Augusta Family Magazine February 2016 by Augusta Family Magazine

A U G U S TA

FEBRUARY 2016

THROW

Party THE

BEST

EVER!

OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO VENUES THROUGHOUT THE CSRA TO MAKE YOUR DAY PERFECT

TIPS FOR A PERFECT PARTY IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

✱ WHAT’S A

PARENT TO DO? Establishing the Role Of Grandparents in Your Child’s Life augustafamily.com

✱ Gage Rodriguez, 6, son of Jorge and Sonya Rodriguez of Harlem.

AUGUSTA FAMILY MAGAZINE PRESENTS

R E M M SU

P M C A2016 Expo

The information you need to choose the perfect summer camp for your child. r Interactive Booths r Door Prizes r Fun & Games for the Whole Family

When: Saturday, April 16th

Where: Warren Baptist Church

Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For complete details or to find out how to be a vendor, contact: Lisa Dorn, Advertising Director, The Augusta Family Magazine 706-823-3702 or lisa.dorn@augustamagazine.com

OPEN TO THE PU BLIC

F R E ADM E

ISSION

contents www.augustafamily.com

Teaching Empathy Through Stories Ronald Searle’s Big Fat Cat Book

Departments

23 Party Time!

Features

Our Annual Guide to Party Places Throughout the CSRA

—Mary Ashton Mills

The Party Issue ON THE COVER: Gage Rodriguez, 6, is the son of Jorge and Sonya Rodriguez of Harlem. Gage was selected as part of the Fresh Faces contest at www.augustafamily.com. Photo by Carter Koenig Photography. 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.

32 (Overly) Generous Grandparents —Dustin Turner

Also, check out our contests and giveaways!

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Editor’s Page

Mom to Mom

My Mom Actually Said “Hashtag!” —Jennie Montgomery

News & Notes

Eating Well With Kim

Smoothie Challenge —Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Doctor Dad

Smart Mom’s Guide

The 4 F’s of Menopause —J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

Birthday Party Etiquette —Cammie Jones

Raising Readers

Inspiration Station

Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine

Calendar

@AUGFamilyMag

Go Girl! —Lori Van Lenten

Go to augustafamily.com —click on the contest page to find the contests for February!

Teaching Empathy Through Stories —Meridith Flory Heart Ball —Dustin Turner

Augusta Family | February 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

his is the ﬁrst issue since the New Year, and I’m happy to tell you that there’s a whole lot of

“new” in this issue of Augusta Family Magazine. You may have already clued into that fact when you picked up this issue of the magazine. While I promised some tweaking

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

of the design of the magazine in my

Lisa Dorn

December/January column, once

ADVERTISING SALES

we got started we just couldn’t stop!

Doressa Hawes

This new work of art you hold in

Maidi McMurtrie Thompson

your hands (or are enjoying digitally)

Mary Porter Vann

has been completely overhauled by

PHOTOGRAPHY

Creative Director Shirley Bass.

Carter Koenig Photography John Harpring

CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Meredith Flory Cammie Jones

We’re also welcoming a new column to our pages. Educator, writer, military wife and mom, Meredith Flory, will write about Raising Readers in each issue. This month, on page 20, she delves into how parents can use books and stories to teach their children empathy. If you’ll turn to page 11, you’ll notice not only a redesign of the News&Notes department, but the addition of two new sections: Mommy Minute and Are We There Yet? Mommy Minute will offer ideas to help moms ﬁnd some “me” time, even if it’s just for a few minutes. In Are We There Yet? our frequent contributor Mary Ashton Mills will offer ideas for family road trips. The parameters are simple: No

Mary Ashton Mills

more than four hours in the car each way to destinations that promote family togetherness, fun and

Jennifer Montgomery

sometimes educational experiences.

Dustin Turner

My family is in the midst of a new season as well. While I write this, my oldest child, Tripp, is packing his things to move to Atlanta to begin his ﬁrst “real” job. I remember very well the excitement and

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.

I’m happy to tell you that there’s a whole lot of “new” in this issue!

anxiousness I felt before my ﬁrst day at work at The Augusta Chronicle—my ﬁrst “real” job after graduating from college, marrying and moving to Augusta at age 22. Working as a feature writer in a very busy, noisy newsroom was excit-

ing, although I worried that I might not perform up to expectations. Fortunately, things worked out well and I’ve worked on and off with the company, Morris Communications—which helped launch my journalism career back in 1985—ever since. Like my career, while things change—like magazine redesigns and new columns—lots stays the same (like my working for the company I began with 30 years ago). What remains the same in the magazine is you’ll still ﬁnd each issue packed with information and well-written features. I truly hope you love our new look as much as we do! Until March,

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 | February 2016

Karin Calloway karin.calloway@augustafamily.com

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Children’s Children’s Dental DentalMonth Month

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.

PRESENTED BY

8 •8Augusta • Augusta Family Family | February | February 2016 2016

OS LHOS ORAL OFL RFAL YSHGIYSNIGEIGNINEGEN E

OROR FAL LFAL OS L HOS SYHGISYNIGIENINGEEN E

F L OSSIN G

Mom to Mom b y Jen n y Mo n tg o m e r y

My mom actually said “hashtag!”

ashtag affluenza—not a phrase I had expected to hear my 83year-old mother throw out there! We were watching a cable newscast during a recent visit when she gave me her take on that mom who fled the country with her teenage son. My Mama actually said “hashtag!” She loves words and is all-in when it comes to playing word games with the family. Not talking about Scrabble here, but Apples to Apples and its evil cousin, Rotten Apples. (Nothing makes my kids lose it like hearing their Nana read—let’s say “ambiguous”—answers to fill-in-theblank racy questions.) I got some good laughs recently, but mine came from much more innocent material: phrases my kids once said...little gems I found tucked between pages of old photo albums. Maddy-in-the-Middle was clearly the leader of the pack when it came to organizing group efforts, whether it was making Mother’s Day cards or birthday greetings. She had (and still has) the ability to rally the troops and get them to follow her lead. Check out this one: “Dear Mommy, we just wanted to let you know that we love you very much. Zack too, even though he can be a BIG crybaby.” (Ha! Calling out her big brother in the middle of an elaborate design intended to make me forgive whatever they had done. I see a future politician there!) And this sweet poem from Sky Baby, whose good intentions got a little mixed up: “Roses are Red. Violets are Blue. But they both are just as pretty as you.” (Illustrated with one red flower, one blue flower, and one stick figure lady with enormous black hair.) Zack prefaced the following Mother’s Day poem with this zinger: “Dear Mommy, you love me and take care of me and stuff. Please don’t die.” (No beating around the bush here...just making a statement and a request with minimal words.) M- makes my lunches O- other stuff too T- the best mom in the world H- has a really cool car (A mini van?) E- earthquakes don’t scare her (Oh really? Yep, that’s me: “Bring it, Mother Nature!”) R- she’s on the radio (well, WJBF-TV did simulcast on 87.7FM way back in the day!) Jennie Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children.

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 9

Family Fun

10 â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta Family | February 2016

news news &notes & F E B RFU E A RB Y 2R 0 1U 6 ARY

2016

mommy minute

PICKING THE RIGHT PEEL IS YOUR SKIN LOOKING DULL THIS WINTER? Have you considered using one of the readily available at-home peels to improve the appearance of your winter skin? If you’re like us, the plethora of options out there can be a bit confusing, so we turned to birchbox.com to get the lowdown on which type of peel is right for your skin-type.

• Acne-prone and oily skin: A salicylic acid peel can help unclog pores. Since it’s drying, this type of peel is best for skin that tends toward the oily side. • Uneven skin tone and fine lines: Pomegranate, pumpkin, antioxidant and glycolic peels hydrate skin and smooth wrinkles. These peels are especially F COURSE YOUR KID IS THE CUTEST ONEF ONCOURSE THE PLANET. But YOUR KID IS THE CUTEST O popular in the winter have you ever wished you could make their photos have even you cuter, ever without wished you could make the because they’re mild. acquiring an art degree? Enter MyBabyD, a photo-editing acquiring and sharing an art degree? Enter MyBabyD, For best results, do a series for appAvailable based on handmade and personalized compositions. app based on handmade and personalized of three to six peels two to iPhones at the MyBabyD transforms your photos into adorablyMyBabyD funny drawings, transforms photos into four your weeks apart for the AppStore and converting your photos into instant works ofconverting art. With its easy-to-use your photosmost into instant noticeable difference work for you Android interface, can turn your baby into a chef,interface, a superhero, a racing you car can turn inyour baby skin quality. Worriedinto a c atin lots of other situations. about irritation? peelother s driverphones or put their photo driver or put their photo in lotsTryof Google padsand with lowyou concentration Use of the app is free and you only pay if you wish Use to use of more the app is free only pay Play. of acid. Peel pads can be templates. Automatic tools make it easy to use templates. and the app helps Automatic you at tools make it easy t used more frequently, as every step of your creation. Use your new works every of art tostep create adorof your creation. Use your new often as daily or weekly.

O O

App-Tastic! MyBabyDApp-Tastic! My

Available for iPhones at the AppStore and for Android phones at Google Play.

PHOTO BY VINYLVILLE

able calendars, photo books and more.

“Imperfection “Imperf is beauty, ection madness is beauty, is genius & it’s & better it’s to bebetter absolutely to beridiculous absolutely than absolutely boring.” absolutely —Marilyn Monroe

Be sure to follow your peel with a dose of hydration from a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Avoid retinols but do make sure to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 once you’ve completed a peel.

m rid A note of caution: If you have rosacea or eczema, it’s best to steer clear of peels, which can cause skinbor inflammation and increase irritation

—Marilyn and redness. Monroe Augusta Family | February 2016 • 11

news&notes Are we there yet?

CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

f you are looking to go off the grid and connect with nature, consider a camping trip to Georgia’s largest barrier island, Cumberland Island, where you can find peace and solitude in a variety of outdoor environments from marsh and ocean to maritime forest and freshwater lakes. By allowing only 300 visitors on the island per day, visitors will enjoy privacy without the commercial distractions of some beach vacations. Once you arrive in St. Mary’s, Ga., the ferry departs from the visitor center twice daily and can be boarded for day trips or overnight camping excursions with advance reservations. Set among a canopy of tropical palms and live oaks draped with Spanish moss, sea campsites are well-kept and some are less distance than a football field to the beach. Visitors can spend the day beaching it, shelling, fishing, crabbing or enjoying hiking and biking trails. The island, 18 miles long and larger than Manhattan, is the perfect backdrop for a history and science lesson all in one. Once home to Native Americans, British troops, Revolutionary War heroes, enslaved Africans and Spanish missionaries, the island’s rich history is apparent everywhere. If you are lucky, you can even catch your dinner and cook it over your own private campfire.

Visit www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm or call 1-877-860-6787.

12 • Augusta Family | February 2016

PHOTO BY JRP

By Mary Ashton Mills

DISTANCE: Augusta to St. Mary’s, Ga., where the Cumberland Queen ferry departs: 229 miles, 3 hours 45 minutes. BUDGET: Two nights, sea camp fees and round trip ferry rides: $112 for a family of four. (This does not include food and camping supplies which you will have to bring.) WHAT TO SEE: Alligators, deer, armadillos, raccoons, fiddler crabs, feral horses, wild turkeys, Dungeness Ruins and First African Baptist Church.

IF YOU GO: Depart from Augusta early in order to arrive at St. Mary’s before 11:45 a.m. when the last ferry departs for Cumberland Island. Check in 30 minutes prior to departure time. This is a remote island so plan provisions accordingly—don’t forget the bug spray. Campsites book six months in advance—think spring or summer break. Spring and fall are high season. Bicycle rentals are available at the ferry dock for $16 per day. Light fishing tackle is allowed and a Georgia saltwater fishing license is required. Plan to pitch a tent and enjoy your spot on Georgia’s best-kept secret, Cumberland Island.

news&notes

SAFE KIDS

FAST FACTS CARBON MONOXIDE poisoning accounts for more than

400 deaths

& 15,000

emergency room visits in the U.S. annually according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fainting, shortness of breath, fatigue and confusion. Extreme exposure can lead to coma and death.

THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY IS TO INSTALL A CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. For more ideas on how to keep your household safe from this hidden predator, read the full column online at www.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 USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids.

v METAL OF HONOR

Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy L. Davis, center, is pictured with Westminster Middle School Principal Brian Case, left, and interim Upper School Principal Craig Johnson, right.

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT SAMMY L. DAVIS spoke to students at Westminster in January. Davis served in South Vietnam in 1967. During battle, his company fell under machine gun fire and heavy mortar attacks and Davis broke his back. Despite his injuries and not knowing how to swim, he swam across a river on an air mattress to help rescue three wounded American soldiers. He was awarded the Medal of Honor the following year from President Lyndon B. Johnson.

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Augusta Family | February 2016 • 13

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14 â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta Family | February 2016

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

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

Smoothie Challenge MY DAUGHTER RECENTLY ASKED TO HAVE NOT ONE but two friends over for a sleepover and surprising even myself I said, “YES.” It is important to note that she had been planning this get-together for a while and the kiddos had a list of activities they were going to do while at our home. Since this is not my first time around the block and I was not born yes-

Blueberry Smoothie Smoothies are a great way to add a nutrient-rich snack to the day. They are easy to make and taste like a treat. This one is

terday, I wisely asked to see this list. On it was a smoothie challenge. Now I

simple and delicious.

will admit this scared me but I, for one, am fully aware of the importance of

2 6-ounce containers 0-2 percent Greek yogurt

letting kids be involved in the kitchen, so again I said “sure.” However, I did want to be present during this activity.

(1 blueberry and 1 vanilla) 1 banana

Two girls participated in the smoothie challenge, it went like this. They

1 cup blueberries

wrote down five “good items” and five “bad items” on paper and placed

1 cup skim milk

them in a cup. Each drew four slips of paper from the cup (everything in

2 tablespoons wheat germ, ground flax or chia seeds

the same cup). In the interest of not wasting food, I controlled what was “good” and what was “bad” (so the bad was not really so bad). “Good” Ingredients

“Bad” Ingredients

• Peanut butter

• Carrots

• Almond butter

• Greens (spinach + kale)

• Berries

• Chia seeds

• Banana

• Hemp Hearts

• Pineapple

• Goldfish crackers

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Yield: 2 servings (serving size: 1 cup) Nutrient Breakdown: Calories 260, Fat 3g (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 110mg, Carbohydrate 40g, Fiber 6g, Protein 18g,

AS A BONUS I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU ANOTHER UP-ANDCOMING “SMOOTHIE” TREND—THE “SMOOTHIE BOWL.” The Meal Makeover Moms have a Smoothie Bowl Coloring Cookbook available as

Once the selections were made they could use milk, almond milk or apple

a free download on their website that combines 10 smoothie bowl recipes with

juice to finish the smoothie ingredient list.

