Augusta Family Magazine March 2014 by Augusta Family Magazine

March 2014 SPRING FASHION CLEARING CLUTTER BENEFITS OF A BACKYARD GARDEN PLAN A DATE NIGHT

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2013 Gold Award Winner Editorial and Design Awards Competition

Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s Spring Ella Carr, 6, is the daughter of Robert and Christy Carr of North Augusta. Matthew Shafer, 7, is the son of Will and Kathy Schafer of Augusta.

presents the

Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

w w w. a u g u s t afamily.co m PUBLISHER Kate Cooper Metts

Contents 24

EDITOR Karin Calloway

Spring Fashion Forecast

PRODUCTION Art Director / Web Producer Michael Rushbrook Graphic Artist Chris Goodman

ADVERTISING Director of Advertising Lisa Dorn Advertising Sales Doressa Hawes Lisa Taylor Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann Audience Development Manager Jessica Seigler PHOTOGRAPHY Branch Carter and John Harpring CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Adams Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE Monica Dutcher J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Jennie Montgomery Danielle Wong Moores Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at karin.calloway@augustafamily.com or mail to 127A 7th Street, Augusta, GA 30901 or telephone (706) 828-3946. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/ distribution, call (706) 823-3722.

March 2014

By Karin Calloway Photography by Branch Carter

Clean Out Closets

Without Clogging the Landfill By Lucy Adams

departments 7 9

editor’s page mom2mom

Kids Say the Darndest... -Jennie Montgomery

10 12

news&notes eating well with kim Sugar or Artificial Sweetener? -Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

doctor/dad Endometriosis

-J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

smart mom’s guide

health&home

Harvest the Benefits of a Backyard Garden -Lucy Adams

time out!

Chores Make the Grade -Lara Krupicka

inspiration station

Press On

-Danielle Wong Moores

34 46

Date Nights Five Reasons Why They’re Good for Your Marriage

calendar go girl!

Jennifer Pennington -Karin Calloway

March qu ick pick “Before declaring household castoffs trash and tossing them to the landfill, explore ways to make them work for you and for others.” Read Lucy Adams’ article about savvy ways to clear clutter beginning on page 21.

-Cammie Jones

ON THE COVER: Ella Carr, 6, is the daughter of Robert and Christy Carr of North Augusta. Matthew Shafer, 7, is the son of Will and Kathy Schafer of Augusta. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Photo by Branch Carter.

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editor’s by Karin Calloway

I Survived Pax

’ve always loved spring, but I don’t know that I’ve ever been as happy to see its arrival as I am this year. These winter storms have been absolutely crazy! During Car-Trina (the snow storm that shut down Atlanta highways), it took my little sister, who lives in the Atlanta suburb of Roswell, nine hours to get home from work. Her cell phone ran out of batteries and we spent three hours wringing our hands, worrying that she was in a ditch somewhere. And, like most of us in the CSRA, I didn’t particularly enjoy returning to pioneer times during Icepolalypse. Especially that Thursday night—watching “fireworks” in the next neighborhood over as the transformers exploded and hearing what sounded like gunshot fire throughout the night as my next-doorneighbor’s tree limbs crashed to the ground. Then the icing on the cake was the steam engine that came up my street, which turned out to be an earthquake in Edgefield, S.C. Less than a week later, we were reminded that spring is on the way, while enjoying bright, sunny 74-degree days. The wintry weather made me realize two things: 1) I’m glad I live in the sunny South! 2) People rise to the occasion during times of crisis. I was awed during Car-Trina at the way folks banded together while camping out in hardware stores and fast food restaurants, even on the sides of the blocked highways. And, I was heartened to see neighbors helping one another move fallen trees and limbs to the curb in preparation for their removal after our ice storm. All of this was going on while we were in the middle of production of this issue of Augusta Family Magazine, so while the winter winds were blowing outside I was perusing articles about planting a backyard garden, cleaning out my closets and the trends in spring fashions. What a nice way to spend those cold, snowy winter days! Until April,

KARIN CALLOWAY is a wife and mother of two. She’s also a journalist and recipe developer who writes the Wednesday cooking column for The Augusta Chronicle. Watch Karin prepare her recipes on WJBF NewsChannel 6 on Tuesdays during Mid-Day and Wednesdays during Good Morning Augusta.

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mom m m by Jennie Montgomery

Kids Say the Darndest...

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

y good friend Yvonne and I have birthdays 10 days apart. For years we’ve tried to meet somewhere in the middle to celebrate our special days. She’s a little older than I am, in fact her youngest child babysat for my children. (Now, that babysitter is a young mother herself!) We’ve watched each other’s families grow up and I’ve loved seeing her become an awesome grandmother. Our birthday lunch date is always a competition to see who can talk the most— but this year, I happily ceded some of my time as she thoroughly entertained me with stories of her Katie Mae. There was the time she walked in on Katie Mae fussing at her brother, who was predictably being an annoying big brother! All of a sudden the precocious 4 year old yelled out, “Stop ‘tagonizing me, I mean it!” Yvonne was cracking up on the inside, as you’d imagine, but she was equally impressed that the little girl used a big word like antagonizing correctly, even if she couldn’t quite pronounce it! Then there was the time Katie Mae went home with a little friend for a playdate. The friend’s mother had been Christmas shopping and had lots of packages in her car. Katie Mae innocently asked the friend’s mother if she knew the real meaning of Christmas. Katie Mae said, “Do you know why we celebrate Christmas?” The mother nodded. Katie Mae shouted, “It’s Jesus’ birthday!” This story thrilled Yvonne. As a faithful Christian, a member of her choir, soloist in the Christmas pageant and her church piano player, Yvonne was very proud that her little granddaughter knew December 25 meant more than Santa Claus and Rudolph. But the story doesn’t stop here. Back to the car ride… Now, you can hear the squeals of a child, can’t you? “It’s Jesus’ birthday!” (And to a kid, birthdays are so exciting and there’s always a party!) But you never would have expected what followed: Katie Mae continued, “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! All I ever hear in my house is Jesus!” Paraphrasing the late Paul Harvey, now you know the rest of the story! JENNIE MONTGOMERY anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children: Zack, 20, Maddy, 19, and Sky, 18.

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news notes

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GO GROVETOWN!

Babysitting Safety MORE THAN 32 MILLION CHILDREN were in some form of a non-parental child care arrangement in the year 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Finding a reliable babysitter can be a challenge for many parents. That’s why Safe Kids Greater Augusta offers a Safe Sitter program that teaches potential sitters everything from basic childcare essentials to how to handle emergencies. The next class will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Safe Kids Office at 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-721-7606 to register. Registration fee includes lunch. Gift Certificates are available. For more information, visit grhealth.org/safekids. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids USA network. To ﬁnd out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/ safekids. Read the entire article about the Safe Sitter program at www.augustafamily.com.

The SafeWise Report recently released its “50 Safest Cities in Georgia,” and the city of Grovetown ranked 20th on the list. To compile this report, SafeWise used the most recent FBI crime data from 2012, population and other ranking factors, such as safety initiatives and security programs implemented within the past few years. Go to www.safewise.com/blog/50-safest-cities-georgia/ to view the full list.

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Best of

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MAKE SURE YOUR VOTE is counted in two of Augusta Magazine’s most popular features: Best of Augusta and Best of Augusta At Home. Ballots are posted online so don’t miss your chance to vote for your Augusta favorites.

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!

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PARTY GUID S HDAY BLUE THE BIRT SINGING TO ’S GUIDE SMART MOM SKIN CARE

ANNUAL

2014 February E

...Fun... ...Animals...Prizes... ...Ages 3-6... ...Counting 1, 2, 3...

! c i t s a App-T Making Math Fun SPLASH MATH KINDERGARTEN

CAN PRACTICING MATH BE â&#x20AC;&#x153;UBER COOL?â&#x20AC;? The answer is yes according to StudyPad Inc., developer of the Splash Math series of apps being used by more than four million children. The newest iPad version for kindergarteners captivates kids, ages 3-6, with fun prizes, high-definition animations, chic animal sound effects and a creative Kinder Jungle theme. Kids practicing the math problems earn animal characters on clearing goals which are pre-set by parents. With as little as 10 minutes a day of practice (aka playing) children can become math whizzes and build a solid foundation for math. www.splashmath.com.

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eating well with kim by Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

S S

ugar

Sug

or Artificial

weetener?

ne e t e e

ating less sugar is a pretty common nutrition recommendation these days and with the rate of childhood obesity on the rise it makes sense. In addition, soda has been called out as one of the main contributors of sugar in the diets of our youth. There is a strong link between intake of sugary beverages and overweight in children. This may lead you, as a parent, to contemplate the role or safety of diet drinks and therefore sugar substitutes in the diets of your children. You may wonder whether sugar substitutes are actually better than sugar. In reality we need to limit sugar and the use of sugar substitutes is a personal preference based on the dietary needs of your family. Below is a little information to aid you in your decisions.

Are Sugar Substitutes Safe? The short answer is yes—they are safe for lim-

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Which One Is Better for our Children?

ited consumption. The FDA sets an acceptable daily intake (ADI) level for each approved sweetener that is based on body weight. The ADI level is the maximum amount of a food additive that can safely be consumed on a daily basis over a person’s lifetime without adverse effect and includes a 100-fold safety factor. To figure out your ADI for sugar substitutes go to this link, which is an interactive calculator: http://www.nafwa.org/sweetener.php. Six sweeteners have been approved for use in foods and drinks: acesulfame-K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, stevia and sucralose. Much research has gone into studying the safety of sugar substitutes with the majority of research being done on saccharine (Sweet and Low®) and aspartame (Equal®). There is one group of children who

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can’t eat all artificial sweeteners: those with phenylketonuria (or PKU). People with PKU are not able to metabolize phenylalanine, an amino acid in aspartame, so they’re advised to steer clear of aspartame. From a dietitian's perspective I will say first that we do need to decrease the amount of sugar our children consume in foods and beverages. Secondly, sugar substitutes are not a necessary dietary component, but can be used to help decrease sugar consumption if needed. The bottom line is that we need to focus on giving our children the best diet possible and not allow sugary foods and drinks to replace more nutrient-rich foods.

Some Practical Advice As with most parenting advice this is easier said than done and yes, of course, I struggle with this issue as well. For now I handle sugary bever-

eating well with kim age consumption with a compromise. In our home we stock the smallest cans of soda (7.5 ounces) and sports drinks (12 ounces) available and allow our kids to have one a day of either, not both. This strategy has limited their requests for these drinks and gives them some control over when they drink their beverage of choice. I do not use diet drinks for them or sugar free items at this time, I just don’t see a need for it in our present-day life (this certainly is subject to change). Which sugar substitute is best? That, too, is a personal preference. Even though six sweeteners are approved, I personally don’t love “artificial-type” products. However, truthfully, I use them daily in my coffee. I like the taste of one brand the best but, rotate what I use in an effort to not use any one sweetener too much. That is a purely personal opinion and based on one of my engineering husband’s famous quotes: “Dilution is the solution to pollution.” The fruit salad recipe below is delicious and uses half sugar and half sugar substitute. Feel free to omit the sugar, change the sweetener or add no sweetener, the choice is yours. Enjoy!

Jessica’s Fruit Salad Fresh fruit is great, but sometimes it is just nice to have a big bowl of fruit salad in the refrigerator at the ready. This fruit salad fits the bill anytime of the year! 2 cups water ½ cup sugar ½ cup Splenda® Granulated (measures like sugar) 3 tablespoons Fruit Fresh 2 16-ounce bags frozen peaches, thawed, or sliced fresh peaches 1 honeydew melon, diced 1 pound of fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and chopped

Bring water to a boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from the heat and add Splenda® and Fruit Fresh, and allow mixture to cool. Meanwhile prepare the fruit and combine it in a large bowl. Pour cooled sugar mixture over the fruit and refrigerate until needed.

Yield: 16 servings (serving size 1 cup) Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 70, Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 10g,

Carbohydrate 18g, Fiber 2g, Protein 1g Percent Daily Value: 120% Vitamin C, 4% Vitamin A, 2% Iron, 0% Calcium Carbohydrate Choices: 1 Carbohydrate Diabetes Exchange Values: 1 Fruit

Note: If you choose to use another sweetener, be sure to check the sugar

conversion as not every sweetener measures like sugar.

