A U G U S TA
MARCH 2018
Bloom! IN FULL
✲ 23 Ways
to Get Some Spring In Your Step
augustafamily.com
AUGUSTA FAMILY PRESENTS
R E M M SU
P M C A2018 2017 Expo
The information you need to choose the perfect summer camp for your child. • Interactive Booths • Door Prizes • Fun & Games for the Whole Family
When Saturday April 28
Where SRP Park North Augusta
Time 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
For complete details or to find out how to be a vendor, contact: Lisa Dorn, Advertising Director, Augusta Family Magazine 706-823-3702 or lisa.dorn@augustamagazine.com
OPEN TO THE PU BLIC
F RE ADM E
ISSION
27
contents www.augustafamily.com
16
Fun Food
Departments 6 9
24 The Flu Epidemic
Features
-Dr. Dana Harris
A U G U S TA
MARCH 2017
MARCH 2018
Bloom! IN FULL
✲ 23 Ways to Get Some Spring In Your Step
Ready for Spring On the cOver: Alex Martinez de Andino, 9 & Jackson Gore, 1 are the children of John & Angela Gore of Martinez, GA.
augustafamily.com
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.
28 25 Ways to Get Some Spring in Your Step -Christina Katz
Also, check out our contests and giveaways!
{ } Go to augustafamily.com —click on the contest page to find the contests for March!
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Editor’s Page Mom to Mom
I Smell Trouble —Paige Tucker
10
News & Notes
14
Eating Well With Kim National Nutrition Month®. Mexican Pita Pizza
—Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
16
Fun Food for St. Patrick’s Day -Family Feature
19
Doctor Dad
20
Smart Mom’s Guide
10 Habits for Highly Healthy Moms —J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
Spruce Up Your Home & Yard —Cammie Jones
22
Raising Readers Domestic Literacy: Part 2
34
Inspiration Station
—Meridith Flory
North Augusta Cultural Arts Council The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee —Dustin Turner
36
Calendar
46
Go Girl! Kessler Leigh Davis —Renee Williams
@AUGFamilyMag
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 5
AU G U S TA
Editor’s Notes b y Renee Williams
www.augustafamily.com
PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren
EDITOR Renee Williams
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PREPRESS /WEB PRODUCER Michael Rushbrook
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Lisa Dorn
ADVERTISING SALES Doressa Hawes Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann
PHOTOGRAPHY John Harprin Carter Koenig Photography Chris Thelen
CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Karen Gordon Dr. Dana Harris Meredith Flory Cammie Jones LeeAnn Rhoden Naimah Shaw Paige Tucker Dustin Turner Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at renee.williams@augustafamily.com or mail to 725 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., 30901. For advertising
A
s winter’s chill fades away, the warmth of spring rushes to greet us. The ground beneath us begins to soften and dormant seeds burst into full bloom, resulting in new life. The bright blooming azaleas and lush green landscapes reappear and once again, our city will showcase its natural beauty. In Augusta, the azaleas signature blooms makes them a perennial favorite—they survive the winter and bloom again. Perennials are often considered the heart of the garden due to how rewarding they are, year after year, as well as the fact that they offer an enormous variety of colors, sizes, fragrances and bloom times. As outside, so inside. In the recent loss of my son Zakkary, the change in season prompts me to consider nature as a metaphor. Each spring, we see new life and richer soil. The change of season brings about a time to make way for new possibilities and new commitments. It’s a time for renewal and growth. A time to revive, expand and begin again. As the warm wind blows through my soul, there is an opening that is softening the walls of pain, little by little. Slowly, I am opening to the idea of nourishing a season in me that is filled with passion, creativity and dreaming. My love for Zakkary will last my lifetime. It will not fade because much like the azaleas, my love for Zakkary is the heart of my garden for all time and will continue to bloom. I will honor that, protect it and know that even this part of my life is a beautiful season and a part of the permanent landscape of who I am...and that will always hold a special beauty and magic all its own. As the days become longer, the sun brighter and the Earth greener, I hope for you and your family that you imagine yourselves in full bloom.
information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/distribution, call (706) 823-3722.
We look forward to hearing from you; visit our website www.augustafamily.com and on facebook and twitter. Facebook.com/ augustafamilymagazine @AUGFamilyMag
6 • Augusta Family | March 2018
Until April,
Renee Williams renee.williams@augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 7
8 • Augusta Family | March 2018
Mom to Mom b y Pa i g e T u c ker
I Smell Trouble
O
ne Friday night, Julia Reynolds was lying next to me in our bed to fall asleep as we were heading into the weekend. She drifted off snuggled close to me and I was enjoying every minute of her cuddles, but then I started smelling something less than pleasant coming from around my sweet angel’s face. I was sniffing all around her head and face to figure out where the smell was coming from. Surely a toddler’s breath cannot be this bad, I thought, but I made a mental note to crack down on our teeth brushing the next day. The smell continued over the weekend and then she had some nosebleeds seemingly out of the blue. We realized she must be battling a sinus infection that went quickly from zero to 60. Smack dab in the middle of this epic flu season we’ve had, I was desperate to avoid the doctor’s office at all costs! I called the doctor, hoping to get a prescription called in for an antibiotic. The only symptoms Julia Reynolds had were a runny nose and…that smell. It had gotten bad. I’ve had some sinus infections in my life, but never do I remember one with such an offensive smell accompanying it. When I rattled off her symptoms, the doctor immediately said she quite possibly stuck something up her nose. What?! I was thinking no way! I was positive Julia Reynolds would’ve told on herself had she shoved something up there. The next day my husband ran into a pediatrician friend and recounted what we’d been dealing with. Her initial reaction? Sounds like there’s something stuck up her nose. So this is a thing. I didn’t know this was a thing. Did you know this was a thing? We loaded up for the doctor’s office and braved the
waiting room for our appointment. At that point, I’d used a flashlight and obsessively googled the issue and was now certain this was no sinus infection. I was fully expecting an acorn or a rock from my avid collector. I asked her many, many times if anything had gotten stuck in her nose and she kept telling me no. A quick exam with the doctor, and Voilà! Not a pebble, but she did indeed have a large wad of tissue nestled into her nostril. It wasn’t pretty to see but the fix was instant. You could see the relief wash over her as the doctor removed the offending Kleenex. My sweet girl’s face looked like those videos you see of children who get glasses or hearing aids and then see or hear for the first time. She probably had been more miserable than she let on with the pressure that tissue was causing... and mercy me, if she was smelling what we were smelling?! No wonder it was such sweet relief! When I told her teacher, she immediately told me her son had done the exact same thing at that age with a ball! And she said she’ll never forget the smell. The doctor says they see everything from balls, to Legos, to marbles. But the telltale symptom is always a foul smell. Who knew?? Parenting is often like that. Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out, especially with babies, something changes. The surprises, hiccups or call them what you will, don’t seem to come as quickly as children get a little older, but still, it’s not uncommon to find yourself well-versed in a subject you knew nothing about just the day before. Thankfully, everybody “nose” how to keep up with all the curve balls - G O O G L E!!!
