Augusta Family Magazine August 2016 by Augusta Family Magazine

AUGUST 2016

A U G U S TA

What you need to know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

TIME TO GE T

BACK ON THE BUS â&#x153;² FALL

FASHION FORECAST

what kids and teens will be wearing this fall augustafamily.com

SHIFTING FROM SUMMER

TO SCHOOLWORK Avery, 10, and Anna, 6, Dorn are the children of Burke and Vickie Dorn of Appling.

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contents

ILLUSTRATION BY CARMELA ALVARADO

www.augustafamily.com

22 Departments 6 9

Features 24 Fall Fashion

—Karin Calloway —Photos by Carter Koenig Photography

AUGUST 2016

Get Ready for Summer

A U G U S TA

What you need to know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

ON THE COVER: Avery, 10, and Anna, 6, Dorn are the children of Burke and Vickie Dorn of Appling.

BACK ON THE BUS ✲ FALL

FASHION FORECAST

what kids and teens will be wearing this fall augustafamily.com

TO SCHOOLWORK Avery, 9, and Anna, 6, Dorn are the children of Burke and Vickie Dorn of Appling.

Photo by Carter Koenig Photography. Carolina T-shirt provided by CommuniGraphics.

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.

30 Shifting From Summer

Also, check out our contests and giveaways!

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Mom to Mom

Laundromat Logic —Jennie Montgomery

News & Notes

Eating Well With Kim

Dairy Good —Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Doctor Dad

Smart Mom’s Guide

To Schoolwork —Meredith Flory

Editor’s Page

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome —J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

Starting a Book Club —Cammie Jones

Raising Readers

Inspiration Station

Calendar

Go Girl! T. Bridgette Kayea —Karin Calloway

Raising Well-Spoken Readers —Meridith Flory The Best School Year Ever 10 Tips To Get Oﬀ To a Great Start —Mary Ashton Mills

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Augusta Family | August 2016 • 5

AU G U S TA

Editor’s Notes b y Karin Callo w ay

www.augustafamily.com

PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren

EDITOR Karin Calloway

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Shirley Bass

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PREPRESS /WEB PRODUCER Michael Rushbrook

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Lisa Dorn

ADVERTISING SALES Doressa Hawes Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann

PHOTOGRAPHY Carter Koenig Photography John Harpring

CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Meredith Flory Cammie Jones Mary Ashton Mills Jennie Montgomery 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 725 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., 30901. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/distribution, call (706) 823-3722.

We look forward to hearing from you; visit our website www.augustafamily.com and on facebook and twitter.

Easing Your Kids’ Fears About Terrorism

hile working on this issue I’ve been reminiscing about when my children were school-age. Now that my oldest, Tripp, is settled in Atlanta and enjoying his job in the insurance industry and CC, my youngest, is finishing up her bachelor of fine arts degree, it’s heartwarming to reflect on what they were like when they were younger. With the current events flashing more acts of terrorism across the globe, I was thinking about how it would be to have young children during these scary times. I recall September 11, when Tripp was in 4th grade and CC was in 2nd. There really wasn’t a way to protect them from the images of the horrors at the World Trade Center. Tripp is my worrier but he’s also the more expressive of my children, so I was able to calm his fears through conversation. CC, my artist, processed the event by drawing pictures of the World Trade Center being hit by planes. She also drew a picture of Osama Bin Laden in the desert with George Bush pushing a bomb—the kind that has a box with a handle you push to cause an explosion somewhere else. President Bush’s word bubble said, “Into the sand you go, Sada Bin Lada.” We’ve often laughed at her misspelling of his name. It seems to me that every time I pass the Columbia County Courthouse, the flag is flown at half-staff, the result of another attack or act of vioence against law enforcement or minorities. I wish I had some great advice for how to help ease your children’s fears during these scary times, but we all handle these things differently and we have to address it according to the personalities of our children. Last November, Time Magazine ran an article after the Paris attacks outlining ways to talk to your kids about these terrible events. Here are a few tips from the article, written by Belinda Luscombe. • Don’t delay telling your children. It’s very likely they will hear about what happened so it’s better if it comes from you. • Trust your instincts. Kids vary in levels of anxiety and vulnerability. You know your kids and what they can handle better than anyone. • For pre-school kids, the article suggests avoiding the subject a little. Don’t give more details than they ask for. • With elementary school aged kids, let them lead the way. Focus on their well-being. Avoid delving into details such as the exact number of people who died or that the attacks were coordinated and try not to be overly dramatic or use frightening words. • With middle school aged kids, don’t assume you know how they feel. Ask them if they’ve heard about the attacks and what they think. Answer questions simply. Explain that adults are working to prevent something like this from happening again. • With teens, you can go into more detail. Stay as calm as possible while sharing your own feelings about the event and encourage them to share their feelings as well. Talk to them about what to do in case of an emergency. From one parent to another, my prayer is that our world leaders find ways to prevent these tragedies so that our children won’t have to live in a world of fear. Until September,

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6 • Augusta Family | August 2016

Karin Calloway karin.calloway@augustafamily.com

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Mom to Mom b y Jen n i e Mo n tg o m er y

Laundromat Logic

ky Baby is having the most adventurous summer. She’s working as a counselor at a Methodist camp near the North Carolina coast. She’s learned a lot about wildlife (frogs, snakes and seagulls)…and laundry. She was warned by veteran camp counselors that washing her clothes on site would turn them brown so she drives to a laundromat in the nearby town every week to do a load or two. Now, Sky’s exposure to laundromats is pretty much limited to the washers and dryers in the basement of her college dorm. Taking her clothes to a free-standing laundromat is a new thing and she’s been really observant about the differences between a business venture and a basement necessity. She described the setting as a clean and bright big store. “It’s peaceful there. Quiet. I can just read or listen to my music until my clothes are ready,” Sky explained. But that’s not all: “It has a glorious bathroom,” she explained, “it’s so big!” (Glorious?? Could that possibly be the ﬁrst time EVER that a washroom has been called glorious?) The place is ﬁlled with rows and rows of washing machines and dryers. “There’s even a play area for the children, with a little gate around it.” “And they have changing tables all over the place!” she said. That let me know right then and there that this girl’s been breathing too much fabric softener. “Changing tables?” I laughed. The mental image of a dozen bare-bottomed babies laid out on those tables was just too much! “SKY!! Those tables are for folding clothes when you take them out of the dryer—NOT for changing diapers!” “Oh.” (Seriously? “Oh” is all I got out of that?) “Did I tell you all of my 14-year-olds last week were taller than me?” (I see what she’s doing…changing the subject here.) “One of the Dads walked over to me and said, ‘I don’t mean to be rude, but how old are you?’ I told him I was 20.” “Oh, thank goodness!” he said, “cause I would have believed you if you had said 16.” Ha ha! The image of a 16-year old in charge of eight 14-year-olds was almost as funny as those bare-bottomed babies!

Jennie Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children.

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news&notes August 2016

App-Beware Pokemon Go

mommy minute

THE DINNER DILEMMA PART 1 We all start the new school year with the best intentions—things like packing superhealthy lunches and dedicating a few nights a week for sit-down family meals. Then real life and a load of after-school and evening activities kick in. Here are a few ideas to help you solve the dinner dilemma in the new school year.

It seems like every other tweet or Facebook post is about

As parents, the game provides an opportunity to pursue a

the very popular Pokemon Go app, which was released

little outdoor family fun, but please be aware of the dan-

on July 5. With the help of your smartphone’s GPS, the

gers of distraction. Here are a few tips to play safely:

app takes the popular ‘90s video game and turns it into a giant, live game. In the app, Pokemon creatures/monsters can be found literally everywhere—on the side of the

• Although the app asks for personal information, such as your child’s birth date and email, parents can con-

road, in your backyard, on top of a building—and it’s the

tact the creators to stop them from using the informa-

player’s job to find, capture and train them.

tion. Information about contacting the creators can be found in the app’s privacy policy.

This all sounds like good, clean fun but since its debut players of the game have put themselves and others in

• Don’t let your child play Pokemon Go without an adult

harms way. Players who aren’t watching where they’re

present. Not only is distraction a danger, the game is de-

going have fallen into ditches, been struck by cars and

signed to bring people together, hence the opportunity

two players in Encinitas, Calif., fell off a cliff. Numerous

for your child to meet people you don’t know who may

car accidents have been reported all across the country

pose a threat. Older children may want to play alone but

as players try to catch monsters while driving. A group

it’s important to tell them about the risks.

of teens in O’Fallon, Mo., were mugged at a Pokemon hotspot—while they looked for monsters, someone hiding

• Turn off in-app purchases to avoid unexpected bills. You

in a car jumped out and robbed them at gunpoint.

can do this in the app permissions on your child’s phone.

