July 2012
Family
ACTIVITY OVERLOAD GENDER STEREOTYPES CONTROLLING YOUR ROAD RAGE THE KELLEY FAMILY BAND
AUGUSTA
m a g a z i n e
ARTS,
SPORTS AND
SUMMER FUN MARCEL PORTER, 6, IS THE SON OF MARK PORTER AND BECKY LEROY OF AUGUSTA
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Family Contents AUGUSTA
m a g a z i n e
w w w. a u g u s t afamily.co m
Publisher Kate Cooper Metts
July 2012
Editor Karin Calloway
Do You Stereotype Your Kids When It Comes To Pursuing Their Interests?
Production Art Director / Web Producer Miles Anderson
-Monica Dutcher
Graphic Artist Tonietha Clayton Advertising Director of Advertising Adriene Goldman Advertising Sales Elizabeth Sisson Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann marketing & circulation Manager Doressa Hawes photography Chris Thelen contributors Lucy Adams Grace Belangia Monica Dutcher J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Jennie Montgomery Danielle Wong Moores Michael Rushbrook Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at karin.calloway@augustafamily.com or mail to 127A 7th Street, Augusta, GA 30901 or telephone (706) 828-3946. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/ distribution, call (706) 823-3722.
Ages, Stages and Afterschool Activities -Lucy Adams
departments
7 editor’s page 9 mom2mom Busted on the Beach -Jennie Montgomery
18 home front Phraseology -Courtesy Family Features
28 time out! You Drive Me Crazy
10 news&notes -Lucy Adams 13 eating well with kim 30 inspiration station Grilling The Garden Music Makers -Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
15 doctor/dad Your Active Pregnancy
-J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
16 healthy family MRSA Demystified
-Cammie Jones
32 calendar 46 talkin’ about my generation
-Danielle Wong Moores
Jane Cely, Livi Grace Williamson, Kelly Highland -Grace Belangia
on the cover: Marcel Porter, 6, is the son of Mark Porter and Becky LeRoy of Augusta. Marcel was selected to be on our cover as the result of his mother entering him in our Fresh Faces contest at www. augustafamily.com Photo by Chris Thelen.
July
quick pick
“Little eyes and ears in the backseat are also getting a taste of Mom’s or Dad’s temper. ‘Kids mimic what they see, not what they’re told,’ says Timothy Dimoff. They’re learning firsthand how to handle irritation. Not just that, they’re learning driving techniques for when they’re behind the wheel.” Read more about the reasons to control your road rage and aggressive driving in Lucy Adams’ article on page 28.
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editor’spage by Karin Calloway
Time To Vote!
T
f a v o r i t e s
his is an election year, so voting is “top of mind” these days. Not only are there a national, state and local elections coming up in November, but this month, on July 31, local voters will have the opportunity to vote in the primary for the republican congressional nomination for the 12th district, which includes Richmond and Columbia Counties along with many of the surrounding counties. The winner will run against incumbent democrat John Barrow this November. Politics aside, there’s another important vote on the horizon this month: The Augusta Family Favorites. Each year, Augusta Family Magazine polls our readers to find out their favorite local eateries, healthcare providers, photographers, dance instructors and so much more. Not only is it fun to know where fellow parents are dining and enjoying some family time, it’s a great list to help those new to the CSRA find their way to your favorite spots. Voting closes in mid-July, so don’t delay in heading over to www.augustafamily.com and casting your vote! While you’re pondering your Family Favorites, I hope you’ll enjoy perusing this issue of the magazine. July is traditionally our Arts and Sports issue and this year we’re approaching the topics in a new way. First, Monica Dutcher ponders the question of stereotyping children based on their gender. What if your son prefers the arts or your daughter wants to join the football team? You’ll find her feature on page 22. Then there’s the question of how much time your children should spend pursuing their artist and athletic interests. How many activities are enough? How many are two much? Lucy Adams seeks to answers these questions in her article on page 24. This is an information-packed issue, as you’ll also find information on expanding your children’s vocabulary over the summer and learn about an inspiring family of musicians from nearby Appling, Ga. You’ll also want to check out Lucy Adams’ article on road rage and aggressive driving on page 28. Although the subject has nothing to do with arts or sports, it is an important topic for parents, as little eyes are definitely watching how you behave behind the wheel. Don’t forget to vote! Until July,
Karin Calloway is a wife and mother of two teenagers. She’s also a journalist and recipe developer who writes the Wednesday cooking column for The Augusta Chronicle (augustachronicle.com/karin). You can follow Karin at twitter.com/ KarinCalloway. Check out Karin’s cooking blog at www.cookingwithkarin.com.
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2
mom m m
Illustration by Michael Rushbrook
by Jennie Montgomery
I
Busted on the Beach
guess it was just a matter of time: The kids are flat revolting because they say I always share stories in this column about their mishaps, not my own. So this month I’m sharing one of their favorite “Blonde Mom Moments.” One of the best weeks of our summer vacation was spent at Surfside Beach. The pier was a nice walk from our condo, so one evening we strolled up the beach to have dinner at one of the restaurants there. Later that night, on our way back down the beach, we noticed several people walking out to the surf with flashlights. They were watching crabs run along the wet sand. I remembered that my keychain had a little light on it, so I dug it out of my bag and we started looking for the creatures, too. We continued walking in the surf until one of the kids said we were close to our condo building. “Wait!” I flipped my mini-light around and pushed the red laser button. “Up there, see the corner unit with the light on? That’s our building.” I was making my way through the really soft, dry sand now. “The first one?” somebody asked. “Nope,” I said, vividly circling the red laser dot toward the building I was talking about. “That one over there,” I yelled, still waving the light. “MOM stop!” my son said, pulling down my arm. “That’s not funny.” “What are you doing, mom? OH, how embarrassing!” The girls turned me around. “What are you talking about?” I asked. I had no idea why they were suddenly marching me toward the ocean. We’d been heading toward the dunes. “My gosh, Mom!! Are you blind?” Maddy laughed. “There’s a couple making out over there and you keep shining the red dot right on them.” “Yeah, and you’re yelling ‘that one over there’ right at them! “Didn’t you see them looking at us, Mom?” Sky said in between spurts of laughter. Suddenly I felt like I was in one of those TV shows where the cop shines his flashlight into a car on “Lovers Lane”…and the smooching couple’s all like, “Yeah, we’re just enjoying the view.” After my own laughing fit subsided I waded back to our little boardwalk— no way was I chancing coming face-to-face with Romeo and Juliet. *Editor’s Note: Jennie Montgomery is on medical leave so we’re repeating her column from August 2010. We wish her a speedy recovery.* JENNIE Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She’s married to Scott and they have three children: Zack, 19, Maddy, 17, and Sky, 16.
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Augusta Family | July 2012 • 9
news notes
“A perfect summer day is when the
sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing and the lawn mower is broken. ~James Dent
Photo by Karin Calloway
They’ve Got Art Broad Street Artists Row is honoring the recipients of the 2012 Art Scholarship for graduating high school seniors at an exhibition of both artists’ recent works. The exhibit at Gallery on the Row opens on First Friday, July 6, with a special reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Two $1,500 scholarships have been awarded artists Caroline Kalayjian, who attended North Augusta High School, and Carolyn Calloway, who attended Augusta Preparatory Day School. Calloway also received a national award in March for “Best Illustration” from the Parenting Media Association for an illustration that appeared in Augusta Family Magazine. “This was an exciting year to select our scholarship recipients. The applicants represented eight schools from across the CSRA with several artists from each,” says Lisa Marks, Artists Row chairman. “It is without question that overall we received portfolios from the most exceptional artists in the history of our scholarship. It was a tough decision.” Kalayjian plans to continue her arts education at Winthrop University in the fall, while Calloway will attend Gainesville State College. Artists Row offers the annual art scholarship to encourage students to pursue the arts and support student interest in careers in the arts.
Carolyn Calloway, right, of Evans, and Caroline Kalayjian, of North Augusta, are the winners of this year’s Artists Row Scholarships.
View Our On-Line Extras at www.AUGUSTAFAMILY.com
Register to Win!
Family Membership Enter for your chance to win one family membership (two adults and two children under age 18) to the Morris Museum of Art. Winners will be drawn on July 23.
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Cast Your Vote! Don’t miss your chance to vote for your favorite restauf a v o r i t e s rants, healthcare providers, children’s photographers and much more in our annual Family Favorites ballot. Cast your vote online before July 11.
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FOLLOW US ONLINE!
facebook.com/augustafamilymagazine twitter.com/AUGFamilyMag
EdVenture Tickets Enter for your chance to win one of two family four-packs of passes to EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia where you can enjoy the Blooming Butterflies exhibit until October 6. Drawing will be held July 23.
news notes
Online Education Augusta State University will begin offering the institution’s first complete online degree program for K-12 education professionals this August— the Master of Education in Educational Leadership. The program, which was previously oncampus only, provides educators with the latest technological innovations used in schools, corporations and government. The completion time for the program is 12 months. The program has two upcoming session dates. The application deadline is July 20 for the August 20 session, and September 14 for the October 15 session. Go to www.degrees.aug.edu for more information.
Where’s Waldo?
The famous fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs turns 25 this year and will be visiting 20 different local businesses through the month of July. Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, books and more. From Two Mom’s Cookies on Central Avenue to The Augusta Canal Gift Shop on Greene Street to Mema Had One on Washington Road, Waldo figures will show up in public areas of local establishments. If you’re interested in competing for prizes or just having a fun “Where’s Waldo” hunt with your children, you can pick up a “Find Waldo in Augusta” search list with the names of all the businesses. Collect 8 or more “I found Waldo at…” cards at from the location list, turn them in at The Book Tavern, 1026 Broad St., and win a Waldo button or collect 16 or more and receive and an entry for other, larger prizes to be drawn at a Waldo party on July 31. Grand prize is a complete six-volume set of Waldo books. Participation is free and the game lasts the entire month of July. Call the Book Tavern at 706-826-1940 for information.
Safe Kids Fast Fact Every year 5,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries. These injuries usually involve the hands and fingers, eyes or head and can sometimes result in amputation, blindness or even death. To ensure your child’s safety, be sure to read labels carefully and follow vital safety guidelines. Don’t let dangerous sparks stand between your family and a wonderful Fourth of July celebration. Information provided by: Safe Kids East Central, led by Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center, Rene Hopkins, RN, Coordinator, 706-721-7606. Read the full article at www.augustafamily.com.
