Augusta Family Magazine March 2015 by Augusta Family Magazine

March 2015 SPRING FASHION FORECAST ALL ABOUT PERENNIALS BB & CC CREAMS NEW IDEAS FOR A SPRING SPRUCE UP

Family am AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

it’ s Spri ng Spring Anna Blake Brooks, 3, is the daughter of Lemuel and Anna Beth Brooks of Augusta.

2015 presents the

WHEN: Saturday, April 18th WHERE: Warren Baptist Church at the corner of Furyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ferry & Washington Road TIME: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 5

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

March 2015

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

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 Mallory Daniel J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Cammie Jones Mary Ashton Mills Jennie Montgomery 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.

ADVERTISING Director of Advertising Lisa Dorn

Spring Into Fashion

Beyond the Traditional Spring Spruce Up

By Karin Calloway Photography by Branch Carter

By Lucy Adams

departments 7 9

editor’s page mom2mom

Mom’s Movie Screening -Jennie Montgomery

10 13

news&notes eating well with kim doctor/dad

Dietary Confusion

smart mom’s guide Discovering BB & CC Creams -Cammie Jones

Finding Joy in Bloom A Guide to Perinnial Gardening

fun food

Cookie Flavors Inspire New Desserts -Courtesy Family Features

inspiration station

Olive Tree Academy: An Alternative for Children With Autism -Lucy Adams

-J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

health&home

-Mary Ashton Mills

Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle

-Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

34 46

calendar go girl!

Saralyn Gamble -Mallory Daniel

March

qu ick pick “As we emerge from hibernation, the urge to clean and organize overwhelms us like the fragrance of early blooming wisteria. All that energy stored up over the cold season demands that we expend it on purposeful, productive home care.” Read Lucy Adams’ article about a new approach to the annual spring spruce up on page 21.

ON THE COVER: Anna Blake Brooks, 3, is the daughter of Lemuel and Anna Beth Brooks of Augusta. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Photo by Branch Carter.

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editor’s by Karin Calloway

Spring Is My Season

love spring. I always have. Although a new year is the traditional time to make resolutions and set goals, I find that the spring sparks my desire to make a new start much more than New Year’s Eve. I find inspiration in the changing of the seasons—the first sighting of spring’s daffodils and tulips taking their first peek out from under the ground. It’s the time of year when everything seems fresh and new. So, in honor of my “fresh start” in spring, I’m sharing some of my favorite quotes about the season. “Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.” -Robert H. Schuller “I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that winter’s tough, but spring’s coming. I believe that there’s a growing season. And I think that you realize that in life, you grow. You get better.” -Steve Southerland “The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” -Harriet Ann Jacobs “I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers, and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.” -Anne Lamott “It is so small a thing to have enjoyed the sun, to have lived light in the spring, to have loved, to have thought, to have done.” -Matthew Arnold “The spring wakes us, nurtures us and revitalizes us. How often does your spring come? If you are a prisoner of the calendar, it comes once a year. If you are creating authentic power, it comes frequently, or very frequently.” -Gary Zukav Happy Spring! 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

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

by Jennie Montgomery

Mom’s Movie Screening “Zack, please come back!” It was the third time we’d called our son/resident I.T. guy into our room to help us troubleshoot the Apple TV. “Really, guys?” I could hear him thinking. Patience isn’t one of his gifts… and he was clearly running out of what little he had when it came to technology and his folks. We’re in the midst of our annual rush to see the top Oscar-nominated films before the Academy Awards, and it’s getting easier and cheaper because we can watch many of them now without even leaving the house. Well, we COULD watch them from home if we figured out the connection problem! “So Mom, when you were a kid you couldn’t rent movies? You mean you could only see them in a theater?” “Right. And when we got the first double theater it was really cool because you only paid once to get in—you could watch one movie and then go into the other theater and watch the second movie.” (I didn’t mention that way back in the day our parents would just drop us off on a Saturday morning and give us money for popcorn and coke!) “Not even VCR’s?” “Nope. But we had one channel on cable that ran old movies.” I watched him think about that for a moment. Zack really likes movies and sees himself having a career in film making. This stuff is really important to him. “You couldn’t just go get a movie and watch it? Well, this explains so much,” he reasoned. Exactly WHAT it explained he didn’t elaborate, but at least he didn’t push the issue any further by asking if I remembered when movies went from black and white to color! (And no, I didn’t point out that the season’s biggest blockbuster was about those fifty shades in between!) v JENNIE MONTGOMERY anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children: Zack, 21, Maddy, 20, and Sky, 19.

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news notes

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Fit for Fundraising! Safe Kids Delivers on Child Safety TIRED OF BUYING CANDY to support your local school? Why not invest in your child’s fitness and leadership skills instead?

SAFE KIDS GREATER AUGUSTA, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, recorded nearly 2,000 hours of service in 2014 among its members, according to coalition Coordinator Rene Hopkins. As a result, more than 6,000 children and adults combined were provided valuable safety tips and educational tools to help prevent childhood injuries, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14.

The national Boosterthon Fun Run program was held at Riverside Elementary in Evans on February 19 and is scheduled for Brookwood Elementary in Grovetown on March 6 to help teach children the importance of fitness and help raise needed funds for school programs.

Among other notable achievements, more than 170 car seats, 93 infant sleep safety kits, and 84 bike helmets were distributed last year. Safe Kids needs more instructors and donations in order to provide this valuable training in the community. Get involved with Safe Kids: contact Hopkins at 706-721-7606 or ihopkins@gru.edu, or visit grhealth.org/safekids.

During the nine-day program, students learn about fitness, leadership, character development and building community. The program culminates in a Fun Run event where students are invited to run, on average, 30 to 35 laps to showcase what they’ve learned about fitness. Instead of selling a product, students gather pledges from family and friends for the number of laps they plan to run. On the day of the event, parents, educators, fellow students and Boosterthon team members cheer these students on as they race toward their goal.

Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids Worldwide & USA network. To ﬁnd out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids. Read more about the other important contributions Safe Kids Greater Augusta has made in our community at www.augustafamily.com.

Go to www.boosterthon.com to find out more about the Boosterthon Fun Run program.

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View Our On-Line Extras at www.AUGUSTAFAMILY.com

FORECAST FASHION LS T PERENNIA ALL ABOU CREAMS BB & CC SPRING S FOR A NEW IDEAUP SPRUCE

SPRING

Family A AUGUST

e a z i n m a g

’s

S pit’rs iinng r is the daughteof Brooks, 3, Beth Brooks Anna Blake and Anna of Lemuel Augusta.

FRESH FACES 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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SYMPHONY OF KITCHENS DREAM KITCHENS. Don’t miss this year’s tour of seven stunning kitchens, March 14.

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ROCK FORE DOUGH! Experience A MASTERS TRADITION ON US. Register for tickets to the annual Rock Fore Dough! concert Masters week

...Ingredients... ...Recipes... ...Dish Posts... ...Find Your Next Meal...

! c i t s a App-T Handpick FIND NEW DISH IDEAS

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO SERVE FOR DINNER? Tired of the same old recipes? The new app Handpick Food by Ingredients helps you find dish ideas from the ingredients you have. The app lets you access over 10 million dish posts, pick ingredients from a list of over 10,000 items and see what they pair well with, save dishes and categorize them, find recipes from simple to gourmet dishes and browse a curated feed of the best content from Instagram and the web to quickly find your next meal. The app is free and requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and optimized for iPhone 5, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. Get the app at iTunes or handpick.com.

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Spring Activities

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

BITE Into a Healthy Lifestyle ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

Asparagus With Almond Gremolata Gremolata is traditionally made with parsley, lemon zest and raw garlic. The almonds in this recipe are a lovely addition. 2 tablespoons sliced almonds 2 tablespoons chopped ﬂat-leaf parsley 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon lemon zest 1 bunch (about 12 ounces) trimmed asparagus 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper

ating delicious food is a big component of a healthy lifestyle and I love it when nutrition is paired with the act of eating in a positive way. I have been a dietitian for longer than I have been a mother and have heard all the cliché sayings regarding how healthy food does not taste good. Fortunately, the culture around healthy food is changing as health professionals and the public both are more willing to embrace healthful foods, new cooking techniques and seasoning ideas. Of course Pinterest and the many cooking shows have also helped to popularize food and healthy recipes. A wonderfully flavorful “condiment” to add to your kitchen repertoire is gremolata. It is made with chopped parsley, garlic and grated lemon zest. It is traditionally served with meat or fish, but is also fabulous as a garnish on soups and vegetables.

Lovely Lemons One of the flavoring techniques I recommend routinely is the use of lemon (or lime) juice. In fact, I go as far as to say “keep lemons on your weekly shopping list.” I suppose I should also say “keep garlic on hand” but I have grown accustom to assuming people

routinely stocking garlic. If you don’t, you should. (Fresh is much better than the garlic that is already minced in the jar, but I will not judge the jar!)