“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

Mapping Your Meals The first step in planning weekly menus is looking at your family’s schedule to see which nights will be available for family meals and which nights you’ll need to plan for meals on the go or eating in shifts. Next, start with what you have on hand by taking a few minutes on the weekend to inventory your pantry, fridge and freezer and then come up with a few recipes to use those ingredients. Websites such as wholdfoodsmarket.com and cooking. nytimes.com are great resources. Print the recipes and then plan out a grocery list of the items you’ll need to make the recipes as well as any other items that may be running low. Head to the store and if you have time when you get home, go ahead and do some prep work to lighten the cooking load later in the week. Get Grillin’ If you’ve got one of those indoor grills in the back of a cabinet, pull it out. It’s not only a great way to grill your proteins (and they cook faster since the grill is heated on top and bottom), but they also can be used to make quesadillas, sandwiches of all kinds (Panini, grilled cheese or tuna melts) and almost any vegetable can be grilled. Many brands are available, such as the traditional George Foreman models to the higher-end latest model from T-fal, the T-fal Optigrill Plus. Look for more ways to solve the “dinner dilemma” in the September issue.

Augusta Family | August 2016 • 11

news&notes Are we there yet? SANDY SPRINGS, GA.

By Mary Ashton Mills n honor of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, “Are We There Yet” is traveling to Sandy Springs to celebrate over 950 acres of parkland, 22 miles of river shoreline and 16 parks. The amenities, hiking options, views and recreation opportunities may just be the trial run you need for that trip to one of America’s big National Parks in the future. The beauty of visiting Sandy Springs is that you can easily couple your visit with a trip to one of Atlanta’s larger attractions like a Braves game, The World of Coca-Cola, The College Football Hall of Fame or one of the many malls. Pack a picnic and leave Augusta early for Sandy Springs. Make your first stop the Nantahala Outdoor Center Lower Chattahoochee Outpost where you can rent kayaks and tubes for exploring the Chattahoochee River. The river rarely reaches a temperature above 50 degrees so you’ll instantly feel cooler on those sultry summer days. After your float, try your angling skills at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The Chattahoochee River is a designated trout stream and you’ll also find fish like catfish, bass and other freshwater species. If you like paddleboarding, visit the High Country Outfitters Paddle Shack at Morgan Falls Overlook Park to rent a paddleboard or even find your Zen with a stand up paddleboard yoga class. If you are from Augusta, chances are you have an appreciation for the game of golf. Try your luck at a new sport combining golf and soccer at Sandy Springs popular Steel Canyon Golf Club. FootGolf requires no clubs and is played with a soccer ball. Greens, Bunkers, Hazards and Tee Boxes are all still a part of this unique game that hails from the Netherlands and is sure to catch on quickly stateside.

12 • Augusta Family | August 2016

Chattahoochee River DISTANCE: 2 hours and 14 minutes, 150 miles. BUDGET: Tubing on the Chattahoochee runs $24.99 per half day at the NOC Lower Outpost. Stand up paddleboard rental from the Paddle Shack starts at $25.00 per hour. Steel Canyon Golf Club FootGolf round is $18.00 for adults and kids under 15 years-old play for their age. WHAT TO SEE: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, High Country Outfitters Paddle Shack, Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Nantahala Outdoor Center Lower Chattahoochee Outpost, Steel Canyon Golf Club. IF YOU GO: The Annual Sandy Springs Festival takes place September 17-18 and features an artists’ market, 5 and 10 K races, food court, children’s park and more.

SAFE KIDS

FAST FACTS Every year, some 33,000 young athletes injure their eyes participating in sports. Nine in 10 of those mishaps could have been prevented, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Insist that your sports-minded youngsters wear protective lenses made of polycarbonate, a rugged material that is 20 times stronger than conventional eyewear.

news&notes Flip-Flop Drive

But accidents still happen, so when they do, cuts and lacerations to the eye should be left untouched. Do not attempt to put medicine in the eye or flush it with water, and remind youth not to rub their eyes.

THE SALVATION ARMY OF AUGUSTA DISTRIBUTES FLIP-FLOPS TO INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT SHOES. Many homeless men, women and chil-

to make sure no permanent damage is done.

dren walk around during the hot summer months without shoes. Flip flops help insulate them from hot pavement and protects the feet. Flip flops are also used as shower shoes in their shelter to provide protection on showers and bathroom floors.

Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids. Read the entire article about eye injury prevention at www.augustafamily.com.

The Salvation Army needs your help. They’re asking for donations of new flip-flops for men, women and children (sizes small, medium and large). The flip-flops can be dropped off at The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope at 1384 Greene St. Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. If you have questions please call 706-826-7933.

Gently place a bandage or gauze pad over the eye and head to the pediatric emergency department or your ophthalmologist right away in order

A U G U S TA

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Eating well with Kim b y Ki m B e a ve rs , M S , R D, LD, C DE

Dairy Good AGRITOURISM, defined as activities offered on working farms and other agricultural settings for entertainment or educational purposes. (Rich et al., 2012)

WHAT DO GOING TO SCHOOL AND GOING TO A FARM HAVE IN COMMON? EDUCATION! Farm tours are both educational and trendy. I’m a farm girl at heart but sadly the family farms of my youth are no more. This means my children do not have access to the wholesome farm environment that teaches hard work, responsibility and respect for both land and animals. This lack of access to farm life is quite common in today’s world as only about 2 percent of Americans have direct access to farms, hence the growth in agritourism. Farm tour adventures are uniquely poised to educate the public, on how food is produced, alleviate misconceptions and help in developing an appreciation of the food supply. Recently I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association to attend the Honor the Harvest: From Dairy Farm to Table Summit. Part of this conference included a tour of Fair Oaks Farms in Indiana. Even though I am from a farming family, the changes in technology and sustainable practices proved quite amazing and eye-opening.

Berry Healthy Smoothie Getting teens, tweens and school-aged children to grab a glass of milk can occasionally be a challenge. However, smoothie recipes are great tools to keep in the “healthy eating tool box” and they deliver much-needed calcium and a host of other nutrients needed for delicious health! 6 ounce vanilla flavored Greek yogurt 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries ½ cup fresh or frozen wild blueberries 1 cup 1 percent milk ½ -1 tablespoon honey (optional)* Combine ingredient in a blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy! Yield: 4 servings. Nutrient Breakdown: Calories 150, Fat 1g, Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 65mg, Carbohydrate 25g, Fiber 2g, Protein 11g, Potassium 132mg, Phosphorus 20mg *Nutrition breakdown includes 1 tablespoon of honey

To find out about local farm tours check out www.augustalocallygrown.com . 16 • Augusta Family | August 2016

Eating well with Kim

Notable facts learned on this fascinating dairy tour: • All dairy farms are different and have different farming practices. Many differences are due to the geographic location of the farm. • Cows are well cared for (almost pampered). >> Well-treated animals and land yield better output—most farmers want this and make huge efforts in this area. >> Cow comfort includes fans, misters, bedding that is cleaned multiple times a day, 24-hour access to high-quality food and clean water. • Sustainable efforts are made in feeding cattle: Cows can be safely and nutritiously fed with foods and plant parts that are not edible by people, such as almond shells and citrus peels. Partnerships between farms and food companies help to redirect this food into cattle rations instead of landfills. Cows are ruminators with four stomachs and a different host of digestive bacteria and enzymes that allow them to digest foods inedible for humans. • Sustainable practices are on the minds of most farmers. The U.S. dairy community contributes only about 2 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions—the lowest carbon footprint per gallon compared to all other countries. • Innovative practices further promote sustainability >> Fair Oaks Farm uses an anaerobic digester system to produce renewable energy from waste (manure). The anaerobic digester process allows the farm to produce fuel to run their milk truck fleet, electricity to power their farm and fertilizer for use on the farm or to sell. Not all farms have this capability. This farm is on the cutting edge which will lead the way for other farms to follow. As the technology and cost improves, more and more farms will be able to adapt these practices to their farms. Milk Facts: • Most dairy farms do not use artificial hormones in cattle. Therefore most milk available in the marketplace today does not contain artificial growth hormones. • Antibiotics are illegal in milk. If a cow is treated for an infection they are milked separately until the infection and antibiotics clear. • Full fat dairy is back on the menu. Emerging research on the fat in dairy has revealed that dairy fat found in milk, yogurt and cheese does not affect cardiovascular biomarkers (cholesterol and triglycerides) negatively. To the consumer this means choices. Use your taste preference (and calorie needs) to guide your choices. If you prefer one percent milk, consume one percent milk, but if you crave a little cream in your coffee that’s okay too! Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To be notiﬁed of new recipes join Kim’s facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/ eatingwellwithkim. To search for speciﬁc recipes go to www.universityhealth. org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk. Augusta Family | August 2016 • 17

2016 Physicians’ Directory Available Free for iPhone® and AndroidTM.

Download the Physicians’ Directory app for free and have contact information at your fingertips for Augusta and Aiken area physicians and dentists. Database is searchable by both specialty and by name. Brought to you by Augusta Magazine.