After twelve years in local news, most recently as evening anchor of NBC 26, Paige Tucker is now a work-at-home mom and freelance journalist. She produces two series for NBC 26 TV, First Responders and 26 Women Today, and you can see those stories on Tuesday nights. Paige and her husband have one daughter, Julia Reynolds, who is three years old.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 9
news&notes March 2018
app-Tastic! retailMenot
mommy minute
Vision boards If you have been around a number of crafty moms, you have surely heard of vision boards as a great way to graphically illustrate your family’s goals. What is a Vision Board?
Essentially, a vision board is a visual representations of all of your family goals that can be illustrated with simple supplies like a poster board or corkboard, paper, pens, scissors, a collection of images or magazines clippings and glue. You can use your vision board to capture family goals, work goals, relationship goals, body goals or any other goal that you want to achieve.
How Does a Vision Board Actually Work?
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“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” -Henry David Thoreau.
10 • Augusta Family | March 2018
Visualization techniques have been used successfully for years by artists, athletes, scientists and many great thinkers. Setting goals and having a clear vision of what you want in life is the fastest way to get there. Vision boards are a practical ways to attract more of what you want and less of what you don’t. If you focus on positive thoughts and have goals that you aim to achieve then you will often find a way to achieve them. As the old proverb goes, “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” The more you surround yourself with representations of the life you want to lead, the more it becomes a reality. The more times you physically look at your goals, the more motivated you will become to achieve them. Placing your vision board in a place so that you can see it every day is helpful. Don’t be afraid to add more images to your board as your goals evolve and take the time to congratulate yourself when you achieve your goal. And, be careful what you wish for, you just may get it! How to Make Your Own Vision Board First go through a variety of magazines and choose images that are meaningful to you. Tune into how the images are making you feel and pick the ones that make you feel great. Each time you find an image that delights you, cut and paste to your heart’s content. Inside the board, arrange images that reflect your goals and you living your best life. That can mean pictures of anything that represents your goals to you. Think of it as your magical morphing map and the best part about vision boards is there are no rules.
news&notes Are we there yet? The PLAYhOUSe By LeeAnn Rhoden
T
he Playhouse opened in November of 2016 and has quickly become one of the best go-to places in the Augusta area. As an indoor play center, it’s the perfect place to take the kids on rainy days to burn off energy or on days that it’s too hot to go outside. The Playhouse is open Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 - 6:00, Friday 11:00 - 8:00, Saturday 10:00 - 8:00, and Sunday 12:00 - 6:00 and closed on Monday and Tuesday. On school holidays, they try to open so be sure to watch their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ThePlayhouseGAFun. Peak hours are Saturday 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. & Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. so you may want to avoid the crowds at those times. Some features include the gigantic jungle gym, a separate play area for children 2 and under, a snack bar and also arcade games. New fun activities include a slot-car racetrack, a Nerf arena, paint ball and soon they will offer laser tag. The slot-car races are included in the general admission price but the Nerf arena is an additional cost. Paint ball is available only on Friday nights to adults and on Saturday and Sunday to children and adults 10-years old and up. There is a cost of $19.99 per game and you must register online. Also, check their Facebook page for upcoming offerings. The jungle gym features a ball pit, a mini Nerf arena, slides, hammocks, ladders, tubes and spinning tea cups. It is a double-decker with plenty of ways to climb and explore. It is also completely padded and enclosed so the children are safe and secure while they climb. For the adults, there are arcade games – where you can earn tokens and win prizes. You can also join your children and play in the jungle gym, the slot-car races and also in the Nerf arena. If you prefer to just relax, there are tables and chairs, sofas and free Wi-Fi. When your child gets hungry, the snack bar is open. It serves nachos, hot dogs, pizza, snacks and a variety of soft drinks. There is also coffee. The Playhouse offers fantastic party packages too. There are a number of themes to choose from including a glow party with glow-sticks and black lights.
You can also choose your party room. Party packages include a party host, invitations, a room, unlimited play, pizza, drinks, decorations, set-up/clean-up and tokens. As The Playhouse expands, they are looking at offering Summer Camps – especially after the success of their first Winter Camps during the recent holiday break- and they are also looking into drop-in care and a parent’s night out. Location: 4107 Riverwatch Pkwy, Martinez, GA 30907 Budget: Weekend rates are $12.00 for kids 3-years old and up, $5.00 for children 2 and under. Week day rates are $11.00 for kids 3 and up, $4.00 for children 2 and under. There is a 10% discount for military. The Nerf arena is $3.00 per game or $11.00 unlimited play. What to do: Let the kids run and play in a secure environment. Join them in the jungle gym, play arcade games with them, enjoy lunch and snacks at the snack bar. Stay connected with the free Wi-Fi. if You go: Be sure to bring socks. Socks are required in the jungle gym. Bring extra cash for snacks, drinks, games and additional venues.
SAFE KIDS FAST FACTS Augusta, Ga. – Each year nearly 60,000 young children are seen at emergency departments because they were able to access and ingest medicine. That’s why it’s important for parents and caregivers to be sure you are storing medicines safely, as well as modeling appropriate use. When it comes to storage, put all medications up and away, out of children’s reach and site. If possible, consider using a lock to limit access. Here are some additional medication storage tips recommended by Safe Kids Greater Augusta: 1. Consider places like purses, bedside tables and the bathrooms. Avoid storing medicine in these easy-tofind and reach places. 2. Pay attention to vitamins, diaper rash creams, eye drops, mouthwash, toothpaste and other products that you might not think about as medicine. These items also must be stored safely. 3. Close medicine caps tightly after use. Choose child-
March is Poison Prevention Month: Store Medicines Safely By Renée McCabe, RN, BSN Injury Prevention & Safe Kids Coordinator
resistant caps for medicine bottles. But, remember, child-resistant does not mean child-proof, and some children may still be able to access medicine given enough time and persistence. 4. Be alert about visitors. When you have guests, offer to put purses, bags and coats out of reach of children to protect their property from a curious child. 5. Be alert to medicine in places your child visits. You know to store medicine safely in your home, but do you ever think about medicine safety when your child isn’t at home? Where do Grandma and Grandpa keep their medicines? It may feel awkward to talk about this in others’ homes, but most people will understand and want what’s best for the safety of the children. 6. Even if you need to give doses frequently, always store medicine appropriately after each use. Accidents happen quickly, and it only takes a few seconds for children to get into medicine that could
make them very sick. In addition, administer medicine safely, using only the dosing device that comes with liquid medicine and always following the doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions. Read and follow labels carefully, and never refer to medicine as candy. Finally, add the Poison Help number in your mobile phone contacts: 1-800-222-1222. While March is Poison Prevention Month, you can take an active role in medication safety and accident prevention every day by following the advice of the experts with Safe Kids. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 11
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12 • Augusta Family | March 2018
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Eating well with Kim b y Ki m B e a ve rs , M S , R D, L D, C DE
14 • Augusta Family | March 2018
Eating well with Kim
Go Further with Food. Go Further with Food is the theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month®. This theme translates perfectly into family nutrition. What we eat can most certainly take us further or alternatively shut us down. From breakfast to the boardroom or from school to the soccer field, proper nutrition yields polished proposals and winning goals. Healthy eating takes many forms. Sometimes, simple is best. Pizza and nachos are not traditionally thought of as healthy but with a few simple swaps they can be acceptable to both kids and parents. The popularity of pizza and nachos is pleasing to kiddos while boosting the nutrients equals a win with parents. This recipe has simple ingredients that are combined in a fun way that can be a simple supper on the fly, a great after school snack and yes, even a breakfast.