10 mandala food designs and five coloring pages, download a copy at:

Smoothie one was made with carrot, chia seed, greens, almond butter

www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

and plain almond milk. Smoothie two was made with banana, peanut butter, goldfish crackers, greens and plain milk. Smoothie two won the taste

Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University

contest. Both needed a little work but the kids did eat some of the remain-

Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two

ing props and had a little fun in the kitchen.

children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well

All in all it was a success, but I may provide a few more guidelines for the

with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To

next round of smoothie challenges. In the meantime here is one everyone

be notiﬁed of new recipes join Kim’s facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/

in the family should enjoy! Please tell the kids to use this recipe as a base,

eatingwellwithkim. To search for speciﬁc recipes go to www.universityhealth.

change a few ingredients and call it their own!

org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk. Augusta Family | February 2016 • 15

16 â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta Family | February 2016

Dr. Dad

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

Applicants classified “4F” by the U.S. Selected Service System are considered not physically or emotionally fit to serve in the U.S. military. Unbeknownst to many women in the menopause, they may achieve a different “4F” status because of a combination of factors.

FRAZZLED We live in Frazzled times. A recent study by a University health group estimates that 70 percent of visits to a primary care physician are at least partially stress related. Stress can act as a volume control on your symptoms stereo, turning up or down the intensity of a problem. Chronic stress can actually change the physiological functioning of the brain initiating changes that can lead to clinical depression and other anxiety disorders. In menopause there is a drop in a woman’s estrogen level, which, for some, may alter how some brain hormones are produced or metabolized, potentially magnifying any stress related alterations. No longer is it acceptable to patronize a woman and tell her it’s just hormones because we know midlife can be a stress tsunami waiting to happen. Often there are career changes, relationship issues, kids leaving home, kids returning home and, if you couple this stress with hormonal fluctuations, you have a recipe for Frazzled fricassee. There is hope, however, as there are a number of lifestyle changes, supplements, medications, counseling and support groups that can effectively help you navigate these potentially turbulent waters. The first and most important step is recognizing the problem as real and seeking information and assistance. FATIGUED “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Fatigue, that overwhelming sense of exhaustion, is epidemic in midlife. There are as many reasons for fatigue as there are Republican presidential candidates (actually many more), so it is important to investigate potential causes. Reasons for fatigue range from anemia to problems sleeping to a variety of medical issues that have unusual tiredness as a part of their symptom spectrum. Once again, menopause may be a factor, and

this is why women in this age group exhibit fatigue to a greater degree than their male counterparts. It also may be the fact that women are expected to work 40 hours a week, run a household, take care of the kids, manage the 401K, harvest the crops and do 54 loads of laundry a day. A common but often overlooked cause of fatigue is poor quality or quantity of sleep. There are receptors in the sleep-associated part of the brain that respond to estrogen. In turn, a lack of estrogen, which is characteristic of menopause, may affect sleep. This can greatly diminish daytime energy level. Not all menopausal women are bothered by this, and sleep disruption, or lack thereof, illustrates the individual nature of menopausal symptoms. Once again there are a variety of approaches to resolve this problem, but it all stems from properly identifying the source. FRIGID Frigid, in this context, doesn’t mean you are cold to the touch but refers to a lack of libido. It ranks number two in frequency of complaints of menopausal women (stay tuned for number one), and is a classic example of a multi-factorial problem. That is to say sex drive is influenced by many factors, both mental and physical, and rarely is one item responsible for a decline in friskiness. Many women get solace in knowing they are not the only ones suffering from low libido. Reliable medical journals like Cosmopolitan Magazine often promote a false narrative that something is wrong with you if you don’t want to hop in the sack four or five times a day. The top two causes of one’s sex drive driving off are

stress and fatigue. (Gee, where have we seen those before?) Are you beginning to get a sense of how all this ties together? Certainly libido can vary throughout a woman’s life; however, there are just a number of factors that seem to coalesce during this timeframe that can lead to changes. As before, treatments are available that can rebalance many of the underlying problems and restore what is normal for you. FAT The final “F” refers to an almost inevitable accumulation of weight that becomes more advanced as age increases. I say almost because it doesn’t have to be so. Basic metabolic rates decline as you age, but that can be countered by exercise and proper nutrition. Fat and 50 don’t have to be synonymous, but you have to be intentional to prevent this from being a time when your knees buckle but your belt won’t. Exercise is truly the fountain of youth and will stave off many of the ravages of aging better than Botox or liposuction. If you find yourself classified as “4F” in midlife, know that each “F” can be combated and overcome with the twin guns of knowledge and action. Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 17

Smart Mom’s Guide b y C a m m i e Jo nes

Birthday Party E t i q u e t t e With today’s high-tech world, planning a birthday party for your child has changed from sending the “fill-in-the-blank” birthday invitation and mailing thank you notes—written and on stationery. So, what is the birthday party etiquette in the new millennium?

As an old fashioned middle-aged mom, I still make my children write thank you notes on monogrammed stationery to family and friends but is an email or text okay?I also like paper invitations but there sure are some adorable electronic invitations out there that make me second-guess myself.

Read on about the latest and greatest birthday party rules of thumb— some old and some new!

The Guest List Do you need to invite everyone from the class to the party? This is an age-old question that really doesn’t have a definite yes or no answer. It all depends on the party. If you are having a party during the school year,

(e.g., a trampoline place or Monkey Joes), you may be paying per child, so budget constraints will be a factor when determining the number of guests invited. Use your best judgment, taking into consideration other people’s feelings. It’s always better to include than to exclude.

then this does need to be taken into account. It’s not worth it to hurt a child’s feelings. Lizzie Post, great-granddaughter of Emily Post and coauthor of The 18th Edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette says that you are

Electronic Versus Paper Invitations

not obligated to invite the entire classroom if that doesn’t work for your

Some of the cutest invitations I’ve received recently are via email. Sites

family. Post uses the “age-plus-one” rule, so if you have a 4-year-old, you

such as Evite or Pingg offer many free invitations that can be sent elec-

should limit the guest list to five friends.

tronically. Also, this is a great and easy way to send a reminder for the

Some schools and daycare centers enforce policies regarding party

party. If you are working within a budget or on a time crunch, this is the

invitations. If you are sending an invitation through the school, all children in

perfect way to personalize your child’s party without breaking the bank.

their class must receive one. “Don’t distribute invitations at daycare or pre-

Collecting RSVPs also is easy. So, unless you want a physical copy of the

school unless everyone gets one,” says Post. “Prevent hurt feelings by call-

invitation for your child’s baby book or scrapbook, this is the way to go!

ing or mailing invitations instead.” If you are hosting a girls-only or boysonly party, then all the boys or girls in the class should get an invitation. As your children get older, this gets a little trickier. If you are having

Thank You Notes

a slumber party, you don’t need 18 screaming girls or boys filled up with

My sister-in-law recently found her 13-year-old son’s thank you notes

excitement and sugar spending the night. If it is a destination-type party

stuck in her planner from his birthday, which was six months earlier. She

18 • Augusta Family | February 2016

Smart Momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide made a point to mail them anyway with a quick call or text explaining the situation. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even realize that he had not written one to us but when I did finally receive it, I appreciated it. So, are thank you notes necessary in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s digital world. The answer to this question is a simple â&#x20AC;&#x153;yes.â&#x20AC;? A nice handwritten note from a child old enough to write is the right thing to do. If the child is too young to write it on his own, the parent should write a note expressing their thanks. An additional text or email thanking the gift giver is an extra touch, but not necessary and definitely should not replace the thank you note. Plus, saying thank you in person to your guest is a must as well before they leave the party.

My rule of thumb is $10 to $15 per gift, depending on how close you are to the birthday child. If the child is a family member or close friend, this amount can be a little more. Post says it is really about giving something special to acknowledge the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a good idea to ask the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parent what his interests are so that you get something they will like.

Should you have your child open gifts at the party or when the guests go home? Again, this is not an easy answer and depends on the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age and the number of guests at the party, as well as the location of the party. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;proâ&#x20AC;? of opening gifts during the party is that it helps teach your child about opening gifts and receiving graciously. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;conâ&#x20AC;? is that kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention spans can be quite short, so it may just not be a manageable situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you do decide to open presents while the guests are still there, its is important to create order,â&#x20AC;? says Post. Have the kids sit down and quickly put up the gift after it is opened so that something doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get lost or broken. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to have your child say thank you to each child, too.

My middle daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday is the end of December so one year I gave everyone a Christmas ornament to take home. I got a great bargain at the after-Christmas sale and everyone had a memento from which to remember the party. Goody bags are optional, though, and I think they are often more trouble than they are worth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes the most meaningful takeaway is one youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made, like sending guests home with homemade muffins or cupcake liners with candies or balloons,â&#x20AC;? adds Post. Or, if you do a craft at the party, that can be their parting gift. As kids get older, they really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need any more â&#x20AC;&#x153;stuffâ&#x20AC;? so simply thanking the children for coming to the party is just fine. The party in itself is a gift. Birthday party etiquette has changed in many ways over the last several years of having parties for my children, but some things do remain the same. Good manners always prevail and the handwritten thank you note will continue to stand the test of time in my book.

Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three. Augusta Family | February 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 19

Raising Readers by Mere d i th Fl o r y

Maybe I’ll get better feedback next time...I hope this doesn’t affect my ranking in the next recital... I’m so sad... ...so very sad.

Stories Can Shift Attitudes About Others In the case of a book like Locomotion, the main character Lonnie’s story isn’t just powerful for children that have lost a parent, grown up in foster care or dealt with any of the protagonist’s other challenges, but it might help readers be more empathetic and caring towards their peers who have had similar experiences or help them process real world issues in the safe space of fiction. Recent research published in Scientific American showed that when children read stories with friendships between different groups of people, their own attitudes towards marginalized groups became more positive. One study in particular showed that children who read AS A GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT at Kansas State University, I was given the opportunity to teach Children’s Literature to a group of undergraduate students working towards jobs in education. Overwhelmingly, my students expressed the opinion that the children’s stories we read were too dark and depressing. Some didn’t remember reading scary or sad things as a child, even though

the Harry Potter series saw an increase in their empathy levels, “likely in part because Potter is continually in contact with stigmatized groups.” A friend of mine from graduate school, Melissa, has two school-aged boys who love to read. She

they remembered some of the same books. One student finally disagreed

shared that she sees the results of gaining insight and

with her classmates while discussing the book Locomotion, a poetry col-

empathy from fiction in the way her boys talk about

lection where the main character is a young, black orphan in foster care,

fictional characters. She told me that one book, Out

pointing out that if a child had experienced a death in his or her family,

of My Mind, a story for older children about a girl with

reading a book like that could help the child deal with their own emotions.

cerebral palsy, helped her son Evan understand the

Now, as a stay-at-home mother, my responsibilities in choosing books

perspective of someone with different communica-

have shifted from my students to my own children, and I want to choose

tion abilities, and that he shared after reading, “Just

books appropriate for their ages that also help them with the frustrating

because someone is disabled doesn’t mean that they

emotions of childhood and expose them to new ideas. While it may seem

don’t have feelings.”

like common sense that reading can help us address our own emotions, research now shows reading may also help us understand the emotions

Picking the Right Stories

of others in a compassionate way—in other words, the choices we make

One way we can help our children increase their

concerning what our children read could very well teach them to be more empathetic—a quality that seems to be missing from our media-driven world and is important in developing relationships. 20 • Augusta Family | February 2016

ability to empathize with others is to make sure we are encouraging their book choices when the characters have distinct differences from

Raising Readers

“If we’re teaching young boys that women’s voices don’t matter, then what do we expect when men get older and have to coexist with women in the workplace?” our kids. For example, do we not encourage or allow boys to read stories

I still remember the impact Mildred Taylor’s book Roll of Thunder, Hear

with female protagonists, while not batting an eyelash when a girl picks up

My Cry had on my emotional understanding of the Civil Rights movement

a story about a boy? The majority of children’s literature focuses on male

and inequality in America, and I want my children to experience the same

characters, and while that may not seem like a big deal on a day-to-day ba-

“Aha!” moments, but as parents we can also think about our children’s

sis, what we read shows what stories we feel are universal and important.

ability to empathize in smaller ways.

After continually being told that her books were for girls as she went

Recently, I was tackling the issue of my toddler wanting to constantly

to speak at schools, but noticing that male authors were not likewise told

touch or wake up her sleeping infant brother and I stumbled across the

their books were for boys only, author Shannon Hale asked the School

picture book Shhhh! at the library. As my daughter and I read about a

Library Journal, “If we’re teaching young boys that women’s voices don’t

little boy protecting his baby brother from noises while he was napping,

matter, then what do we expect when men get older and have to coex-

and how when his brother woke up he could be loud again, I knew it

ist with women in the workplace?” I might add that it isn’t even just the

wasn’t a magic wand that would make her understand the need to stop

workforce where it would be helpful if women’s stories were viewed as

pestering the little one. However, it did allow us to talk about how hard it

important. For the sake of any possible future daughter-in-law, her

is for big siblings when there’s a new one around and how they could be

interview somewhat comically encourages me to think about directing

big helpers like the boy in the book. At the very least, reading to her is a

my son towards a few books with female protagonists. We don’t have

quiet and fun way to spend her brother’s naptime.

to have the same goals as a character to enjoy a story about their journey, but reading can help us be more respectful of others’ experiences and viewpoints.