18 • Augusta Family | August 2016

Dr. Dad

b y J. Ro n E a ke r, M . D.

S O C

Polyc Ovar y ian S stic yndr ome

It’s more common than you think...

I was vegetating recently whimsically considering my next column topic and I decided to take a populist bent and find out what people are interested in. I did what any 21st century computer geek would do and researched what was trending on social media as it applied to women’s health. I was surprised to discover that PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome was sitting at the top of searches on the InterWeb. A bit more research stoked my curiosity as I realized that one out of 10 reproductive-age women will experience PCOS sometime in their lifetime. As a practicing gynecologist I see this issue commonly, but honestly didn’t grasp the magnitude of its reach.

Disrupted or Absent Ovulation PCOS is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of symptoms that all have one thing in common: they generally arise from an ovulation disorder. Regular ovulation (shooting out an egg from an ovary) results from a delicate balance of hormones that can be disrupted from a variety of sources. Anything that blocks or delays ovulation can set up a cascade of events that leads to many of the symptoms commonly associated with PCOS. These annoyances, irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, weight gain, skin pigmentations and insulin insensitivity, all result from the hormone free-for-all that comes from a lack of ovulation. There are a number of conditions that may predispose a woman to have ovulation troubles. Because the menstrual cycle is a rather delicate balance of intertwining hormones, any disruption in one may trigger a corresponding imbalance in another. For example, women who suffer from either to much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroid) or to little (hypothyroid) can see a breakdown in the normal period regularity and thus develop many of the symptoms associated with PCOS. Other common causes of ovulation disorders are gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, an elevation in a pituitary hormone called prolactin, stress, other medications, low percent body fat, autoimmune disease and perimenopause. A thorough exam along with some specific blood tests can usually identify any of these common causes, and a significant number of women will have no identifiable cause. In addition to some of the previously mentioned symptoms, many women with PCOS have difficulty getting pregnant. Going back to the original cause, absent or irregular ovulation, it makes sense that if you don’t produce a viable egg on a regular basis the likelihood of getting pregnant declines rather dramatically. Additional symptoms may arise such as male

ION DIS OVULAT

ORDER

pattern hair loss, acne and excessively oily skin. Some women will also experience multiple cysts on their ovaries (thus its name). However, multicystic ovaries are not necessary for the diagnosis.

Cause Determines Treatment The treatment of PCOS is largely dependent on whether an underlying cause can be identified. For example, in women with thyroid disease, correcting the thyroid hormone will often result in more regular ovulation and a resolution of the corresponding symptoms. If no specific cause for not ovulating is pinpointed, then treatment is largely dependent on a woman’s current fertility desires. If she wants to become pregnant, then often a physician will prescribe a medication that stimulates ovulation. In addition, some studies indicate that adding a second medicine, traditionally used for diabetics, enhances the rate of ovulation in PCOS patients. This highlights another aspect of PCOS that can have health effects throughout the body. Women with PCOS tend to exhibit insulin resistance and may have a problem with elevated blood sugars. This is similar to the situation experienced by folks suffering from adultonset diabetes, although the underlying mechanisms may be somewhat different. The end result is a need to monitor blood sugar levels and keep them in a safe range. If a woman is dealing with PCOS and doesn’t want to get pregnant, one of the best solutions is to suppress the ovaries with a birth control pill. It may seem a bit counterintuitive to use something that blocks ovulation to treat an ovulation disorder, but a pill “balances” the female hormones by taking over for the ovaries, thus counteracting some of the changes that occur when an ovary doesn’t ovulate. In addition, a birth control pill can reduce the effect that excess testosterone has on the body. This elevation in testosterone results from not ovulating regularly and is responsible for many of the symptoms of PCOS (hair growth, acne, weight gain, etc.) Obviously if an ovulation disorder is secondary to weight gain, a healthy program to lose weight can normalize things. There have been several alternative methods promoted to treat PCOS and underlying ovulation disorders yet many have little more than anecdotal evidence to support their use. PCOS is a common but treatable disorder and the most critical step in curbing problems is getting properly diagnosed.

If no specific cause for not ovulating is pinpointed, then treatment is largely dependent on a woman’s current fertility desires.

Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.

Augusta Family | August 2016 • 19

Smart Mom’s Guide

3. What time of year should a book club begin? A good time to start is in January with new challenges and resolutions. “It’s the beginning of the year and after the holidays so there are less conflicts,” says O’Keefe. Other book clubs may follow the school-year calendar and start in August or September and end in May. It’s truly up to the group to decide what time works best but it is good to stick to a schedule that is the same month to month.

4. How to choose a good book? Rachel Jacobsohn, author of The Reading Group Handbook, suggests choosing titles that stretch the mind or as she says, “take you to places you’ve never been before,” and also warrants collaborative discussion. If this doesn’t work for you, start with prize winners. Another good idea is to Google book club book suggestions. A few good websites are goodreads.com , amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com to find bestsellers and view critic’s comments. “It is wise to follow certain parameters when choosing a book but you don’t want to be too restrictive,” suggests O’Keefe. She says in her experience novels, especially fiction and historical fiction, are better than reading books about marriage, children, self help, theology driven or science fiction. Again, the type of book will be driven by the type of group that is being put together. It is important to have these parameters in place before you begin the club, just so everyone knows what to expect.

5. What is a good time to meet & how often? Once a month is the norm and the time can be determined by the group. Many groups meet at night and use it as a moms night out. If you all have young children who attend a mothers-day-out type of program, a morning time may work. If most of the members work outside the home but get a lunch break, meet once a month during lunch. To keep the meeting within the time frame it is important to set a schedule of sorts. For example, if your group meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m., segment time into 6:30-7:30 p.m. for socializing and eating and then the discussion can be from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

6. What is the best form of communication? The book club I am in uses email as our source of communication but text messages and even a private Facebook page may work. Basically, a reminder is sent a few days before the club meets with details about the date, time and address of the hostess, asking for RSVPs. Another email is sent out after the club meets with title and author of the next month’s book as well as the next month’s hostess’ information. Remember, being a member of a book club is a commitment. You are required, as a member, to read the book and take part in the discussion. Come prepared to the meetings. If you are leading the discussion, find discussion questions for your book. As the saying goes, the more you put into it the more you get out of it! Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three. Augusta Family | August 2016 • 21

I loved the book a b owl...ca out the read it n you again... ?

Raising Readers by Mere d i th Fl o r y

Raising Well-Spoken Readers

WHEN I WAS PREGNANT WITH MY FIRST CHILD, my friend Kylie sent me

hazard and a missed opportunity. Time spent in the drudgery of day-to-day

several articles concerning how we talk with babies, even in the womb. Her

chores can turn into invaluable learning time when we simply talk about

mother is an early childhood specialist and had come across research on the

what we are doing.

importance of talking to little ones as a predictor in education and success.

In the car? Discuss stoplights, colors of cars and where you are going with

One of these articles, “The Power of Talking to Your Baby,” appeared in the

younger inquisitive toddlers and babies who love hearing your voice. Use it

New York Times the same month that I gave birth to my daughter, sharing

as a time to learn about older kids’ interests, inviting them to chose music

powerful evidence that the act of talking to infants and small children regu-

and ask why they like it, or listening to an audio book or podcast you both

larly was a major part of learning gaps we see in this country. The author

might enjoy.

wrote, “The greater the number of words children heard from their parents

At the grocery store? Talk about the meals you might cook, prices and

or caregivers before they were 3, the higher their IQ and the better they did

numbers, or simply describe the items to your smallest ones. I will never for-

in school.”

get the time I was explaining the different types of canned corn to my infant and received some very odd stares. Regardless of my embarrassment, it was

Talk, Talk, Talk

a chance for her to hear a variety of adjectives.

Reading to toddlers and younger children seems

Read and Talk About What You’ve Read

like common sense, but what about before and after? How can we make sure that we

Healthychildren.org, a website run by

are talking to our smallest babies and

the American Association of Pediatrics

our older teens in a productive and

(AAP), points out that reading to your

efficient way?

children allows for other conversation.

I asked parents and educators to share

They advise showing, how events in

stories of how the simple act of reading and thinking aloud to children in these

the book are similar to events in your

age ranges had affected behavior in the

child’s life. Don’t hesitate to stop to

children they interact with. The advice

discuss when your child has a ques-

and examples curated from this group

tion or comment, as the book may

offers up proof of how we can put the

help your child express her thoughts and solve her own problems.

power of our voice to action.