Perfect Parsley Assuming you have lemon and garlic on hand the only thing you are missing, when it comes to making gremolata, is parsley. This is where a tiny bit of gardening comes in handy. Parsley grows well in pots (or in the garden) from spring to fall. In fact I recommend planting two pots of parsley—one for you to keep (as it will winter well in the CSRA) and one for the swallowtail butterflies. Kids of all ages will enjoy, snipping parsley for culinary purposes and observing part of the Black Swallowtail life-cycle. Black Swallowtails take flight in late March and continue until fall when the female lays small eggs on a host plant. A host plant is the plant that the caterpillars eat. The main garden host plants for the Swallowtail butterfly are carrots, parsley, dill and fennel. As adults the swallowtail will drink nectar from many different flowers, including the Purple Coneflower, which also grows great in this region AND is fairly deer resistant. v

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Begin by toasting the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pile the parsley, garlic, lemon zest and almonds together on a cutting board and run a knife through the mixture 2 to 3 times, this will mix everything together well and chop up some of the almonds. Set the parsley mixture aside. To steam the asparagus, place it in a steamer basket over two inches of water, heat the water to boiling and let steam for 3 to 5 minutes, until the asparagus is just fork tender. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Transfer to a platter and top with gremolata mixture. Yield: 4 servings Nutrient Breakdown: Calories 45, Fat 1.5g (0g

saturated, 1g monounsaturated fat), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 75mg, Carbohydrate 5g, Fiber 2g, Protein 3g

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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Look-Alike Parent-Child

C O V E R

C O N T E S T

Does everyone tell you that you and your child look just alike? If so, you and your “mini-me” could grace the cover of the May/June issue of Augusta Family Magazine. The “look-alikes” can be mother/daughter, father/daughter, mother/son or father/son. Submit photo entries on the contest page of our website, www.augustafamily.com. Just click on contests and then “Parent/Child Look Alike Contest” and submit your information and a photo of the “look-alikes.”

You can also send your name, address, phone number, the name and age of your child and a photo of you and your “look alike” to: Karin Calloway, Editor, Augusta Family Magazine, P.O. Box 1405, Augusta GA 30903. The first place winners will have a professional photo session for the cover. Photos submitted by the runners up will be featured inside the May/June issue. Contest ends March 20 and the cover photo session will be scheduled for the week of April 13.

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

Dietary

Confusion

Vegan, Paleo, Gluten-Freeâ&#x20AC;ŚWhatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Healthiest Diet?

am confused about what to eat. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a simple, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Should I have a tuna surprise for dinner?â&#x20AC;? but a much more serious debate like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do I eat to stay healthy until Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 110 years old?â&#x20AC;? I feel a certain obligation as a physician to be able to provide reasonable and accurate advice to my patients, but altruism aside, I want to know for me. I am convinced that the fountain of youth lies in exercise and nutrition, yet my research leads me down a road so crooked and confusing that I sometimes want to throw in the bagel and eat whatever my eyes spy.

Vegetarianism For example, for years I was an avowed vegetarian. Well, a semi-vegetarian, okay, maybe a qualified vegetarian. (Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, I ate mostly plants because it was cheaper and I am cheap.) Actually there is a fair amount of research lauding the advantages of a plantbased diet. More centenarians are chowing down on kale smoothies than beef bombs, but at what cost? One paper I read calculated that the average vegetarian increased his life span 21 weeks by eating rabbit food rather than Fred Flintstone-sized ribs. You tell me if that is worth it. It is actually easy for me because I never liked meat that much anyway. Growing up, my school lunch lady made a meat loaf that I swear had undigested cow organs interspersed with fabric, so it is no wonder that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t develop a love for the brisket. I also read books like The Jungle by Upton Sinclair where he goes to great lengths to descried the slaughter-house environment, Freddie Kruger-style, that left me with a gastronomic grievance for anything with hooves.

Enter the Gluten-Free Zone I was pretty happy eating like a squirrel until I came across the gluten Gestapo. According to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;wheat is the food of the devilâ&#x20AC;? crowd, whole grains, and wheat in particular, are responsible for everything from stomach ulcers to the Protestant Reformation. I realize these folks are about as sane as the Occupy Wall Street supporters, but it did give me pause. One of the most recent books on the subject states that whole wheat and grain products, once thought to be the key to healthy cholesterol and longevity, actually contribute to Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease, heart disease and an incessant desire to watch reruns of Melrose Place. Frankly, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure what to believe.

The Paleo folks maintain that we evolved over a quadrillion years to eat mainly animal stuff and only in the last few hundred years did the toxins like bread and pizza get introduced into our diet. Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it logical to also assume that if Caveman Calvin avoided being eaten he would have lived much longer, probably invented McDonalds in the Bronze Age and there would have been a KFC in every cave. Unfortunately the science is sketchy in support the Paleo contentions. I have also struggled with the worth of individual foodstuffs. For each main food group, there is a cult-like following that either hates it or eats it exclusively. The nofat crowd will torment the low-carb dudes, who hate the protein power people, who loathe the vegan vicars.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pretty Simple

Paleo-What? While I still believe a plant-based, whole-food diet is the healthiest, the loudest trumpeter in the marketplace now are the Paleo Pals. When I first heard of the Paleo Diet I envisioned a bunch of bear-skin clad, flat foreheaded, dinosaur haters sitting around a campfire eating hamburger helper. It turns out that the attachment to the Paleolithic era is largely a marketing tool to sell you on the diet that left me as confused as an astrophysicist at a Justin Bieber concert. Here was a group of cavemen with the life expectancy of a store-bought goldfish, and you want me to eat like they did? I understand that Neanderthal Ned only lived to 20 because he was either eaten by a saber tooth tiger or succumbed to a terminal cold, but I still didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see where eating what he ate was the key to me living as long as Methuselah.

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So what is a health-obsessed, anal retentive, physician to do? I have culled all the recent literature (I love Google) and come to the following conclusions. r &BU NBJOMZ QMBOUT CVU OPU FYDMVTJWFMZ r &BU GPPET BT DMPTF UP UIFJS OBUVSBM IBCJUBU BT QPTsible, but not too close (i.e. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat dirt). r &BU CBMBODFE NFBMT CVU OPU NBTTJWF RVBOUJUJFT r 4UBZ BXBZ GSPN HSFBTZ GBU MBEFO MBSE JOGFTUFE MVNQT PG anything. If sugar is listed as the main ingredient, feed it to your neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog that barks all night. If it looks and tastes like tree bark, eat it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably good for you and if nothing else, will keep you regular. And my years of research have definitely concluded, if you are regular, most everything else will work out okay. v Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.

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smartMom’sguide by Cammie Jones

DISCOVERING

BB CC A

CREAMS

don’t know about you but when I’m looking for skincare products I have absolutely no idea what to choose. There are a million different products out there, and each seems to promise to help an issue I am currently experiencing. Then there’s makeup. So many choices! To confuse matters further, two fairly new categories of products— BB and CC creams—have landed in the beauty aisle and at the cosmetics counter. Are they skincare or makeup? Alyson DiMassa, make-up artist and licensed cosmetologist, was happy to help un-muddy the waters. DiMassa defines BB creams as, “Beauty balm or blemish balm, depending on the brand you select.” She says this is a lightcoverage foundation that is rich with antioxidants. “It primes, perfects, protects, hydrates and controls oil,” she says. BB creams smooth out imperfections, protect your face with a high SPF and help to balance your skin for a long-wearing finish. CC cream stands for color correction, and DiMassa says this product category is especially helpful for the girl who spent a little too much time in the sun and her skin is looking dull, maybe with some dark spots. CC creams also help with acne scarring. CC creams do everything the BB products do but also help with brightening. Similar to the BB cream, the CC cream will smooth out imperfections, brighten your face,

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protect it with a high SPF and help balance your skin. So, what’s the difference, you ask? Basically they are very much alike but Allison Ford writes in her article: “A BB or CC: What’s the Difference?” that she believes the difference lies in the coverage. “BB creams seem to be more about coverage, with thicker formulas that work well as primers or under other makeup,” she says. “CC creams tend to have more antiaging and skin-improving properties.”

What About Tinted Moisturizer? Along these same coverage lines, what is the difference between these creams and a tinted moisturizer? DiMassa says that although a tinted moisturizer is very hydrating and gives a youthful glow to the skin, it “will give you minimal coverage, is not very buildable and doesn’t have that long wear that women on the go need.” Also, if you have oily skin, the tinted moisturizer may offer too much hydration and doesn’t come in a matte finish. In other words, tinted moisturizers are a little more limited in what they offer than BB and CC creams. BB and CC creams give you a buildable coverage that lasts all day and offer benefits for many different skin types and complexions. Many of these creams also offer help with

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smartMom’sguide concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, firming and lifting, acne, pore size, etc. DiMassa advises that all women should be using either a BB or CC cream, whether worn alone or underneath foundation as a primer or for added coverage. “It only takes a couple of minutes to apply, makes all the difference immediately and over time your skin will become smoother and brighter,” she adds.

Application Pointers The best way to apply either a BB or CC cream is with your fingers. You should start with a dime-sized amount and warm it up between your fingers. Then, start from the center of the face and gently press and rub it into the skin. Just in the past year, many brands of these creams have expanded into color-adjusting shades and have come up with more shades in a wider range of colors. Most likely, any woman can find a cream to match her individual skin tone. Okay, so now we know what BB and CC creams are and why we need them. Younger looking, healthy skin, here we come! v

5-MINUTE MAKEUP TIPS FROM ALYSON DIMASSA You don’t have to spend a lot of time to look your best before heading out the door. Alyson DiMassa shares these five tips for a fresh, polished look. 1) Tinted brow gel is a quick way to lift the eye area and keep those crazy brow hairs in place. 2) Mascara is always a must to show off those gorgeous eyes. 3) Use BB or CC creams to smooth out the complexion. 4) Apply light blush or bronzer to bring back the natural color to the face. 5) Use lip balm to give lips a natural pout. If you would like to learn more about these different tips and tricks, Sephora at Augusta Mall offers beauty classes. Check out their website at www.sephora. com/classes to learn more.

