A U G U S TA
D EC 2 0 1 7 /JA N 2 0 1 8
WELCOME
Winter HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
✲FOCUS ON augustafamily.com
JOY FOR THE NEW YEAR
4 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
contents www.augustafamily.com
36
Departments 6 9
Features 28 Focus on Joy & Create a Great Year 35 Pursuing Dreams & Letting Go of for Your Family!
Mom to Mom
Santa’s Surprise Stop —Paige Tucker
11
News & Notes
14
Eating Well With Kim NEAT Through the Holidays & Beyond
Self-Doubt
-Christina Katz
Editor’s Page
—Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
—Naimah Shaw
17
Doctor Dad
18
Smart Mom’s Guide To... Breaking Bad Habits
Why am I SAD?
—Cammie Jones
Welcome Winter
A U G U S TA
D EC 2 0 1 7 /JA N 2 0 1 8
WELCOME
Winter
ON ThE COvER: Jason and Tracy Boggs of Evans, GA are the parents of Jackson and Jonathan, age 15, Ty age 9 and Chase age 8. Photo by Chris Thelen HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
✲FOCUS ON augustafamily.com
JOY FOR THE NEW YEAR
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.
20
Also, check out our contests and giveaways
—Meridith Flory
{ } Go to augustafamily.com —click on the contest page to find the current contests!
Raising Readers Diverse Books
36
Inspiration Station 12 Bands of Christmas —Dustin Turner
38
Calendar
46
Go Girl! Jessica Parkes —Renee Williams
Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine
@AUGFamilyMag
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 5
Editor’s Notes
AU G U S TA
b y Renee Williams
www.augustafamily.com
PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren
EDITOR Renee Williams
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PREPRESS /WEB PRODUCER Michael Rushbrook
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Lisa Dorn
ADVERTISING SALES Doressa Hawes Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann
PHOTOGRAPHY John Harpring Carter Koenig Photography Chris Thelen
CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Meredith Flory Karen Gordon Cammie Jones Mary Ashton Mills Paige Tucker Dustin Turner Naimah Shaw 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 renee.williams@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.
This will be our family’s first Christmas without my son, Zakkary. The whole world seems to be celebrating while we are left wondering how we will survive. The loss slaps me in the face again and again and sometimes, other people’s words or lack of words slaps me too. Honestly, it would suit me just fine to cancel the holidays altogether but my duty as mom to nurture and encourage my surviving son, Dylan and my commitment to honor Zakkary’s memory causes a flight or fight instinct that prevails no matter what. For many of us, the biggest and best small step we will ever take is to reach out and let someone help us. This journey is not about doing it alone, it’s about figuring out what help and support we need to move forward and then seeking out that assistance. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-respect, hope and strength. The idea behind Christmas is to shine light in dark spaces and to give hope, to offer gifts and extend benevolence to others. I have been extended an enormous amount of grace and mercy during this loss and I recognize that I have already received the most beautiful precious gift a parent could receive. Zakkary will live on through the relationships he formed, through the people I have grown close to that also loved him, through his beautiful music and through his last selfless act of organ donation. Our family will be sending out holiday cards to Zakkary’s organ recipients this month with the hopes of meeting the people who were given the gift of life because of my son. If you or a friend has lost a child or loved one, The Compassionate Friends organization can put together a customized packet of bereavement materials to support you as you prepare for the holiday season. Some tips include: 1. Don’t put too much stress on yourself or allow other people to dictate to you how you should get through this. 2. Let close friends and family know that you are struggling and need to be able to talk about your child at this important family time. 3. Tell people that you need to have your child acknowledged by others at Christmas – to see their name in a Christmas card or to remember them with a toast, many people would be scared of doing this unless you tell them. 4. Within the family try to talk to each other, about how you are feeling, or what you all might want to do. If you have young children in the family be aware that they might wish for Christmas to carry on as before – although this can be enormously painful for you. 5. Develop a Christmas ritual involving your child – attend a candle lighting service with other bereaved parents, spend time at a special memorial place on your own or with others, make or buy a special card or decoration for your child. 6. Spend time with people who understand. Avoid those who don’t. 7. If you can’t cope with the idea of Christmas at all, go away and do something completely different. (Be aware, though, that sometimes being away from supportive friends or family can be more difficult and the jollity of strangers may be painful). What matters is that, as far as possible, you are able to do whatever feels right for you, and eventually be able to carry the loving memory of your child with you into future Christmas-times. Thank you all for your love and support. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
We look forward to hearing from you; visit our website www.augustafamily.com and on facebook and twitter. Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine @AUGFamilyMag
6 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
Until February,
Renee Williams renee.williams@augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 7
8 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
Mom to Mom b y Pa i g e T u c ker
C
Santa’s Surprise Stop
hristmas is... HERE! It’s my most favorite time of year! The family and friends, the music, the decorations, the excitement -- it all makes for a spectacular season. These days, I feel like a kid at Christmas again, getting to see all the magic through Julia Reynolds’ big blue eyes. The holidays get better and better the older she gets. Her Christmas list grows longer by the day, and she just announced to us at the dinner table that, “Santa was watching!” Can you tell we’ve been using that line lately? The excitement of actually being a kid at Christmas is something I remember all too well: the never ending countdown to the big day, the impossible wait to tear open gifts and the sleepless night before finally waking up to Christmas morning. One Christmas Eve, when I was about 7 years old, I was having trouble falling asleep with all the excitement and anticipation of a visit from Santa Claus. I was tossing and turning in my bed when out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of someone standing in my doorway. It was dark, but there was just enough light to see the figure was draped in a velvety robe. I was terrified and started screaming my head off when I realized Santa was at my door! I wanted Mr. Claus to come down the chimney and leave toys, of course, but I was not prepared for a face-to-face midnight meeting. As it turns out, neither was “Santa,” who was also shrieking, clearly just as startled as I was. My dad sprang from his bed to see what was the matter and found the ruckus was coming from MY MOM and me. That’s right, I thought my mom in her deep purple-navy velour housecoat was Santa peeking in on me! I can replay the scene in my head so vividly to this day, and over the years my family and I have had great laughs over the mistaken identity. Christmas memories are good like that. They are rich and dear and heartwarming. In many cases, they are also often the product of a mother’s blood, sweat and tears. Moms do so much to make Christmas magical and memorable. But before you break a sweat or burst into tears trying to fill your child’s memory bank, may we remember you can’t buy Christmas peace and Christmas joy doesn’t have a price tag. The best memories are usually those that don’t fit into any package. May your holidays be happy and your hearts full in the new year! After twelve years in local news, most recently as evening anchor of NBC 26, Paige Tucker is now a work-at-home mom and freelance journalist. She produces two series for NBC 26 TV, First Responders and 26 Women Today, and you can see those stories on Tuesday nights. Paige and her husband have one daughter, Julia Reynolds, who is three years old.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 9
news&notes D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 /J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8
app-Tastic!