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 | February 2016 • 21

Birthday Parties

22 â&#x20AC;˘ Augusta Family | February 2016

Planning Planning and and celebrating celebrating your your children’s children’s yearly yearly milestones milestones is isan anexciting exciting time. time. Each Eachyear, year,birthday birthday parties parties are aremore moreelaborate elaborate and and fun funfilled filledthan than the the last. last. To Tohelp helpease easethe the stress stress of of party partyplanning, planning, turn turn to to one one of of the themany manyprofessionals professionals in in the the CSRA CSRAand andlet let them them make make your yourlife lifeeasier easierso so that that you you can can focus focuson onenjoying enjoying their their big big day! day! Whether Whetherproviding providing aa thrilling thrilling localocation tionor orsupplying supplyingservices services in in your your own own home, home,they theyoffer offeraa wealth wealth of of choices choices to tosuit suit all allinterests. interests.

Move Moveand andGroove Groove ADVENTURE ADVENTURE CROSSING CROSSING www.adventure-crossing.com. www.adventure-crossing.com. Birthday Birthday Party Party Hotline: Hotline:706-414-8349 706-414-8349 706-863-3087 706-863-3087 4350 4350 Wheeler Wheeler Rd., Rd., Martinez Martinez Packages Packages start start at at $175 $175 forfor the the first first 1010 children, children, minimum minimum Includes: Includes: • Private • Private party party room room forfor 1 hour 1 hour with with dedicated dedicated party party host host • Pizza • Pizza oror hot hot dogs/fries dogs/fries and and unlimited unlimited drinks drinksinin party party room room • All • All paper paper products products are are included included • Birthday • Birthday child child receives receives a $20 a $20 gift gift card card totoreturn return to to Adventure Adventure Crossing Crossing and and anan 88 x 10 x 10 group group photo photo • Indoor • Indoor and and outdoor outdoor attractions: attractions: Go-carts Go-cartsfor for ages ages 5-75, 5-75, midway midway rides, rides, 3636 holes holes ofof mini-golf mini-golf or or batting batting cages. cages. Play Play inside inside their their 6,2106,210square-foot square-foot Lasertron Lasertron laser laser tag tag arena arena and andarcade arcade of of fun. fun.

AIRSTRIKE AIRSTRIKEEXTREME EXTREMEAIR AIRSPORTS SPORTS Airstrike.info Airstrike.info 706-510-0010 706-510-0010 1249 1249Augusta AugustaWest WestParkway Parkway AirStrike’s AirStrike’sindoor indoorjumping jumpingfacility facilityincludes includesaahuge hugeNinja Ninja obstacle obstaclecourse, course,over over60 60connected connectedtrampolines, trampolines,foam foam pits pitsand andtrapeze trapezeand anda aEuro Eurowall walltrampoline. trampoline. Party Party package packagepricing pricingbegins beginsatat$225 $225for forMonday-Thursday Monday-Thursday for forupuptoto10 10jumpers, jumpers,$275 $275for forFriday Fridayand andSaturday. Saturday.

898 898Weinberger WeinbergerWay, Way, Evans. Evans. Rent Rentaabanquet banquetroom roomstarting starting at at $300 $300 for for 6+ 6+ hours, hours, the thepool poolfor for$225 $225for for22hours hours ($75 ($75 for for each each additional additional hour) hour)or orthe theentire entirefacility, facility, including including tennis tennis courts, courts, baseball baseballand andsoccer soccerfields fields and and the the basketball basketball court, court, for for$1500 $1500for for10 10hours. hours.Pool Pool rental rental and and entire entire facility facility rental rentalincludes includestwo twolifeguards lifeguards for for up up to to 25 25 swimmers. swimmers. Additional Additionallifeguards lifeguardsare are required required for for greater greater than than 25 swimmers, swimmers,at at$15 $15per perhour. hour.

Parties Partiesinclude: include: • •Birthday Birthdaychild childjumps jumpsfor forfree free • •1 1hour hourflight flightticket ticket • •45 45minutes minutesininthe theparty partyroom roomafter afterjumping jumping • •Party Partyhostess hostesstotoassist assistwith withsetup setupand andcleanup cleanup • •Party Partytable tablecover, cover,plates, plates,utensils, utensils,cups cupsand andnapkins napkins (or (oryou’re you’rewelcome welcometotobring bringany anythemed themedpaper papergoods goods and anddecorations decorationsyou youwish) wish) • •Flight Flightshirt shirtfor forthe thebirthday birthdaychild child • •Parents Parentscan canbring bringfood foodand anddrinks drinks

CITY CITYOF OFAIKEN—CITIZENS AIKEN—CITIZENS PARK PARK SPRAYGROUND SPRAYGROUND&&TRACK TRACK RENTALS RENTALS 945 945Barry BarryJohnson JohnsonBlvd., Blvd., Citizens CitizensPark Park 803-642-7761. 803-642-7761. IfIfyou youare arelooking lookingto to host host aa birthday birthday party, party, gathering gathering or orspecial specialevent, event,consider consider aa rental rental of of the the citizens citizens park fields, fields,sprayground, sprayground, or ortrack! track! Call Call for for details details and and information mationabout aboutour ourrental rental availability availability and and pricing. pricing.

AUGUSTA AUGUSTAJEWISH JEWISHCOMMUNITY COMMUNITYCENTER CENTER www.augustajcc.org. www.augustajcc.org. 706-228-3636. 706-228-3636.

HOPPY HOPPYFEET FEETFUN FUNCENTER CENTER 701 701Devika DevikaDr., Dr.,Suite Suite8, 8,Grovetown. Grovetown. 706-755-2619. 706-755-2619.

Augusta Augusta Family Family || February February 2016 2016 • 23

http://www.hoppyfeet.com/ Hoppy Feet Inflatables is a family owned and operated indoor fun center and inflatable rental company in Grovetown—licensed and fully insured to provide your children with a safe environment for play. Offering great party packages and inflatable rentals at a reasonable price. Call for details.

JUMP CITY www.jumpcity.us or http://www.augustamoonwalks.com. jumpcityrentals@gmail.com 706-262-4653. 4446 Washington Rd., Suite 7, Evans. Jump city delivers the party to your backyard. Rent inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and water slides beginning at $140, depending on the apparatus. Up the fun with an Sumo suits ($155), a dunk tank ($150), a rock wall (call for quote), a popcorn machine ($50), a sno-cone machine ($50) or a cotton candy machine ($50). Tables and chairs, generators, inflatable movie screens and sound systems are also available.

JUMP’N JITTERBUGS https://www.facebook.com/JumpinJitterbugs. 803-571-9001. North Augusta. Rent inflatable bounce houses, water slides and combo units. Free delivery and set up. Call for pricing.

MONKEY JOE’S www.monkeyjoes.com. 706-922-JUMP(5867). 368 Furys Ferry Rd., Suite 2, Martinez. Choose from a theme or standard party package accommodating up to 24 children ages 12 and under. Party prices range from $174 to $334, depending on the number of children and the day of the week. Make it a theme party for an additional $50. Optional add-ons include balloons, goody bags and ice cream. Additional guests are $10 each. Includes: • 2 hours in a private party suite. • Dedicated party pro. • Drinks. • Paper products. • Invitations. • Gift for the birthday child. • Pizza. • Bring your own cake. • Socks are required.

24 • Augusta Family | February 2016

FAMILY Y OF AIKEN COUNTY www.thefamilyy.org. 803-349-8080. 621 Trolley Line Rd., Graniteville, S.C. Indoor parties are available on Saturdays for children ages 2+. Younger children will enjoy the soft-play room. Children ages 5+ will want to party in the game room with X-box system, art station and more. For a 2-hour party, members pay $150; non-members pay $200. Plus $50 deposit. Outdoor parties in the water park, available seasonally, include 1 hour of water park play and 1 hour in the party room for 1-20 guests. For non-private parties, members pay $250 and non-members pay $300. Winter time pool rental does not include the water park and rents for $200 for members and $250 nonmembers. Rent the water park for a 2-hour private party: Members pay $300; non-members pay $350. Whether celebrating indoors or out, parents supply cake, food and drinks.

• Lifeguard. • Music by request.

THE FAMILY Y OF GREATER AUGUSTA— WILSON BRANCH www.thefamilyy.org. 706-922-9623 3570 Wheeler Rd., Augusta. The Family Y of Greater Augusta offers 2 types of indoor birthday parties for members and non-members. Call for pricing, guest size and party details. Parents supply cake, ice cream and decorations. Clubhouse Parties with Play in the Two-Story Tree house.

NEPTUNE DIVE AND SKI 2305 Redwood Drive, Augusta 706-737-7900 www.neptunediveandski.com neptunedivenski@aol.com Indoor pool parties available on Saturdays only. Party package is $125 for 2 hours, up to 15 children, one lifeguard; $150 up to 25 children, 2 lifeguards.

Include: • Birthday games upon request. • Inflatable fun. • 2 party assistants. • Invitations. Family Adventure Center Parties Include: • Rock-climbing wall. • Inflatable fun. • Tumbling area fun. • 2 party assistants. • Invitations. OR IF YOU PREFER A POOL PARTY, WE HAVE: Indoor Pool and Water Park lphall@thefamilyy.org. Enjoy a pool party year round by hosting your child’s party at our indoor pool! Private and Non-Private options are available. Outdoor water park parties are seasonal with private and non-private pricing options. Please call for pricing, guest size and party details. Parents supply cake, ice cream and decorations. Pool and Water Park Parties Include: • Invitations. • Pool time/party time in private room.

THE FAMILY Y OF GREATER AUGUSTA— MARSHALL FAMILY Y www.thefamilyy.org. 706-364-3269. 1202 Town Park Lane, Evans. Children ages 3-12 can have a birthday party at the Marshall Family Y on Saturdays between the hours of 12:30-3:30 p.m. or on Sundays between the hours of 1:30-4 p.m. Younger kids will enjoy the softplay room. Older kids will like the Kids Club House stocked with video games and a foosball table. Please call for pricing, guest size and party details. Parents supply cake, ice cream and decorations. Parties Include: • 2 attendants to help set up, clean up and supervise. • A separate room for food, presents and cake.

Parties Include: • Pool use • Lifeguards • Tables and chairs

THE SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER http://salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/kidsfamily/birthday-parties/. Allyson_campbell@uss.salvationarmy.org 706-922-1533. 1833 Broad St., Augusta. Party like a Kroc star in the gym or the indoor pool. Party packages start at $225 for up to 20 guests and $330 for up to 40 guests for 2 hours. Reserve your party day and time with a $50 deposit. Al la carte options for an additional charge include food, beverage, themed packages and extra space. All Parties Include: • A party planner (2 hours). • Party room. • T-shirt for birthday child. • Invitations. • Paper products. • Lemonade. • Cupcakes. • Plates and utensils.

Plenty of Pampering TIARAS & PEARLS www.tiarasandpearls.net • 3241 Washington Road • 706-922-7721. • New location coming soon Princess Party: • Up to 2 hours for eight girls (this number includes the birthday girl). • Mini Manicure/Mini Pedicure. • Spa robes provided while receiving services. • Runway—choice of princess dress or tutu. • 8 standard invitations. Additional invitations are $.50 each. • Toast to the birthday girl. • Photos of the party on a DVD. • All parties are expected to start at its scheduled time, otherwise, a $35 late fee will be added to your total • Additional girls are $30 each. Glamorous Party: Additional girls are $40 each. In addition to the Princess Party package this party includes: • Party lasts up to 2 1/2 hours. • Makeup application/princess face painting.

Enchanted Party: Additional girls are $50 each. In addition to the standard party package this party includes: • Makeup application/princess face painting. • Special goodie bag for the Birthday Girl. • Karaoke. • Includes flatware, plates, and cups. The Royal Treatment Party: Additional girls are $50 each. In addition to the standard party package, this party includes: • A Tiaras & Pearls Princess that will accompany your princess in a limousine to deliver up to eight invitations to her guests. • Makeup application/princess face painting. The Spa-Jama Party (Especially for Tweens— Friday nights only): Tweens come dressed in your favorite PJs, bring blanket and pillow. This party can only be booked on Friday nights, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Party Duration: Up to 4

hours. Party to accommodate 10 tweens (this includes the birthday girl). Additional girls are $50 each. In addition to the standard party package this party includes: • Make-up. • Tattoo. • Magazines. • Signature Drink. • 2 Large, 1-topping pizzas. • Popcorn. • Dancing. • Karaoke. • PG-Rated Movie (Birthday Princess’ choice). • LOTS of girl talk! Other packages available (call for information): • T&P BFF Package (on the go). • Tiaras & Pearls Package. • Tiaras & Pearls Ultimate Package. • A la carte Services.

Horse Around HILLTOP RIDING STABLES www.fortgordon.com. 706-791-4864. N. Range Rd., Building 508, Fort Gordon. Party fees are $220-sponsored or $250-unsponsored. Available party times are 10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance. Parent provides cake, food and drinks. Includes: • 4 ponies on a carousel for 1 hour (for ages 6 and under) or 4 1-hour guided trail rides (for ages 7 and up). Extra horses available for $23 each. Extra ponies available for $11 each. • Tablecloths. • Balloons and streamers. • Party room. • Picnic areas, some with grills.

GRAYSTONE RANCH AND WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER http://www.graystoneranch.com/. 706-360-0808. 1017 McManus Rd., Hephzibah. My First Pony Parties are a fantastic introduction to horsemanship for children up to age 10. Larger ponies and horses are also available. The Graystone animal experts will assist children in riding saddled ponies and horses. Other saddled animals are also available. $225 for 1 hour. Lots of party packages from which to choose. Visit their website for more details.

HIDDEN FORREST EQUESTRIAN CENTER http://hiddenforrest.net/. 706-825-6216. 1333 Jackson Rd., Augusta.

Pony parties for ages 4 and up with up to 8 children. Parties start at $200 and include pony rides, games, use of the entire facility and an area for cutting the cake. Parents provide cake, food, paper products and other party supplies.

ALMOST HEAVEN STABLES http://almostheavenstables.com/. 803-663-3001. 220 Golf Course Rd., Warrenville, S.C. Within minutes of Aiken. Staff hand-leads 2 horses in the large arena for 1 hour. Then you can stay and enjoy the picnic area for an additional 2 hours. Picnic area has covered shelter, grill, fire pit, wood provided for fire pit, ping pong, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, sand box and restroom. $200.

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 25

Make and Create BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP www.buildabear.com. 706-736-0895. 877-789-2327 Augusta Mall, 3450 Wrightsboro Rd. Each guest makes his or her own stuffed animal friend. Party pricing starts at $12 per guest. Five guest minimum. The party leader makes sure kids have fun while staying within your pre-set budget. Parties last 45 minutes to an hour. Includes: • A party leader. • Printable invitations and thank you cards.

