A U G U S TA
MARCH 2017
Spring A Time for Plans & Projects
SPRING BREAK
TRAVEL & FAMILY FUN
✲ A SIMPLE SPRING
CLEANING PLAN augustafamily.com
✱
Alekay Atoo Johnson, 10, daughter of Mac & Dale Johnson of Augusta.
AUGUSTA FAMILY PRESENTS
R E M M SU
P M C A2017 Expo
The information you need to choose the perfect summer camp for your child. • Interactive Booths • Door Prizes • Fun & Games for the Whole Family
When: Saturday, April 29th
Where: Warren Baptist Church
Time: 9 a.m. - Noon
For complete details or to find out how to be a vendor, contact: Lisa Dorn, Advertising Director, The Augusta Family Magazine 706-823-3702 or lisa.dorn@augustamagazine.com
OPEN TO THE PUB LIC
F R E ADM E
ISSION
contents
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www.augustafamily.com
Fun Food
Departments 6 9
24 24 A Simple Spring Cleaning Plan -Christina Katz
Ready for Spring
A U G U S TA
MARCH 2017
On the cOver:
Spring
Alekay Atoo Johnson, 10, daughter of Mac & Dale Johnson of Augusta.
A Time for Plans & Projects
SPRING BREAK
TRAVEL & FAMILY FUN
✲ A SIMPLE SPRING CLEANING PLAN augustafamily.com
1_2_47_48_March_2017 COVERS.indd 1
Mom to Mom
Funerals & Farewells —Jennie Montgomery
10
News & Notes
14
Eating Well With Kim Put Your Best Fork Forward
—Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
Features
MARCH 2017
Editor’s Page
✱
Alekay Atoo Johnson, 10, daughter of Mac & Dale Johnson of Augusta.
2/17/17 3:12 PM
Is your child ready for their “close up?” If you think you’ve got a “cover kid,” submit their photo and information on our website and they may grace the cover of Augusta Family Magazine.
27 Spring Break Travel
-Layla Khoury-Hanold
Also, check out our contests and giveaways!
{ } Go to augustafamily.com —click on the contest page to find the contests for March!
19
Doctor Dad
20
Smart Mom’s Guide
Estrogen and the Brain —J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
Capsule Wardrobes —Cammie Jones
22
Raising Readers
32
Outdoor Spaces
Raising Readers of Poetry —Meridith Flory Add Life to Outdoor Spaces
—Family Features
34
Inspiration Station
36
Calendar
46
Go Girl! Marisel Kleppen —Renee Williams
Dan Hillman and Children Enrichment Inc. —Naimah Shaw
Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine
@AUGFamilyMag
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 5
AU G U S TA
Editor’s Notes b y Renee Williams
www.augustafamily.com
PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren
EDITOR Renee Williams
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PREPRESS /WEB PRODUCER Michael Rushbrook
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Lisa Dorn
ADVERTISING SALES Doressa Hawes Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann
PHOTOGRAPHY Carter Koenig Photography John Harpring
CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Meredith Flory Cammie Jones Mary Ashton Mills Jennie Montgomery Layla Khoury-Hanold Naimah Shaw
Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at renee.williams@augustafamily.com or mail to 725 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., 30901. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/distribution, call
T
he power of words on our children: As someone who enjoys reading, writing and socializing with others, I’m completely aware of the power of words. I enjoy sharing new words with my family and get extremely tickled to learn new lingo and catch phrases from my boys. I often find myself googling the urban dictionary to make sure I’m staying one step ahead of all trends and conventional coolness. Yes, my efforts are always met by major eye rolls from the kiddos but oh well, Yolo! Scrolling through social media, reading the news and watching television has been very difficult for me lately and I contemplate the consequences of such unkind and unnecessary words on our children. I’ve found myself asking, “What do we do when saying the unsayable has become the norm?” I’ve been at a loss because it seems there is a certain recklessness in the air that demands our attention. As parents and as rational human beings, we all recognize the power of words in every day life. Words can uplift, tear down, inspire or incite. With our words, we can heal, hurt, create or destroy. Words shape our perception of the world, trigger emotions, have the ability to wound and always have consequences. I want my children to know they can disagree with someone without vilifying them or making the other person wrong. I want my children to learn to do their best and to be understanding toward people they disagree with. I want my children to realize they can find their moral line, explain their family values and speak their truth without insulting another person. Ultimately, I want to model these things for my children. I believe we are all better served by staying strong, connected and balanced. As a parent, I realize I have the ability to alter how my children experience life, how they interact in their primary relationships and how they respond to the world. I aspire to harness the power of my words and aim to fill young hearts and minds with acceptance, understanding and confidence. I know this is an inside job that starts with me so “What do I do when saying the unsayable has become the norm?” I believe in trusting in one another to find the words to be able to sit down and work through it, after all our children are listening. Totes! Until April,
(706) 823-3722.
We look forward to hearing from you; visit our website www.augustafamily.com and on facebook and twitter. Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine @AUGFamilyMag
6 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Renee Williams renee.williams@augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 7
8 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Mom to Mom b y Jen n i e Mo n tg o m er y
Illustrations by Michael Rushbrook
Funerals, Family & Farewells
I
t seems like it takes a funeral to bring people together, which is sad because I’m sure the person who died would have loved to see the ones who came to say goodbye. We had a funeral in January. The time with extended family gave us a chance to watch some old home movies. A trip down memory lane gets emotional. Zack was the first to admit, “I cried like a baby.” Sky added, “I have great memories sitting at the dinner table, Mom.” We laughed a lot and I never wanted to sit by Zack or Maddy.” Maddy remembered the carpool days. “Miss Dawn always prayed with us before we got out of the car.” Are you KIDDING ME? Good grief!! I was the mom who came screeching up to the front of the school, one minute before the bell screaming, “Go, Go, Go!” as my little ones grabbed book bags and lunch boxes and hopped out of the van. They went to school traumatized on my days and blessed on Dawn’s. Then again, I’ve always told my girls, “I am NOT a role model. I am a hor-
rible warning!!!” It’s hard to believe those three kids who raced to beat the bell are grown. They’re almost 22, 23 and 24. Maddy is a young career woman. Zack and Sky are still in school, figuring out what the future holds and now I’m figuring out the future. It’s time for me to pass this column along to someone who is in the trenches. But first, I must applaud my husband, Scott Elledge, for being a great dad and supportive spouse...and a good sport. I can’t say goodbye without thanking the amazing Michael Rushbrook whose drawings added the perfect chuckle to complement my words. And finally, thank you for sharing in my family’s journey over the last 16 years through my columns in Family Chronicles and this publication. It has been a privilege to laugh with you, commiserate with you and go through this adventure of parenthood with you. I may be leaving Augusta Family Magazine but I’ll still see you at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on WJBF NewsChannel 6. Kids grow up fast. Don’t miss it.
Jennie Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children.
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 9
news&notes March 2017
“There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation of the way we raise our children.” -Marianne Williamson
App-tastic!
marble math Junior
O
mommy minute
Nurture Your FemiNiNe Side Femininity is a special gift that makes women the softer, gentler and kinder sex. As women, we are created to bond with others and are naturally designed for nurturing relationships. These innate gifts are ones that we should take the time to get in tune with so celebrate your inner goddess within using these tips: You don’t have to do it all. Even the most empowered women know when to take a step back. Allowing the man in your life to do things for you does not mean you are weak, plunging back into the Dark Ages, being put in a corner or politically incorrect, it simply means you are striking a balance. Let a man be a man and learn to say yes to the man who offers to assist. Men love to help out and they do these things for you because they are designed for carrying heavy loads, repairing things and, oh yes, chivalry. Many women are independent and fully capable of taking care of their own troubles but it doesn’t hurt to let the man in your life feel like the hero. Let him change your tire, jump a dead battery or check and refill the oil. If a man likes to show his love by taking care of you then don’t deprive him of that, let him do it. Have Female Only Time Spending time with other women (especially other supportive women) recharges your mood in a big way. Real women boost one another up and something amazing happens when you are with those of your own gender: it’s easier to be yourself, just as you are. The feminine in you is nourished by extended catch up sessions with loved ones so do some sistering and participate in activities that foster your female relationships.
n March 14, math lovers unite! It’s Pi Day, so called because the date can be written as 3.14. Yes, pi (π), that funny looking Greek letter used in mathematics to represent a constant, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter which is approximately 3.14159. Engage your child’s inner math genius with the Marble Math Junior app.
Marble Math Junior, Ages 5+, Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Fire Phone, Kindle Fire. Price: $3.99.
Based on the Common Core Curriculum, Marble Math Junior is an engaging way for early elementary students to practice mental math. Marble Math Junior combines a marble maze game with math word problems. Since this version is for early readers, players can hear the problems read aloud by touching the words at the top of the screen. Lots of customization options and unique marble rewards make this game effective and tons of fun. Parents Choice Award winner. Covers math concepts with fine motor and visual tracking aspects thrown in.