GreeTinGs-easy holiday Card
mommy minute
The Foodie’s Culinary Guide To The PiG: This year, break out your traditional holiday recipes and create barbecue alongside your holiday gatherings. What a lot of people don’t realize is the best time of the year for barbecue is during those long, cold winter days. Barbecue Pit Master and owner of Peg Leg Porker, Carey Bringle knows how to amp up the festivities with his culinary creations. To say his family has a passion for barbecue is an understatement. Bringle was groomed for competitive barbecuing and then suddenly at 17, he was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. After months of intensive chemotherapy, he lost his right leg but emerged from that experience with a new perspective and outlook on life, realizing that every day brings new adventures, new experiences and another chance to enjoy great food.
Greetings-Easy Holiday Cards App: Simply select one of the 50+ beautifully designed card templates, customize it with your own photo and message and Greetings-Easy Holiday Card, Social Print Studio will take care of the rest. • Custom Cards and Invitations for every occasion. • Stunning flat cards printed on Strathmore Wove premium 100% recycled paper. • Beautiful templates. Choose from a growing collection of custom templates. • Easy to make. Design your card from the comfort of your phone. • Get ready and send. Envelopes included. Newly updated for the 2017 holiday season!
“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others burdens, easing others loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” -W.C. Jones
Now Bringle’s zest for life and sense of humor is reflected in his signature “Peg Leg Porker” brand. Peg Leg Porker restaurant opened in 2013 in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood and is an award winning local favorite. Make Peg Leg Porker a part of your holiday meals. by ordering sauces or rubs for you festive feasts or by a gift from Pork Leg Porker and put in under tree for the cook of the family. Gift cards are also available and if you’re in Nashville, stop by Carey’s award-winning barbecue restaurant located at .903 Gleaves St. Order sauces and rubs online at www.peglegporker. com. * Original Peg Leg Porker BBQ Sauce is a traditional Memphis Sauce that is not too sweet or too tangy. It is just right for a great BBQ Sandwich or Ribs. * Hot Peg Leg Porker BBQ Sauce is just a hotter version of the Original. * Peg Leg Porker White Sauce is a tangy, mayo based sauce great for poultry. It can also be used as a slaw dressing. This signature sauce was awarded 1st place honor at the NBBQA Awards of Excellence Competition! * Peg Leg Porker Dry Rub - This dry rub is where great low-and-slow barbecue begins. But don’t limit yourself to ribs, shoulder, chicken or brisket, this dry rub is the one to reach for anytime you want a taste of genuine Memphis barbecue or extra flavor added to bean and vegetable dishes or casseroles. Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 11
news&notes
Sugar Mountain
Are we there yet? Sugar Mountain
I
f the cool temps are giving you an urge to spend an afternoon carving the slopes, then a short trip to Sugar Mountain needs to be on your list. Over the past two years, Sugar Mountain has increased their terrain and reconfigured some of the trails and lifts. If you are a beginner, start by making a pizza with your skis while you cruise down the bunny slopes and hitch a ride back up on the magic carpet. If you haven’t mastered it after a few falls, then learn to ski or snowboard with group or private lessons, both of which are available daily. Once you’ve got your ski legs warmed up, take the six-person Summit Express lift all the way up to the top for panoramic views and a chance to race down Northridge and Gunther’s Way. If skiing isn’t your cold weather activity of choice, the tubing park and an ice skating rink are also open for action. Grab some hot chocolate and warm up in the lodge or take a trip into Banner Elk for dinner. The Banner Elk Café is located in the center of town and offers three meals a day. Wondering if it will be a winter wonderland when you get there? Sugar Mountain blows snow, but you can check any of their four live webcams to see if you’ll be arriving to
12 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
fresh powder! www.skisugar.com Distance: 234 miles, A little over a four-hour drive. BuDget: Save 30-40% if you book a winter value package at least seven days in advance. Kids 4 and under ski free, not including rentals. What to see: The terrain park with jumps, hits, ramps, banks, jibs, rails, quarter pipe and other terrain features; 10,000 square foot ice skating rink; NASTAR races allows skiers the ability to compare their time with times of the fastest members of the US Ski Team and Sugar Bear the Sugar Mountain mascot who can be found from time to time on the slopes or in the lodge. if You go: There’s plenty to do at Sugar Mountain, but it is worth a side trip to Apple Hill Alpaca Farm, a working farm located in Banner Elk. Here you can see alpacas, llamas, angora goats and other animals while touring a real working farm with majestic views. You can even come home with your very own spool of alpaca yarn. Open year-round. www.applehillfarmnc.com
news&notes
SAFE KIDS
FAST FACTS TOY SAFETY ‘Tis the season to think about toy safety. In 2010, an estimated 181,500 children were treated in an emergency room for a toy-related injury. That’s 500 kids every day. To protect children, always read labels thoroughly for potential dangers, buy toys that are age-appropriate, supervise play, and store properly. To get more tips about toy safety, read the full article at AugustaFamily.com. 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 & USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth. org/safekids.
The 26th Annual Christmas in Hopelands The 26th Annual Christmas in Hopelands event will transform Hopelands Gardens in Aiken, South Carolina December 9-10, 14-23, and 26 from 6:00-9:30pm. This enchanting walk-through exhibit features over two miles of lighted pathways and illuminated displays. Over 100,000 twinkling lights in the peaceful setting of Hopelands Gardens are a must-see during the holiday season. There is no cost to enter the event or to utilize the shuttle service. All guests should use the shuttle service to the gardens available each night. The Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, The Dollhouse, Rye Patch, and NEW this year the Rye Patch Stables will be open and decorated for visitors to enjoy. The Rye Patch Stables feature a new exhibit; “Aiken’s Historic Horses”. Complimentary refreshments will be served in the Hall of Fame courtyard and outside of the Guest Cottage. S’more kits are
available for purchase for $5 at Rye Patch, where you can roast your marshmallows at our s’more pit. Rye Patch will be the destination for fun holiday activities for children. On select nights, Mrs. Claus will be there to hear your child’s Christmas wishes and take what is sure to become a treasured photo. Children can write a letter to Santa or make a craft to take home. Parents must accompany children at all times. Live entertainment is provided each night, either on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at 7:00pm December 9 Harmony River Chorus Mrs. Claus in Rye Patch from 6-9pm December 10 TBA December 14 Christ’s Way Christian Church Light Show December15 Aiken High School Jazz Band Mrs. Claus in Rye Patch from 6-9pm
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 13
Eating well with Kim b y Ki m B e a ve rs , M S , R D, LD, C DE
14 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
Eating well with Kim
Being NEAT through the Holidays and Beyond A holiday issue that spans December and Jan-
Volumetrics has to do with eating in such a
uary leaves me in a nutrition quandary. How am
way that promotes fullness on fewer calories
I supposed to cover both holiday cheer and New
(great concept right?). Volumetrics is based on
Year’s Resolutions in one article? As we partici-
maintaining the usual amount (volume) of food
pate in holiday cheer while racing toward our
you eat, yet lowering the calories in each portion
New Year health goals, one thought comes to
so you can consume fewer calories yet feel just as
mind…”set yourself up for success.” Consider-
full. Research conducted by Barbara J. Rolls, PhD,
ing both activity and food, I offer up two ways to
author of The Volumetrics Eating Plan suggests
do just that. If you practice NEAT (non-exercise
that people tend to eat the same volume of food
activity thermoneognesis) and Volumetrics, you
each day. The easiest way to increase volume
have opportunity for success during the holidays
and decrease calories is to add vegetables. Eating
and beyond. The busy holiday season often zaps
vegetables is a common enough recommenda-
energy and workout opportunities. And while
tion, but Volumetrics is a bit more than that as
being sedentary has definite ill effects on our
it focuses on the nutrient density, satiety value
health, all is not lost if we don’t get to the gym.