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

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health home by Mary Ashton Mills

FINDING

JOY IN

BLOOM

A Guide to Perennial Gardening

nstalling a perennial garden can seem like a daunting task, even for an expert gardener. But, by following a few tips from the professionals you will find joy in the blooms for years to come. Augusta native and Georgia Master Gardener, Mary Louise Hagler says, “Perennials are the little black dress of your blooming garden. Along with shrubs and trees, they provide structure to a garden.” Hagler notes that once planted in the right spot, perennials should last for several seasons. “Annuals complement perennials as the trendy “accessories” to the little black dress. Annuals grow and show color during one season,” says Hagler. She suggests that a combination of both will create the perfect “outfit” for a blooming garden. According to Hagler, you can easily achieve this perfect “outfit” with a few well-thoughtout ideas and a tangible plan. Follow her suggestions below and she will have you seeing your backyard through rose-colored glasses before you know it.

Hagler’s Five S’s of Perennial Gardening

1 1.

Space—Choose a spot for your new garden. Think about the places you see the most such as outside the kitchen or den window, patio/entertaining area or near the kids’ play structure. You will also want to ask yourself if the spot you have chosen is close to a water source.

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health home

2 2.

3 3.

4 4.

5 5.

Soil—A soil sample is a good idea to check the health of the soil. Your local county Extension office will provide bags for soil sampling. Return the soil sample to the Extension office and they will send it off for a complete diagnostic workup on your soil. This will tell you what may be missing in the soil and give you a “prescription” for supplementing your soil. “I use Osmocote every three months and give my plants a nourishing dose of homemade compost,” says Hagler. Sun—Measure sunlight in your new garden space. There are actually instruments you can purchase to measure the amount of sunlight your plants will receive in a particular area. A plant requiring full sun will not be happy in a mostly shaded area. Select—Now that you know about how much sun your garden receives and soil health, it is time to select plants that will thrive in that space. “I have a top 10 perennial list to share for ideas (see side box). Depending on the size of your garden, you will need to plan how many of each plant to purchase. I like to see clusters of plants that make your garden look more mature rather than newly planted. I highly recommend the Southern Living Plant Book so that you can do some homework on plants specifically for our area (Zone 8a). Take this book with you when plant shopping—you will look like a pro!” Shovel—Planting time! You’ve done your homework and prep, now it is time to plant. Follow directions on plant tags for planting and watering.

Time To Visit a Garden Center Now that the seed is planted in your mind

and you have decided on your plant list, it is time to visit your local garden center to purchase the plants. Locally, Bedford Greenhouses grows and carries over 75 varieties of perennials. Milledge Peterson, owner of Bedford Greenhouses, suggests keeping it simple. “You don’t want to overplant and create lots of work,” says Peterson. “Planting a 100-foot perennial garden at first is not ideal because it’s going to take a lot of work to make it look like the magazines.” Instead he recommends you choose a few perennials that will proliferate and mix in annuals to give you an immediate look. Peterson cautions buyers that sun perennials may take a little more maintenance with trimming and dividing. For a more carefree perennial garden, a shade garden will require less maintenance. He also recommends using a good fertilizer and carries an organic fertilizer called Flower Tone.

Get the Children Involved Take this opportunity to introduce your children or grandchildren to gardening. A trip to a garden center is like a field trip for a child and they will love pulling the wagon along as you choose your plants. Once home, give them a specific task like digging the holes, removing the plants from the plastic containers or watering the plants after your garden is planted. They will enjoy checking the progress and watching different flowers bloom each season. A little digging in the dirt is always good for the heart, mind and spirit! To reach Mary Louise Hagler for more information on perennial gardening and to sign up for her workshops, visit her blog at www. Mlchgarden.com. Bedford Greenhouses is located at 1023 Oleander Dr., close to Lake Olmstead.v

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Mary Louise Hagler’s Top 10 Perennials Picks for Sun and Shade SHADE

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Hosta Helleborus “Lenten Rose” Astilbe Aspidistra Elatior ‘Variegata’ Heuchera or Coral Bells

SUN

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Hydrangea Knock Out Roses Echinacea or Coneflower Russian Sage Snapdragons

Mary Ashton Mills lives in Augusta with her husband and two children. Her work has appeared in Charleston Magazine, The Post and Courier and Augusta Family Magazine.

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Spring Beyond the Traditional

SPRUCE UP By Lucy Adams Illustration by Michael Rushbrook

n Groundhog Day, all signs pointed to an early spring in the south. Warm afternoons will soon invite us to open windows and doors and banish old man winter from our homes. As we emerge from hibernation, the urge to clean and organize overwhelms us like the fragrance of early blooming wisteria. All that energy stored up over the cold season demands that we expend it on purposeful, productive home care. Maybe you’ve jumped in already. You’ve shaken out area rugs, tossed the clutter, scrubbed the cabinets and refreshed the throw pillows. I’ve been there and done that old song and dance just last year. Borrrrrrrrringggggg. This year, think beyond finding the floor in the hall closet. Approach the annual spring spruce up in a whole new way. I asked some experts for their ideas. u

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Add Umph To Curb Appeal

Your house should be a place you want to come home to. Enhancing curb appeal adds value, both monetary and sentimental. Anne Marie McManus, vice president, Meybohm Realtors, says to make that first impression clean and green.

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Paint and pine straw pay. For the price of paint and pine straw you cannot get a better value to create curb appeal. Pay close attention to your front door. A worn out door detracts. Quality hardware or hardware clean up will make a huge difference. Check the threshold. A black or Charleston green coat of paint will keep a threshold from showing scuffs. A pressure washer is your best friend for improving the look of a winter-worn property. Clean off the walks, drive, brickwork or siding. Clear out gutters and wash stains left from a rough winter. Wash the windows inside and out. Clear out old shrubs and growth, but be careful not to eliminate privacy. Boxwoods are evergreen classic plantings that can give an upscale look for less. Plant some large pots with an evergreen and pansies or with easy care annuals and place on either side of the front door. Remember, simplicity is beauty. Beauty is simplicity. Clean and clear first, then add back just the right accessories.

Improve Leadership Skills Daphne Mallory, attorney and family business expert at www.daphnemallory.blogspot.com, says spring is the perfect time to explore those entrepreneurial urges. Even if a family business is not on the agenda, personal and family growth can sprout from the leadership ideas embodied in being one’s own boss: q

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Attend to Clothes Closets Barbara Reich is a professional organizer in New York City and the author of Secrets of an Organized Mom. She urges families not to just clean out their closets, but to shape up their wardrobes: q q

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Group like things together. A wardrobe should reflect a person’s current life. Throw out or donate clothing not worn in a year or that doesn’t fit. Make a list of items to replace so that shopping is focused. Move winter clothes to storage or to the back of the closet and put spring and summer clothes in prime real estate so that they are easily accessible.

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Get everything off the floor. Use shoe organizers. Hang purses and belts. Use the same color and kind of hanger. This will eliminate visual clutter and allow you to see the clothes instead of the hangers. In children’s closets, make sure kids can reach the hooks. Label where items go. If your child can’t read yet, use pictures. Go through hand-me-downs. Get rid of what you can’t use.

Enroll in an online course or in a learning management system that offers classes in management, leadership and entrepreneurship. Find project management apps or books and use their strategies. Invest in software to track projects and goals. Find a local service club that offers opportunity to develop skills, such as Toastmasters (for speaking) and Rotary Club (for community service projects).

Shape Up the Yard Attend to landscape care in the early growing season then reap the benefit of those fabled lazy days of summer. Campbell Vaughn of Campbell Vaughn Design creates pleasing residential landscape designs across the CSRA. Maintain the wow factor of lawns, beds, trees and shrubs by implementing his recommendations: q q q

Rake old mulch or pine straw out of beds and replace it with a fresh layer. When grass begins to green, apply fertilizer. Broadcast a pre-emergent in beds to keep weeds down in the coming weeks and months.

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Cut back leggy parts of shrubs and trees. Be gentle, though. A hard prune in spring will sacrifice buds. Stay away from the crepe myrtles except to cut suckers. A crepe myrtle is a tree, not a shrub. Vaughn is adamant on this point. If harsh pruning has caused large knobs, cut off limbs below the knobs to allow the tree to grow normally. Divide plants like hostas and daylilies. Thatch and aerate the lawn. Pick up a garden calendar from the Richmond County Cooperative Extension office. It provides a month-by-month guide to lawn and garden care.

Plan Now for Next Spring Break Too often families wait until February or even March to try to schedule a spring break vacation. Mike Kerbelis, owner of Southern Travel Agency, warns that last-minute travel agendas are met with low inventory and high prices. The time to plan for spring break 2016 is now:

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Verify the school system’s spring break dates for 2016. Look at finances and specify the budget for the trip. Determine what makes a robust vacation for your family (cruise, resort, immersion in a locale, adventure, relaxation, etc.). Weigh expectations against the budget and make adjustments. Start the process of making reservations. Purchase trip cancellation insurance. Using a travel agency can take the headache of research and the guesswork about quality out of the equation. For busy families, this can be key to making the happy vacation happen.

