he heads off to school: r 4UBZ DVSJPVT r 1BSUJDJQBUF r %PO U CF BGSBJE UP BTL GPS IFMQ r "MXBZT EP UIF CFTU ZPV DBO EP r 4IPX SFTQFDU UP ZPVS UFBDIFST BOE GSJFOET BOE JO UVSO ZPV MM FBSO UIFJST r %PO U SVTI UISPVHI ZPVS XPSL r 5SZ UP MFBSO TPNFUIJOH OFX FWFSZ EBZ r #F ZPVSTFMG Good luck to Gage, and to all of the students heading back to school this NPOUI 4PNF PG UIF XJTFTU XPSET GPS UIJT TFBTPO DPNF " " .JMOF BT $ISJTtopher Robin says to Winnie the Pooh, “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.� Wishing everyone a great school year,

KARIN CALLOWAY is a wife and mother of two. She’s also a journalist and recipe developer who writes the Wednesday cooking column for The Augusta Chronicle. Watch Karin prepare her recipes on WJBF NewsChannel 6 on Tuesdays during Mid-Day and Wednesdays during Good Morning Augusta.

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mom m m by Jennie Montgomery

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ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

Carpet Catastrophes!

his has been an unfortunate summer for my floors. I bought a great new runner for my kitchen, but it slipped like crazy. Remembering a nifty DIY trick I had seen on a home improvement show, I asked my husband to grab the silicone caulk. The crafty host used a caulk gun to effortlessly squiggle the stuff on the backside of a rug and, “Voila!” Let it dry and you’re done. I don’t know what substance my husband used, but it did not dry quickly. Nor was it a light color, like the woman’s on TV. Scott’s squiggles were dark brown, as if he’d gone nuts with a bottle of Hershey’s syrup. After days of drying, I figured it was time to take that long runner back into the kitchen. I picked it up and lines of gooey brown stuff fell onto the hardwood floor in my foyer. In the time it took me to run and get paper towels, my son apparently marched right through the mess. I was so focused on getting up the gunk that I didn’t see the tracks leading toward the stairway. A little later I was showing Scott the still-not-dry mess HE had made on the back of my runner. “That’s nothing,” middle child casually remarked. “Did you see what Zack did to the steps?” We walked over to the stairway and saw the outline of big feet making their way up the carpeted steps…left-right-left-right. “Those footprints go straight to Zack’s door,” Maddy happily explained to us. “ZACK!” we yelled at the same time, “Get down here.” We showed him the tracks and fussed about the stains and in the middle of denying that his were the guilty feet, he turned bright red and started laughing so hard he was crying. “They go right to my door!” he managed to say through his uncontrollable giggle, “No matter what I try to say I am SO TOTALLY BUSTED!” That unexpected confession made us all start laughing! The next morning I walked in the den and saw Maddy shaking carpet freshener all over the rug. Then I watched that girl put down the canister she’d emptied—and about freaked out. “Maddy” I cried, “that’s Comet with bleach!! Go get the vacuum cleaner NOW!!” I just can’t win. JENNIE MONTGOMERY anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children: Zack, 22, Maddy, 20, and Sky, 18.

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news notes

PflËi\ f]] kf ^i\Xk gcXZ\j Kf[Xp `j pfli [Xp Pfli dflekX`e `j nX`k`e^# jf ^\k fe pfli nXp -Dr. Seuss

...Flashcards... ...Multiple Choice... ...Study... ...Learn... ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CAMPER REPORT, nearly 43 million Americans went camping in 2011 for a total of 535 million days, and participation seems to be increasing. Camping is a great way to get fresh air and tranquility. It’s also a fun way to teach kids about nature away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. But even camping can have dangers, so it is essential to be prepared. From sunscreen to first-aid kits, Safe Kids Greater Augusta reminds you to plan ahead and follow some standard camping precautions to help make your trip memorable and safe. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids Worldwide network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids. Read the entire article about camping safety at www.augustafamily.com.

! c i t s App-Ta gFlash for Test Preparation

ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO PREPARE FOR TESTS AFTER TEDIOUSLY TAKING NOTES IS TO STUDY WITH FLASHCARDS. The app gFlash + Flashcards & Tests is a universal app that helps make studying a breeze. Create, download and make an endless number of flashcards for any topic or subject you need to brush up on. Integration with Google Docs allows you to make flashcards in Google Spreadsheets, which can be downloaded right into gFlash. The app also allows you to track your improvements, practice with multiple choice question support, download sets of sharable cards from the app’s gWhiz Catalog and more. Available at the iTunes store. Requires iOS 6/1 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

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TO LET KIDS IT OKAY WHEN ISIN THE TOWEL? THROW ATION IDENTIFIC TALENT CLIQUES MOMMY THE RUN GIRLS ON

A AUGUST

F un! & TS & ORTS SPOR TS,, SP AR ARTS

15, Keaton Hill, of is the son e Denise Whitmirand wn of Groveto of North Ronnie Hill Maxine Augusta. 3, is the Whitmire, Brooks of daughter Whitmire and Denise wn. of Groveto

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 website and they may grace the cover of Augusta Family Magazine!

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ENTER TO WIN four tickets to Southern Soul and Song on September 12 featuring Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver with Kenny and Amanda Smith. Winner announced September 8.

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ONE LUCKY FAMILY CAN WIN four tickets to the August 23 GreenJackets game. Winner announced on August 18..

>>>>>>>> MIRACLE TREAT DAY

MADDY SCOTT, 9, OF AUGUSTA, ENJOYS A BLIZZARD DURING MIRACLE TREAT DAY 2013, A FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF GEORGIA, THE LOCAL CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITAL. MADDY HAD SUCCESSFUL HAND SURGERY LAST YEAR AT CHOG TO CORRECT A CONDITION CAUSED BY AMNIOTIC BAND SYNDROME. THIS YEAR, MIRACLE TREAT DAY IS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, AND 10 AREA DQ STORES ARE PARTICIPATING.

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eating well with kim by Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Teen Eating Machines ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

Keeping Healthy Foods on Hand at Home Is Key To Teen Nutrition

Blue Breakfast Smoothie

This smoothie has great calcium for growing bones and could be used for breakfast or any time of the day. ½ cup rolled oats ½ cup banana slices 1 ½ cups frozen wild blueberries 2 cups milk Place oats in the blender and blend until they are chopped fine. Add the remaining ingredients and sweet additions* if desired.

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recent visit from my sister and her two teenagers (aka my niece and nephew) taught me two lessons. The first lesson is that if you are on a float in a body of water around teenagers you will get flipped. The second lesson is that if you make a batch of cookies and they know where you keep them, the cookies will be gone in 24 hours or less. Needless to say we had a little fun during our visit and the kids ate everything I had available from cookies to cucumbers. So the take-away message is that teenagers eat and they will eat whatever is fastest or most convenient. Therefore, it is important to have healthy foods readily available. Teen nutrition in today’s world is not in great shape. Information from The Centers for Disease Control shows that empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40 percent of daily calories for children and adolescents. This means almost half of the calories consumed are lacking in nutrients which clearly affects the overall quality of the diet. All teens need enough calcium for bone growth and strength, protein for every cell in the

body including muscles, plus carbohydrates and fat for energy. Additional vitamins and minerals and plenty of water are also needed to meet the growth demands of adolescence. Parents lose some control in the adolescent years over what teens eat, especially when they are out of the house, so a good place to encourage good nutrition is at home. By that I mean have plenty of fruits, vegetables, pasta or grain salads as well as milk and smoothie ingredients available and ready to eat. Good foods to have include fruit of any type (frozen is great for smoothies but fresh is great for grab-and-go eating). In addition keep a plate/tray of healthy vegetables and dips available to encourage better snacking choices examples include: carrots, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, nuts, seeds, guacamole, hummus, edamame, peanut and almond butter, yogurt, etc. Think easy and convenient nutrient-rich foods while also limiting the number of unhealthy choices available. This strategy goes a long way toward increasing the proportion of healthy to unhealthy food consumed.