DELIGHTFUL BITES CAKERY www.delightfulbitescakery.com. events@delightfulbitescakery.com 706-294-5067. 3801-C Washington Rd., Augusta. Celebrate in style at Delightful Bites! Our Party coordinators will work with you to ensure that your CUSTOM party will be complete with all the details covered so that your group will have a blast. All parties are hands-on participation and are all-inclusive. Parties last approximately 1 1/2 hours and are $25/ child (8 children minimum), additional children at a reduced rate of $15/child. Extended parties are available upon request. Included with every party package: • Personalized invitations for your party. • 2 hosts/hostesses • Decorating activity—Choose from several that are age-appropriate for your group. All ingredients and decorating tools needed are included. • A custom birthday cake and punch for the guests. • All participants will receive a small goodie bag filled with age-appropriate favors and a free cupcake card to use at the Cakery. • Snacks for adults. Parties are designed to be drop-off events, however parents are welcome to get involved, or linger in the cozy consulting room. Parties for ages 4 to 2nd grade: • Choose one of the following activities: Cookie decorating, cupcake decorating or candy making. Parties for grades 2-4: • Choose one of the following activities: Cookie decorating, cupcake decorating, candy making, cake pops, or assembling and decorating six-inch cakes (additional $5 per child).

26 • Augusta Family | February 2016

Parties for ages 10 and up: • Choose one of the following activities: Cookie decorating, cupcake decorating, candy making, cake pops, assembling and decorating six-inch cakes (additional $5 per child) or “Cupcake Wars” (additional $5 per child). Extended Parties for ages 10 and up: • Cupcake Wars Ultimate: Teams bake and decorate their own cupcakes using secret ingredients and then present them to be judged by the hosts and your birthday child. • Or Choose Two: Cookie decorating, cupcake decorating, candy making, cake pops, assembling and decorating six-inch cakes (additional $5 per child) or “Cupcake Wars” (additional $5 per child). Add-Ons: • Delightful Bites catered lunch or dinner (price is based on selections).

MY BEST FRIEND’S SEWING ROOM www.facebook.com/mybestfriendssewingroom 706-993-8819. 3850 Washington Rd., Suite 4C. Two-hour sewing parties for children’s birthdays, with enough time to sew a simple project and enjoy cake and beverages. The birthday child and guests complete a simple sewing project. Parents supply cake and beverages. Children ages nine and up machine sew a pillow, a drawstring backpack or a small tote bag. They learn how to pin, make a straight stitch and are guided in using an iron. Children ages 7-8 stuff a plush animal and use hand sewing to make stitches and sew on buttons. Ask about other options. $240 for 8 children minimum (they can take up to 10 at their discretion). A $100 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve date. The party must be paid in full 5 days before the party date. There is a drawing for a prize. Parties Include: • Sewing machines, supplies and sewing instruction. • Invitations. • Paper products. • Decorations.

MICHAELS http://www.michaels.com/. 706-738-9330. 211 Robert C Daniel Pkwy. Book a party for a crafty kid and up to 10 guests. Cost is $50 plus the cost of project supplies for each child. Cost of supplies varies according to the craft project selected for the party. The party includes a decorated room, paper products and the assistance of a store associate for two hours. All the clean-up is done for you, too. Parent brings food, cake and drinks. Reserve your child’s party at least one week in advance.

Birthday Package Includes: • Craft supplies for 9 children • Decorated room • Assistance of associate • Two hours in party room • Drawstring party bag for the birthday child

SMOCKS ART PARTIES jennifer@smocksaugusta.com. 706-833-9696 742 McClure Drive, Augusta A Smocks art party is a unique way to celebrate your child! Choose your favorite artwork from our collection, and let Smocks take care of all of the planning, prep, entertaining, and clean up while your child and their closest friends have a blast creating their own painting (the ultimate party favor!) All you need to do is provide the cake & beverages. Birthday parties are scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays for children turning 6 or older and last 2.5-3 hours. Parties are held at our home studio. Package A: 12x12 or 11x14 gallery wrapped canvas (2.5hour party) $310 for 9 children. Package B: 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas (3 hour party) $340 for 9 children. Add up to 2 additional children for $20 each. Both packages include: • Personalized party invitations. • Thank you notes. • Coordinating paper plates, napkins, spoons. • All art supplies. • Party decorations. • Birthday gift (11x14 personalized canvas). • Balloons. • Photographs of the party. • 2 hours of step-by-step instruction by owner, Jennifer Rucker. • 30 minutes allotted for cake and presents.

ARTSY ME http://artsymestudio.com/. cricket.artsyme@gmail.com. 4275-B Washington Rd., Evans. 706-432-6396. Birthday parties for kids ages 5 and up with a minimum of six children for 1 ½ hours. A $40 deposit secures the date. Parents bring food, drinks and paper products. Party room holds up to 20 people. Choose from a variety of party packages: • Artsy Party includes a ceramic plate, mug, bowl or critter for each child to paint and is $18 per child. • Extra Artsy Party includes a plaque, bank or keepsake box for each child to paint and is $20 per child. • At the Canvas Celebration Party each child creates an 11×14 canvas with acrylic paints ($20 per child).

An Artsy Me staff member walks each child through creating a masterpiece. • The Glass Galore Party opens the world of glass fusing while creating a 6” glass-fused sun catcher or plaque for children ages 8 and up, $25 per child.

LITTLE DIPPERS PAINTING PARTIES http://sip-and-dip.com. 706-699-4449, Haley Tam. Each child creates his or her own masterpiece in a fun, step-by-step painting class. All supplies are included. Parties last 1 ½-2 hours. Birthday girl or boy may choose the painting from the gallery on the website. Ages 5 and up. Free printable invitation. Adult supervision required for children under the age of 5. Three canvas sizes available: $35/child for a 16”x20” canvas (5 person minimum), $25/child for a 12”x16” canvas (6 person minimum) and $15/child for a 9”x12” canvas (10 person minimum). Party may be held at a location of your choice or at the MAC on Main Art Gallery in Thomson, Ga., for no extra cost. A $50 deposit is due two weeks prior to the event.

ARTY PARTY OF AUGUSTA www.artypartyfun.com. eprice@artypartyfun.com. 706-267-8453. Plan an Arty Party at your home or the venue of your choice. Professional, artistic face painting is $120 for one hour of $75 per hour for two or more hours. Henna parties, great for teens and adults, are the same price. Canvas parties for children and adults are $300 for up to ten artists and $25 per additional artist. A 50% deposit reserves your party. Check out “Arty Party of Augusta” on Facebook for beautiful photos of their work.

VAN GOGH AND VINO 110 Pleasant Home Rd., Suite 2-B. Le Pavilion Shopping Center. 706-284-6649. VanGoghandVino.com. Kids Painting Parties are fun, educational and an exciting new way for your child to be creative. “Mini Vinnie” Parties (Ages 6-14) Cost for parties: $150 deposit required to reserve the date. Balance due at time of event. $275 covers up to 10 painters. Each additional painter is $25. “Mini Vinnie” parties are scheduled on Saturday’s from 10am-noon, 1:30-3:30pm or Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Parties include: • A theme-specific painting for your party (with three weeks advanced notice). • All the painting materials, art instruction and fun!

Get In the Game SKATELAND OF AUGUSTA http://www.skatelandofaugusta.com/Parties.htm. 706-796-4048. 2451 Windsor Spring Rd., Augusta. They take care of everything but the cake, with several party packages from which to choose. No charge for non-skating parents. Choose from options to have party during public session, on a weekend or night, or a private party. Basic party (public session) includes ($130): • 10 children, $8 each additional child. • Ice cream cup for each child. • Unlimited soda. • Birthday child receives a t-shirt, speed skate rental, free pass for future visit. • Free skate rentals for guests. • Party table area, paper goods, table cloth and balloons. 50 minutes in party area. • Invitations. • Dedicated party hostess. • Parents of birthday child skate free. • Make it a hotdog or pizza skate party for an additional charge. Super Duper (public session) Party ($260): • 10 children, $11 each additional child. • Everything in the basic party plus two large single topping pizzas. • 10 glow products. • One pair of GTX-500 speed skates for the birthday child.

BRUNSWICK NATIONAL LANES http://www.bowlbrunswick.com. 706-860-1668. 3067 Washington Road, Augusta. Choose the Birthday Party KidZ package for a birthday celebration with bowling, pizza, soft drinks and more! Or, provide your guests with MEGA fun at a MEGA value with our MEGA Birthday Party KidZ package including extra goodies for the guests and a keepsake signature bowling pin for the birthday kid that the guests can sign.

GORDON LANES BOWLING CENTER http://www.fortgordon.com/programs/leisure/activities/gordon-lanes. 706-791-3446. Bldg. 33200, 3rd Ave., Fort Gordon. Bowlopolis Birthday Parties includes 1 hour of bowling and 1 hour in the party room, shoe rental, choice of 3 meals and treat bag. $11 per child (minimum of 10 children).

AUGUSTA AQUATICS CENTER http://www.augustaga.gov. 706-261-0424. 3157 Damascus Rd., Augusta. Parties are held on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon for children ages 12 and under. $150 fee includes admission for up to 20 swimmers. Call to make reservations. Includes: • Party room. • Beverages and Goodie bags. • Paper products. • Display board message for birthday child.

PREMIERE MARTIAL ARTS www.hensleypma.com. 803-640-8443. 401 West Martintown Rd., North Augusta. 706-432-6963. 701 Devika Dr., Grovetown. Email at info@hensleypma.com. Qualified martial arts instructors at Premier Martial Arts will lead the children in games, activities, and a safe karate lesson. Parents can sit back and watch, or they can participate in all the activities themselves! They accommodate any size party from 5 guests to 50. Parties last 1 ½ hours—plenty of time for cake and ice cream. The fee is $195. They also can offer appearances by any and all 4 of the ninja turtles or Panda. The fee is $50 per character to make a 10 to 15 minute appearance and for picture taking. By request they also have a 30 foot inflatable tumble track at the North Augusta location. For a $25 fee party guests get 30 minutes of jumping and tumbling fun.

AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS www.milb.com. thenderson@greenjacketsbaseball.com 706-922-9467. Lake Olmstead Stadium, 78 Milledge Rd., Augusta. Watch the game and celebrate together. $15 per person. Season starts in mid-April. Little Caesar’s Birthday Party Includes: • Reserved tickets. • Autographed baseball for the birthday child. • Little Caesar’s Pizza and dessert. • Free Admission to the Fun Zone. • Table in the Fun Zone for food and cake. • Sing Happy Birthday on the dugout.

C & C GYMNASTICS 1340 Augusta West Parkway Augusta, (706)364-4785 www.candcgymnastics.com Flip@CandCGymnastics.com

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 27

Birthday parties start at $175 for up to 15 kids, $5 each additional child. Parties with gymnastics, games and fun! Parties Include: • Full hour of gymnastics with a coaching staff. • Party space for Cake and presents

GYMNASTICS GOLD www.gymnasticsgold.com. 706-650-2111. 124 Cedar Ln., Augusta. Kids enjoy age-appropriate games using a variety of gymnastics equipment. Party packages for ages four and for up to 20 children are $150 for members, $175 for non-members. Additional fees for additional children. Parties last 1 ½ hours and are held Friday nights and Saturdays. No parties scheduled in June and July. Two trained instructors supervise. Make reservations at least two weeks in advance. A $25 deposit is required. Includes: • Party area and we clean up afterwards. • Drinks. • Invitations. • T-shirt for the birthday child.

HAYDENS GYMNASTICS AND CHEER ACADEMY www.haydensgym.com. 706-868-0608. 4300 Evans to Lock Rd., Evans. The Hayden’s birthday experience for up to 10 children begins with games in the gym, followed by an obstacle course and time on the trampoline and in the pit. Trained coaches supervise. Parties last 90 minutes for $250. Additional half hour of gym time can be scheduled for $50. Parent supplies food, cake and paper products. Pay $5 for each additional guest. A $50 deposit reserves the date. Pool parties may be scheduled during summer months. Includes: • Professional instructors. • Set up and clean up. • Invitations. • Table decorations. • Goody bags. • Special gift for birthday child.

PUTT-PUTT FUN CENTER http://www.augustagabirthdayparties.com/. 3763 Martinez Blvd., Martinez. 706-868-0083. Birthday party packages range from $9.99 per person to $14.99 per person. Kids can participate in activities including laser tag, the game room and batting cages, in addition to playing putt-putt. Secure your desired party day and time with a $25 deposit.

28 • Augusta Family | February 2016

All packages include: • 1 attraction of your choice. • 15 gameroom tokens. • Indoor total play (soft play area). • 1 Hour in a private party room. • Dippin’ Dots ice cream or substitute a birthday cake. • Unlimited soft drinks while in the party room. • Party invitations and paper goods. • Birthday gift for the honoree. • Group party photo. • Party supervisor.

RED WING ROLLERWAY www.redwingrollerway.net. 706-860-1548. 3065 Washington Rd., Augusta. Open session parties start at $195 for up to 10 guests and 2-hour private parties are $325 for up to 20 guests. The birthday child participates for free in both packages and additional guests are $7 each. Birthday parents skate free. Includes: • DJ. • Games. • Skates. • Invitations. • Balloons. • Soft drink, hot dogs, chips and cake. • Paper products. • T-shirt for birthday child.

SEIGLER’S KARATE CENTER Martinez: 4471 Columbia Rd. 706-855-5685 West: 370 Furys Ferry Rd., Ste. 1 706-364-3535 The perfect party for active kids! Karate and games...plus you can cut your cake with a real samuri sword! Ninja party for up to 20 guests is $399 and includes: • 1.5 hours of facility use • 2 instructors, 1 rubber ninja star for each guest • 2 cheese pizzas, beverages, plates, napkins • 1 Ninja suit for the birthday child • Karate class & Ninja obstacle course • Birthday child board breaking • Ninja cutting sword ceremony • $5 for each additional guest • Other party themes available

SOUTHERN TANG SOO DO MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO www.stsdkarate.com. 706-793-6603. 2007 Tobacco Rd., Augusta. Two-hour parties cost $225 for up to 12 children. Ad-

ditional children are $8.50 each. Parents are welcome to bring food and snacks. A CD with party pictures is available for $15. Includes: • Karate-themed invitations and thank you notes. • Karate uniform for the birthday child. • Martial arts headbands for each child. • A balloon for each child. • Party tables with karate theme. • Paper products. • Cake, drinks and ice cream. • Goodie bags with VIP pass for a free karate class for each participating child.