10 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Get Moving Feminine energy is moving energy, constantly in motion and always changing and shifting. Get your body moving and go for a walk, stretch out on a yoga mat or go for a swim. If you are feeling brave then dance to your favorite music in the office or if you prefer a little privacy then there is noting better than dancing alone in your bedroom. Your feminine energy will always be activated by movement so keep things changing and shifting and get to stepping. Create Feminine energy is a creative energy so shake things up in your routine and paint, create a poem, write a song or get creative in the kitchen and make a delicious meal for yourself and others. Select new paint, new drapes or new designs for the landscaping of your home. Engage in a creative activity and learn to knit, sew or take up a new hobby. Whatever it is, just create it for the sake of creating. Move with the flow of life and tune into your creativity. Dream up new ideas, envision what you want and create it.
news&notes Are we there yet? BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA By Mary Ashton Mills
D
iscovered years ago by celebrities filming The Prince of Tides, The Big Chill and Forrest Gump, Beaufort, SC has been a must visit coastal town ever since. The second oldest city in SC, Beaufort was founded in 1711 and boasts a rich history and culture while still providing a casual coastal island vibe. Families will enjoy downtown’s proximity to the beaches, making it an easy day trip for a dose of small town charm and beachfront relaxation. In historic downtown, discover the Kazoo Factory Kazoo Museum and see how kazoos are made. Children will love a chance to make their own. Stroll along beautiful Bay Street for sightseeing and shopping. You can relish in a southern tradition of afternoon tea at the Beaufort Inn’s Southern Grace Bistro and check out a favorite of actor, Tom Hanks, The Chocolate Tree which is a real sweet treat for chocolate lovers. A perfect way to explore downtown is on a self-guided bicycle tour from Surrey Up. These unique four person bicycles resemble buggies or rickshaws and provide a fun option for the entire family. Once you’ve had your daily dose of culture, head on over to Barefoot Bubbas before hitting the beach. Located on Highway 21 on Harbor Island, Barefoot Bubbas offers everything from souvenirs and sunscreen to kayak rentals and surfboards. On Hunting Island, take a visit to the Hunting Island State Park Lighthouse which has the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina. Climb 167 steps for delightful panoramic island views or enjoy beach walks on the pristine sandy beach of this well kept park. After working up an appetite from all that beach time, be sure to take a visit to Marsh Tacky for ice cream or sub sandwiches.
DISTANCE: 114 miles, A little over a two-hour drive. BUDGET: Appeals to a wide variety of traveler’s budgets from a shoestring daytrip to a pricy overnight. WHAT TO SEE: Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island Lighthouse, Kazoo Factory Kazoo Museum, Beaufort Inn’s Southern Grace Bistro, Surrey Up, The Chocolate Tree, Barefoot Bubbas, Shrimp Shack, Marsh Tacky. IF YOU GO: Something is always going on in Beaufort, but consider planning a trip to the famous Water Festival in July or the Beaufort Shrimp Festival in October.
SAFE KIDS
FAST FACTS According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more than 119,003 children visited hospitals and emergency rooms for accidental poisoning in 2013. Child safety is a concern for all parents but poison dangers may not always be top of mind for caregivers. Dangerous household items include makeup, personal care products, plants, pesticides, lead, art supplies, alcohol, medication and cleaning products. The best thing that parents and caregivers can do is to be alert and supervise children continually. In addition, keep medicines, alcohol, cleaning products and other chemicals out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Post the toll-free number Poison Help Number (1-800-222-1222) near your home phone and add it to your cell phone contacts. For more poison prevention tips and other children’s safety Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids.
Taylor BMW Broadway in Augusta Presents: Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella Thursday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bell Auditorium, 712 Telfair St. Augusta, Georgia. www.augustabroadway.com Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including In My Own Little Corner, Impossible/It’s Possible and Ten Minutes Ago in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes. Augusta Family | March 2017 • 11
12 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Eating well with Kim b y Ki m B e a ve rs , M S , R D, LD, C DE
Put Your Best Fork Forward A REMINDER THAT EVERY BITE COUNTS!
What does this mean when feeding kiddos? “It means that small shifts in our food choices can add up over time” ~Kim
SMALL CHANGES CAN LEAD TO LASTING CHANGES that you and your family can enjoy over a lifetime. Considering that “every bite counts” also suggests that it is never too late to make changes. As a mom who feeds children, I constantly replay a famous quote from a children’s movie when it comes to feeding my family nutritious foods. The quote I replay over and over is, “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” So I say that to translate that advice to you, just keep offering or promoting healthy foods to your family over and over. Every time you do, it counts even if it is not eaten. As parents, you are demonstrating what a healthy meal should contain (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy foods, lean meat and healthy fats). The kitchen itself can be considered a learning lab. Each meal is an opening for memory making and life skill learning. Cooking with children provides an even more in depth opportunity for interaction, memory making and yes, even mess making. Once a week or month, block off a bit of time
14 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Eating well with Kim
Lime Zucchini Bread This is a refreshing version of zucchini bread. If you don’t have a lime you could use a lemon instead.
to experience the kitchen learning lab with your children. Many memories are waiting to be made, not to mention the fact that you will be imparting life skills by hosting these kitchen activities. For example, reading recipes can help with reading comprehension, sequencing skills and math.
Bread 1 ¼ Cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini) 1 Cup sugar 2 Eggs 1/3 Cup reduced fat ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt 2 Tablespoons canola oil
What CaN YouNgEr KiDs Do? By the time your child reaches elementary school, he or she probably has the necessary coordination to complete a lot of simple kitchen tasks. Here are some of them: • Mashing potatoes or bananas. • Peeling apples (use a safe peeler instead of a knife). • Sifting and stirring ingredients. • Spooning batter into a pan or muffin tin. • Kneading dough. • Rolling cookie dough. • Using cookie cutters. • Spreading on toppings, such as grated cheese.
1 Teaspoons vanilla extract Zest of one lime 1½ Cup white whole wheat flour ¾ Teaspoon baking soda ½ Teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 X 5 inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a bowl, mix together the zucchini, sugar, egg, ricotta cheese, oil, vanilla extract and lime zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda and salt. Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture, pour the liquid ingredients into the well and stir to combine (do not over mix). Pour into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan five minutes, remove
For true beginners, a good way to start might be with breakfast. On a morning when no one is in a hurry, make something simple that you know your child likes. Pick a recipe with no more than five ingredients like French toast, pancakes, eggs or muffins. What CaN oLDEr KiDs Do? With all those pancakes and muffins out of the way, your older school-age child is probably ready for a challenge. Let him or her take the lead on choosing and preparing a more involved dish, starting with making the grocery list. Be the assistant in the kitchen when needed and supervise if your child needs a lesson in using any unfamiliar cooking equipment. Closely monitor or take over any work that requires the stove, oven or knives. Of course provide ample praise to the chef when you taste the finished product. Until next time, eat well, live well! ~ Kim
from pan and let cool completely on wire rack. Slice and serve. Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 slice) Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 120, Fat 3.5g (0g saturated fat, 1.5g monounsaturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg, Sodium 190mg, Carbohydrate 22g, Fiber 1g, Protein 3g Percent Daily Value: 4% Vitamin C, 4% Iron, 2% Vitamin A, 2% Calcium Carbohydrate Choices: 1 ½ Carbohydrates Diabetes Exchange Values: 1 ½ carbohydrates ½ fat
Managing the Mess Whenever you have kids in the kitchen, you’re inviting some extra mess. Some parents will be comfortable with a little disorder and others will feel their blood pressure rising with each little spill. You’ll take the fun out of it if your child is overly fearful of making a mistake but it’s reasonable to set some ground rules. Let kids know that spills will happen but that it’s not ok to be careless and messy on purpose. Parents also need to find their own comfort zone with regard to how much experimenting they will allow. Would you let your child veer away from the recipe or take charge of a step that could doom the dish? Strive to make the experience a bit of an adventure but you don’t have to overdo it. You can satisfy your child’s curiosity in
Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To be notified of new recipes join Kim’s facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/eatingwellwithkim. To search for specific recipes go to www.universityhealth.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk.
simple ways, just by letting your child taste the difference between salt and flour or by comparing the scents of vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. Use “20-ways to get more fruits and veggies in). Yield: 1 ½ cup (serving size: 1 tablespoon). Nutrition Breakdown: Calories: 140, Fat 2g (0g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 350mg, Carbohydrate 10g, Fiber 1g, Protein 22g Percent Daily Value: 6% Vitamin A, 10% Vitamin C, 10% Iron, 6% Calcium Carbohydrate Choice: 1 Carbohydrate Diabetes Exchanges: 3 Lean Meats
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 15
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sponsored by
HealthyFamilyAugusta For more information on our Healthy Family Augusta Contest, please visit www.augustafamily.com
16 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Developing Healthy Food Habits Although adults usually decide what kids eat, we all know that kids will eat what is available. Therefore, surrounding them with healthier food options leaves them no choice but to eat better food. Set your family up for success and make these small changes in five key areas that can make a huge difference and add up to real results: eat more fruits and vegetables, consume less sugar and fat, eat healthier snacks, watch portion size and eat together as a family. Children should be introduced early on to an eating style that emphasizes good carbohydrates, good unsaturated fats, lean sources of protein, low-fat dairy and whole grains. When children are provided with good food choices, opportunities for exercise and plenty of sleep, their weight will usually take care of itself and provide a more positive mindset and self image. Cooking at home and eating as many meals together with the family at a dining table is also important.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION • 17
AugustA First seventh-dAy Adventist school • Grades PK4 - 8th grade • Small student to teacher ratio w/individualized instruction • Spanish, Music, Art, & PE offered at all levels • Exposure and integration of iPads, tablets, and laptops used throughout curriculum
Founded in 1934, is one of the oldest Christian, private schools in the CSRA. 4301 Wheeler Road | www.firstsdaschool.org 18 • Augusta Family | March 2017
• Weekly chapel opportunities for student led worship • Regular choir, drama, and musical performances • Bible Memorization and Daily Bible Lessons • Regular involvement with community service projects
Call or email us to schedule a tour of our school 706.651.0491 * info@firstsdaschool.org
Dr. Dad
b y J. Ro n E a ke r, M . D.