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Augusta Family | July 2012 • 11
Fun Time!
eating well with kim by Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
Grilling the Garden Tips and Tricks To Grilling Summer Vegetables Grilled Zucchini and Tomatoes Very little seasoning is needed because grilling imparts a delicious earthy flavor to vegetables. 2 zucchini 2 tomatoes 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2-4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar Canola oil for oiling the grill grates
C
hances are you already know how to grill a burger or hot dog. So the focus here is to encourage you to try grilling vegetables. There are some basic techniques that should be employed when grilling vegetables. For starters, you need a clean grill and, to help keep these more delicate foods from sticking, the grill needs to be oiled. Oil the grill once it is hot and clean by folding a paper towel in half twice, then soak it with oil and use long-handled tongs to pick it up and rub over the grill grate. You could also use a heat-resistant brush to brush oil on the grill grates. Another technique for grilling vegetables is to use a marinade or a light coating of oil on the food itself. This will help the foods to cook and decrease sticking to the grill. Basting foods while they are on the grill will keep them from drying out, as will being careful not to overcook them. It is important to be attentive to the grill. Vegetables will need minimal cooking time over moderate high heat. Here are a few tips to help you get grill-
ing with the bountiful summer produce: • Vegetables are great for the grill and almost any vegetable can be grilled. The exceptions are vegetables with high water content (cucumbers and celery). • Some vegetables can be cooked whole (asparagus, peppers, corn). There are other vegetables you will want to slice before grilling (tomatoes, eggplant and sweet potatoes). • Grilling on a skewer is a great option for vegetables like zucchini, onions and cherry tomatoes. • A vegetable grill basket can be used to cook chopped vegetables over the grill. In fact using a grill basket is the easiest way to grill vegetables. It is my all-time favorite method and works for any vegetable. I would advise purchasing a grill basket with a removable handle if you decide to invest in one. I hope this has given you some confidence and ideas for cooking a variety of healthy foods on the grill. -Until next time: Eat Well, Live Well
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Cut the ends off the zucchini and slice in half lengthwise. If the zucchini are large you may want to cut them in ½-inch wide lengthwise slices instead of in half. Cut the tomato in half as well along the equator and use your fingers to remove the seeds (you will lose them to the grill anyway). Brush the vegetables on both sides with oil. Place the vegetables on the clean, oiled and preheated grill, cut side down. Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side. Note: The tomatoes should be grilled closer to the 3 minute mark and the zucchini can stay on the grill closer to the 5 minute mark. Remove from the grill to a platter and sprinkle with salt, pepper and vinegar. Yield: 4 servings Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 45, Fat 3.5g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 160mg, Carbohydrate 3g, Fiber 1g, Protein 1g, Phosphorus 7mg, Potassium 208mg. Percent Daily Value: 10% Vitamin A, 40% Vitamin C, 2% Iron, 2% CalciumCarbohydrate Choice: 0 Carbohydrates Diabetes Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, ½ Fat Kim Beavers is a registered dietitian and diabetes educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well With Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To join the recipe club or view additional recipes, visit www.universityhealth.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk
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doctor dad by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
Your Active Pregnancy Exercise Need Not Be Avoided During Pregnancy
A
n ancient Egyptian manuscript from 3,000 years ago claimed that Hebrew women had an easier time in childbirth than their Egyptian contemporaries. The insightful author concluded that the Hebrew women were more “hearty” than their contemporary delicate women of means. Translated, this means that the Hebrew women, who were enslaved at the time, were very physically active before and during their pregnancies and this gave them an advantage in the birthing realm. Some things don’t change and what was good for the women of old is good for the modern women with child.
An Active Pregnancy Exercise in pregnancy is a relatively new topic of debate simply because the advantage of physical activity and baby birthing was lost to cultural practices and misinformation. Both Victorian culture and prejudices mandated that a pregnant woman should take to the bed once she began showing. As recently as 50 years ago many women were told by their doctor that exercise stole precious resources from the growing fetus and the best approach was to keep physical activity to a minimum. Current research has definitively proven just the opposite. The key to healthy exercise during pregnancy is to not wait until you are pregnant to establish a regular exercise program. Women who enter into pregnancy fit and exercising can, in most cases, continue their exercise regimens with certain common sense caveats. If you have been a proud member of the couch potato club and only exercise by jumping to conclusions, then training for a marathon is not a good thing to initiate while pregnant. In fact, training for a marathon is rarely indicated anytime while pregnant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t walk, jog, Zumba, swim, aerobisize, cycle, dance, do Pilates and gen-
erally keep on the move. The mindset switch that is needed for the active mom-to-be is that you want to maintain fitness, not prepare for a competition.
Focus on the Positive Begin from the perspective of what you can do instead of your restrictions. Every new mom’s situation is unique, so don’t do anything until you discuss it with your doctor, but it is a conversation you need to have. According to the American College of Obstetricians there are a few instances where you shouldn’t exercise as follows: • Symptomatic heart disease • Restrictive lung disease (such as bad asthma) • Incompetent cervix/cerclage • Twins and triplets at risk for premature labor • Persistent second- or third-trimester bleeding • Placenta previa after 26 weeks of gestation • Premature labor during the current pregnancy • Ruptured membranes • Preeclampsia/pregnancy-induced hypertension If none of these problems exist for you, think about getting on the exercise bandwagon while preggars.
Precautions To Consider So let’s say you decide to worship at the church of aerobics and you want to be extra careful that the little bun in the oven doesn’t overcook. What do you look out for if you are exercising while pregnant? Again, the American College of Ob/Gyn has published the following guidelines. Warning Signs To Terminate Exercise While Pregnant: • Vaginal bleeding • Short of breath prior to exertion • Dizziness • Headache • Chest pain
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• Muscle weakness • Calf pain or swelling (need to rule out blood clot) • Preterm labor • Decreased fetal movement • Amniotic fluid leakage
Finding the Right Activity So what kind of exercise is best during pregnancy? The simple answer is that there is no best. Much of that depends on what you have been doing prior, or better yet, what you enjoy. I can hear you now, “I don’t enjoy any type of exercise.” It’s time for a little attitude change because it’s not just about you anymore. You see, exercise not only helps you while carrying the little bambino, but also helps the bambino. Women who exercise in pregnancy have a lower incidence of gestational diabetes, hypertension and excessive weight gain, all of which can lesson the problems for the baby. There are a few common sense guidelines to follow with exercise in pregnancy: • After the first trimester, avoid exercises lying on your back. • Start slowly and gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. • Avoid brisk exercise in hot, humid weather or if you have a fever. • Wear comfortable clothing to keep cool. • Wear a bra that is comfortable and gives lots of support. • Drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated. • Consume an appropriate diet to keep energy up. The rule of thumb for exercise in pregnancy is that it is generally good coupled with a dose of common sense. Most reputable doctors will tell you not to skydive or alligator wrestle while with child, even if an ancient Egyptian aristocrat invites you. Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two teenage daughters.
Augusta Family | July 2012 • 15
healthyfamily }
by Danielle Wong Moores
MRSA Demystified Understanding and Avoiding the Superbug
Over the past several years, community-associated MRSA has emerged in the public eye. School locker rooms and gyms have been shut down due to outbreaks of the superbug. Yet as awareness grows, so does misinformation.
What Is MRSA?
A
ugusta is buggy year-round, so when David McGee found an ant bite on his hand, he didn’t think much about it. It itched, he scratched and then it popped, just like a typical ant bite might. But instead of healing, the bite got worse, growing red and painful. Concerned, McGee visited his doctor, who prescribed antibiotics and took a culture. While he was waiting for the results, the bite continued to grow worse and worse, until one morning he woke up to find his entire hand and half his arm swollen. The bite had become infected with communityassociated MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacterial infection that is resistant to certain classes of antibiotics and can become serious if left untreated. McGee underwent surgery at Doctors Hospital to remove the affected area—a section two inches long, a half-inch wide and nearly a half-inch deep—and was also placed on IV antibiotics. Now, a month later, his hand is nearly healed, but he says, “I’ve never had it before and I don’t want it again.”
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As it turns out, MRSA actually refers to two different strains of antibioticresistant bacteria. Hospital-acquired MRSA was first identified in the ’60s, soon after the advent of penicillin. Staph (the “S” of MRSA) became resistant to this family of antibiotics, and thus MRSA was born. This type of MRSA can cause serious systemic bloodstream infections that can be life-threatening, but it is primarily acquired within a hospital setting such as an ICU where patients are receiving high doses of antibiotics. Community-associated MRSA first came on the scene in 2003—a new strain of the same bug that began showing up in people who had no connection to hospital settings. The infection is most often found in gyms, locker rooms, daycare centers, schools—anywhere large groups of people congregate and share items. And while the infection can be serious if untreated, it is not typically considered lifethreatening. In fact, according to Dr. Jim Wilde, an emergency room physician at Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center with additional training in infectious disease, CA-MRSA is currently fairly treatable with the right class of antibiotics. “Community-associated MRSA has very low invasiveness. It doesn’t tend to cause bloodstream infections,” he says.
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Treating CA-MRSA What the infection does tend to cause is skin infections and abscesses that typically look like a spider bite. In fact, many often confuse CA-MRSA with the bite of a brown recluse spider—which ironically, doesn’t even inhabit the CSRA. The abscesses can sometimes resolve on their own by “popping” and releasing pus. “The major treatment of CA-MRSA is drainage,” says Dr. Wilde. “It’s just nature…the infection comes to a boil, it ruptures and pus will come out. In many cases, that’s all you need.” Those who are concerned should visit their physician, who can drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics, if needed. (Never lance an abscess yourself, which increases risk of infection.) Warning signs of more serious infection include an abscess that is large, with red skin tender to the touch, or an abscess that is expanding rapidly, in multiple sites or accompanied by fever. Patients with these symptoms should see a doctor immediately. “Fever is a manifestation of a systemic infection,” says Dr. Wilde. “You can get sepsis from CA-MRSA, you can get bone infections, pneumonia, even meningitis. It’s very uncommon, but those are possibilities.” Still Dr. Wilde cautions the public not to panic. “They should be concerned about it…but physicians swim in a sea of MRSA every day…and I’ve never had a MRSA infection…This is not an infection that’s easy to acquire,” says Dr. Wilde. “If you cultured me right now, I might have MRSA on my skin, but as long as you take reasonable precautions…that’s a great way to prevent MRSA infections.”
Easy Ways To Prevent CA-MRSA Those reasonable precautions come down to one thing—basic good hygiene. CA-MRSA is actually widely prevalent in the community. It’s estimated that one out of every three people carries staph bacteria on their body. CA-MRSA becomes a problem
{ healthyfamily when at-risk settings—including schools, gyms and daycare centers—don’t properly clean equipment or practice good hygiene, allowing the bacteria to populate. And if the bacteria should enter any cut or scrape to the skin (such as a bug bite or even minute scrapes too small for you to notice), it burrows and becomes a typical CA-MRSA abscess. According to Millie Schumacher, public relations director at the Family Y of Greater Augusta, she first heard of CA-MRSA in the mid-2000s while watching the news. At about the same time, an advisory came down from the national YMCA headquarters on what local facilities should do to help prevent infection. “Being a fitness center, we were conscientious about cleanliness before that, but we stepped it up,” she says. “(CA-MRSA) hasn’t been a problem for us that we’re aware of. However, we are aware that it is a concern, and it’s something we take very seriously.” The Y has dedicated staff members and volunteers whose only job is to walk throughout the facility with a checklist to ensure equipment and gym spaces are properly maintained. Locker rooms and the daycare centers are wiped down once an hour, and staff also wipes down equipment regularly. Members, too,
are encouraged to wipe equipment both before and after use. The Y uses hospital-grade disinfectant that kills 99.9 percent of bacteria. In their childcare center and after-school programs, “Cleaning is second only to safety,” says Schumacher. “Certainly with children one of the ways any type of infection is spread is through contact, so we are very conscientious in our child care areas.” That includes cleaning toys after contact with a child, cleaning changing tables and keeping work areas that also double as snack areas for children clean. It’s this type of sensible vigilance that demonstrate the basic good habits that schools, mainstream daycares, nursing homes and even home settings can establish to help prevent the spread of infections like CA-MRSA. “As a general rule, we don’t see large numbers of outbreaks… in part, because people are taking reasonable precautions,” says Dr. Wilde. “If you’re taking those precautions, you can minimize the risk.”