Mexican Pita Pizza This is a great alternative to bean nachos; the whole wheat pita is lower in fat and higher in fiber than chips. You can customize the flavor by using mild, medium, or hot salsa. 6 whole wheat pita rounds Vegetable oil cooking spray 1 teaspoon organic canola oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 garlic clove, minced 1 can lower sodium black beans, drained and rinsed ¾ cup prepared salsa of choice ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 ½ cup reduced fat Mexican cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To prepare the pitas for the topping place them on a baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes flipping after about 4 minutes. To prepare topping, spray a non-stick pan with vegetable oil spray and add oil. Place pan over medium heat. Once hot, add onion and garlic and sauté for 3 minutes. Add beans, and salsa to the on-
Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and
ion mixture stirring to combine. Heat for another
Diabetes Educator for University Health
3 minutes. Remove bean mixture from heat and
Care System. She lives in North Augusta with
stir in the cilantro. Top each pita with 1/3 cup bean
her husband and two children and she is the
mixture and top with ¼ cup cheese. Place pitas
co-host of the culinary nutrition segment
back in the oven for 4 minutes to melt the cheese.
Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW.
Yield: 6 servings
To be notified of new recipes join Kim’s face-
Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 260, Fat 5g (3g satu-
book fan page at www.facebook.com/eatin-
rated); Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 830mg, Carbohy-
gwellwithkim. To search for specific recipes
drate 41g, Fiber 8g, Protein 15g
go to www.universityhealth.org/ewwk. You
Diabetes Exchange Values: 2 Starches, 1 Lean meat,
can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.
1 Vegetable
com/ewwk.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 15
Fun Food
C o u r tes y Fa m i l y Fea tu res
16 • Augusta Family | March 2018
Fun Food
Festive Fun for
St. Patrick’s Day Turn your St. Patrick’s Day celebration into a chance to enjoy Irish heritage with hearty foods and a lively atmosphere. When it’s the one day each year it’s acceptable to pinch non-conforming friends and family, it’d be a shame not to go all out. These few simple tips can help you put together the perfect party to revel in all things green – and tasty. •
Decorate with purpose. Everyone knows that green is the color of the day, but go one step further by incorporating it into different items. Banners and streamers work fine, but setting out green candles or even adorning your light fixtures with green bulbs can help you take an extra step forward.
•
•
Create active fun. Instead of limiting your guests to dining and conversation, plan some simple activities to help the fun flow. Games like a “treasure hunt” for gold coins, limerick-writing competitions or even just turning up Irish-themed music can help get the party started. Eat festively. Turn your party’s food and drinks into true Irish dining with some delicious recipes like this American Irish Stew, which includes beef, onion, carrots and potatoes for a tasty cultural meal to fill all of your hungry guests.
For more hosting tips and the perfect themed recipes for any occasion, visit culinary.net.
American Irish Stew Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research Servings: 6 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/4 pounds beef, top round, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 3 cloves garlic, minced salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces 2 medium parsnips, cut into large chunks (optional) 3 cups low-fat, reduced-sodium beef broth 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 leek, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley In large pot over medium-high heat, heat
oil. Add beef and garlic. Cook, gently stirring until meat is evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Add onion, carrots and parsnips. Cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 75 minutes, or until meat is tender. Stir in potatoes and simmer another 30 minutes. Add rosemary and leeks. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender. To avoid potatoes falling apart, do not overcook. Serve hot and garnish with parsley, if desired. Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories, 8 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 43 g carbohydrate, 32 g protein, 6 g dietary fiber, 427 mg sodium. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 17
A U G U S TA
18 • Augusta Family | March 2018
Dr. Dad
b y J. Ro n E a ke r, M . D.
10 HABITS FOR HIGHLY HEALTHY MOMS
USE IT OR LOSE IT! If you are a mom, or even if you are not, here is one thing you can do that will bolster your long term health and sanity almost more than anything else and I don’t mean Prozac! Staying active is the elusive fountain of youth. From eight to 80, you can live longer and with greater gusto if you keep fit. If you are heavy, harried or hormonal then moving with purpose is a critical part of the solution. There is no other single activity that can make you look better, feel better, lose weight, defeat depression, cure PMS or reduce your risk of breast cancer, stroke and heart disease like exercise. Not only is it becoming increasingly important for adults to exercise but it is also important for young children who are suffering from sedentary lifestyles. Overweight kids and overweight adults are at risk for such a myriad of maladies that excess weight will soon supplant cancer as a leading cause of death. So let’s step back a moment and look at the big picture. The energy that you expend every day can be broken down into two categories: exercise and everything else. Surprisingly, it is the “everything else” that plays a huge role in healthy living. A typical exercise session may be 30 minutes to an hour and all of us have had that sinking experience of seeing “total calories burned” on the treadmill listed at 80 after an hour of sweat. I know I have thought, “Well, dang it, all that work for the equivalent of a Twinkie!” The reality is that most of the benefit of exercise is manifested during the other 23 hours of the day. The goal of exercise is to increase overall fitness, which is simply your body’s ability to extract oxygen from your bloodstream. I don’t want to wallow in the weeds of metabolic minutia here, just suffice it to say that the more you exercise regularly, the fitter you get, the less you weigh, the lower your risk of disease, the longer you live and the more time for solving the world’s problems. Here’s a fun fact to share at your next dinner party. The majority of energy that you expend in a day from activity has nothing to do with exercise. There is a fancy concept called NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis) which actually makes up 60% of your daily activity energy. This includes any movement such as walking to meetings, chasing little Johnny through Kroger, cleaning your cubicle at work, standing up or anything at
all that involves motion. So here is a pearl, anything simple that you can do that increases this form of activity can markedly increase your energy (i.e. calories) burned. For example, take the stairs, get up from your desk every 30 minutes and walk around for 30 seconds, walk to your workmate instead of sending an e-mail, walk the dog, walk the kids, walk your spouse (they probably need it more than you). There is a simple formula for being amazingly efficient with your activity for maximizing results. Its called the WALC approach (I love acronyms!). The “W” is wind sprints. This is not running as fast as you can and throwing up, this is simply periodically picking up the pace of whatever you are doing. If you are walking, every 5 minutes accelerate for 30 seconds then go back to your regular pace. This simple practice can burn more calories and boost fitness faster. The “A” is aerobic. That means with oxygen, so always exercise so that you aren’t gasping for breath. You need oxygen to burn fat, so long and slow wins. The “L” is weight lift. Anything that builds muscle is good. Muscle is where fat is metabolized so they are your better butter burners. The “C” means cross-train. Simply mix it up. If you always walk, look at riding a bike now and then. The more you can fool the body into using different muscles, the more results you will see. The body has an amazing ability to adapt so if you do the same thing everyday then eventually you will get diminishing returns. Mixing it up will not only help motivation, it will also help you drop a dress size. Every part of you body is designed for movement. Every muscle, bone, and ligament is geared for action. We are not meant to be sedentary creatures, we are meant to move and it is through this movement that we can achieve better health and a brighter outlook on life. You don’t have to train for a marathon and you don’t even have to train at all. Just remember that the more you can move in your daily activities, the better off you will be. Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 19
Smart Mom’s Guide b y C a m m i e Jo n es
SPRUCING UP YOUR HOME & YARD Spring is a great time to give the outside of your home and yard a mini makeover. Think a fresh coat of paint, a new potted plant or even some fun and funky house numbers.