Eats and Treats CHUCK E CHEESE http://www.chuckecheese.com. 706-737-4557. 3435 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta. Plan a birthday party with pizza and games or organize your own walk-in party without reserving a party package. On-line party reservations are available as well as e-vites. Choose from the Star package , the Super Star package or the Mega Super Star package. Minimum of 4 children. Parties start at $12.99 per child. All Packages Include: • 2 hours of reserved table space. • Ticket Blaster experience for the birthday child. • Crown for the birthday child. • Star recognition in the show. • Game tokens for each child. • Pizza and free refills on drinks. • Party host or hostess. • Festive tablecloth and plates.

BRUSTER’S REAL ICE CREAM http://realicecream.com. 1115 Agerton Lane, Augusta, 706-731-9929. 516 North Belair Rd., Evans, 706-210-5160. Outdoor parties during store hours at Bruster’s are $175 for up to 20 people (2 hours). Additional guests are $20/per person. Please inquire about prices for ice cream catering for off-site parties. Packages available for Augusta and Evans locations only. We offer a tour of the store, make your own ice cream and more. Includes: • Bruster’s ice cream cake. • Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, chips and fountain drinks. • Balloons. • Paper products. • Set-up and cleanup. • A birthday message on the leader board.

BRUSTER’S REAL ICE CREAM http://realicecream.com. 803-279-9831. 1279 Knox Ave., N. Augusta. The Bruster’s party planner works with parents to design a party that fits the budget. Party activities can include a tour of the store, making ice cream, decorating a cake and/or a hotdog and ice cream party.

DIPPIN’ DOTS http://www.dippindots.com. 706-364-3476. 3328 Washington Rd., Augusta. Choose from one of three party packages starting at $6.50 per person with a minimum of 10 people, including a party in which each child receives a glitter tattoo for $7.50 per person. Parent can supply cake. They will even open to host parties before regular store hours upon request. Take-home party packs are available by pre-order. Call for details.

THE PINK DIPPER 803-279-4100. 501 Georgia Ave., North Augusta. Rent their party room by the hour ($25).

Build Their Brains BRICKS 4 KIDZ http://www.bricks4kidz.com. 706-513-5789. Two hours of non-stop fun with Lego® bricks. Kids ages 4 and up will love a Bricks 4 Kidz party. Basic birthday package starts at $185 for 8 children and includes invitations, paper products, drinks, a Bricks 4 Kidz t-shirt and awesome party host! Builder Birthday package starts at $240 for 8 children and includes many extras in addition to the basic package such as pizza, mini-figures and minimodels for kids to take home. Parents bring the cake. Parties Include: • Party host. • Invitations. • Free play time plus lots of games & challenges. • Paper products. • Bricks 4 Kidz® t-shirt for birthday child. • Drinks.

EDVENTURE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM http://www.edventure.org/. 803-400-1168. Gervais St., Columbia. Throw Eddie’s Big Birthday Bash for $184-$207 for members, $230 for non-members for up to 15 guests (2 hours). Additional guests are $15 each. Adults are free. Parent brings cake and ice cream and other food.

Party add-ons available for additional charge. Includes: • Birthday parade led by an EdVenture Birthday Buddy. • Party room for 2 hours. • Special birthday ceremony in front of Eddie®. • All-day admission for party guests. • Ready-to-mail invitations. • T-shirt for birthday child.

Adventure Outside! AUGUSTA CANAL INTERPRETIVE CENTER www.augustacanal.com. hmadden@augustacanal.com 706-823-0440, ext. 7. 1450 Greene St., Augusta. Charter a Petersburg boat for up to 36 guests for $350 per boat for 1 hour, $600 for a 3-hour trip to the Headgates and back. Bring refreshments of your choice. You can book your party at the Canal’s Interpretive Center.

STEED’S DAIRY http://www.steedsdairy.com. 706-564-0220. 4635 Wrightsboro Rd., Grovetown. Birthday party activities on the farm include petting zoo, jumping pillow, giant tube slide, corn kernel pit, tube swings, rubber duckie races and more. The pavilion rents for $100. Cost per person is $4 except during corn maze season when it is $6 per person. Parent brings cake, ice cream and party supplies.

MISTLETOE STATE PARK www.gastateparks.org/mistletoe mistletoe.park@dnr.ga.gov 706-541-0321. 3725 Mistletoe Rd., Appling. A variety of birthday party packages are available featuring ranger-led programs and activities. Program themes vary from lake ecology to carnival games. Packages Include: • A 45 minute ranger-led program. with a nature craft. • 5 park passes and picnic shelter rental. • Party decorations. Camping Birthday Package Includes: • 2 campsites overnight and picnic sherlter rental. • 45 minute program • 5 park passes Additional Options Include: • Souvenir bags. • A state park-themed birthday cake. • A t-shirt for the birthday child. • A second ranger-led program.

PATRIOTS PARK 5445 Columbia Rd, Grovetown, 706-863-7523 http://www.columbiacountyga.gov/government-/ departments-l-r/parks-recreation-department/parksfacilities/patriots-park A variety of facilities are available to rent from a multipurpose room to gyms and pavilions. Bobby Waters Gymnasium is a popular place for birthday parties. Rates for the multi-purpose room are $30 per hour or $200 per day. The basketball gyms can also be reserved at a rate of $35 per hour or $200 per day. Patriots Pavilions can be reserved for $75 per day or free of charge on a first-come first serve basis. Other pavilions at Columbia County parks such as Blanchard Woods, Riverside and Wildwood Park can be reserved as well ranging in price up to $200 per day.

PHINIZY SWAMP & NATURE PARK http://phinizycenter.org/park-rentals/ (click on Kid’s Birthday Parties tab) 706-828-2109. 1858 Lock and Dam Rd., Augusta. Nature Explorers Birthday parties available. Small party (up to 15 children) $190. Large party (16-25 children) additional $7.50 per child. Members receive a 10% discount. Party Includes: • Phin & Izzy puppet presentation, activities and games. • Guided explorative nature hike (approx. 1 hour) •. Popsicles •. Reusable kid’s sports water bottle for each child •. Phin and Izzy kid’s t-shirt for birthday child • Birthday party invitations •. 4 hour room reservation—includes time for parent to set up and break down party decorations •. A Phinizy Swamp Nature Guide

REED CREEK PARK AND WETLAND INTERPRETIVE CENTER www.ReedCreekPark.com. 706-210-4027. 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. Birthday parties for children ages 5 and up take the party to nature and the great outdoors with guided activities. Parties last 90 minutes. Member cost is $150 for up to 10 children plus $6 for each additional child. Non-members cost is $200 for up to 10 children plus $7 for each additional child. There is a 14-child maximum. Full payment must be received two weeks in advance of the party date. Includes: • Nature games and activities. • Paper products. • Balloons and decorations. • Cake, drinks and goody bags. • Invitations.

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 29

REGAL CINEMAS AUGUSTA www.regmovies.com. 706-667-9713. 1144 Agerton Lane, Augusta. Make your birthday child (ages 3-11) a “Star for a Day” with their own party at the movies. Call for pricing. Adults responsible for their own admission. The party room is available at an additional charge either before or after the movie. Party room rental includes paper products and beverages.

LEVEL UP GAME CENTER http://www.level-up-augusta.com/parties. 706-305-3780. 3837 Martinez Blvd., Augusta. Three party options from which to choose. Kids 12 and up can plan an all-night party event for $20 per guest. Food and tournaments for prizes are included. A second party option is a private rental with packages starting at $125 per hour. Parents supply the food.

Movie Party Includes: • Admission and game tokens. • Reserved seating. • Zap Pack.

XP GAMING LOUNGE 706-524-2018 4534 Washington Road, Ste. 12, Evans. Www.xpgaminglounge.com or www.facebook.com/ xpgaminglounge This family friendly video game lounge is perfect for birthday parties! Equipped with Xbox One, Wii U and highpowered gaming computers. Regular hours: Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 6 pm. until 2 a.m.

THE SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER http://salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/kidsfamily/birthday-parties/. 706-922-1533. 1833 Broad St., Augusta. The Movie Critic Party is a 2 ½-hour party that includes a rated G or PG movie of your choice (pending approval from our movie provider), popcorn for each attendee and up to one hour in the party room after the movie (time is based on length of movie). Party packages start at $225 for up to 20 guests and $300 for up to 40 guests for 2 hours. All Parties Include: • Party room with a party master. • T-shirt for birthday child. • Invitations. • Paper products. • Lemonade • Cupcakes.

Go High Tech! ROLLING VIDEO GAMES 706-830-4389. http://RollingVideoGames.com. rvgaugusta@aol.com. They set up, entertain and clean up! Packages start at $225 for a 1-hour party with the Game Coach. A 2-hour party with the Game Coach, 30 full color invitations and cake is $250 and up depending on the day of the week. Includes: • A Game Coach who serves as an on-site tech that assists with playing the games and encourages fun and balanced play for guests. • Game Truck and trailer come rain or shine. A fairly level parking area is needed. • Xbox 360 and Wii stations allow 16 gamers to game at once or separately. • Vibration-rocking stadium seating. • Tons of game choices available.

30 • Augusta Family | February 2016

• Sunday-Saturday Available for private parties • $125 for up to 15 people for a two-hour party • $150 for up to 20 people for a two-hour party

Bring in the Clowns! TMT PRODUCTIONS https://www.facebook.com/tmtdj21. dj@gmail.com. 706-825-1041. DJ entertainment with 10 years of experience. They provide DJ entertainment for birthday parties, weddings, dances, proms, and other events.

THE CLUBHOUSE KIDS PUPPET THEATER http://mjohnpuppetman.wix.com/theclubhousekids. 706-951-7938. 350 Marshall St., Martinez. Birthdays R Us Package: • Ventriloquist act or puppet show. • Comedy magic show and balloons for everyone. • $100.00 for one hour up to 40 guests. Birthday Bash Package: • Ventriloquist act, puppet show and comedy magic act. • Balloons for everyone plus a lesson on how to make a balloon figure. • Birthday person receives a crown and a gift. • $150.00 for one hour up to 40 guests.

ACME FUN FACTORY http://www.jinglesandcrew.com/. 706-294-5910 or 803-652-8335. Schedule clowns Jingles and JJ to entertain at your

child’s next birthday party, bring in Mr. Magic to perform or surprise your child with a visit from his or her favorite superhero or character. One entertainer is $150 per hour. Add an additional entertainer for just $75 per hour for up to 15 children. Pay only $1 for each additional child. Acme Fun Factory also rents a variety of inflatables, concession equipment (such as sno-cone and cotton candy machines) and tables and chairs.

VINTAGE OOOLLEE 706-724-2591. 1121 Broad St., Augusta. Let mom or dad pose as a friendly character at your next party. Costumes include a kitty, teddy bears, bunny rabbits, puppy dogs and more. Popular storybook character costumes also available. Come in a week before rental date and get fitted. Rentals start at $50.

UNCLE SAM’S MAGIC SHOW (Sam Harden, Jr.) http://www.unclesamsmagicshow.com/ 706-945-2053 Professional full-time magician and storyteller, Fun family oriented comedy magic entertainment and balloon twisting. Specializing in children’s birthday parties for ages 4 and up, these shows are colorful, engaging with full audience participation and the use of selected volunteers. The birthday child is the star of the show.

SANTA SAM http://www.CSRASanta.com 706-945-2053 Real bearded Santa available for home and office Christmas parties, photo sessions, and even available for a limited number of Christmas Eve deliveries. Have Santa come to your party to meet your children and guest, read the Night Before Christmas and have pictures taken.

SINGING PRINCESSES www.singingprincessesga.com. www.facebook.com/singingprincesses. The Singing Princesses will help make your little princess’s dreams come to life, even if just for a day! Dressed as fairy tale princesses, these professionally trained vocalists will create an enchanting experience that won’t soon be forgotten. Depending on the party package that is chosen, the Princesses will provide your guests with an afternoon of singing, dancing, storytelling and learning the meaning of true beauty. The experience can conclude with a Fairy Dust Coronation, making each attendee a true princess. The Singing Princesses are available for events throughout the CSRA. • Party Guide information provided by the organizations listed or appear as listed on their website and may change without notice to Augusta Family Magazine.

Nominations Are Now Being Accepted Left to right: Stacy Snyder, Brandon Elijah, Dr. LaShawnda Lindsay-Dennis, Christopher Kenny, Thomas Sherrouse, Priscilla Gary, Kaden Jacobs, Serah Tyler, Scott Poag. The Reverend Dr. Charles E. Goodman Jr. (not pictured). Photographed by Steve Bracci at Savannah Rapids Park

110 OUNG PR NY O

A ST

t "VHVTUB

S TO WATCH

G IO N’ S T OP

BY MONICA DUTCHER

Augusta’s

TOP 10 in 10:

Young Professionals To Watch June/July 2015

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS between the ages of 25 and 35 are expected to have more influence on the future of economic roles and lifestyles than many generations that have come before them. Cities across the country are vying to retain and import a generation that is thought to be green, highly-educated and one that is radically transforming work environments and social networks. Most business development experts agree that cities that create a landscape and culture that cultivate young professionals will be at a competitive advantage in terms of business attraction and quality workforce. The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Augusta Magazine, is pleased to announce and showcase 10 of Augusta’s most outstanding young professionals. The young professionals featured in this article entered into a competitive nomination process in March and have emerged

as this year’s most promising and rising stars. We salute the achievements of these outstanding individuals and look forward to watching their dreams unfold. To further recognize these individuals, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce will submit a nomination on their behalf to the 2015 Georgia Trend’s 40 Under 40 competition and they will also be honored at the Chamber’s Member Economic Luncheon on June 19. With the program now in its seventh year, Augusta’s reputation for youthful and extraordinary talent Is growing both regionally and statewide. We have much to be proud of both now and in the future as these incredible individuals take their places among our community’s leadership.