ESTROGEN and THE BRAIN A middle aged woman came into my office the other day telling a tale of woe that sounded like a bad country song. Her husband was fooling around, her son was in prison, her daughter was pregnant and her dog had the mange. She said she was depressed and then commented, “I suspect it’s my hormones.” I looked at her incredulously and told her it had nothing to do with her hormones. It was her life! produced estrogen as well as estrogen taken as a medication has been HORMONES OR LACK THEREOF HAVE BEEN BLAMED FOR EVERYshown to improve memory. Some of the most exciting research to date is THING from hot flashes to homicides. While the mystery of female horlooking at the impact of estrogen in reducing the onset or progression of mones is ripe with misinformation, we are learning every day of the imneurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and senile dementia. It is way pact of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone on the female body and too early to make any assumptions about using estrogen therapeutically mind. In previous columns, I have expanded on the use of hormones in for these problems but it looks promising. menopause, the impact on PMS and the importance in PCOS but I want Don’t worry guys, what is fascinating about some of this research is to address some recent findings on the amazing interaction of estrogen that the positive effect of estrogen on brain function applies to males also. on the female brain. In rat and monkey models, aging males given estrogen showed improveA study out of the University of Southern California has come to the ment in mental functioning and a decrease in brain cell conclusion that women have better brain power after deterioration. Granted, there are a number of problems menopause if they had their last baby after age 35, used associated with men using estrogen so the hope is that hormonal contraceptives for more than 10 years or bethe research will lead to the development of treatgan their menstrual cycle before turning 13. For years ments that will maximize the benefits and minimize the obstetricians have talked of the risks involved with havdownsides. ing a baby after 35, yet over the past decade the number Whenever hormones are touted as a treatment of women giving birth in their third and forth decades for anything, caution is to be advised. These are powhas dramatically increased. Now this study helps offset erful substances that have multiple and profound efmany of those fears by reassuring women that if they are fects on many body systems. All we have to do is look at older mothers they may actually be smarter later in life. relatively recent past history to understand the conseRoksana Karim, lead author of the study and assistant quences of acting too aggressively. In the 50s and 60s, professor of clinical preventive medicine at the Keck estrogen was marketed as a “feel good” pill that kept a School of Medicine of USC states, “the study provides woman sexy and young for decades. Only later did we strong evidence that there is a positive association belearn of the risks involved and as a result many women tween later age at last pregnancy and late-life cognition.” -Roksana Karim developed diseases as a direct result of unopposed esThe authors speculate that this effect is due to surgtrogen use. es of estrogen and progesterone experienced by mothI’d like to think that medical researchers and clinicians are wiser toers during pregnancy. Interestingly, this beneficial effect seems to exists day and are looking at these exciting developments through the lens of for women who had additional estrogen exposure during various times in unintended consequences. If there is a way to improve memory, reduce their life, like with birth control pill use and early onset of puberty. Much dementia, help depression and decrease the incidence of Alzheimer’s dishas been made of the known risks of prolonged estrogen exposure like ease using estrogen then full speed ahead with the caveat that the negabreast cancer and uterine cancer but the effect of estrogen on the brain tive side of the equation be adequately explored. has been less publicized. As we all learned in medical school, “First, do no harm.” Estrogen has long been known to effect such brain functions as memo-
“the study provides strong evidence that there is a positive association between later age at last pregnancy and late-life cognition.”
ry, mood and mental state while showing in many incidences a profoundly positive impact. For example, there are noted to be many estrogen receptors in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and both naturally
Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 19
Smart Mom’s Guide b y C a m m i e Jo n es
CAPSULE WARDROBES What is a capsule wardrobe? The term “capsule wardrobe” was first coined in 1979 by Susie Faux, owner of a London boutique. A capsule wardrobe is basically a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don’t go out of style. This wardrobe can be anything from pants, tops, skirts or coats to be paired or layered with seasonal pieces. Creating a capsule wardrobe and cleaning out your closet of non essentials go hand in hand and can be done in just a few easy steps. Perfect for spring cleaning!
1
LOOK IN YOUR CLOSET.
makes an outfit look dated or worn more than an old
Creating a capsule wardrobe may be a lot simpler
pair of shoes) and get rid of any purses and jewelry that
than reinventing the wheel. You may already have
you no longer use or wear.
basic black pants that are timeless or a good pair of jeans that you tend to lean towards when getting dressed. Shop
If you haven’t worn the item of clothing in the past year
in your closet and see what pieces you already own that
then get rid of it. Deciding whether to consign or donate
can be part of the basics.
to a non-profit is up to you but the first step is to be truly honest with yourself about IF you are ever going to wear
Donna Karan brought this idea to America in 1985 when she started selling an interchangeable collection of seven work-wear pieces. Keep this number in mind when you are cleaning out. Faux suggested buying what are considered to be key or staple items such as two pairs of pants, one dress or skirt, one jacket, one coat, one knit, two pairs of shoes and two handbags.
2
it again. If not, get it out.
3
TAKE INVENTORY. Once your closet is decluttered, take inventory of what is left. Can you further narrow it down to a
few basic pieces? Afterwards, make a list of what pieces you will need to complete your capsule wardrobe.
CLEAN OUT.
Make sure you really know what you will and will not
When trying to put together the basics, take the
wear. Are you a white button down person or more of
time to get rid of the following:
a white t-shirt person? Your basics may be different
trendy items that are no longer in style, pilled sweat-
than your best friend’s basics so know what your own
ers, shirts or blouses that have lost their shape or look
style is to some degree. The goal of this capsule ward-
worn, that pair of pants, dress or top that doesn’t fit
robe is to make getting dressed in the morning easy.
you or doesn’t fit you correctly, old shoes (nothing
Make it your own.
20 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Smart Mom’s Guide
4
CHOOSE A COLOR SCHEME. After cleaning out your closet and taking inventory of what you already have for building your capsule wardrobe, deter-
2017 Physicians’ Directory Available Free for iPhone® and AndroidTM.
mine your basic colors. Basic colors include white, black, brown, navy or grey. Any item that you purchase should be in shades of these colors so that they can be put together with anything in your capsule wardrobe. Next, choose a couple of accent colors that you would typically use for tops, accessories or dresses that will go nicely with whatever basic color theme you have chosen. In this way, all of your clothing items will be interchangeable and complement each other.
5
GO SHOPPING. Some people say to do this first but to me this is putting the apple cart in front of the horse. It is best to clean out your
closet, determine what you have in relation to the basics and then go shopping either in the store or online to complete your wardrobe. First, complete your capsule wardrobe with your basic items and neutral color theme. Then, add the seasonal pieces which can include a fun top, cool out of the ordinary jacket or scarf to jazz up the outfit. Make sure to know your body type and what styles look best on you. Don’t buy a pencil skirt if you are curvy at the bottom instead stick to a fuller style skirt. If you don’t want to show your shoulders then steer clear of sleeveless tops. Again, make your wardrobe your own because only you know what you will and will not wear. Other details to consider include picking items of clothing that are of high quality fabric. These pieces will last longer in the long run even if you have to spend a little more up front. Also, choose classic styles and shapes and try not to go too trendy. A few trendy pieces are fine to supplement but don’t make those part of the capsule wardrobe.
6
Download the Physicians’ Directory app for free and have contact information at your fingertips for Augusta and Aiken area physicians and dentists. Database is searchable by both specialty and by name. Brought to you by Augusta Magazine.
HAVE FUN. Don’t get bogged down in the details. There is not a set number of pieces you must have for your wardrobe to be considered a
capsule wardrobe. The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to make getting dressed easier. Benefits of creating a capsule wardrobe is to save you time and money. You can use fewer pieces of clothing so you don’t buy stuff that you will only wear once or even worse, never. Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 21
Raising Readers by Mere d i th Fl o r y
RAISING READERS OF
POETRY IS ALL AROUND US IN EARLY CHILDHOOD WHETHER through the verse of beloved children’s authors, the nursery rhymes we memorize or the social rules we learn in rhyming lessons. Great poems can be educational and entertaining in adulthood as well but many people seem to out grow a love for poetry, never picking up books of verse after graduation. And yet poetry can be a way to encourage literacy and vocabulary development in your home. I recently spoke with Bryn Homuth on how his work as a writer and educator is influencing the role of poetry in his own home, as he and his wife raise their daughter. Homuth, a resident of MN has poems published in The Tishman Review, Jabberwock Review and The Turnip Truck(s), and is working on his first full-length collection of poetry while teaching English courses for Crown College. I will the be first to admit that while there are certainly poems that I love and have enjoyed teaching to students, it is not what I go to first in my free time so I asked Homuth what it is about poetry that appealed to him. Homuth shared, “one of the major appeals of poetry is that sound, rhythm and lineation (though present in fiction, nonfiction, etc) can have a prominence in poetry that they don’t have in other written forms. These qualities contribute to what many writers and theorists call the “musicality of language” that makes it surprising and delightful to the ear. For this reason, poetry can be fun to read and write.” Even those of us who never aspire to write for publications have certainly made up fun rhymes with our children or have bits of an oft requested picture book memorized, in part due to the musical quality of the text. Poetry can help us remember things and encourage playing with words through rhyme, alliteration and rhythm which are all important skills for children learning to speak, read and write. 22 • Augusta Family | March 2017
As an author, Homuth shares that writing in the poetic form is a challenge that, “can hopefully succeed on multiple levels in a short space.” Through our discussion, we’ve devised some ways that parents might use poetry in their interactions with children of all ages.
POETRY FOR YOUNG EARS I’ve already mentioned picture books and nursery rhymes as popular ways to read to children but Homuth reiterates that poems that tell a story are “more easily digestible for a young mind.” Homuth adds, “As a child’s literary understanding grows alongside their body, they may find themselves inclined to dig for and examine those other poetic elements but if not, at least they have good stories from which to get a foundational grasp of their language.” All in all, consider taking time while reading to your children to pause and talk about how words sound alike. As children develop an understanding of rhyme, see if you can choose a word from the page and come up with other words that rhyme. Rhyming can also help emerging readers figure out words so try pausing to let a child guess what the next rhyming word is. If there is a repeated phrase then let the child memorize and say that part so they are “reading” with you. Find books to read aloud that incorporate poetry into a larger story. For instance, the original Alice in Wonderland contains various types of word-play and poetry. I often suggest it to parents looking for a non-picture book for bedtime. If you have stopped reading bedtime stories to elementary school aged children who can read on their own then consider finding a children’s book of poetry where you can read one poem at dinner or before bed to continue the positive influence of reading to your child. Shel Silverstein collections offer a good first choice.