(fullness factor) and calorie content of food. Com-
One way to increase caloric burn is to imple-
pare 2/3 cup of cooked rice (~170 calories) to 1/3
ment non-exercise movement throughout the
cup of rice plus 2/3 cups of roasted vegetables
workday. Some jobs are naturally high in NEAT
(~140 calories). Using this example, you get thirty
activity (think construction and housekeeping).
fewer calories, more food (to keep you full longer)
Desk jobs, on the other hand, are primarily sed-
and more nutrients.
entary. Adding more NEAT activity to your day
Broth based soup has been shown to help
even if you can’t make it to the gym is one way
people to feel full and eat less overall. Research
to offset sedentary behavior (however if you can
conducted by Dr. Rolls showed that consum-
still make it to the gym please do). Pick one or
ing broth based soup with a meal significantly
two NEAT activities to implement this holiday
reduced total meal calorie intake by 20%
season using this list to get you started.
compared with having no soup. Broth based soups are usually rich in vegetables are higher in
•
•
Move your trash can from under your desk
weight (volume) with less calories so they serve
to a location that requires you to get up and
the purpose of feeling full on fewer calories
walk to throw out your trash
through the holidays and beyond. Here is a deli-
Get up and refill your water bottle frequent-
cious soup to fill you up but not out.
ly (drink the water, which will cause you to have to get up and go to the rest room☺).
Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabe-
Stand while talking on the phone or shift
tes Educator for University Health Care System.
your weight from one leg to another or bet-
She lives in North Augusta with her husband and
ter yet--pace.
two children and she is the co-host of the culinary
•
Jiggle legs while sitting
nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs
•
Take the stairs instead of the elevator
at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW.
•
At home, play with your kids and walk the
To be notified of new recipes join Kim’s facebook fan
dog often
page at www.facebook.com/eatingwellwithkim. To
Walk to the mailbox (maybe even more than
search for specific recipes go to www.university-
once just for extra activity)
health.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments
•
•
at www.wrdw.com/ewwk.
Turkey Meatball Soup This soup is one the whole family will enjoy! Meatballs 1 pound ground turkey breast 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup finely chopped onion ¼ cup bread crumbs 1 egg 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon rubbed sage ¼ teaspoon salt Soup Base Vegetable oil cooking spray 1 teaspoon canola oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped carrot 2 cups chopped celery 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth 1 cup water 3 cups whole wheat egg noodles, uncooked Chopped parsley (garnish) To make the meatballs combine all the meatball ingredients in a medium bowl and mix together. Make 1-inch meatballs (30 meatballs) and set aside. Spray the bottom of a Dutch oven with vegetable oil cooking spray, add 1 teaspoon canola oil and place over medium heat. Once the oil is hot add onion, celery, carrots and sage, sauté for 3 minutes. Add broth and water and bring to a boil. Gently add meatballs, cover and let simmer 15 minutes. Add noodles and cook for an additional 6 minutes or until noodles are tender. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley. Yield: 6 servings (Serving size: 5 meatballs, 1 cup soup) Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 300, Fat 6g (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg, Sodium 540mg, Carbohydrate 37g, Fiber 5g, Protein 30g. Kim’s note: Alternatively the meatballs could be baked in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and coated with vegetable oil cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. This gives the meatballs a nice golden color.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 15
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Church Services This guide to the CSRA’s many Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services is also available on augustafamily.com. Click on resources at the top of the screen to download a pdf and share it with family and friends. St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church
1420 Monte Santo Ave. • Augusta GA 30904 • 706.733.6627 www.stmaryonthehill.org *Christmas Eve, December 24 4 p.m., 6 p.m. Mass, 9 p.m. Mass, Midnight Mass *Christmas Day, December 25 9 a.m. Mass, 11 a.m. Mass *New Years Eve, December 31 6 p.m. Vigil *New Years Day, January 1 9 :15 a.m. Mass, 7 p.m. Mass
The Sanctuary, Evans, GA
4584 Cox Road, Evans, GA 30809 706-364-8284 | www.mysanctuary.org December 3, 6pm Isaacs’ Christmas Concert December 10, 6pm Choir Christmas Performance “Christmas is Real” December 17, 6pm Candlelight Christmas Service December 24, Early Worship Service 9:30 and 10:30 am December 24, Family Worship Service 11am
Saint Paul’s Church 605 Reyonlds St., on the Riverwalk • Downtown Augusta 706.724.2485 • www.saintpauls.org Regular Sunday Worship Services at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. *Christmas Eve Festival Celebration, December 24 4 p.m. & 10 p.m. A nursery will be available at the 4 p.m. service. *Christmas Day, December 25 10 a.m.—in the Chapel
Whole Life Ministries
2621 Washington Road • Augusta, GA 30904 • 706.737.4530 • www.wholelife.org All About That Baby Children’s Presentation Sunday, December 10th 10:30 AM Christmas Extravaganza Sunday, December 17th 10:30 AM Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24th 7:00 PM New Year’s Eve Service Sunday, December 31st 10:00 PM
16 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
To advertise your church or business in Augusta Family Magazine or online on our website (www.AugustaFamily.com) call (706) 823 -3702.
Dr. Dad
b y J. Ro n E a ke r, M . D.