Andrea Kilby, assistant principal

It may feel funny at first to start

at Pearl Sample Elementary School,

a habit of talking to your child about mundane things, but through it they

was my department head when we

learn vocabulary and the manners of car-

both taught high school English. She is the first educator that advised me to

rying on a conversation. There’s even evi-

read to teenagers in my classroom. She

dence that reading the same book or singing

shared that the first time she ever thought

the same song repetitively to a baby in the

to read aloud was a “spooky” book during the

womb can allow an infant to recognize those

month of October in the last 10 minutes of class

sounds and be comforted by that same story

every day. She continued. Students “discussed

or song once they are born. My mother, an elementary school teacher of many years, has observed that one of the negative changes of increased technology use is the loss of conversation in the car. When sitting in the carpool lane, she has noticed

The Olivia Collection by Ian Falconer

what was going on in the book—it was a great experience. After we completed that book, we began another one. I did it because the students did enjoy reading, they were

that parents are more likely to be checking

good at class discussions, but we

their phones than talking to their child—a safety

needed something that was a little

22 • Augusta Family | August 2016

ILLUSTRATION BY JESSICA DOYLE

Raising Readers more high-interest. Once I started reading aloud, it was a hit.” Reading to her students became a part of her classroom because the

that she used to read her children’s summer reading assignments aloud as well, particularly when they were reluctant to get started. As the AAP puts it,

act of reading together not only built community, but modeled good read-

“A child can listen and understand more difficult stories than she can read

ing for students. She explains, “Hearing someone read always helps to build

on her own,” helping students reach the next level in difficult texts.

fluency—a lot of kids tend to struggle with this. When I read to my students,

Cheryl Rauh, a writing instructor for Kansas State University shares

it really seemed like we all got along better. It is hard to explain, but I was

that long after her parents stopped reading bedtime stories to her and her

reading something they enjoyed and wanted to be a part of.”

siblings, they still maintained the tradition of reading Charles Dickens, A

Former educator, fellow writer and military wife, Stephanie Hutaff,

Christmas Carol, around the holidays, and that while she would roll her

agrees that her students appreciated hearing difficult texts read by someone

eyes as her parents read aloud, she benefitted from the exposure, enjoying

“who wasn’t stumbling over vocabulary.” Hearing adults speak can increase

reading aloud and braving more difficult texts on her own—traits that have

vocabulary as children are exposed to words not used by their peer group,

influenced her career choice.

making it easier to recognize the words when reading.

Read With Your Teens Reading aloud with teenagers doesn’t have to only take place in a classroom. Andrea shared, “My daughter, Raeghan is 16. We actually read together now.

While reading aloud may be a nightly habit with younger children, it can be a special treat with teens for car trips, vacations or holidays. Having the opportunity to read aloud at home can make public speaking at school or work less scary for teens who struggle with their literacy confidence. Talking to our children is a large predictor of success, and it is the easiest

She is a great reader and enjoys reading for pleasure. When I find something

thing we can do to encourage their learning and literacy. Let them hear not

that I am interested in and think she will be, we do sit and take turns read-

only instruction from you, but discussion of interests, the world around you,

ing aloud. This summer we will read Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. It is a

and what you are reading.

summer reading assignment for her and I have not read that. So, we will read most of it together. She likes it, because, again, we are able to discuss it and talk about what the discussion could be when she gets into class.” A family friend and retired guidance counselor, Deborah Finlay shares

Meredith Flory is an Augusta-area freelance writer, military spouse and mother of two. She has a masters degree in children’s literature from Kansas State University and has taught high school and college English.

Augusta Family | August 2016 • 23

l l fa FASHION by Karin Calloway • Photography by Carter Koenig Photography

Fall fashion trends for children and teens are comfortable and casual with a broad palette— from muted tones to bright pops of color.

DENIM

DUO

Denim is always in style and this season the cut is classic for boys but updated legging-jeans will be important must-have items for girls. Tristan Stephens, left, pairs classic Gap jeans with a Lacoste polo and Van shoes. His sister Alayna pairs a novelty shirt by H&M with Gap jeans and Old Navy shoes Tristin, 9, and Alayna, 7, Stephens are the children of Daniel and Christina Stephens of Evans. Clothing and accessories provided by Kid to Kid —Washington Road in Evans or National Hills Shopping Center.

24 • Augusta Family | August 2016

C CLASSI

CHINOS

Chinos and khakis will never go out of style for boys and this pair by Old Navy has a modern cut with a narrow leg. The shirt is also by Old Navy. Tristan Stephens, 9, is the son of Daniel and Christina Stephens of Evans. Clothing and accessories provided by Kid to Kid—Washington Road in Evans or National Hills Shopping Center.

PEACE,

Y’ALL

Alayna is cute and comfy in black leggingjeans, novelty peacesign shirt and cozy gray sweater. All items by Old Navy. Alayna Stephens, 7, is the daughter of Daniel and Christina Stephens of Evans. Clothing and accessories provided by Kid to Kid—Washington Road in Evans or National Hills Shopping Center. Augusta Family | August 2016 • 25

GOOD

GRUNG

Victoria’s look goes straight back to the ‘90s with a bright flannel shirt by American Eagle, novelty T-shirt by MNG Jeans, skinny jeans by American Eagle and chunky Steve Madden boots. Jose models classic Levi jeans, a short-sleeved Henley t-shirt by Carbon and Nike sneakers. Victoria Orr, 17, is the daughter of Kevin and Rose Orr of Evans. Jose Parraga, 17, is the son of Jose Parraga and Elizabet ̃ Abendano of Evans. Clothing and accessories provided by Uptown Cheapskate—Washington Road in Evans or National Hills Shopping Center.

26 • Augusta Family | August 2016

C PREP

CLASSI

Colin models classics by Southern Tide including a crimson golf shirt, khaki shorts and flip flops. Backpack by JanSport. Collin Trahan, 15, is the son of Josh and Karah Trahan of North Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by CommuniGraphics in North Augusta.

&FUN

G FLOWIN

Kayla is ready for cooler weather in a sweater tunic and blanket vest. Tassels are back this season in a fun long necklace and as an accent to her tote. Kayla Allen, 20, is the daughter of Scotty and Dawn Allen of Florence, S.C. Clothing and accessories provided by CommuniGraphics in North Augusta.

Augusta Family | August 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 27

ORTS

P SILENT S

Brooks and Katelyn model clothes designed for the “silent sports”— climbing, surfing, skiing and snowboarding, fly fishing, and trail running. Brooks’ shirt, shorts and bag are by Patagonia and his sandals are by Chaco. Katelyn is wearing a top by Carved Designs, pants by Roxy, Birkenstock sandals and United By Blue bag. Brooks, 17, is the son of Christian and Catharine Lemmon of Augusta. Katelyn, 15, is the daughter of Eddie and Keri Smith of Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Half-Moon Outfitters located in the Washington Crossing shopping center.

28 • Augusta Family | August 2016

OOL

C CALM &

Lilly Pulitzer remains a favorite brand for high school and college girls and Palmer is wearing a sleeveless Stacey top and Kelly skinny ankle pant. Her shoes are the classic Kristen Wedge in gold. Palmer Brigham, 18, is the daughter of Breck and Carrie Brigham of Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Palm Village in Surrey Center.

ON THE

FRINGE

Callie also wears Lily Pulitzer and her Jasmine Caftan dons a cute fringe accent. Kelly skinny ankle pant in navy and McKim sandals in gold complete her look. Callie Potkulski, 19, is the daughter of Daniel and Jackie Potkulski of Augusta. Clothing and accessories provided by Palm Village in Surrey Center.

Augusta Family | August 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 29

r e m m SU m o r f g n i t f i h S

Schoolwork

• By Meredith Flory •

As children get ready to transition back to school this fall, the changes to their schedule may affect the whole family as routines and rules that have taken a backseat in the summer become important once again. Whether your child is entering school for the first time, attending a new school or simply hesitant to get back into the classroom after a relaxing summer, those first few weeks can be exhausting. However, there are things that you can do in the weeks leading up to the school year to help prepare your children and yourself for a fantastic start to the academic year.

Overcoming ANXIETY Ashley Atkins, a school counselor at Lakeside Middle School, and a parent herself, says that middle school is a major transitional period in a student’s life. She wants to reassure parents whose children might have anxiety that they themselves don’t remember experiencing to “know that your experience may not match your child’s” because you might have had different interests or social experiences in addition to simply how school has changed. She emphasizes that “learning how involved to be” can be difficult as children grow older as you find the fine line between helping your children and getting too involved.