June/July 2015

Ten outstanding young professionals 35 years of age and younger, who are already leaders in our business community and poised for even greater achievement 10 years from now, will be recognized in June.

—Sue Parr, president "VHVTUB .FUSP $IBNCFS PG $PNNFSDF "VHVTUB t

Take time now to nominate a deserving professional by completing the process below.

Download and complete the form at www.augustamagazine.com. Application deadline: April 1, 2016

(Overly)

Generous Grandparents BY DUSTIN TURNER

How to handle it when grandparents don’t want to follow the rules you’ve established.

y wife, Jamie, and I are lucky in that we rarely—if ever—have disagreements with our parents about the rules we

have set for our 8-year-old daughter, Abigail. If we do disagree, we simply tell them that we will handle the situation and that they will have to agree to disagree, and that is the end of it. Not all parents are so lucky, however, and that’s when problems and hurt feelings begin. Sure, grandparents are supposed to spoil grandchildren to a certain extent, but when it comes to rules and discipline, parents and professionals agree that it helps to be on the same page. “Yes, we disagree about food and buying toys,” says Beth Verant. She and her husband, Joe, of Grovetown, have a boy, age 7, and a girl, age 5. “Both sets of grands buy too much stuff

for them. The kids always come back home with twice as much as they went there with. And we don’t do a lot of fast-food restaurants, but when the kids go to either set of grandparents, they get taken to McDonalds every time.” So what’s a parent to do? “We try to explain our reasoning,” she explains. “If they get everything that they want, then they will be spoiled...The only thing that has ever had any kind of an impact is holding out longer between visits (or more accurately the threat of holding out longer between visits). I feel really bad about that, and we don’t do it very often because I don’t want to my kids to miss time with their grandparents.” Verant has had to give in to “what happens at Grandma’s stays at Grandma’s,” and the kids know that it is not all allowed at home. 32 • Augusta Family | February 2016

GRANDPARENTS ARE GREAT!

that Mom and Dad are the final authority. Jeremy Randall, of Aiken, thinks the same way. He and his wife have two girls, ages 11 and

feel responsible for the stability of the household, whether emotionally or by having too much decision-making responsibility.”

CYNTHIA R. GRAY, a licensed counselor in Au-

9. “There has always been a degree of trust and

When this happens, a child finds it emotionally

gusta, says that it is wonderful to have loving

up-front communication along with understand-

difficult to separate from home and grow up be-

grandparents around who spoil the kids with

ing that the parents are the ultimate authority on

cause he or she feels responsible for the parent’s

extra attention and love. That strengthens a

the rules set,” he says.

wellbeing, whether consciously or not. So a single

child emotionally.

Parents, however, should examine their own

parent must get his or her emotional needs met

“It’s also OK for grandparents to break the

communications with grandparents, Gray says.

with other adults in the same way that a couple

rules a bit. And when the kids are at Grandma and

It’s not what you say, but how you say it. Are you

creates an alliance for decision making and emo-

Grandpa’s house, the rules are a bit different, more

being rigid and scolding? Self-righteous? Are you

tional support.

relaxed. Grandparents can’t be treated like the

creating a crisis mentality around this issue and

hired help when they are babysitting and simply

battering your parents or in-laws with it?

“So, what does this have to do with grandparents?” asks Gray. “It means that they shouldn’t pit

handed a list of expectations and rules that they

the parents against each other or the child against

have to follow. However, some rules are more im-

the parents.”

portant than others. Depending on the child, the parents might determine if there are a few things that really need to be done consistently, such as bedtime. A widely varying bedtime can disrupt anyone’s mood and schedule.” Rachel Hutto, of Graniteville, the mother of two boys, ages 11 and 13, concedes that she and her husband have had a few minor disagreements

The kids always come back home with twice as much as they went there with.

with their parents, “usually about how the kids

PRACTICE PATIENCE GRAY STRESSES THAT PARENTS should be kind to the grandparents and thank them often for their love and care. And, yes, give them a break here and there for breaking the rules. “If the grandparents are completely unwilling to recognize your needs, then the parents will have to work around them. When the child comes home

should be disciplined. Usually, my parents think

“It’s important to be assertive rather than ag-

with a cookie in her hand before dinner, then

I’m too easy on them; my in-laws think I’m a little

gressive in this situation,” Gray suggests. Aggres-

say, ‘That’s nice. Let me put that cookie away

too tough,” she says.

sive people embarrass others with rhetorical

and you can have it at the right time.’ When the

Hutto says she has learned to relax, pick her

questions like, “What do you think you’re doing?”

child says, ‘Grandma said I can do that or have

battles and not to sweat the small stuff. “It took

and they sometimes call people names like “irre-

that,’ then say, ‘We’ve already talked about that,

a little while for my control-freak side to under-

sponsible” or “thoughtless.”

and I’ve given you my answer.’”

stand that they love my kids as much as I do, so I

Assertive people are more successful with oth-

Grandparents are often having fun and not

have to trust them. They raised my husband and

ers because they are firm and reasonable, Gray

seeing the full picture with all of its stresses, the

me just fine.”

says. They state, in a kind way, what their own

counselor says. “Be patient and kind. If you repeat

feelings and needs are. In this case, the assertive

your feelings and needs to them regarding the

parent needs to look out for the child’s comfort

children, and you stay firm but kind, you’ll have

even when ice cream sundaes at midnight seem

an impact. If you get aggressive or insulting, if

like a lot of fun.

you make it an all-or-nothing struggle, then you’ll

MASTER THE ART OF COMMUNICATION HUTTO SAYS that if their parents refuse to uphold a rule with their children, “that is time for me to decide whether or not letting Grandma and Grandpa spoil them for a little while is going to in-

STAY STRONG ON THE HOMEFRONT

lose something truly precious. And your children will lose out as well. This is a multi-year project. Teach, don’t conquer.”

terfere with their lives or the way my own house-

ACCORDING TO GRAY, it all starts at home. A

As parents, Jamie and I have learned to com-

hold is run. Typically, it is not. If they refused to

strong marital alliance is really helpful for chil-

municate our rules and desires upfront. We al-

comply with a rule I felt strongly about, I would

dren, she says. When Mom and Dad are on the

ways work to be patient and kind when it comes to

just avoid that situation with them.”

same page and communicate well with each other

Abigail’s grandparents. They are, after all, the only

She says the grandparents might have let the

and are in agreement about things in general, then

grandparents she will ever have. Thankfully, her

kids play video games when they were grounded

a child feels safe and stable. “When a child is al-

grandparents are very rigid with the rules, often

or something like that, “but that’s what grandpar-

lowed to play one parent off the other, the child

more that we are. But do they spoil her? You bet

ents are supposed to do. I am incredibly grateful

might enjoy getting his or her way, but feels less

they do. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

that they have the grandparents to spoil them, and

secure because now a child is running the show.”

that they ARE spoiled by them.”

In a way, the marital alliance also applies to

Hutto says, and Gray agrees, that communica-

single parents. Gray says: “What I mean is that

tion is key. Parents can explain to the grandpar-

the parent generation is level-headed and self-

ents that it’s healthy for the child to remember

sufficient. It means that the child doesn’t come to

Dustin Turner is Associate Travel Editor for wheretraveler.com. He has been married to his wife, Jamie, for 18 years and they are the proud parents of 8-yearold Abigail. The Turners stay busy with community theater and wine-making.

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 33

Inspiration Station b y D u s ti n T u r n e r

Heart

Ball

THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S MISSION is personal for Andi Van Airsdale, the

2015-2016 CSRA HEART BALL WHEN: Saturday, February 20, 2016

WHERE: Augusta Marriott

executive director of the American Heart Association of the CSRA. And so the annual Heart Ball on Feb. 20, one of the organizations biggest fundraisers, is high on her list of priorities these days. “My husband was out for an eight-mile run along the canal and had a heart attack,” she says. Luckily, he did not require surgery, thanks to angioplasty, and has no problems now.

2 10th Street, Augusta

“He was only 55 when he had the heart attack,” Van Airsdale says. “You never think it’ll happen to you, but it can happen to anyone.

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION

group’s efforts, it is law that Georgia high school

THE BALL

The exact mission of the American Heart

students must pass a CPR course before gradua-

The annual 2016 CSRA Heart Ball will begin at

Association, she says, is simple: To reduce death

tion. Such is not the case in South Carolina, Van

6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Marriott

from heart attacks and strokes by 20 percent by

Airsdale says, but the CSRA organization will be

Augusta, 1 10th St., downtown.

the year 2020. And she thinks they can do it.

working again this year to get CPR into the Pal-

To do that, however, requires lots of research, which in turn requires a lot of money.

metto State’s schools. The national American Heart Association this

Van Airsdale says the black-tie gala is a “beautiful event” with hors d’ouvres, drinks, a silent

past fall received a grant for $25 million. That

auction, a seated dinner, dancing to live music

by direct donations. According to information

$25 million, Van Airsdale says, was matched by

and a live auction.

provided by Van Airsdale, every donation is spent

Google. The $50 million will go toward research

The story of this year’s Heart Hero will be

the following way: 39.1 percent to public health

to find a cure for coronary artery disease, which

shown during the Open Your Heart Moment.

education, 20.8 percent to research, 13.1 percent

leads to heart attacks and strokes.

The Hero is Zayden Wright, a 6-year-old who has

One way the association receives funds is

to fundraising, 7.9 percent to management and

Cardiac issues that the American Heat As-

had three open-heart surgeries. There will be a

general expenses, 5.1 percent to community

sociation researches and educate on include:

video about Zayden’s ordeal

services and 14 percent to professional education

arrhythmia, cholesterol, congenital defects in

and challenges, and he will

and training.

children and adults, diabetes, heart attacks, heart

But the group also has to hold events to raise funds for its efforts in research, education and more.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

failure, high blood pressure, stroke and more. “So, if you’ve been prescribed medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes,” Van Airsdale says, “it is vital that you take it.” Guests at the Heart Ball will be bidding

This year's heart hero is a be in attendance. 6-year-old boy Van Airsdale says that Zayden Wright heart defects are the No. 1 who has had defect in babies born in the three open-heart U.S. Also, heart disease is the surgeries. No. 1 killer of Americans. “Most people think it’s

The association funds research, education and

on more than $100,000 in silent- and live-

cancer or something like that, but it’s really heart

advocacy efforts. For example, because of the

auction material.

disease,” Van Airsdale says.

34 • Augusta Family | February 2016

Inspiration Station

In fact, according to statistics provided by the American Heart Association of the CSRA: • Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Georgia and South Carolina. • One out of five women have a form of heart disease. • Thirty-five thousand babies are born each year with a congenital heart defect. • Some one dies from heart disease every 36 seconds. • Some one suffers a stroke every 45 seconds. The Heart Ball is one of several fundraisers the American Heart Association of the CSRA holds throughout the year. There also is the Heart Walk and the Heart Board musical play in Aiken. Dustin Turner is Associate Travel Editor for wheretraveler.com. He has been married to his wife, Jamie, for 18 years and they are the proud parents of 8-yearold Abigail. The Turners stay busy with community theater and wine-making.

Leadership Team The 2015-16 CSRA Heart Ball Executive leadership team includes: • Ben Casella, president,

• Frank Lindley, CFO, Gold Cross Emergency Medical Services

Casella Eye Center • Bonnie Cox, partner, Cherry Bekaert

• Paul Myers, business development manager, MAU Workforce Solutions

• Dr. John Frederick, partner vascular surgeon

• Belita Smith, Cerner alignment executive, Jaguar Collaborative

Augusta Vascular Center, • Rich Henderson, president, Jani-King

• Clay Trover, enterprise supply chain manager, Georgia Regents University

• Kevin Holleran, CEO, E-Z-Go • Lou Imbrogno, CEO,

• Shawn Vincent (Heart Ball chairman),

Center for Primary Care

interim COO of GR Health

• Garnett Johnson, president,

• Adam Willis, president, F&W Transportation

Augusta Office Solutions • Matt Johnson, principal sales representative, BSCI

•

Kirby Yawn, CFO Allgood Professional Services

Corporations and individuals sponsor tables at the ball. To sponsor a table, contact Cecilia Kemp Badger, the CSRA Heart Ball director, at 706-877-0218 or cecilia.badger@heart.org. Attendance is expected to be about 300, Van Airsdale says.

For more information on the American Heart Association or to make a direct, tax-deductible donation, go to heart.org.