1
START WITH YOUR YARD.
pressure washer from a friend or by renting one from
The first thing people see as they are driving by your
your local home improvement store. The rental cost var-
home is your front yard. Now is the time to take
ies depending on the type of pressure washer but it will
note and create a cleanup plan. Add wood chips or fresh, long-cut pine straw to your flower and plant beds. Trim the bushes or trees to look neat. Cut the grass and fertilize if needed. Set up a watering plan as the days become warmer and longer. If bricks need to be replaced on the
3
usually run you approximately $50 to $150 per day. PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR. Sick of your front door matching your shutters and
want to add a little pizazz to your home’s facade? Why
walkway, do this now. Remove weeds from your flower or
not paint your front door? You can go to www.visual-
plant beds. Start with the big picture first. You can do this
izecolor.com and upload a photo of the front of your
yourself over a weekend or hire a yardman to get the job
home and choose a few paint colors to try. You can actu-
2
finished.
ally see what the door will look like painted with the rest of your home. Although not a foolproof way to avoid a
PRESSURE WASH. There is nothing like a clean house - both inside
and out. Over time, your home can begin to look a little tired from fading paint, dirty siding or unwashed trim. Hiring a professional pressure washer can take care of this issue for you or you can also DIY by borrowing a
20 • Augusta Family | March 2018
4
mistake, it will help guide you to the perfect color. ADD FRESH POTTED PLANTS. I am the queen of keeping a potted plant around
past its prime. Remove old plants and replace with new seasonal flowers or greenery. Buy some new colorful pots
Smart Mom’s Guide
and fill them with low maintenance flowers that will last for the season. If your plan to showcase them on the front porch, buy matching pots and fill them with the same flowers to put on either side of your freshly painted front door. If you have steps leading up to your front door, use various size pots to line one side or both sides depending on the width of the steps. Try to stick to the same color scheme throughout to add uniformity to
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the look. Add House Numbers. Does the outside of your home need a little kick? Both
useful and fun, you can find some funky ways to display your house number for your visitors and the pizza delivery man to enjoy. There are many house numbers to choose from that are freestanding or can be secured directly on your house’s exterior. Traditional and non-traditional options can be found at your lo-
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cal home and garden store or online. PAiNt or rePlAce Your mAilbox. Along my street, there are a multitude of mailbox styles
ranging from huge to old to leaning to rusty. You can purchase a new mailbox or repaint your existing one. Having an old mailbox with a newly painted house is similar to wearing a new dress with an old, tired pair of shoes. You can match your mailbox to your bright pressure washed home and newly-painted front
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door. Prices vary so check out your options. cHANge Your FlAg or Add A FlAg. Another idea to add a little to your front door entrance
is to add a flag. You can be “Team USA” all year around with an American flag, put up a flag to reflect the season, put up your
8
favorite football team flag in the fall or a St. Patrick’s Day flag in March. simPliFY & cleAN uP.
Less is more is a great rule of thumb. Stick to one dramatic look (newly painted front door in a fun color or non-traditional house numbers visibly displayed) and keep the rest at a minimum. Too much stuff will distract the eye. KISS* is the mantra that you
Warm Water
Small Class Size
Water Safety
Get Ready For Summer
want to use when sprucing up your home and yard. *Keep it simple, stupid. Before you begin any of these tasks, make a plan and set a budget that works for you. You can do it all yourself or hire someone if time is short and you have the budget. You can also mix it up - you do some of the work and hire a professional to do a portion of it. Make sure to take a before and after picture so you can see the fruit of your labors. Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 21
Raising Readers by Mere d i th Fl o r y
d o m e s t i c l i t e r ac y Part 2
Near my daughter’s first birthday, we got lucky in finding a used wooden play kitchen for about $20. We’ve added felt food, tiny pots and pans, wooden toy kitchen utensils and more to it over the years. It’s become a favorite toy. However, I quickly learned that children desire real experiences in the real kitchen as well. While my youngest still loves imitating me and bringing me plastic cake and imaginary coffee from the toys, my oldest regularly asks to help cook dinner and I willingly oblige. Sometimes this task is easier than others and I understand the reasons why many parents are hesitant to allow their children to help. Maybe you do not feel confident with your own cooking skills or maybe dinner is a stressful time for you and you dread the messes that a child might add. Maybe your children are older and you’ve asked them to help, but have been met with resistance. Or perhaps you are worried about safety around kitchen items like knives. I am sympathetic to these issues but cooking is a skill that will serve that child when they do become an adult, leading them to make healthy and economical choices. For parents who are comfortable in the kitchen, it is easy to start looking for age appropriate ways to bring a child into the kitchen. Letting young children pour and stir in premeasured seasonings, put toppings on salads or pizzas and helping with basic clean-up 22 • Augusta Family | March 2018
challenges fine motor and listening skills. Talking while you work can begin to introduce nutrition concepts such as food groups. School age children can work on reading skills by following recipes or work on math skills through measuring or converting ingredients. Older teens have the opportunity to develop responsibility and creativity in the kitchen and gain valuable family time, when they help cook meals. For parents who aren’t sure where to start, several companies have developed tools to help families reap the benefits of homecooked meals. You may have heard of or tried meal service subscriptions but did you know there are subscription cooking boxes aimed at children? I had the opportunity to speak with staff at Kidstir (www.kidstir. com), a service that has 12 months of themed cooking kits, and got to
Raising Readers
try their products. Prices start at $12.95, and there are subscription and individual kit options as well. Kidstir provides a shopping list, recipes, instructions, activities and kid friendly tools for the kitchen. I received the “Soup’s On!” Kit with instructions for three types of soups, an activity booklet, giraffe training chopsticks, and a cheese grater shaped like a turtle. Aparna Pande, the founder of Kidstir, says, “I was inspired to start Kidstir because I wanted my children, and all children, to feel confident and empowered about food and cooking.” My daughter has recently been interested in ninjas and the week our sample arrived had checked out books on Japan from the library. One of the soup recipes in our Kidstir box was for a ramen bowl and we were able to connect the instructions on using chopsticks, the printout on different types of Asian noodles and the ingredient list to a book we had found on Japanese cooking and crafting. What a treat! As an educator, I appreciated that the box gave options, rather than one recipe, allowing the child to become more involved through decision making, and allowing the items in the box to be used on several occasions. There was also a suggested book list on the theme of soups for our next library trip. Children that can read can explore this information themselves, making this a valuable kit for a variety of ages and the giraffe and turtle tools would be appealing to both boys and girls learning to cook. Pande is leading the company from both professional experience and as a mother of twin boys. She shares that she was thrilled to learn that her customers are “close to evenly split between boys and girls” and that they create kits “with an eye to make sure the design was modern and fresh.” If messes and safety in the kitchen makes you nervous, the Kidstir box has you covered as well. One of our handouts was on safety, with information about stove-top cooking and chopping an onion. After reading the handout, I allowed my daughter to chop mushrooms with my help, a task I had not let her try before. While the onion instructions were more appropriate for a slightly older child, we could use the same information for her to try a softer item that needed less force – she was so excited and did a great job. Pande explains, “Mom and dad don’t have to worry that they’ll forget that one important safety tip in the heat of the moment or forget some key aspect of the process and have the whole project lead to a meltdown. We do the planning so families can have fun in the kitchen. We break it all down, step by step, to make the experience safe, enjoyable, and successful. We also talk about the fact that the cooking is a place to experiment, that ‘failures’ can turn into unexpected successes, and that sometimes, it’s okay just to laugh and give it another go!”