Build a SUPPORT NETWORK One thing that Atkins has observed as a guidance counselor is that children often feed off of the anxieties and worries of their parents more than we’d care to admit. She suggests “putting your team in place” for the school year, which means making sure that both you and your child have support. For you, this might simply mean that you have other adult friends with similar age children that you can discuss any concerns with and support each other rather than voicing them to your child. For your child, this means making sure they know which faculty

Making sure that your family has a solid start to the school year involves establishing a support network, developing a routine and preparing for classwork and structure after the lexibility of summer. 30 • Augusta Family | August 2016

members to go to with specific questions during the day, and have a plan for making friends and developing their interests, which often means extra-curricular activities.

Participating in Activities OVER THE SUMMER HELPS Meredith York, a local mother who will be returning to teaching this fall after taking several years off to stay at home with her children, suggests trying “new skills

over the summer in order to figure out what extra-curricular activities

websites with their classroom policies, as many school districts are making

(your child) might like during the school year. Sign up for a short sewing

more use of the internet as a tool to check homework and grades.

class, baking class, art camp, musical theater camp, etc. If they enjoyed the short experience, you may want to sign them up during the school year for a weekly class,” which is what York has been able to do for her elemen-

Homework HELPERS

tary school aged daughter. Activities outside of the school day can help your child meet friends, find mentors and develop individual talents and

Homework may be one of the biggest struggles regarding transitioning back

interests that may help them stay engaged in school. (Put a note on your

to the school year. After working hard all day, your child still may have work

2017 calendar to pick an April issue of Augusta Family Magazine to find out

to complete, unlike the summer where there is more time for relaxation. The

about summer day camp programs to map out your child’s summer activi-

booklet “Conquering Homework Challenges” by the Parent Institute is the

ties, which can build towards the coming school year.)

sort of guide your school may have available to you to suggest tips for dealing with different aspects of academic life. It goes over how much home-

Develop a ROUTINE

work you should expect and suggestions on how to make sure homework is completed, such as creating a system with a special homework folder for uncompleted work to bring home, and completed work to return to school.

While some students may have a personality that thrives with a more relaxed schedule or surprises, Atkins observed that students with anxiety are often aided through preparation. In the weeks leading up to school you can

Do a DAILY CHECK-IN

go over your child’s school and after-school schedule with them, practice opening a lock or working a new book bag or lunch box, and discuss any

In addition to making time for all homework and extracurricular activities,

upcoming changes or challenges that concern them.

she advises making sure that there is a little time each day where you can “check-in” with your child and talk for a bit, whether that’s at breakfast, a

York suggests that it may be helpful to “maintain a semi-normal bedtime

daily car ride, snack time or a part of your bedtime routine. Even if you are

and wake-up time throughout the summer” if your child thrives with

receiving one-word answers, your child may appreciate special time set

more structure, as this will make the transition smoother. If you’ve already

aside for you to listen more than you know.

missed your chance, try to follow the school-year routine a week or two before they head back to school.

Use Summer Play To HELP GET READY FOR SCHOOL

Seek School Support for ANY FAMILY ISSUES In addition to the normal stresses of the school year, Atkins noted that if there is a major event happening in your family’s life that may affect your

Working with little ones as a classroom teacher and a mom, York reminds

child’s performance, most educators want to “meet parents where they

us that, “summer is the perfect time to pull out those messy activities

are” and you can contact the school to set up a time to talk about serious

that we normally don’t have time for during the school year,” but that help

issues. A guidance counselor or other faculty member can help you navi-

continue learning and make transitioning to the classroom easier. Painting

gate issues such as a health problem, divorce or financial crisis that may

with shaving cream, squirt guns, water balloons or other items are favor-

make transitioning into the school year more difficult, but your school’s

ites of her kids, as well as making play dough or other sensory activities

open house is probably not the time to address these with your child’s

are all activities you can do in the last weeks of summer to remind children

teacher or the school faculty. Use this as a time to find out about the set-

how fun learning can be. Read for pleasure with your children and make

up of the school, meet teachers, ask general questions and build confi-

sure any summer reading that is necessary for teens is completed.

dence, but schedule a time to talk about serious issues in private.

Heading To a NEW SCHOOL

Regardless of what challenges the school year may bring, don’t underestimate how helpful it can be for your child to simply talk to you about upcoming expectations, rule changes, school policies, and changes to the

If your child will be attending a new school, due to a move or grade-level

routine. Knowing that you are there to support them can make any chal-

change, Atkins advises that you go to open houses, freshmen academies or

lenge seem easier to tackle!

any similar programs where your child can get used to the school and learn about expectations. If you can’t go, remember that you can call the school and ask if there are any materials that were handed out that you can pick up. Atkins also suggests checking to see if your children’s teachers have

Augusta Family | August 2016 • 31

Inspiration Station

PHOTO BY CAMSFLIR

b y Mar y Ash t on Mi l l s

IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE A NEW SCHOOL YEAR IS ALREADY UPON US. By the time you read this, school supplies will be purchased, backpacks ready to go, teachers will be prepping their classrooms and students will be savoring a few more nights with no bedtimes, days with no schedules and mornings without the beep of an alarm clock. Whether your child is entering the first year of elementary school or advancing to high school, everyone hopes for a great year. Education experts from the CSRA have weighed in to help come up with 10 ways to help you prepare your child for their best school year ever!

1. Parents, continue to be involved. The older children get, the less involved parents have to be when it comes to volunteering, attending parent teacher conferences, and helping study for tests. Continue to get to know your child’s teacher and make a point to visit the school to help out for different events. Virginia Veale, Language Arts and study skills teacher at Davidson Fine Arts School, offers good advice. “Don’t be that parent who waits until spring break to schedule a conference with your child’s teachers. Also, if you suspect your child is struggling, schedule a conference with the whole team. That way, you can have one conversation and it will help you see how your child is progressing overall.” Veale also stresses that the transitional years, 3rd, 6th and 9th grades may require extra attention. Children may be changing classes for the first time or attending classes with different students each period.

2. Keep learning fresh and fun year round. Don’t let summer or long breaks slip by without brushing up on those math tables. Play math games and ask your children reading comprehension questions in casual conversation. SOAR Academy is a tutoring center in Augusta whose primary mission is to educate each student 32 • Augusta Family | August 2016

according to his or her own unique ‘individual’ learning style. SOAR’s director Kenisha Higgins likes UNO cards for easy and fun math drills. “It is all about making it fun and increasing fluency which is so important,” she says. She likes to draw two UNO cards and have the student quickly give the product of the two numbers.

3. Don’t procrastinate if you suspect your child needs extra help. You may dread the melt down that you’ll receive from your child when you tell them it’s time to go for extra help, but they will be so much better in the long run if they aren’t falling behind. “Many schools offer after-school study sessions or extra help. If your child’s school does this, have him/her attend,” says Veale. “They may even make friends with people they wouldn’t normally have met.” SOAR Academy can help with tutoring a variety of subjects if your child’s teacher doesn’t offer extra help. They recommend tutoring at least twice per week. Mathnasium, a successful math-tutoring center with locations in Augusta, Aiken and Evans, is also a huge help to many local students. Harrison Zeigler, Augusta director, stresses the importance of continually practicing math and not memorizing. “We have to make sure they know what is going on behind the scenes. It’s

about understanding the why behind the algorithm,” says Zeigler. Mathnasium offers tutoring for students in grades 2 through 12.

4. Teach study and time management skills. Veale says parents should keep close watch to see that homework is being prepared properly. “If it is taking too long, set a timer and when that timer goes off, books need to be packed up. A student will get used to the time allowed, and he/she will get down to business to get their work done,” she says. She also offers the following study skills tips: • If a teacher gives notes in writing, have your child study those. • On-line practice spelling tests are wonderful! • Parent and child should study together to try to identify how the student learns best. • Flash cards are great and can be used on the drive in to school. • Simply rewriting key information helps many students. • Making an outline of information is also a great practice. • Quizlet (a Website that helps you make simple learning tools) is wonderful and very popular with middle school students.

Inspiration Station • Study sessions for older students are a great help. • Older students can even do group chats online to go over material for big tests.

produceforkids.com for tips on how to pack a healthy lunch box, healthy grab-and-go breakfast ideas and more.

8. Limit Screen Time. Lack of sleep greatly afSOAR Academy has experience with students who find it difficult to remember long vocabulary definitions. In a pinch, they recommend learning the bold nouns or verbs in a definition rather than every single word. If you can remember one or two bold-faced words, chances are they will help jog your memory. Drawing pictures also helps to help memorize vocabulary words.