The Big Picture
action: overuse of antibiotics. As living organisms, bacteria adapt and change to ensure their longevity, and CA-MRSA is no exception. According to Dr. Wilde, the general public needs to better understand when it’s appropriate to use antibiotics— and when it’s not. “I urge the community not to use antibiotics against colds and flus—antibiotics are 100 percent not effective against viral infections,” says Dr. Wilde. If the public continues to demand antibiotics for viral infections and continues to drive up bacterial resistance, it’s possible in the future that CA-MRSA will have adapted and will require hospitalization and IV antibiotics to treat every single case of the infection. “The inevitable is not here yet, but it’s on the way,” says Dr. Wilde. “And that’s why we’re trying not to use antibiotics if we can avoid them—like opening up the abscess and not sending them home on antibiotics. The less you use antibiotics, the less pressure there is for the bacteria to develop resistance.”
Like hospital-acquired MRSA, the development of CA-MRSA can be traced to one simple
Danielle Wong Moores is an Augusta Freelance writer.
Q&A
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Augusta Family | July 2012 • 17
homefront }
Courtesy Family Features
Phraseology
COURTESY GETTY IMAGES
Expand Your Child’s Vocabulary This Summer
Expanding your child’s vocabulary is as easy as spending time reading, storytelling and researching with them.
W
hile a fondness for reading can come naturally, for some children, it can be difficult to get started, especially with competition from various electronics and toys. But you can encourage a love of reading and help expand your child’s vocabulary as they grow using these simple tips.
For Young Children Even very young children can begin to learn new words. Be mindful of talking to them and teaching
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them the names of objects you encounter each day. Whether you’re running errands, or making dinner, explain to them what you’re doing and they’re sure to pick up on new vocabulary words. Read often. Simply the act of reading to your child on a regular basis—such as prior to bedtime— can really help to encourage a fondness for reading, as well as improve their vocabulary. Don’t be afraid to stop and explain difficult words to them. Keep your child engaged by asking them to describe different words as you go along. Draw and describe. Ask your child to draw a
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photo of events that happened throughout their day and to describe each part of the picture. Even very young children will be able to put together a narrative of their daily activities. Storytelling will challenge them to remember the names of certain objects, people and places. Engage on the go. When you’re out running errands, ask your child to describe different objects they can see from the car, such as people, animals, buildings, parks, etc. In this way, you can help them recognize colors, as well as build upon their vocabulary.
{ homefront For Older Children Once your child is learning their letters and beginning to read full sentences, you can really begin to encourage their vocabulary. Label it. As your child begins to learn to read on their own you can look to items around the house to help support their education. Use index cards or sticky notes to label household items such as “bath tub,” “door” and “floor.” Make it fun. One great way to encourage reading is to get your child involved in vocabulary building and letter recognition. Give your child vocabulary games such as flash cards and word searches that will help further encourage your child to read. Find activities and ideas via Kidsville News, which offers a new word search at www.kidsvillenews.com each month. Visit the library. Enroll your child in a reading program at your local library. Make sure they are exposed to new books, which will help them continue to develop an extensive vocabulary. Research books. To make sure you know what your child is reading, look to sites that offer suggested book listings for children of various ages such as www. ReadKiddoRead.com and www.teachersfirst.com. Ask for a story. Just as a drawing can help encourage your child to build storytelling abilities so, too, can writing their very own stories. Start by asking them to write a few sentences about their favorite pet, a neighbor or a family member. You can also encourage them to write letters to grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends as well. For more educational activities and book recommendations to help expand your child’s vocabulary, check out “Kidsville News!” in your area or online at www.kidsvillenews.com.
Sneak Learning Into Summer Fun Want to keep the learning momentum going over the summer? Patti Ghezzi came up with 13 ways to sneak learning into summer fun for her article at www.pbs.org. Here are some of Ghezzi’s suggestions: 1. Try simple science experiments. 2. Create a family newsletter. 3. Find a pen pal. 4. Make up silly stories. 5. Record your own audiobooks. 6. Create your own book series. 7. Experiment with different art media. 8. Play restaurant. 9. Use word magnets to make sentences. 10. Do laundry together. 11. Study a foreign language. 12. Make a reading scrapbook. 13. Do jigsaw puzzles together. Read Ghezzi’s complete article at http://www.pbs.org/parents/ summer/13-ways-to-sneak-learning-into-summer-fun/
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Arts and Sports!
Do You Stereotype Your Kids When It Comes To Pursuing Their Interests? by Monica Dutcher • Illustration By Miles Anderson
I
t’s quite possible that no one has ever desired the glitz and glamour of the spotlight more than Lucy Ricardo, the feisty red-headed star of the “I Love Lucy” sitcom. She would do just about anything to steal a moment on the stage or Hollywood movie set. In one particular episode, the classic “Enchanted Forest,” Lucy even imposes her thirst for the big lights on her son, Little Ricky. When she finds out that one of his classmates is too overwhelmed to play the lead in the school play and that the teacher had suggested Little Ricky for the part, Lucy immediately calls the school, enthusiastically assuring that her son would be delighted to be the lead only for her to get off the phone and hear Little Ricky ask: “Mommy, what’s a lead?” From this episode, parents can actually take away two pointers to consider as their child progresses more and more toward self-identification. The first is perhaps more obvious and that is to avoid living vicariously through your child, or pushing him or her into an activity simply because you enjoy it or hoped you could’ve had more success in it. The second point is related, but reflects a more complex aspect of childhood development: gender role association. Parents want their children to assimilate smoothly into society, exhibiting male or female behaviors in accordance with cultural expectations. However, a degree of gender role crossover is natural and not a cause for parental micromanagement. Obviously, much has changed since the 1950s, when “I Love Lucy” was popular—but parents are still parents. Lucy had no shame in wanting her son to take to the stage not only because she personally adored show business but also because it was highly “fashionable” at the time. To be a leading man meant you were that much closer to embodying the debonair, strong and dashing characteristics of the revered Clark Gable. But would Lucy have been so quick to suggest, for example, a profession such as nursing? Would parents of 2012 be inclined to suggest acting to their sons, in an era where traditional theater and dance have perhaps become more feminized?
Gender Roles in 2012 “The stand (parents should take) is always,
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Gender Challenges for Girls and Boys The following tips, courtesy of www.pbs.org, can assist you in helping both your daughters and sons
‘What is in the best interest of the child?’” says Dr. Helena Rempala, who has a PhD in clinical psychology and practices in Augusta. “Gender roles are becoming less and less polarized and more fluid. A greater percentage of men, for instance, are staying at home or are going into caring professions, such as nursing—and they are very successful in these roles. The point is to not focus on the gender issue but rather the issues of self-esteem, socialization, friendship and love.” This can sometimes pose a challenge when products for young children are still marketed in a very black-and-white manner. A recent study in the psychology research journal Sex Roles found that 31 percent of “girl” toys, such as plastic makeup and princess dresses, are marketed toward appearance, while 46 percent of “boy” toys, such as chemistry sets and sports equipment, appeal to personality traits and activities. The researchers concluded that these gender-biased toys teach children to define a girl based on her image and a boy based on his actions. The same study shows that children begin to understand gender roles as young as 2½ years old. “The real trick to reducing gender stereotypes in your own family is to relax and allow your child to lead,” writes Jae Curtis in the article Guys and Dolls: Reducing Gender Stereotypes in Your Home. “Expose your child to a range of toys, activities and interests and (he or she will) create her own path, fostered by your fantastic parenting skills” (www.education.com). In other words, don’t become excessively concerned with whether your child’s interests and strengths coincide with the socially defined gender roles of the moment. “Often times it’s not the child with the gender identity issue, but the parents (who think there is a gender identity issue),” states Dr. Rempala. “Sometimes the child uses gender identity to assert his or her independence and parents become saddened that the child may face a lot of hurdles in life. But avoid the power struggle and approach it (the behavior) as a process.” This approach will help children not only
fulfill their own unique potential but also see the world as more accessible, as a place offering opportunities beyond what they would find if they were rigidly molded. Drs. Kathleen Moritz Rudasill and Carolyn M. Callahan with the National Association of Gifted Children emphasize this point in their article Gender Stereotypes and Parenting when they cite a study showing that children who have androgynous (combining male and female characteristics) views of careers are more likely to select careers that fit their likes and dislikes, rather than stereotypes of what is appropriate for men and women. “As parents who want happy children who will one day become successful, satisfied adults, we should remind our children that they can be whoever they want to be,” say Drs. Rudasill and Callahan. “We should seek out examples of people who defy gender stereotypes. Take your children to a female doctor with a male nurse. Introduce your children to a female architect or engineer” (www.education.com).
“The real trick to reducing gender stereotypes in your own family is to relax and allow your child to lead,” —Jae Curtis
Gender Bullying Unfortunately, the big white elephant sitting among all this positive affirmation and the generational attitude that “boys can do what girls do and girls can do what boys do” is the fact that gender bullying is at large in our schools. Over the past few years, the media has reported several stories in which students were ridiculed for being too masculine or too feminine. “The gender identity issue is entwined with problems like bullying, both at school and on Facebook,” says Dr. Rempala. If your child is being targeted, she suggests switching schools, discontinuing Facebook and/or helping the child expand his or her peer groups across a variety of non-school related environments. Still, the point is to not tear down or change the child but to be attentive of their needs during this process. Monica Dutcher is an Aiken freelance writer and editor who loves to read.
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navigate their worlds.
For Your Daughters In this image-obsessed era, it’s important to emphasize that it’s more important for your daughter to value who she is than how she looks.
• Encourage her to solve issues on her own. When parents take over, girls don’t develop the coping skills they need to handle situations on their own. Ask your daughter to consider three strategies she might use to deal with a situation, and then ask her about the possible outcomes.
• Encourage her to take physical risks. Even non-athletic girls need to develop some physical competence. Whether it’s through team or individual sports, girls need to form a relationship with their body that builds confidence.
• Help her process the messages in the media. Help her avoid the appearance-craze that often dominates the media. By helping your daughter process the messages she sees, you can prepare her to better resist the media’s pervasive stereotypes.
For Your Sons
• Challenge the myth of the tough guy. While respecting that this image is important to boys, experts recommend exposing boys to other kinds of role models and values, like community service. Help boys understand that a man should be a person who understands himself and others, who cares for his family emotionally and financially.
• Show boys it’s OK to feel your feelings. Explain that developing their emotions will allow them to be well-rounded and more mature, preparing them to better raise a family and keep a job in the future.
• Support boys who don’t fit in. Classmates are tougher on boys who don’t share traditional boy interests than they are on girls who don’t share traditional girl interests. Acknowledge and value your son’s interests without criticism, and discuss any fears he may have of acceptance (All sidebar information courtesy of www.pbs.org).
Augusta Family | July 2012 • 23
Ages, Stages and After-School Activities by Lucy Adams
P
icture this: Your gas gauge on the dashboard drops to E and the low fuel light comes on. Without adding more fuel, you will soon find yourself on the side of the road, limping to the nearest convenience store in your high heels, doing irreparable damage to them. So to avoid that unwelcome scenario, you pull into the next gas station and begin filling your car’s tank. Click. The tension on the nozzle’s lever releases, indicating that the tank is full. But you decide to top off the tank, to add a little more gas, just to make sure it’s enough. The next thing you know, gasoline pours down the side of your car and onto those high heels, ruining them anyway. My point: Too little gas in the tank or too much, either way, could ruin a good pair of shoes, but enough will get you where you need to go. The same concept is true of after-school activities and kids. Just enough will get a child where he needs to go.