KIM BEAVERS is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To join the recipe club or view recipes, visit www.universityhealth.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk.

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he pain felt like a knife stabbing her in the belly. It would come in waves and engulf her like a rising tide. It was a day before her period and the agony had become as predictable as the sun rising. Every month she would be sidelinedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;rendered impotent at work and homeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; by the pain. At 33 she was aggressively climbing the corporate ladder at her job while maintaining a thriving household and the pressure of both seemed to aggravate her cyclical suffering. In fact, the predictable calamity was beginning to interfere with both work and home. It was time to act. This scenario repeats itself time and time again with those women who suffer with a common malady known as endometriosis. Endometriosis is a disease in which the cells that normally line the inside of the uterus escape into the pelvis and manifest as implants of hormonally susceptible tissue. These implants can vary in size from microscopic to the size of softballs and can be single or multiple. They can cause tremendous pain or be completely asymptomatic, thus leading to this condition being nicknamed â&#x20AC;&#x153;the great impostor.â&#x20AC;?

doctor dad by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

T H E PA I N T H AT K E E P S O N G I V I N G

or afterwards, which is normally described as burning or cramp-like. r 1BJO PG WBSZJOH JOUFOTJUZ JO EJÄ&#x2019;FSFOU QBSUT PG UIF lower abdomen that also occurs between periods. r 'FFMJOH GVMM QBJOGVM CPXFM NPWFNFOUT BOE bladder or bowel problems.

Diagnosis

As you can see from this list, the symptoms are somewhat nebulous and many can be attributed to other conditions. Not everyone who has pain with their cycles has endometriosis and not everyone with endometriosis has pain with their cycles. The diagnosis of endometriosis is only possible by seeing the implants on the inside of the pelvis. ŃŽFSF BSF OP CMPPE TUVEJFT TPOPHSBNT PS Y SBZT that will definitely detect the disease. These evaluations may rule out other conditions and possibly hint at the presence of endometriosis, but you have to literally see it to believe it. This often involves an outpatient surgical procedure called a laparoscopy where a lighted tube is inserted through the umbilicus and the insides of the abdomen are viewed. This not only allows the doctor to correctly diagnose the problem, but in many cases, they can initiate treatment at the same time.

r #JSUI DPOUSPM QJMMT PŃŤFO VTFE DPOUJOVBMMZ TP B XPNBO IBT OP QFSJPE GPS TJY NPOUIT UP B ZFBS r .FEJDBUJPOT TVDI BT -VQSPO XIJDI CMPDL FTUSPgen production, shut down periods and induce a pseudo-menopause state. These are effective because they block the formation of endometrial tisTVF BOE TUBSWF UIF FYJTUJOH FOEPNFUSJPTJT GSPN JUT main nutrientâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;estrogen. Unfortunately in doing so they can cause side effects such as hot flashes and weight gain. r 3FMBUJWFMZ NJME FOEPNFUSJPTJT TZNQUPNT DBO CF USFBUFE XJUI QBJO NFEJDBUJPOT TVDI BT /BQSPYFO and Ibuprofen. r ŃŽF TVSHJDBM BQQSPBDI JOWPMWFT EJÄ&#x2019;FSFOU NFUIPET for physically removing the endometriosis. Often this can be accomplished by laparoscopy using a laser or surgical tools but sometimes may involve an open approach with a larger incision and more USBEJUJPOBM TVSHJDBM UFDIOJRVFT 3BSFMZ TFWFSF FOdometriosis can only be cured by a hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries.

Endometriosis is important to identify and treat not only for the discomfort that can result but also due to its potential effect on fertility. Endometriosis, Understanding Endometriosis especially in women in their 30s, is a common cause of infertility. This is due to scarring that may block Estimates as to the incidence of endometriosis the fallopian tubes, or simply by hormonal secreare notoriously inaccurate, but the NIH guesses that tions from the endometriosis itself. about 10-20 percent of child-bearing-age females Treatment The first step in deciding if you have endometriosis may posses endometrial implants. Of those women with regularly painful periods, studies have shown Treatment of endometriosis can be divided is to get a good checkup and be evaluated for the multi40-60 percent may have endometriosis. Common in to two broad categories: medical and surgical. tude of other conditions that can mimic the disease. This signs of endometriosis include: 4PNFUJNFT B XPNBO XJMM SFRVJSF CPUI NFEJDBM BOE is an area where you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to self diagnose or ignore, r 4USPOH QFSJPE QBJOT EZTNFOPSSIFB UIBU BSF surgical approaches to treat her disease. Once endo- as either route could delay a needed intervention. so bad that affected women are unable to per- metriosis is correctly diagnosed there are a variety form their daily activities or go to work. of medicines that can be used to treat the problem. Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college. r 1BJO EVSJOH TFYVBM JOUFSDPVSTF EZTQBSFVOJB These include:

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smartMom’sguide by Cammie Jones

DATE N GHTS Five Reasons Why They’re Good for Your Marriage

ow easy is it to get into the routine of your children’s lives and activities, running a household and handling your career/volunteer responsibilities while totally leaving out the needs of your spouse? I know I am guilty of this “let’s just make it through the day” attitude. By the time you even look at your spouse and speak to him, you’re most likely barking out orders (or at least I am). Experts say date nights with your spouse can cure this common problem, and there are several reasons why.

“If you don’t know who they are because you checked out for 18 years, odds are the relationship is not going to last.” So, take a break and go on a date. “When date nights are done right, it can be an excellent way to recharge your batteries by spending some high-quality connection time with your husband,” says Gillian Rowinski, Mindful Self-Care coach for moms. Not only is it psychologically lifting, it is also a way to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which is the chill-out state that reduces the stress response. Who doesn’t need less stress in their lives?

They promote connectivity and communication. A date night, alone with your spouse, allows you to remember why you got married in the first place. Talk about your day, your lives, your ideas for the future and whatever else is on your mind. Get out your calendar and talk about upcoming events. Get on the same page. “Just like you devote time to your to-do list at work or your exercise routine, you should also make an effort when it comes to marriage,” says Whitney Baker Johnson, senior editor and social media director at cupidspulse.com. Remember your spouse is supposed to be your best friend. Treat him like one! Mommy and daddy need a break. Kids’ activities and family responsibilities can take their toll. “There is a ‘before and after kids’ and when the kids are grown you will be left standing with your spouse,” says Traci Bild, author and creator of the Get your Girl Back movement.

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Date nights add adventure and excitement. The daily routine can pretty much wear you out. Remember those days before kids when you would decide, last minute, to meet friends for dinner or a movie? You can still do this—maybe with a little more preplanning. Do something with your spouse that is out of the ordinary. Go to a wine tasting, try a new restaurant, go bowling or roller skating, play tennis or golf, take dancing lessons. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. It will add a little zip to your relationship. They set a healthy example for your children. Studies have proven true that children learn about healthy relationships from their parents. Show your children that although they are important, your lives do not revolve around them all the time. Get a sitter—don’t feel guilty—and

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smartMom’sguide go out. “It shows your children that you prioritize your marriage and sets a precedence for them to look up to in their future relationships,” says Wendy Valderrama, of Hemmed In, LLC. They will see a healthy relationship showing two people who choose to spend time together.

DATE NIGHTS IDEAS Damona Hoffman, aka Dr. D, www.datesandmates.com, offers these ideas: 1. Be a tourist in your own hometown. Check out the sights in Augusta!

Fall in love again! The most important benefit of scheduling regular date nights is that, hopefully, you will “fall in love” with your spouse all over again. Those butterflies you had when first dating may be buried deep, but they are still there. Make a point to go out alone and get to know one another again. One of my favorite lines in the movie Parenthood was said by the grandmother. She said, “When I was 19 your father took me on a roller coaster. Up, down, up, down—oh, what a ride. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited and so thrilled all together! Some didn’t like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.” Kind’ve like marriage, wouldn’t you say?

2. Get outdoors. Pack a picnic and head out on a beautiful day.

Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.

9. Make it a game night. Sorry, Scrabble, the Wii—endless possibilities.

3. Life is more romantic on a boat. The canal, Thurmond Lake, the river... 4. Heat things up. Take an amateur cooking class. 5. Expand your palate and learn something at the same time at a wine tasting. 6. Get artistic. Take a painting class, paint your own pottery, etc. 7. Go live! There are bands and concerts all around town on any given weekday or weekend night. 8. Get sporty. Play a game of golf, tennis, run or hike.

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health home by Lucy Adams

Backyard Garden harvest the

benefits of a

Healthy, Local Produce Can Be as Close as Your Own Backyard

orld War II interrupted the labor and transportation required to harvest fruits and vegetables and distribute them to market. The U.S. government implored its citizens to supplement shortfalls in fresh produce by growing their own. Twenty-million Americans responded. Installing backyard garden plots, they fulfilled their patriotic duty on the home front. Victory Gardens became a familiar part of the domestic landscape. After the war, however, when peace and prosperity were restored, folks lost interest in the endeavor. Commercial agriculture bounced back and grocery stores resumed supplying abundant fruits and vegetables. In urban and suburban America, the garden was forgotten.

The Modern Home Garden As the cost of food rises, so does popularity of the kitchen garden. Concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale agriculture, worries about chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and doubts surrounding food safety drive interest in homegrown fruits, herbs and vegetables, as well. Victory Gardens don’t have to be a vestige of history for our children to learn about in a library or a museum. Stella Otto, Master Gardener instructor and author of The Backyard Orchardist and The Backyard Berry Book says, “It can be a hands-on learning lab to teach children aspects of biology and environmental stewardship.” The modern victory might have changed, but the

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age-old act of growing one’s food is the same. Benefits of backyard gardening abound, and the enterprise truly is manageable in the sparse amount of free time and free yard space the modern family has. Hand tools, like a spade and hoe, and the occasional tiller rental are all a homeowner needs to work the dirt of a small plot. A wealth of produce can even be grown in containers. An investment of a few hours to plant, maintain and harvest can bring a large yield. Local Master Gardener and frequent contributor to State-by-State Gardening magazines Mary Louise Hagler advises, “The more time you spend the better your harvest will be.”

A Healthy Pursuit Doctors recommend a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, and these aren’t any fresher than when picked directly from the plant and consumed immediately or a short time later. Todd Heft, author of Homegrown Tomatoes, notes, “Allowing them to ripen to maturity – not picked early and shipped hundreds of miles while they ripen – makes them healthier, as proteins, sugars and starches develop more completely.” Fresh also means more flavor. The better good-foryou foods taste, the more likely people are to consume the recommended number of servings per day. Children are more likely to try new foods if they had a hand in bringing them from seed to the table. Mihaela Lica Butler, author of Garden Super Hero Tales, says of her son, “He’s only five, but he already knows the names of all the garden vegetables and all

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the herbs. He enjoys eating raw vegetables and healthy foods.” Parents who invite their kids into the garden might catch even finicky eaters munching sweet peas and banana peppers right from the plants. But it’s not just the nutrients in the fruits and vegetables that contribute to human health. Hagler says, “Gardening is therapeutic on many levels – mind, body and spirit. Pulling weeds, digging with a shovel and just taking in fresh air are good for you.” Butler adds, “The garden is a great place for the whole family to spend time outdoors and even to exercise, digging in the soil or sowing.” The natural sunlight that aids garden growth also increases the human body’s production of vitamin D, which is necessary for maintaining strong bones. And emerging research reveals that exposure to certain microorganisms living in the soil is linked to heightened mood.