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Yield: 2 servings Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 180, Fat 0g, Fiber 6g, Protein 9g, Carbohydrate 36g, Sodium 135mg, Percent Daily Value: 10% Vitamin C, 10% Vitamin A, 25% Calcium (250mg), 4% Iron. Gluten free if gluten free oats are used. Carbohydrate Choices: 2 Carbohydrates Diabetes Exchanges: 1 ½ Fruit, 1 Milk *Sweet additions (optional): • 2 tablespoons Nesquick® strawberry flavor drink mix—adds 30 calories, 8g sugar and 50mg calcium • 1 tablespoon honey—adds 30 calories, 8g sugar

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

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

NOT YOUR MAMA’S

BIRTH CONTROL

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or some, June 23, 1960, was a banner day for women. For others, it was the beginning of a slippery slope to moral decline. On that day the first birth control pill was officially approved for use in the United States. Regardless on your stance on birth control, for 54 years the options and evolving technology have provided a plethora of choices to both men and women regarding their reproductive health. While various dosages and delivery mechanisms have been adopted and discarded, today the options are varied, generally safe and extremely effective.

Augusta’s Role in “The Pill� Augusta and the Medical College of Georgia played a role in the early development of the birth control pill. Dr. Robert Greenblatt (1906-1987), served as professor and chair of the school’s department of endocrinology from 1946 to 1972, the first such academic department in the United States. While at MCG he developed a keen interest in menopause, fertility and contraception, and in 1966 he developed a monthly oral contraceptive pill, for which MCG received national attention. Dr. Greenblatt’s personal papers are stored at the Greenblatt Library on the campus of the Medical College and contain extensive writings on his contraception research as well as medical research notes, journal articles and professional and personal correspondences.

Hormonal Options It is convenient to categorize birth control options into three broad categories: hormonal, barrier and natural family planning (which includes abstinence). Most are familiar with the hormonal methods, as they are the most common (in the U.S.) and include pills, patches, injections, vaginal rings and

implants. It is estimated that over 12 million women in the U.S. are currently taking some form of birth control pill. There are two categories of pills: combination pills (containing both an estrogen and a progestogen) and single content pills (containing only progestogen). They are traditionally packaged in a three week on, one week off dosing schedule, although there are now extended cycle packaging that allows a woman to go from three months to a full year without a cycle. If taken correctly, all of the pills have a greater than 99 percent success rate in preventing pregnancy. The progestin only pills (sometimes called the mini pill) are usually used in special circumstances such as a contraindication to estrogen use or while breastfeeding. Currently there is only one type of contraceptive patch in this country, and it is placed on the skin for a week at a time. The injectable contraceptive, Depo-Provera, is given once every three months and generally stops cycles after the second injection. The new kids on the “hormonal block� are the implantable contraception techniques. These small (four centimeters in length) tubular implants are placed in the upper arm and last three years.

Barrier and Natural Family Planning Options Barrier methods work just as their name implies, they form a barrier between the sperm and egg. These commonly include condoms, diaphragms and IUDs. The IUDs are somewhat a crossover as one IUD (Mirena) also contains progesterone, so it does have a hormonal component. Failure rates are largely dependent on proper use (except for the IUDs) and it requires a motivated person to correctly learn and apply the techniques. Natural family planning is a learned technique of managing fertility based on timing and the recog-

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nition of certain physiological signs of ovulation. In a properly educated and motivated woman, this can be a valid and useful method of fertility regulation. Of course, abstinence remains the only method that is 100 percent successful.

Facts and Myths Surrounding Contraception r 8IJMF UIF QJMM JT OPUFE UP JODSFBTF UIF SJTL PG CMPPE clot formation (especially in older smokers), women who use the pill for five years or more may reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by 50 percent. r 8PNFO VTJOH PSBM DPOUSBDFQUJWFT DBO TFF B ESPQ off in libido secondary to changes in their testosterone levels. r .PTU XPNFO PO PSBM DPOUSBDFQUJWFT EPO U HBJO weight. A recent review of 44 studies showed no evidence that birth control pills caused weight gain in most users. r " MBX QBTTFE JO UIF 6 4 JO EFDMBSFE DPOUSB ception to be both obscene and illegal. r "ODJFOU &HZQUJBO XPNFO VTF B DPNCJOBUJPO PG cotton, dates, honey and acacia as a contraceptive (placed in the vaginal canal as a suppository), and it turns out fermented acacia really does have a spermicidal effect. r ŃŽ F 8JME .FYJDBO :BN XBT UIF TPVSDF PG DIFBQ hormones for the first birth control pills. Today, yam extracts are used to treat menopause symptoms. r "DDPSEJOH UP POF TUVEZ DPOEVDUFE JO 1BSJT B hormone found in birth control pills accounted for 35 to 50 percent of the estrogen found in rivers there. They were quick to point out, however, that concentrations were so low as not to effect the environment. v Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.

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smartMom’sguide by Cammie Jones

Saying

No to Volunteering

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needed this article about a five to 10 years ago. I found myself with my hands in just about everything—school, community, church, etc. I was being pulled in several different directions and found that my family’s needs were put on the back burner. I was stressed. Raising two and then three children, who were truly “babies” at the time, was enough work for one person. Adding in the multitude of volunteer commitments put me over the top. I was always working on this, going to this meeting, heading to the school, going to someone’s game or dropping off/picking up at this activity. It kind’ve makes my head spin. Of course, I am not alone. We all do it—overcommitting our time to very good and worthwhile causes. How do we say no when needed and balance our time as volunteers and parents?

1

Pray About It

I know that when I am making big (and even small) decisions in my life, I tend to pray about it. I don’t want this to sound cliche but, honestly, it has helped to relieve the burden from my mind. I’ve turned it over, so to speak, so that I can think clearly about if I

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Does It Work for Your Family?

3

Never Say “Yes” Immediately

want to say yes or no to the opportunity.

When deciding if you are going to commit to a project, there are many things to take into consideration such as if you work outside the home, have children in numerous activities and have your own hobbies that take up time. If the board meetings are every Wednesday at noon and you work on Wednesdays, then this may not work for you. If the group meets on Tuesday evenings and your child has soccer games every Tuesday in the fall, then this volunteer opportunity may not work. Take a look at your family’s commitments and needs and then make a decision.

It’s that “24-hour” thing. Before immediately saying yes or no, take a day to study the pros and cons. “Resisting the impulse to make an immediate promise buys you time to do some homework,” according to Sarah Mahoney, author of Good Housekeeping’s How to Say “No” to

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smartMom’sguide Volunteering. You can determine just how much time and effort are involved and if this is something you truly want to do.

4

Consider the Time Commitment

5

Limit the Number of Volunteer Responsibilities

Again, take the time to find out exactly how much time is involved. Talk with past volunteers. Look at the time frame as well. Is it a month-long commitment or more like six months to a year or more? Are you willing to set aside time to give 100 percent?

Set a limit on the number of volunteer jobs you will do in a given year. Decide to do just three volunteer jobs a year—e.g. something civic, something for your child’s school and something for your church—and then stick to it. Ask a good friend or your spouse to hold you accountable. If the temptation to agree to

that fourth opportunity comes up, immediately call that person to help talk you off the ledge!

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Downtime Is Not the Enemy

“If you have a ‘doer’ mentality, you will think of a spare hour or two as a way to fit in one more ‘yes,’” says Jill Savage, author of Professionalized Motherhood. It is okay to have some downtime. Take advantage of it and take that time to do something just for yourself. Read, take a walk, go shopping, nap (ha ha)—those moments are rare so cherish them!

7

Set Guidelines

I overheard one of my friends say she will only agree to do something that is family-oriented or benefits the family. I admire this. Yes, it limits you, but that is not a bad thing. If you have criteria to go by, when you are asked to do something you can sit down and determine if it fits into those standards you have set. If it doesn’t, you just

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say no, which leads me to the next tip...

Just say “No!”

If and when I do say “no” to a volunteer opportunity, I tend to babble and offer excuses about why I can’t agree to help. Savage suggests that if you feel like you need to give an excuse say that it does not fit into your schedule right now. Nothing more, nothing less. Drop the guilt and get back to what is really important in your life. Keeping these tips in mind will make whatever volunteer commitments you make worth your while. You will hopefully enjoy and learn from the experience while you are helping and contributing to your community. Volunteering is supposed to be rewarding. Making a difference, forming friendships, learning new skills and gaining more self-esteem are just a few of the benefits. It’s up to you to decide if you’re willing and able to commit! v Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.