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The Elementary School Child The elementary school child has work to do in several areas of development. Physically, emotionally and socially he or she grows a little each day. Deborah Gilboa, M.D., who answers parents’ questions on her site www. askdoctorg.com and is the scheduled keynote speaker for Parent Palooza in Atlanta in November, provides professional insight about children’s behavior and development so that parents can base their decisions on a solid, factual foundation. She advises parents to keep in mind that in the elementary years, improving gross motor skills like riding a bike, jumping rope and catching a ball is just as important as building vocabulary. Understanding group dynamics and how to lead or follow are just as critical to development as acquiring the ability to accept and navigate differences of opinion. After-school activities offer an arena in which to accomplish these developmental tasks. “This is an opportunity to let kids climb one rung higher on the independence ladder from wherever they are,” says Dr. Gilboa, who also notes the elementary years as prime for the
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development of autonomy. Children’s activities begin to break away from the need for Mom and Dad to stick around and observe. Choosing activities, however, can prove challenging. Kids and parents don’t always see eye-to-eye, and just like adults have agendas, so do children. “Parenting is giving choices within limits.” Parents decide what values they want to focus
parental pressures and peer pressures. Dr. Bunin tells parents and kids, “Make sure the activity relates to who (the child is), something they’re really interested in, not just something for a resume.” While during elementary school, the child may have been pushed by the parent to participate in particular activities that met parental objectives for the
The High School Student Extracurricular opportunities take on a whole new flavor for high-schoolers. High school students have thankfully advanced past the turbulent middleschool years, but they continue to work at solidifying their personal identity. “They’re still trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in and what their
After-school activities offer an arena in which to accomplish developmental tasks. “This is an opportunity to let kids climb one rung higher on the independence ladder from wherever they are,” says Dr. Deborah Gilboa, who answers parenting questions at www.askdoctorg.com and is keynote speaker for Parent Palooza in Atlanta this November. on—increasing physical fitness, improving interpersonal interaction, further development of a child’s natural ability in a discipline—then provide a selection of various activities that reinforce those values.” Dr. Gilboa recommends a maximum of two after-school activities for the elementary aged child. “Try to have more days free per week than committed,” she says. Unstructured time contributes to healthy development as significantly as an activity that promotes successful accomplishment of developmental goals.
The Middle School Child The middle school years are a time of rapid and sometimes unnerving physical, social and emotional change. This unique period of growth can feel like a roller coaster for parent and child. In these transitional, tumultuous years, the middle school student’s primary developmental task, according to Cindy Bunin, Ed.D., author of Parenting Unplugged, “is to create a stable identity so they can become productive adults.” While working at this developmental job, middle-schoolers find themselves bookended by
child, it’s important now for the parent to accept the child for who she is and support her pursuit of activities that reflect who she is becoming. “Don’t use after-school activities to try to change your child,” says Dr. Bunin. Help your children understand that whatever activity they choose, they are making a commitment to themselves and others. Through this process, middle-schoolers hone their capacity to take responsibility for their own actions and for the interests of the group. According to Dr. Bunin, parents of middleschoolers should require them to participate in at least one after-school activity per week. Naturally, some children may have good time-management skills and, thus, the inclination to handle more. Middle-schoolers, however, predominantly enjoy the social aspect of clubs and teams and generally lack the ability to foresee an overload of activities. It is the parents’ role to assist and guide a child toward better time management and to watch for signs of stress, such as agitation, emotionally shutting down, slipping grades or a change in sleep patterns. “An overstressed child is not enjoying the after-school activities,” says Dr. Bunin
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niche is,” says Finnerty. While after-school programs for elementary children are adult-directed and provide an overview of skills, as children progress through the middleschool years to high school, responsibility for leadership transfers from adults to the children. Not only does the gamut of extracurricular selections broaden at the high school level, each activity becomes more specialized to serve specific skill sets. For example, the child who sang in the chorus in elementary school, then in the ensemble in middle school, now has the chance to focus on singing duets or quartets or in school musicals, and so forth. At the same time, the criteria for eligibility tighten. Gone are the days of Mom and Dad signing up a child and paying the fee. In high school, most extracurricular activities have a minimum set of standards students must meet to even be considered. Often, once those standards are met, students must compete against their peers for limited slots. All of that said, after-school activities benefit adolescents in a variety of ways. “The major benefit is that they give them something to do with their time,” says Sheron Finnerty, a Thomson High School
Augusta Family | July 2012 • 25
guidance counselor who works with 10th and 12th graders. Though some parents may be tempted to downplay extracurricular activities, encouraging their child instead to maximize free time to focus on grades, Finnerty, who has worked with numerous high-schoolers over the past decades, notes, “Just because they have a lot of time on their hands doesn’t mean they will use it well.” In fact, having limited windows of time in which to complete homework, hang out with friends, eat, shower and other miscellaneous tasks improves teenagers’ time-management skills. Colleges and some employers look for wellrounded students. Those who involve themselves in a variety of things and still keep up their grades hone their talents and interests, while also learning about opportunity costs, what their strengths and weaknesses are, how to handle disappointment and to make wise choices. They develop the skills necessary to succeed at the next stage in life. Finnerty advises high school students to participate in at least one or two after-school activities. Teenagers who have no interest in joining school clubs or playing team
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sports can involve themselves in community volunteerism, church groups or after-school employment. High school students, however, like middle school students, also run the risk of saddling themselves with too many obligations. These are the final four years before “real life” starts and as time ticks away, some begin to feel panicked, says Finnerty. They sort of say to themselves, “If I’m ever going to do such and such, I better do it now.” Or they fear their high school transcript will look slim to colleges. When kids start packing on the commitments and burning the candle at both ends, parents need to step in and provide some perspective.
Fit in Some Family Time Finnerty stresses the importance of compromise and echoes the sentiments of Dr. Gilboa and Dr. Bunin when she points out that the risk of over-booking the family is an aspect of afterschool activities that people often forget. Until children can drive, any after-school endeavor requires an investment of time and resources from
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one or more family members. Dr. Karen Foushee, pediatrician and managing partner of Pediatric Partners of Augusta, suggests that parents consider the importance of family activities when deciding in what and how much kids will participate. This includes making sure the family gathers together for meals several times each week. She’s adamant that “it doesn’t have to be organized activity all the time,” and that parents guard against allowing any one activity to exclude exposure to a sampling of others, especially for younger children. Proper balance takes patience and perseverance. It requires a willingness to allow a child to grow and change and vigilant guidance as her independence and autonomy increases. A kid’s tank can’t run on empty, but everything’s a mess when it overflows. Enough, just enough, though, will get a kid where he needs to go. Lucy Adams is the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson, Ga., with her husband and their four children.
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timeout }
by Lucy Adams
You Drive Me Crazy Get a Grip on Your Anger Behind the Wheel
Illustration by Michael Rushbrooke
expressing anger. “But people feel very secure in a car,” he says. This explains why someone, perhaps you, who normally would not behave aggressively may do so when behind the steering wheel of a car. Hostile or antagonistic driving includes things like tailgating, braking abruptly and cutting off another driver. Thomas Crafton, senior trooper and safety education coordinator with the Georgia State Patrol, says, “Road rage is when a person uses a vehicle as a weapon with intent to do harm. It’s a physical assault on a person, as a result of a traffic incident.” Both aggressive driving and road rage can lead to a traffic ticket or worse. If an accident occurs in the course of aggressive driving and an injury or death results, a driver risks very serious charges of aggravated assault or homicide by vehicle.
Causes of Road Rage
“Okay, lady. Which way are you going? Right or left? Make up your mind,” I grouse at the indecisive driver in front of me. Sitting in the line of cars at the next traffic light, I grumble, “It’s green. Somebody go!” As we finally wait to make the left turn into the baseball park for my 12-year-old son’s game, he barks, “Would everybody get out of the way!” I turn to him, struck by the intensity in his command, and ask, “Why are you so mad?” “We’re in a hurry,” he replies. I explain that, no, we have plenty of time; he doesn’t need to worry. Confusion clouds his face. He asks, “Why were you fussing at everybody then?” I realize that he is taking cues from me. I maligned every driver between our house and the baseball park without really thinking I was doing any
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harm. The other drivers couldn’t hear me. But my son did.
Defining Road Rage For 35 years, Timothy Dimoff, CEO and president of SACS Consulting and Investigative Services, Inc., has studied aggressive behavior. In his book Life Rage, he explores how aggressive behavior has permeated all aspects of our daily lives, including the benign tasks of commuting to work and driving carpool. Road rage, which he defines as “aggressive behavior of one driver against another driver,” is unique because of the psychology and physical element of it. When people are physically close to each other, they are far more guarded about
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According to Crafton, road rage incidents can begin with a simple misunderstanding. One driver makes an error, such as failing to indicate a turn, driving too slowly in the fast lane or making a poor maneuver, and another driver overreacts. Aggressive driving can also be a direct reaction to another driver intentionally making unsafe decisions that could potentially cause an accident. The victim, explains Dimoff, decides to “teach the offender a lesson” or “get back at him.” It becomes a tit-for-tat situation that will likely not end well. “You’re endangering other people when you’re going back and forth with another driver,” warns Dimoff. Frustrations unrelated to what’s happening on the road can also lead to aggressive driving. “Road rage can happen when someone has ongoing issues that have built up,” says Dimoff. Crafton agrees, noting that work, family and daily life stressors can sensitize a person to traffic issues beyond his control, such as traffic congestion or delays or orange barrels narrowing the lane, and light a fuse primed to burn.
{ timeout Responding to Aggressive Driving Most drivers, even when highly perturbed, don’t resort to vehicular battling. So it may be tempting to dismiss yelling at other drivers or displaying unfriendly hand gestures as harmless. Think again. First of all, little eyes and ears in the backseat are also getting a taste of Mom’s or Dad’s temper. “Kids mimic what they see, not what they’re told,” says Dimoff. They’re learning firsthand how to handle irritation. Not just that, they’re learning driving techniques for when they’re behind the wheel. Second, the physiological response to increased stress may damage the body. Dimoff warns that aggressive drivers can experience a rise in blood pressure and heart rate as well as headaches and nausea. Third, yelling, crude hand gestures, tailgating and/or cutting off an annoying driver may elicit a heightened, more aggressive response from the target, putting you and your family in peril. If you become agitated while driving, calm down before things go too far. “When another driver cuts you off, how you react will determine what happens next,” says Crafton. “Attitude is the most important function in driving. Adjust your attitude. Forget winning and put yourself in the other driver’s shoes.” Dimoff suggests slowing your speed and getting away from the driver frustrating you. Taking 10 deep breaths or turning on the radio can also help. Another strategy is to pull over in a safe place and get out and walk around. “Break the mold of what you’re doing,” advises Dimoff. Gain some perspective. Glance in the rearview mirror at the faces of your children. They’re counting on you to get them from point A to point B without incident. If you feel threatened by an angry, aggressive driver, stay calm. Crafton says, “Steer clear, avoid eye contact and call for help (*GSP,* 477 or 911). Drive to a public place (Police, Fire or McDonalds). DON’T GO HOME!” Diffuse the situation without engaging the aggressor. Slow down, speed up, exit the highway or turn off of the road. Usually, the anger deescalates when the drivers separate.