If you have a reluctant cook, other companies have begun to develop items to entice children into the kitchen as well. Juli Anna Vonderharr is a military wife, mother of three, preschool teacher and a Pampered Chef consultant (www.pamperedchef.com). She shared with me how their line of kid friendly cooking sets, in bright colors and made for tiny hands, is helping her customers bring their children into the kitchen. Allowing children to have their own kitchen items can be helpful such as the oven mitt, which she shares are machine washable and “a little longer for safety.” One of her favorite sets is the Kid’s Pizza Set, which encourages making pizza from scratch with a baker’s mat, small round pizza stone and a rolling pin and pizza cutter for small hands. She explains that she relates to other parents who don’t feel comfortable in the kitchen and that there are messes made and things burned by herself and her kids, but that there is nothing wrong with finding a starting point, such as making the pizza with pre-made crust and sauce. She shares that the first time she let her two oldest make pizza, “They were so excited they couldn’t stand still long enough to chop anything straight...it looked more like a Picaso painting than a pizza,” she says. “But in the end, they said they loved their “chunky pizza.” By making it a habit to use their pizza set on Friday nights, her kids have come to prefer making it at home, and says it helped her children in “learning what flavors blend well, rather than ordering one already made.” Pande believes the importance of understanding what we are eating at any age and how it is not just a practical skill but a positive emotional experience is important. She explains, “Food is our source of energy, strength and nourishment. We must know what is going into our bodies and how it was prepared. This is how we can be healthy and feel good. This is also how we can feel satisfied and grateful. When we know how to cook, we can truly appreciate good food and those who prepare it for us, even when we haven’t made it ourselves.” Vonderharr raves about the math, cleaning, and safety skills her children have learned through cooking, but states that most importantly, “they have learned respect and courtesy for the one who has put much time and effort into preparing food for others” even when it isn’t their favorite. That sounds like a pretty big payoff for a few kitchen messes. Meredith Flory is an Augusta-area freelance writer, military spouse and mother of two. She has a masters degree in children’s literature from Kansas State University and has taught high school and college English.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 23
The
FLU EPIDEMIC
c
by: Dr. Dana Harris
ases of the seasonal flu have reached epidemic proportions that has grasped almost every corner of the country. In fact, it has officially crossed the epidemic threshold meaning the flu is spreading quickly and
leading to more fatal cases than commonly expected according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say what’s particularly unusual about this year is that the flu is hitting everyone at the same time! It’s on a pathway to be among the worst in 15 years. The outbreak has left parents wondering what they can do to protect their families against the flu and what to do once their child is diagnosed.
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Augusta Family | March 2018 • 25
The CDC currently lists the 2017 to 2018 flu season as ‘moderately severe’ and warns it could get worse. Scientists measure the spread and severity of the flu by looking at the percentage of doctor’s visits that are for flu or flu-like illnesses. At Doctors Hospital and University Hospital of Augusta, the admissions from the flu are already 40 percent above those recordbreaking numbers seen during the severe 2014-15 season. Typically for this time of year, the national average is a little more than 2 percent of visits. This year, it has skyrocketed to 7.7 percent of visits. Flu-like activity in Georgia this year is nearly 16 percent, or about eight times the average. What is particularly unusual about this year is that several people who have been sickened by one strain of the flu are now getting sick with another strain. While the influenza A viruses have been dominant this year, the H3N2 influenza B viruses are now becoming more common and is becoming extremely possible for someone to get both strains. The flu can be especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, sick or very young. More than 144 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines have been distributed this year. The CDC stresses that it’s not too late to get vaccinated and highly recommends the vaccine,
26 • Augusta Family | March 2018
which can reduce flu illnesses and present flu-related hospitalization for everyone six months and older. Symptoms of influenza, which spreads across the U.S. from November through March can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Health officials state that people with the flu can be contagious the day before they start showing signs meaning they don’t even know they are spreading the virus around. What’s more ironic is that influenza can incubate in the body for one to four days before a person shows any signs of getting sick. Despite your best efforts, your child is bound to get a cold or flu at some point in time. However, it’s important to take a rational approach to handling the situation. Listed below are several common-sense practices on how to keep your love ones healthy and prevent the spread of the flu. • It’s not too late to get the flu shot. Some protection is better than no protection. The flu season can last until May so if you haven’t gotten one, it’s not too late. Experts urge everyone 6 months of age and older to get the flu shot, as it helps reduce the chance of illness and lessens the se-
verity of the symptoms if you do fall ill. • You know your child better than anyone else. Watch your child closely! Don’t hesitate to go to the emergency room, no matter what time it is, either day or night. Parents should listen to their gut feelings and instincts if your child becomes ill. Look for signs of high fever, a hacking cough, sore throat and body aches. Parents generally take great care of their kids and pediatricians trust in that ability. However, if you have a strong gut feeling that something doesn’t seem right, it’s okay to contact your doctor at once. • Drink Fluids & Gargle Regularly. If you end up getting the flu, it’s critically important that you control your symptoms. You can start by drinking plenty of fluids and gargling with warm salt water. Gargling may help reduce swelling in the throat and loosen mucus. Green tea is also recommended. Green tea has catechins, a type of antioxidant which may help prevent the infection. • Practice good hygiene. It is highly recommended that you use soap and water when washing your hands and when cleaning toys. Use hand sani-
tizer and alcohol wipes on grocery carts and gym machines. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu. Be proactive about following your health care regime as closely as possible. If you think you’ve got the flu or even what feels like a nasty cold, stay home! • Avoid close contact with sick people. Of course if you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible. If your child does become sick, the best approach is to keep them home. • Sleep it off with lots of rest. Getting sleep and taking time to recuperate is the best thing you can do for yourself, your co-workers and your family. And the truth of the matter is, when you are sick, you won’t feel like doing much of anything else. • Good old fashion chicken soup. A study published in the American Journal of Therapeutics showed that carnosine, a compound in chicken
soup can help strengthen the body’s immune system and help fight off the flu in its early days. Hot liquids can also alleviate nasal congestion, help you stay hydrated and soothe inflamed membranes in your nose and throat.
lingering germs. If you can, install a cool-mist humidifier to ease nighttime breathing, suggests Dr. Weil. It’s also suggested that you add an extra pillow to elevate a stuffy child’s head, allowing nasal passages to drain and clear.
• Get in sync with zinc. It’s amazing how zinc lozenges can help you feel better faster. “Particularly, if you start using them as soon as you feel flush,” says Neil; Schachter, MD, Medical Director of respiratory care department at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. He’s also the renowned author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu.