Raising Readers Consider recording poetry as a gift for a child in your life. It can be a way to connect with your child during a separation or as a gift for a relative such as a niece or nephew. Homuth told me the story of how his father, a voice over artist organized recordings of family favorite classic such as Clement Clarke Moore’s, The Night Before Christmas and Hans Christian Andersen’s, The Ugly Duckling while Bryn’s wife was expecting. Homuth says, “Now Adeleine can follow along in her books with professional quality recordings of her family reading to her. What a gift!” If you want to try this yourself then you can use a simple microphone and recording program on your computer or purchase a book or toy made to record on.
POETRY FOR OLDER CHILDREN AND TEENS When discussing what influenced his chosen career and love of writing and reading, Homuth echoes a simple suggestion that I’ve shared many times in this column which is the importance of word games as a family activity. Homuth explains, “We played Scrabble often and I learned to find joy and humor in letting words bounce around in my head to create puns and other word plays. Poetry naturally grew out of this as a more formal, valuable and lasting way to preserve thoughtfulness and wit.” In addition to choosing word games for family time, consider creating family challenges that encourage the use of poetry. For instance, you can
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play a family game in which the one who writes the funniest haiku on a given topic gets to choose the restaurant or movie on a weekend. If a teen is reading poetry or verse in school that is difficult such as Shakespeare then read a copy along with them and find entertainment or activities that will reinforce what they are learning in class. For instance, watch movie or live versions. If your teen is complaining about the difficulty of the language then make a game out of it and attempt to speak only in verse or Shakespearean English during a dinner one night. Also try sending a funny rhyming text of encouragement before a big test or project is due. The attitude parents express towards literature greatly influences a child’s enthusiasm towards reading different styles of writing. Homuth concludes, “my parents, especially my father taught me from a young age to be fascinated with the way words sound, the way they were spelled and the way they rang in the air next to other words and played off of them.” Poetry packs significant meaning into small bites that both Homuth and I agree is perfect for busy modern families. Homuth concluded, “while the impact of poetry reading might not reveal itself immediately, it’s worth the time and patience.” Meredith Flory is an Augusta-area freelance writer, military spouse and mother of two. She has a masters degree in children’s literature from Kansas State University and has taught high school and college English.
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A Simple Spring CleAning plAn Busy parents don’t relish the idea of spring Cleaning-and who Can Blame them? But if you Could deep Clean your entire home in one day, i Bet you would. right? well, now you Can, if you follow this simple plan. By Christina Katz Be sure to stock up on cleaning supplies ahead of time. Deep cleaning burns through what you have on hand more quickly than routine cleaning. So make your cleaning materials list and check it twice. This is a good time to replace rags, sponges, and worn-out cleaning tools, as well. Also be sure to invest in a Swiffer or dustmop with an extension arm for those hard-to-reach places. Give cleaning appliances a once-a-year review before the big cleaning day arrives, replacing worn parts, and conducting necessary maintenance. The last thing you want to have to do is stop mid-clean and drive around town looking for something you don’t have. While you are shopping, go ahead and buy yourself a can of delicious-smelling room freshening spray. But don’t let yourself use it until the big clean is done. Ready? Here’s how to break a task most people dread down into something the whole family can tackle in a day one step at a time: 1. Purge everything you no longer need: Starting in the bedrooms, remove all clothes, toys, and décor items that you no longer need nor want. If you are unsure about some items, put them in a box 24 • Augusta Family | March 2017
in the garage and store them for a couple of weeks. You will be more willing to let them go once you can prove no one misses them. Move through the house, one room at a time, until you have skimmed all the extraneous stuff from each family member’s space, as well as all shared spaces. Load giveaways straight into the car and plan to deliver them to charity organizations on your next trip out. Don’t forget to include food and toiletries you don’t intend to use. Swing by the local food bank, if your used goods store or local shelter won’t take them. 2. oPen uP to Possibilities: In the process of reviewing your possessions, you may notice some items in your home need replacing. Are carpets worn? Has furniture become rickety? Is anything damaged beyond repair? Sometimes it helps to go ahead and get rid of the things you no longer want even before you purchase something to replace them. By getting rid of the old, and making room for the new, and may notice fresh ways to make use of your space. Go ahead and rearrange furniture before you start to clean.
3. Gather up all linens. If it’s not nailed down, gather it up to be shaken outside, washed, or sent to the cleaners. Be sure not to overlook throw rugs, pet bed covers, tablecloths, bath and kitchen towels, bed linens, pillow cases, and wash cloths. Put items for the cleaners in the car. Move laundry along in stages all day as you clean. 4. Vacuum and roll up carpets. If you have any loose, heavy carpets, give these a deeper-than-usual vacuum, then roll them up, and get them out of the way for the day. 5. let there be liGht. Take down all of your light fixtures at once and clean them in the kitchen sink, with soap and water. Leave them to dry on towels on the counter as you go around a replace bulbs and dust around fixtures. Once fixtures are dry, ask the tallest family member to replace them all, making sure that each is safely and securely reattached. 6. take down all curtains. Curtains get dirtier than you may think, especially when you have pets. So down they must come each year, either to be shaken out and rehung, or to be sent to the cleaners or laundered at home. Make a note if you need to replace any window hardware that isn’t holding up next time you go out. 7. dust your way down. We clean what we look at more often. Therefore the space above the top of our heads is often neglected. So start your cleaning process above your head and then work your way down. Spray your long-arm duster with a light coating of dusting spray and beginning in the highest room in the house. Dust all of the areas where the walls meet the ceiling. Pay special attention to molding, trim, and hard-to-reach spots. Don’t forget the ceiling fans and chandeliers. Work the duster all the way down each corner from ceiling to floor. Dust every nook and cranny in the house in one fell swoop. 8. let the sunshine in. While your curtains are down, dust around and inside each window. Open windows and reach between panes with your duster. Then get a bucket of warm, soapy water and wipe down pane dividers and window ledges. Spray the entire glass on one side with cleaner; then wipe it down. Proceed through the entire house including sliding doors and doors with any glass at all. 9. once more from the top. Take your long-arm duster and start back in the highest room. This time dust all the baseboard and chair rails. Your long-arm duster can reach behind heavy furniture to remove any dust or cobwebs. 10. deep clean the bathrooms. Dirty grout, stubborn stains, and the grimiest corners of your bathroom don’t stand a chance once you don your rubber globes and gather up all of your scrub brushes, old toothbrushes, and stain removers. Dust the room first, then move through each bathroom wall-by-wall from top to bottom. Wipe down everything with a germ-neutralizing cleanser. When you are done, spray down and wipe the mirrors and cabinetry. 11. dust eVerythinG in the entire house. Arm your team with dust rags and Swiffers lightly sprayed with dusting spray.
Use a stepladder to reach high surfaces and dust everything from top to bottom, wall by wall, from walls to center of the room. Anything that does not move gets dusted. 12. Vacuum the upholstery. Take cushions outside and beat them with a tennis or badminton racquet. The amount of dust they emit may encourage you to do this more often. With the cushions off, visit the loose change jar first, then get into upholstered furniture with the vacuum hose. 13. sweep, dustmop, and Vacuum. Get under all movable furniture. This makes sweeping a team sport. So divide your family into teams and let one team take the upstairs and the other take the downstairs. Leave no corner unswept, including under the beds. 14. Go on a smudGe hunt. Room by room, armed with a damp cloth and cleaner, check around doorknobs and light switches to wipe away fingerprints and smudges. Spray and clean any mirrors that may have been overlooked. 15. a thorouGh moppinG. Kick everyone out of the house or into a room with carpeting for the next half hour or so. Fill a mop bucket with hot water and cleaner and refresh your bucket frequently. After mopping each room, wipe edges of the floor with clean, wet rags, and toss used rags in the washer. Expect to sweat. 16. clean all the doors to the house on both sides. Use a strong cleanser. Include storm or screen doors. 17. room spray reward. After the floors dry, go back into each room, unroll the carpets, and spray a generous amount of room freshener. Ah! Doesn’t the whole house feel good? tackle biG projects separately When it’s time to Spring clean your home, forget the garage, the attic, the shed, and any porches or decks. Forget cleaning the refrigerator or organizing the kitchen cabinets. You can tackle those jobs later, when the timing is right. In fact, keep a list of intensive projects for down the road. For really big jobs like cleaning out an attic, schedule another half day or day when the weather will be best for the whole family to pitch in. Or commit a regular amount of time weekly, when the whole family can contribute, like two hours on Saturday mornings until the jobs are done. safety & maintenance awareness Spring-cleaning time is the perfect opportunity to check your smoke detectors. It’s is also a good time to make sure any tall and heavy furniture is secured to the wall. Do you need to baby-proof? Do it now. Did you notice any water damage, peeling paint, or rodent issues? Go ahead and add estimates on repairs or hiring services to your to-do list. You’ll be happier next year, if you jump on any problems at the first indicators of trouble. Augusta Family | March 2017 • 25
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g n i r p S Break Family Fun! Planting Seeds of Adventure and Curiosity Through Travel and Exploration Layla Khoury-Hanold
I
guess you could say I was bitten by the travel bug at an early age. By the time I was ten years old, I was on my second passport and had lived in the Congo, Tunisia, France, Scotland and Indonesia. No matter where we lived, my parents—an oil industry executive and language teacher—made sure that we explored our surroundings
and adapted to the local culture. I can’t say that I was always up for the adventure (see: tasting haggis in Scotland) but my curiosity was always piqued. I give my parents a lot of credit for globetrotting with three kids and am grateful that they made learning and exploration a priority on our travels. It’s informed so much of how I conduct my life, especially as a food and travel writer. Augusta Family | March 2017 • 27
Though my daughter is less than a year old, I got to wondering how my husband and I would instill those values of curiosity and adventure in her. How would we encourage her to get outside of her comfort zone and to appreciate new experiences? To arm myself for the future, I drew from personal experience and polled family and friends to come up with a list of ten helpful suggestions for stoking the flame of adventure in your kid’s heart. Try them out this spring break, whether you’re destined for the beach, Disney-bound, hopping across the pond or planning a staycation.