Teach Your Children Well It is especially important to set a good example and engage in defensive driving discussions with teenagers. Talk out various driving scenarios with them and effective ways to manage those situations. Talk about aggressive driving, what it is and the range of consequences, from established parental punishments to fender benders to serious accidents. Of course, driver education starts when children are watching Mom and Dad from the backseat. Parents who white-knuckle the steering wheel, growl at other drivers and tailgate relentlessly teach their kids to use a car as a tool for expressing emotion. Furthermore, says Dimoff, “It’s teaching them that when dealing with confrontation in life, aggression is the way to go.” So the next time the lady in front of me indecisively straddles two lanes, I think I’ll strike up a conversation with my son about his baseball game instead of berating the other driver. Lucy Adams is a freelance writer and the author of If Mama Don’t Laugh, It Ain’t Funny. She lives with her husband and four children in Thomson, Ga. Email Lucy at lucybgoosey@aol.com and visit her Web site, www.IfMama.com.
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Augusta Family | July 2012 • 29
inspirationstation}
by Cammie Jones
Music Makers Appling’s Own Original Family Band
Photo by cammie jones
a performer if you see the people in the audience having fun and clapping along with the music,” he adds. Another benefit is seeing the little children enjoying it and, hopefully, it encourages them to try to play an instrument. Both Timothy and Brittany attend Augusta State University. Timothy is a music education major and is the principal second in the ASU Orchestra. He also has his own studio and teaches violin, guitar, fiddle, viola and voice lessons. As a teacher, his goal is to bring out the musician in each student. “I believe even if you have a little bit of talent, it can be developed,” he says. Brittany is an education major and music minor at ASU and operates her own studio in Evans where she teaches piano and voice lessons. “I love kids getting excited about learning and having fun making music,” she says.
Brittany, 22 (from left), Daniel, 6, Bethany, 12, Timothy, 20, and Victoria, 9, Kelley, of Appling, perform together as the Kelley Family Band.
M
eeting with the Kelley family is like taking a step back in time. Ranging in age from 6 to 22, these talented siblings know how to play a multitude of instruments from the violin and piano to the fiddle and mandolin. There is no television at home—they entertain themselves with their music. Jam sessions after supper are a frequent activity at the Kelley home. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you will. The Kelley Family Band is getting out there and they live just down the road in Appling.
Making the Band The Kelley Family Band consists of Brittany, 22, Timothy, 20, Bethany, 12, Victoria, 9, and Daniel, 6. They have been performing for the public together for more than five years, but their love of music started before that.
30 • Augusta Family | July 2012
Their parents, Tim and Donna Kelley, both pursue music as a hobby. Donna, a former teacher who homeschools the younger children and acts as the band’s booking agent and manager, and Tim, a software engineer, shared their love of music with their children. “My husband and I would play at nursing homes and the children grew up hearing us play there and practicing,” says Donna, who plays the guitar. Tim plays the guitar and banjo and often joins the children on stage. “We never figured we would have a band, but they would just start playing with us and it grew from there.” Timothy, 20, says the purpose of the band is two-fold. “We are trying to express and spread joy as entertainment and as the message that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world. We want people to remember that and be uplifted by our music.” He says that with all the difficult things people go through in their lives, it is nice to be able to allow them to forget their problems for a while. “It means a lot as
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Collaboration and Collective Talent Playing both gospel and bluegrass music, the band performs at festivals, church functions and even funerals and weddings. The band plays on average every other week. “We have been able to visit places we never would have gone to and we have met some great people along the way,” says Donna. They are also going to begin a 30-minute radio program out of Thomson in the near future and they have a family CD coming out as well. When asked what they like most about performing together, Bethany says the best thing is being able to play for the Lord and spending time with the family. Victoria agrees and 6-year-old Daniel shyly adds that he likes the food at the churches and festivals too. Timothy says he most enjoys the bond and relationships they make while they are playing. “I believe God gives everyone talents in certain areas and it is our responsibility to give this gift back to Him,” he says. Rick Busby, minister of music at Second Baptist Church in Thomson and professional vocal coach and consultant in Augusta, recently met the Kelleys and has been helping them with private vocal les-
{ inspirationstation “The smiles and the joy of expressing themselves through music is seen each and every time they sing. They are a tremendous blessing to everyone who sees and hears them in person.” —Rick Busby
sons. He says they are incredible singers and musicians to work with. “As I have watched the Kelleys in our vocal sessions and then live in concert, I am amazed at how they are able to capture the attention of the audience with solid entertainment numbers accompanied by various musical instruments on an upbeat, toe-tapping number and yet be able to touch on the hearts of people with a slower, more heartfelt songs,” he says.
Family Band, Family Fun It is plain to see that the Kelley kids really like each other and enjoy playing music together. Starting
around age 4 with violin and after that piano, the band is comfortable with their instruments. The banter between them is lively and fun, and the mutual respect among them is quite evident. In fact, Timothy says that when they are playing live he can just look over at one of his sisters and they know what he wants them to do next or where he is going with the song. But performing does include a commitment to practice. “They practice every day, not necessarily as a band, but at least alone,” says Donna. While the drawbacks of their family band are few, setting up and taking down the equipment is one of the more daunting tasks for the family, according to the children. And Donna is quick to
point out how difficult it can be to get eight people dressed and out the door on time. However, those are just minor drawbacks and the children all agree that the benefits of performing together go far beyond making up for the minor drawbacks. “The smiles and the joy of expressing themselves through music is seen each and every time they sing,” says Busby. “They are a tremendous blessing to everyone who sees and hears them in person.” For more information about the Kelley Family Band, go to www.kelleymusicstudio.com. Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Don’t Miss Out! Our BIGGEST issue of the year.
August 2012 Back To School Issue. Make sure CSRA parents know about your programs and services for the fall. AD Close: July 10, 2012 For more information, call 706-823-3702. www.augustafamily.com Like us on facebook! www.facebook.com/augustafamilymagazine
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calendar July 2012
Special Events Through October 6. Blooming Butterflies. Come explore the world of the butterfly at EdVenture’s living exhibit. More than 20 species of butterflies native to the Southeast. Check out the Bloom Room and observe chrysalises and emerging butterflies. The exhibit is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. www.edventure.org. July 4. Downtown Augusta July 4 Celebration. Food, face painting, handcrafted merchandise and more. Fireworks after dark. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Riverwalk. July 4. Columbia County Independence Day Celebration. Columbia County’s largest event features games, food and craft vendors, live entertainment and fireworks. Patriot’s Park. Begins at 4 p.m. Grovetown. (866) 391-7677.
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July 7 & 21. Movies on the Lawn. Free family movie at Hickory Knob State Park, 1591 Resort Dr., McCormick, S.C. Call 864-391-5380. July 7, 14, 21, 28. Boyd Pond Park. Come and see the observatory and enjoy the view. Free programs are held each Saturday at dusk, weather permitting. 373 Boyd Pond Rd. Aiken. www.boydobservatory.org. 803642-7559. July 7, 14, 21, 28. DuPont Planetarium Shows. In My Backyard, 8 p.m. Digistar Laser Fantasy, 9 p.m. Go to www.usea.edu/rpsec/ planetarium. July 9. Tomato Festival. Aiken County Farmers Market. 803-293-2214. July 11, 18 & 25. Family Movie Matinees.
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Jabez Hardin Theatre, Evans Branch Library. July 15-20. Camp To Be Independent. Presented by the Walton Foundation for Independence, this five-day, overnight camp provides a safe and enriching camp experience for children and young adults ages 8 to 21 with an acquired traumatic brain injury. The camp is offered free thanks to community support. Go to www.wrh.org/CampTBI for more information. July 20-22. Augusta Southern Nationals. Enjoy a weekend of Thunder on the River drag boat races. Proceeds benefit the local chapter of the Georgia Special Olympics. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Riverwalk downtown. www.augustasouthernnationals.org. July 26. Bike Nite. Snow-Cap Drive In. 803279-4004.
calendar
Celebrate Independence Day
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You have your choice of Independence Day celebrations this year, each of which promises to entertain the entire family with plenty of food, games, craft vendors and, of course, spectacular fireworks. Whether you take the family to Patriots Park for one of Columbia County’s biggest events or join the fun downtown on Riverwalk, you’re sure to enjoy the patriotism of the occasion. Both events begin at 4 p.m.
July 28. Columbia County Back-to-School Festival. Getting ready for school can be hectic. Get some help to smooth the transition at this event sponsored by University Health Care System. This free event is a one-stop resource for: Immunization information, information on before and after-school programs, Columbia County school calendars and bus schedules, college education planning and drug, alcohol and safety awareness tips. Fun activities for the kids are also planned. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Evans Middle School, 4785 Hereford Farm Rd. For more information, contact Keela Colombraro at 706-312-7192 or kcolombraro@columbiacountyga.gov. Museum and Science Events Augusta Museum of History 560 Reynolds St., 706-722-8454.
www.augustamuseum.org. Regular hours: Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. July 1-7. Special Fourth of July Week Hours. To celebrate the Fourth of July, the Museum will be open the entire week of July 4th. July 7. Voices of the Past—A Petersburg Boat Pilot. 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Free with Museum admission. July 8. Tangled Threads. Quilting demonstrations. 1-4 p.m. July 11. Brown Bag History Talk: “Titleholders Tournament and the Beginning of the LPGA” by Bill Bottomley. 12:30-1:30 p.m. July 21. Voices of the Past—The Other Tub-
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mans. Noon, 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Free with Museum Admission. Reed Creek Park and Wetlands Interpretive Center 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027. All children must be accompanied by an adult. July 11 & 25. Nurturing Nature Walks. Ages 3-5. Bring your little ones to explore nature through their senses. Enjoy an outdoor walk and an indoor craft. Let’s nurture young people’s curiosity of the natural world. 9:30-10:30 a.m. July 12. Simply Science. Collect creek clay and create your own miniature volcano. See if your tiny soil dam holds water better than others. This is a program to explore handson (and really messy) science. Ages 5 and up. 10-11:30 a.m.
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calendar July 20. Skulls and Scat. Ever wonder what animal left droppings or paw prints in your backyard? Learn to identify animal species based on their tracks, skulls and scat (droppings). 4:30-5:30 p.m. July 26. Pond Exploration. With dip nets in hand, children will explore and learn about what critters live in the Reed Creek pond. Be prepared to get wet and muddy. Ages 5 and up. 10-11 a.m. July 28. Outdoor Movie Night at Reed Creek Park. Head to Reed Creek Park with your blankets, low beach chairs and snacks to watch A Bug’s Life on the big screen. The movie begins at dusk (approximately 8:15 p.m.). Come early and stake your ground and enjoy a pre-movie dance contest. Call for more information. The Arts, Music and More July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29. Candlelight Jazz Series. Looking for something to do on Sundays? Come relax on the banks of the Savannah River with live jazz performances. Bring your candles, picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs to the banks of the Savannah River to enjoy a live jazz performance. 8 p.m. at the 8th Street Bulkhead. Go to www.gardencityjazz.com for performance lineup of artist. 706-821-1754. July 6, 13, 20 & 27. Amateur Series. A summer-long showcase of local amateur talent that continues every Friday through August and concludes with a finale on September 8. Bring the family and enjoy an evening of free entertainment. 7 p.m. at the Columbia County Amphitheater behind the Evans Library. Call 706-868-3349.
Saturday matinee, 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. URS Center for the Performing Arts. 803-648-1438. July 19. Charlie Daniels & Travis Tritt Concert. 5 p.m. Lady Antebellum Pavilion, Evans Town Center Park. 706-312-7192 or www.evanstownecenterpark.com. Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org. July 6. Films on Friday. High Noon (1952). Bring a lunch and watch Fred Zinnemann’s post-war classic starring Academy Award winners Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. After viewing the film, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Noon.