Eat With Confidence When feeding a family, knowing that the cabbage or potatoes weren’t handled by a hundred grocery patrons lends comfort to parents. Additionally, “(Backyard gardening) offers locally grown food that was produced with minimal or no pesticides,” says Otto. Families can eat organic produce free of chemical residues without paying the hefty price. And there’s no anxiety about contamination in the processing of it. When other families are dealing with a spinach or cantaloupe recall, the family with the backyard garden is still enjoying their leafy greens and melons with confidence.

health home Save Money The family’s pocketbook fares better when the grocery list is supplemented with food they grow themselves. Otto reminds people, “Fruit are high-value, expensive crops when purchased at the store. Growing one’s own saves more on the grocery bill than growing most vegetables.” Heft adds, “I personally save hundreds of dollars on my food bill every year, and I eat like a king.” In this area of the country, the backyard garden can produce edibles almost year-round. Packets of seeds cost less than a dollar. Once the plant is grown the first time, seeds can be dried and stored in the refrigerator to be used the next season. Vegetable seedlings in flats are generally less than two dollars per plant. Fruit trees, bushes and vines are more expensive at the outset, but pay off in bundles since they last for years if cared for. Hagler says, “Plant the vegetables, fruits and herbs you and your family will actually eat. Then, yes, it will make a difference in the grocery bill.” By eating food from the plant as it ripens, families reduce waste. There’s no chance that it’s going to spoil, forgotten in the refrigerator’s crisper. Garden-

ers develop the habit of eating what they have when it’s in its prime. Learning to can, dehydrate, pickle, freeze and otherwise preserve one’s harvest can stock the pantry for the off season, too, further saving those dimes normally spent on canned or frozen goods.

Pride in Accomplishment How satisfying to look out the window and see what’s for dinner. This small bit of self-sufficiency, this ability to bring forth food from the earth, instills pride. Reaping the rewards of work with our hands rejuvenates us in an age when much of our work is intangible and stored, invisible, somewhere in the “cloud.” The process of gardening teaches patience, responsibility and discipline. The sense of accomplishment that first home-grown meal induces can’t be beat.

Get Started Ready to break ground? You don’t need the proverbial “back 40” to begin. “My suggestion is to start small, then expand your garden as your enthusiasm

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and confidence grow,” says Hagler. Situate the garden in a spot that gets full sun most of the day. Good soil and plenty of water also ensure success. Bags of dirt from a lawn and garden store can be used initially to augment the soil, but composting kitchen scraps, such as eggshells and raw fruit and vegetable remnants, can aid in developing rich dirt. A sprinkler attached to the hose will be enough to supply water. Don’t fret if your garden doesn’t look like the ones in magazines. Yours will probably have a few weeds. The pole beans may climb the poles and the nearby tomatoes. Your cucumber plants might weave their way through the squash. It’s okay. Treat it as a learning process. As your garden grows, your family will grow as gardeners. The victory will be won one season at a time. Lucy Adams is a freelance writer and the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson, Ga., with her husband and their four children. Contact Lucy at lucybgoosey@aol.com.

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CLEAN

OUT

CLOSETS WITHOUT CLOGGING THE LANDFILL By Lucy Adams

ast spring, when a friend and her family made a quick move to Hot Springs, Ark., to take advantage of a job offer, I watched with jealousy as she disposed of clutter from under beds, behind cabinet doors and out of junk drawers. I wanted that feeling of freeing myself from the burden of stuff, so I pretended I had a pending move and tackled my own monster. Like my friend, I pared down my possessions but ended up with boxes, bags and piles of “junk.” Guilt kept me from hauling it to the curb on garbage day. I had no use for these things, but that didn’t mean the things were no longer useful. As Carol Hair, owner of Consign Design says, “It’s about letting it go to be loved somewhere else.” Before declaring household castoffs trash and tossing them to the landfill, explore ways to make them work for you and for others.

Sell Your Slough Yes! Get cash for your trash. Extra spending money can inspire even the most reluctant child or spouse to let go. Options for monetizing are plentiful. The ubiquitous yard sale is the go-to for families who have accumulated years of belongings. Signs go up across the CSRA every weekend and bargain hunters start out early. Though a yard sale takes some time to prepare for, implement and clean up, it can earn a few hundred dollars in a weekend. Combining efforts with another family or the entire neighborhood can attract more buyers and, thus, more dough. If you don’t want to drag everything outside, try a spin on the classic yard sale. Charge customers a $10 entry fee. Patrons then select as much or as little as they want for one flat rate.

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Online Sites for Selling, Trading and Donating www.freecycle.org www.etsy.com www.ebay.com www.craigslist.com www.swapdom.com www.gazelle.com www.worldlister.co www.tradeaway.com www.barterquest.com http://iscrapapp.com www.soles4souls.org www.whatsellsbest.com http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/ http://www.yourenew.com/

Local Charities That Need Your Donations This is not an exhaustive list of area charities or the things they accept. r Goodwill—Clothes and household items. No large appliances. r Salvation Army—Clothes and household items. r Partners for Success—Children’s clothes, backpacks, shoes and school supplies. r Safe Homes of Augusta—Household items, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, clothing, suitcases. No stuffed animals or toys. r Augusta Training Shop—T-shirts, tools and anything related to woodworking. r CSRA Humane Society—Towels and blankets. r Golden Harvest Food Bank—Unexpired food items. r When Help Can’t Wait—Cardigan sweaters for men and women, sweat suits, sample size lotions/shampoos/ soaps, small radios, padded folding chairs, gently used clothing for men and women, small stuffed animals. r Julie’s House—Household items, toys, cosmetics, clothes, books, electronics, small appliances.

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Some folks desire to reap value from their used belongings, but don’t want the headache of haggling. Consignment is a good option for gently used furniture, décor and clothes. “I find that in yard sales, people don’t want to give you much for your merchandise. We work every day with staging your merchandise. Even with our 50-50 split, on the whole consigners do much better than a yard sale,” says Hair. Owners of consignment shops price and display your item and share a percentage of the sale price with you. Hair advises that policies can vary from shop to shop, so make a few calls to compare. If you’re willing to accept less, pawn shops pay for your items on the spot. Again, call around to see what pawn shops are buying and what they pay. Broken bikes, rusted wheelbarrows, household appliances, junk cars and metal odds and ends can add up to feed for the pig, too. Scrap yards pay by the weight and metal type. They generally buy anything made of iron, tin, aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel. Tech-savvy sellers can list on-line. This method of selling requires a person to store things longer, but generally results in a higher pay-out. Most Internet sites for selling have a downloadable app. With a smart phone in hand, you can list items as you clean out. Join local Facebook groups like Augusta Online Yard Sales and Columbia County, GA Online Yardsale to post what you’re peddling. Sell used books on Amazon.com, vintage décor and accessories on Etsy.com and collectables on eBay. Sites like Cashforelectronicscrapusa.com and Nextworth.com buy old technology, such as gaming devices, hard drives, cell phones, mother boards and tablets.

Donate Your Debris There are several benefits of donating the contents of your closets and garage to charitable organizations. Driving up and dropping off, or, better yet, arranging pick up of larger donations, is one of the simplest ways to eliminate clutter. Donating once-loved items to charitable organizations gives back to the community and teaches children about helping others. Exercising good stewardship over one’s resources in order to give someone else an opportunity is a long lasting lesson. “If none of the other stuff makes you feel warm and fuzzy,” says Christine Butler, Goodwill’s director of donated

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goods for Middle Georgia and the CSRA, “then the tax deduction should.” Renee Hansen, co-founder of SpinFish Event Solutions, a company that cleans up after largescale events and festivals while minimizing waste, cautions, however, “Consider what the organizations need. They shouldn’t be dumping grounds for any items that someone doesn’t want. Then it just ends up in the trash anyway.” Most organizations have a list of what they need and a list of what they cannot accept. For example, Goodwill doesn’t take cribs, car seats and highchairs for infants. In addition, only donate things that are still functional. Butler says, “Be mindful of the items you put in the bag. Do you think someone else will use them?” She adds, “If you’re going to make a donation, make it to a reputable charity.” oodwill and Salvation Army drop-off centers take clothes and most household items, but there are other charities that accept things like cell phones, toiletries and linens. For odd items, think outside the box. Schools, women’s shelters, veterinarian offices, daycare centers, after-school programs, senior-citizen centers and other local agencies may want what you no longer need. Stacks of plastic planters, leaky aquariums, reams of magazines, sleeves of paper cups, worn linens, old suitcases and so on may be supplies they’re seeking.

Swap Your Surplus Trunk shows for ladies’ and children’s clothing have been popular for years, but they’re pricey. Refreshing one’s wardrobe costs a pretty penny. Follow the trunk show model, however, to host a budget-friendly clothing exchange. Invite guests to bring clothes and accessories they no longer want. It’s fun to coordinate outfits from everyone’s wardrobes. Guests take home “new” fashions and the rest is donated to a local charity. The same concept works well with toys, books, tools and kitchen supplies. Exchange parties are a fun social engagement and a fantastic method for leaving the cluttered life behind.

Offer Out Your Oddments When trading one thing for another, you may have gotten something you need, but you haven’t necessarily recouped space in the house, attic or garage. Sometimes it’s easier to let friends, family

and neighbors know about your surplus. The first person to stake a claim and haul it off can have it for FREE. Putting the word out through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter makes it easy for friends to share the announcement with their friends. Craigslist is another great place to advertise “free to a good home.”

Reuse Your Rubbish Maybe you’ve been waiting for “someday” so you can fix the broken leg on that chest of drawers or polish grandma’s heavily tarnished silver. Now that your cleaning spree has momentum, you’re wondering if it’s worth the effort to paint that bookcase and put it in the kids’ room. Before you get rid of it and buy something new, take it by Augusta Training Shop and ask for an estimate. Augusta Training Shop, a local non-profit organization, employs adults with mental and physical disabilities who specialize in repairing, repainting and refinishing furniture. Employees are also skilled at fixing wicker and re-caning chairs, and they can polish brass, silver and copper pieces to a shine. The result is a win for everyone. Audrey Murell, Augusta Training Shop’s executive director, says, “Our prices are very reasonable and customers get top-notch quality. Plus, you’re giving someone meaningful work.” Shred stacks of magazines and newspapers and add them to the compost pile. By fall, they’ll be mulch for the garden. Cotton and wool castoffs compost well, too. Almost anything biodegradable can be composted, but give bigger, bulkier items a helping hand with decomposition by cutting them into smaller pieces. Re-envision items from your “old” life. Do you have snow skis, but no longer ski? With the bindings removed, they might make shelves that serve a purpose and show off creativity. An old drum set can make the perfect end table. Turn an old cheese grater into an earring holder or use a section of a worn out table cloth to wrap a gift. Get more repurposing ideas for trash to treasure from websites like Pinterest. Pinterest is a great site for craft ideas, too. See what other people are making out of costume jewelry, jars, bolts, socks, circuit boards and more. You or your kids may be inspired to create a beautiful work of art original to your home.

Gift Your Garbage Who says a gift has to come with labels and tags? If you loved it, someone else will, too. That beautiful maternity dress that you felt so sentimental about post-partum is now taking up closet room for skinny clothes. Wrap it and give it to an expecting co-worker or friend. Perhaps your office or family celebrates the holidays with a white elephant gift exchange. Save a few items for it. Maybe your young niece adores playing dress-up. Box up a purse, hat, scarf and other accessories for her next birthday. She’ll be thrilled. You’ll be freed from the burden of stuff. Lucy Adams is a freelance writer and the author of Tuck Your Skirt in Your Panties and Run. She lives in Thomson, Ga., with her husband and their four children. Contact Lucy at lucybgoosey@aol.com.

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Spring fashion s forecast #: ,"3*/ $"--08": r 1)0504 #: #3"/$) $"35&3

After a winter of snow and ice, spring is finally in the air. Now is the time to give your wardrobes a spring spruce-up. Here’s what some of our favorite local retailers are presenting as the Spring 2014 fashion forecast.

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Ruffles and Bows

Ella Carr, 6, is pretty in pink and white in this dress by Peaches ‘n Cream and flowery sandals by L’Amour. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Ella is the daughter of Robert and Christy Carr of North Augusta

Dapper Dude

Gorgeous in Green

Braydan Worman, 2, is dressed up “South-

Gabby Hood, 5, wears a spring green Rare

ern style” in seersucker pants and vest,

Additions dress and sandals by Itsy Bitsy.

IZOD shirt and white bucks by L’Amour. Clothing provided by Kid to Kid. Braydan is the son of Christopher and Nicole Worman of Martinez.

The ensemble is perfect for parties or church. Clothing provided by Kid to Kid. Gabby is the daughter of Tiffany O’Shields and Anthony Hood, both of Martinez.