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health home by Mary Ashton Mills

Does your child’s backpack score all A’s?

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he U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that hospitals and doctors treat over 7,300 backpack-related injuries annually. Injuries include bruises, sprains, strains to the back and shoulder and fractures. With these staggering statistics, it is important to have a few safety measures in place when your child goes back to school to make sure your child’s back and shoulders are protected.

to look for when purchasing a backpack. When picking up a heavy backpack always bend at the knees instead of the back. It’s a common sighting to see children and teens who think its cool to wear their backpack over one shoulder. “Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can cause the child to lean, bend or otherwise alter their spinal posture, which can lead to muscle strains of the neck, back or shoulder,” Dr. Cearley says.

Safety First

How to Wear It and Pack It According to David M. Cearley, M.D., assistant professor, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Oncology at Georgia Regents University, learning how to select and wear a backpack correctly is important. “Back packs should always be worn with two well-padded straps over both shoulders and tightened so that the pack fits securely against the middle of the back and does not hang below the waist,” says Dr. Cearley. He also recommends a waist strap to help distribute the load and make the pack fit more securely without sliding back and forth while walking. When packing personal items into the backpack, consider utilizing compartments for smaller items. Dr. Cearley also says packing heavy things toward the back is good way to distribute the weight. Sternum straps are an additional feature

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It is also important that the child is aware of how large his or her backpack is so that others are not knocked down while they are walking n the aisles of the school bus or turning around in the halls. An overloaded backpack can have an affect on a child’s balance causing them to fall. If it seems too heavy, encourage the child to carry a few of the items in their hands. Purchase a backpack with reflective strips or attach some reflectors on the backpack if children are wearing their backpacks in the dark. Keep in mind that daylight savings time changes the light in which your child walks to the bus stop leaving them susceptible to the dangers of walking at dimly lit times of the day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends backpacks should only weigh 10-20 percent of a child’s body weight.

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health home Students of this e-generation are fortunate: lightening the load is a real possibility this year. With more and more textbooks available online, students may not be required to bring every book in the locker home each day.

Internet Resources Enable Students to Leave the Textbooks at School In Columbia County, Michelle Sherman, with the Columbia County Board of Education says, “One hundred percent of the elementary-level textbooks are available online and most of the middle school core textbooks have an online component as well.� When school begins each student in Columbia County will receive specific information on electronic textbooks with login access pass codes. In addition, Sherman says extra skills and gaming pieces are resources available through the online components. The Richmond County School district website also has up-to-date information on online textbooks and software programs that may be used by students. Each textbook company is different but many have an online component for students. Shelly Allen, Ph.D, Richmond County School System mathematics coordinator says ,“We actually piloted the use of Chromebooks for our AP Calculus students last year in place of issuing a textbook. The students and teachers were very positive about using the e-book version of their textbook and had so many apps and videos that were available to support their learning.� The following is a link for parents and students to access the online version of textbooks in Richmond County. http://www.rcboe.org/www/rcboe/site/hosting/Curriculum/Online%20 Instructional%20Materials.pdf

Lighten the Load, Keep Organized Although, accessing the textbooks online is a nice benefit, chances are most students will still bring home a load of books from time to time. When students do come home weighted down with a backpack full of books, folders, and personal items, organization is key. r $MFBO PVU UIF QBDL PO B XFFLMZ CBTJT UP SFEVDF USBTI BOE DMVUUFS r .BLF GSFRVFOU TUPQT BU UIF MPDLFS EVSJOH UIF EBZ UP DIBOHF PVU CPPLT r *G UIFSF JT UJNF EVSJOH UIF EBZ UP DPNQMFUF IPNFXPSL BTTJHONFOUT TUPSF assignments and any books in the locker until the next day. r 4UVEFOUT TIPVME VTF DPNNPO TFOTF BOE DBSSZ POMZ FTTFOUJBM JUFNT JO UIFJS backpack. If they have been lugging it around for weeks without using the item, then its best not to pack it. If a child undergoes pain, tingling in the arms or numbness, they should let their parent know immediately. Dr. Cearley says acute injuries aren’t common, but he does see a few children who complain of chronic pain from muscle soreness between the shoulders. When injury or soreness does occur, Dr. Cearley says, “Ice can be helpful very early in the acute phase, but by the time most people feel or complain of the discomfort it is too late for ice and would be best relieved with moist heat and gentle massage. Medical attention is rarely indicated unless the pain is so bad that it is affecting normal activities or preventing sleep at night.� v Mary Ashton Mills lives in Augusta with her husband and two children. Her work has appeared in Charleston Magazine, The Post and Courier and Augusta Family Magazine.

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by Karin Calloway • Photography by Branch Carter

The fashion forecast for the fall includes a little preppy, some boho chic and lots of SEC spirit wear.

>> SUPER STRIPES This KC Parker knit dress is nautical-chic with bold horizontal stripes. It’s perfect for parties, church and for heading back to school. Raygan Diane Kearney, 6, is the daughter of Robby and Mallory Kearney of Harlem. >> HAPPY HELICOPTER Whether its play time or school time, this two-piece ensemble by Bailey Boys is comfy and fun. Easton Kearney, 4, is the son of Robby and Mallory Kearney of Harlem. Clothing and shoes provided by Posh Tots in Surrey Center.

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<< BOHO CHIC Busy fun flower or Aztec print pallazo pants with blousy tops are big trends for teens and co-eds this fall. Amelia Carter, 19, is the daughter of Len and Jane Carter of North Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Communigraphics in North Augusta.

>> PREP WITH AN EDGE A Polo button-down paired with Carbon v-neck and pants and gray Vans are ontrend for guys this fall. Dalton Harnage, 17, is the son of Dana Williams of Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Uptown Cheapskate— Washington Road in Evans or National Hills Shopping Center.

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SPIRIT SHIRTS No matter what team they root for, teens and co-eds will definitely want to sport one of the most popular looks this fall—soft, long sleeved Sweeper tees . Models are Carleigh Hamilton, 22, Chloe Caudill, 13, and Amelia Carter, 19. >> PICK YOUR TEAM Kids have team spirit, too! These three are ready for the first football game as well as the first day of school in team-themed attire. Note the fun long socks, which are one of the newest crazes for fall. Chevron, camo, leopard spot and bold floral bookbags and lunch boxes make heading back to school funky and fun! Ansley Hooks, from left, 9, and Zach Hooks, 8, are the children of Mark and Tracy Hooks of North Augusta. Reagan Hill, 9, is the daughter of Heath and Lisa Hill of North Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Communigraphics in North Augusta.

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>> CLEMSON COOL Carleigh Hamilton is ready for game day in this orange and purple polka dot Touchdown dress paired with Jack Rogers sandals. >> GO DAWGS! Zach McGhee is all about the Bulldogs and sports a PING brand Georgia Dritech golf shirt with Southern Tide flip flops. >> GAMECOCK GIRL Amelia Carter is sporting her Gamecock colors with this cute Varsity dress and Jack Rogers sandals. Carleigh, 22, is the daughter of Theo and Lauree Hamilton of North Augusta. Zach, 14, is the son of David and Ruthie McGhee of North Augusta. Amelia, 19, is the daughter of Len and Jane Carter of North Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Communigraphics in North Augusta.

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<< TWEENS Austin Kernaghan heads back to school in style in Gap Kids polo, Rebel jeans and New Balance shoes. Austin, 13, is the son of Bruce and Cyndi Kernaghan of Evans. Abby Williams is cute and cool in this sleeveless GB Girls dress paired with flats by Bamboo. Abby is the daughter of Jay Williams and Whitney Pope of Martinez. Clothing and accessories provided by Kid to Kid/Uptown Cheapskate—Washington Road in Evans or National Hills Shopping Center.