July 23-27. Summer Camp: Drawing Jam! With Jay Jacobs. Camp will be held at Augusta Preparatory Day School. RSVP by calling 706-828-3967. Musical Theatre Workshops and Footnotes Dance Academy 3833 Martinez Blvd., Martinez (in front of the Martinez Post Office). Contact Mickey Lubeck, director, at 706-231-1759, musicaltheatredirector@gmail. com. www.onwiththeshow.biz. Ongoing. Multiple studios for classes in acting, voice and dance. Visit their Web site for current class offerings. Sports
July 8. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Wild Wild Westival. Learn roping tricks, hear cowboy stories and music, sample chuck wagon cuisine and create down-home crafts during a family celebration of everything Western. Free event. Noon-4 p.m.
July 30. ProXtreme Soccer Cup. Features World Cup and MLS player Clint Mathis. www. go-scbulls.com.
July 12. What’s in the Box?: Native American Tales. Learn about the Hopi Indians and weave a Native American handicraft with materials from the box. Registration required. 10-11 a.m.
Augusta GreenJackets All games at 7:05 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. www.GreenJacketsbaseball.com
July 13. Art at Lunch: The Reel West. Jim Dunham, director of special programs at the Booth Western Art Museum, discusses his 30-year career working in the Western entertainment business, teaching movie stars how to handle guns on the big screen. Noon. Lunch by Honey From the Rock Café. Paid reservations due July 11.
July 3. vs. Savannah 5:35 p.m. July 12-15. vs. Hagerstown July 1. vs. Savannah 5:35 p.m. July 2-3. vs. Savannah July 10-13. vs. Greenville July 15. vs. West Virginia 5:35 p.m. July 16-17. vs. West Virginia July 22-28. vs. Hickory July 29. vs. Hickory 5:35 p.m.
July 15. Music at the Morris: Jim McGaw. Jim McGaw plays traditional American folk music, jazz standards and original songs on a hammer dulcimer and guitar. Free event. 2 p.m.
July 13. Beach/Shag Music Night. Concert featuring the Drifters, Swinging Medallions and the Tams. Lady Antebellum Pavilion. 7 p.m. 706-312-7192. evanstownecenterpark.com.
July 16-20. Summer Camp: Hands-On Art at Episcopal Day School. RSVP by calling 706828-3967.
July 13-14; 20-21. Great American Trailer Park Musical. There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres—and she’s wreaking havoc all over Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. 8 p.m.
July 19. Exhibition Opening Reception and Lecture: Strange Fruit and The Morris at Twenty. Artist Joseph Norman discusses his exhibition of lithographs drawn from the muse-
34 • Augusta Family | July 2012
um’s permanent collection. Reception follows. Free event. 6 p.m.
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Augusta-Richmond County Recreation and Parks East Augusta—May Park, 622 4th St. 706-7240505. South Augusta—Fleming Athletic Office, Daniel Street, 706-796-5047. West Augusta—Eisenhower Athletic Office, 488 Eisenhower Dr., 706-821-2801. July 30-August 10. Youth Fall Athletic Registration. Leagues: Co-ed soccer ages 5-13.
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Thunder hits Augusta July 20 through 22 as the Augusta Southern Nationals light up the Savannah River. The event kicks off Friday, July 20, with a Night of Fire at the Augusta Commons beginning at 7 p.m. Races will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22, and proceeds benefit the local chapter of the Georgia Special Olympics. Races run between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Cheerleading bantam ages 6-9, midget ages 10-12. Fall baseball and softball, ages 9-14. Flag football, ages 7-8. Bantam football, ages 9-10, 60-140-pound weight limit, over 120 LBS are ineligible to carry football. Midget football ages 11-12, 70-160-pound weight limit, over 140 LBS are ineligible to carry football. Columbia County Recreation and Parks 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. 706-863-7523 July 23-August 10. Fall Sports Registration. Baseball/softball, soccer and football. Patriots Park Office. CSRA Defensive Arts 803-221-0330 or csraDefensiveArts.com. Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8-adult. Taught by a certified Karate for Christ International instructor with 18 years of experience. Classes are held at Heights Church, behind Mi-Rancho in Clearwa-
ter, S.C., directly on the Aiken-Augusta Highway. The Family Y Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. Register at any branch or online at www.thefamilyy.org or call 706-922-9622. Family Y Day Camps. A variety of experiences for children ages 3-17. Visit the branch nearest you or www.familyy.org for a detailed list of day and resident camps. Early drop-off at 7 a.m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m. at no additional cost. July 14 & 28. Parent’s Night Out at Marshall Family Y. Entertaining evening for children ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. July 14. Parent’s Night Out at Family Y of North Augusta. Ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. July 14. Movies in the Gym/Park. Family Y
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of Aiken County. Enjoy family time together watching a family friendly movie. Free. July 21. Parent’s Night Out at the Family Y of Aiken County. Ages 2-12. 5:30-9 p.m. July 23-August 31. Youth Boot Camp at Family Y of Aiken County. One hour, high intensity class will focus on strength. Through July 26. Family Y Swim Lessons Summer Session. All ages and skill levels, ages 6 months to adult beginners. Offered at the Wilson Family Y, Family Y of Aiken County, Marshall Family Y and the Family Y of Downtown Augusta. Register at any Family Y location. July 28. Parent’s Night out for Children of Deployed Soldiers at the Marshall Family Y. 6-9:30 p.m. Ages 2-12. Free for children of deployed soldiers.
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calendar July 28. Parent’s Night Out at Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Augusta South. Ages 2-12 at the Wilson Family Y and 8 weeks to 12 years at Augusta South. 6-9:30 p.m. Parents’ Morning Out Programs Enjoy the morning out while your child plays games, does arts and crafts and more. • Augusta South Family Y Drop and Shop. Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-noon for ages 8 weeks-4 years. • North Augusta Family Y Drop and Shop Program. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. • North Augusta Family Y Mother’s Morning Out. Basic educational curriculum and rotating instruction in creative arts, swimming and sports. Monday and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon for ages 2-4. • Wilson Family Y. Ages 3-4. Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Ongoing. Tae Kwon Do. Learn self-discipline, focus and social skills. Family Y of Augusta South: Beginner classes held Tuesday/ Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Advanced classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Wilson Family Y: Beginner and advanced classes Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday at 7 p.m. Ages 5 and up. The Salvation Army Kroc Center 1833 Broad Street, Augusta. www.krocaugusta.org. 706-364-KROC or info@krocaugusta.org. Every Friday. Kroc Tots Activity Hour. Dive into the exciting world of imagination with story time, a fun craft and lots of movement. 9-10 a.m.
36 • Augusta Family | July 2012
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July 6. Kids Night Out. Parents, enjoy a night out by bringing your child, ages 2-12, to the Kroc Center. 6-10 p.m. Dinner included. Activities may include swimming, gym play, inflatables and crafts. Call for costs. July 9 & 12. Free Nutritional Education Classes. 5:30 p.m. on the 9th, 11:30 a.m. on the 12th. July 9-13. String Orchestra Camp. Ages 7-13. Designed for students who have already completed one to four years of orchestra classes. Camp will include playing strings in a full group session, sectionals and theory instruction. Lunch and playing in the aquatics area are included. Stop by the registration desk to register and inquire about costs. Call Jim Dupree at 706-364-4069 or 706-399-0935. July 13. Teen Night. Dinner and a movie. It’s hot outside! Come cool off at the Kroc Center. Eat dinner and watch a movie in the big Performing Arts Center. Movie will be age appropriate. Call for costs. 6-10 p.m. July 25. Babysitting Course. A Red Cross course designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to safely and responsibly care for children and infants. Ages 11 and up. Cost includes all materials. Lunch can be purchased at the Center. Registration required. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 27. Family Luau. Come swim and play games in the pool, see how good you are at limbo, do a little hula dancing and enjoy some tasty food. Bring your whole family down for a Hawaiian Night. Call for costs.
calendar Kroc Center Camps. Through August 17. A variety of week-long camps for ages 5-12. Bring your bathing suit, towel and tennis shoes. Lunch and snack provided. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with early drop-off beginning at 7 a.m. and late pickup until 6 p.m. for additional weekly fees. July 2-6—Too Fit To Quit. July 9-13—Christmas in July. July 16-20—Emergency Services. July 23-27—Game Show Mania. July 30-August 3—Tons of Talent. August 6-10—Everything 80s. August 13-17—Around the World. Logon their Web site for more complete details about weekly themes. Multi-week discounts available. Specialty camps for those outside of the 5-12 age group also will be offered. Art Specialty Camps. Through July 27. 9 a.m.noon, with early drop off beginning at 7 a.m. and late pickup until 6 p.m. for an additional fee. Registration includes professional instruction and all supplies. July 9-13—Drawing Explosion, ages 7-12. July 16-20—Crazy with Clay, ages 11-14. July 23-27—Art Extreme, ages 11-14. FAMILY ACTIVITIES Aiken Home School Times Playgroup 803-648-7042 or fourmckeels@yahoo.com. Thursdays. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the O’Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon. Augusta Jewish Community Center 898 Weinberger Way. 706-228-3636 or log on at augustajcc.org. Ongoing. The Mothers Circle. Free course, resources, education and events for women of other backgrounds raising Jewish children. Call for details. Sign Up for Class! The AJCC offers a wide variety of classes for children of all ages and adults, including athletics, the arts, cooking, language and more. Log on to download a complete listing. Classical Conversations Visit classicalconversations.com or e-mail Terri at classicalaugusta@yahoo.com.