5. Don’t over-schedule your kids. Keep a level of activities that provides your child some down time, time for studies, family and friends. When children get home from school, se the tone for a positive environment. Inquire about their day and support them emotionally, as well as provide a space for them to work quietly and independently. Running from one practice to the other without adequate breaks can leave your child feeling stressed. If you know that a particular day is typically busy, plan a way to make the most of your travel time with practice test questions prepared for the car ride, flashcards or a Quizlet you’ve prepared for them to complete between soccer and play practice. Be ready with healthy snack/meal options in the car so you aren’t always opting for fast food. 6. Follow the rules. Veale says parents should have a long, meaningful conversation about the rules regarding cell phones and social media in school. She notes that Richmond County Board of Education Code of Student Conduct outlines rules on cell phones at school. “A parent must help adhere to these rules. If there are any types of suspected cyber-bullying or even inappropriate use of technology, it must be reported immediately and that may mean the loss of technology for a time. Parents must back the school’s administration on this,” says Veale. In addition, sit down and talk to your children about bullying, peer pressure, cheating and other behaviors that come with heavy consequences. Give them your expectations of them and explain what the consequences will be at home if the rules are broken.

fects a child’s performance in school. Don’t allow the distraction of the screen light in your child’s room while sleeping. Have a designated spot for electronics to charge away from your child’s room. Limit screen time and cut off all electronics at least 30 minutes before bed. Replace those electronics with a good book.

9. Stay Organized. SOAR Academy recommends parents create personal checklists for children who tend to be disorganized or forgetful. These can be catered to their specific needs and can easily be kept in a clear outer notebook pocket. If your child tends to forget his or her lunch or homework at home, you can also create a personal checklist that they must check each morning before leaving for school. SAM’S MORNING CHECKLIST: • Completed homework in folder • Coat • Lunch • Football gear • Library book This checklist will eliminate trips back to school for parents and keep the child responsible. If your child continues to be forgetful, Veale does not recommend parents play the rescue game. “If they are constantly leaving homework, materials, gym clothes, even lunches, at home, a parent can better help his/her child by allowing him to get through the day on his own and NOT making the trip to the school. You’ll see a quick change in behavior after one or two days when your child has to face the consequences,” she says. Have your child keep an organized school binder and clean out their backpacks regularly. Get them used to keeping their personal space clean and free of clutter. The less cluttered the space, the easier to find things that they need.

10. Continue to provide fun options for down time. Just as adults need to unwind and

7. Set healthy eating habits early. A well-bal-

de-stress, so do children. Have sleepovers and play dates on the weekends, allow plenty of time with friends and plan some memorable family trips together.

anced breakfast is important to help children stay focused and have energy at school. Take a trip to the store together to allow your child to choose some snack and lunch options. Visit www.

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. Augusta Family | August 2016 • 33

BACK TO SCHOOL

calendar

It’s time to head back to school. Here are the school start dates for county schools and a few CSRA private schools. Richmond County: Aug 2 Augusta Christian: Aug 5 Columbia County: Aug 8 Westminster Schools: Aug 9 (half day) Aiken County: Aug 15 Augusta Prep: Aug 16 Middle and Upper Schools Aug 17 Lower School K-4 (half day) Aug 18 Preschool & Pre-K (half day)

We’d love to hear from you. If you have an event you’d like to add to our next issue, send an email to karin.calloway@ augustafamily.com.

AUGUST

Special Events

storks in their natural setting. As many

Party. Medical Associates Plus will be

as 500 wood storks along with a couple

celebrating National Health Week with

AUGUST 5. Southern Nights Outdoor

hundred of other wading birds and

this fun family event. Includes health fair,

Movie Series: Fan Vote Winner. This

shorebirds have been seen in years

back-to-school drive, food and children’s

outdoor ﬁlm series includes food trucks,

past. A silent auction runs through the

activities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Medical As-

live music and games. Bring a blanket or

evening. Reservations are required. 6-9

sociates Plus, 2467 Golden Camp Rd.,

lawn chair. Proceeds beneﬁt Southern

p.m. 803-471-0291.

Augusta. 706-922-0261.

Plantation, 230 Village Green Blvd.,

AUGUST 13. Augusta Outdoor Expo.

AUGUST 13. Jokers Wile Comedy Tour.

Aiken.

Hundreds of outdoor vendors will be on

Features Corey Holcomb, Gary Owen,

site with door prizes and giveaways. 10

Adele Givens and Nick Lewis. 8 p.m. at

AUGUST 6. Storks and Corks. Silver

a.m. James Brown Arena. www.augus-

the Bell Auditorium. www.augustaen-

Bluﬀ Audubon Center oﬀers a casual

taentertainmentcomplex.com.

tertainmentcomplex.com.

AUGUST 13. Summer Health Block

AUGUST 19. Movies in the Common:

City. 6 p.m. at The Village at Woodside

evening of good food and wine along with a chance to see endangered wood

34 • Augusta Family | August 2016

calendar

Aladdin. Vendors will be available for concessions.

beat the heat with $1 admission to the Museum. On

Movie starts at dusk (approximately 7:30 p.m.). Au-

view is the rich regional history in Augusta’s Story,

gusta Common, 836 Reynolds St. 706-821-1754.

Augusta’s celebrities in Local Legends, an exhibition

THE SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER OF AUGUSTA 1833 Broad St.

of The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown, a special

706-922-1533.

AUGUST 20. Aiken Arts Alive. Music, crafts, pho-

exhibit Augusta 1875-1900, the Victorian Era and

tos, face painting and artist demonstrations. Special

other new displays and artifacts throughout the

guests include Porkchop Productions and Little

museum.

AUGUST 5. Kid’s Night Out. Ages 2-12.

the public. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aiken Center for the Arts.

AUGUST 13. Handsome Ransom Jackson, Ac-

dropping their kids oﬀ at the Kroc Center

803-641-9094.

cidental Big Leaguer. Ransom Jackson, Jr. will be

Richard the trick pony. The event is free and open to

available to sign his recently published biography AUGUST 20. Augusta Beerfest. This bounty of beer

about his days as a baseball player. Handsome

will celebrate Augusta’s growing craft beer culture.

Ransom Jackson, Accidental Big Leaguer is by Ransom

Patrons can taste and enjoy more than 100 specialty

Jackson, Jr. with Gaylon H. White. The event is free

brews from across the state and the region. Beer

and includes Jackson presenting stories of his career

enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to mingle

and the players that he knew that spanned the

with local and regional brew masters. 3-6 p.m.

decade of the 1950s. 1-3 p.m.

James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

Parents can enjoy a night to themselves by from 6-10 p.m. the ﬁrst Friday of most months. Activities include swimming, gym play, inﬂatables, arts and crafts and more. Children 4 and under will not swim. AUGUST 26. Family Movie Night. Free family movie in their state-of-the-art theater. Refreshments available. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6 p.m.

AUGUST 15. Monday at the Museum—Summer Fun: Historic Vacations. For ages 2-6. First come,

AUGUST 20. Candlelight and Wine Concert Series.

ﬁrst served, up to 20 children per session. Registra-

wetland ecology. Bring your own bike, wear com-

Bring your own seating and picnic and enjoy jazz,

tion required by calling 706-772-8545 or emailing as-

fortable closed-toed shoes and bring drinking water.

soul, R&B, spoken word, rock, funk and gospel

chaﬀman@augustamuseum.org. Fees apply. 10 a.m.

Helmets required. Meet in front of the Swamp

music and live art demos. 7:30 p.m. at the Columbia

Shop. Registration required. 9:30 a.m.

County Amphitheater, 7022 Evans Town Center

Phinizy Swamp

Blvd. gardencityjazz.com or 762-233-5299.

1858 Lock and Dam Road, Augusta

AUGUST 27. Stream Explorers. Ages 8 and up. Be-

phinizycenter.org/events

come an aquatic ecologist for a day. Join scientists

706-828-2109

in the creek (waders provided) and in the laboratory.

AUGUST 26. Children’s Consignment Sale. The Trinity on the Hill Children’s Consignment Sale is

Learn methods to determine the condition of lakes

held twice a year in the spring and fall. Proceeds are

AUGUST 6. Swamp Saturday Guided Hike.

and streams. Wear long socks, bring water. No dogs

divided between the consignor and the church. The

Leisurely hike through approximately 2.5 miles of

or strollers. 9:30 a.m.

net proceeds retained by the church are used to

nature park trails, departing from Swamp Shop &

support local, national and international missions of

Visitors Center. See a variety of wildlife, learn about

Trinity Outreach Ministries. If you’d like to register as

the diverse plant life and importance of urban wet-

a consignor you can do so at www.trinityonthehill.

land ecology. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes,

AUGUST 1. The King’s Brass. This professional

net/childrens-consignment-sale or by visiting the

bring water to drink. Strollers welcome. No dogs.

ensemble of three trumpets, three trombones, tuba,

church oﬃce between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

keyboard and percussion will provide a unique and

The Arts, Music and More

creative concert. The concert is free of charge but a

Monday-Thursday or 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Email janderson@trinityonthehill.net if you have ques-

AUGUST 9. Puddle Ducks: Kids & Caregivers

special oﬀering will be taken. For more information

tions. The sale is free and opens at 9 a.m. at Trinity

Club. For children through age 5. Stories, crafts and

go to christchurchpres.org Christ Church, Presby-

on the Hill UMC, 1330 Monte Sano Ave., Augusta.

hands-on fun in nature. Limited space, registration

terian. Southern Pines Dr., just oﬀ Furys Ferry Rd.,

706-738-8822.

required. 10 a.m.