• The Healing/Renewal Phase. In addition to the common intervention practices such as flu shots, antiviral drugs and visits to the doctor’s office, it may be essential to finish the course of medicines prescribed even if your child seems to be feeling well. Do your best to control those lingering microorganisms around the house by keeping all trash cans emptied, used tissue discarded, counter tops wiped off and cleaned thoroughly with the appropriate cleaning wipes. It may also be a great idea to throw out those germy toothbrushes after the illness passes.
• Boost your immunity system with healthy foods, herbs and vitamins. Health expert Dr. Andrew Weil highly suggests battling winter illnesses with daily doses of vitamin C as well as the herbs echinacea and astragalus, both available at health food stores and vitamin shops in kid-friendly forms. Adding extra garlic to the diet and minimizing your child’s diary intake are also highly recommended. • Bedtime Hygiene Rituals. Keep your bed sheets freshly laundered during the flu season to banish
Officials say influenza will continue to circulate in the US for weeks to come, which means it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine which is perhaps the first and most significant step in protecting and providing immunity against the impact of the flu virus. When it comes to keeping you and your family healthy and well this winter season, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 27
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25
Ways To GeT some sprinG BaCK in your sTep afTer a LonG WinTer By Christina Katz
Ah, the first truly spring-like day of the year. The sky turns blue, the sun comes out, the sounds of singing birds is all around. Time for the sunglasses to come out of hiding! You get a little bounce in your step and you find yourself humming everywhere you go. You plan your garden, rally your walking group and remembering how much you like sun tea. Take a deep breath, pull out a piece of paper, and make a list of spring pick-me-ups to try based on this list so you can now enjoy the gentler days to come.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 29
1. Change out your purse to something colorful, yet sturdy enough to endure spring showers.
10. Pick up a box of sugar cookies with pastel icing as a surprise after-school snack.
2. Splash up your tired old jackets with floral-print scarves.
11. Get some lavender air freshener for the bathrooms.
3. Stick a tube of lemon-scented hand lotion in your purse.
12. Plant a flat container of grass and watch it grow inside or outside a window.
4. Try a new sheer color on your lips like blush or raspberry.
13. Host a wear-a-spring-hat potluck tea party for girls you know of all ages.
5. Buy some potted hydrangeas to enjoy indoors until the threat of frost is over.
14. Scrub off and polish up your strappy sandals.
6. Feel like a culinary genius: make quiche for dinner with whatever you happened to have in the fridge. 7. Brighten up your rooms with pretty pillows, lightweight throws, and colorful linens. 8. A twig wreath or blossoms would look great by the door. 9. Take out the calendar and write down all the flea markets and farmer’s markets you plan to attend this year. 30 • Augusta Family | March 2018
15. Download a few tunes of whatever “road trip music” means to you. 16. Start dragging items into the garage for your future garage sale. 17. Lighten up your perfumes, bath oils, and lotions with lilac, rose, and grapefruit scents. 18. Arrange daffodils and yellow tulips and in small colorful vases throughout the house. 19. Buy yourself a vibrantly colored umbrella and
put it by the door to jinx the rain. 20. Pick up a fresh pack of Sharpies and decorate things around the house, like place mats and tennis shoes. 21. Let the kids craft some wind chimes and then hang them by the front and back doors. Maybe even by the garage, too. 22. Go seed browsing with your kids. Try to grow three things you’ve never tried to grow before. 23. Make a giant carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Share some with the neighbors. 24. Put away the tired table linens of winter and pull out the sunny colors of spring. 25. Put on some rain boots, grab your child’s hand, and skip out the door, whether it’s raining or not. Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz loves spring, even though it means mud season has begun, because it also means blossoms, sunshine, and gardening.
Saturday, March 31st Special Children’s Easter Celebration for Ages 3-12 yrs old Egg Hunts, Games and the Easter Story will be presented 4 5 8 4 C o x R o a d E v a n s , G a 7 0 6 - 3 6 4 - 8 2 8 4 | M y s a n c t u a r y. o r g
Spring Fun
Games, Activities, Gymnastics, Movies and much more!!
April 2nd - 6th Ages 4 yrs to 13 yrs Camp Hours 8:30 - 4:30
(Early drop-off at 7:30 and late pick-up at 5:30)
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Spring Fun
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 33
Inspiration Station by Dustin Turn e r
The 25Th AnnuAl PuTnAm CounTy SPelling Bee The North Augusta Cultural Arts Council is known for bringing performing arts, music and visual arts to the city of North Augusta. Now, the organization is planning a spelling bee, complete with songs, a live orchestra and a comfort counselor for competitors who get eliminated. No, this isn’t your average school spelling bee. It is, however, a beloved Tony Award-winning Broadway hit. In The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, six quirky adolescents compete to crown the best speller. Ryan Abel plays Mitch Mahoney, who is the bee’s comfort counselor as part of court-mandated community service. “When they misspell a word, Mitch gives them an apple juice box and a hug,” Ryan said with a laugh. The show will be performed March 9, 10 and 11 at the North Augusta High School Auditorium. General admission tickets cost $20 and can be purchased by calling (803) 646-2815 or by going to Parks Pharmacy or the North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center. Putnam will be the fifth show presented by the theater committee of the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council. The first show came to fruition with the guidance of An34 • Augusta Family | March 2018
gela Burkhalter. “We were doing all these other things – concerts in the park and the veterans’ concert – but I realized there was no theater in North Augusta.” Burkhalter’s daughter had performed in several shows with the Augusta Players, “So I saw the value of theater for kids and, well, for everybody,” she said. Burkhalter saw a need and was inspired to bring theater to North Augusta. In January 2014, she served as the production manager for I Love A Piano, the Cultural Arts Council’s first theater production. The organization has staged one show per year ever since. In The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, even the kids are played by adults. “This type of casting gives the audience a realistic glimpse inside the often R-rated minds of the kids and makes them more relatable,” said Kris Harwood, the executive director of the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council’s Theater Committee. For North Augusta’s audiences, however, the R-rated language and innuendo have been toned down to PG-13. “I think we can all relate to anger, embarrassment and hurt and in order to express it, there is some mi-
nor adult language and some amusing pubescent mishaps that aren’t often discussed around every dinner table.” As an actor, Abel likes the use of adults in those roles and explained,“Being that we are adults who have been through adolescence, we remember how it can be a confusing time, but we know the end game and can relate to the uneasiness. This really is a coming-of-age tale. They all learn something new about themselves and about the world. They all grow as people.” Richard Justice, who has lived in North Augusta for 16 years and has directed many shows around the CSRA shared, “Putnam is a wonderful blend of funny, touching and moving. All walks of life are represented by these characters. There will be someone on the stage you can connect with. Each speller represents a different fragment of the population so it also runs the gamut of emotions with themes like diversity, inclusiveness and morality.” Four competitors will also be selected from the audience. Don’t worry, though, you aren’t expected to be a great speller. In fact, it’s probably better if you aren’t.