A Classical Christian Community of home schoolers that meets once a week from August through April with the goal of training their children to know God and to make Him known in all areas of life. E-mail Terri for information. Homeschool Playgroup Creighton Park, next to Living History Park in North Augusta. Call 803-613-0484 or emilykohlbacher@hotmail.com. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. All welcome. Monkey Joe’s 368 Furys Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). monkeyjoes.com. First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m. PHC Weight Loss and Wellness Martinez: 706-868-5332. Augusta: 706-7966267. Aiken: 803-649-3428. Logon at www. phcweightloss.com. Student Plan Orientations. Students with parent or guardian can attend 45-minute complimentary sessions by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays between 3 and 6 p.m. Call for information. CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS AugustaAreaMommies Contact Jennifer Stanley at 706-855-0072 or phlegalesfan@att.net. A community for moms in the Augusta area offering support, friendship and fun as well as the opportunity to exchange information. The group, which is part of The Mommies Network, also provides discussion forums, an events calendar and more. Meeting are held online, at local parks, members homes (for monthly BUNCO) and on field trips. All mothers are welcome. Augusta Food Allergy Group Does your child have severe, potentially fatal food allergies. Would you like to get together with other parents who face the same chal-
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lenges? This group meets the fourth Monday of each month in Earth Fare’s community room, Furys Ferry Rd., Martinez. Free and welcome to anyone dealing with food allergies. Meetings often include special guest speakers. 6 p.m. Contact Sheena Whitlock at augustafoodallergy@gmail.com. BirthNetwork of Augusta Contact Chris Weiberdink at 706-373-0495 or c_weiberdink@comcat.net. July 2. Common Interventions. Join BNoA to learn about the most common pregnancy and birth interventions and how to make an informed decision about when they may be necessary versus when you can safely avoid them. 7-8:30 p.m. at Earth Fare, 368 Furys Ferry Rd. VBAC BABY! Augusta Contact Lynn Reed at AugustaBirthNetwork@ comcast.net July 9. The Thinking Women’s Guide to a Better Birth. LaReese Bennett, Bradley instructor, doula and mother of three. VBAC BABY! Augusta offers in-person, facilitated meetings to listen to and share birth-related stories in a safe and confidential setting, as well as support and referrals to local community and national resources for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). 7-8:30 p.m. at Steinle Wellness Center, 122 Old Evans Rd. Doula Tea Call Laura Selvidio at 706-288-4440 or email CSRADoula@gmail.com. July 16. What Are the Benefits of Having a Doula? Enjoy a cup of tea, watch a short DVD and meet certified and trained doulas. Learn how doulas can help you cope with labor, how to decide who should come to your birth and what the other benefits of having a doula are. Bring your partner. Children are welcome. 7-8:30 p.m. at Earth Fare, 368 Furys Ferry Rd. Call ahead to confirm your attendance. TRUST BIRTH Stories & Cinema Circle Contact Lynn Reed, Trust Birth Facilitator, at 706833-5101 or TrustBirthAugusta@comcast.net. July 23. Dance of the Womb. This film by Maha al Musa discusses the benefits of dance
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calendar for birthing. The event also includes discussion and sharing of birth stories. Trust Birth Initiative stands on the truth that “birth is safe, interference is risky” and that women (and their partners) have the ability and responsibility to educate themselves to make informed choices. 7-8:30 p.m. at Steinle Wellness Center, 122 Old Evans Rd. La Leche League This breastfeeding support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2204 Kimberly Dr. Evening meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. Call 706-737-2405 or log on at lllusa.org/web/ AugustaGA.html. Peaceful Parenting Augusta This unofficial Attachment Parenting support group is for families who believe in parenting gently and building children’s spirits, minds and bodies through nurturing, attentive and practical approaches. Join their Yahoo! group at Peaceful_Parenting_Augusta or e-mail Jen at theotherbradford@yahoo.com. Celiac Disease Support Group E-mail RoseforHealth@aol.com. Meets the third Tuesday of every month in Suite 120 of the Summerville Building, adjacent to Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Open to those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or on a gluten-free diet. Discussions include information on celiac disease, do’s and don’ts of a gluten-free diet and more. 7-8:30 p.m. Common Bond Parent Support Group Geneice McCoy, organizer. 706-729-0012 or commonbond@comcast.net. For parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Call for location. Georgia Health Sciences Health System (formerly MCGHealth) Mom’s Connection This weekly support group for mothers meets each Tuesday at 1225 Walton Way in Room
38 • Augusta Family | July 2012
101C. The group is for new moms and babies looking for support in the early stages of parenthood. Call 706-721-8283 or go to georgiahealth.org. Parent Support Group The Child Advocacy Center, a program of Child Enrichment Inc., a nonprofit organization serving victims of sexual abuse in our community, is offering a support group for parents and caregivers of children who have been sexually abused. Groups will be held the second Tuesday of each month. Call 706-737-4631 for information and location. This group is not appropriate for sex offenders. Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age (Mama’s) Did you have a child at age 35 or older? Are you expecting? This group of “older” moms welcomes you for meetings, support and play dates. Disabled children welcome. Contact Ami McKenzie at 706-364-5245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http://groups.yahoo. com/group/MaMasInAugusta/. MOMS Club Visit momsclubaugusta.org. Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other athome mothers at the MOMS Club, an international nonprofit organization. MOMS Club of Grovetown www.momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com Momsclubofgrovetown@gmail.com Our members come from Grovetown, Harlem, and the communities of Fort Gordon. The group is not affiliated with any parenting style, religion, or ethnic group. MOMS Club is open to and accepting of any and all moms who are at-home with their children. Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) A nondenominational Christian group for mothers of preschool-aged children. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.noon and the first Tuesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Trinity-on-the-Hill United Methodist Church on Monte Sano Ave. Call 706-738-8822 or visit orgsites.com/ga/trinityumcmops. The Aiken Charter group of MOPS meets the
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Second Tuesday of each month for moms to learn, share, support each other and socialize. Meetings are held in the South Aiken Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1711 Whiskey Rd. Free childcare and dinner for those attending, reservations required. You do not need to be a member of South Aiken Presbyterian to attend. Check out MOPS Aiken on Facebook, contact Jennie Beat at 803-640-4742 or e-mail mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare. HOSPITAL PROGRAMS Doctors Hospital Call 706-651-BABY (2229) or go to doctorshospital.net for registration and class location. Pre-registration required for most programs. July 10, 17 & 24. Ready and Able. This threesession class is recommended for late pregnancy. Topics include childbirth, comfort techniques, medications/epidurals, relaxation and breathing techniques. Intended to be taken with Showing and Glowing. 7-9:30 p.m. July 12. Babies, Bumps and Bruises. For families, parents and friends. Infant CPR taught by the American Heart Association. Infant safety issues are also covered. 7-9 p.m. July 14. You’re a Big Girl Now. 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. 10 a.m.-noon. July 14. Safe Sitter. This nationally recognized program teaches students ages 11-13 safe and nurturing child care techniques, management and appropriate responses to medical emergencies. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 19. Baby 101. Learn about infant development and care. 7-9:30 p.m. Georgia Health Sciences Health System Register online at georgiahealth.org. Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Child-
calendar birth or Early Infancy. Call 706721-8299 or visit their Web site. July 3. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “A-Team”). Provides support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. Georgia Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center, First Floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801. Call Family Services Development at 706-721-5160 or e-mail ddrakele@georgiahealth. edu for more information. July 5. Safe Kids East Central Presents Cribs for Kids. Learn how to provide a safe sleep environment for your child. Families who demonstrate a financial need will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and pacifier for a small fee. 5:45-8 p.m. Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606. July 5. Safe Kids East Central Safety Seat Inspection. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly by calling Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606. Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way.
The Augusta GreenJackets will play more than 20 home games during July. There are many special events planned during the games, including a Kids Eat Free night at the July 1, 15, and 29 games, fireworks at the July 3 and 28 games and Baseball Bingo
July 11. Safe Kids East Central Safety Seat Inspection. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly by calling 706-541-3970. Columbia County Sheriff Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr., Evans.
at the July 11 game against the Greenville Drive. Ticket prices vary and most games begin at 7:05 p.m. See the complete schedule of home games for July in the Sports section of the calendar on page 34.
40 • Augusta Family | July 2012
July 17. Breastfeeding Class. This free class, led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, helps expectant parents
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gain knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m. Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center, 1120 15th St., West Entrance, First Floor, Patient and Family Resource Library. Ongoing. Safe Kids East Central Child Safety Seat inspections. By appointment at the following locations: Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way— Contact Rene Hopkins at 706721-7606; Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue, Engine Company 3—Conact Jamie champion at 706-860-7763. Ongoing. Safe Kids East Central Car Seat Classes. By appointment at the following locations: Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way; Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue Headquarters. Call Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606. Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. July 7. Baby Care Basics and Breastfeeding. Two popular classes offered together. 9 a.m.-noon. July 10. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 6-8 p.m. July 14. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Education. Helps mother and support person understand the final stages of pregnancy as well as labor and the birth of your baby. Covers natural and medicated deliveries, Lamaze coping techniques and more. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
calendar July 14. 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. 9:30 a.m.-noon. July 21. Childcare and Babysitting Safety. Curriculum designed by the American Safety and health Institute. Teaches responsibility and safety. Includes: Playtime, hand washing, telephone calls, infant and child feeding, diapering, sleep time and providing emergency care. Ages 11-14. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
tator cuff replacement at this free event with Orthopaedic Surgeon Douglas R. Phillips, M.D. Light refreshments will be served and reservations are required. Register online at www. universityhealth.org/calendar or call 706/8282502. 6-7:30 p.m. July 19. Breastfeeding Class. 7-9 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans. July 26. Introduction to Infant CPR. 7-8:30 p.m. LIBRARY EVENTS
July 26. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. 6-8:30 p.m. July 31. On Being a Girl. This class is designed for girls ages 9-12 accompanied by their mother, a female friend or relative. Discussion is focused on physical and emotional changes of puberty. 6-9 p.m. University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth.org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs. Young Women with Breast Cancer. Meets the third Friday each month. A support group for women in their 20s through 30s dealing with breast cancer. 12:20 p.m. at the University Hospital Breast Health Center, Professional Center 2, Suite 205, 818 St. Sebastian Way. July 6 & 7 or 27 & 28. Weekender Childbirth Preparation Class. A complete childbirth preparation class designed for those with time constraints or fluctuating schedules. Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 10-31 (Tuesdays), July 23-August 13 (Mondays) and July 25-August 15 (Wednesdays). Childbirth Preparation. This four-week series is designed to inform and prepare all expectant parents regardless of birth plans. Class topics include various stages of labor, breathing and relaxation and how to care for yourself and your new baby. July 19. Save Your Shoulder. Learn about ro-
Augusta Headquarters Library 823 Telfair St. 706-821-2600. Story Times Preschoolers Ages 3-6: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Ages 2 and under: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Parent must stay with child. Computer Classes Valid library card required. Please call 706-8212504 to register. July 8. Beginners’ Computer. 10 a.m.-noon. July 8 PowerPoint for Beginners. 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 16. Word I. 10 a.m.-noon. July 16. Word II. 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 25. EXCEL I. 10 a.m.-noon. July 25. EXCEL II. 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 26. Beginners’ Access. 10 a.m.-noon. July 5. Children’s Program: Story Time @ Headquarters. Special guest Helen Blocker. 10 a.m. July 6. Children’s Program: Signal Corps Band. Enjoy some patriotic music. 10 a.m.
or make your own beads. 2-4 p.m. YA Room. July 12. Children’s Program: Story Time @ HQ. 10 a.m. July 13. Children’s Program: Bricks4Kidz with Jeremiah Griffin. 10 a.m. July 13. Young Adult Program: Just Dance Tournament. Versions 2, 3 and MJ. Dance to a song of your choice for a chance to go to the Grand Finale on Thursday, July 19. The top two dancers and/or teams will go to the final round for a chance to win $100 in cash. Practice time will be available July 13 from 1-3 p.m. Snack provided at the evening round. July 14. Children’s Program: Author Story Time with Carmen Deedy. 10:30 a.m. July 14. Children’s Program: Embroiderer Guild of Augusta. Ages 8-12. Registration required. 2-4 p.m. July 17 & 18. Cover 2 Cover Programs. Tuesday: The Tell Tale Heart. Bring your lunch and come listen to this classic Poe tale. Drinks provided. Wednesday: Learn how to download ebooks. Noon-1 p.m. July 19. Children’s Program: Story Time with Ms. Eileen McCoy. 10 a.m. July 19. Young Adult Program: Just Dance Tournament Grand Finale. Compete against the winners from other branch libraries for the $100 cash prize. 6-8:30 p.m. in Room B. July 19. It’s Your Book Club. General membership meeting and potluck. New male and female members welcome. 6:30 p.m.
July 6. Young Adult Program: After-Hours Scavenger Hunt. Find hidden objects in the library by following clues. Snack supper included. 5:30-7:30 p.m. YA Room.
July 20. Children’s Program: Zumba Class with Sheri Tutt. 10 a.m.
July 7. Children’s Program: Movie. Come enjoy The Muppets. Popcorn provided. 2 p.m.
July 20. Young Adult Program: Bring Your Favorite Movie Night. One movie will be selected by a vote of those present. 5:30-7:30 p.m. YA Room.