For Traditionalists Some folks can’t let closet cleaning die. Try a new method in place of the old way of working. Cannon Christian, president of Renovation Realty in California, suggests a sevenday strategy to spring cleaning: q

Solution: Label each of three boxes “Put Away,” “Give Away/Sell” and “Storage.” Throughout the seven-day cleaning session, classify extra items in these categories or throw them away if not a match. Monday: Tackle the bathroom. Clear vanity countertops, dispose of empty or old shampoo and soap bottles and combine multiple boxes of toiletries into one container. Organize medicine cabinets and bathroom caddies by type of product like first aid, beauty products and hair products. Tuesday: Bedroom blow-out! Create a storage solution for items like jewelry, belts, ties and purses, such as hanging multiple hooks in the closet for each article or using plastic storage containers to store seasonal accessories under the bed. Check under furniture for any trash and knick-knacks that have strayed. Wednesday: Kitchen cleansing. Combine packages of the same products. Categorize and alphabetize pantry staples for easy access. Secure adhesive hooks on the inside of kitchen cabinet doors to hang the lids of pots and pans. Thursday: Zen your living room. Remove knickknacks that are smaller than a melon. Interior decorators use this as a rule of thumb for making rooms appear less busy. Hide electronics’ cords in end tables by using a spade bit to drill a hole in the part of the table’s drawer facing the wall. Place a power strip in the drawer to charge phones, tablets and electronics out of sight. Recycle old magazines and store blankets. Friday: Organize the home office or family desk. Go through all loose-leaf documents and mail, recycling papers no longer needed. If sharing a desk with children, designate a drawer or bucket near the desk for craft and homework supplies. Throw away dried up pens and other broken objects and clean off surfaces, using drawers for storage. Saturday: Garage and closets. The Four Box Method will come in handy today, since both are common places to throw unneeded or old stuff. If you have multiple storage closets, designate each one for a specific type of item like holiday decorations, cleaning supplies or coldweather coats. v

Sunday: Develop a plan of action for the next six days. Make a list of tasks for each room and designate jobs for each family member. Prepare to implement the Four Box

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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 into #: ,"3*/ $"--08": r 1)0504 #: #3"/$) $"35&3

Tee Time

Flip Hooks, 9, is ready to hit the greens in his youth Southern Tide golf shirt and cap. Clothing provided by CommuniGraphics. Flip is the son of Mark and Tracy Hooks of North Augusta.

Tennis Anyone?

Monograms personalize this spring

jacket and the colorful tennis bag makes packing up your gear a bit more fun. Clothing and bag provided by CommuniGraphics. Ansley Hooks, 9, is the daughter of Mark and Tracy Hooks of North Augusta.

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fashion Pleated Perfection u

This spring dress with knife-pleated skirt is perfect for Easter or for attending a spring tea. Clothing provided by Kid to Kid. Maddison Cira, 12, is the daughter of Sam and Jacque Cira of Evans.

Take a Splash Zach Hooks, 8, is ready for summer in this SKIP-

Enchanted Eclectic

JACK Tee, swim trunks and striped beach towel, all by Southern

Davis Brooks, 10, mixes it up

Tide. Clothing and accessories provided by CommuniGraphics. Zach is the son of Mark and Tracy Hooks of North Augusta.

with a combination of florals, solids and stripes. The combination is perfect for church or a school honors day assembly. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Davis is the daughter of Lemuel and Anna Beth Brooks of Augusta.

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Dapper Dude

Jackson Poole, 18, is ready for Easter and spring parties with his button-down shirt and bow tie paired with casual flip flops, all by Southern Tide. Clothing provided by CommuniGraphics. Jaxson is the son of Kyle and Julie Poole of North Augusta.

Magenta Maxi u

Cool and comfortable, this maxi dress by Charlie Page is perfect for any occasion. Carleigh Hamilton, 22, accessorizes with a Noelle wrap, necklace by Spartina and Jack Rogers sandals. Clothing provided by CommuniGraphics. Carleigh is the daughter of Theo and Lauree Hamilton of North Augusta.

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Posh in Pink

Dalton Harnage, 18, combines a crisp pink shirt with dark pleated trousers and a retro-style skinny tie. Clothing provided by Uptown Cheapskate. Dalton is the son of Dana Williams of Augusta.

Modern to the Maxiu

The graduated colors of the geometric print on this maxi dress give it a modern vibe. Hallie Unger, 13, pairs it with strappy metalic sandals and a chunky turquoise necklace. Clothing provided by Uptown Cheapskate. Hallie is the daughter of Shannon Unger of Grovetown.

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Simply Southern

Pretty Pantaloons

Classic Combo

Reese Brooks, 8, sports a classic combination of

Anna Blake Brooks, 3, is cute and

This classic combination of Polo button down

seersucker slacks, sweater vest and plaid bow tie.

cool in this two-piece set which

shirt and khaki shorts will have Logan Cira, 6,

Shoes by Sperry complement the ensemble. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Reese is the son of Lemuel and Anna Beth Brooks of Augusta.

combines stripes, florals and lace. Clothing provided by Posh Tots. Anna Blake is the daughter of Lemuel and Anna Beth Brooks of Augusta.

looking good at church or school. Clothing provided by Kid to Kid. Logan is the son of Sam and Jacque Cira of Evans.

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Fashion Fashion

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funfood Peanut Butter Snickerdoodle Tart with Cinnamon Peanut Crust Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 8 minutes Refrigerate: 1 hour

Servings: 8 (1/2 tart) servings 1½

cups lightly salted roasted peanuts, lightly

tablespoons packed brown sugar

3 1 3 4 ½ 2 1

crushed

tablespoons butter, melted

teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon, divided

tablespoons chocolate milk

ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

cup creamy peanut butter

tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract cup heavy cream

Mix peanuts, sugar, butter and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon in medium bowl. Remove 1/4 cup and spread

on small baking sheet. Divide remaining peanut mixture among 4 (4-inch) tart pans with removable bottoms.

Press ﬁrmly onto bottom and up sides of each tart pan. Bake tart crusts and peanut crumble mixture together in preheated 350°F oven 8 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Cookie Flavors Inspire New Desserts

Meanwhile, microwave chocolate milk in medium

microwavable bowl on high 45 seconds. Add chocolate; stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth. Set aside.

Beat peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla

hot new dessert trend is here—cookies are getting a makeover. As identified in the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2015, favorite cookie flavors—like snickerdoodles and gingersnaps— are being reimagined in new decadent desserts. From peanut butter mousse tarts to chocolate chip biscotti with a creamy dipping sauce, these desserts redefine “milk and cookies.”

“Here in the kitchens, we looked at the distinctive flavors of popular cookies for inspiration,” saysMary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens. “Cinnamon sugar is the signature flavor in snickerdoodles, so we reimagined that cinnamon sweetness into a peanut butter mousse and peanut crust, resulting in a delicious tart.” For more twists on classic cookie flavors, check out www.McCormick.com.

and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in large bowl with

electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add heavy cream; beat until soft peaks form. Spread in prepared tart crusts. Spread chocolate mixture over top.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until ready to serve. Cut

each tart in half. Sprinkle with toasted peanut crumble. Serve immediately.

Note: To crush peanuts, place peanuts in large reseal-

able plastic bag. Pound with a rolling pin, mallet or heavy skillet until lightly crushed.

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funfood

Chocolate Chip Cookie Biscotti with White Chocolate Dipping Sauce Prep time: 20 minutes

Gradually add to ﬂour mixture, beating

Servings: 16 servings (2 cookies and 2

chocolate chips.

Cook time: 45 minutes

1/2 tablespoons sauce each) Biscotti: 2½ 1

¼ 2

¼ 3 1 1

cups ﬂour

cup ﬁrmly packed brown sugar

into a 12-inch long log. Transfer logs to parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Flatten logs to 1-inch thickness.

Bake in preheated 350°F oven 20 to

teaspoon salt

ﬁrm to touch. Cool logs on wire rack 10

teaspoons baking powder eggs

teaspoon McCormick Extra Rich Pure Vanilla Extract

cup miniature chocolate chips

cups half-and-half

cup Irish cream liqueur

Divide dough in half. Shape each half

cup instant nonfat dry milk

White Chocolate Dipping Sauce: 8

on low speed until well mixed. Stir in

25 minutes or until slightly risen and

minutes or until cool enough to handle.

Transfer to cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut logs diagonally into 3/4-inch thick slices. Place slices, cut sides down, in single layer on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

ounces white chocolate chips

Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until crisp

teaspoons McCormick Extra

halfway through cook time. Transfer

Rich Pure Vanilla Extract

and golden, turning biscotti over

biscotti to wire racks; cool completely.

For the biscotti, mix ﬂour, sugar, dry

For the dipping sauce, place all

bowl with electric mixer on low speed

medium heat. Simmer 5 minutes or

milk, baking powder and salt in large

until well blended. Mix eggs and vanilla in medium bowl until well blended.

ingredients in medium saucepan on until heated through, stirring constantly. Serve with biscotti. v

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inspirationstation by Lucy Adams

&EVDBUPS #FOTPO $SBXGPSE TFFLT UP FTUBCMJTI 0MJWF 5SFF "DBEFNZ B QSJWBUF TDIPPM GPS IJHI GVODUJPOJOH DIJMESFO XJUI "VUJTN 4QFDUSVN %JTPSEFST 5IF JOTQJSBUJPO JO IJT QVSTVJUT JT IJT ZPVOHFTU DIJME +PFM

Olive Tree Academy An Alternative for Children With Autism

or children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the world can be an overwhelming place. When their world is pared down to the business of the school environment, symptoms that are manageable in the home may be exacerbated. Benson Crawford, whose son Joel, age 15, has high-functioning Autism, believes that success beyond the classroom for children like Joel greatly depends on what happens during the school day. Crawford is the man behind the effort to start a private school, Olive Tree Academy, designed for highfunctioning children with ASD in grades 6-12. Severity of ASD ranges from low to high on a set of core symptoms. Interpersonal interaction is especially problematic for the child with ASD. Reading social cues of peers and teachers poses a challenge as these children have difficulty making and maintaining eye contact, interpreting meaning

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in spoken language, engaging in conversational exchanges and inferring the emotions of others. Communication issues, such as delayed or lack of speech or repetition of phrases, also hinder performance in the mainstream classroom. Repetitive gestures that attract the attention of peers can also attract negative responses or isolation from the peer group. Sensory issues may interfere with academic performance. Children with ASD may be over reactive to sensory information, for example, becoming fixated on the low buzz emitted by fluorescent lights or becoming emotionally charged as the result of another person touching him or her, or under reactive to sensory information, for example, disregarding pain. Parents of children with ASD worry about classmatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; acceptance of their child, the teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capabilities to meet their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique needs and their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to adapt to the highly stimulat-

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ing environment characteristic of most schools.