Why am I SAD? Virginia dragged herself into the office and slumped over in the chair. Her body language spoke volumes and her words reinforced that she was feeling poorly. “I don’t get it. I feel pretty normal, and then over about a week this time every year I feel like I am falling down a deep hole and can’t get out. I sleep way more than normal, but never feel rested. I gain weight and just feel down all the time. I’m really getting tired of being tired.” Virginia wasn’t sad, she had SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a medically recognized subset of major depression that effects anywhere from 2 to 9% of the population. It is characterized by seasonal (mostly winter) onset of depressive feelings, excessive sleeping, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from social interaction, appetite problems, difficulty with concentrating and making decisions, decreased sex drive and a lack of energy. There has been a bit of controversy surrounding the diagnosis of SAD, as early on many doctors questioned whether it was a real entity or simply a manifestation of an underlying depression. Most experts now agree that it is indeed a distinct disorder but in the family of major depression characterized specifically by its episodic nature. Most folks associate the mood changes with the winter months, but it can occur in other seasons, although much less frequently. The key designation is a distinct change in symptoms with a change in temperature and/or light exposure (can you say Daylight Saving Time?). There seems to be a difference in geographic occurrence with the lowest incidence in Florida (<1%) and the highest occurrence in Alaska (10%), and it also seems to affect women more than men. Some Nordic countries like Finland have a higher incidence whereas Iceland strangely has one of the lowest rates. Some speculate that their relative genetic isolation along with their heavy fish consumption protects the Icelanders from high rates of SAD. Like most mood disorders, SAD exists across a spectrum. There are some folks who notice some mild mood changes associated with the fall or winter, but not enough to disrupt their normal lifestyles. These milder variations can usually be dampened or extinguished by exercise and increased outdoor activity, particularly on sunny days, resulting in increased solar exposure. Many people are never actually diagnosed with any specific disorder but just step up their exercise almost
intuitively to offset any mood changes. Connections between human mood, as well as energy levels, and the seasons are well documented, even in healthy individuals. We have long known that intensity of symptoms is key to a specific diagnosis. Speaking of diagnosis, it is important to have a competent physician or psychologist evaluate you before labeling yourself. This is critical as some symptoms of SAD are actually manifestations of bipolar disorder and other mental health issues that need to be properly diagnosed and addressed. Not all episodic blues are SAD. The good news is that there are effective treatments available to those correctly diagnosed. As with most mental health issues, the first step towards successful treatment is properly identifying the problem and being open to treatment. Luckily, with the acceptance of SAD as a legitimate disorder, the stigma of being “crazy” or “weird” has lessoned and people should be more open to seeking treatment. The benchmark of treatment is light therapy. This approach uses a light box which emits far more lumens than a customary incandescent lamp. A person generally sits a few feet from the light box for at least an hour a day. The physiology behind this approach is related to a number of biochemical pathways that depend on light such as melatonin secretion by the pineal gland and serotonin production. It’s important to know that using a light box is not simply some hocus-pocus placebo effect but actually produces measurable changes in the body of the participant. Light therapy can also consist of exposure to sunlight, either by spending more time outside or using a computercontrolled heliostat to reflect sunlight into the windows of a home or office. Some medications have also been proven to be helpful in treating SAD. In particular, the family of medicines called the SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc) restore serotonin (a brain hormone) levels which seem to be affected in SAD. Another novel approach is negative air ionization, which involves releasing charged particles into the sleep environment. It has been found effective with a 47.9% improvement if the negative ions are in sufficient quantity. The reason for this effectiveness is less well understood, but again is tied into hormonal secretions needed to balance mood. SAD is real and its variants are surprisingly common. If you notice distinct changes in how you feel, especially in the winter months, talk to your doc. Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 17
Smart Mom’s Guide b y C a m m i e Jo n es
breaking
and implementing CHange
“Old habits die hard” is the quote that sticks out in my mind because it is so very true. Replace the word “old” with “bad” and you have a story there! So, what can you do to break those negative habits and make a change for the better?
1. Understand How Habits are Formed
five categories:
What is it that triggers you to engage in a bad habit? Is it the
• Time
carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer that
• Emotional State
tempts you every time you open up the freezer door? If it’s
• Other People
as simple as that, remove the trigger and don’t purchase ice
• An immediately preceding action
• Location
cream at the grocery store. Really take a look and analyze how your bad habit began and find ways to eliminate it.
When you start a bad habit, try to note the cues and then when you begin to see similarities, you can figure out what
According to the self-improvement blog Pick the Brain,
is causing you to do it. Then, take action to change the habit
every bad habit has a cue that falls into one of the following
to a beneficial one or end it completely.
18 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
Smart Mom’s Guide
Going “cold turkey” may not be the way to end a bad habit for good. 2.Go Slow and Make SMall ChanGeS
walk in the door from work, set out some fresh
end a bad habit for good. It may come in small
your workout in the morning, set your clothes out
Going “cold turkey” may not be the way to steps to totally eliminate it from your routine. Melanie Pinola, author of Top 10 Ways to Break Bad Habits, (lifehacker.com) suggests using patience. “So, be patient with yourself and instead of making dramatic adjustments, try focusing on one habit and the smallest steps you can take to trick your inner caveman,” she says. If you are dealing with a food or diet issue,
fruit or cut up veggies in the fridge with hummus that you can snack on instead. If you tend to miss the night before so you when you wake up, they are right in front of you as a gentle reminder. In addition to this, make improvement goals that will keep you in check and make them specific. If you are trying to lose a few pounds, set a goal of losing one or two pounds by a certain date and then note it you did or did or did meet that goal. If you did meet then, pat yourself on the back and make a
don’t buy ice cream at the store or substitute it
new goal.
with low-fat frozen yogurt.
5.if You fail, trY aGain
3.ChanGe Your environMent
If every time you go to the grocery store, you hit the Starbucks at the front entrance and always get a Grande Mocha Frappuccino, then change your grocery store to one without a Starbucks and see how that goes. I am not saying that getting a coffee drink is a bad thing by itself but if it is becoming a habit and one that you seem to not be able to pass up, then make a change. Remember to analyze your habit, looking closely at the five cues mentioned above and see if the location or any of the other cues is
It is a little easier to implement a new, good habit than to get rid of a bad habit. If you fall down on your goal one day, start again the next day. Don’t allow yourself to give up because you will mess up (we are all human) so try not to be so hard on yourself. Pick up where you left off and understand what happened so you can avoid it next time and have a plan to get back on track. Bad habits begin and end with a psychological reward that we feel benefits us. When we realize
helping to cause the behavior.
that in fact these habits are harming us or our
4.Set triGGer & iMproveMent GoalS
to stop them. It won’t be an easy road, but it is
This sounds more complicated than it really is.
relationship with others, then we have incentive possible with a little positive thinking, prayer and a game plan in hand!
Setting small trigger goals can help you continue with a good behavior. For example, if you usually
Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and
grab a bag of salt and vinegar chips when you
mother of three.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 19
Raising Readers by Mere d i th Fl o r y
Raising Readers of
Diverse Books Readers: I am writing this column to you from a library in El
I spoke with Aliana Leary, a staff member at the non-
Paso, Texas as my family waits for the moving truck with all
profit We Need Diverse Books, about the importance of
of our household goods to arrive. As a military family, we
representation of all Americans in children’s and young adult
move every few years and one of the things I love most about
literature and how WNDB is working to help all readers see
moving is getting to see the different landscapes, diversity of
themselves in the pages of storybooks.
culture and varying character of cities and regions across our country.
WNDB is a great resource, if you are looking for books for your children that better reflect your family, or if you want to
Children’s books are a wonderful way for children to travel
help your child increase in empathy and an understanding of
and explore our country and world without ever leaving their
our diverse world,
bedroom. In addition, children get to experience the shared humanity we have.
As parents, you can start with the WNDB OurStory App. While Leary and I relate as readers who tend towards a more
Unfortunately, the publishing world does not always offer
traditional way of selecting books in stores and libraries, we
characters and stories that are as diverse and nuanced
understand that for young people and many families, apps
as the world that we actually live in, and it has been
can help connect and encourage reading and writing. Leary
historically difficult for authors of color or those that present
explains, “When I hear librarians, teachers and parents talk
marginalized perspectives to get books into print.
about how using OurStory has helped them find a book for a
20 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
Raising Readers kid or teen, that’s really fantastic to me.”