July 11. Young Adult Program: Bead Craft. Make a one-of-a-kind masterpiece using colored beads
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July 21. Creative Writing Workshop. Discover
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calendar the creative you with instructor Cheryl Corbin. 1:30 p.m. June 21. Children’s Program: Movie. Come enjoy Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. Free popcorn. 2 p.m.
Columbia County Library 7022 Evans Towne Center Blvd. 706-863-1946. Registration is required for all programs.
July 24. Ladies Book Club. Discussion on Sweet Everlasting by Judson Mitcham, winner of the Townsend Prize for fiction and Georgia Author of the Year. 6:30 p.m.
Story Times Tuesdays. 11 a.m. for under age 2. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 10:15 a.m. for 2-year-olds. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. 11 a.m. for preschoolers.
July 28. Children’s Program: Author Visit with Laurel Snyder. 10:30 a.m.
Mondays in July. Adult Program: Wii Bowling. 6 p.m.
Appleby Branch 2260 Walton Way. 706-736-6244.
July 11. Children’s Program: Therapy Dogs. 2 p.m.
Story Times Wednesdays. 10:05-10:20 a.m., ages 18-35 months (adult must stay with child). 10:30-11:15 a.m. age 3 and up. July 5. Children’s Program: Craft Workshop. Ages 5-8. Bring crayons, markers and glue. Registration required. 11 a.m. July 10. Children’s Program: Officer Bethune Reads To You. 10:30 a.m. July 11. Children’s Program: Sheriff’s Department Visit. 10:30 a.m. July 14. Children’s Program: Author Carmen Deedy. Author of The Library Dragon. 2 p.m. July 16. Just Dance Competition Practice. Ages 12-18. 5-7 p.m. July 18. Children’s Program: Tara Scheyer Sing Along. 10:30 am. July 19. Movie. Magic School Bus Space Adventure. Ages 6-10. 11 a.m. July 25. Children’s Department Special Show. 10:30 a.m. July 26. Summer Reading Parent and Guardian Appreciation. Tea and cookies drop-in. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
July 11. Teen Program: Self Defense. Learn to protect yourself from danger. Registration required by 5 p.m. the business day prior to the program. Call 706-447-7660. July 12. Children’s Program: Portman’s Rock Band Concert. Come enjoy a performance by the Rock Band Camp Kids. 3 p.m. July 17. Teen Program: Manga Club. Learn to draw the different types of Manga from other teens. Watch anime and discuss manga. Supplies provided. Free. 4 p.m. Registration required by 5 p.m. the business day prior to the program. Call 706-447-7660. July 18. Children’s Program: Self Defense for Kids. Learn about self defense from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department. 2 p.m. Registration required. Call 706-447-7657. July 18. Teen Program: Self Defense. Learn basic moves to protect yourself from danger. 2 p.m. Registration required by 5 p.m. the business day prior to the program. Call 706-447-7660. July 19. Brown Bag Book Club. Discussion of Bookseller of Kabul by Anse Sierstad. July 24. Teen Program: Digital Photography Club. Learn digital photography basics. Bring your owner’s manual and digital camera. 4 p.m. Registration required by 5 p.m. the business day prior to the program. Call 706-447-7660.
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July 25. Teen Program: Drama Club. Join teen volunteer Lizzie for improv, skits and exercises. Join anytime. 4 p.m. Registration required by 5 p.m. the business day prior to the program. Call 706-447-7660. Diamond Lakes Library Diamond Lakes Regional Park. 706-772-2432. Registration required for groups of six or more. Story Times. Tuesdays at 10 a.m. July 2. Sock Puppet Mania. During the Diamond Lakes Branch Library premiere of The Lady from Sockholm, the first feature film with an all sock puppet cast, make your own sock puppet. Bring your own sock. Fun for all ages but best for ages 6-12. Limited to 50 participants. 2 p.m. July 10. The Diamond Lakes Puppet Players. New plays and some classic stuff, too. Best for ages 3-10. Limited to 60 participants. July 11. Social Networking for Adults. This class introduces adults to social networking. Discuss the good and bad of social networking and visit popular social networking sites. Registration required. 6 p.m. July 12. Porkchop Productions Presents Chicken Little. This retelling of the fairy tale favorite includes music, songs and a chance for audience members to become part of the story. Best for ages 4-12 but fun for all. 10 a.m. July 13. Internet Security and Personal Privacy for Adults. Learn about software products (some free) and personal practices that can help you secure and maintain your privacy when using the Internet. Registration required. 10 a.m. July 17. Jazz 4 Kidz. Move, groove or chill to the sounds of kid-friendly music offered by Garden City Jazz. Best for ages 4-12. Limited to 50 participants. 10 a.m. July 17. Teen Program: No-Snow Globes. Make your own snow globe except without the snow. All materials provided. Best for ages 1117. Registration required.
Augusta Family | July 2012 • 43
calendar July 18. Teen Program: You-Pick-It Movie. Bring some snacks and watch a movie that you helped select. Ballots available at the library. No registration needed. 6 p.m. July 18. Finding What You Need Online for Adults. Practice easy techniques for quickly and efficiently finding what you want online and for evaluating the quality of information you find. Registration required. 6 p.m. July 21. Georgia Power’s Learning Power. Have fun while learning how to be more energy efficient. Best for ages 5-11. Limited to 40 participants. July 23. Family & Friends Adult/Child CPR. This program for adults and teens provides you with the skills needed to perform CPR in adults and children. Led by Kewanda Lanham of Georgia Health Sciences University. Not intended for anyone who may need to respond to a CPR/resuscitation emergency and does not provide course completion card. Class materials provided. Free. Registration required. 6 p.m. Euchee Creek Library 5907 Euchee Creek Dr. 706-556-0594. Story Times. Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. July 9. Young Adult Program. Practice your karaoke skills with Nancy Carver. 5:30 p.m. July 11. Dream Big Puppet Show: When I Grow Up. 2:30 p.m. July 18. Bricks4Kidz. Enjoy building with Legos. 2:30 p.m. Friedman Branch 1447 Jackson Rd. 706-736-6758. Story Times Tuesdays. 10 a.m. July 3. SRP Movie for Children. Title TBA. 10 a.m. July 9. Peace Corps Volunteer Information Session for Adults. Representative Emily Web-
ster will host an information session on how Peace Corps service offers an exceptional opportunity to put your education, work and volunteer experience and abilities to use in an overseas community. 6-7 p.m. July 10. Mr. Bill and His Guitar, George. Stories and songs. 10 a.m. July 12. Jazz for Kids. With Karen Gordon from Garden City Jazz. 10 a.m. July 17. Reed Creek Park Presents a Nature Program. Hands-on science activity with Nate Hobbs. July 18. Teen Program: Just Dance Gaming Competiton. Suggested for grades 6-12. Call to register. 3-5 p.m. July 20. Summer Reading Ends. July 28. Diabetes Seminar. “Doc” Gregory and the Diabetic Hope Solution Group will address the issue of “diabesity,” how to avoid these health issues and how to correct them naturally. Call to register. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 28. Family Summer Reading Challenge. Guest speaker and special story time with Georgia children’s author Laurel Snyder. 2:30 p.m. Harlem Branch Library 375 N. Louisville St. 706-556-9795. Story Time. Tuesdays. 10:30 a.m. July 3, 10 & 17. Free Movies. 2:30 p.m. July 11. Wii Games for Kids. Registration required. 2:30 p.m. July 18. Savannah River Ecology Lab Reptile Show. Get to know different reptiles from around the area. 2:30 p.m. July 19. Book Club. As Long as the Rivers Run by Barbara Seaborn. 4 p.m. July 26. Cookbook Club. Bring your all-time
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favorite recipes for a recipe swap. 4 p.m. Maxwell Branch Library 1927 Lumpkin Rd. 706-793-2020. Story Times. Wednesdays. 10 a.m. Books, songs, finger plays, poems, crafts and more. Pre-registration required. July 10. Teen Program: Karaoke Contest— Singing the Night Away. Come sing and help judge other singers. Choose your song and then vote on the best, funniest, nuttiest and coolest. Snacks provided. 6:30-8 p.m. July 11. Children’s Program: Reptiles and Amphibians. With Sean Poppy of the Savannah River Ecology Lab. 10 a.m. July 11. Children’s Program: Creatures of the Night. Ages 5-9. We may sleep at night, but there are creatures which inhabit the night. Come learn about owls, raccoons, bats, lightening bugs and possums and work on a craft. Reservation required. 3-4 p.m. July 12. Children’s Program: Dream Big. Anna Moo, an award winning songwriter, recording artist and entertainer and recipient of five Parents Choice Awards, three American Library awards and five NAAPA awards. 10 a.m. July 16. Children’s Program: Night Visitors. Ages 3-5. Many visitors make appearances at night in children’s stories and folklore. Read The Tooth Fairy’s First Night and make a sandman painting. Reservations required. 3-4 p.m. July 18. Children’s Program: When I Grow Up. 10 a.m. Wallace Branch Library 1237 Laney-Walker Blvd. 706-722-6275. July 11. Bricks4Kidz. Come enjoy building with Legos with Jeremiah Griffin. 10 a.m. Submit calendar entries by e-mail to Karin Calloway, editor, Augusta Family Magazine, at karin.calloway@ augustafamily.com or enter your event online at www. augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | July 2012 • 45
Talkin’ About My Generation
Three residents representing three age groups share their reflections on family, life and fun.
by Grace Belangia photos by Chris Thelen
Jane Cely, 64, of Evans, is married to
Tom Cely. They have three children and five (soon to be six) grandchildren. She is a retired Columbia County Middle School teacher. Likes To: Spend time with my family and I like to sew, especially heirloom and smocked children’s garments. Favorite Thing About the Summer: Warm weather and long daylight hours. Artist or Athlete?: An artist—I’m definitely more creative than athletic! Favorite Place To Be: The beach. Song Playing in Her Head: “I Get Around” by the Beach Boys. Friends Say She’s: Always busy. Can’t Live Without: Chocolate. Message in a Bottle: “Enjoy family and friends to the fullest.” Ice Cream: Chocolate Raspberry Truffle from Brewsters.
46 • Augusta Family | July 2012
Livi Grace Williamson,
Kelly Highland, 30, is a trainer at
Likes To: Go to Monkey Joe’s, go to Chuck E Cheese, play with my little sister, eat strawberry ice cream and share food with my little sister and play outside.
Likes To: Spend my time doing art and learning about myself and other people.
5, of Grovetown, is the daughter of Daniel and Ashlie Ansley.
Favorite Possession: My Monster High dolls. Favorite Indulgence: Spaghetti O’s! Favorite Place To Be: At home with my family. Person She Admires the Most: My Mommy. Song Playing in Her Head: “Just a Kiss” by Lady Antebellum—MY FAVORITE SONG! Words She Lives By: “I love you more!” Can’t Live Without: My mommy and daddy. Ice Cream: STRAWBERRY!!!!! www.augustafamily.com
PeachMac in Evans and is engaged to Rachael Foss. He has so many nieces and nephews he has lost count.
Favorite Thing About the Summer: I love being able to roll down all the windows and drive out to the lake or go to Hilton Head with my fiance. Artist or Athlete?: Artist. I tried playing sports when I was younger but was more interested in drawing, building creative things in my backyard and just exploring. Favorite Indulgence: Diet Dr. Pepper. Words He Lives By: “Everything is temporary.” This means all things good and bad will pass. Enjoy the good ones and don’t stress out over the bad ones. Biggest Fear: Not being true to myself. Ice Cream: “Cookie Doughn’t You Want Some” from Cold Stone Creamery.