Finding the Right Fit Crawford says of his own son, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been going through the Richmond County school system and doing very well.â&#x20AC;? Nonetheless, he knows other parents who have been unable to find a good fit for their child. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not every child on the autism spectrum finds that niche in public school,â&#x20AC;? he says. The stimulation level of the mainstream classroom is overwhelming for many children with ASD, and the self-contained special needs classroom fails to aid them in developing their full potential. Bullying and teasing, or the fear of it, may be factors, as well, in causing parents to look for alternatives to traditional education. Olive Tree Academy is intended to be that alter-

{ inspirationstation native. Crawford has worked to bring it to fruition since the idea first occurred to him in 2010 on the way home from picking up Joel from elementary school. A piece of property he drove past inspired the idea for a camp for children with autism, and that idea quickly transformed into the dream of a school. “I thought I would run it by the autism-impacted community and see what kind of response it got,” says Crawford, who shared his idea with the folks at the now defunct Autism Walk. An email was sent out on Crawford’s behalf. The response was overwhelming. After the initial interest meeting in February of 2011, things moved quickly. The founding board held its first meeting in May. The name reservation was approved in June. The articles of incorporation were published in July. By January of 2012, the Federal Employer Identification number had been awarded. But 2012 proved bumpier, with little progress forward and several board members resigning for personal reasons. May of 2013 brought about board restructuring and reorganization. “There are times that I think why did I ever start this, but then something happens that makes me go on,” Crawford says. Shortly after the new board formed, an anonymous donor funded the application process for Federal tax exempt status. This enabled the Olive Tree Academy Founding Board to hire a CPA and an attorney. That fall, Crawford, who teaches in the upper school history department at Augusta Preparatory Day School, spent his afternoons working with the CPA and the attorney to gather information and put together the financial and legal details of the 501 (c) (3) application. Crawford says, “It came through in record time.” The tax exempt letter arrived in June 2014. A huge hurtle had been crossed.

Making Progress Along the way, the vision has received support from Crawford’s family, friends and colleagues. His wife Theresa inspired the name and the logo, first suggesting Olive Branch Academy. “I wanted to have a school that a family of any faith with a child with autism could feel comfortable placing their child there,” explains Crawford in reference to changing “Branch” to “Tree.” Fellow teacher, Tara Chokshi, created the artwork on the website’s homepage and the logo of a dove flying with an olive branch in its beak. Colleague Franklin Kennedy

helped develop the Latin motto, Dýnamis, Thársos, Eutychia, which translates Function, Confidence, Success. Easter Seals East Georgia, under the direction of Lynn Smith, has acted as fiscal sponsor for Olive Tree Academy. Their primary role has been to provide consulting to Olive Tree Academy’s board. With any fledgling organization, the obstacle to progress is finances. Kevin Enright, the board’s vice chairman, applied for a grant from the Community Foundation of the CSRA. Olive Tree Academy was awarded $15,000 for board members to visit established schools with a similar purpose to explore curriculums, methods and strategies. A soft launch with an enrollment of about five to 10 students is targeted for the 2015-2016 school year. Olive Tree Academy is shy, however, of the total $100,000 required for expenses like curriculum, teacher salaries, facility rental, strategic adjustments to the physical environment to reduce sensory stimulation and other costs. Later this month, board members will meet to determine whether opening is feasible for the coming school year. Crawford hopes for the best but knows that funding shortages may cause postponement of the launch until fall of 2016. Feeling that the transition from elementary school to middle school would not go well, Crawford and his wife, like many other parents of children with ASD, homeschooled Joel for a year before he re-entered the public school system. Now the transition from middle school to high school looms. Uncertainty about the next step for Joel has his mother hoping that Olive Tree Academy will open in time for her son to attend. Crawford says, “I envisioned it for Joel, but even if he never goes to the school, there’s a need for it. Every child with ASD has a unique genius that needs to be tapped into. They have a skill to offer to the world.” Through the tenacious efforts of Crawford, the board members and others who support their vision, Olive Tree Academy will offer another education option in the CSRA. It will be a place where high-functioning students with ASD can reach their full potential. And for many parents, it can’t open soon enough. v 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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calendar March 2015

Slick Tricks On March 13, the iconic Harlem Globetrotters bounce into town with their unrivaled family show featuring some of the greatest athletes on the planet. With incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy and unequaled on-court fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family. 7 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

7 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

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calendar SPECIAL EVENTS March 1. 10th Annual Augusta Home and Garden Show. Turn your home and garden dreams into reality. Exhibits include the latest in products and services for your home and garden. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the James Brown Arena. Call 210-408-0998 for information. March 3. IHOP Pancake Day. IHOP will serve free short stacks from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on National Pancake Day in support of Children’s Hospital of Georgia, the local Children's Miracle Network hospital. Local participating IHOPs are located at 3125 Peach Orchard Rd. in Augusta, 4361 Washington Rd. in Evans, and 180 Aiken Mall Dr., Aiken. For more information, contact Catherine Stewart at 706-721-4004 or castewart@gru.edu. March 5. Goodwill Job Fair and Boot Camp. Find your next job at the Goodwil Job Fair. Bring your resume and prepare to meet more than 20 employers. Get prepared at the Job Fair Boot Camp on March 3 from 10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m. at the Snelling Center. Participants in Boot Camp receive priority admission to the Job Fair. Job Fair is from 1-4 p.m. at the Snelling Center, 3165 Washington Rd. Call 706-447-5195 or go to www.goodwillworks.org/ augustajobfair. March 6. The 22nd Annual Morris Museum of Art Gala. Mark your calendar for one of the area’s most highly regarded social events. Patrons will enjoy an evening of delicious fare, live entertainment and dancing, and a raffle including jewelry, art and travel excursions. The 2015 gala, the museum’s major fundraising event of the year, will feature the exhibition American Dreams: Paintings by John Mellencamp. 7:30 p.m. Morris Museum of Arts. For tickets and additional information, call 706- 828-3825. March 7. Augusta Literary Festival. The Augusta Public Library system hosts a day of author-panel discussions, book signings and engaging workshops. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Augusta Public Library. 823 Telfair St. For a full schedule of events, visit www. augustaliteraryfestival.org. March 7-15. 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. March 13. Harlem Globetrotters. The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town with their unrivaled family show, featuring some of the greatest athletes on the planet. With incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy and unequaled on-court fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to en-

tertain the whole family. 7 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. March 13-20. Spring Artists’ Market. Artists’ reception, March 13. 6-8 p.m. Family Day Arts Festival, March 14. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. 706-722-5495. March 14. Symphony of Kitchens. The Augusta Symphony Guild’s annual fundraising event features a lineup of inspiring kitchens in private homes open for tour. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Toast of the Tour party March 13, 7 p.m. www.soaugusta.org. March 17. St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Augusta Common will be “rolling out the Green Carpet” on the St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy live entertainment, children’s play area and lots of food, merchandise and drink vendors. 2-9 p.m. For more information, please call 706-821-1754. March 17, 24 & 31. The Veggie Truck Farmer's Market. The market opens on the 17th and will continue through October 6. Features all local farmers. Al Williams Park, 1850 Broad St. Go to growharrisburg.org for more information. March 21 & 22. Consign for Kids. Consign for Kids will feature consignment and donated items including children’s clothing, women and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods, furniture, plus homemade crafts and commercials goods. All proceeds go to Children’s Hospital of Georgia. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. Stevens Creek Elementary School, 3780 Evansto-Locks Road, Augusta. For more information, visit consignforkids.com or contact Lisa Christie at 706231-0431 or Catherine Stewart at castewart@gru. edu or 706-721-4004 March 21. Easter Egg Hunt and Family Day. The Clarks Hill Fish for Life Foundation presents the Easter Egg Hunt from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Wildwood Park in Appling. Egg hunts begin at 10 a.m. followed by lots of games, arts and crafts, visit from the Easter Bunny, face painting, bounce houses, balloon animals and more. Free. Wildwood Park, 3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling. Call 706-799-3240 for more information. March 21-22. Yuchikiokee Festival. Features juried artisans and crafters, performances by local and regional entertainers, a juried art show and culinary demonstrations. Spend a spring weekend tasting fare from local merchants and shopping local art, featuring scenes of the area and highlighting the heritage of Columbia County. Evans Towne Center Park. www.evanstownecenterpark.com or www.columbiacountyga.gov. March 21. Savannah Riverkeeper Roast on the

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River. Oysters, lowcountry boil and chili are served at this annual event. Go to www.savannahriverkeeper.org/augusta-roast-on-the-river.html for tickets or call 706-826-8991. Roast begins at 6 p.m. March 28. Annual Easter Egg Scramble. Easter egg hunts for two age groups. Ages 1-4 beginning at 10 a.m. and ages 5-10 beginning at 11 a.m. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the start of your child’s age group. Evans Towne Center Park. Performance by the Kelley Family Band from 10:30-11 a.m. Rain date is Saturday, April 4. March 28. Community Easter Egg Hunt. For children ages 12 and under. This annual event is sponsored by the Augusta Recreation Parks and Facilities and Perry Broadcasting. Bring your baskets and enjoy hunting for over 10,000 eggs. Live radio remote, children activities and prizes. Maybe a visit from the Easter Bunny….Bring your cameras. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the May Park Community Center, 622 4th Street. For more information, please call 706-821-1754. March 28. Family Chocolate Festival. Enjoy a luminary lit walk around the Reed Creek boardwalk as you sample delicious chocolate treats and experience the wetland at night. Call 706-210-4027 or email kbyne@columbiacountyga.gov to reserve tickets. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Children 4 and under are free. Reed Creek Nature Park and Interpretive Center, 3820 Park Lane, Martinez.