Inspiration Station “I think probably the most difficult thing would be if you have a really Dance, is fun and surprising. All of this being directed by North Augusta’s good speller as a volunteer,” Justice said, “because they have to miss a own Richard Justice will be sure to delight the audience,” Harwood added. word in there somewhere to advance the plot. If they keep spelling the For five years, the theater committee has performed each show in words correctly, we just keep throwing increasingly difficult words at the North Augusta High School auditorium, but that might change after them. That kind of audience interaction adds a level of uncertainty, but Putnam. “The high school is also going through its own growing pains this is a great cast, and they can handle it.” with lots of changes in construction and facility use,” Harwood said, Like any large arts organization, various committees of the North “So I’m not sure where the auditorium stands in that regards. We can’t Augusta Cultural Arts Council oversees the functions of the council: schedule any future shows due to possible conflicts.” annual concerts, the North Augusta Idol Talent Show, scholarships and The ultimate solution would be for the North Augusta Cultural Arts grants. The theater committee, however, functions differently. “The Council to have its own performing arts center. A committee led by Abel theater committee stands alone in that we are self-funded with our own and Rich Brasco, with the backing of the entire North Augusta Cultural vision,” explained Harwood. “So we reach out to our community for ad Arts Council, recently presented its plan for a multi-faceted performing sponsorships and donations, and of course ticket sales so that we can arts venue to the City of North Augusta. City Council is considering the continue to offer the city of North Augusta and the surrounding area project as part of its plans for a revitalization of Georgia Avenue. with quality theater.” “We are asking the City Council to include a PAC in the Capital Abel, the committee’s artistic diProjects Sales Tax vote that will ocrector, helped choose Putnam for this cur in November,” said John Bigger, year’s production. He said the group the president of the North Augusta The 25Th AnnuAl narrowed a list of potential shows Cultural Arts Council. “I do not PuTnAm CounTy SPelling Bee down to three: The 25th Annual Putknow if they will but we are at least nam County Spelling Bee, Forever getting the need out there in front of RATeD: PG-13 Plaid and You’re A Good Man, Charlie the community and we would like to When: 7 p.m. March 9 and 10; 3 p.m. March 11 Brown. From there, they decided Putsee it in the downtown area.” WheRe: North Augusta High School Auditorium nam would be a good fit. Leave it up to actors and thehoW muCh: $20 general admission “We picked Putnam because we ater enthusiasts to come up with a DiReCToR: Richard Justice like to do shows that work well with creative way to promote their idea: limited resources such as a minimal “Maybe we should schedule flash CAST: Robb Smith, Chelsea Essigman, Rebekah set and minimal costumes. This is a mobs every few months at the MuRoberson, Ralph Sap, Tom Reed, Karen Brothvery beloved show and it works well nicipal Center until the city decides erton, Amy Miller, Ryan Abel, Warren Post and for the venue (the North Augusta High we definitely need a venue for perCaleb Rivera-Bloodworth School auditorium) and the resources forming!” Harwood said. “North FoR TiCKeTS: 803-646-2815, Parks Pharmacy, we have,” Abel said, adding that Charlie Augusta is growing and we just want North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center Brown and Forever Plaid will be conto grow with it.” sidered for future productions. Whether a performing arts center As a performer, Abel is drawn to comes to fruition, the theater comthe music. “I am inspired by music and this show has a great blend. It mittee’s mission stays the same – to bring quality theater productions to has music of all genres that will appeal to a lot of people.” North Augusta and for people to be able to experience theater at a venue With all eyes focusing on North Augusta with the new GreenJackets stain the city. “The CSRA already has a theater community made up of dium and Riverside Village, the theater committee hopes to make a big splash dedicated actors, directors and artists,” Harwood said. “We only hope to with the 2018 show. “It’s a show that brings in a wider audience in that it join that community and bring something new to the table. We are still doesn’t cater to any certain age group,” Harwood added. “It’s a well-known formulating that niche, and with Ryan as the theater’s artistic director, we Tony Award-winning show and loved by all who have seen it. This isn’t the can be sure not to duplicate anything in existence and add another outlet kind of show that you just see once. If you have spoken to someone who has for performing artists.” already seen it, more than likely, they already have tickets to see this one.” Abel, Harwood and the theater committee would love to do more Putnam’s broad appeal also was a big selling point. “This show has than one show per year. Harwood said the organization plans to start cresomething for everyone in attendance,” Harwood said. “The cast loves ating an entire season in advance. “It will be difficult, but between myself, these characters and is having fun with them, which definitely shows on Ryan and Angela Burkhalter (she is our fund-raising director for the thethe stage. It creates an environment for the audience to want to join in ater who managed to keep this going for five years already), I believe we on that fun. It’s fun and fast-paced and the music is incredible.” can pull this off.” Just like the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council’s board of directors Dustin Turner is an SEO and Content Specialist for Main Street and committee members, the cast and crew of Putman are all local volDigital. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Jamie, for unteers. “The live orchestra, directed by Evan Read, is phenomenal. The 20 years, and they have a 10-year-old daughter, Abigail. The whole choreography designed by Elle Starzec, of The North Augusta School of family enjoys performing in community theater. Augusta Family | March 2018 • 35
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calendar
calendar March
Special Events: Storyland Theatre, Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta University. Saturday Family Matinees. No reservations required. Sit anywhere you like. Box Office opens at 2:15 p.m. Come meet the actors after the show! Ticket prices: Matinee Season Tickets to all 3 plays - $18 per personIndividual Show Tickets - $7 per person. Active Duty Military Personnel and families admitted free with Military ID. For more information, visit www.storylandtheatre.org. March 2 NCAA and Junior Olympics. Elevate the Stage, a championship
style gymnastics competition for NCAA and Junior Olympic athletes. Event to be held at James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
Annual Attic Sale is held the first Saturday in March at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds on 3rd and Hale St. For more information, visit www. events.augusta.com.
March 2 & 3. Ed Turner with Symphony Orchestra Augusta. www.millertheater.com.
March 4 Women, Wine and Shoes. Organized by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta. www.winewomenandshoes.com.
March 2 Dixie Dreggs For guitar aficionados, Steve Morse needs no introduction, and his place in the pantheon of guitar greats is certain. Catch him live at Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. March 3 The Junior League of Augusta’s
March 8 USC Aiken Cultural Series: Goitse. The Etherredge Center. The multi-award-winning quinte. Goitse presents their own compositions interspersed with traditional tunes from Ireland and abroad. For more information, visit http:// etherredge.usca.edu.
Disney Live | March 25 Open the door to reveal unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box; and the dazzling stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you never know who might join in the fun. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
We’d love to hear from you. If you have an event you’d like to add to our next issue, send an email to karin.calloway@augustafamily.com.
Augusta Family | March 2018 • 37
S P E C I A L A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI O N
Easter Church Services Saint Paul’s Church
The Sanctuary
605 Reynolds Street Augusta, GA www.saintpauls.org • 706.724.2485
4584 Cox Rd., Evans, Ga www.mysanctuary.org • 706-364-8284
Palm Sunday, March 25, Services at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday Services – April 1 – 8AM, 9:30AM and 11AM
Maundy Thursday, March 29, 7:00 p.m.
Nursery Provided 3 yrs and under.
Good Friday, March 30, 12:00 noon Easter Morning Celebration of the Resurrection, April 1, 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Children’s Services offered for the 9:30AM and 11AM services
St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church
1420 Monte Sano Avenue Augusta, GA 30904 • 706.733.6627
Palm Sunday, March 25, 7:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Holy Thursday, March 29, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, March 30, Stations of the Cross – Noon; Veneration of the Cross – 7p.m.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Lawn following the 9 a.m. service
Holy Saturday, March 31, Easter Vigil Mass – 8 p.m.