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Positively Preppy

Matthew Shafer, 7, sports a classic look with periwinkle bermuda shorts, canvas belt and plaid button down, all by J. Bailey. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Matthew is the son of Will and Kathy Shafer of Augusta.

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Bring on the Bunny!

These whimsical totes make perfect Easter baskets and can be personalized with your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monograms. Then, reuse them this summer as adorable beach bags. Provided by CommuniGraphics.

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Perfect in Polo

Connor Bane, 17, sports a yellow Polo button down and khaki shorts, with shoes by Sperry. Clothing provided by Uptown Cheapskate. Connor is the son of Ron and Jan Bane of Evans.

Enchanted Eclectic

Modern Mommy

Cute & Casual

Carolyn Knox, 17, mixes things up in this ador-

Evans mom Meredith Allen is comfortable and

Sarah Gibson, of North Augusta, is fashion-for-

able ensemble. Dress by Anthropologie, boots

classic in this emerald green dressâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one of the

ward and comfortable in jeans, shirt and scarf

by Durango and bag by Cato. Clothing provided by Uptown Cheapskate. Carolyn is the daughter of John and Michelle Knox of Evans.

color trends of the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;by Charlie Page

by Charlie Page and sandals by Southern Tide. Clothing provided by CommuniGraphics in North Augusta.

and scarf by Gina Accessories. Clothing provided by CommuniGraphics in North Augusta.

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Fashion Fashion

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funfood Courtesy of Family Features

bring back

Biscuit Baking with Easy Recipes

Sweet Blueberry Drop Biscuits Makes: 12 biscuits • Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray

• 2 cups White Lily® Enriched Bleached Self-Rising Flour

• 1/3 cup sugar • 1/4 cup Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening, chilled

aking homemade biscuits is becoming a lost art form due, in part, to today’s busy lifestyle. Bring back the art of biscuit making by learning, teaching and sharing with others the joy of baking these delicious delights. “If you are an aspiring biscuit maker or just need a quicker recipe, easy-to-make drop biscuits are the perfect choice,” said baking expert Linda Carman. “We are on a campaign to ‘Save the Biscuit’ and drop biscuits are the perfect recipe for new and experienced bakers alike. They save time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste.” The beauty of drop biscuits is they have a wonderfully crisp crust with a soft classic biscuit texture on the inside. They get their name because the dough is soft enough to drop from a spoon onto the baking sheet. Drop biscuits are made exactly the same way as the iconic White Lily Light and Fluffy Biscuit, except there is no kneading, rolling or cutting. Simply cut shortening into self-rising flour, add milk, drop on the pan and bake. Drop biscuits recipes are easy to modify with a

• 2/3 to 3/4 cups milk or buttermilk,

couple of additions. Sweet Blueberry Drop Biscuits combine sugar and blueberries with the White Lily classic biscuit recipe, baking up a sweet biscuit that is delightfully light in texture. Prefer savory instead? Prepare Bacon Cheddar Drop Biscuits by adding cheese and bacon to the biscuit dough. These biscuits have great flavor and the slightly crunchy texture is very satisfying. Other delicious combinations are cinnamon and sugar or blue cheese and garlic. Bake smaller versions of these biscuits to serve as appetizers at your next party, or as part of an on-the-go breakfast for your family. “Above everything else, spending time in the kitchen experimenting with biscuits gives you a chance to take a break from the hustle-bustle of life,” said Carman. “Take the time to share your new recipes with other family and friends. They, too, can help ‘Save the Biscuit.’” Learn more about how you can join White Lily and help “Save the Biscuit.” Visit www.whitelily.com for more baking tips and recipes, such as Bacon Cheddar Drop Biscuits.

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plus additional as needed

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, if frozen, do not thaw

HEAT oven to 500°F. Spray baking sheet with no-stick cooking spray.

COMBINE ﬂour and sugar into bowl.

Cut in shortening with pastry blender

or 2 knives until crumbs are the size of peas. Blend in just enough milk with a fork until dough leaves sides of bowl. If needed, add more milk to form soft dough. Gently stir in blueberries.

DROP dough by rounded tablespoon-

fuls onto prepared baking sheet 1 to 2 inches apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

COOL 2 minutes. Split and serve warm with butter.

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timeout by Lara Krupicka

CHORES

make the grade

rian Pacilio was a typical teenager: busy with sports, school, friends. But he was not too busy to help with dinner dishes, do some of the laundry, take out the trash, and keep his bathroom “hotel ready”. That’s because for Brian’s mom, Cheryl, it was about more than getting help with housework. It was about helping her son too. Chores can be an important part of kids’ lives. Not only do tasks at home teach life skills and allow kids to contribute to the running of the household, they also yield benefits that support your child’s academic life. Here are a few ways chores benefit kids’ brains at different ages:

Preschool For young children household tasks can give them real-life experience with the skills of sorting, matching, and patterning . Have your preschooler help sort laundry into light and dark piles. Then ask them to match up socks out of the clean laundry pile. Let them put away the silverware from the dishwasher, which requires parceling out each type of utensil. Preschoolers can also help set the table, an exercise in patterning (Fork, plate, cup, knife. Fork, plate, cup, knife). Amy Payton, an occupational therapist, points out “learning to clean up at home also translates to

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school. Hanging their jacket on a hook. Having a place for their shoes and backpack.” Keep organization simple for this age and they’ll have the tools for following the expectations at preschool.

Elementary School Once children reach elementary school age, they’re ready to take more responsibility. And as Tara Aaronson, author of Mrs. Clean Jeans’ Housekeeping with Kids says, “Chores give kids a sense of responsibility that follows through into other areas of their lives, especially school.” She also encourages parents to, “invest the time now and you’ll be rewarded with a child who takes pride (if not joy) in carrying his share of the home cleaning load.” Brain boosters for grade schoolers from housework: practicing math skills and learning how to plan. Most grade schoolers can help cook meals by working alongside mom or dad. They’ll get hands-on experience with fractions as they measure out ingredients and, with some input from an adult, can learn the science behind different aspects of cooking and baking (yeast recipes work well for science lessons). With younger elementary age children, focus on estimating and comparative sizes.

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For those families with garden space, schoolaged children can be involved in the planning, planting, and maintaining of a garden. Planning out the division of space for different plants and measuring planting depth and distances provide a mental workout. Payton agrees. “(Gardening) is a great multistep chore. Look at it as step-by-step sequencing. Have them plan out the tools needed. It can even involve research.” Kids can learn soil properties and gardening conditions, making it a great science-related chore as well.

Junior High & High School Finding time for chores in the tween and teen years can be a challenge. But parents shouldn’t give up because of busy schedules. In fact, as her children grew older, Cheryl Pacilio added responsibilities, rather than reducing them. She tied her son’s allowance to his chores as a way to motivate him and train him in real-world economics. Rote jobs like mowing the lawn and vacuuming can be good for teenaged brains as a mental shift. The downtime from thinking about schoolwork while getting tasks done can be both refreshing and energizing. Chores at this age also develop other skills important to kids’ academic lives such as learning

timeout how to prioritize and working on time management. Payton points out the benefits of learning to plan related to housework, in particular laundry. A teen might say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to wear my favorite jeans on the weekend, but I forgot to wash them...â&#x20AC;? The big idea at this age is to progressively assign more responsibility. As Pacilio notes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The value of chores is in creating full-functioning members of a society.â&#x20AC;? Are your kids new to housework and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure where to start? Aaronson suggests starting slow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Begin by creating a chores list with just one or two chores for each school-age kid.â&#x20AC;? Sharing household duties shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be looked at as a burden or a punishment. Parents need to remember chores wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hamper kids success at school, but instead will build on it. Pacilio advises, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would encourage parents to look at chores as necessary teaching opportunities. To let your child leave the house still a child is to thwart his adulthood and cripple a society. Chores are the tools you use to create a good employee, an appreciated neighbor, and most importantly, a good spouse and parent himself.â&#x20AC;?

Suggested Chores By Age (Each list adds on to the previously mentioned chores.)

PRESCHOOL r 1VU EJSUZ DMPUIFT JO IBNQFS r )FMQ TFU UIF UBCMF r 1VU UPZT BOE HBNFT JO QSPQFS boxes or bins r )FMQ VOMPBE UIF EJTIXBTIFS r %BNQ NPQ BOZ TQJMMT r 'JMM UIF QFU T XBUFS EJTI ELEMENTARYď&#x161;şAGED r .BLF UIFJS CFE r 4RVFFHFF UIF TIPXFS r 'FFE FYFSDJTF QFUT r $MFBO QFUT CPXMT BOE DBHFT r 4JNQMF DPPLJOH UBTLT TVDI BT rinsing vegetables r 1VU EJTIFT JO EJTIXBTIFS

r r

8JQF EPXO JOUFSJPS PG NJcrowave 5BLF PVU USBTI BOE SFDZDMJOH

TWEEN r 1PVS CFWFSBHFT GPS NFBMT r )FMQ IBOE XBTI EJTIFT r .BLF MVODI GPS TDIPPM r 6OMPBE UIF EJTIXBTIFS r %JTJOGFDU LJUDIFO BOE CBUIroom countertops TEEN r 1SFQBSF NFBMT r $MFBO DPÄ&#x2019;FFNBLFS UIPSPVHIMZ r .PX MBXO r 7BDVVN IPVTF

(Adapted from Mrs. Clean Jeansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Housekeeping with Kids.)

Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer and mom to three girls. She learns as much from sharing housework with her kids as they learn from her.

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inspirationstation by Danielle Wong Moores

press

/BU 4JNLJOT MFGU XBT UIF mSTU CPOF NBSSPX EPOPS GPS IJT CSPUIFS #SFOOBO

Young Cancer Survivor Has Inspired Donors From Around the Globe To Donate Towards Cancer Research

welve-year-old Brennan Simkins comes bounding through the living room: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my hat?â&#x20AC;? When he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find it, he gets creative, wrapping an orange sweater around his head, and dashes outside. Moments later, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staggering back in with an Xbox in his arms, and soon he and his brother Christopher are working on the cords, trying to get it hooked up. Big brother Nat sits curled in an armchair, swiping away on his smartphone, and when their golden dog Lucky comes galloping through, wriggling under the coffee table and leaving a whiff of fishiness behind, Nat and Christopher are the lucky ones who get to coax her outside, along with a bucket of soapy water and a towel, to wash her clean. Above the noise and constant motion, parents Turner and Tara Simkins can only laugh. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a typical day in the Simkinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boisterous householdâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but one that would have been unusual, even just a few years ago.

Band of Brothers It all started during a family trip to the North Carolina mountains in the winter of 2009. Young Brennan complained of feeling tiredâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;too tired to even play in the snow. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a fever, it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the fluâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;instead, the doctor came back with the sobering news: Brennan had acute myeloid leukemia, a fast-

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moving cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The Simkins boys call themselves the Band of Brothersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and the slogan would hold true as the family went through 18 months and four bone marrow transplants. Brennan is one of only a handful of children in the world to have had four such transplantsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and the only one to do so in such a short timeframe. Brother Nat, then 9, was his first donor, followed by an unrelated donor, then Turner and finally Tara. The final and fourth transplant took in record time, and as month after month passed with no relapse, little by little, life slowly returned to normal.

A New Normal The Simkins continued to live near St. Judeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research Hospital in Memphis for about a year after Brennanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final transplant because of constant appointments. Even after returning home to North Augusta, Brennanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body wasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and isâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;still recovering from the lengthy treatments. He is perhaps a touch small for his ageâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x153;or maybe he just takes after me,â&#x20AC;? says Turner with a smile. But from just two days of school a week, he now goes four days. He still loves golf and he loves to huntâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;sporting a camo pullover, he lists his trophies with a grin, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two deers, four armadillos, a quail and two doves.â&#x20AC;? The biggest difference in his life now from his life then?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;My body doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel bad like it did in Memphis.â&#x20AC;? For parents Turner and Tara, the return home after five years of such intense focus, of treatments and relapses and not knowing if their young son would make it, came with both emotional highs and lows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I prayed coming back to some kind of normalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;some kind of low-intensity normalcyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just the comfort of running errands and not living with the constant threat,â&#x20AC;? says Tara. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But then on this side, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Did I fight this hard to come back and just go grocery shopping?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Turner, too, has struggled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a post-traumatic stress kind of thing to a certain degree,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certain things that used to inspire or motivate me donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tâ&#x20AC;Ślike certain things like what my goals are from a career standpoint. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still there, but they seem to be sort of shackled to some degree.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a certain transition that has to take place,â&#x20AC;? adds Tara, â&#x20AC;&#x153;an internal transition that comes from having to live in a certain way and at such an intense level and then to come back.â&#x20AC;?