HISTORY AND SCIENCE Augusta Museum of History 706-722-8454 or www.augustamuseum.org. March 4. Brown Bag History Lecture: What It Takes To Be a Farmer. Presented by county extension coordinator Sid Mullis. Bring a lunch; beverages provided. Refreshments served at 11:30 a.m. Lecture, 12:30-1 p.m. Reservations not required. March 7. Voices of the Past: 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. 11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Free with paid Museum admission. March 9. Monday@Museum. Spring is Near! Children will celebrate Augusta, the Garden City, by visiting a portion of the Augusta's Story exhibit. They will decorate a flower pot in which they will plant a flower. This monthly program is aimed at preschool-age children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call for fee information.

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Spring

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Activities

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calendar March 14. Voices of the Past: 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 1944-1971. 11:30 a.m., 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Free with paid Museum admission. March 26. Night at the Museum. Guests will experience a night of mystery and wonders. As the doors close and the lights dim, guests will tour, with the assistance of security personnel, searching for people and their stories from the past. Enjoy beverages, hors d'oeuvres and music before and after this trek through time. Call for ticket information. 6-9 p.m.

Reed Creek Park and Interpretive Center 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027 or www.ReedCreekPark.com. For ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. March 20. Pond Exploration. With dip nets in hand, children will explore and learn about what animals live in the Reed Creek pond. Be prepared to get a

little bit wet and muddy. 4:30-5:30 p.m. March 27. All about Frogs. Learn about our local frogs and how we’re studying them through a calling survey at Reed Creek. Participants will go outdoors to listen for frogs using the calling survey protocol. 8-9 p.m.

THE ARTS, MUSIC AND MORE March 5. Russian National Ballet. Part of the USC-Aiken Cultural Series. 7:30 p.m. USC-Aiken Etherredge Center. 803-641-3305. March 6. Catalyst Quartet. Hailed by the New York Times as “invariably energetic and finely burnished,” the Catalyst Quartet is comprised of top laureates and alumni of the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Competition. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. www.soaugusta.org or 706-826-4705. March 6-7, 12-14 and 19-21. Rumors. Four couples arrive at the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife to attend a party celebrating their wedding anniversary. However, the four couples soon discover that there are no servants, the hostess is missing and the deputy mayor has shot

himself in the head (it’s only a flesh wound). Comic complications arise when, given everyone’s upper class status, they decide they need to do everything possible to conceal the evening’s events from the local police and the media. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. 706-793-8552. March 7. An Evening With Michael Kaeshammer. Canada’s triple threat combination of piano virtuosity, vocal ability and charisma. His repertoire includes blues, jazz, pop and cross-over. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. 706-726-0366 or www.augustaamusements.com. March 7. Christopher O’Riley With the GRU Orchestra and Women’s Ensemble. As the host of National Public Radio’s program From the Top, Christopher O’Riley is well-known for this eloquent and popular musings on music and popular culture. With the triumphant release of True Love Waits, O’Riley’s reimagining of works by Radiohead, he garnered the only four-star review ever given by Rolling Stone to a classical pianist. Lyceum Series event. 7:30 p.m. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. GRU campus. 706-667-4100. March 7. GRU Orchestra. Christopher O’Riley, piano host of NPR’s From the Top, performs with the GRU Orchestra and Women’s Choral Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. GRU campus. 706-667-4100. March 8. Concerts With a Cause. The St. John Choir and members of Symphony Orchestra Augusta offer Faure’s Requiem for Lent. Jared Johnson, canon organist and choirmaster of Trinity Cathedral, Columbia, performs a solo organ concert and accompanies the beloved choral work. Benefits the Miller Theatre. 3 p.m. St. John United Methodist Church. 706- 724-9641, extension 4. March 12. Art Exhibition Opening Reception: Jeff Tilden. Tilden began painting in earnest in 2013. He enjoys sculptural forms and decided that the easiest way for them to “exist” is on canvas. Most of Tilden’s paintings involve characters in ironic, poignant or humorous situations. 5-7 p.m. Exhibit through April 30. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706-826-4700. March 13. Pops in the Boro. Join music director Shizuo “Z” Kuwahara and Symphony Orchestra Augusta as your favorite tunes are brought to life. Be part of the season-long celebration as SOA commemorates 60 years of making beautiful music throughout the CSRA. 7:30 p.m. Waynesboro First Baptist Church. 706-437-0070. March 13. Blind Boys of Alabama. Formed in the late 1930s at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in Talladega, the Blind Boys of Alabama have harmonized throughout the turbulent 20th century

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calendar and well into the 21st. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. 706-726-0366 or www.augustaamusements.com. March 14. Wicked Divas. The luminous voices that brought Broadway audiences to their feet join Symphony Orchestra Augusta in concert. Featuring show stoppers from Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Titanic, Cabaret, Ragtime and Chicago. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.soaugusta.org or 706-826-4705. March 20. Jim Brickman. The artist has revolutionized the sound of solo piano with his pop style instrumentals and star-studded vocal collaborations. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. 706-726-0366 or www.augustaamusements.com. March 20. The Heritage Blues Orchestra. The grit of low-down country and urban blues with the bold brass of New Orleans; the hand-clapping fervor of gospel punctuated with post-modern, jazz-infused horn arrangements; the haunting cries of work songs and pulsating drums that reach the roots of it all. You’ll journey across the Middle Passage, drive down Highway 49 from Clarksdale to New Orleans, go from chain gangs and juke joints to orchestra pits and church pews. Heritage Blues Orchestra music is an inspiring testament to the enduring power, possibilities and boundless beauty of African American music. 8 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706-722-8341. March 20 & 21. Curtains, The Musical. Curtains is a whodunit musical from the creators of Cabaret and Chicago, John Kander and Fred Ebb. Hilarity abounds when Gum Shoe Detective, Frank Cioffi, investigates a murder on the opening night of this Broadway bound western. 7 p.m. both nights at Greenbrier High School. March 21. Symphony Orchestra Presents Music of the Spirit. Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, Brahms’s Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn and Gorecki’s Symphony No. 3. Featuring Ruby Hughes, soprano. 7:30 p.m. First Baptist of Augusta. www.soaugusta.org or 706-8264705. March 21. Mint Condition and Jagged Edge. Mint Condition is a rarity in today’s R&B as an old-school band that serves as templates for their peers. Joining them in concert is Jagged Edge. 7:30 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. March 22. Stomp. A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, Stomp has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression. Household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists. 7 p.m.

Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

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MY BEST FRIEND'S SEWING ROOM—SEWING CLASSES

3850 Washington Rd. 706-993-8819 or email mybfsewingroom@yahoo.com. www.mybestfriendssewingroom.com. Call or email for class fees. Pre-registration is required for all classes and events.

March 24-28. Beauty and the Beast. A musical presented by Storyland Theatre. School shows, Mar. 24-27 at 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Reservations required. Saturday family matinee, Mar. 28 at 3 p.m. No reservations needed. Meet the actors after the show. Active duty military personnel and their families admitted free with military ID. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. GRU campus. 706-7363455.

March 7. Project Funway for Teens. This monthly club is a beginning sewing class for the older girls. Make an embellished t-shirt. 2-4 p.m. For ages 13 & up.

March 27. Alan Jackson: Keepin’ It Country Tour. In his 25-year career, Jackson has been steadfast in his love for traditional music while enjoying major chart success. He has earned more than 150 music industry awards and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. 7 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

March 14. Minecraft Mini Camp. Learn to piece fabric squares and create a Minecraft-like pillow. Supplies are included. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring a sack lunch. Children must be ages 9 & up.

March 28. Roar of Love. The Columbia County Ballet brings C. S. Lewis’s classic tale of Narnia for its 30th year anniversary celebration of this Augusta favorite. The splendor of the ballet comes to life with vivid color and pageantry as the wonderland of Narnia unfolds. 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Bell Auditorium. 706-860-1852. March 28. Al Stewart. Best known for his numberone hit “Year of the Cat” from the platinum album of the same name. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. 706-726-0366 or www.augustaamusements.com. March 28. Light Everlasting. Requiem by Mozart as performed by the Augusta Choral Society. 7:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706-826-4713.

Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org. March 1. Artrageous!Family Sunday: I Love Rock ’n’ Roll. Rock along with Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band; try out an electric guitar, keyboard, and drum set, courtesy of Portman’s Music Superstore; and sing your favorite pop songs on our karaoke stage. Free. 2 p.m. March 12. Mommy and Me: Underwater Adventure. View an artwork by Radcliffe Bailey and learn about fish. Afterwards, create your own underwater scene using oil pastels and watercolor. Registration required. Call for fees. 10–11 a.m. March 29. Art Rocks! A Social Canvas Festival at the Museum. Enjoy a variety of art-making stations, take part in a gallery scavenger hunt, help paint our

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March 9. Feeling Quilty. Bring your quilt or sewing project and sew a while – a time for fellowship with other crafters. Bring a sack lunch. 10-2 p.m. This is a free adult event.