Think Outside the Box
When deciding where to go, consider alternatives to the usual beach or national park destination (and make yourself step outside your comfort zone too). Plan a trip that includes a service component like volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or try a farm vacation where kids can learn where food is grown and the whole family can bond over a cooking class. With trips like these, there’s a builtin sense of adventure but it doesn’t feel daunting since you’re trying something new together. And don’t ignore your own travel bucket list, just because you have kids doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your interests.
Mix Old and New Think about activities you already enjoy as family and extend them to your destination. If you like taking walks together then maybe a guided nature hike is in order. Of course travel is also a good time to try something new. After my aunt, uncle and cousins returned from a trip to Indonesia, I was curious to know how they broached the subject of trying new foods. To get a taste of the local cuisine, they ordered appetizers to share and let the kids order something more familiar as their entrée.
Play Cruise Director I think we can all agree that kids are naturally curious so before a trip it can be helpful to prepare them for what to expect. Hold an informal briefing to share what you have planned. As my aunt pointed out, it’s a great way to gauge their interest—for example, make sure they’re excited about going swimming with dolphins, or the extra special treat (read: expensive) you booked might turn into a disappointment for everyone.
Call for Back-Up
Tap into resources like Trip Advisor which offers a wealth of tips and suggested activities. If something is reported as a good activity for kids or teens across the board then it can save you from having to sell the activity on your own. Afterwards, you can write reviews together on what you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy and leave helpful tips for other families. 28 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Create Anticipation
Get Packing
Before departing, help create anticipation
Instead of the parents being
by researching the destination with your
solely responsible for getting
kids. Check out books from the library, look
everyone’s stuff together, get the kids involved in packing
at maps or research attractions online, this
too. Check the weather fore-
gets your kids excited about the trip and may
cast and review some of your
inspire them to suggest activities for your itinerary. If you’re going someplace where a different language is spoken then learn a few key phrases. Or if your family enjoys food, try making an indigenous recipe. Before our first-time snorkeling trip, my dad got us a
planned activities, then have them help pick out the clothes and gear they might need. It can also help identify what you might need to buy like hiking boots or sunblock. Being prepared and having the necessary tools on hand is key for making a new activity en-
book about tropical fish which made us more
joyable for everyone and it’s a
excited about what we were going to see.
great way to teach them life organizational skills.
Pace Yourselves
We’ve all witnessed it. That vacation moment when the kids have clearly been pushed past their limits and in turn test their parents’ patience. It’s usually a result of overscheduling and with kids of all ages, it’s important to manage your own expectations and go at their pace (and it never hurts to pack snacks and drinks). Try not to cram your vacation itinerary and be sure to listen to your children and follow their cues. If they’d rather recharge in the hotel room with a movie and it means they’ll be rested for dinner, don’t deny them the down time!
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 29
Bring Home Meaningful Souvenirs Skip the overpriced knickknacks in the gift shop and encourage your kids to keep a journal or a scrap book during the trip. They can jot down or sketch some of their favorite moments and collect mementos like museum passes, train tickets, postcards or a pressed flower. If they’re more into technology, let them create a digital photo album with a service like Shutterfly so they can readily turn their vacation snaps into a memory book, magnet or mug (and you can get a leg up on this year’s holiday cards).
Play Tourist in Your Backyard
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Digital photography is convenient, but after you’ve posted photos to Facebook how often do you go back and look at them? Go old school and bring a disposable camera (especially a waterproof one for the beach) and let the kids play paparazzi. Once you develop the photos, it’s a fun way to relive memories and close out the trip. You’ll also get a sense for what they enjoyed versus what they didn’t and can file those nuggets away for future travel.
A staycation is the perfect excuse to check out local activities that you take for granted or don’t typically have time for. Try soaking up some history on an Augusta Canal boat tour, go on a night hike at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park or bust a move in the James Brown wing of the Augusta Museum of History. Activities like these also provide a great opportunity to engage kids in experiences that fall outside their usual school-soccer-practice-homework routine so you can keep their sense of adventure and exploration piqued throughout the year. Layla Khoury-Hanold is a freelance food, travel and lifestyle writer. She has contributed to Saveur, Food Network, Refinery29, Mashable and Tastebook, among others. Follow her culinary adventures on her blog, glassofrose.blogspot.com and on Instragram @theglassofrose and Twitter @glassofrose.
30 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Spring Fun
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 31
Outdoor Spaces Cou rt esy Fami l y Fea tu res
Add Life to Outdoor Spaces Once the structural elements and hardscape features of your outdoor living space are in place, it’s time to turn attention to the details that really bring the area to life. Vibrant textiles like cushions, pillows and rugs can all soften the look of a space while adding colorful charm, but another effective place where you can introduce plenty of character is the landscaping. Often, homeowners treat the landscape and the architectural components of an outdoor living space as distinct design elements. Making the landscape seamlessly integrate into the area not only transforms the way the space looks, it enhances the outdoor ambiance.
32 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Create Climate Control One of the first considerations is the functional benefits landscaping can bring for needs such as shade. Quaking aspens and birch trees are beautiful and fast-growing options, or for a more traditional look, some maple trees grow quickly and certain varieties create a dazzling display of color. Another popular option is the Bradford pear, but this tree can be brittle and is prone to splitting so choose it with care. Flowering trees such as the tulip tree or dogwood are other fast-growing options. If a tree is impractical for your space or simply not your style, you might instead consider large flowering bushes, such as the lilac or Rose of Sharon. Keep prying eyes out When it comes to privacy, there is also a multitude of options. Ornamental grasses come in a surprising array of colors and looks, and many grow high enough to shield a private lounge or eating area. Alternatively, you could consider a lush climbing vine paired with a trellis. Dwarf trees and shrubs also lend privacy when planted in close proximity. Another stylish option is to put oversized planters into play. Fill them with the vegetation of your choice for an instant eye block topped with live plants. For an outdoor kitchen, make these vessels do double-duty by making them the basis for your herb garden. set Boundaries If your outdoor space doesn’t have a clearly defined perimeter, you can easily introduce borders using a line of shrubbery or bushes. Lowgrowing options can help maintain an open feel while adding some definition to the area. Creating specific boundaries not only lends an aesthetic touch, it can help guide traffic patterns; for example, encouraging visitors to keep to a stone path. go low maintenanCe If you’re leery of adding too much work with plants that need frequent care and attention, there are several options that require little effort. Succulents are a great way to add texture, interest and color to a planter or table-top pot. For more color, opt for low-maintenance perennials that require little water. After your initial planting and fertilizing, you’ll need to water during dry spells in the summer, but for the most part, they’ll require little extra attention through the year until it’s time to trim them back for winter. Consult with experts at your local nursery or garden center for advice on the trees and plants that work best in your climate zone, and find more tips for creating your ideal outdoor living space at eLivingToday.com. enhanCe your outdoor living spaCe No matter the season or the region, outdoor living is more popular than ever, as homeowners look to “bring the indoors out” and create
spaces that are true extensions of the home. The newest designs in outdoor living spaces do not simply feature the look of the indoors, but the functionality as well. Regardless of the size of your deck – or budget – these simple tips from the experts at Trex can add interior function to your outdoor oasis: aBsolute al FresCo While grilling and al fresco dining are longtime hallmarks of backyard entertaining, outdoor kitchens are now finally living up to their name. From storing seat cushions to keeping drinks cold, today’s outdoor kitchen accessories can make outdoor spaces look as puttogether as the rest of the home. Among the newest advancements is the Trex Outdoor Kitchens collection, which features outdoor cabinetry and functional elements such as trash bins, ice chests and storage drawers that eliminate the need for back-and-forth trips inside the home. railing redeFined Even railings have taken on a more functional role in today’s backyards. One of the most popular trends is “cocktail railing,” which provides a flat surface for drinks and plates. By using a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail, you can achieve a look that complements your home’s deck while making great use of space. lights, please Lighting is another “bright” idea for adding versatility to the outdoors. Lighting systems that incorporate deck lighting and other exterior lighting work together to create ambiance that can be adjusted for any setting. By choosing which outdoor elements to highlight, it’s easy to change the look of an outdoor living space without moving any furniture. material matters Just because people are spending more time on their decks doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for maintenance. Wood alternatives, particularly wood-plastic composites, are especially popular due to their low-maintenance features. Unlike wood, composite decking such as Trex Transcend resists fading, staining, scratching and mold – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with soap and water. The latest generation of composite decking also features wood-grain patterns and rich, saturated colors that look and feel more natural than ever before. For more information and outdoor living inspiration, visit trex.com. SOURCE: eLivingToday.com