Pressing On Brennan still must go to appointments: In February, he had his third annual followup after his fourth transplant, three days of tests lasting eight hours a day. But the family is finding a balanceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with work, school, these boys, the laughter, the messy dog and all.

inspirationstation The Simkins are also continuing to make a difference in the treatment of pediatric cancer on a broad scale with the Press On To CURE Childhood Cancer Fund, which they run along with former Augustans Stephen and Erin Chance, whose son, Patrick, was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma (a type of tumor) when he was just 3. The Simkins continue to be awed by the support—both grassroots and otherwise. To date, the fund has raised more than $2.5 million, all to support medical research to find less toxic treatments for patients with neuroblastoma and AML. While the fund has been housed with CURE Childhood Cancer’s nonprofit umbrella since its inception, this year the Simkins moved its management home, to the Community Foundation of the CSRA. And also this year, thanks to a $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor, they have been able to create an endowment to ensure Press On’s perpetuity. “All of the donations we capture— we invest that penny for penny (into research),” says Tara. “That’s really important for us, but now that we’re bigger, that’s become a greater challenge (because of the costs to administer the fund). The endowment allows us to still do that.” Press On has already donated hundreds of thousands of dollars into targeted therapies for neuroblastoma and AML. And it is already seeing a difference. Most recently, it gave $200,000 to the AFLAC Cancer Center at the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta to build a specialized radiation therapy room so that cancer doctors can target certain tumors like neuroblastoma with a higher dose of directed radiation. With Press On’s gift, CHOA becomes the only center in the Southeast with this treatment option for children with this type of cancer.

Just Brennan

1450Gre neSt#2 8,Aug sta,GA309 1 (706)724-13 4

TWO CANCERS TWO CANCE TWO CANCERS TWO CANCERS TWO CANCERS TWO CANCERS TWO BOYS TWO BOYS TWO BOYS TWO BOYS TWO BOYS TWO BOYS ONE MISSION ONE MISSION ONE MISSIO ONE MISSION ONE MISSION ONE MISSION

w w.pres onfund.org

Brennan’s story has been featured on the Today show, and from there on media outlets around the world. He was even part of a St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital commercial with actor/comedian Robin Williams. As a result, his story has touched thousands of families going through similar situations, and donors from as far away as California, Europe and Japan have given to support Press On: Last year alone, 1,600 donors gave either through individual gifts or by hosting fundraisers, meaning each gift could represent the support of many, many more. Inside the Simkins’ living room, Brennan quietly flips through a St. Jude’s publication that tells his story. Tara points to his photo—a serious little boy looking older than his years. “We were given a gift obviously,” says Turner. “Brennan was given a gift…and there was an obligation to pay it forward and Press On is A Named Fund of the CSRA Community Foundation A1450 Named Fund of CSRAAugusta, Community how we do that. There’s a natural tendency to withdraw, but at the same time, Greene Stthe #228, GAFoundation 30901 1450 Greene St #228, Augusta, GA 30901 there’s the need to press on.” 724-1314 A Named Fund of(706) the CSRA Community Foundation (706) 724-1314 There’s a sudden burst of noise, and just as quickly the room empties and the A Named Fund of the 1450 Greene St #228, Augusta, GACSRA 30901 Community F boys are off again—another normal day in the Simkins home. “We don’t want to lose sight of that…how rich this is,” says Tara, gesturing to her homeAand her fam- Fund of the CSRA Community 1450 Greene St #228, Augusta, GA 30 Named Foundation (706) 724-1314 A Named Fund of the CSRA Community Foundation ily. “We’re very grateful for it. And that is what motivates Press On too—that idea 1450 Greene St #228, Augusta, GA 30901(706) 724-1314 of making it easier for someone else’s family, for their child, if we can.” 1450 Greene St #228, Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 724-1314 Inspired by Brennan’s story and want to help? Find out more by visiting (706) 724-1314 www.pressonfund.org.

www.pressonfund.org www.pressonfund.org www.pressonfund.org

Danielle Wong Moores is an Augusta freelance writer and frequent contributor to Augusta Family Magazine, Augusta Magazine and The Augusta Chronicle.

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calendar March 2014

The Art of China Discover the glory of classical China through a brilliantly choreographed performance incorporating live music, dance and singing by Shen Yun. Costumed in silks spanning all colors of the rainbow, some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most elite dancers move in poetic arrangements that evoke pastoral beauty, imperial drama and the legends of ancient civilizations. Presented by Shen Yun Performing Arts. March 18-19. 7:30 p.m. both nights. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

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calendar SPECIAL EVENTS March 1. Storybook Brunch. Enjoy a magical morning with your favorite storybook characters. Event includes a hearty breakfast, parade of characters and autographs and photographs. Advance reservations are required. 9-10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, 3500 Walton Way. sfbf.net. StorybookBrunch or 706-650-2876. March 1. First Saturday at Fort Gordon Thrift Shop. Discounts on select furniture, toys and clothing. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The Thrift Shop is located behind the PX. Call 706-791-2779 or go to facebook.com/ ftgordon.thrift. March 4. IHOP's Annual National Pancake Day. This fundraiser has raised nearly $13 million for children's charities. Enjoy a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes and make a donation which will go to the Children's Miracle Network, Shriners Hospitals for Children and other local charities. March 7. The 21st Annual Morris Museum of Art Gala. Mark your calendar for one of the area’s most highly regarded social events. The museum’s major fundraising event of the year will feature the exhibition Paintings by Bo Bartlett and Betsy Eby. 7 p.m. Morris Museum of Art. Call Lauren Land at 706-8283825 for additional information or to reserve tickets. March 8-14. Juilliard in Aiken Performing Arts Festival and Outreach Program. Public performances, chamber concerts, master classes and outreach to area schools. For a schedule of events, visit www. juilliardinaiken.com or call 803-649-5771. March 11. The Chick-fil-A Sandwich Turns 50. Head to the Augusta Exchange location of Chick-fil-A, 202 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway, for birthday games, IceDream bar, the Chick-fil-A cow and other family activities. www.facebook.com/cfaAugusta. March 12. Fort Gordon Spouses' & Civilians' Club Annual Fashion Show. This fashion show is dedicated to artfully building a wardrobe on a dime and features contemporary and vintage finds straight from the racks at the Fort Gordon Thrift Shop. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Gordon Conference and Catering Center on Fort Gordon. All are invited to attend. Buffet lunch available for purchase. www.fgscc.com. March 14. Harlem Globetrotters. The world famous Harlem Globetrotters have been thrilling millions of fans for 88 years while innovating basketball in exciting new ways. 7 p.m. James Brown Arena. www. augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. March 14 & 15. Operation KidSafe. Head to Kia of Augusta on Gordon Highway to participate in this free digital fingerprint and photo safety program.

(Note: No database or records of children are maintained. The only record of the visit will go home with the parent for safekeeping.) Fun safety activities are planned as well. 1-7 p.m. on March 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 15. Call Operation KidSafe toll free at 866-962-5487 for information. March 15. Symphony of Kitchens. Presented by the Augusta Symphony Guild. Get inspiration from creative floral arrangements, exquisite table settings, unique architecture and the latest home innovations. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Various locations. Toast to the Tour party March 14, 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.soaugusta.org. March 17. Mom Prom. This ultimate moms/ladies night out will be packed with fun, dancing, photo ops, basket raffles and the crowning of the prom queen—all to benefit Children's Hospital of Georgia's Camp Sweet Life, for campers with Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes. Snelling Center at Edgar's Grill. Email newtonjenny@yahoo.com. March 27. Pig Jam in the Garden at Sacred Heart. Food by BBQ Barn, music, good times and good spirits will be the highlights of this year’s event. Proceeds benefit Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 6:30 p.m. 706-826-4701.

MUSEUM AND SCIENCE EVENTS Augusta Museum of History 560 Reynolds St. 706-722-8454. March 5. Brown Bag History Talk: That Was the Year That Was, 1864. Presented by Augusta Chronicle feature columnist Bill Kirby. Bring a lunch. Beverages provided. Refreshments served at 11:30 a.m. Lecture, 12:30-1 p.m. Reservations not required. March 8. Voices of the Past Museum Theater Series: The Other Tubmans. The character in The Other Tubmans, tells a story that explains the connection between local Tubman slaves freed in the 1830’s and William Tubman, who served as Liberia, Africa’s longest running President from 19441971. Funding made available through a grant by Porter Fleming Foundation. 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. March 15. Voices of the Past Museum Theatre: A Petersburg Boat Pilot. The character of A Petersburg Boat Pilot, is based on oral histories provided by Elberton, Ga., resident, Mr. ‘Buck’ Balchin, about his grandfather, James Henry Balchin, who from the mid-nineteenth century until 1900, crewed and piloted cotton boats from Petersburg to Augusta. Funding made available through a grant by Porter Fleming Foundation. 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

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THE ARTS, MUSIC AND MORE March 1. Sherlock Holmes. Incriminating letters written by a young European prince to the English girl he betrayed are in the hands of the dead girl’s sister. She is in the clutches of a nefarious man. All this, and Moriarty and Dr. Watson, too. Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing. 803648-1438. March 1. Martha Graham Dance Company. Founded in 1926, the Martha Graham Dance Company is the oldest and most celebrated modern dance company in America. Augusta Ballet’s annual gala will follow the performance. 7 p.m. Imperial Theatre. For tickets, www.augustaballet.org. March 6. University Health Care System Pops! at the Bell: Cirque de la Symphonie. The magic and acrobatics of Cirque paired with orchestral classics. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. 706-826-4705. March 6-7. The Water Coolers. This award-winning musical comedy act is a smart authentic take on work and life, full of original songs, sketch comedy and pop parodies. 7:30 p.m. URS Theater. Aiken. 803-643-4774. March 7-8, 13-15 and 20-22. Follies. Surreal, sophisticated, compelling, heart-wrenching and epic in scope, Follies uses the musical theater as a metaphor for the collapse of American innocence and naiveté in the post-Kennedy years. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. Dinner, 7 p.m. Show, 8 p.m. 706-7938552. March 11. Beauty and the Beast. A classic musical love story, Beauty and the Beast is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.broadwayinaugusta.com. March 13. Foreigner. With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top-30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world. 8 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaenterainmentcomplex.com. March 15. Bank of America Columbia County Music Series: Trio Virado. This fresh new trio is a collaboration of the most distinguished Latin artists on flute, viola and guitar. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. 706-826-4705. March 18-19. Shen Yun. Discover the glory of a fantastically rich culture brought to life through this brilliantly choreographed performance incorporating live music, dance and singing. 7:30 p.m. both nights. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

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calendar March 20. Southern Fried Jazz. Performance by the Dixieland jazz band based in Charlotte, N.C., whose captivating music and showmanship have launched it into the national spotlight. USC-Aiken Etherredge Center. 803-641-3305.

against the injustice of apartheid South Africa and been instrumental in putting the new South Africa on the map as a cultural ambassador. GRU Lyceum Series event. 7:30 p.m. Maxwell Theatre. GRU campus. 706-667-4100.

March 2. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Drive-In Day. Bring your blanket and enjoy classic cartoons in a mock drive-in theater. Pose for a picture with a car cutout and craft your own fantasy vehicle. Popcorn provided. Free. 2 p.m.

March 20-21. Broadway Bound. A musical revue. Aiken Community Playhouse. 803-648-1438.

March 29. Pipes, Brass and Drums. The Augusta Choral Society performs works with brass, organ and percussion. 7:30 p.m. Saint Paul’s Church. 706826-4713.