March 16. Girl’s Peasant Dress. Get your little girl ready for spring with a new dress! Fabric requirements emailed upon registration. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Adults. March 19. Sew Blessed. Strip-sew a checkbook cover. In lieu of class fee, donations will be accepted for Julie’s House, a nonprofit organization offering support to homeless women and children. 10 a.m.-noon. March 19. Beginner Sewing 101—Adults. Learn to sew the basics while constructing a spring table runner. Sewing machine use and sewing kit included. 6-8 p.m. March 20. Mom’s Morning Out, Sewing In. Enjoy some precious “mommy time” and sew a pillow cover while you’re at it. Sewing machine use, pillow insert and kit included. 10 a.m.-noon. March 20. Sip and Sew. Come to a Girl’s Night Out and sew an easy-peasy banded towel. Bring your own wine and snacks. Includes machine use and sewing kit. 7-9 p.m. March 21. Sewing Seeds Club. Learn the basics of sewing, a valuable life skill, while completing a fun project. Sewing machine and kit provided. 10 a.m.-noon. Ages 9 & up. March 23. Sewing Machine Basics. Learn to navigate your sewing machine: thread, wind bobbin, select stitches and change feet. 1011:30 a.m. Adults and Teens. March 28. Bunny Stuffy Party. Easter is around the corner and what better excuse than to learn to hand stitch and sew buttons on your very own bunny. Includes stuffy. 10 a.m.-noon. Ages 7 & up.

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calendar giant canvas, and watch live painting demonstrations by some of your favorite local artists as they are inspired during performances by Pixel Adams, Delta Cane, and the Chris Hardy Band. Free fun for all ages. Made possible by a generous grant from the Border Bash Foundation. Noonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4 p.m.

SPORTS March 7. 9th annual Heart & Sole 5K Run/Walk. Course begins and ends at Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of Georgia. Proceeds will benefit the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital of Georgia. To register for the 5K, visit heartandsoleinc.org. Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. There will also be an evening celebration and fundraiser with food, drinks and music at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart, 1301 Greene St. Evening event tickets are $50 each. For more information, or to register, visit heartandsoleinc.org or contact Catherine Stewart at castewart@georgiahealth.edu or 706-721-4004. March 14. St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Shuffle and GeoCache 5K Run. This geo-cache/run will have leprechaun treasure hidden at key locations along the route. 9 a.m. Fort Gordon. For more information and to register. 706-791-1142. March 21. Walk MS Augusta. A 5K fundraising walk to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. To register or volunteer, go to www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/GA or contact Amy Ingram at 706-832-2300 or amyingram@hotmail. com. The walk will be held at Lake Olmstead Park, 78 Milledge Rd. March 21. 13th Annual Kelsi Long Memorial Ride. Registration is from 8 to 9:45 a.m.; Kickstands up at 10 a.m. Ride Begins at Augusta Harley-Davidson, 4200 Belair Frontage Rd. Proceeds from this annual motorcycle ride fund programs at Children's Hospital of Georgia. The motorcycle brigade will make a stop at CHOG around noon to present this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s donation. The event has raised about $73,000 since 2004. For more information about the Ride or to register, visit kelfoundation.org or call Catherine Stewart at 706-721-4004.

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: Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Adapted fitness at the Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. and wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elemen-

tary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m. Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Adapted cycling at the uptown VA, 1:302:30 p.m.

velopment of school-aged students. Please bring a lunch, snack and water bottle. Pre-registration is required.

The Family Y

March 13. Freedom Friday at Family YMCA of Augusta South. Fun, entertaining night from 4-8 p.m. for kids ages 8 weeks-12 years. Freedom Friday is free for active duty military families. Registration is required one week in advance.

Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. Register at any branch or online at www. thefamilyy.org or call 706-922-9622. March 1-31. Registration for Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Week Camp (April 6-10) at the Family Y. Camp activities are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Early drop off at 7 a.m. and late pick-up at 6 p.m. are available at no additional cost. Discounts for additional siblings. r 'BNJMZ :.$" PG "VHVTUB 4PVUIm"HFT m years. r 8JMTPO 'BNJMZ :.$"m"HFT m ZFBST r.BSTIBMM 'BNJMZ :.$"Â&#x2021;"HFT m ZFBST $BNQ also offered Apr. 13. r 4UFJOFS 'BNJMZ :.$"Â&#x2021;"HFT ZFBST $BNQ also offered Apr. 13. r 'BNJMZ :.$" PG "JLFO $PVOUZm"HFT ZFBST r'BNJMZ :.$" PG /PSUI "VHVTUB "HFT ZFBST March 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;April 19. Miracle League Baseball Registration. Miracle League is a baseball league specifically designed for youth and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Spring season will be April 25-June 13. Games are played on a rubberized surface field at the Miracle League Field behind the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center on Wrightsboro Road. Games will be Saturday mornings between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Rina White at 706-922-9597. Through March 15. T-Ball School Registration. TBall School offered at the Aiken County, Augusta South, Marshall, Steiner Branch and Wilson Family YMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Ages 3-4 years (Aiken County & Augusta South), Ages 4-5 years (Marshall, Steiner Branch and Wilson). Season begins April 27. Through March 15. Spring Baseball Registration. Spring Baseball is offered at the Aiken County and Wilson Family YMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Season begins April 27. Ages 5-6 years old (Aiken County), Ages 6-12 years old (Wilson). Through March 15. Spring Coach Pitch Baseball. Coach pitch baseball leagues offered at the Marshall and Steiner Branch Family YMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Season begins April 27. Ages 6-7 years. March 8. School Days Out at Family YMCA of North Augusta. Learning doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end when school is out. We continue the love of learning through interactive games, creative arts and character de-

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March 9-April 2. Wilson Family YMCA Youth Swim Lessons. Kick your way to confidence! Ages 6 months-12 years. Open to Family Y members and non-members.

March 14 and 28. Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night Out at the Marshall Family YMCA. Open to children ages 2-12. Kids enjoy activities, games, crafts, and fun from 6 -9:30 p.m. while parents enjoy a night out. Food provided by Chick-fil-A or Papa Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pizza. March 21. Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night Out at Family YMCA of Aiken County. Open to children ages 2-12, with care from 5:30-9 p.m. Kids enjoy activities and fun while parents enjoy a night out. March 28. Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Night Out at Wilson Family Y South. Fun, entertaining night from 6-9:30 p.m. for kids ages 2-12 years. Drop and Shop Programs t 'BNJMZ : PG "VHVTUB 4PVUI Drop your kids off and take the morning to go shopping, hang out with friends or just relax. No reservation needed. Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Friday from 8:30 am-noon for ages 8 weeks-4 years. . t 'BNJMZ : PG /PSUI "VHVTUB. Drop your kids off and enjoy a productive morning while your kids have fun at the Y! Monday-Friday from 9 am-noon. Ongoing. Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson Disease Aquatic Exercise Class. Sponsored by the CSRA Parkinson Support Group and the Wilson Family YMCA. 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. Ongoing. BlazeSports Team at the Wilson Family YMCA. Swim team for all ages of physically challenged swimmers to train for competition. (Part of the BlazeSports Clubs of America training future paralympians. Ongoing. Adapted Aquatics Special Populations at the Wilson Family Y. Individual half-hour classes (one-to-one ratio) for individuals of all ages affected by physical or cognitive disabilities and individuals needing aquatic rehabilitation. Specially trained staff use swimming and aquatic fitness skills to improve participantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence and quality of life. By appointment onlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;call Claudia Collins at 706-922-9664.

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calendar Ongoing. 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. Ongoing. Birthday Parties at the Y. Fun happens at the Y! Celebrate family milestones or plan your next event at the Y. Two-hour rental of activity rooms at various Y locations offered. Prices, fees and times vary. Contact your local Y for details.

5IF 4BMWBUJPO "SNZ ,SPD $FOUFS 1833 Broad Street, Augusta. www.krocaugusta.org. 706-364-KROC or info@krocaugusta.org. March 2. Acrylics: Low Country. Learn how to paint water, reflections, grasses and distant trees with instructor Sharon Taylor Padgett and create a lovely Low Country landscape. Ages 15 and up. Supplies included. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

date for parents and toddlers featuring childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literature, art and craft projects and social play. A guardian must remain with the child during Kroc Tots. 9:30-10:30 a.m. March 6. Kids' Night Out. Ages 2-12. Activities may include swimming, gym play, inflatables or crafts. Dinner included. Children must be potty trained. Children ages 5 and up should wear a swimsuit, bring a towel and change or clothes and wear tennis shoes. 6-10 p.m. Call to register and for fees. March 7. Acrylics: Sabal Palms. Learn to paint beautiful Sabal Palms with dramatic light, shadows and water reflections in the background with instructor Sharon Taylor Padgett. Supplies included. Ages 15 and up. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 7-28. Lifeguarding Saturday Classes. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 9-21. Lifeguarding Two-Week Class. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6-10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

March 2-30 (Mondays). Clay Classes: Bowls and Baskets. Children ages 7-12 from 5-5:45 p.m., ages 13 and up from 6-8 p.m. With instructor Betsy Borgatti. No experience necessary. Supplies included in fee.

March 14. Basket Weaving: Easter. Make a basket for your home or as a gift with instructor Candy Padgett. Materials included but call for suggested supplies. Ages 15 and up. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31. Toddler Tuesday. Walkers up to 5 years. Enjoy the splash area and more. One adult is free per child admission. Parent must remain with the child. Swim diaper and plastic pants are required for infants and toddlers. 10:30 a.m.-noon.

March 19. Coffee and Canvases. Ages 13 and up. Relax after a long day by letting your artistic side loose and creating your own masterpiece. No experience necessary. Great to enjoy with a group of friends. Coffee, cookies and canvases provided. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

March 4, 11, 18 & 25. Kroc Kids. Free and open to the community. Ages 4 years through 12th grade. Youth of all ages will build character, explore personal strengths, develop life skills, make music and more. Program separated by age. 5 p.m. Call Kroc Church at 706-364-4278 for details.