Twitter chats with authors and illustrators and
demonstrates an interest in promoting diverse
publicizing the work of WNDB on social media.
books. If you know a college student or
With a growing awareness and participation
recent graduate from a diverse background,
in social justice movements, books can be a
Leary is proud of the internship grant
they can find information at: www.
great resource for talking about racism, sexism
WNDB offers which helps diverse applicants
weneeddiversebooks.org.
and other historical and current injustices
afford to intern at a publishing house in a
that are important topics for children from all
paid internship. Leary explains that while
If having more diverse books in your
backgrounds.
it’s important to have diverse authors and
community is something you would like to help
illustrators, it’s easy to forget the importance
with, then in addition to the Our Story app and
Leary encourages parents to look towards
of “publishing house staff to be diverse as
following WNDB’s social media pages, Leary
activists and authors from the community of
well” as they are the gatekeepers for the
suggests that once you’ve started to locate
interest. For example, she says, “If you’re looking
stories advertised and printed. Leary hopes
these books for your own family, “talk to your
for a guide to introducing ableism to someone in
the internships and mentoring opportunities
librarians and teachers about stocking these
kindergarten, you should talk to disabled people
that WNDB provides will help more young
books and local booksellers as well.” I might
and disability activists... OurStory is a way for
people from marginalized communities enter
add, with the holidays, consider gifting these
those who “want to read diversely, but don’t
publishing as a career. In addition to this
books to children in your life who would be
know where to start”.
internship, WNDB pairs young creatives with
delighted to see a positive representation of
mentors and often hold contests where young
characters who look like them in the pages of
Leary is on the social media team for WNDB
writers can submit their work, leading to
storybooks.
and is helping to judge the middle grade short
prizes and publication opportunities. They
essay contest this year. She works to make
also have the annual Walter Award for a
WNDB’s online presence a great resource
published diverse author and the Bookseller
for readers and their parents, organizing
of the Year award for a bookseller who
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.
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Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 21
THE DREAM MACHINE 2 – INNOV –IS XV8550D
ENTREPRENEUR 6-PLUS PR670E 6-NEEDLE EMBROIDERY MACHINE Melissa &HOME Doug Race Car Track Rug with Race Cars
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HOLIDAY JELLYCAT POMPOM PLUSH
An adorable ball of multicolored fluff! This dazzling cuddle-buddy is out of this world! CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia Ave., North Augusta
PUPPIE LOVE
Your little one will love wearing this officially licensed Puppie Love tee with a pup Umgee Lace Extender Tank to make any that loves the festive spirit of the holiday ordinary sweater one of a kind for only $22.99 season. CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia in various colors and styles! Kid to Kid, 2701 Ave., North Augusta Washington Rd. • 4088 Washington Rd.
22 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
Candles—Assortment of Habersham Candle Co. candles. $15-$22. Augusta Visitor Center & Gift Shop, 560 Reynolds St.
18 • Augusta Family | Dec. 2015 - Jan. 2016
www.augustafamily.com
Blanket Scarfs are in high demand this season. Expected to be one of the hottest new winter fashions! Great with Boots! CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia Ave., North Augusta
DA BOMB BATH BOMBS SNOW GLOBES
Choose from a variety of holiday inspired motifs. Morris Museum of Art Gift Shop 1 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Augusta
Fizzing bath bombs, wonderfully fragrant, and each one has a fun surprise inside! Handmade in the USA by a pair of teenage sisterpreneurs. CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia Ave., North Augusta
GIFT GUIDE RONALDO DESIGNER JEWELRY “POWER OF PRAYER”
This inspirational bracelet has 7 beads, one for each day of the week, to remind us to pray every day. Handmade in the USA. CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia Ave., North Augusta
SOUTHERN TIDE SHIRT
Water’s Edge Gingham Classic Fit Woven, button down shirt. CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia Ave., North Augusta
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 23
SPARKLING REINDEER
These silver-studded reindeer will brighten up any tabletop for the holidays! Available in 2 sizes: 18x7.5x20 inches and 11x5.5x14 inches Morris Museum of Art Gift Shop | 10th Street, 2nd Floor, Augusta
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It’s time to transform your bath with fizzy bubbles, fun color, and a fantastic fragrance. With this kit, you’ll learn the science behind creating perfect fizz and make up to 12 colorful bath bombs in five different shapes-right in your own kitchen. Then dunk them in a bathtub full of water to release the sensational strawberry kiwi scent. So sit back, relax, and settle in for a good soak! CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia Ave., North Augusta
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26 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
7/20/16 4:45:41 PM
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This beautiful sterling silver bracelet is for the angel in your life! Handmade in the USA. CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia Ave., North Augusta
JELLYCAT “THE VERY BRAVE LION”
A little cub talks to his daddy about growing up. He learns its ok to be scared sometimes, and that kindness and love are all that matters. CommuniGraphics, Inc, 400 Georgia Ave., North Augusta
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 27
Joys FOCUS ON
RATHER THAN RESOLUTIONS & CREATE A GREAT YEAR FOR YOUR FAMILY By Christina Katz
28 â&#x20AC;¢ Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS HAVE BECOME HEAVILY COMMERCIALIZED. MESSAGES COMING FROM ALL DIRECTIONS WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE FALLING SHORT AS AN ACCEPTABLE HUMAN BEING IN A MULTITUDE OF WAYS. YOU ARE TOO POOR, TOO UNFIT, TOO UNEDUCATED, TOO LONELY, TOO BUSY, TOO SELFISH, TOO BORING. YOU NAME IT AND YOU NEED TO CHANGE IT, PREFERABLY STARTING ON JANUARY 1ST. BUT UNLESS PARENTS ARE CLEAR THAT THEY ARE ENOUGH AS THEY ARE, YOU RISK PASSING THIS ANNUAL HABIT OF SELF-RECRIMINATION ON TO YOUR CHILDREN AND THEIR FUTURE CHILDREN.
This year, resist external messages designed to make you and your family feel inadequate and flip New Year’s resolutions on their heads. Resolve to no longer let an annual holiday undermine your family’s sense of wholeness and worth. Resolution comes from the word resolve, meaning to make a decision or determination. This January 1st, why not become determined to resist self-criticism altogether? Take some time over the New Year transition to assess everything you enjoy.
of the New Year every family craves.