Evans. 7 p.m.

History, Science and Nature

AUGUST 13. Children’s Hike with Story Time.

AUGUST 5. Rock of Ages. A live theatrical presenta-

Nature hike for children. Story before exploring and

tion in which Drew, Sherrie and the whole gang

AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

experiencing nature ﬁrst-hand. Limited space. Reg-

try to save The Sunset Strip’s last legendary music

560 Reynolds St.

istration required. 9:30 a.m.

venue, The Bourbon Room. Set to hit songs from bands including Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx and more. 8

www.augustamuseum.org 706-722-8454

AUGUST 20. Swamp Saturday Guided Bike Ride. A

p.m. at the Imperial Theatre, 749 Broad St. imperi-

gentle bike ride through approximately seven miles

altheater.com.

AUGUST 1-31. Dollar Dog Days of Summer.

of wetlands trails. View a variety of wildlife and learn

Throughout the entire month of August you can

about the diverse plant life and importance of urban

AUGUST 6. Maxwell. Maxwell redeﬁned classic Augusta Family | August 2016 • 35

calendar

soul music in April 1996 when he released his criti-

afternoon of art-themed competitions for people

cally acclaimed debut Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite.

of all ages and meet some of Augusta’s university

It earned Grammy nominations, double platinum

mascots. Prizes will be awarded. Free. 2 p.m.

status and RIAA gold for the single, “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder).” To date, Maxwell has achieved

AUGUST 11. Exhibition Opening: The World of

13 gold and platinum certiﬁcations from the RIAA. 8

Rolland Golden. Join curator Bradley Sumrall and col-

p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainment-

lector Andrew Hayes as they discuss the vibrant life

complex.com.

and work of artist Rolland Golden. 6-8 p.m.

AUGUST 7. Boston. The legendary group became

AUGUST 19. Art at Lunch: Richard Segalman. The

an iconic classic rock ﬁxture when they joined the

artist discusses his current exhibition, background

music scene with their self-titled album in 1976.

and process. Paid reservations due Aug. 17. Noon. .

2016 CANDLELIGHT JAZZ CONCERT SERIES 7:30 p.m. • Augusta Common 706-821-1754 AUG 7. Mike Frost Band AUG 14. An Evening With Tim Sanders AUG 21 Augusta Big Band Aggregate AUG 28. quietStorm

With more than 17 million copies sold, Boston generated hits such as “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace

AUGUST 21. Music at the Morris. Pianist David

of Mind” and “Smokin’,” rock radio staples that are

Brown plays works by Josef Haydn, Anton Webern

Leagues: Coed soccer ages 5-13; cheerleading ban-

still in heavy rotation today. 8 p.m. Bell Auditorium.

and Franz Schubert. Free. 2 p.m.

tam ages 6-9 and midget ages 10-12; fall baseball

augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

Sports

AUGUST 12-13. Ed Turner and Number 9 Rock

& softball ages 9-14; ﬂag football ages 7-8; bantam football ages 9-10, 60-140 pounds weight limit, over 120 pounds ineligible to carry football; midget

and Soul Revue. A highly popular Beatles tribute

AUGUST 13. Gator Fest 2015. An open-water

football ages 11-12 with a 70-160 pounds weight

concert. 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706-722-8341.

swim event beneﬁtting the Savannah Riverkeeper.

limit, over 140 pounds ineligible to carry football.

To register or for more information, visit www.

Noon to 6 p.m. at the East Augusta Athletic Oﬃce,

gatorfestaugusta.org.

South Augusta Athletic Oﬃce and West Augusta

AUGUST 27. Fall Fling. Free mini art classes for adults and older teens. Members of the Aiken Cen-

Athletic Oﬃce.

ter for the Arts faculty teach acrylic painting, clay

AUGUST 18. Full Moon Paddle. This guided tour of

and watercolor. Participants will complete a small

Lake Thurmond is held even if it’s cloudy or there is

COLUMBIA COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

piece in each class. All art supplies and light refresh-

light rain. Meet at 8:30 p.m. at Bathhouse 1 to get a

DEPARTMENT

ments are provided for participants. Enrollment is

life jacket. Elijah Clark State Park, 2959 McCormick

5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

limited and pre-registration is required. 9-11 a.m.

Highway, Lincolnton. 706-359-3458.

706-863-7523

Aiken Center for the Arts. 803-641-9094.

Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. AUGUST 29. Red Shoe Golf Classic. Beneﬁts Ron-

MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART

ald McDonald House Charities of Augusta. For more

AUGUST 8-19. Fall Sports Registration. Baseball,

1 Tenth St.

information, visit www.rmhcaugusta.org.

ages 7-15; softball, ages 7-11; football, ages 5-12;

www.themorris.com 706-724-7501

soccer, ages 4-18; and girls volleyball ages 9-13. AUGUSTA RECREATION AND PARKS DEPART-

Leagues are divided by age groups.

MENT AUGUST 4. Mommy and Me: A Day at the Beach.

East Augusta Athletic Oﬃce, 622 4th Street, 706-

CHAMPIONS MADE

View and talk about artworks picturing the beach.

724-0505

FROM ADVERSITY

Afterwards, create your own tropical visor. Fee

South Augusta Athletic Oﬃce, 1915 Daniels Street,

P.O. Box 980, Evans, Ga.

applies to non-members. Advance registration

706-796-5047/5048

706-364-2422

required.

West Augusta Athletic Oﬃce, 1488 Eisenhower

www.cmfa.us

Drive, 706-821-2800/2801

This nonproﬁt organization strives to advance the

AUGUST 5. Film on Friday: Carmen Jones (1954).

lives of people with physical disabilities and their

Oscar Hammerstein II wrote new lyrics to Georges

AUGUST 1-31. Adult Fall Athletic Registration. Di-

Bizet’s music from his opera Carmen and changed

visions: Open coed & men’s open, men’s & women’s

the setting to North Carolina during World War II

church, open-coed church & open men’s industrial,

Weekly Schedule:

for this ﬁlm. After viewing the ﬁlm, museum director

ﬂag football, softball and volleyball. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday:

Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Participants are

Monday-Friday at Diamond Lakes Regional Park

>> Adapted ﬁtness at the

invited to bring a lunch. Free. Noon.

Adult Complex, 4335 Windsor Spring Rd., Hephziban. 706-771-2980.

AUGUST 7. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Morris Summer Olympics. Get your game on during an

families through sport and leisure opportunities.

Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. >> Wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elementary School,

AUGUST 1-31. Youth Athletic Fall Registration.

6:30-8 p.m. Augusta Family | August 2016 • 37

Back To

38 â&#x20AC;¢ Augusta Family | August 2016

School

Augusta Family | August 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ 39

calendar

Tuesday: >> Swimming at Fort Gordon,

Hospital Programs

9-11 a.m. >> Quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday:

AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY HEALTH

>> Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m.

AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS Home Game Schedule Lake Olmstead Stadium 706-922-9467 www.greenjacketsbaseball.com AUG 1-3 vs. Columbia AUG 11-14 vs. Lexington AUG 16-18 vs. Charleston AUG 23-25 vs. Greenville

Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early

>> Swimming at Fort Gordon,

Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their website.

9-11 a.m., >> Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m.

FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group

Friday:

(The “A-Team”). Education and support for families,

>> Adapted cycling at the

caregivers and friends of children with autism spec-

uptown VA, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

trum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. Children’s Hospital of Georgia, First

CSRA DEFENSIVE ARTS

Floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801. Call

803-221-0330 or

Family Services Development at 706-721-5160 for

csraDefensiveArts.com

more information.

Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8 to adult. Goshinjitsu, Kindai Karate and Kobojutsu.

FIRST THURSDAY AND THIRD WEDNESDAY OF

Call for information.

EACH MONTH. Cribs for Kids. Co-bunking and

The Augusta Christian Talent Development Program is designed to assist students with: • A specific learning disability • Cognitive or processing difficulties • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

40 • Augusta Family | August 2016

ONGOING. Support Group for Families Who Have

Thursday:

Class description: • Students in grades 1-12 • Class sizes range from 5 to 14 students • Low teacher-student ratios • Individualized instruction • Teachers are skilled in subject areas with additional training for students with special learning needs.