March 21. Books & Brushes: Follow the Drinking Gourd. Read a specially selected book and create an art project based on it. Ages 3 and up. 10-11:30 a.m.

March 4-April 1 (Wednesdays). Beginning Painting for Adults. Learn how to paint in watercolors and acrylics with Gretchen Hash Heffner. No experience needed. Supplies included in fee. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ages 17 and up. March 5-April 2 (Thursdays). Mini Monet. Ages 3-5. Children will make a different art project at each session. Parents are welcome but not required. Supplies included. 10-11 a.m. March 5-April 2 (Thursdays). Home School Art: 19th Century European. Join Wendy Murphy and explore the art of other cultures and times. Grades K5-12. 1-2:30 p.m. March 6, 13, 20 & 27. Kroc Tots Activity Hour. Ages 18 months to 5 years. An action-packed play

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March 21. Watercolor Workshop. Learn basic watercolor techniques with instructor Nanette Langner. Supplies are provided. Call 706-922-0171 to register. 10 a.m. March 21. First Aid, CPR & AED. Be prepared to respond to common first aid emergencies including burns, cuts, head, neck and back injuries and cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults, as well as the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 21. Manga Club. Ages 10 and up. Join Xavier Jones to learn techniques for drawing Manga style artwork. No previous experience needed. Supplies provided. 1-5 p.m. Call for fees. March 27. Basketweaving: Nantucket. Ages 17 and up. Make beautiful and functional baskets with North Carolina weaver Joni Dee Ross. Emphasis is on beginners, but all levels are welcome.

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Call 706-922-0171 for supply fees. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 28. Hip Hop Bunny Drop. Free children's activities and meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny. Bring your camera. 10 a.m.-noon. Swimming Lessons at the Kroc March 3-26. Still Krockin'. Ages 16 and up. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11-11:45 a.m. or 7:15-8 p.m. March 7- May 9. Hatchlings. Ages 6 months to 3 years. Saturdays from 9-9:30 a.m. March 7-May 9. Kroclets. Ages 3-5. Saturdays from 9:30-10 a.m. March 7-May 9. Krocodiles. Ages 6-15. Saturdays from 10:15-11 a.m. Dance Classes March 2-30 (Mondays). Ballroom & Salsa Youth. Ages 12-16. 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 2-30 (Mondays). Intro to Swing Dancing. Ages 13 and up. 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 3-31 (Tuesdays). Salsa Dancing. Ages 16 and up. 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 3-31 (Tuesdays). Salsa-cize. Ages 16 and up. 7:30-8:30 p.m. March 5-April 2 (Thursdays). Tango. Ages 13 and up. 6:30-8 p.m. Music Classes All classes held on Tuesdays March 3-31. Beginner Guitar. Ages 7-13. 4-5 p.m. String Jam. Ages 11 and up. 5-6 p.m. Piano: Children's Beginner. Ages 5-9. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Piano: Beginner. Ages 10 and up. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Ukulele. Ages 7 and up. 6-7 p.m. Piano: Advanced Beginner. Ages 10 and up. 6:307:30 p.m.

'".*-: "$5*7*5*&4 "JLFO )PNF 4DIPPM 5JNFT 1MBZHSPVQ 803-648-7042 or fourmckeels@yahoo.com. Thursdays. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon.

"VHVTUB +FXJTI $PNNVOJUZ $FOUFS 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

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Augusta, Evans/Grovetown, Grovetown/Martinez, North Augusta and Aiken.

Easter Church Services

Monkey Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 368 Furys Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). monkeyjoes.com. First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Saint Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church

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North Augusta Homeschool Playgroup

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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.

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CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS

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Augusta Area Mommies Contact Jennifer Stanley at 706-855-0072 or phlegalesfan@att.net. A community for moms in the Augusta area offering support, friendship and fun as well as the opportunity to exchange information. The group, which is part of The Mommies Network, also provides discussion forums, an events calendar and more. Meeting are held online, at local parks, members homes (for monthly BUNCO) and on field trips. All mothers are welcome.

St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church

Augusta Food Allergy Group

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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.

First Presbyterian Church of Augusta

AustiCare

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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.

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The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth

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Contact LeReese Bennett at 706-541-0970 or roger.bennett06@comcast.net. This 12-week class is designed to prepare moms and their partners for a wonderful birth experience. Topics include nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding and post-partum care, as well as all stages of labor. There are weekly birth-related videos and relaxation practices. Call for dates and times.

Burn Survivors Support Group The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation invites all burn survivors to attend this monthly support group. Meetings are held the fourth Wednes-

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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.

.PNT $POOFDUJPO 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. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center, second floor, Terrace Dining Magnolia Room.

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Beauty and the Beast From March 24-28, Storyland Theatre presents the musical Beauty and the Beast, a classic tale of love and patience in the most unexpected places. School shows, March 24-27 at 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Reservations required. Saturday family matinee, March 28 at 3 p.m. No reservations needed. Meet the actors after the show. Active duty military personnel and their families admitted free with military ID. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. GRU campus. 706-736-3455.

day 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.

$FMJBD %JTFBTF 4VQQPSU (SPVQ 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.

$PNNPO #POE 1BSFOU 4VQQPSU (SPVQ 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 Thurs-

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day of each month at 7 p.m. Call for location.

-B -FDIF -FBHVF 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.

.0.4 $MVC Visit momsclubaugusta.org. Ever feel like you’re the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other at-home mothers at the MOMS Club, an international nonprofit organization.

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www.augustafamily.com

Did you have a child at age 35 or older? Are you expecting? This group of “older” moms welcomes you for meetings, support and play dates. Disabled children welcome. Contact Ami McKenzie at 706-364-5245 or hoopnhollar2@yahoo.com or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/.

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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. 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 803640-4742 or email mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare.

/FJHICPS 5P 'BNJMZ 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.

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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 706-7374631 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.

Prevent Child Abuse Augusta Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services: 706-7245200. preventchildabuseaugusta@gmail.com. Prevent Child Abuse Augusta is a volunteer-based non-profit organization which meets on the third Wednesday of each month at University Hospital. Meetings include informative speakers and other community representatives. If you are interested in participating in this collaborative effort or would like more details please call or email.

HOSPITAL PROGRAMS 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. First Tuesday of Each Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “ATeam”). 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 706721-5160 for more information. February 5. Infant CPR Training. This program allows families and those caring for infants to learn the core skills of infant CPR and relief of choking. Taught by a

certified instructor. Registration required. Call 706-7219351 or to go grhealth.org/classes. 6:30-8 p.m. Georgia Regents Medical Center, 7th Floor, Room 7001.

for girls ages 9 to 12 accompanied by their mother, a female friend or relative. Discussion is focused on physical and emotional changes of puberty.

First Thursday and Third Wednesday of Each Month. Cribs for Kids. Co-bunking and inappropriate infant furniture are putting area babies at risk. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children's Hospital of Georgia, will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who can demonstrate a financial need (Medicare, Peachcare or WICC) will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and pacifier for a small fee. Call Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, 9:45 a.m.-noon on the third Wednesday of each month. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C,1225 Walton Way.

March 11. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 6-8 p.m.

First Friday and Second Wednesday of Each Month. Child Safety Seat Inspections. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly. First Friday of the month in Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-7217606 to schedule an appointment at the downtown location. The second Wednesday each month at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr. Call 706-541-3870 to make an appointment at the Columbia County location.

March 20. Breastfeeding Support Group. Help, understanding and guidance in breastfeeding.

Second Thursday and Fourth Wednesday of Each Month. Car Seat Class. Safe Kids Greater Augusta offers car seat safety, education and training. Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care eligible families. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. Third Tuesday of Each Month. Breastfeeding Class. A free class led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Helps expectant parents gain knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center, 7th Floor South, Room 7524.

Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. Please call for class times. March 7. 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 10. On Being a Girl. This class is designed

www.augustafamily.com

March 17. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. 6-8:30 p.m. March 20. Baby Care Basics & Breastfeeding. This class combines two important topics. A boardcertified lactation consultant teaches the class and covers a range of helpful topics including diapering, bathing, feeding, cord care, nipple care, milk storage, weaning and more.

University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth. org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs. March 2-30 (Mondays), March 3-24 (Tuesdays) or March 4-April 1 (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 6 & 7 or 27 & 28. 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, questionand-answer session and review. March 19. Breastfeeding Class. This class offers in-depth information on how to evaluate breastfeeding and get off to a good start. Registration is suggested. Call 706-774-2825. 7-8 p.m. at Babies R Us, 4225 Washington Rd., Evans. March 26. 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. v

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Saralyn Gamble | Dependable Saralyn Gamble, 44, of Evans, is a speech-language pathologist. She and her husband, John, a security consultant, have one teenage daughter. First job: Working at a water park selling plastic juice bottles. Wanted to be when she grew up: A teacher. Dream vacation: Beachside on a Caribbean island. Favorite TV show: NCIS. Important life lesson: You can’t do everything. Surprising fact about Saralyn: “I took piano lessons for six years (but still not any good).” Super power she wishes she had: Teleportation. Favorite food: Ice cream. Quality she admires the most: Trustworthiness. Signature dish: Green bean casserole (for pot luck). Favorite subject in school: Math. Best thing about being a mom: Watching your child’s development—lots of firsts. Hardest thing about being a mom: Not being able to protect them from painful situations. Biggest fear: Degenerative neurological disorder for family member. Greatest hope: That my family stays healthy and my child is successful and happy.

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