2016 Dec. 2015/Jan. 2016 FAMILY SANITY IN ROL RESOLVE TO CONT CLUTTER CHAOS! FIVE-MINUTE STRESS BUSTERS

POUI 2 t "VHVTUB 'BNJMZ ] .

www.augustafamily.com

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 35

BOOGIE WOOGIE AT THE IMPERIAL NOW IN ITS 22ND SEASON, IN THE MOOD IS A PHENOMENON AMONG TOURING SHOWS. Featuring the In the Mood singers and dancers and the fabulous String of Pearls orchestra. Enjoy the timeless melodies and rhythms of the Big Band era such as “Tuxedo Junction,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and, of course, “In the Mood.” The production culminates with a stirring salute to our veterans. Presented by Yes Indeed! Promotions. February 4. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. www.imperialtheatre.com. 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.

calendar FEBRUARY

Special Events FEBRUARY 5. Katt Williams. Legendary stand-up comedian, world-renowned actor, rapper and vanguard in an elite category of professionally-touring comics, Katt Williams approaches his 20th anniversary in the business. As one of this generation’s rare urban public oﬃcials, Williams guarantees his audience an experience that will encourage conversation after his curtain closes. It’s an articulate, sharp dialogue that surfaces with names like Trump, Cosby and NASA, but is rooted in evergreen political conversations. 8 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. FEBRUARY 5-7. Antiques in the Heart of Aiken. Specialized dealers from across the nation showcase and sell ﬁne antiques such as lace and linens, silver, porcelain,

36 • Augusta Family | February 2016

paintings and prints, crystal, jewelry, rugs and furnishings. Experts evaluate and provide free estimates of your broken or damaged treasures. The event kicks off Feb. 4 with a festive Cocktails and Collectors Preview Party, featuring a night of mixed drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a sneak peek at the 2016 antique collection. The show runs Feb. 5-7 and includes two presentations/lectures. Feb. 5-6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. www.aikencenterforthearts.org or 803-641-9094. FEBRUARY 6. Annual Lucy Craft Laney Heritage Gala. Dinner, live music and keynote speaker. 6-10 p.m. Augusta Convention Center. 706-724-3576. FEBRUARY 16. Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix. In a slapstick comedy act like no other, Johnny Peers leads more than

a dozen dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks as he plays the straight man role in this entertaining show. Since their 1980 debut, the Muttville Comix have appeared on David Letterman, at Busch Gardens and even at The White House. A show for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us, the act stars mostly dogs rescued from shelters or pounds.7:30 p.m. Jabez Hardin Performing Arts Center. www.augustaamusements.com. FEBRUARY 18. The Augusta Chronicle’s CHIC. Join The Augusta Chronicle and University Health Care System to celebrate health and wellness in this after-hours celebration for women. Shopping with local vendors, food, beverages, fashion. Free health screenings including plaque scans from University’s Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention team and cholesterol checks.

calendar

MY BEST FRIEND’S SEWING ROOM Children’s Sewing Classes

3850 Washington Rd., Suite 4C, Martinez

BRANTLEY GILBERT BLACK OUT TOUR � FEBRUARY 4 Education on a variety of health topics such as nutrition and weight, osteoporosis, diabetes, pregnancy and more. 5-9 p.m. at the Columbia County Exhibition Center. FEBRUARY 20-21. Battle of Aiken. South Carolina’s largest outdoor drama unfolds with a costumed cast of hundreds. See history come alive with cannons, cavalry horses and living history experts. During this dramatic recreation of one of the last battles of the War Between the States, visitors will also experience period crafts, art, music, and exhibits. Food vendors open all day. Historical lectures, programs, and demonstrations. For a schedule and more information visit www.battleofaiken.org. FEBRUARY 20. Wet Paint Party and Sale. Work by local artists goes up for grabs at the Greater Augusta Arts Council’s annual fundraiser. 7 p.m. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. www.augustaarts.com. FEBRUARY 26-28. Augusta Home and Garden Show. Gardening seminars all weekend long. Free samples; information on the latest landscaping and home décor trends. Interactive kid’s zone with building projects. Feb. 26, 2-7 p.m., Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. FEBRUARY 27. Annual Columbia County Charity Gala: Havana Nights. A signature black tie event beneﬁtting Columbia County Cares, Columbia County arts development and the Columbia County Forward Foundation. Columbia County Exhibition Center. 706-868-3484.

Museums & Science FEBRUARY 26. Memories of the Mansion. Join authors Georgia’s First Lady Sandra Deal, Dr. Jennifer Dickey and Dr. Catherine Lewis for a lively event of storytelling about life in Georgia’s most public house. Behind-the-scenes stories of Georgia’s Governor’s Mansion and signed copies of Memories of the Mansion: The Story of Georgia’s Governor’s Mansion (available for purchase). Free. 1-2 p.m.

For class fees and more information, contact Jordan Nuques, 706-993-8819 or email at mybfsewingroom @yahoo.com. Pre-registration is required. Ages 8 and up.

REED CREEK PARK AND INTERPRETIVE CENTER 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027 www.ReedCreekPark.com Ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. Call for fee information. February 12. The World of Owls. Learn about the owls that live in Georgia, their adaptations and their natural history. Then, dissect owl pellets, regurgitated bones that cannot be digested by the owls, to ﬁnd out what they have been eating. 7-8 p.m. February 19. All About Frogs. An indoor/ outdoor program to learn about our local frogs and how they are being studied through a calling survey at Reed Creek. Go outdoors to listen to and identify diﬀerent species of frogs using the calling survey protocol. 7-8 p.m. February 27. 20,000 Leagues Under the Earth! Become young geologists while studying solid earth and how it has shaped and changed over time. Look at minerals and elements that are used in our everyday lives. 10-11:00 a.m.

The Arts, Music & More February 1-26. Daphne Taylor. After a successful career in Wisconsin, Daphne Taylor turned her hand to art and began her studies in 2009 under the tutelage of Dr. James Conlon, professor at the University of Southern Alabama. Taylor uses a brush in watercolor, oil or acrylic to recreate images showing the dignity, challenges and spirituality of African people. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706-826-4700. February 4. Brantley Gilbert. Brantley Gilbert has always pushed the edge with his music. So when it comes to striking out on the road with his Black Out Tour, it ﬁgures the man with back-to-back platinum albums would never settle for North America. Instead, the renegade country star is hitting the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and

FEBRUARY 6. Lunch Bag. Great for lunch, storage or exchanging valentines at school. 10 a.m.-noon. FEBRUARY 6. Valentine Garland. Your child will sew a fun heart-themed bunting. 1-3 p.m. FEBRUARY 13. Heart Oven Mitt. Sew a colorful oven mitt for your kitchen. 10 a.m.-noon FEBRUARY 13. Mommy & Me. Make a valentine sewing date with your child. 1-3 p.m. FEBRUARY 15-16. Kids Sewing Camp. Learn sewing basics & create two fun projects. Book both morning and afternoon sessions and bring a sack lunch. 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m. FEBRUARY 20. Laundry Bag. Learn buttonholes while making a laundry bag. Great for travel. 10 a.m.-noon FEBRUARY 20. Pinterest Party. Join Ms. Patty at this mixed-media “sew crafty” event. 1-3 p.m. FEBRUARY 27. Adult Sewing Class. Sew an appliquéed yard ﬂag. Beginner friendly! 10 a.m.-noon FEBRUARY 27. Reading Pillow Tote. Sew a clever pillow that also serves as a book tote. 10 a.m.-noon. FEBRUARY 27. Adult Quilting Class. Learn quilting basics while making a place mat in this beginner class. 1-4 p.m.

CABELA’S FIREARMS SAFETY AND EDUCATION COURSES 833 Cabela Dr. Information: 762-444-6500 or visit www.cabelas.com/augusta. No registration required. Part of Cabela’s nationwide eﬀort to promote and educate customers on various aspects of responsible ﬁrearm ownership and safety. FEBRUARY 2. FEBRUARY 6. FEBRUARY 9. FEBRUARY 13. FEBRUARY 16. FEBRUARY 20. FEBRUARY 23. FEBRUARY 27

Home Defense Shotguns and Pistols. 6:30 p.m. Home Defense Shotguns and Pistols. 1 p.m. Gun Cleaning 101. 6:30 p.m. Gun Cleaning 101. 1 p.m. Protection Outside the Home. 6:30 p.m. Protection Outside the Home. 1 p.m. Home Firearms Safety. 6:30 p.m. Home Firearms Safety. 1 p.m.

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 37

calendar The Arts, Music & More (continued)

Visit the Museum! February 1-28. Creatures Great and Small, Real and Imagined: The Art of Mae and Willie Tarver. Some of these nearly two dozen fantastic sculptures were inspired by nature while others show the uninhibited imagination of nationally known folk artists Mae and Willie Tarver. The Tarvers saw much of the world before returning to Wadley, Ga., after many years of living in New York. Morris Museum of Art. 706- 724-7501. February 1-April 16. Social Impressions: Southern Interpretations From the Johnson Collection. This exhibition presents dozens of works that were intended at the time of their creation to offer relief from the hurly-burly of the urban setting. The artists represented were not all native Southerners; however, all worked in the South at some point. In its presentation of some 40 paintings created between 1880 and 1940— including landscapes and genre scenes—Scenic Impressions traces an international aesthetic’s journey to and germination in the American South. Morris Museum of Art. 706724-7501. February 4. Mommy and Me: Birds & Butterflies. Explore the nature of flight while viewing artwork by Hunt Slonem. Afterwards, create bird and butterfly light catchers. Museum family members and parents, free; nonmembers. Registration required. 10-11 a.m. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501. February 5. Films on Friday: Oliver Twist (1948). The second of David Lean’s two film adaptations of Charles Dickens novels, following the great international success of his version of Great Expectations. One of the defining films of the 1940s. After viewing the film, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Free. Noon. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501. February 7. Artrageous! Family Sunday: 7th Annual Children’s Book Reading Spectacular. Meet authors Levi Hill IV and Charmain Zimmer-

38 • Augusta Family | February 2016

man Brackett and illustrator Joshua Henry Thomas as they read from their books. Afterwards create a mini book to take home. Free. 2 p.m. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501. FEBRUARY 10. Brown Bag History Lecture: First Nations. Presentations by Chief Langley of the Euchee tribe and Richard Thornton of the People of One Fire. 12:30-1 p.m. Followed by Q&A. Augusta Museum of History. 706-722-8454. February 19. Art at Lunch: Authors From Story River Books. Enjoy readings by Eric Morris, author of Jacob Jump, and Carla Damron, author of The Stone Necklace. Their criticallyacclaimed novels have been recently published by Story River Books, an original Southern ﬁction imprint published by the University of South Carolina Press and edited by Pat Conroy. Catered lunch. Paid reservations due by Feb. 17. Noon. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501. February 20-May 22. The Wild Treasury of Nature: A Portrait of Little St. Simons Island. In April 2011 artist Philip Juras was invited to paint the natural environments of Little St. Simons, a subject that he’s been exploring since. The works in this exhibit, and the book that accompanies it, capture a wide variety of the island’s natural landscapes. Through them he shares his passion for experiencing these fascinating environments while underscoring the natural processes that formed them. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501. February 21. Music at the Morris: The Dubber. Enjoy a unique mixture of acoustic blues, reggae, and jazz stylings performed by The Dubber. Free. 2 p.m. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501. February 25. Exhibition Opening and Book Premiere: The Wild Treasury of Nature: A Portrait of Little St. Simons Island. Artist Philip Juras discusses his newest exhibition and catalog. Reception and book signing follow. 6 p.m. Morris Museum of Art. 706724-7501.

Australia, in addition to playing arenas across Canada and the U.S. 7 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. FEBRUARY 4. In the Mood. Enjoy the timeless melodies and rhythms of the Big Band era such as “Tuxedo Junction,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and, of course, “In the Mood.” The production culminates with a stirring salute to our veterans. Presented by Yes Indeed! Promotions. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. www.imperialtheatre.com. FEBRUARY 5-MAY 3. REMIX. This exhibit highlights the practice among many African-American artists of retelling or refashioning themes, ideas, and objects in new ways and from their own unique perspective. The exhibition title is a reference to how African-American musicians sample other music by quoting it in new musical works—this same process occurs in the visual arts. Columbia Museum of Art. Columbia, S.C. www.columbiamuseum.org. February 11-12. Kit and the Kats. Relive those early days of rock and roll with songs of that first dance, that first kiss. Going back to the days of teen idols, slow dancing, bouffant hairdos, petticoats, pompadours, and the twist, Kit and the Kats is an energetic vocal trio and band, featuring singer and recording artist Laura Ellis. Enjoy great hits from the 50s and 60s, including “Peggy Sue,” “the Twist, Mama Said,” “Teenager in Love,” “Johnny Angel” and more. 7:30 p.m. URS Theater. Aiken. 803-643-4774. FEBRUARY 11. Winter Jam 2016 Tour Spectacular. Co-headliners include two fan favorites: the Grammy Award-winning duo from King & Country and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West. The tour will also feature Crowder, RED, Sidewalk Prophets, NewSong, KB/Tedashii/Trip Lee, Lauren Daigle and evangelist Tony Nolan. The pre-jam party is slated to showcase Stars Go Dim and We Are Messengers. 6 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. FEBRUARY 12. Southern Soul & Song: The Fairfield Four and the McCrary Sisters. Southern gospel at its finest. 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706-722-8341 or www.imperialtheatre.com. FEBRUARY 13. Welcome Spring Acrylic Painting Class. Grab a friend and come enjoy a three-hour, step-by-step acrylic painting class. No experience required and all supplies are included in the fee. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1833 Broad Street. Call 706-922-0171 to register. FEBRUARY 13. The Beach Boys: “Pet Sounds” Turns 50. Part of the Pops! At the Bell Series. With Symphony Orchestra Augusta. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. 706-826-4705. FEBRUARY 13. Tony Howard’s Motown/Elvis Review. A Las Vegas style show full of entertainers and dancers paying tribute to legendary artists such as Elvis, Tina Turner, The Temptations, Glady Knight & the Pips, Earth, Wind & Fire and many more. 7 p.m. Imperial Theatre. www.imperialtheatre.com. FEBRUARY 16. R5: Sometime Last Night Tour. Led by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Ross Lynch, R5 has rapidly emerged as an exciting new voice in the world of pop rock. The band has moved one step closer to world domination with the release of their upcoming sophomore album, Sometime Last Night, the follow-up to their hit debut album, which rocketed to number one on iTunes in 10 countries upon its 2013 release. The band has recently appeared on Good Morning America, Ellen,

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance to tell us your Family Favorites...those people, places, restaurants, schools and spots for family fun that make our city such a unique place to live. Cast your vote for those places and people you think deserve recognition for a job well done, focusing on places that are family friendly. No photocopies accepted. One ballot per reader please! All ballot categories must be completed in order for votes to be considered. Fold ballot, place in envelope and mail with correct postage to:

AUGUSTA FAMILY MAGAZINE 1 0 #PY r "VHVTUB (" %&"%-*/& .BSDI r Online voting available at www.augustafamily.com

ARTS/MUSIC/DANCING

Jazz/Hip Hop Dance Lessons Ballet Classes Music Lessons (piano, violin, drums, etc.) Performing Arts Group

FAMILY FUN

Annual Family Event Day Trip Family Photographer Indoor Playground Outdoor Playground Museum Rainy Day Outing

FOOD

Breakfast Spot Burgers Desserts Date Night Restaurant Restaurant-Chain Restaurant-Locally Owned Fries Pizza Chicken Fingers Mac & Cheese Healthy Menu

Place for Ice Cream Kids Menu

Elementary Age Party Place Boys Parties Girls Parties

LIFESTYLE/MEDICAL

EDUCATION

Auto Service Bank or Credit Union Computer Repair Service Veterinarian Dog Groomer Kennel Pediatrician Pediatric Dentist OB/GYN Orthodontist After-Hours Medical Care Family Vision Care

MEDIA

Radio Station Television Station Local website Favorite Part of Augusta Family Magazine

PARTIES

Birthday Cakes Toddler Party Place

Daycare Elementary School Middle School High School Tutoring Service

SHOPPING

Car Dealer Baby Clothes Boys Clothes Girls Clothes Consignment Shop Grocery Store

SPORTS

Children/Teen Sports Program Family Sporting Event Gymnastics/Cheer Instruction Martial Arts Program Swimming Lessons Tennis Program Family Fitness Center

Augusta Family | February 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 39

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

COLUMBIA COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. 706-863-7523.