Augusta Family | March 2017 • 33
Inspiration Station by Naimah Shaw
Healing Child Enrichment INC
Healing Happens Here
With DeDication, a fierce anD loyal Determination to help the under served and a tenacity unlike any other, Dan Hillman is the local voice of children suffering from abuse, neglect and abandonment. Hillman’s qualities are masked by a seemingly tough exterior but he is definitely a man on a mission helping abused and neglected children regain traction of their lives. Hillman is an inspirational figure, loyal child advocate, embodiment and representation of a man who oversees activities at the local organization, Child Enrichment Inc. Hillman and his dedicated staff has helped over 21,000 local children from the Judicial Circuit consisting of neighboring Burke, Columbia and Richmond counties. One wonders about the kind of circumstances that persuades someone to pursue a life of giving back, a career dedicated to a national humanitarian crisis that affects us on some many levels. Situations of child abuse and neglect manifest themselves so deeply that we are unable to forget, as the saying goes, “once you see it, you can not unsee it.” During a recent interview, the heaviness of the subject was evident through misty eyes as Hillman relayed that his position is so near and dear to his heart that when he talks about different scenarios, they instantly replay in his head and he envisions it all over again. I asked him how he separates the emotional toll of a job like his and his personal life and he candidly said, “I don’t do a very good job with that.” Hillman further explained that his wife, a social worker herself has emotionally taxing stories and as a result, they give themselves 30 minutes when they get home from work to vent about their day. Hillman quickly followed up that statement by saying, “sometimes it’s more than the 30 minutes.” Hillman chuckles as he shares that his wife often has to plead with him not to talk about work when they attend social events and gatherings. Hillman shared that they use humor and smiles to take the rigidity and harsh tangent off of the work day. BackgrounD Raised in Lockport, NY, Hillman attended the State University of New York at Geneseo and graduated with a BS in Sociology with minors in Psychology
34 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Inspiration Station
and English. Hillman went on to work with emotionally disturbed children whose issues stemmed from physical and sexual abuse. Hillman stayed there for two years and conscientiously worked 14 hour days out of a desire to help children recover and as he puts it, he was, “hungry for knowledge about child abuse.” In no uncertain terms, Hillman became passionate about the concept while still in its infancy. Hillman recalls the book, The Battered Child Syndrome as being one of the few pieces of literature available on the subject. However, Hillman over exhausted himself and became burned out. As a result, Hillman sought jobs in construction and went to work in Tucson, AZ and San Diego, CA before returning to pursue graduate studies. In a twist of fate, while looking through the college brochure racks for information on Syracuse University, Hillman stumbled upon information about the USC in Columbia. Hillman applied and his background proved to be such an asset to their program that they promised in state tuition if he chose to attend, which he did. As another twist of fate, Hillman met the woman who would later become his wife on his first day of class. After graduating, Hillman went on the work with the University Hospital in the NICU for four years before moving to the ER where he specialized in child abuse cases. After witnessing childhood mortality as a result of abuse and working on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Hillman worked hard to change abuse policies and lobbied the District Attorney on matters that were in the best interest of the children. Hillman noted that one year the policy was changed 18 times until they felt the child’s safety and wellbeing was being prioritized. Hillman then left to go to the Hitchcock Rehab Center in Aiken before joining Child Enrichment Inc. in 2002. Career InspIratIon: When I asked Hillman what led him to his career, he reflected on a story that is now permanently ingrained in his mind. It was Hillman’s senior year of his undergraduate education in 74 and he was interning in a youth recreation program when a six year old boy came to the gym and needed help. Hillman explained that the child didn’t need the kind of help a typical six year old needs like shoelaces tied or a water break but rather the child had been beaten so severely by his father that he suffered internal injuries. The child spent 37 days in the hospital
and was the first reported case of suspected child abuse that Hillman ever made. Hillman states that being able to tell children they will not be hurt again because the perpetrator is in jail is one of the best safety nets and reassurance he provides to children. Hillman works hard to ensure that the perpetrators of abuse are put behind bars and punished by law for their actions. aCtIvIsm In the CommunIty: Make no mistake that this extremely inspirational figure doesn’t allude all of the success cases to himself but rather refers to the other employees and volunteers as the heroes. When asked to describe himself in a few words, Hillman instantly retorts by saying, “I’m just the problem solver. We come in the office, grab a box of Kleenex and problem solve but the real experts and heroes are the compassionate employees and volunteers who work on the ground with the children, advocating every day for their safety and staying with them until their case is resolved.” InspIrIng moments: Hillman says the idea of helping to save a child’s life and the idea of preventing the abuse of other children is his life’s passion. More than 40 years later, those initial simple goals continue to be the most important that Hillman has. While Hillman notes he has had to sadly but realistically give up the hope of ending child abuse, he is proud to have replaced it by building the foundation for children and provides therapy, support by reiterating three core concepts: It wasn’t their fault, Helping them understand what happened, Paint picture of a bright and happy future. Hillman is also proud to have a system that takes care of its personnel and employees and he takes special preventatives to help them from reaching the burn out phase too quickly. FundraIsers: Like all non profits, much of the finances needed to operate Child Enrichment Inc. is gained through fund raising. An upcoming event is the Annual Cooking for Kids event on March 10-11. Last year’s event raised close to $45,000. Naimah Shaw is a Freelance Writer, Copywriter, Blogger and homeschool mom of 4 who has lived in Evans for almost a decade. Prior to that, she graduated with a Masters of Science in Information Technology and taught computer programming for a few years at local colleges. Augusta Family | March 2017 • 35
Garden Bros CirCus James Brown arena 4:30 p.m. M & 7:30 p.m., VIP: adult $36, Kid $20, regular adult $26, Kid $10. Family Tradition for over 100 Years! Garden Bros circus is an American tradition, a family tradition, keep tradition alive and pass a tradition on to your children. Garden Brothers circus is a thirdgeneration owned circus that began in canada and now is in america. We believe in tradition and some day will pass this great show down to our 4th generation of Garden’s. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com..
We’d love to hear from you. If you have an event you’d like to add to our next issue, send an email to karin.calloway@augustafamily.com.
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Special Events: Taylor BMW Broadway in Augusta: Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Thursday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Bell auditorium,712 Telfair St., augusta, 706-7223521. www.bellauditoriumaugusta.com. rodgers + hammerstein’s cinderella is the Tony award winning Broadway musical that’s delighting audiences with its con-
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temporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Garden Bros. Circus, March 3 at 4:30 p.m. and March 4 at 7:30 p.m. , James Brown arena 4:30PM
& 7:30 p.m., VIP: adult $36, Kid $20, regular adult $26, Kid $10. Family Tradition for over 100 Years! Garden Bros circus is an american tradition, a family tradition, keep tradition alive and pass a tradition on to your children. Garden Brothers Circus is a third-generation owned circus that began in canada and now is in america. We believe in tradition and some day will pass this great show down to our 4th
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generation of Garden’s. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. Pops! Presents Soul Unlimited, Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Bell Auditorium, 712 Telfair St., Augusta, 706-722-3521, www. bellauditoriumaugusta.com. Ambassador of Soul, Ellis Hall in a tribute to Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Stevie Wonder. Plus, a special tribute to Ellis’s great friend, Ray Charles. In concert with Symphony Orchestra Augusta, the Georgia native comes home to showcase your soulful favorites. Cost: $15 to $65. All Ages. www. soaugusta.org. The Harlem Globetrotters, March 17, at James Brown Arena, 601 Seventh St., Augusta, 706-722-3521, www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring
some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to a city near you during their 2017 World Tour. The famed team will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson*– the Globetrotters’ oneof-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment.Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. New this season, the Globetrotters will debut basketball’s first 4-point line. The 4-point line will be located 30 feet from the basket – 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. You won’t want your family to miss it – buy your tickets today! Cost:$28.50-$105.50.
Doors at 6:00 p.m. with Show at 7:00 p.m.