<< PREPPY PAIR Ryan Hammond is prepped out in this long-sleeved button down and colorful flat-front shorts, both by Southern Tide, and Nike book bag. Ryan, 18, is the son of Hank and Stephanie Hammond of North Augusta. Chloe Caudill is Southern through and through in monogrammed cap, Simply Southern tee, Southern Tide shorts and Ziggy Zigs backpack. Chloe, 13, is the daughter of Jennifer Howie of North Augusta and Michael Caudill of Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Communigraphics in North Augusta.

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<< SOUTHERN BELLA Bella French is “too cool for school” in this light and airy Kiddo by Katie dress, Chatties flats and colorful back pack and lunch sack. Bella, 9, is the daughter of Aimee French of Martinez. Clothing and accessories provided by Kid to Kid— Washington Road in Evans and National Hills Shopping Center.

MODERN MOD >> Sisters Morgan and Mallory Brunty trend it up in Boho chic ensembles featuring pastels and lace. Morgan, left, carries a Michael Kors tote while Mallory accessorizes with a Coach bag. Morgan and Mallory are the daughters of Ashley Colohan of Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Uptown Cheapskate—Washington Road in Evans and National Hills Shopping Center.

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y phone vibrates. Someone from the middle school is calling…again. These calls rock my boat and wash me into the Bermuda Triangle of despair, with me, my son and the teacher each manning a corner. We eye each other, planning strategy, predicting moves, preparing statements of defense.

Nothing has changed about this dance since my youngest boy wadded his first grade behavior report and dropped it into the bottom of the box freezer on the back porch. Days later, the teacher asked me—I took it as an accusation— why I hadn’t responded to her note. Weeks later, I discovered the missing manuscript. It’s not my fault. I didn’t tell him to do it, whatever it turns out to be this time. But still, he’s my responsibility. I’m the one charged with teaching him self-control, respect, obedience and compassion. I already anger at the story he’ll tell me later and at my weakness for accepting half-truths. I’m irritated at the teacher for trying to woo me into her corner of the triangle. Both wishy-washy and territorial, I don’t know whose side to take, so I calculate my angle and brood. Seconds before the last vibration ceases and the call goes to voicemail, I release a breath, brace myself and answer, “Hello?”

individuality, particularly the self-expression of their child. They resist anyone who squelches it. “We pick a side because we care,” says Geiger. “The parent usually takes the child’s side.” But the teacher possesses the broader view of the issue as it pertains to the school environment. Angie Roberts, assistant principal over Curriculum and Instruction at Thomson-McDuffie Middle School agrees, adding, “There’s an attitude among a lot of people that teachers and students are on opposing sides.” Parents who didn’t have positive school experiences may feel particularly protective of their children in these situations. Stepping back, however, and standing in the teacher’s shoes, one can appreciate that it takes an undue amount of effort for a classroom teacher to single out a child to “pick on.” Stopping a lesson, looking up an email address and a hammering off a note to a parent is cumbersome. It shatters the momentum of learning. MANAGING THE CRISIS

UNDERSTANDING THE ANXIETY Teachers enjoy making those phone calls as much as parents like to receive them. Georgia G. Geiger, a registered mediator in the state of Georgia and a former educator, points out an underlying cause of anxiety. “The classroom is the teacher’s domain. Home is the parents’ domain,” she says. “We all like to have control.” When the four walls of our box are threatened, so to speak, we respond guardedly. A question of differing values also arises. Teachers are charged with pouring knowledge into the sometimes unwilling brains of 20-plus students each period. The task demands that they minimize disruptions and maximize conformity to the classroom routine. Behavioral and academic outliers must be dealt with. Where teachers value individuals getting with the group program, parents value

Seldom will the teacher’s version of what happens in the classroom match the student’s version. Everyone must accept this fact before moving forward. Roberts says of students relaying information to their parents, “They’re spinning it in a way that it looks a little bit better for them.” Therefore, don’t jump to conclusions. Go on a fact-finding mission. Without passing judgment, get the details of the event(s) that prompted the teacher’s phone call or request for a conference. Hold the emotional response in check. Don’t lament the student as a victim. Don’t arrive at the teacher’s door bearing a torch and brandishing a pitchfork. “A parent should never openly criticize a child’s teacher or school,” Geiger says. Resolve the problem at hand in a way that preserves the educational atmosphere, the sanity of the teacher and the confi-

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dence of the child. A major obstacle to this type of problem-solving, according to Geiger, occurs when the parties involved focus on placing blame and winning allies rather than discussing solutions that meet the needs of everyone involved. Geiger states, “The best parental response is respectful listening to both the child and the teacher.” Ask open-ended questions, such as “What happened next? What did you say?” and listen attentively. When someone states an absolute, such as “My teacher doesn’t like me” or “Johnny is continually disruptive,” ask for specific examples. Geiger also advises, “Don’t fill in story gaps with ‘facts’ that have not been brought up by the teacher or the student.” After everyone has provided his or her point of view, explore options for improving or solving the issue and identify the best resolution. “The parent acts as the mediator (a neutral facilitator) ideally,” says Geiger. Both the teacher and the child will feel heard and respected. This process works best when done in a conference with the child present for some or all of the exchange. “While email is wonderful, there’s no substitute for face-to-face human contact,” says Roberts. Ultimate success, of course, depends on the parent and the teacher modeling good conflict resolution: (1) Timely communication, (2) Identification of the issue, (3) Exploration of options, (4) Agreeing on a solution to implement. Roberts notes, “We’re all on the same team.” This is the perfect chance for a student to witness the truth in that statement. MAINTAINING PEACE “You don’t have to take a lot of your time to be an involved parent,” advises Roberts. “Just show you’re interested.” Stop in to have lunch with your child. Ask him about his day. Attend PTO meetings. Have a conversation about your academic and behavioral expectations. Periodically send an email or call teachers to see how things are going, to give a compliment, or to share important news from home. “You don’t have to wait on the teacher to communicate with you,” Roberts says. “Initiate conversation to build a relationship.” These actions demonstrate to the child that the parent values his education and his school. They show teachers that the parent recognizes them as professionals, trusts their judgment and supports their efforts. “The goal is to foster a love of learning. We want kids to be eager to learn. Most are when they start school. We want to keep it that way,” says Geiger. Being a good communicator and a visible presence in the school won’t guarantee that you won’t receive the dreaded phone call, but these behaviors do build rapport. They promote student success. They set the stage for conflict resolution in which the teacher and the student feel supported. My “Hello?” is greeted by a voice asking, “Mrs. Adams?” “Yes,” I answer. “This is she.” My stomach knots in anticipation of the next sentence. “This is Mrs. Strong. I’m calling to tell you that your son made a perfect score on his math test today. Will you tell him…” Yes! I will tell him, I think. Thank you! What a wonderful parent I am. And thank you for being an awesome teacher. Communication. It turns a pointed triangle into a happy circle of celebration. It softens the blow of the inevitable next dreaded phone call. Lucy Adams is a freelance writer and the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson, Ga., with her husband and their four children. Contact Lucy at lucybgoosey@aol.com.

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timeout by Joanna Nesbit

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Cliques Conflicts Helping Young Girls Manage the Social Scene

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hen my daughter entered 4th grade, the classroom dynamics got off to abumpy start. A few strong personalities—and a new girl jockeying to fit in—led to small conflicts that lasted all year long. In May, the principal called to tell me my daughter and a few other girls were at risk of suspension for that day’s recess if they didn’t clean up their act. Apparently two small groups had volleyed glares that felt intimidating to younger children. It was the proverbial straw. When my daughter arrived home, I said, “Sounds like school was a little rough today.” She burst into tears. She had never been in trouble at school. Most parents associate girl conflicts—and mean-girl tactics—with the middle school years. But conduct known as “relational aggression” (what we think of as “mean girl” behavior) starts much younger. This is the behavior we see when kids manipulate others through friendship withdrawal, silent treatment and gossip. A 2010 study from the State University of New York at Buffalo of children ages 3-12 found that some girls understand relationally aggressive tactics as early as preschool. It also reports that girls associate these tactics with being a girl. In other words, they expect to handle conflict with relational aggression—while boys associate physi-

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cal aggression with being male. Around 2nd grade, this kind of behavior becomes more sophisticated, and teachers begin to see it in the classroom. “If a girl doesn’t color as neatly, wear the right clothes or can’t do something as well, a 2nd grader is just as likely to notice as a 5th grader or a middle schooler,” says Dawn Christiana, a Washington state elementary teacher. Also beginning in 2nd grade, girls interact more than the younger girls, she says, and become more vocal. “Thus begin the cliques,” says Christiana.