NEAVE TRIO � FEBRUARY 19

Live! With Kelly & Michael and Jimmy Kimmel Live. 7 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. FEBRUARY 18. The Wonderful Wizard of Song: The Music of Harold Arlen. Bringing

one of America’s most inﬂuential songwriters to center stage is a multi-talented cast of ﬁve accompanied by piano and bass. First-hand stories, home movies and classics like “That Old Black Magic,” “Stormy Weather” and, of course, “Somewhere Over

SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER 1833 Broad St. • 706-922-017. Registration and fees required for most programs. FEBRUARY 9-MARCH 1. String Jam. String musicians can have fun and improve their playing skills through weekly jam sessions led by Eryn Eubanks. The music, which is chosen by the group, includes country, gospel, bluegrass and popular tunes. Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. FEBRUARY 20. Make It! Bake It! Take It! Learn how to make pottery using only your hands and various hand tools and techniques. Create dishes or serving pieces for your home. No experience needed and each student will ﬁnish two to three pieces. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St. FEBRUARY 20. Beginner Hip-Hop Dance with Josh. This introductory class is for those who are either just starting out or have a basic understanding of nip-hop. Class focuses on developing an ear for rhythmns and exploring syncopation through music and choreography. Noon-1 p.m. FEBRUARY 27. Basket Weaving—Cape Cod Blueberry Basket. Create a ShakerStyle basket with a carved notch oak handle. No previous experience required. Weaving supplies included in fee but students should bring a hand towel, tape measure/ ruler, squirt bottle and garden shears or sturdy scissors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. FEBRUARY 27-APRIL 23 (SATURDAYS). Anime & The Graphic Novel. For students ages 9-15 who love graphic novels and the desire to create one of their own. Learn the basic styles of anime drawing and illustrate your very own unique story. No previous experience required and all supplies included. 10 a.m.-noon.

the Rainbow.” A rare opportunity to experience the life and the songs of the man behind the music. 7:30 p.m. USC Aiken Etherredge Center. 803-641-3305. FEBRUARY 19-21 AND 26-27. Godspell. A small group of people helps Jesus Christ tell diﬀerent parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. Jesus’s messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life in this youth wingperformed musical. February 19-20 and 26-27, 7:30 p.m. February 21, 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. 803-648-1438. FEBRUARY 19. Neave Trio. Three musicians from the United States, Scotland and Russia have formed a piano trio that has been praised for its bright and radiant music-making. 7:30 p.m. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. Augusta University. www.hjcms.org. FEBRUARY 20. Mahler 6. Featuring Symphony Orchestra Augusta. 7:30 p.m. First Baptist of Augusta. 706-826-4705. FEBRUARY 21. Music at the Morris: The Dubber. Enjoy a unique mixture of acoustic blues, reggae and jazz stylings. Free. 2 p.m. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501. FEBRUARY 23. Richmond County All Elementary School Choral Festival.

FEBRUARY 1-12. Spring Sports Registration. Age control dates: Baseball: May 1, 2016 Softball: Dec. 31, 2015 Soccer/Volleyball: Aug. 1, 2016 Ages 4-18.

CHAMPIONS MADE FROM ADVERSITY P.O. Box 980, Evans, Ga. 706-364-2422. www.cmfa.us. This nonprofit organization strives to advance the lives of people with physical disabilities and their families through sport and leisure opportunities. WEEKLY SCHEDULE: Monday: >> Adapted ﬁtness at the Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. >> Wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday: >> Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m. >> Quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday: >> Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday: >> Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., >> Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m. Friday: >> Adapted cycling at the uptown VA, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Augusta Family | February 2016 • 41

calendar Elementary students from Richmond County Schools’ choral groups perform. Free and open to the public. 7 p.m. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706- 826-4700.

stableviewfarm.com for information. Free to spectators. Stable View, 117 Stable Dr., Aiken. 484-256-3173.

FEBRUARY 25. All About Beethoven. The Aiken Symphony Orchestra performs in concert with renowned violinist Vadim Gluzman. 7:30 p.m. Aiken’s First Baptist Church. 803-641-3305.

FEBRUARY 28. Augusta University Half Marathon and 10K. With a challenging but scenic course, the run showcases beautiful downtown, the charming Summerville neighborhood, Augusta University and the Augusta National Golf Club. The Augusta University Half Marathon & 10K is the perfect opportunity for both ﬁrst-timers and seasoned runners to discover Augusta one mile at a time. Register at www.augustahalf.org.

FEBRUARY 26. Patti LaBelle. Legendary singer, author and actress Patti LaBelle takes the stage for a one-night-only concert. Bell Auditorium. www.georgilinati.com. (*77) 428-4849. FEBRUARY 26. The McCartney Years. In this premiere Paul McCartney concert experience, every song is played live with nothing pre-recorded and to the standard set by McCartney himself in the early 1970s. 7:30 p.m. Jabez Hardin Performing Arts Center. www.augustaamusements.com. FEBRUARY 26-28. A Chorus Line. Centered on 17 Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line, the musical provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. Performed by the Augusta Players. Feb.26-27, 8 p.m. Feb. 28. 3 p.m. Imperial Theatre. www.augustaplayers.org.

Sports & Recreation FEBRUARY 17. High Performance Training Session. Come watch the US Eventing Team practice dressage, stadium and cross-country riding. Enjoy top riders. Go to

Hospital Programs AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY HEALTH Register online at augustahealth.org. Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their website. First Tuesday of Each Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “A-Team”). Education and support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. Children’s Hospital of Georgia, First Floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801. Call Family Services Development at 706-721-5160 for more information. First Thursday and Third Wednesday of Each Month. Cribs for Kids. Co-bunking and inappropriate infant furniture are putting area babies at risk. Safe Kids Greater Augusta,

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calendar

THE DINOSAURS ARE COMING! AUGUSTA EXCHANGE CLUB FAIRGROUNDS 202 Hale St. 706-722-0202. www.jurasicquest.com

IF YOUR KIDS LOVE DINOSAURS, here’s your chance to let them get up close and personal. Jurassic Quest is coming to Augusta February 5-7 at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds. Enjoy a dinosaur exhibit, Dino tour, Dino Theater, science stations, Dino crafts and Dino coloring station. Tickets can be purchased at www.jurasicquest. com/augusta.html or at the door of the event. Some attractions require additional fees. • Friday, Feb. 5, 3-8 p.m. • Saturday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. • Sunday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

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calendar led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who can demonstrate a financial need (Medicare, Peachcare or WICC) will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and pacifier for a small fee. Call Rene Hopkins at 706-7217606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, 9:45 a.m.-noon on the third Wednesday of each month. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C,1225 Walton Way. First Friday and Second Wednesday of Each Month. Child Safety Seat Inspections. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly. First Friday of the month in Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606 to schedule an appointment at the downtown location. The second Wednesday each month at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr. Call 706-541-3870 to make an appointment at the Columbia County location. Second Thursday and Fourth Wednesday of Each Month. Car Seat Class. Safe Kids Greater Augusta offers car seat safety, education and training. Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care eligible families. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. Second Thursday of Each Month. NICU Parent Support Group. Noon-1 p.m. in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 5th Floor, Children’s Hospital of Georgia; For more information, call Sylvia McCoy at 706-721-2286. Third Tuesday of Each Month. Breastfeeding Class. A free class led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Helps expectant parents gain knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m., Augusta University Health, 7th Floor South, Room 7524.

DOCTORS HOSPITAL 3651 Wheeler Rd. 706-651-3232 FEBRUARY 3. Girl Talk Support Group—What Are Uterine Fibroids? Have issues about pelvic health or unusual menstrual symptoms? You may have uterine ﬁbroids. Learn about your options including Uterine Fibroid Embolization at this information session. 5:30 p.m., JMS Media Center. FEBRUARY 6 & 7. Short and Sweet. A two-day weekend class covering discomforts of pregnancy, the process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques used in labor, medication/epidurals and relaxation and breathing techniques. This class includes valuable information even if mom intends to use an epidural for labor and birth. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on the Sunday.

FEBRUARY 11. Babies, Bumps and Bruises—Infant CPR. This infant CPR and safety class is recommended for parents, family and friends. Infant CPR, as taught by the American Heart Association, is discussed and handson skills are practiced. 7 p.m. FEBRUARY 13. You’re a Big Girl Now. This class is for girls, ages 9-12, along with their mothers. Information on puberty and adolescence is discussed including subjects such as emotions, acne, menstruation and normal body changes. Girls will discuss ways to survive these natural changes. Instructor is a registered nurse with a Master’s degree in education. FEBRUARY 16. The Daddy Class. This class is for dads only—no women allowed. Taught by an experienced dad, the class oﬀers an opportunity to talk about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, various ways to support mom through pregnancy, labor and birth and breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m. FEBRUARY 25. Breastfeeding. This class will help prepare mom and her partner for a great start in breastfeeding their new baby. The beneﬁts of breastfeeding along with proper positioning and latch-on techniques are taught. Partners are encouraged to attend. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

TRINITY HOSPITAL OF AUGUSTA Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. FEBRUARY 6. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Education. Helps mother and support person understand the final stages of pregnancy as well as labor and the birth of your baby. Covers natural and medicated deliveries, Lamaze coping techniques and more. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. FEBRUARY 6. Growing Boys. Boys ages 9-12 accompanied by their father, male relative or friend will find helpful information on what to expect in the pre-adolescent years. Knowing what to expect can help boys weather this transition without undue anxiety, confusion and frustration. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Call for fee information and to register. February 9. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. 6-8:30 p.m. February 20. Stepping Into Manhood. Boys ages 12-15 accompanied by their father, male relative or friend, join the instructor in frank discussions on sexuality, peer pressure and responsible decision making. This course teaches teenage boys the importance of making their own decisions and how to assertively say “no.” 9:30 a.m.noon. Call for fees and to register. February 22. Baby Care Basics & Breastfeeding. This class combines two important topics. A board-certified

lactation consultant teaches the class and covers a range of helpful topics including diapering, bathing, feeding, cord care, nipple care, milk storage, weaning and more. 9 a.m.-noon. FEBRUARY 22. Breastfeeding Support Group. Help, understanding and guidance in breastfeeding. Noon-1 p.m. FEBRUARY 23. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 7-7:15 p.m. FEBRUARY 29. The Birds, The Bees and Me. This course brings together 12-15-year-old girls and their mother, female relative or friend for frank discussions on sexuality, peer pressure and responsible decision-making. 6:30-9 p.m. Call for fees and to register.

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth. org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs. FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH. Parents Healing Together. For parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. 7 p.m. in University Hospital, Dining Room 2. FEBRUARY 1-22 (MONDAYS, FEBRUARY 2-23 (TUESDAYS), FEBRUARY 3-24 OR FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 28 (MONDAYS). Prenatal Education. This multi-week series of childbirth preparation classes is designed to inform and prepare all expectant parents regardless of birth plans. Class topics include various stages of labor, breathing and relaxation and how to care for yourself and your new baby. 7-9 p.m. in the Women’s Center Third Floor Classroom. Registration required. FEBRUARY 5 & 6 OR 19 & 20. Childbirth Preparation Weekend Class. A complete childbirth preparation class designed for those with time constraints or fluctuating schedules. Class meets from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Also included is a follow-up evening at the W.G. Watson, M.D., Women’s Center for a tour, question-and-answer session and review. FEBRUARY 18. Breastfeeding Class. This class offers in-depth information on how to evaluate breastfeeding and get off to a good start. Registration is suggested. Call 706-774-2825. 7-8 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans. FEBRUARY 25. Introduction to Infant CPR. Do you worry about knowing how to revive your baby should the need arise? This class provides an opportunity to learn and practice infant CPR on mannequins and learn other aspects of infant safety. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. 7-8:30 p.m.

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Girl Go

b y Kar in C allowa y

Lori Ascani Van Lenten LORI ASCANI VAN LENTEN, 37 (but in her mind she’s 28), is a choral director, music educator, vocal coach and founding artistic director of VOCE The Young Voices of Greater Augusta. She and her husband, David, financial advisor for Merrill Lynch, have three children, Tyler, 10, Sutton, 7 and Evelyn (Eve), 2. Van Lenten loves her 15-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Bianca. She also volunteers as the music director/actor/vocal coach for The Augusta Players. She is an active member and volunteer children’s music director/choir member of Trinity on the Hill UMC and teaches preschool at Woodlawn UMC Preschool. If you could have any job, what would you choose? I have it! I’m a mom, and I actually get paid to do my most favorite activity—teach music! What quality do you most admire the most? 100 percent admire an honest and straightforward person. I also truly admire perseverance and spirit. Dream vacation? In high school I went on a seven-country music tour through Europe, and in college I sang in North and South Vietnam. Favorite place to take the kids? We are CRAZY Disney people. If you had a super power, what would it be? I guess I’d really love to ﬂy. Seeing the world from up above would be amazing. It also wouldn’t hurt that I could avoid Washington Road trafﬁc! Favorite TV show: I’m a sucker for legal dramas. Law and Order, Blue Bloods, Chicago PD, all of them! Wanted to be when she grew up? I knew at a VERY young age that I wanted to change lives with music. Life lesson: I have learned the importance of struggling at things in life with grace. 46 • Augusta Family | February 2016

One word you would use to describe yourself: Energetic. What would surprise people about you? I moved 13 times before I went to college but we aren’t military. Best thing about being a mom? Besides everything? I love watching them explore who they are and I LOVE my kids’ creative spirits. Hardest part about being a mom? My kids are either ON or passed out. They definitely got my energy and flair for the dramatic. Favorite indulgence? Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! What was you first job? I trained horses in my teens. Are you a planner, a dreamer or a doer? I’m all three! I love coming up with exciting ideas but I also really love the planning process to accomplish a goal. I also have ZERO ability to sit still. It’s a blessing and a curse. Biggest fear: Cats. Definitely cats. What inspires you? People inspire me. All kids of people. Song playing in your head: It changes constantly. Remember the show Allie McBeal? I have theme songs for everything!