Sports and Recreation Junior PGA League, Lakes Golf Course, Bldg. 537, Range Rd., Fort Gordon. Get your future Pro off to the right start with the Junior PGA League. Practice and play runs April 1 through July 31. Cost is $325/person which includes fees, lessons and range balls. There will be two practices per week and one match per month. For more information, please call 706-791-2433 or visit www. pgajlg.com. Kroc Taekwondo, Kroc Center of Augusta, 1833 Broad Street, March 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 and 31 at 5:30 p.m. Learn Olympic Style Taekwondo at the Kroc Center of Augusta Family | March 2017 • 37
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Augusta! The class is designed to challenge a wide range of ages. Whether you have a youngster who is wanting to pick up a new sport or you are a 99 year old looking for a new hobby this class is perfect! You will learn a variety of techniques including blocks, strikes, evasions, and throws. Uniform is not included in the cost of the class. We offer one free class for anyone to come and see if they enjoy learning the sport. Hi-YAH! Age: All ages welcome Cost: $75 monthly | Family Rates Available. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, March 4 at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a guided, leisurely hike through approximately 2.5 miles of nature park trails with your 4 legged best friend. Pets & their humans will enjoy viewing the variety of wildlife and learning about the diverse plant life & importance of urban wetland ecology. Please wear comfortable closed toe shoes & bring water to drink. Strollers are welcome. Dogs must be leashed. We leave from the Swamp Shop & Visitor’s Center at 9:30AM. Register online at phinizycenter.org/events or by calling 706-396-1426. Cost: $2, All ages, phinizycenter.org/events. 5Wkids “Outdoor Learning Area” Monthly Meeting, March 4 at 11:00 a.m. Monthly meeting of the Augusta International Raceway Preservation Society, a 501C3 non profit, that is developing the 5Wkids Outdoor Learning Area at Diamond Lakes Regional Park. This meeting will have interaction will local churches and the general community. Free Admission. Diamond Lakes Regional Park Community Center, 4335 Windsor Spring Road, Hephzibah. The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of GHMBC are seeking adult volunteers to work with Girls and Boys from kindergarten to Senior in High School. To be a part of this movement call the church office at 706-722-1031. Good Hope, 710 East Ce-
dar Street, Augusta, Registration cost Girl Scouts to Boy Scouts. Swamp Bike Saturday, March 11 at 2:12 p.m., Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. 1858 Lock and Damn Rd., Augusta. Enjoy a guided, gentle bike ride through approximately 7 miles of wetlands trails. Children & adults will enjoy viewing the variety of wildlife and learning about the diverse plant life & importance of urban wetland ecology. Please bring your own bike, wear comfortable closed-toed shoes & bring water to drink. Helmets are required. We leave from the Swamp Shop & Visitor’s Center at 9:30 AM. Register online at phinizycenter.org/ events or by calling 706-396-1426. Cost: $2. All Ages. www. phinizycenter.org. Star Gazing at Phinizy, March 11 at 6:30 p.m.. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Presented by the Astronomy Club of Augusta, guests will enjoy the beauty of this evening viewing craters of the moon & various constellations through telescopes & binoculars provided by the club. (Please feel free to visit their website: www.angelfire.com/ga/ astronomyclubaugusta/ ) Hot chocolate, coffee and tea will be provided. Please bring a blanket or towel to lie on, your camp chair and binoculars. We recommend wearing layered clothing and bringing bug repellent. No dogs, please. Register online at phinizycenter.org/events or by calling (706) 396-1426. Free. All ages. 4H Family Yoga, 4H is offering a program at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park for youth and their parents: 4-H Family Yoga! Join in for a low pressure, fun, and relaxing yoga class for all experience levels. The class will meet at the Visitor Center. Our Certified Instructors will be teaching the class which will include stretching, concentration exercises, and yoga poses related to the HEAD, HEART, HEALTH, and HANDS. Be sure to dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat or
towel. No Registration is required, and the class is free! So what are you waiting for? For more info call (706) 821-2349. Cost: Free. Website: phinizycenter.org/events. Yoga for Kids, March 18, 2017 - 9:00 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2017 - 9:00 a.m. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. Yoga for Kids (and their parents) Come join us every 3rd Saturday of the month starting at 9 AM, at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park (near the educational buildings) for a low pressure, fun, and relaxing yoga class for youth and their parents, of all experience levels. Some of the benefits of yoga include: Improved Concentration and Focus * Increased Self Esteem * Improved Listening Skills * Improved Overall Health * Improved Stress Levels * Improved Behavior. Our Certified Instructors will be teaching the class which will include stretching, concentration exercises, and yoga poses related to the HEAD, HEART, HEALTH, and HANDS. Be sure to dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat or towel. No Registration and the class is FREE! Door Prizes for participants! So what are you waiting for? For more info call 706-821-2349 Cost: Free. Website: www. ugaextension.org. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park 1858 Lock and Dam Rd., Augusta. Kroc Tots, March 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 10:00 a.m. Enjoy spending time with your child as you work on developmental milestones such as physical development, social and emotional development, cognitive skills, and language development. Children will explore hands on activities and have the opportunity to swim with their parent/guardian. Join us most Tuesdays from. Ages: Infant to five years old. Cost: $2 members /$5 nonmembers Appropriate swim attire, swim diaper, and towels are required for children to participate. Parents/ guardians must stay with their children. No Kroc Tots the week of April 3-7, 2017.Cost: Augusta Family | March 2017 • 39
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$2 members / $5 nonmembers Website: www.salvationarmyaugusta.org. Swamp Treks, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock and Dam Rd. Augusta. Swamp Treks will bring nature to life for 3rd – 8th grade children. Focused on making the outdoors exciting, Swamp Treks makes it fun to gain respect for the environment and to enjoy wildlife. Split into two age groups, 3rd – 5th, and 6th – 8th, children will explore a new topic each month. Each morning starts with a hike that leads into a handson nature based activity. Regular participation is not required, but is welcome! Come learn about animals, camping and survival skills, nature printing, bees, and more! Annual Rate Also Available: $110 per person ($100 Friends of Phinizy) Register online at phinizycenter.org/events or by calling 706-396-1426. Spaces are limited. Cost: $10, $8 Friends of Phinizy www. phinizycenter.org. Kroc Tots, March 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 10:00 a.m. Enjoy spending time with your child as you work on developmental milestones such as physical development, social and emotional development, cognitive skills, and language development. Children will explore hands on activities and have the opportunity to swim with their parent/guardian. Join us most Tuesdays from. Ages: Infant to five years old. Cost: $2 members /$5 nonmembers Appropriate swim
History & Science Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System (ARCPLS) is proud to host the Discover the Stories of Civilization: Stories of Beauty, Power, Love, Glory and Faith Traveling Exhibit from the Michael C. Carlos Museum at the Headquarters 40 • Augusta Family | March 2017
Library (823 Telfair St.) through March 14. The Atlanta museum recently unveiled a new free admission pass program available through the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System. The eight panel touring photographic exhibition highlights some of the amazing things that you can see at the Carlos Museum. In honor of this exhibit and the Carlos Museum pass program, ARCPLS is hosting four programs that explore archaeology and ancient history for everyone in the family. Visit bit.ly/arcplscarlos for more information. Free and open to the public. Augusta-Richmond County Public Library History for Teens: Putting the Pieces Together, March 2 at 5:30 p.m. Teens will use archaeological techniques to learn about different people and cultures in this handson workshop. Teens will also have the opportunity to talk to Augusta University students to learn about how they chose to become anthropology majors. Snacks will be provided. Registration is encouraged for this event but not required. Teens and up. To register, call 706-821-2612. Junior Model U.N., March 15 at 8:00 a.m., Augusta University, Summerville Campus The Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) program at Augusta University introduces middle school students to global challenges and allows them to learn about the culture and politics of another State. Much like the college program, JMUN participants assume the perspective of a diplomat from a UN Member State and represent their position in a day-long simulation at Augusta University. Students are able to choose their State and conduct research prior to the conference in order to debate, negotiate, and work towards a realistic solution. Cost: Varies by registration date. Visit website for more information. All ages. www.augusta. edu/pamplin/pols/nmun.php.Augusta
University Jaguar Student Activity Center (JSAC) 2500 Walton Way, Augusta.
The Arts, Music & More Three Friends, March 1-March 4 at Jessye Norman School of the Arts, Frances Force, Marian Owens, and Pat Tante, present a tri-artist, collaborative show with artwork highlighting Augusta’s southern charm and the value of friendship. All pieces will be for sale. Ann & Ellis Johnson Gallery of Art at Jessye Norman School (Entrance on 8th Street) 12-3:00 p.m. Wed - Fri, Saturdays by appointment. Find more info at jessyenormanschool.org or call 706-828-7768. Cost is free. All ages. jessyenormanschool.org. Russian National Ballet presents Sleeping Beaut, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at The Etherredge Center, 471 University Parkway, AikenThe Sleeping Beauty, a crowning jewel of Marius Petipa’s career, is often considered the finest achievement of the Classical ballet. It is a grandiose and refined blending of the traditional mime, expressive pas d’action and spectacular divertissements in a lavish theatrical setting. Tchaikovsky was delighted with the invitation to write the music for a ballet based on Charles Perrault’s well-known fairy tale. A baby princess, condemned at her christening by an evil fairy to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday, is saved by the gift of the good Lilac Fairy, who declares the princess will only sleep until awakened by the kiss of a prince. The fairy tale, replete with a king and queen, fairies both good and evil, a beautiful princess and dream prince, magical stage effects, and courtly splendor, lent itself perfectly to the full evening ballet that was Petipa’s pride. Cost: $40, All ages, etherredge.usca.edu.
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AgamaCon 2017, Friday, March 3 at 1:00 p.m. H. Odell Weeks Activities Center 1700 Whiskey Rd. Aiken. Pop culture convention featuring cosplay contest, anime, vendors, artists, authors, and more. Cost: $15-50. All ages. www.agamacon.com. Empty Bowl 2017, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Legends Club, 2710 Washington Rd., Augusta, All you can eat soup, breads, desserts donated by area restaurants and caterers. Free student-created ceramic “Empty Bowl” for each ticket holder, “You Can Help” Raffle. Presented by Augusta Jewish Community Center and Golden Harvest Food Bank; www.emptybowlcsra. org. Cost: Advance: $20 adults, $5 ages 2-10; at the door: $25 adults, $7.50 ages 2-10. All ages. Augusta Jr. Players’ Auditions for Disney’s Cinderella KIDS, March 5 at 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Augusta Jr. Players announce auditions for Disney’s Cinderella KIDS Where: Jessye Norman School of the Arts, Who: Kids ages 6-12, Performance Dates: April 28-29, 2017, www.augustaplayers. org.
University Literacy Center. Porkchop Productions is dedicated to expanding artistic horizons by providing a professional, interactive theatre experience for young people and to promote a life-long appreciation of the performing arts. Cost: Free Website: www.augusta.edu/education. Toddler Time at Kroc Center Enjoy a special story time, crafts, and hands-on activities with your infant to five-year-old child. Connect with other parents and stimulate your toddler’s social growth, cognitive development, creativity, and individualism. A parent or guardian must remain with their child to participate. Cost: $1 members; $3 nonmembers. Event repeats most Fridays from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. unless otherwise stated. No Toddler Time on April 7, 2017. Cost $1 members, $3 nonmembers.