March 9. Film Screening and Exhibition Lecture: Paintings by Bo Bartlett and Betsy Eby. View the film SEE, an Art Road Trip, featuring artists Bo Bartlett and Betsy Eby. Afterwards, enjoy a discussion with the artists. Free. 2 p.m.

March 20-23. Tribes. Billy was born deaf into a hearing family that never learned sign language. He had to adapt to their world. It’s not until he meets Sylvia that he finally understands what it means to be understood. Presented by GRU theater students. March 20-22, 7:30 p.m. March 23, 3 p.m. Maxwell Theatre. GRU campus. 706-667-4100.

March 29. A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra. By expanding the boundaries of orchestral repertoire, A Far Cry has been embraced throughout the world, with a powerful Internet presence and a recent European tour. USC-Aiken Etherredge Center. 803-6413305.

March 22. Midsummer in March. Symphony Orchestra Augusta invites you to an eclectic evening of classic favorites: Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and new music from composer John Hennecken, Lakeside High School alum. Featuring Arthur Ross, viola. 7:30 p.m. First Baptist Church of Augusta. 706-826-4705.

March 30. Rose Sunday Jazz Vespers. An afternoon service of readings, music and meditation during the season of Lent. Music by Chamberjazz. Free to public. 4 p.m. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. 2321 Lumpkin Rd. www.gardencityjazz.com.

March 27. Johnny Clegg. One of South Africa’s greatest musical exports, Clegg has campaigned

1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org.

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March 11. Southern Circuit Film Series: Barzan. After viewing the movie, enjoy a question-and-answer session with filmmakers Alex Stonehill and Bradley Hutchinson. Free. 6 p.m. March 13. Mommy and Me: Fantastic Reflections! View Edward Rice’s artwork The Mill and learn about reflections. Afterwards, create your own reflection painting! Registration required. 10–11 a.m. March 14. Films on Friday: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). Starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, and Claude Rains, this classic film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. After the screening, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Bring a lunch. Free. Noon. March 15. Draw with the Morris: Faces with David Mascaro. Open to all skill levels. Fees apply. 1– p.m. March 20. Girls’ Night with Rebecca Wood, Rinne Allen, and Kristen Bach. Meet the authors of Beauty Everyday and shop for R.Wood pottery while sipping bubbly. RSVP to Blake Leverett at 706-828-3803 or blake.leverett@themorris.org. 5:30–8 p.m. March 21. Art at Lunch—Craig Deman: Photographs from the Drive-in Project. Los Angeles artist Craig Deman discusses his photographs, including a series documenting drive-in theaters across the United States, which is on display in the Education Gallery March 4–April 20. Lunch included in reservation fee. Paid reservations due March 19. Noon. March 22. Adult Artist Workshop: Photographing the Big Mo. Join photographer Craig Deman on a photographic road trip to the Big Mo Drive-In, located in Monetta, S.C. Transportation will be provided from the museum to Monetta and back. Paid reservations due March 17. Noon–4 p.m. March 23. Music at the Morris: Music of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. A concert presented by Georgia Regents University music faculty and colleagues. Free. 2 p.m. March

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27.

Exhibition

Opening—Generations:

calendar Turned Bowls by Ed, Philip, and Matt Moulthrop. Philip and Matt Moulthrop discuss the process of turning ordinary wood into extraordinary artworks. Roy Simkins, an ardent Moulthrop collector, will provide their introduction. Reception follows. 6 p.m.

SPORTS March 1. Eighth Annual Heart and Sole 5K. Starts and ends at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The race will be followed by food, fun and music. 9 a.m. For registration and more information, visit www. heartandsoleinc.org. March 8. Fifth Annual Brain Injury Awareness Walk. The event encourages walkers to set personal distance goals—similar to the individual goals that stroke and brain injury survivors set for themselves during recovery. Also features community education on brain injuries and the dangers of texting and driving, presented by Safe Kids Greater Augusta. 10 a.m.-noon at the Columbia County Amphitheater behind the Columbia County Library. Email patty.goolsby@neurorestorative.com for information. March 29. Fort Gordon Sprint Triathlon. Three-hundred meter swim, 20K bike ride and a 5K run. For more information, visit www.setupevents.com.

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

RECREATION PROGRAMS Champions Made From Adversity P.O. Box 980, Evans, Ga. 706-364-2422. www.cmfa.us This nonprofit organization strives to advance the lives of people with physical disabilities and their families through sport and leisure opportunities. Current weekly schedule: Monday—Adapted fitness at the Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. and wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday—Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m. Friday—Adapted cycling at the uptown VA, 1:302:30 p.m.

The Family Y Financial assistance is available for all Family Y pro-

grams. Register at any branch or online at www.thefamilyy.org or call 706-922-9622. March 1-5. Final Registration for Men’s Basketball at the Wilson Family Y. Ages18 and up. Season begins March 17. March 1-9. Miracle League Baseball Registration. Miracle League is a baseball league specifically designed for youth and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Games are played on a rubberized surface located behind the Uptown Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center on Wrightsboro Road. Ages 4 years and up. Spring season is April 19-June 14. Discounts for additional siblings. March 3-27. Youth Swim Lessons at Wilson Family Y. Kick your way to confidence! Ages 6 months-12 years. Open to Family Y members and non-members. Discount for additional siblings. March 3-April 11. Adult Boot Camp at the Wilson Family Y. Boot Camp is a one-hour, high-intensity class with a focus on calisthenics, strength and cardio in both indoor and outdoor locations. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 a.m. or 7 p.m. each week for six weeks. March 6-April 20. Summer Baseball Registration at Family Y of Augusta South and Wilson Family Y. Recreational baseball for boys and girls ages 6-12 years. Registration begins on the 11th for Family Y of Augusta South. Season begins June 2nd. March 7 & 21. School Days Out at Family Y of North Augusta. Continue the love of learning when school is out. Interactive games, creative arts and character development for school-aged kids. Activities from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Early drop-off at 7 a.m. and late pick-up until 6 p.m. is available at no additional cost. March 7. Freedom Friday at Family Y of Augusta South. Kids enjoy a fun night from 6-9:30 p.m. Ages 8 weeks–12 years. Freedom Friday is free for active duty military families. March 8. Parent’s Night Out at Family Y of North Augusta. Open to children ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Kids have a fun night at the Y while parents enjoy a night out. Pre-registration is required. Pizza provided by Papa John’s. Discount for additional siblings. March 8 & 22. Parent's Night Out at the Marshall Family Y. Open to children ages 2-12. 6-9:30 p.m. Kids have a fun night at the Y while parents enjoy a night out. Pre-registration is required. Food provided by Papa John’s and Chick-fil-A. Discount for additional siblings.

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March 14. Columbia County School Day Out at Wilson Family Y. Activities from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for youth in kindergarten to 5th grade. Early drop-off at 7 a.m .and late pick-up until 6 p.m. is available at no additional cost. Discount for additional siblings. March 15. Parent’s Night Out at Family Y of Aiken County. Children ages 2-12, with care from 5:309:00 p.m. Kids have fun at the Y while parents enjoy a night out. Discount for additional siblings. March 17-April 20. Lacrosse Registration at the Marshall Family Y. For boys and girls ages 7-15. Discount for additional siblings. March 19-April 22. T-ball and T-ball School at the Marshall Family Y. T-ball school for ages 4-5 years. Discount for additional siblings. March 22. Parent’s Night Out at Wilson Family Y and Family Y of Augusta South. Kids enjoy a fun night from 6:00-9:30 p.m. Ages 2–12 years at Wilson Family Y and 8 weeks–12 years at Family Y of Augusta South. Discount for additional siblings. Throughout March. Registration for Master’s Week Camp. Ages 5-12. Camp will be held April 7-11 at the Family Y. Camp activities are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Early drop off at 7 a.m. and late pick-up at 6 p.m. is available at no additional cost. Activities, days and fees vary by branch location. Discounts for additional siblings. Camps will be held at the following locations: Family Y of Augusta South, Wilson Family Y, Marshall Family Y, Family Y of Aiken County and Family Y of North Augusta. Throughout March. Adapted Water Parties at the Wilson Family Y. Private two-hour parties for individuals affected by physical and/or cognitive disabilities in Katie's Pool with party room provided on Saturday or Sunday. Call Claudia Collins to make a reservation at 706-922-9664. Throughout March. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease Aquatic Exercise Class. Sponsored by the CSRA Parkinson Support Group and The Wilson Family Y. Group class designed specifically for ambulatory participants affected by Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson Disease on Mondays and Fridays at noon at the Wilson Family Y. For more information, call Claudia Collins for at 706-922-9664. Throughout March. Family Y BlazeSports Team at the Wilson Family Y. Swim team for all ages of physically challenged swimmers to train for competition. (Part of the BlazeSports Clubs of America training future paralympians.) Throughout March. Adapted Aquatics Special Populations at Wilson Family Y. Individual half-hour

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calendar classes for all ages affected by physical or cognitive disabilities and individuals needing aquatic rehabilitation. By appointment only. Call Claudia Collins at 706-922-9664. Throughout March. Adult Swim Lessons at the Wilson Family Y. Enrich your life by learning to swim. Ages 13 and up. Days: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 10 a.m., and Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday at 7:20 p.m. Throughout March. Family Y of North Augusta Mother’s Morning Out. Enjoy your morning while your child learns a basic educational curriculum and rotating instruction in creative arts and sports. Ages 2-4 years. Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon. Discounts for additional siblings. Throughout March. Family Y of Augusta South Drop and Shop. Enjoy a productive morning while your kids have fun at the Y! Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m.-noon for ages 8 weeks–4 years. Throughout March. Family Y of North Augusta Drop and Shop. Enjoy a productive morning while your kids have fun at the Y! Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.-noon. Throughout March. Tae Kwon Do at the Wilson Family Y, Family Y of Augusta South and Family Y of North Augusta. Tae Kwon Do lessons develop confidence and self-esteem. Beginner and advanced classes offered. Days, times and fees vary by Y location.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center 1833 Broad St., Augusta. www.krocaugusta.org. 706-364-KROC or info@krocaugusta.org. March 1. Kids' Clay Creations. Bring an adult buddy to make Dr. Seuss-themed projects. Learn to mix colors and take your project home with you. Register early as space is limited. 11-11:45 a.m. March 4, 11, 18 & 25. Toddler Tuesday. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Enjoy the splash area and more. One adult is free per child admission. Parent must remain with the child. 10:30 a.m.-noon. March 6-April 17 (Thursdays). Project Aim. In partnership with Jones Behavioral Health Inc., youth wil have the opportunity to take part in a fun and interactive, multi-week course to increase self-motivation goals and develop a vision for a positive future. 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 8-May 10. Kids' Swimming Lessons. Saturdays. Hatchlings, ages 6 months to 3 years, 9-9:30 a.m. Kroclets, ages 3-5 years, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Kroc-

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odiles, ages 6-15 years, 10:15-11 a.m. March 7, 14, 17 & 21. Camp Kroc Day Camps. Camps are available on days when students are out of school. They will play games, swim, create arts and crafts and make wonderful memories. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available and lunch and a snack are provided in the registration fee. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 7, 14, 21 & 28. Kroc Tots Activity Hour. Ages 18 months to 5 years. An action-packed play date for parents and toddlers featuring children’s literature, arts and crafts projects, and social play. A guardian must remain with the child during Kroc Tots. 9:30-10:30 a.m. March 7 Kid's Night Out. Parents enjoy a night out by bringing your child, ages 2-12, to the Kroc Center the first Friday of each month. 6-10 p.m. Dinner is included in the fee. Activities may include swimming, gym play, inflatables and crafts. Children must be potty trained. Call for fee information. March 8. Dr. Seuss Celebration. Celebrate National Reading Month with a Green Eggs and Ham breakfast and a Dr. Seuss movie. 9 a.m.-noon. March 11. Cake Decorating: Flowers & Design. Take your cake decorating to the next level by learning intricate flowers and decorating patterns. Must have taken Cake Decorating Basics or have previous cake decorating experience. 6-8 p.m. March 15. CPR & First Aid. Designed for the everyday person who wants to be prepared for emergencies. Ages 15 and up. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call for fee information. March 19-May 14. Spanish for Beginners. Learn basic vocabulary, common phrases and correct pronunciation skills. No previous knowledge needed. 6-7 p.m. March 19-May 14. Spanish for Beginners II. Do you know a few words or phrases in Spanish already and want to continue your study? This class is for you. 6-7 p.m. March 28. Family Movie Night. This event is free and open to members and the public. Members can reserve a spot up to a week before the event. Seating is limited and spots will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Movie night begins at 6 p.m. March 29. Wooden Crosses. Create a beautiful wooden cross for Easter using hand tools and learn techniques needed to replicate the process on your own. Supplies and bag lunch are included. Register by March 26. Ages 12 and up.