What’s Normal?

demically. As a result, she says, young girls are increasingly anxious, self-conscious and competitive. Combine these pressures with the cultural message to girls to play nice (that is, avoid “challenging” emotions such as anger, resentment or jealousy), and social competition among elementary-age girls looks adolescent. JoAnn Deak, Ph.D., author of Girls Will Be Girls, suggests teaching social conflict management skills at younger ages. By middle school, says Deak, the social patterns are habits, and habits are difficult to change.

Managing pressures Social conflict in elementary school is not new. In fact, conflict among classmates and friends is a normal part of childhood, and parents shouldn’t fear it, says Cubba Reese, a parent educator in the greater Seattle area. What is new? The social pressures girls face today. Roni Cohen-Sandler, Ph.D., author of Easing Their Stress: Helping our Girls Thrive in the Age of Pressure and a longtime psychologist, sees social behaviors in elementary-age girls that used to begin in middle school. Both biology and evolving cultural patterns are contributing to these changes, she says, through earlier physical maturity, exposure to media that portrays relational aggression, more marketing to younger girls and more pressure to achieve aca-

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So how do we help our daughters manage social pressures and conflict? It starts with building strong connections at home, say experts. Here are some ideas for ways parents can help their girls navigate the school year: r Empathize. If your daughter comes home fuming about a situation, the first step is to empathize—listen without judging or offering advice. When you empathize, you’re modeling a skill she needs to learn, as well as creating connection that’s important for your relationship, says Cohen-Sandler. Remember: Empathizing isn’t asking leading questions that imply she’s been wronged.” It’s important to keep your own

{ timeout indignation in check. You shouldn’t be more upset than she is,” says Reese.

a mother-daughter book club when her girls were young as a way to discuss friendship and conflict.

r Validate a range of emotions. Girls need to know that all emotions, positive and negative, are normal and that “bad emotions” don’t make girls bad. Allowing your daughter’s anger or resentment to play out will help her calm down more quickly than if you minimize the situation, leap to solving the problem or suggest her feelings are unkind. Try something like, “Wow, you are spitting nails, you’re so mad,” says Reese.

r Help her to identify assumptions. It’s normal to make assumptions about other people’s actions, but it’s important to verify them, says Deak. Girls typically don’t like feeling uncomfortable emotions, and it’s much easier to whisper to a friend than to ask someone why she did such and such. But getting clarity is important, and girls needn’t be confrontational. “Try something like, ‘When you said I couldn’t sit here, I was just wondering why,’” suggests Deak. Discuss possible reasons for another child’s behavior—that will help your daughter see she might have misunderstood the situation. Ask her about the girl’s tone of voice or expression on her face and say, “That’s one possibility. What else could cause those things to happen?”

r Help her gain perspective. Media experiences can be effective springboards for important discussions about what someone might be feeling or thinking. When you’re watching a movie together or reading a book, talk about characters’ choices, including feelings, motives and behavior, says Cohen-Sandler. Fiction isn’t as emotionally loaded as discussing a fight with a friend. Seattle parent Alison Krupnick began

r Brainstorm problem-solving. Girls need practice moving from feeling to thinking to become problem solvers. Let your daughter think through the prob-

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lem before offering help. Get her started with “I wonder what you can do” or “Do you have any ideas?” If she’s stuck, Reese suggests these phrases: “Would you like me to help you think this through?” or “I have one thought—would you like to hear it?” If she says no, don’t push it. Keep in mind “our primary job is not to resolve the problem, but to give the message that girls are resilient and needn’t be afraid of conflict,” says Reese. “Our job is to empathize, to acknowledge the conflict, and to give the message that friendships last through conflict.” Tempting as it is to shut down the drama, listening to your daughter and helping her solve challenges will arm her with the emotional skills to tackle bumpy situations with real solutions. These skills will stay with her for life. v Joanna Nesbit remembers 4th grade being hard even back in the day. Learn more about her writing at joannanesbit.com.

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The Art of “Making� Young Makers Group Provides Opportunities for Curious Tweens and Teens

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t an age when most young kids are just dreaming about building robots, Adam Mansour actually built one. When he was just 9 years old, he put together his version of Honda’s ASIMO robot by Googling instructions and with a little help from his older brother, Khaled, and he hasn’t looked back. “Instead of just thinking, oh, I’ll learn how to do that in high school or college, I just started looking at how to do it,� says Adam. Today, his latest project, a 3D printer, is nearly complete, its orange and red and blue parts neatly joined by rods and screws. Adam, now 14, has been working on building it since last October, helped through the Young Makers group at downtown’s Clubhou.se. As Adam talks about how he built the printer and how it works (out of parts that were themselves 3-D printed off of Young Makers group leader Charles Gantt’s printer), his face is animated and his hands are quick, describing processes that most

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adults wouldn’t understand.

Cracking the Code For kids like Adam who have an interest in hardware, engineering and design, knowledge is a fountain they just can’t stop drinking from. But the kind of knowledge they’re looking for can be hard to come by in local schools, even though kids are often thirsty for information about web design, programming, engineering and technology. It’s estimated that only 1 in 10 U.S. schools teaches children how to code—even though the tech sector is growing faster than all but five industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Kids want to learn this stuff,� agrees Gantt, “but no one’s offering it.� The Young Makers was born 18 months ago out of the CSRA Makers, a group of likeminded adults who enjoy the process of “making�— whether it’s computers or robotics, woodworking

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or machine work. “All of us were kids who took stuff apart,� says Gantt. “We’re pretty passionate about wanting to share that.� Twice a month, about 15 to 30 pre-teens and teens gather at the Clubhou.se for a creative night of making—anything from designing race cars or costumes to programming computer games or arduinos, a type of microcontroller that is the basis for simple robots. “It makes for good stories when you come back to school the day after,� says Adam. For example, one recent project involved designing arduinos that would flash in a certain sequence. Gantt gave the group a half-hour of instruction, then told them, “Make whatever you want with what I taught you. Make something awesome.� Kids who had never learned programming in their lives came up with arduinos that flashed in time to popular music like Lady Gaga or the mechanical Nintendo chimes. “The class is supposed to last an hour and a half,�

inspirationstation says Gantt. “This one lasted three hours—we couldn’t get them to leave.” The Young Makers used those same arduinos to construct a large-scale community project earlier this year. When the Mythbusters show came to the Bell Auditorium last year, organizers asked the Young Makers if they could do something special. Working for eight straight days, the group wrote code and designed arduinos that would cause a set of Christmas trees atop the Bell Auditorium to flash in sequence.

Growing in Knowledge So has the Young Makers been helpful to young people like Adam? Before I can even finish asking the question, Adam is nodding, yes. As one of the older and more experienced kids in the group, he’s been able to help some of the younger ones, just as his older brother helped him. He’s learning more too—and more quickly—from the adults like Gantt who lead the classes. “You see the class all learn at least something at every class,” says Adam. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a class where all the kids haven’t learned anything or are just

sitting around. There’s always something entertaining… The interesting thing is that since I’m doing something like this, most people, instead of talking down to me because I’m a kid, they understand that I know what I’m talking about. I can just talk to anyone here.” “Adam’s at the point where I ask him questions,” admits Gantt, who even worked on the first project to bring affordable desktop 3D printing into the home. For kids who have an interest in joining Young Makers, Gantt encourages parents to give it a chance. “Sometimes the parents, if they stick around, they don’t understand what we’re doing, they don’t understand ‘why does my kid need to know how to do this?’—and they don’t come back,” he says. “It’s really sad. Because the kids who do come back, they turn into regulars.” Although he’s entering Lakeside High School this fall, Adam already has his eye on the future: He hopes to attend MIT and since he’s not getting the engineering and design courses he needs in high school, he’s already planning to take a year at Georgia Tech to catch up on any details he might have missed along the way. For Adam, it’s all about going big. “I sort of learn the basics, and then instead of going from the basics to the com-

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plicated, I go from the basics straight to the incredibly complicated,” he says. As Clubhou.se co-founder Eric Parker walks out to leave, he says to Adam, “Did you tell her about the Kickstarter campaign?” Once he completes his 3-D printer prototype, Adam plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign to build support for a business where he can build and sell a variety of 3-D printers, making the technology accessible to the general public in a format that’s easy to carry, quick to print (a small figure takes only 10 minutes) and affordable (ranging from $500 to $1,200). All at only age 14. v The Young Makers meet at the Clubhou.se, 816 Broad St., on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and is open to kids in the 5th grade and up. Cost is $2 per meeting. To find out more or to join, visit the Clubhou.se’s website at theclubhou.se.