Here are a few family discussion topics that will help you focus on building your family up rather than on tearing each other down. Because, of course, when you feel critical of yourself, nit-picking your kids swiftly follows. Instead, start discussing these topics over the holidays and, as the New Year approaches, watch the never-good-enough season transform into the joyful ringing in
Express feelings of joy. Have a deeper conversation about choices you made last year that brought you joy. What were the smartest decisions you made from your perspective? How did these positive choices make you feel? Would you make these same choices again? One of the best ways to milk more joy out of last year is to spend time discussing last year’s happiest moments
Discuss what was joyful last year. What choices did family members make that brought them joy? Were there some decisions any family members made that created disappointment? You can learn as much from what did not work as you can from what did work, so don’t be afraid to admit to any mistakes you feel you may have made. A balanced year is full of ups and downs.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 29
before the New Year rolls in. Imagine next year as even more joyful. Ask each family member to make up a story about what an even more joyful year would look like. They can make the story as ambitious or inspired as they like. For example, maybe one family member wants to get admitted to a college of her choice while another simply wants to maintain a longtime enjoyable activity. Remain nonjudgmental. Joy is not a competition and each person’s joy is unique to them. Each family member can tell the story that makes them feel the most content, and no one else in the family should interject their ideas or expectations. Affirm each other’s visions. After everyone has shared, family members will feel motivated to help each other. First affirm the validity of each family member’s dream. Make sure everyone feels supported by each other. Stressing teamwork in achieving shared individual goals can help reduce sibling rivalry. Kids who are empowered to be authentic don’t have to compete with anyone. Parents can take whatever actions they can throughout the year to support
30 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
each family member’s dreams. And parents should expect support for their dreams, as well. Don’t sit back and let the kids have all the fun! You are the creator of your family traditions; you don’t have to go along with the crowd. So celebrate the New Year in positive, constructive ways that build family members up, rather than a negative, critical ways that tear family members down. When you teach your family members to use joy as a touchstone for making choices this year and every year, you give them the keys to creating personal satisfaction in their lives and you get to watch your family grow closer than ever every year. Resources For A More Joyous New Year Family Bucket Lists, Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie Into Every Day by Laura Krupicka Gracious Living In A New World, Finding Joy In Changing Times by Alexandra Stoddard Finding Joy: 101 Ways To Free Your Spirit And Dance With Life by Charlotte Davis Kasl Simple Abundance, Daybook Of Comfort & Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach
New Year’s Eve Family Share This New Year’s Eve, go ahead and try to stay up until the ball drops. You don’t have to stay up until midnight unless it makes sense for your family. If you have younger children, why not watch a television broadcast from an earlier time zone? Most likely you can stream the broadcast online, if you can’t find it on television. After dinner, before the New Year arrives, have each family member share a bit of their joy from the previous year. Younger kids may need help, but try to let them gather materials and present on their own as much as possible. Emphasize how well each family member is sharing for someone their age. Notice how younger children’s enthusiasm might give older family members permission to be more effusive. Encourage the whole family to show interest and ask questions so each presenter can make new discoveries about their passions. Here are some ideas for what each presenter might share:
• Toast your joys with sparkling juice • Read a favorite book passage aloud • Teach others in the family how to do something you enjoy • Play a favorite video or board game together • Perform a short skit • Prepare a favorite dish or dessert • Sing a song • Make collages of your joys • Do a dance • Show a favorite television or movie trailer • Present artwork • Make a family joy alter with photos and candles or string lights • Take the family on a guided tour using Google maps • Share a video of you and your joy in action • Daydream out loud about future, imagined joys
Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz strives to live a joy-centric life, despite whatever else is going on in the world. She knows there is nothing more important to pass along to future generations.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 31
Pursuing
Dreams Letting go of self doubt BY NAIMAH SHAW
It was about 18 months ago when I took a leap of faith and created my very own public Facebook page. It was a way to articulate who I was and to show our journey as a large Muslim American family, knowing that I ran the risk of being judged. It was the beginning of my journey, the first step outside of my comfort zone and I am better because of it.
32 â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
You see, my self-worth was so badly beaten by my own inner demons that I had become my biggest critic. Through that critique, I had lost an essential part of who I was. From the outside looking in, everyone saw a well put together mom of 4 but on the inside, even on my best days, I questioned what my true purpose was. I questioned whether being there and giving everything I had to offer was enough for my kids, if I was enough to drive the ambition of my sons, but especially my daughters. I told them they could be anything they wanted to be and I instilled in them the idea that their value is limitless and endless, but how was I showing this to them? The self doubt within was single handedly questioning the biggest job I am chartered with: that of being a mom. It was at this point that I started to look deeper for answers and stumbled upon someone who would become my business mentor, Marie Foreleo. She has spent more than a decade building her empire from the bottom up. I decided to follow her most profound piece of advice, “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought” and so it was with that notion that I began seeking clarity. I started asking myself deep questions, seeking ways to overcome self doubt and gain clarity in all areas of life. One facet that was of particular interest was, “How do I impact society outside the bounds of raising the next generation?” Self doubt told me I couldn’t, that I was “just a mom” but inside I wanted more. I still had dreams that needed to be pursued and ambitions that I wanted to achieve.
With that intention I started a public Facebook page to showcase our journey, not absolutely sure where it would take me. Even though that may sound like a small, inconsequential step- it has truly been life changing. Through this journey of vulnerability, authenticity and risk taking, I have formed a deeper sense of self and gained friendships with communities of pepople just like myself. I have since began a blog which has been read in more than 100 countries around the world, conducted workshops and attended speaking engagements, began freelance writing and more! But why did I share this story? I shared it because storytelling has a way of taking others along on a journey and I know that my journey which began with me as a frazzled young adult with a Masters’ degree and a young family navigating my place in this world is not exclusive to me alone. Here’s what I really want to tell you: 1) You can either be that person who chisels away at your own self doubt or you can bask in your own value. Be your own advocate! 2) Find your unique strengths, talents and value and then find the passion to pursue them. 3) Even when your head is telling you that you have nothing to offer STOP, STOP that thought right in its tracks and believe me when I say that we are all uniquely built to offer something amazing to this world.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 33
4) In a world where virtually anyone can connect, find a support system of trusted people, your tribe, if you will and stay clear of those who vocalize their criticisms and aim to bring you down. Don’t let negativity into your life. You will shine your brightest through meaningful relationships- seek them out! 5) Just as we fight bullying from outside, we have to fight bullying from ourselves. We are our biggest critics and our most evil demons. Don’t let that inner voice make you believe that you’re, “Just a…anything” that you aren’t smart enough or qualified enough. Fight that bullying from within. Rebel against that inner voice that seeks to make you doubt yourself. 6) Make yourself a priority. Invest every-day in conscious acts of inward reflection, prayer, meditation and most importantly gratitude. Whether its journaling, blogging, volunteering, running, healthy eating, etc… make yourself matter! 7) We all have value regardless of our title. Fancy titles do not equate to self worth. 8) Never underestimate your unique abilities and strengths and make a conscious effort to exemplify these abilities. Promote your own strengths! 9) Be grateful for the life you have, the things you have and the gifts you bring.
34 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
10) Be grateful for everything you aspire to be. Do this world a big favor and turn your cans into plans. Take actionable steps to pursue your dreams. 5 Core things to remember: 1) Everything you like is disliked by someone. So whenever that voice tried to tell you you are inadequate or whenever someone disagrees, remember that even that reveals progress. 2) It is a whole lot easier to critique something than to do it. Instead of self-critiquing your dreams, internalize those passions and work towards them! 3) Do not give anyone (not even your reflection) the power to make you feel worthless. 4) If you are truly seeking growth and you give yourself that opportunity, then at some level you are bound to stumble. Stumbling are often the building blocks of growth and only through growth can we achieve our dreams. 5) Create an unshakeable mindset which means programming your mind for success and never losing your vision. Even when things donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go the way you expect, the decisions you make at your lowest points will determine your reach at your highest point. Stay consistent to your vision and dreams and let go of the fear of failure and self-doubt that is hindering you from attaining your goals.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ 35
Inspiration Station by D u s t i n T u r ne r
Ray Fulcher & Family
The 12 Bands of Christmas The 12 Bands of Christmas fundraiser started in 2001 with a simple concept: Gather 12 local bands to put on an annual Christmas concert and donate the proceeds to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Joe Stevenson performed in one of the early concerts. He liked the concept and the mission so much that he came onboard in 2003 as executive director and has been leading the organization since. Though the official name of the organization is 12 Bands of Christmas, Stevenson said that is a little misleading. “These days, we are mostly referred to as 12 Bands. We didn’t want to be pigeon-holed as just a Christmas thing. A lot of people thought we were just a CD of Christmas songs and a concert. They didn’t know about what we do year-round.” Stevenson said the small organization began with some big ideas: “We started out thinking we 36 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
were going to save the world and cure cancer, but we realized over time that we needed more tangible things to accomplish our goals. We said, ‘Hey, look, let’s focus on families and not try to set the world on fire. Let’s try to help one patient - one family - at a time.’ It has turned into a really cool thing that is very rewarding at the end of the day.” As 12 Bands gained experience and narrowed its focus, it received official nonprofit status in 2010. “That was when we really changed dynamic of what we were doing,” Stevenson said. The nonprofit donates its funds to help Children’s Hospital of Georgia cancer patients and their families with immediate financial needs. “These parents are out of work, taking care of their kids’ needs,” Stevenson explained. “We help with paying bills, whether is it mortgage, power bill or transportation.”