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FAMILY ACTIVITIES Aiken Home School Times Playgroup 803-648-7042 or fourmckeels@yahoo.com. Thursdays. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the O’Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon.

Augusta Jewish Community Center 898 Weinberger Way. 706-228-3636 or log on at augustajcc.org. Ongoing. The Mothers Circle. Free course, resources, education and events for women of other backgrounds raising Jewish children. Call for details. Sign Up for Class! The AJCC offers a wide variety of classes for children of all ages and adults, including athletics, the arts, cooking, language and more. Log on to download a complete listing.

Classical Conversations www.classicalconversations.com. kelli.c.graham@att.net. Classical Conversations is a community of home educators following a Christian, classical model of education. Five locations currently serve families in the CSRA—Augusta, Evans/Grovetown, Grovetown/ Martinez, North Augusta and Aiken.

Monkey Joe’s 368 Furys Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). monkeyjoes.com. First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m.

North Augusta Homeschool Playgroup Meets Thursdays at various North Augusta parks for play. Field trips will also be scheduled. All homeschoolers are welcome. Call 803-613-0484 or e-mail emilykohlbacher@hotmail.com.

CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS AugustaAreaMommies Contact Jennifer Stanley at 706-855-0072 or phlegalesfan@att.net. A community for moms in the Augusta area offering support, friendship and fun as well as the opportunity to exchange information. The group, which is part

calendar of The Mommies Network, also provides discussion forums, an events calendar and more. Meeting are held online, at local parks, members homes (for monthly BUNCO) and on field trips. All mothers are welcome.

Augusta Food Allergy Group Does your child have severe, potentially fatal food allergies. Would you like to get together with other parents who face the same challenges? This group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Evans Government Center Auditorium, Building A, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr. Free and welcome to anyone dealing with food allergies. Meetings often include special guest speakers. 6 p.m. Contact Sheena Whitlock at swhitlock@augustafoodallergy. org or go to www.augustafoodallergy.org.

AustiCare Contact Donyale Clarke at 803-384-0522. This Autism support group meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at AGC Teacher Supply. Preregistration is required. Attendance is free.

Burn Survivors Support Group The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation invites all burn survivors to attend this monthly support group. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday each month at 2 p.m. at the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation, 3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Building C. Call 800-650-BURN or go to www.sfbd.net.

Celiac Disease Support Group Email RoseforHealth@aol.com. Meets the third Tuesday of every month in Suite 120 of the Summerville Building, adjacent to Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Open to those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or on a gluten-free diet. Discussions include information on celiac disease, do’s and don’ts of a gluten-free diet and more. 7-8:30 p.m.

Common Bond Parent Support Group Geneice McCoy, organizer. 706-729-0012 or commonbond@comcast.net. For parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Call for location.

La Leche League This breastfeeding support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2204 Kimberly Dr. Evening meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. Call 706-737-2405 or log on at lllusa.org/web/AugustaGA.html.

MOMS Club

Neighbor To Family

Visit momsclubaugusta.org. Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other athome mothers at the MOMS Club, an international nonprofit organization.

801 Greene St., Augusta. Call Kimberly Lee-Branch, coordinator of licensing, recruitment and training at 706-396-2180, ext. 107. The goal of this organization is to revolutionize foster care by keeping siblings together while building healthier families.

MOMS Club of Grovetown www.momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com Momsclubofgrovetown@gmail.com Members come from Grovetown, Harlem and the communities of Fort Gordon. The group is not affiliated with any parenting style, religion, or ethnic group. MOMS Club is open to and accepting of any and all moms who are at-home with their children.

Moms Connection Call 706-721-8283 for more information. Every Tuesday. A free weekly support group for new mothers. All new moms are welcome and can bring their baby. Information from International Board Certified Lactation Consultant/Educator/Perinatal Nurse. Weigh your baby, share refreshments and meet other moms while getting answers to your questions along with timely advice from the Georgia Regents Women’s Health team and guest speakers. 1-2 p.m. , Georgia Regents Medical Center, second floor, Terrace Dining Magnolia Room.

Mothers of Advanced Maternal Age (Mama’s) Did you have a child at age 35 or older? Are you expecting? This group of “older” moms welcomes you for meetings, support and play dates. Disabled children welcome. Contact Ami McKenzie at 706-3645245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/.

Overeaters Anonymous 907-854-1509. A non-profit 12-step support group for people addicted to food. No dues or fees for membership. Meets in Augusta on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3551 Wheeler Road, and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way.

Parent Support Group The Child Advocacy Center, a program of Child Enrichment Inc., a nonprofit organization serving victims of sexual abuse in our community, is offering a support group for parents and caregivers of children who have been sexually abused. Groups will be held the second Tuesday of each month. Call 706-737-4631 for information and location. This group is not appropriate for sex offenders.

Peaceful Parenting Augusta This unofficial Attachment Parenting support group is for families who believe in parenting gently and building children’s spirits, minds and bodies through nurturing, attentive and practical approaches. Join their Yahoo! group at Peaceful_ Parenting_Augusta or email Jen at theotherbradford@yahoo.com.

HOSPITAL PROGRAMS

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

Doctors Hospital

A nondenominational Christian group for mothers of preschool-aged children. Childcare provided. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, 642 Telfair Street. Call Amy Toney at 803-341-1904 or go to www.firstpresaugusta. org/MOPS.

Call 706-651-BABY (2229) or go to doctors-hospital.net for registration and class location. Pre-registration required for most programs.

The Aiken charter group of MOPS meets the Second Tuesday of each month for moms to learn, share, support each other and socialize. Meetings are held in the South Aiken Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1711 Whiskey Rd. Free childcare and dinner for those attending, reservations required. You do not need to be a member of South Aiken Presbyterian to attend. Check out MOPS Aiken on Facebook, contact Jennie Beat at 803-640-4742 or email mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare.

www.augustafamily.com

March 4 & 11. Ready and Able. This three-session class is recommended for late pregnancy. Topics include childbirth process, comfort techniques, medications/epidurals, relaxation and breathing techniques. 7– 9:30 p.m. March 6. Baby 101. This class will discuss infant development and offer guidance on care for your new bundle of joy. Topics include normal newborn appearance and behavior, bathing, crying, diapering, swaddling and feeding. 7-9:30 p.m. March 13. Breastfeeding. Getting started, latching on and positioning are discussed for a smooth start to breastfeeding. 6:30–9:30 p.m.

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calendar March 15 & 16. Short and Sweet. A weekend childbirth class covering the process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques and childbirth, medication/ epidurals and relaxation and breathing techniques. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on the 15th, 1–5 p.m. on the 16th. March 18. The Daddy Class. This class is for Dads only—no women allowed. Taught by an experienced dad, this class talks about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and ways to support mom. Call for time.

Georgia Regents Health System Register online at gru.edu. Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their website. March 4. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “A-Team”). Education and support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. Children’s Hospital of Georgia, First Floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801. Call Family Services Development at 706-721-5160 for more information. March 5, 12, 19 & 26 (Wednesdays). Childbirth Education Class. This free four-week class is designed to inform and prepare expectant parents for the birthing experience. Class topics include relaxation and breathing techniques, pain management choices, labor comfort measures and coping skills; massage techniques, rebozo techniques and care for mother and baby after birth. All classes are taught by certified instructors. Registration is required. 6:30 p.m. Georgia Regents Medical Center, Seventh floor west, Room 7524. March 22. GRHealth Living with Lupus Seminar. This free event, sponsored by GRHealth Lupus Multi-Specialty Clinic and the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, will cover medication, vaccinations, depression, fitness, coping and related lupus issues. 1 to 5 p.m. Lunch provided, but you must pre-register by calling 770-333-5930. For more information, visit lupusga.org. Georgia Regents University Alumni Center, 919 15th St. March 6 & 19. Cribs for Kids. Co-bunking and inappropriate infant furniture are putting area babies at risk. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children's Hospital of Georgia, will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who can demonstrate a financial need (Medicare, Peachcare or WICC) will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and paci-

fier for a small fee. Call Rene Hopkins at 706721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. on Feb. 6. 9:45 a.m.-noon on Feb. 19. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C,1225 Walton Way. March 7 & 12. Child Safety Seat Inspections. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly. March 7 7 in Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-721-7606 to schedule an appointment at the downtown location. March 12 at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr. Call 706-5413870 to make an appointment at the Columbia County location. March 13 or 26. Car Seat Class. Safe Kids Greater Augusta offers car seat safety, education and training. Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care eligible families. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-7217606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. March 15 or 22. Safe Sitter Program. Teaches 11 to 13-year-olds how to handle emergencies while caring for younger children. Call 706-721-7606 to register. 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.

Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. March 6, 13, 20 & 27 (Thursdays). Mommy Stretch and Tone. 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 8. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Education. Helps mother and support person understand the final stages of pregnancy as well as labor and the birth of your baby. Covers natural and medicated deliveries, Lamaze coping techniques and more. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 8. Baby Food Basics. Learn how to make baby food at this informative session held at EarthFare, 368 Furys Ferry Rd., Martinez. 10-11 a.m.

health.org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs. March 3-31 (Mondays), March 4-25 (Tuesdays) or March 5-26 (Wednesdays). Prenatal Education. This multi-week series of childbirth preparation classes is designed to inform and prepare all expectant parents regardless of birth plans. Class topics include various stages of labor, breathing and relaxation and how to care for yourself and your new baby. 7-9 p.m. in the Women’s Center Third Floor Classroom. Registration required. March 4. Parents Healing Together. For parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. Meets the first Monday of each month. March 5. Breastfeeding Support Group. Held in University's Special Care Nursery, 3rd floor. 1-2 p.m. March 7 & 8 or March 21 & 22. Childbirth Preparation Weekend Class. A complete childbirth preparation class designed for those with time constraints or fluctuating schedules. Class meets from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Also included is a follow-up evening at the W.G. Watson, M.D., Women’s Center for a tour, question-and-answer session and review. March 20. Breastfeeding Class. This class offers indepth information on how to evaluate breastfeeding and get off to a good start. Registration is suggested. Call 706-774-2825. 7-8 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans. March 27. Introduction to Infant CPR. Do you worry about knowing how to revive your baby should the need arise? This class provides an opportunity to learn and practice infant CPR on mannequins and learn other aspects of infant safety. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. 7-8:30 p.m.

LIBRARY AND BOOK-RELATED EVENTS

March 10. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 6-8 p.m.

Appleby Branch Library

March 14. Baby Care Basics and Breastfeeding. Two popular classes offered together. 9 a.m.-noon.

March 1 & 15. Spring Coloring Contest. Children from 3-8 years old can participate—two divisions, 3-5 year olds, and 6-8 year olds. Pick up your coloring sheet at the circulation desk, prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded. 10 a.m. on the 1st, 6:30 p.m. on the 15th.

March 24. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. 6-8:30 p.m.

University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.university-

www.augustafamily.com

2260 Walton Way. 706-736-6244.

March 5, 12, 19 & 26. Toddler Story Time. 10:0510:25 a.m.

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March 5, 12, 19 & 26. Preschool Story Time. 10:3011 a.m. March 15. Teen Tech Day. Focus will be on internet safety. 1:30-3 p.m. March 15. Family Fun Afternoon Movie. Call for title. 2:30-4 p.m. March 20. Presentation on Medicare Fraud. By the CSRA Agency on Aging. 10:30-11:30 a.m. March 27. Senior Golden Game Day. 10:30 a.m.