Danielle Wong Moores is an Augusta freelance writer and frequent contributor to Augusta Family Magazine, Augusta Magazine and The Augusta Chronicle.

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calendar August 2014

Coal Miner's Daughter Tour Iconic country singer Loretta Lynn will head to Augusta as part of her Coal Miner's Daughter Tour on Saturday, August 23. The legendary singer has won many awards since 1967, including various Female Vocalist of the Year awards and several Duet of the Year awards for her work with Conway Twitty. In 1972, she became the first woman in history to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award. Her hit songs include "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Don't Come Home a Drinkin'," "Loisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" (a duet with Conway Twitty) and many more. 8 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

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SPECIAL EVENTS August 2. Paddlefest. Gather along the Savannah River to watch the paddlers and their creative rafts cross the finish line. Boat launch at 8:30 a.m. Festival featuring local food vendors, live music and live/silent auctions to follow the races. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Riverfront Marina. Presented by the Savannah Riverkeeper. www.paddlefestga.com. August 9. Storks and Corks. Silver Bluff Audubon Center offers a casual evening of good food and wine along with a chance to see endangered wood storks in their natural setting. As many as 500 wood storks along with a couple hundred other wading birds and shorebirds have been seen in years past. A silent auction runs through the evening. Reservations are required. 6-9 p.m. 803471-0291. August 9. Sunset on the Savannah. A new series of events presenting quality family entertainment at the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre. All music will be performed by the U. S. Army Signal Corps Band, based at Fort Gordon and admission is free. 7-8 p.m. Call 706-821-1754. August 9-10. Bike for the Ballet. Tutu-clad cyclists from throughout the Southeast create a surreal scene raising awareness of the Augusta Ballet’s long-term outreach in promoting active living. 706-261-0555. www.augustaballet.org. April 14. Miracle Treat Day. Participating DQ locations will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each Blizzard frozen treat sold to Children's Hospital of Georgia. Stop by during regular business hours, enjoy a Blizzard and support the local Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Email castewart@ gru.edu for information. August 14. Jeanne Robertson. Award-winning speaker Jeanne Robertson is an expert in humor, whether regaling audiences with her experiences as a Miss Congeniality winner in the Miss America Pageant or outlining the steps to developing a sense of humor. 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706-722-8341. August 16. Augusta Beerfest: Suds in the South. Sample more than 30 of some of the Southeast’s most popular craft beers. Noon-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. August 17. English as a Second Language (ESL). Beginning this Sunday, the Steiner Branch Family Y in Grovetown will offer weekly ESL classes on Sun-

days from 3-5 p.m. No pre-registration is required. Free. Free childcare provided for children ages 8 weeks to 12 years. Book required for class. Call for title. 706-922-9606. August 22. Movies on the Common. A feature presentation for the entire family to enjoy. Get to the Augusta Common early for some pre-movie activities starting at 7:30 p.m. For movie listings, call 706821-1754. August 23. Aiken Arts Alive. Musical entertainment, dancing, artist demonstrations and art shows. Former performers have included the Columbia Marionette Theatre, the Southern Thunder Cloggers, Gavin Winship, Sly Lewis and BLuJayz. Children’s games and activities, including mural painting, photography and face painting. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aiken Center for the Arts. 803641-9094. August 24. Sweet Tea Series: The Trolley Tours of North Augusta. Presented by the Heritage Council of North Augusta. Tours leave from the North Augusta Municipal Center parking lot. Sweet tea and cookies will be served on board. 3-4 p.m. 803-270-9400. August 28. Fort Gordon-CSRA Community Expo. The annual expo, hosted by the Fort Gordon Spouses' & Civilians' Club, will feature 120 local businesses and community organizations—from farmers markets to universities, nonprofits and restaurants— to connect with area residents. Event includes door prizes and more. Proceeds fund the organization's scholarship program. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Gordon Conference and Catering Center on Fort Gordon. www.fgscc.com. August 28-30. Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale. Shop downtown Aiken to find the best bargains on the highest quality goods. 803-649-2221 or www. downtownaiken.com.

MUSEUM & SCIENCE EVENTS August 1-30. The Civil Rights Movement in Augusta. This exhibition features historic documents, photographs, civil rights-themed art by Malaika Favorite and Nancy Bookhart, a virtual map of historic black heritage locations in Augusta and a new video series about the past, present and future of the Civil Rights Movement. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. 706-724-3576. August 9. Pollution Solution. This program includes hands-on activities demonstrating the various types

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of pollution and their causes and effects. You’ll then discuss possible solutions and recognize ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. For ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required by calling 706-210-4027 or emailing ehobbs@columbiacountyga.gov. 10-11 a.m. at Reed Creek Nature Park and Interpretive Center, 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. August 9. Southeastern Toy Soldiers Show. More than 30 exhibitors from across the South display their collections of toy soldiers, or military miniatures, in this annual presentation. Living history reenactments take place on the museum’s front grounds. Military vehicles from the World War II and Vietnam eras will be on display. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. South Carolina State Museum. Columbia. 803-898-4952.

THE ARTS, MUSIC AND MORE August 1-29. Art Exhibition: Bea Kuhlke. The Augusta native studied painting in Florence, Italy, and has continued as a studio painter and taught classes and workshops in the CSRA for more than 25 years. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706-826-4700. August 8. New West Guitar Group. Firmly rooted in classic jazz, the trio’s versatility as both players and composers has given them a reputation as pioneers in the realm of guitar ensemble repertoire. Acoustic Guitar Magazine has praised the group for its ability to shift seamlessly “from chamber-like elegance and fragile introspection to exhilarating swing and gritty blues.” 6:30 p.m. Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Theatre. www.augustaamusements.com. August 8-9. Ed Turner and Number 9: Rock and Soul Revue. Two nights of classic rock and roll at its best, with special accompaniment by the Number 9 Strings and Horns. Enjoy songs from Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night, Led Zeppelin, the Band, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, the Stones, Otis Redding and many more. 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706722-8341. August 8. Susan Zhang. Zhang made her orchestral debut at age 12 with the Augusta Symphony and has been featured as a soloist with the South Carolina Philharmonic and the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. In addition to numerous venues across the United States, Zhang has also concertized internationally with performances in Canada, China, Venezuela and Spain. Aiken Center for the Arts. 803641-9094. August 9. The Augusta Summer Jam: Boosie

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Performing Live. Rapper Lil’ Boosie’s hard Southern style comes from growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His big breakthrough began when he joined Pimp C’s Trill Entertainment camp. He was paired with fellow Trill artist Webbie for the 2003 release Ghetto Stories and again for 2004’s Gangsta Musik, which featured the first appearance of Webbie’s future hit “Give Me That.” 8 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. August 9. Sunset on the Savannah. Co-presented by the City of Augusta and Garden City Jazz. All music will be performed by the U. S. Army Signal Corps Band. Free admission. 7-8 p.m. Jessye Norman Amphitheater. 706-821-1754. August 15. Live After Five. Live entertainment showcasing a variety of musical talent on the 8th Street Plaza. 6-8 p.m. 706-821-1754. August 16. Summer Concert at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater. Come out and enjoy the best local and regional bands. 7-9 p.m. 706-821-1754. August 23. The Malpass Brothers. Continuing a family tradition of classic country music. Singer/ songwriter, instrumentalist and impressionist Thom Bresh opens for the featured act. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. 706-726-0366 or www.augustaamusements.com. August 23. Loretta Lynn. The legendary Loretta Lynn has won many awards since 1967, including various Female Vocalist of the Year awards and several Duet of the Year awards for her work with Conway Twitty. In 1972 she became the first woman in history to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award. 8 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. August 24. Jessye Norman School of the Arts Benefit Concert. Two renowned singers and a top pianist/composer join forces for a cause in a lively and wide-ranging program. 5 p.m. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. GRU campus. For tickets, visit www. jessyenormanschool.org or www.tickets.gru.edu. 706-294-8849.

Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org. August 1. Films on Friday: Wuthering Heights. Starring Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon and David Niven, and produced by Sam Goldwyn, this film was nominated for eight Academy Awards. After viewing the film, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Participants are in-

vited to bring a lunch. Free. Noon. August 1-September 28. Art From the Collection of Jonathan Green and Richard Weedman. Over the past 35 years, acclaimed artist Jonathan Green and his partner and studio director, Richard Weedman, have amassed an astonishing collection of paintings, sculptures and works on paper. African American, Caribbean, Latin American and American artists in the collection reflect the breadth of their interests, the cultural diversity that has contributed to the development of American art and the themes of work, love, belonging and spirituality. August 1-17. This Happy Land: Paintings by William Entrekin. Born in Rome, Ga., in 1946, William Entrekin spent much time drawing as a child. After studying briefly with Richard Sturgis, who introduced him to oil paints, he took up watercolor and eventually egg tempera. Sparked by a 2006 invitation to exhibit at a gallery in Atlanta, he rediscovered the passion for art that he had felt as a child. The years that followed have proven to be some of his most productive and he continues to paint to this day. August 3. Silhouette Portraits With Clay Rice. Have renowned silhouette artist Clay Rice create a portrait of you, a family member or friend. Advance registration required. Fees apply. 10 a.m. Call 706-828-3867 to schedule an appointment. August 3. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Mama, Let’s Make a Moon. Award-winning singer, author and artist Clay Rice returns to relate lively tales and songs, followed by art-making activities in the galleries. Enjoy an exhibition of silhouette illustrations from his new book, Mama, Let’s Make a Moon, on display in the Education Gallery. Free. 2 p.m. August 7. Mommy and Me: Hats! Hats! Hats! Search the galleries for paintings featuring people wearing hats. Afterward create your own hat. Advance registration required. 10-11 a.m. August 15. Art at Lunch: Author Roger Pinckney. Lowcountry author and storyteller Roger Pinckney discusses the history and traditions of the South Carolina Gullah community and relates the stories found in his book Blue Roots: African-American Folk Magic of the Gullah People. Lunch included. Paid reservations due August 13. Noon. August 16. Draw With the Morris: Pastel With Carolyn Bohn. Open to all skill levels. Fees apply. 1-3 p.m.

roque Period. Members of GRU music faculty present two performances of music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Free. Performances at 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. August 28. Oh! Augusta! Photographs by William Greiner. Exhibit opening. Louisiana photographer William Greiner discusses a series of images documenting the downtown Augusta area. 6-8 p.m.

SPORTS August 9 & 10. Slalom and Wake Event. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Langley Pond. intleague.com 803-642-7559. August 23-24. Inaugural Wildwood Games. This multi-sport event will feature marathon mountain bike races, trail running races and outdoors expo. This year’s festival is a precursor to the 2015 event which will feature the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike Nationals. Go to www. columbiacountyitshere.com for more information and to register. August 30. Langley Pond International Triathlon. 1500 meter swim, 24-mile bike, 10km run. 7 a.m. Langley Pond. Setupevents.com. 803-642-7559 August 30. Langley Pond Sprint Triathlon. 750 meter swim, 20km bike, 5km run. 7:15 a.m. Langley Pond. Setupevents.com. 803-642-7559.

Augusta-Richmond County Recreation East Augusta-May Park, 622 4th St., 706-7240505. South Augusta-Fleming Athletic Office, Daniel St., 706-796-5047. West Augusta-Eisenhower Athletic Office, 488 Eisenhower Dr., 706-821-2801. Through August 8. Youth Fall Athletic Registration. Leagues: Co-ed soccer, ages 5-13. Cheerleading bantam, ages 6-9. Midget, ages 10-12. Fall baseball & softball, ages 9-14. Flag football ages 7-8. Bantam

Augusta GreenJackets Sunday games start at 2 p.m. Games on all other days start at 7 p.m. Lake Olmstead Stadium 706-736-7889 August 7-10 vs. Savannah August 19-21 vs. Hickory August 22-24 vs. Lexington August 29-31 vs. Charleston

August 24. Music at the Morris: Music of the Ba-

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calendar football ages 9-10, 60-140 pound weight limit, over 120 pounds are ineligible to carry football. Midget football, ages 11-12, 70-160 pound weight limit, over 140 pounds are ineligible to carry football. Registration held from noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.

August 4-14. Swim Lessons Summer Session 6. Available for ages 3 and up for all skill levels. Held at the Family Y of Aiken. August 8. Freedom Friday at Family Y of Augusta South. Giving free time to parents by creating an evening of fun for ages 8 weeks to 12 years. 4–8 p.m. Free for active duty military families.

August 1-August 29. Adult Fall Athletic Registration. Divisions: Open coed and men’s open, men’s and women’s church, open-coed church and open men’s industrial. Register at Diamond Lakes Regional Park-Adult Complex, 108 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. 706-771-2980

August 11-September 7. Flag Football Clinic Registration. Clinic runs twice a week for two weeks—the week of October 20-30.

Columbia County Parks & Recreation Department

Through August 24. Fall Soccer Registration. Season played September 7-October 19.

5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. 706-863-7523.

Mother's Morning Out

Through August 15. Fall Registration. Fall baseball, softball, soccer & football. Season played September through November.

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

RECREATION PROGRAMS Champions Made From Adversity P.O. Box 980, Evans, Ga. 706-364-2422. www.cmfa.us This nonprofit organization strives to advance the lives of people with physical disabilities and their families through sport and leisure opportunities. Current weekly schedule: Monday—Adapted fitness at the Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. and wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday—Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m. Friday—Adapted cycling at the uptown VA, 1:302:30 p.m.

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. Through August 3. Registration for Adult Soccer at the Wilson Family Y. Non-competitive social league focused on fun. Participants will receive a jersey. No practice or games Labor Day weekend. Season runs from August 18-October 10.

Family Y of North Augusta: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 2-4. Family Y of North Augusta Drop and Shop: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-noon. Family Y of Augusta South Drop and Shop: Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-noon for ages 8 weeks to 4 years. Steiner Branch Family Y (Grovetown): Fridays from 9 a.m.-noon for ages 2-6.. Ongoing. Tae Kwon Do at the Family Y of Augusta South. Tae Kwon Do teaches self-discipline, focus and social skills. Beginner classes Tuesday/Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and advanced classes Tuesday/ Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Parent's Night Out August 2 & 16. Steiner Branch Family Y (Grovetown). Ages 2-13. 6-9:30 p.m. August 9 & 23. Marshall Family Y. Ages 2-12 from 6-9:30 p.m. August 16. Family Y of Aiken County. Ages 2-12 from 5:30-9 p.m. August 22. Family Y of Augusta South. Ages 8 weeks to 12 years. 6-9:30 p.m. August 23. Wilson Family Y. Ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m.

Family Y Day Camps Final sessions of camps: August 4-8 and August 11-15. Camp activities are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early drop off at 7 a.m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m. available at no additional cost. Camp registration must be completed prior to child’s attendance at camp and balance of payment is due the Wednesday prior to camp week for which your child is enrolled. Camps run Monday-Friday.

Candlelight Jazz Concerts )PTUFE CZ (BSEFO $JUZ +B[[ r Q N Augusta Riverwalk 8th Street Entertainment Stage www.gardencityjazz.com August August August August August

3. 10. 17. 24. 31.

Courtland Saxon A Step Up Preston & Weston quietSTORM Labor Day Jazz Weekend

fourmckeels@yahoo.com. Thursdays. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the O’Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon.

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

Classical Conversations www.classicalconversations.com. Classical Conversations is a community of home educators following a Christian, classical model of education. Five locations currently serve families in the CSRA—Augusta, Evans, Grovetown/Martinez, North Augusta and Aiken.