12 Bands doesn’t just donate money to a hospital or bank account and hope it makes a difference. The organization offers direct financial assistance. The process starts when social workers at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia send requests to 12 Bands. “We get a request from the children’s hospital,” Stevenson said. “The social worker says, ‘We have a family that needs a power bill or their mortgage paid.’ We get the bill and pay it directly to the utility company or the mortgage company. At Christmas time, we typically give gift cards so families can go Christmas shopping or even go grocery shopping.” Even with a focus on helping with immediate financial needs, music is still a very important part of what 12 Bands does. The organization recently partnered with Ronald McDonald House for its monthly 12 Bands 12 Kids effort. Each month, 12 Bands features a patient battling
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ 37
calendar
A ChristmAs CArol, the musiCAl brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, the augusta Players will give the holiday spirits the full broadway treatment with the musical version of the charles Dickens classic. Dec. 8-10 www.augustaplayers.org
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.
D e c e m b e r /J a n u a ry Special Events: Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, and 10 Ft. Gordon Dinner Theatre. Ken Ludwig’s Twas the night before christmas. a full length play, comedy. Twas the night before christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” but wait! a mouse is stirring - because Santa missed
38 • Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018
his house last year. before you can say “merry christmas!”, join Ft. Gordon Dinner Theatre and set off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer. Don’t miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season! Visit www.fortgordon. com for details. Ken Ludwig is a two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright whose work is per-
formed throughout the world in more than thirty countries and over twenty languages. He has written twenty-four plays and musicals, with six broadway productions and seven in London’s West end. Dec. 5 A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sacred Heart Cultural Center
calendar
The Guild of Sacred Heart Cultural Center presents the annual A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols under the direction of Keith Shafer. The event, based on the traditional English Christmas program that originated at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge University, England, will feature readers, the Augusta University Choir and Davidson Chorale. Call for tickets and information. www.sacredheartaugusta.org
sented by The Augusta PlayersBrimming with music and dance, love and laughter, the Augusta Players will give the holiday spirits the full Broadway treatment with the musical version of the Charles Dickens classic. With a score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics, join the many that make this theatrical event part of their annual holiday traditions. www.augustaplayers.org.
Dec. 8-10 A Christmas Carol, The Musical, Pre-
Dec 10 Aiken Symphony Orchestra
Home for the Holidays Many Moods of Christmas, Christmas at the Movies, Twas the Night Before Christmas Carol of the Drum, Audience Sing-aLong Featuring the Aiken Choral Society. www. aikensymphonyorchestra.com Dec 15 Suzy Boggus Presented by Morris Museum of Art Budweiser True Music’s Southern Soul Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 39
Holida
Join us for Holiday Camp DECEMBER 27-29 & JANUARY 3-5 8:30AM-4:30PM
All Night Skate!!! The Snowmen are Coming! Open Christmas night Dec. 25 6:30 - 9pm $5 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Late Night skate 7pm - 11 $12 Dec 22 & Dec 29 11am-4pm, 7-11pm Dec 23 SANTA at Skateland 1-4pm w/paid admission, your child can visit Santa & you can take all the free photos you want. Jan 1 6:30 - 9pm $5
Early drop off at 7:30am and late pick up 5:30pm at no extra cost. Ages 4-14 Registration fee required for non - members Let us help you with some holiday shopping with new items in our pro shop.
Birthday Party Time BOOK YOUR PARTY NOW!
One hour of fun activities in the gym/30 minutes for cake and gifts Party ages 4-14 years
Call 706-650-2111 for more information or visit www.gymnasticsgold.com
ay HOLIDAY Fun FUN
THE BULLS SOCCER CLUB WILL BE HOLDING TRYOUTS AND EVALUATIONS FOR ANY BOYS AND GIRLS BORN IN 2002-2010. These players will be placed on a team for the Spring Season. The Spring Season will run from January thru May. January 8th and 9th Blanchard Soccer Complex | 4600 Blanchard Woods Dr, Evans The Bulls Soccer Club is the fastest growing youth soccer program in the CSRA. We take extreme pride in the development of our players and place them in a fun learning competitive training environment. The Bulls Soccer Club focuses on individual technical development of each player and features a variety of small-sided games and activities designed to improve technique, skill and control. The goal is to provide the best environment for players to develop and offer a route to achieve playing opportunities at the Middle School, High School and College Level. The Club seeks players who love to play the game, are dedicated to improving their skills, are committed to developing as players and to building a strong club and team, and want to HAVE FUN PLAYING THE GREAT GAME OF SOCCER.
Go to www.ga-scbulls.com and click on the Register FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL THE BULLS SOCCER CLUB AT 706-550-2858 OR EMAIL BULLSDOC12@GMAIL.COM | WWW.GA-SCBULLS.COM
www.augustafamily.com
AN
RICK SPRINGFIELD AND RICHARD MARX
Teaming up for a series of co-headlining, intimate solo acoustic performances, which includes full sets from each artist! Dec. 6 | Bell Auditorium
and Song. www.imperialtheatre.com. Dec 21 Christmas with John Berry Mention his name to just about any country music lover and the response will likely be, “What an awesome vocalist!” Between 1979 and 1990 John recorded and marketed six albums on his own Clear Sky Records label. Those early discs and John Berry’s strong regional popularity attracted him attention on Music Row. Capitol Records signed him in 1992 and it was there that he had a string of hits, including Your Love Amazes Me, Standing on the Edge of Goodbye, I Think About It All The Time, Change My Mind, If I Had Any Pride Left At All, Kiss Me In The Car, What’s In It For Me and “You and Only You. But it was his stunning performance of the title track of the 1995 CD O Holy Night that led to his
most enduring legacy. This year will mark his 21st consecutive Christmas concert series. www.imperialtheatre.com. Dec 23 Come and Listen to a Christmas Carol Tim Lowry as Charles Dickens St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at 3551 Wheeler Road, Augusta will be hosting a storytelling event featuring internationally known storyteller Tim Lowry. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the church’s website (www.standrewpc.com ) or the church office (706-736-4575) during business hours (M-F, 10 AM-2 PM). Bell Auditorium Events www. bell.auditoriumaugusta.com Dec 6 Rick Springfield and Richard Marx
Rick Springfield and Richard Marx are teaming up for a series of co-headlining, intimate solo acoustic performances, which includes full sets from each artist! Over the past three decades, Rick Springfield has worn many hats as an entertainer and performer. The creator of some of the finest power-pop of the ’80s, he’s a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits. As a performer, songwriter and producer, Richard Marx’s nearly three-decade-long career has had innumerable highlights. The Chicago native has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, starting with his self-titled debut which went to #8 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and spawned four Top 5 singles, Marx achieved a seven-year string of triumphs that rivaled any in pop-rock music history. To this day, he is the only male artAugusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 43
HORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS JANUARY 3 - 8:00
a.m., Hilltop Riding Stable Fort Gordon. Check off that last thing on your bucket list and learn to ride!