Building Kingdom Leaders since 1958 For more information about the School of Talent Development contact Ms. Jennifer Montgomery, Principal, at (706) 863-2905, 231 or via email: jennifermontgomery@ augustachristian.org.

calendar inappropriate infant furniture are putting area babies

3870 to make an appointment at the Columbia

at risk. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s

County location.

F3—FREE MEN’S BOOT CAMP

Hospital of Georgia, will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what

SECOND THURSDAY AND FOURTH WEDNES-

dangers to watch out for. Families who can dem-

DAY OF EACH MONTH. Car Seat Class. Safe Kids

onstrate a ﬁnancial need (Medicare, Peachcare or

Greater Augusta oﬀers car seat safety, education

WICC) will receive a portable crib, ﬁtted sheet, sleep

and training. Financial assistance is available to

sac and paciﬁer for a small fee. Call Rene Hopkins at

Medicaid and Peach Care eligible families. Safe Kids

706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. on the ﬁrst

Oﬃce, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-

Thursday of the month, 9:45 a.m.-noon on the third

721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m.

Wednesday of each month. Safe Kids Oﬃce, Building 1010C,1225 Walton Way.

SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH. NICU Parent Support Group. Noon-1 p.m. in the Neona-

FIRST FRIDAY AND SECOND WEDNESDAY OF

tal Intensive Care Unit, 5th Floor, Children’s Hospital

EACH MONTH. Child Safety Seat Inspections.

of Georgia. For more information, call Sylvia McCoy

Four out of ﬁve car seats are used incorrectly.

at 706-721-2286.

Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly. First Friday of the month in Build-

THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. Breastfeed-

ing 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins,

ing Class. A free class led by an International Board

RN, at 706-721-7606 to schedule an appointment

Certiﬁed Lactation Consultant. Helps expectant

at the downtown location. The second Wednesday

parents gain knowledge and support to ensure suc-

each month at Columbia County Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce

cessful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m., Augusta University

Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr. Call 706-541-

Health, 7th Floor South, Room 7524.

Fitness, Fellowship and Faith F3nation.com Tuesdays at 5:25 a.m. and Saturdays at 6:55 a.m. Workouts open to all men. Held outdoors rain or shine, hot or cold. Participants lead the workout in rotation. No training certiﬁcation necessary. North Augusta group meets at Riverview Park, 100 Riverview Park Drive, North Augusta. Evans group meets at Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd.

Augusta Family | August 2016 • 41

calendar an opportunity to talk about the joys and challenges DOCTORS HOSPITAL

of fatherhood, ways to support mom through preg-

3651 Wheeler Rd.

nancy, labor and delivery and more. 7-9 p.m.

706-651-3232 http://doctors-hospital.net

AUGUST 18. Breastfeeding. This class will help prepare mom and her partner for a great start

AUGUST 6 & 7. Short and Sweet. A two-day week-

in breastfeeding their new baby. The beneﬁts of

end class covering discomforts of pregnancy, the

breastfeeding along with proper positioning and

process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques

latch-on techniques are taught. Partners are encour-

used in labor, medication/epidurals and relaxation

aged to attend. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

and breathing techniques. This class includes valu-

AUGUSTA YOUTH CHORALE (AYC) AUDITIONS augustayouthchorale.org Throughout August, the Augusta Youth Chorale will hold auditions. Rehearsals will begin in September. AYC is a choral ensemble designed to provide talented young singers ages 13 to 19 in the greater Augusta area with an outstanding and

able information even if mom intends to use an epidural for labor and birth. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the

TRINITY HOSPITAL OF AUGUSTA

Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on the Sunday.

Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or

enjoyable experience in the choral art.

visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and regisAUGUST 13. You’re a Big Girl Now. This is a class

tration.

understand the ﬁnal stages of pregnancy as well as labor and the birth of your baby. Covers natural and

for girls ages 9-12, along with their mothers. Information on puberty and adolescence is discussed,

AUGUST 9. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about

medicated deliveries, Lamaze coping techniques and

including subjects such as emotions, acne menstrua-

the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and

more. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

tion and normal body changes. 10 a.m.-noon.

delivery. 6-8:30 p.m. AUGUST 22. Baby Care Basics & Breastfeeding.

AUGUST 16. The Daddy Class. A class for dads

AUGUST 13 Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth

This class combines two important topics. A board-

only. Taught by an experienced dad, this class oﬀers

Education. Helps mother and support person

certiﬁed lactation consultant teaches the class and

Augusta Family | August 2016 • 43

calendar

2016 HOPELAND G ARDENS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 7 p.m. • 803-642-7631 AUG 1. Savannah River String Band AUG 8. Fort Gordon Signal Corps Band AUG 15. Lo Down Brown AUG 22. Swingsation AUG 29. Aiken Concert Band

an emergency situation using infant mannequins and

Third Floor Classroom. Registration required.

a simple step-by-step method. 6-7:15 p.m. AUGUST 5 & 6 OR 19 & 20. Childbirth Preparation Weekend Class. A complete childbirth preparation UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

class designed for those with time constraints or

Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.university-

ﬂuctuating schedules. Class meets from 6:30-9:30

health.org/calendar for information. Registration is

p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Satur-

required for most programs.

day. Also included is a follow-up evening at the W.G. Watson, M.D., Women’s Center for a tour, question-

FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH. Parents

and-answer session and review.

Healing Together. For parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death,

AUGUST 18. Breastfeeding Class. This class oﬀers

ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. 7 p.m. in University

in-depth information on how to evaluate breast-

Hospital, Dining Room 2.

feeding and get oﬀ to a good start. Registration is suggested. Call 706-774-2825. 7-8 p.m. at Babies R

covers a range of helpful topics including diapering, bathing, feeding, cord care, nipple care, milk storage,

AUGUST 2-23 (TUESDAYS), AUGUST 8-29 (MON-

weaning and more. 9 a.m.-noon.

DAYS) OR AUGUST 10-31 (WEDNESDAYS). Pre-

Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans.

natal Education. This multi-week series of childbirth

AUGUST 25. Introduction to Infant CPR. Do you

AUGUST 22. Breastfeeding Support Group. Help,

preparation classes is designed to inform and pre-

worry about knowing how to revive your baby should

understanding and guidance in breastfeeding.

pare all expectant parents regardless of birth plans.

the need arise? This class provides an opportunity

Noon-1 p.m.

Class topics include various stages of labor, breath-

to learn and practice infant CPR on mannequins and

ing and relaxation and how to care for yourself and

learn other aspects of infant safety. Space is limited,

your new baby. 7-9 p.m. in the Women’s Center

so early registration is suggested. 7-8:30 p.m.

AUGUST 23. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in

44 • Augusta Family | August 2016

Augusta Family | August 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 45

Girl Go

PHOTO BY JOHN HARPRING

by Kar in C allow a y

T. Bridgette Kayea BRIDGETTE KAYEA, 45, of North Augusta, is the principal of Our Lady of Peace Catholic School. She and her husband, Des, have three daughters. She says she’d describe herself in one word as: Visionary. Her work at OLP requires many hours and lots of events to promote the school. Between her job and her family, that doesn’t leave much time for outside activities but she does enjoy working outdoors with her husband and swimming with their daughters. What quality do you admire the most? Positive determination.

Favorite indulence? Raw cookie dough.

If you could do any job, what would you choose? Principal at Our Lady of Peace.

What was you first job? Besides babysitting, I worked on a dairy farm.

What did you want to be when you grew up? Horse-riding photographer, perfect Mom like mine, inventive builder like my Dad, missionary worker. What’s your favorite food? Spinach. Dream vacation? Anywhere with all my family and NO technology. Favorite place to take the kids? The beach. Is there an important life lesson you’ve learned? Always ask (especially God) and keep moving forward. What would surprise people about you? I love heights and I would like to live off the land. Best thing about being a mom? Watching the miracles of life grow and change. Knowing our three daughters know they can come to me (and my husband) no matter what the situation. Hardest part about being a mom? Balancing out time between the three (and my husband) and work.

46 • Augusta Family | August 2016

Whom do you admire the most? My parents. Signature dish? Crock-Pot mac-n-cheese.. Are you a planner, a dreamer or a doer? I have dreams, literally, then I become a doer and make things happen. Favorite subject in school? Math. Greatest hope: To see my daughters happily become what they aspire to be. Biggest fear: Lose my family. What are you reading right now? Next year’s school budget. What inspires you? My husband’s words. Song playing in your head: Stand By You by Rachel Platten. If you had a super power, what would it be? Give off positive energy to others. Favorite TV Show: Watching The Voice with my family and all of us deciding how to vote for each contestant.