Monkey Joe’s

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

368 Furys Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). www.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.

Aiken Home School Times Playgroup

North Augusta Homeschool Playgroup

803-648-7042 or

www.augustafamily.com

Meets Thursdays at various North Augusta parks

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Hopeland Gardens Summer Concert Series All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Free admission 803-642-7631 August August August August

4: 11: 18: 25:

TBA Fort Gordon Band Southern Knights Aiken Concert Band

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

$FMJBD %JTFBTF 4VQQPSU (SPVQ Email 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.

$PNNPO #POE 1BSFOU 4VQQPSU (SPVQ for play. Field trips will also be scheduled. All homeschoolers are welcome. Call 803-613-0484 or e-mail emilykohlbacher@hotmail.com.

CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS "VHVTUB"SFB.PNNJFT 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.

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

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

#VSO 4VSWJWPST 4VQQPSU (SPVQ The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation invites all burn survivors to attend this monthly support group. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday each month at 2 p.m. at the Southeastern

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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.

-B -FDIF -FBHVF 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.

.0.4 $MVC 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.

.0.4 $MVC PG (SPWFUPXO www.momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com Momsclubofgrovetown@gmail.com Members come from Grovetown, Harlem and the communities of Fort Gordon. The group is not affiliated with any parenting style, religion, or ethnic group. MOMS Club is open to and accepting of any and all moms who are at-home with their children.

Moms Connection Call 706-721-8283 for more information. Every Tuesday. A free weekly support group for new mothers. All new moms are welcome and can bring their baby. Information from International Board Certified Lactation Consultant/Educator/Perinatal Nurse. Weigh your baby, share refreshments and meet other moms while getting answers to your questions along with timely advice from the Georgia Regents Women’s Health team and guest speakers.

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1-2 p.m. , Georgia Regents Medical Center, second floor, Terrace Dining Magnolia Room.

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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/.

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A nondenominational Christian group for mothers of preschool-aged children. Childcare provided. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, 642 Telfair Street. Call Amy Toney at 803-341-1904 or go to www.firstpresaugusta.org/ MOPS. The Aiken charter group of MOPS meets the Second Tuesday of each month for moms to learn, share, support each other and socialize. Meetings are held in the South Aiken Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1711 Whiskey Rd. Free childcare and dinner for those attending, reservations required. You do not need to be a member of South Aiken Presbyterian to attend. Check out MOPS Aiken on Facebook, contact Jennie Beat at 803640-4742 or email mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare.

/FJHICPS 5P 'BNJMZ 801 Greene St., Augusta. Call Kimberly Lee-Branch, coordinator of licensing, recruitment and training at 706-396-2180, ext. 107. The goal of this organization is to revolutionize foster care by keeping siblings together while building healthier families.

0WFSFBUFST "OPOZNPVT 907-854-1509. A non-profit 12-step support group for people addicted to food. No dues or fees for membership. Meets in Augusta on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3551 Wheeler Road, and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way.

1BSFOU 4VQQPSU (SPVQ 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.

calendar 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 email Jen at theotherbradford@yahoo.com

HOSPITAL PROGRAMS Doctors Hospital Call 706-651-BABY (2229) or go to doctors-hospital.net for registration and class location. Pre-registration required for most programs. August 5, 12, 19, 26 & September 2. Ready and Able. This five-session class is recommended for late pregnancy. Topics include childbirth process, comfort and breathing techniques and more. 7-9:30 p.m. August 28. Breastfeeding. Getting started, latching on and positioning are discussed for a smooth start to breastfeeding. 6:30-9:30 p.m. August 9. Short and Sweet. A weekend childbirth class covering the process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques and childbirth, medication/epidurals and relaxation and breathing techniques. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. August 19. Safe Sitter. Teaches students ages 11 to 13 safe and nurturing child care techniques, management and approriate responses to medical emergencies. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. August 19. You're a Big Girl Now. girls ages 9-12 along with their mothers receive information on puberty and adolescence including subjects such as emotions, acne, menstruation and normal body changes. 10 a.m.-noon. August 21. Babies, Bumps and Bruises. 7-8:30 p.m.

Georgia Regents Health System

parents gain knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center 7th floor west, room 7001. Call 706721-9351 to register. August 6. Infant CPR Training. Learn core skills of infant CPR and relief of choking. Taught by a certified instructor. Registration is required. Call 706721-9351. 6:30-8 p.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center 7th floor, room 7001. August 7 & 20. Cribs for Kids. Call Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. August 13. Your Amazing Baby. Includes topics such as baby's first hours, diapering and bathing, sleep and crying patterns, normal newborn characteristics, hospital routines and infant safety. Registration required. Call 706-721-9351. 6:30-9 p.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center 7th floor south, room 7524. August 13. Child Safety Seat Inspections. Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr. Call 706-541-3870 to make an appointment. August 14 & 27. Car Seat Class. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-7217606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. August 23. Safe Sitter Program. Teaches 11- to 13-year-olds how to handle emergencies while caring for younger children. Call 706-721-7606 to register. 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Safe Kids Office, backside of Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way.

Trinity Hospital of Augusta

University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth.org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs. August 1 & 2 or 15 & 16. Childbirth Preparation Weekend Class. A complete childbirth preparation class designed for those with time constraints or fluctuating schedules. Class meets from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Also included is a follow-up evening at the W.G. Watson, M.D., Women’s Center for a tour, questionand-answer session and review. August 4, 11, 18 & 25 (Mondays), August 5, 12, 19 & 26 (Tuesdays) or August 6, 13, 20 & 27 (Wednesdays) Prenatal Education. This multiweek series of childbirth preparation classes 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. 7-9 p.m. in the Women’s Center Third Floor Classroom. Registration required. August 5. Parents Healing Together. For parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. Meets the first Monday of each month.

Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration.

August 6. Breastfeeding Support Group. Held in University's Special Care Nursery, 3rd floor. 1-2 p.m.

August 5. 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 21. Breastfeeding Class. This class offers indepth information on how to evaluate breastfeeding and get off to a good start. Registration is suggested. Call 706-774-2825. 7-8 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans.

Register online at gru.edu.

August 7, 14, 21 & 28. (Thursdays). Mommy Stretch and Tone. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299.

August 9. Baby Food Basics. Learn how to make baby food at this informative session held at EarthFare, 368 Furys Ferry Rd., Martinez. 10-11 a.m.

August 5. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “A-Team”). 6-7 p.m. Call Family Services Development at 706-721-5160 for more information.

August 11. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. 6-8:30 p.m.

August 5. Breastfeeding Class. Helps expectant

August 16. 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.

August 15. Baby Care Basics and Breastfeeding. Two popular classes offered together. 9 a.m.-noon.

www.augustafamily.com

August 28. Introduction to Infant CPR. Do you worry about knowing how to revive your baby should the need arise? This class provides an opportunity to learn and practice infant CPR on mannequins and learn other aspects of infant safety. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. 7-8:30 p.m.

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

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by Karin Calloway

Kelly Thompson | “Imagineer” Kelly Thompson, 39, of Augusta, is a teacher in the Richmond County School System and steering committee member of Imagination Station—A Neighborhood Children’s Museum in the Patricia Rigsby Daniel Recreation Center in Hickman Park (www.imagineaugusta.org). She and her husband, Colin, have two sons ages 8 and 4. Favorite place to take the kids: The Augusta Canal, the downtown library and any local park. Super power she’d like to have: Multitasking. I am not very good at it, but I hear it’s useful! Wanted to be when she grew up: “Annie” on stage. My mom took my sister and me to see it at the Imperial Theater and I was certain I could be the next “Annie.” Life lesson: The extraordinary is in the ordinary. Signature Dish: Zucchini casserole. Indulgence: Popcorn and Coke combo at Target. Best thing about being a mom: Watching my boys grow and change. Hardest part about being a mom: Watching my boys grow and change. Planner, doer or dreamer? I am more of a doer these days. Although I’d love to be the dreamer with great ideas, being a doer allows me to step up and support the ideas of others who dream big. Greatest hope: That my boys will grow up to be kind human beings. That they will know they are loved and loved others...and always call their mama and come home for the holidays!

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