ist in history to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 on the Billboard charts. All Season Long: Salvation Army Christmas Time Programs Bell Ringing at the Red Kettle The Salvation Army is widely known for its outreach during the Christmas season. Since 1891, red kettles have been a familiar Salvation Army tradition. Money raised through these kettles provides much needed funding for their free programs throughout the year. The Salvation Army depends on local volunteers to ring bells at various kettle locations to encourage donations. Visit www. salvationarmyaugusta. org to learn more about how you, your businesses or organization can support this great program! Corporate Angel Tree Supporter Benefiting needy children at Christmas.
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Host an Angel Tree at your place of business to adopt local needy children at Christmas. For more Information Call John Sebby at 706-434-3177.
January 3, Horseback Riding Lessons at 8:00 a.m., Hilltop Riding Stable Fort Gordon. Check off that last thing on your bucket list and learn to ride!
January 2, SEEDS at 10:00 a.m.: Westobou Gallery’s Annual Art Exhibition Just in time for the holidays, Westobou Gallery presents Seeds.
January 4, Cool Coloring for Grownups, Aiken County Public Librar. 1st Thursday of every month, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
January 2 Shen Yun at 7:30 p.m. at Bell Auditorium, Classical Chinese dance, music paints picture of Chinese tradition and culture. www. augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. January 3, 1 Million Cups, The Clubhou.se at 8:00 a.m. Augusta, Based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee, entrepreneurs, innovators, funders.
January 4, Thursday Bible Study & Prayer, Answers Community Church Grovetown, Bible Study & Prayer, 7:008:00 pm January 5, Storytime Fridays at ACPL, Aiken County Public Library At 10:15 am, STORYTIME FRIDAYS - Friday, January 5, 12, 19, 26 January 6 , Jackson Bronwe with Guest Greg Leisz, at 8:00 p.m. Singer Songwriter Jackson Browne announces an acoustic
TRAXXAS MONSTER TRUCK TOUR JANUARY 26.
James Brown Arena, 7:30 p.m. Back Again! Bigger and Better! Witness the Thunder.
tour beginning next year, with a stop at The Bell. January 12, Ester’s Purpose at Kroc Center at 7:00 p.m. Two day event that brings healing and wholeness to individuals, families, and communities. January 15, The Garden City Quilts of Valor Chapter, Augusta 10:00 am The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts. January 15, Laney Walker Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting, Dyess Park at 6:30 p.m. Meets every third Monday. The April meeting will feature local election candidates. January 16 at 6:30 p.m. Fehrman Invest-
ment Group will be hosting a wild west themed charity fundraiser. Hay Bales and Cocktails the Official Augusta Futurity Party to Benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank, Julian Smith Casino. January 18, Third Thursday at The Village at 6:00 p.m. Join us for Third Thursdays in the Village Shoppes Common - live entertainment, local artisans and farmers - a different theme each month. January 19, 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz, Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta at 7:30 p.m. A four-event concert series, with each concert featuring two performances, ranging from Latin jazz to vocal standards. Januay 20, Swamp Treks, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Swamp Treks will bring nature to life for 3rd – 8th grade children. 10:00 a.m.
January 20 at 11:00 a.m. Sensory Storytime Sponsored by GLASS, Augusta Richmond County Public Library Main Branch. January 20 at 3:00 p.m. SING-A-LONG MOVIE: THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Rated G. Aiken Public Library. Closed captioning will be turned on. January 20 at 7:30 p.m., Symphony Series-Beethoven’s Ninth Augusta, Brahms Academic Festival Overture, Copland Billy the Kid Suite, Beethoven Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy” January 24, Kroc Book Club, Kroc Center, Join a diverse group of people who love to read and converse about literature. January 26, Traxxas Monster Truck Tour, James Brown Arena, 7:30 p.m. Back Again! Bigger and Better! Witness the Thunder.
Augusta Family | December 2017/January 2018 • 45
Girl Go
PHOTO BY JOHN HARPRING
b y Ren ee William s
Jessica Parkes JESSICA PARKES, 50, is a small business owner married to Chris Parkes who currently works in Nuclear Power Operations and retired from the U. S. Navy. Jessica and Chris have one son, Zachary (22) who is active duty Navy, a daughter-in-law, Anna and a daughter, Alexis (17) who is a senior in high school and recently admitted early to the University of Georgia for Fall of 2018. The family has two pets: Einstein, the smartest poodle on the planet and Forrest Gump, a small Jack Russell with a huge attitude. Jessica’s volunteer work and affiliations includes Victim Advocate and working in therapeutic foster homes for extremely challenged youth. Jessica also serves as Treasure on the Homeowner’s Association in her neighborhood and is a partner with J2J Reimagined and teaches people how to paint and re-purpose furniture using Dixie Belle Paint. One word you would use to describe yourself: Creative.
Hobbies? I really enjoy scrap booking and photography.
If you could have any job, what would you choose? I would choose to write policy for Social Services and try to better help abused and neglected children in the state’s custody.
Is there an important life lesson you’ve learned? I lost my mom very unexpectedly in 2011. Over the past 6 and half years, I have truly learned the value a mother plays in the lives of her children. This loss taught me the necessity of treasuring today because we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
What quality do you most admire the most? Honesty, without this quality it is not possible to possess integrity. What’s your favorite food? Sushi, I could eat it every day! Dream vacation? An Alaskan cruise. Favorite place to take the kids? Since my children are pretty much grown, I really enjoy a nice meal at a great restaurant. If you had a super power, what would it be? My super power would be healing. I would abolish cancer, especially in children. Favorite TV show: My daughter and I are addicted to Grey’s Anatomy. What did you want to be when you grew up? I desperately wanted to be a lawyer.
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What would surprise people about you? I think people who are close to me would be surprised to learn that most times my bedroom looks like it belongs to a teenager. As organized as I am in just about every room of my home, my bedroom doesn’t seem to reap the benefits of my organization. Best thing about being a mom? The best thing about being a mom is seeing your children happy and successful. Hardest part about being a mom? The hardest part of being a mom is “letting go.” Your job as a mom is to raise honest, hardworking, independent and successful adults. Then you have to let them go so they can find their way. Favorite indulgence? Hershey’s Milk Chocolate