www.salvationarmyaugusta.org. Cookies and Canvas (Horses), March 11 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. , Aiken Center for the Arts, Christine Lawrence, Children ages 5 and up will complete their own mini masterpiece in this class based on the popular Bottles and Brushes classes. Each class has a seasonal theme. Skill level: All, Cost: $25, www.aikencenterforthearts.org. Homeschool Art Class - The Renaissance & Classical Drawing, March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29. Students will learn defining characteristics of Renaissance art and study six quintessential artist of the period. By the end of the course, students should be able to “name the artist” while looking at random examples. We will also
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Children’s Play: The Emperor’s New Clothes, at Maxwell Theatre on March 8 at 10:00 a.m. Our rollicking adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale brings all of your favorite characters (plus a few new ones) to life! A vain emperor learns a very important lesson in humility when a weaver promises to make him the most beautiful suit of clothes he has ever seen! The problem is, the emperor can’t see the new clothes at all! Perilous predicaments, audience participation, and an ending you will never forget highlight this uproarious production! Admission is free. For more information and to reserve seating, please call the Literacy Center at (706) 737-1625. Produced by Porkchop Productions and presented by the Augusta Augusta Family | March 2017 • 41
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explore “symbolism” and popular renaissance techniques, such as the use of “chiaroscuro”.The drawing portion of this course is taught in a classical manner, where the student first learns a universal method which can be applied to drawing anything. Once students learn the methods and principles, they can draw anything they set their mind to! For those who are familiar with the homeschool program, “Classical Conversations”, this course adheres to the artists who are outlined in Cycle II. Reservations for our art classes and summer camps Augusta GA are first come first serve. Cost: $150 for Six Sessions - 10% Sibling Discount - Materials Included. www.ericapricestudios.com. Erica Price Studios, 194 Sweetwater Creek Drive, North Augusta. Salvador Dali’s Fantastical Fairy Tales Presentation, March 15 at 10:00 a.m., Aiken Center for the Arts. A presentation by the Columbia Museum of Art on their new exhibition, Salvador Dali’s Fantastical Fairy Tales. The exhibition, which will run from March 11-May 21 in Columbia, contains 36 prints from the Dali Museum. The prints feature his work as illustrator for stories including Alice in Wonderland, Don Quixote, and the tales of Hans Christian Anderson. The presentation begins at 10:00am in the Brown Pavilion at Aiken Center for the Arts and is free and open to the public. Please call 803-641-9094 for a reservation. Cost: Free. www. aikencenterforthearts.org. Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St SW, Aiken. Music Class: Mommy & Me (ages 2-4), Kroc Center, March 3, March 9, March 16, March 23, 2017 and March 30 at 9:30 a.m. Boomwhackers, hand drums, egg shakers - oh my! Spend quality time with your children in this fun and educational music & move-
ment classes! There will be music games, instrument stories, rhythm instruments, puppets, scarves, and echo games. Ages 2-4. Class for ages 5-7 available. A parent is required to participate with their child. There is a two child maximum per parent. Anyone needing accommodations for special needs must speak to the Children & Youth Manager prior to session start. Cost: $40 members, $50 nonmembers. WARPED! presented by Augusta Ballroom Dance on March 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Buckle up for an original theatrical production at The Ballroom Dance Center. Book your ticket to climb aboard the Space Ship Odyssey in the future year 3017. On a routine trip into outer space, something goes terribly wrong jettisoning all to another time and place ……The 80’s! The officers and passengers must solve a challenge to be able to return home safely! Cost: $25 for Adult ($22 with Military ID), $18 for youth. All ages. www. augustaballroomdance.com. The Ballroom Dance Center, 525 Grand Slam Dr. Evans. Saturday Morning Swing: Music at The Augusta Market, March 18 and 25 at 8:00 a.m. A partnership with The Augusta Market since 2010, Saturday Morning Swing brings local jazz musicians and performing arts groups to the Riverwalk for early afternoon shows each weekend. The Market features local produce, artisans, music, all in a family- (and pet-) friendly space. Info: www.theaugustamarket.com (706) 627-0128. Family Movie Night, Kroc Center of Augusta, 1833 Broad St., Enjoy a Family Movie Night in the Kroc Center’s stateof-the-art theater! This event is FREE and open to everyone! Seating is limited and
spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments available for purchase. Event repeats every last Friday of each month, unless otherwise stated. Cost: FREE; concessions available for purchase March 25th, Pianist Eric Genuis will be in town again!! Come enjoy his inspiring piano performance at St Teresa of Avila Catholic Church Saturday March 25th 2017! Tickets are available now for sale, $45 in Advance, $55 at the door (will call list available). For tickets contact Maura at 706.564.1743 . All proceeds for the concert will benefit St Paul Radio 91.1 FM
Support Groups & More Prospective Foster Parent Orientation information sessions for individuals and couples who are interested in becoming therapeutic foster parents within the CSRA. Therapeutic Support Specialists and Foster Parents will be available to answer questions each sessions. Please register by calling Pamela Reynolds at (706) 8687200 or pamela.reynolds@benchmarkfs. org to register for more information. Weekly Sessions: 10:00am to 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. http:// benchmarkfamilyservices.org. Stay at-home moms in the Augusta area, March 9 at 10:00 a.m. Meet and socialize with other moms at the MOMS Club of Augusta monthly Meet and Greet at the Wilson Family Y. MOMS Club (MOMS Offering Moms Support) is an international nonprofit organization for stay-at-home moms. We strive to have fun, while supporting each other in the rewarding, but sometimes difficult task of raising our children. To meet this goal, we have meetings and activities throughout each month, giving all our members the opportunity to Augusta Family | March 2017 • 43
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grow and learn as parents and build lasting friendships. Our activities include monthly meetings with educational speakers, park days, craft days, play groups, field trips, MOMS Night Out and much more! Our annual membership dues are currently $25, and you are welcome to attend our monthly meetings to meet us and find out how much fun we have, prior to joining. We understand that a woman staying at home raising her children involves a great financial sacrifice, so if the dues are a hardship to your family, please let us know. The Augusta Chapter includes Augusta, Martinez and North Augusta, SC. Free, http:// www.momsclubaugusta.org. Alzheimer’s Association Group led by the Alzheimer’s Association for those dealing with Alzheimer’s and/ or caregivers. Call Beth Williams at (706) 860-5233 to register and learn more. Location: Kroc Center of Augusta, Dressing Room 2. Event repeats every 1st Thursday of each month, unless otherwise stated. Cost is free. www.salvationarmyaugusta.org.
The harlem GlobeTroTTers, March 17, at James Brown Arena, 601 Seventh St., Augusta, 706-722-3521, www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to a city near you during their 2017 World Tour. The famed team will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson*– the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment.Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. New this season, the Globetrotters will debut basketball’s first 4-point line. The 4-point line will be located 30 feet from the basket – 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. You won’t want your family to miss it – buy your tickets today! Cost:$28.50-$105.50. Doors at 6:00 p.m. with Show at 7:00 p.m.
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Aiken’s First Baptist Church Pass it on Kidsignment Sale, March 10 at 9:00 a.m. Parents and Grandparents need a great way to stretch those dollars in this tough economy? Join us at Aiken’s First Baptist Church for the Pass it on Kidsignment sale Friday, March 10, 2017 and again on Saturday, March 11, 2017 (when all items are 1/2 off) where you can purchase good quality clothing, shoes, toys, room decor and much more! 120 Chesterfield St. NE Aiken.
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Taylor BMW BroadWay in augusTa: rogers & HaMMersTein’s Cinderella Thursday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Bell Auditorium,712 Telfair St., Augusta, 706-722-3521. www.bellauditoriumaugusta.com. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award winning Broadway musical that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists!
CPR, First Aid and Fire Safety Training, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. CPR and First Aid Training for the Community - Course includes adult, child and infant CPR and basic first aid. Designed to meet the needs of a diverse audience, training covers a range of topics for children through seniors. Great training for teachers, parents, foster parents, baby sitters and senior caregivers. Meets the requirements established by Bright from the Start, NAEYC, DHR, and DSS. Caring Together, 119 Davis Rd, Ste 2B, Augusta, GA 30907 Cost is $25 for CPR & First Aid. Visit www.firstresponsecpr.com or call/ text 770.945.6837 for more information.
Cost: $25. Caring Together, 119 Davis Rd, Ste 2B, Augusta. Spring MarvinGanza, March 18, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. Spring is in the air, so it’s time to join in the fun at Marvin United Methodist Church. Swap/sell plants, have a yard sale, and/or sell your crafts and whatever else you want to sell! We’ll be in the gym, so weather won’t stop us. March 18, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. $25 for a 10’ square space. Contact Sue (706) 814-5468 or cmm1941@gmail.com), Margaret (706) 210-0893 or olmsteadmc@att. net) or the church office (706-863-0510) to reserve your space!
Amateur Radio Club of Augusta Monthly Meeting, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. The Amateur Radio Club of Augusta serves all amateur radio operators, and those interested in radio communication, in Augusta-Richmond County, and the CSRA, as a resource for education, information, and operating opportunities. We also volunteer our services as radio communicators to the community during public events, emergency situations, and instances of severe weather. The Amateur Radio Club of Augusta is recognized by the Amateur Radio Relay League as a Special Service Club. Cost: Free. Age Suitability. www. w4dv.club Augusta Family | March 2017 • 45
Girl Go
PHOTO BY JOHN HARPRING
by Ren ee William s
Marisel Kleppen MARISEL KLEPPEN, 40, is a mom and an ESOL teacher. Marisel and her husband Jay have three children, Jake, 6, Justin, 4 and Mia 7 months. Kleppen has been a teacher for 15 years but if she ever chose another career then she would love to work in the fitness industry. One word you would use to describe yourself: Motivated. Hobbies? Working out. After two back-to-back pregnancies, I gained a lot of weight and was able to lose 114 pounds with mindful eating and exercising. I’m on my second weight loss journey now after being put on bed rest with my third pregnancy but I’ve already started working out and tweaking my diet.
Favorite place to take the kids? They love being outdoors so I’d have to say the park or the beach. If you had a super power, what would it be? I’d love to freeze time. Favorite TV show: The Office.
What’s your favorite food? Tacos.
Best thing about being a mom? The endless hugs, kisses and “I love you’s.”
Signature dish? Chicharo (Cuban style Split Pea Soup).
Hardest part about being a mom? Balancing life without neglecting my children.
Is there an important life lesson you’ve learned? After losing my father in a horrible car wreck, I’ve learned that tomorrow isn’t promised so tell your loved ones that you adore them while you still can.
Whom do you admire the most? My mother. Are you a planner, a dreamer or a doer? I’d have to say I’m a doer and many times without giving things a second thought.
What would surprise people about you? I lost my sense of smell in 2007. What quality do you most admire the most? Empathy.
Greatest hope: For my children to grow up to be compassionate and loving adults.
Dream vacation? I would have to say Greece.
Song playing in your head: Shape of You by Ed Sheeran.
46 • Augusta Family | March 2017