March 4. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. A special story time celebrating Dr. Seuss with stories, a short movie and craft. All materials provided. Registration required for groups of six or more. Ages 1-11. 10-11 a.m. March 5. Self Esteem Seminar. A free seminar led by Tara Tanksley Stallings, Certified Life Coach. Registration recommended. 6-7:45 p.m. March 11, 18 & 25. Young Children’s Story Time. Songs, finger plays and story readings best for children ages 0-3. Registration required for groups of six or more. 9:30-9:50 a.m.

March 29. Spring Book Sale. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

#BSOFT BOE /PCMF $PNNVOJUZ 1SPHSBNT 3450 Wrightsboro Rd. 706-737-0065. March 1. LEGO Movie Building Event. An exciting LEGO Movie event. Build a scene from the movie. For ages 4 and up. Space is limited. 11 a.m. March 1 & 15. NOOK 101. Stop by with your NOOK Simple Touch and learn how to shop for eBooks, get free eBook samples, lend an eBook to a friend and much more. Noon. March 1 & 15. NOOK HD and HD+ 101. Join us as we explore the amazing features of your NOOK HD devices. Learn how to save pages in your scrapbook, enjoy instant web and video and create up to six NOOK profiles for your family. Enjoy a whole new reading experience. 1 p.m. March 3. Hats Off to Reading. Let's celebrate Dr. Seuss birthday with a very special children's story time event. 10 a.m. March 5, 12, 19 & 26. Wacky Wednesday Story Time. It's never too early to start reading to your child. Be sure to stop by tje Children's Department with your little one for this weekly Wednesday morning Children's Story time. 10 a.m. March 8. Truly Talented You. A very special American Girl event which will include fun activities, puzzles and crafts inspired by the newest Girl of the Year. For girls ages 8-12. 11 a.m.

March 11, 18 & 25. Preschool Story Time. Stories, songs, games, short movies and crafts. Registration required for groups of six or more. Best for ages 3-5. 10-10:35 a.m. March 11. Teen Tech Week: Online Comics & Graphic Novels. Discover great online sources for digital comics and graphic novels (some free). Bring your tablet, smartphone or laptop. Registration begins on Monday, March 3. Best for ages 12-17. 4-5 p.m. March 13. eBooks and Georgia Download Destination. Learn how to download and enjoy eBooks from GADD on your own eReader or device with an eReader app. Participants need a general knowledge of computer and experience using Internet resources. Required registration begins Monday, March 3. 11 a.m.-noon. March 17. School’s Out Movie. Enjoy a movie rated G or PG on the library's almost-big screen. After March 3, phone 706-772-2432 for the movie's title and MPAA rating. No registration. Bring your own snacks. All ages. 2-4 p.m. March 17. Diamond Lakes Evening Book Club. Contact the library beginning February 18 for the book to be discussed. Light refreshments provided. No registration necessary, but ask to be placed on a reminder call/email list. 6-7:45 p.m. March 19. Game Night for Teens. Join your friends at the library for board games. Required registration begins on Monday, March 3. Ages 1217. 5:30-7 p.m.

Child Enrichment Head to the Library for interactive stories, educational songs and games. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Toddlers. 2 year olds. 10:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Preschool. Ages 3-5. 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Baby & Me. Under 2. 10:15 & 11 a.m. Thursdays. Family Time Enrichment. 4:30 p.m. March 4 & 18. Teen Manga Club. A common interest group for teens to draw, discuss and trade Manga. 4-5 p.m. March 5. Club Wednesday—Ick Club. Enjoy gross projects and discussions. Ages 8-11. No registration required. March 11. Basket Weaving Class. Learn to make baskets with recycled materials. Registration required. 4 p.m. March 12. Club Wednesday—Book Club. Come discuss the book Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan. Ages 8-11. 4-5 p.m. No registration required. March 17. Teen Photography Club. A place for teens to meet, share photography, discuss techniques and learn more about the craft. 4-5 p.m. March 19. Club Wednesday—Carat Club. Learn to design your own jewelry. Ages 8-11. 4-5 p.m. No registration required. March 22. Saturday Sensory Class. Immerse your family in interactive stories, games, educational songs and an all-around sensory experience. All children love this class, but it is especially beneficial to children with social and sensory challenges. 2 p.m.

'SJFENBO #SBODI -JCSBSZ 1447 Jackson Rd. 706-736-6758. March 1. Kidney Smart Class. Learn about chronic kidney disease. Discussion includes: causes, medications, prevention, treatments, and related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Provided by DaVita Healthcare Partners. 11 a.m.12:30 p.m.

March 15. Story Time with LeapFrog. Enjoy family reading fun with LeapFrog. Take a LeapFrog interactive reading adventure. Space is limited. 11 a.m.

March 25. Your Tech, Your Way. Bring your laptop or portable device-tablet, smartphone, eReader, etc., and receive one-on-one assistance from library staff and volunteers. Required registration begins Monday, March 3. 2-4 p.m.

%JBNPOE -BLFT #SBODI -JCSBSZ

&WBOT #SBODI -JCSBSZ

March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. Beginner Spanish. 5:305:30 p.m.

101 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. 706-772-2432.

7022 Evans Town Center Blvd. 706-863-1946.

March 4, 11, 18 & 25. Preschool Story Time. Sto-

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March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. Intermediate Spanish. 3:30-5 p.m.

calendar

ries, crafts, and fun at the library. Groups of 6 or more must sign up. 10-10:30 a.m. March 8. Tips for Successful Resume Writing and Interviews. Presented by Ms. Jackie Brown, MBA, of Projections Resume Writing Service. Job hunting? Learn strategies to better market yourself, strengthen your resume writing skills and gain helpful tips on successful interviews. Registration is preferred. 10 a.m.-noon. March 15. Couponing Group. Exchange coupons, discuss money-saving strategies with online and print couponing. Drop in or stay the whole time. 10 a.m.-noon. March 15. Transcendental Meditation for Women. Informational session provided by Certified Teacher, Josephine Ruffin. TM for Women is an “effective way for anyone to relieve stress, gain inner peace and promote mind-body health.” This session is for adult women only. 1:30-3 p.m. March 19. School’s Out Movie Matinee. It's early release from school day in Richmond County. Come by for a free family movie! Snacks are welcome in the meeting room theatre only. Call for title. 2:30-4 p.m. March 22. Techniques With Manga and Anime. Learn a variety of techniques with a series of classes that build upon each other (every fourth Saturday through April) in order to produce a polished finished result with artists Xavier Jones and Sheldon Eastman, of the new downtown art school A Perfect Storm. For teens and adults. Call to register. 1-4 p.m.

Headquarters Library 823 Telfair St. 706-821-2600.

games. The March 18th story time will be hosted by the Morris Museum of Art. March 25th will be about sheep with a special story and craft. Registration required for groups of six or more. 10-10:30 a.m.

March 3. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. Come to Maxwell to enjoy The Lorax with your family. This is the original cartoon. Celebrating Dr. Seuss week. 10-10:30 a.m.

March 5, 12, 19 & 26 or March 6, 13, 20 & 27. Story Time for Tots. Ages 0-3. Music, finger rhymes and stories. 10-11 a.m.

March 3 & 17. Yoga. Call trainer and teacher Ame Johnson at 706-814-1129 to reserve your space. 3-5 p.m.

March 6 & 7. Computer Class: Keyboarding and Mouse Skills. Library card and PIN required. Call to register. Classes on March 6 at 10 a.m.-noon or 6:308:30 p.m. Practice on March 7 from 10 a.m.-noon. March 6, 13, 20 & 27. Healthy Living Demo. Ame Johnson of the CSRA Vegetarian Society will be showing the documentary Forks Over Knives. 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 8. Friends of the Library Book Sale. 10 a.m.2 p.m. March 8. Children’s Mardi Gras Celebration. Celebrate Children’s Mardi Gras with a special story time, crafts and a parade. 2-3 p.m. March 13 & 14. Beginning Computer Class. Library card and PIN required. Call to register. Classes on March 13 at 10 a.m.-noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m. Practice on March 14 from 10 a.m.-noon. March 15. Children’s St. Patrick’s Celebration. Drop in at any time and make your own Leprechaun craft. March 20 & 21. Google Email Class. Library card and PIN required. Call to register. Classes on March 20 at 10 a.m.-noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m. Practice on March 21 from 10 a.m.-noon. March 22. Children’s Movie. Enjoy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, rated PG. 2-4 p.m.

March 1. Augusta Literary Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 1, 7, 14, 21 & 28. Yoga for Kids. Call Ame Johnson at 706-814-1129. CSRA Vegetarian Society Library Sponsored Program. 10-11 a.m.

March 27 & 28. Using Google Class. Library card and PIN required. Call to register. Classes on March 27 at 10 a.m.-noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m. Practice on March 28 from 10 a.m.-noon.

March 4. Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who. Come to Maxwell to enjoy Horton Hears a Who with your family. This is the original cartoon. Celebrating Dr. Seuss week. 10-10:30 a.m. March 4. Dr. Seuss Craft. Make a take-home Dr. Seuss-themed craft. 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 5. Story Time With Vicky Davis. Celebrating Dr. Seuss. Children will make a craft. 10-11 a.m. March 5. Healthful Eating with Fewer Food Dollars. Presented by a Dietetic Intern from the Augusta Area Dietetic Internship of University Hospital. Registration Required. 4-5 p.m. March 11. The Sarah Jane Adventures TV Marathon. 3:30-7:30 p.m. March 12. Demonstration of Library Thing and Good Reads. Presented by Branch Manager Jeff S. Stinson. 11-11:30 a.m. March 12. GALELEO for Teens. Presented by Branch Manager Jeff S. Stinson. Noon-1 p.m. March 12. St. Patrick’s Day Craft. Make a takehome craft in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 15. Rolling Video Gaming Truck Competition. Come play free competitive video games with friends, family or other patrons. All games require at least 4 players. 2-4 p.m. March 18. Doctor Who Fan Club Meet Up. All are welcome. 3:30-7:30 p.m.

March 1, 7, 14, 21 & 28. Yoga for Beginners. Ame Johnson at 706-814-1129. CSRA Vegetarian Society Library Sponsored Program. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

March 29. Children’s Movie. Despicable Me 2, rated PG. 2-4 p.m.

March 3. Celebrate READ Across America. “You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”

1927 Lumpkin Rd. 706-793-2020.

March 25. Maxwell Morning Book Club. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. 10 a.m.-noon.

March 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28 & 29. AARP Tax Preparation. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

March 26. Story Time. With special guest and author Kortisha Baker. 10-10:30 a.m.

March 1. Clipping and Clicking for Savings. Couponing with Denise. In partnership with the Pierce United Methodist Church. 3-5 p.m.

Submit calendar entries to Karin Calloway at karin. calloway@augustafamily.com or enter your event online at www.augustafamily.com.

March 4, 11, 18 & 25. School Age Children’s Story Time. Ages 3-10. Join your friends at the library for stories, songs, games and crafts. March 4th will be a celebration of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with a special story time and craft. March 11th will be parachute

Maxwell Branch

www.augustafamily.com

March 22. Paws for Literacy. For children who know how to read. Therapy dogs love to listen to a good book! Registration Required. 3-4 p.m.

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Girl GO

by Karin Calloway

photo by John Harpring

Jennifer Pennington | Optimist Jennifer Pennington, 37, is the executive director of the American Red Cross of Augusta. She and her husband, Bart, have two children, Jane, 5, and Mac, 1. Jennifer is a member of the Rotary Club of Augusta and Junior League of Augusta. First job: Lifeguard at the Y. Perfect job: I have the perfect job...Every day I know that we are making an impact on families that have lost everything due to a fire or another disaster. I get to be part of bringing our soldiers home during times of family crisis. I get to help people learn to save lives with CPR. I am surrounded by amazing youth and volunteers that give back so much of themselves. Favorite place to take the kids: I asked my 5-year-old daughter and she said, “The Dollar Store.” Every once in a while she gets to spend one of her dollars there and there is nothing better! Favorite TV show: The Good Wife. Wanted to be when she grew up: An astronaut. Best life lesson: Every opportunity has an expiration date. Don’t be afraid to act. Surprising fact about Jennifer: I can install a ceiling fan. Best thing about being a mom: The pride and love you feel for your children. Hardest thing about being a mom: Time. There is never enough of it. Indulgence: Belgian chocolates.

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