Easter Celebration of Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion 5:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 1 – 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
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calendar
ST. PATRICK’S DAY SHUFFLE 5K AND ONE MILE FUN RUN March 10 | www.localraces.com
March 8 MOMS Club of Augusta. Are you a stay-at-home mom going crazy with kids shows and ABCs? Or maybe you just need to get out of the house and have an adult conversation every once in a while? If this is you, come see what we are all about at the MOMS Club® of Augusta monthly Meet and Greet. MOMS Club® (MOMS Offering Moms Support) is an international nonprofit organization for stay-at-home moms. We are a laid back group of moms who like having fun, while supporting each other in the rewarding, but sometimes difficult task of raising our children.
We have meetings and activities throughout each month, giving all our members the opportunity to grow and learn as parents and build lasting friendships. Family Wilson Y. Contact membership coordinator at membership@momsclubofaugusta. org for further details. March 8 A Night of Jazz at Bell Auditorium. Byron Stripling, guest conductor. Musicians Byron Stripling, Carmen Bradford, and Bob Breithaupt and tap dancer Ted Louis Levy join SOA to transport you to the jazz era of the 1920s with music of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald! For more
information, visit www. soaugusta.org. March 8 Mommy & Me Music at Kroc Center. This music and movement class gets toddlers singing and dancing! Fathers, grandparents, or guardians are welcome too. For more information, visit www.salvationarmyaugusta.org. March 9-11 Please come out and support North Augusta Cultural Arts Council’s production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit www. naartscouncil. ticketleap.com. Augusta Family | March 2018 • 39
Illustration by Michael Rushbrook
ANIME & THE GRAPHIC NOVEL With the popularity of graphic novels on the rise, children and young adults are being inspired to create stories and characters of their own. Your student will learn the basics of storytelling, drawing and inking using both anime and classic comic book art styles. No previous experience required and all supplies will be provided. There will be a FREE family movie showing in our state-of-theart Theater after class. All are welcome to enjoy the movie, so bring family and friends. March 10 | www.krocsales.sauss.net.
ticketleap.com. March 9. Sister Hazel at The Country Club. www. bandsintown.com. March 10 Ft. Gordon’s St. Patrick’s Day Run. Open to the Public. Over the river and through the woods we go to the Fort Gordon Saint Patrick’s 5K! This 5K is a timed fun run that will orientate through the Fort Gordon Disc Golf Course and is considered a trail run. Registration is online at for the 5K or Geocaching walk at www.fortgordonrunseries.com. Par-
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ticipants will start on 39th Street (Near the Dog Park). Finisher medals will be presented at the completion of the event. March 10 Anime & the Graphic Novel. Kroc Center. With the popularity of graphic novels on the rise, children and young adults are being inspired to create stories and characters of their own. Your student will learn the basics of storytelling, drawing and inking using both anime and classic comic book art styles. No previous experience required and all supplies will be provided.
There will be a FREE family movie showing in our state-of-the-art Theater after class. All are welcome to enjoy the movie, so bring family and friends. www. krocsales.sauss.net. March 10. St. Patrick’s Day Shuffle 5k and One Mile Fun Run. www.localraces.com. March 10 The 2nd Annual ORION Talent Showcase. Thomson. Come enjoy tasty food, art exhibits, fashion show, an exciting perfor-
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STABLE VIEW SPRING HORSE TRIALS USEA Recognized. Free Admission for spectators. For more information, visit March 20 | www.stableviewfarm.com.
mance program with headliner M.Lewis Music, raffles, and much more!! Tickets are $8 in Advance and $10 at the door. Tickets go on sale soon. Proceeds support 2018 ORION scholarship and mentorship programs. For more info, visit www.theorionfoundation.org. March 11 Chondra Pierce’s Getting Back to Funny Tour. www.millertheater.com. March 13. Daughtry, singer-songwriter at Bell Au-
ditorium. www.seatgeek.com. March 15. Got 30 Minutes? Kroc Center. If you need assistance with anything from personal care, meals or subsidized rental housing this class is for you. Conducted by The Area Agency on Aging. Cost: FREE. www. augustakroc.org. March 17 University of Georgia’s Womens Golf at Forest Hills Golf Club. www.calendar. uga.edu.
March 20 Stable View Spring Horse Trials USEA Recognized. Free Admission for spectators. For more information, visit www.stableviewfarm.com. March 21. North Augusta Cultural Art Council’s Springfest. www.discoveraikencounty.com. March 21 The Banff Mountain Film Festival, a program of The Banff Centre is the largest and one of the most prestigious, mountain festivals in the
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Photo courtesy of Greater Augusta Arts Council
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SLEEPING BEAUTY Presented by Storyland Theatre and Greater Augusta Arts Council, Traditional fairytale with some special Storyland twists. March 22 | www.events.augustaarts.com
world. Hot on the heels of the festival held every fall in Banff, Alberta and traveling to exotic landscapes and remotes cultures, audiences are up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2017/2018 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. For more information, visit www. imperialtheatre.com. March 22. Winter Jam Spectacular featuring Skillet, Kari Jobe, Building 429 and other artists. www.premierproductions.com. March 22 Sleeping Beauty presented by Storyland
Theatre and Greater Arts Council. Traditional fairytale with some special Storyland twists. www.events.augustaarts.com.
for you! Ages: 11 – 17. Presented by The Greater Arts Council. For more info, visit www. events.augustaarts.com.
March 23 Girls Who Code was founded with a single mission: to close the gender gap in technology… fewer than 1 in 5 computer science graduates are women. Come to the Kroc Center for this after school program that will introduce you to the coding world! You will spend the session working together to create a Computer Science Impact Project. Three words: sisterhood, coding, impact. If you are serious about learning to code this 14-week program is
March 23 The Harlem Globetrotters. The Globetrotters will face a revamped Washington Generals team which recently launched a more competitive profile, making an appearance in The Basketball Tournament over the summer. The tournament-tested team is looking to snap a 47-year losing streak against their world famous rivals during their 2018 tour. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Augusta Family | March 2018 • 43
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female stars TNT Lister, Ace Jackson and Hoops Green – the Globetrotters’ show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Their game at the James BrownArena will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. March 24. Walk to create a world free of MS. Ending multiple sclerosis for good will take all of us. Walk MS helps us team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS. Together, we all can become a powerful force. And with every step we take, every dollar we raise ... we’re that much closer. Together, we will end MS forever. Lake Olmstead Park - 2200 Broad St., Augusta, Georgia 30901. www. main. nationalmssociety.org.
The harlem GlobeTroTTers The Globetrotters will face a revamped Washington Generals team which recently launched a more competitive profile, making an appearance in The Basketball Tournament over the summer. The tournament-tested team is looking to snap a 47-year losing streak against their world famous rivals during their 2018 tour. With a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm– plus female stars TNT Lister, Ace Jackson and Hoops Green – the Globetrotters’ show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Their game at the James BrownArena will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
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March 24. The Augusta Legends of Wrestling. Join the biggest names in entertainment at the Christenberry Fieldhouse, the home of Augusta University basketball. Here’s your chance to rub elbows with the Legends that made wrestling the highest viewed sporting events in the world! Meet superstars like Mick Foley, Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart, The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat and many
THE AUGUSTA LEGENDS OF WRESTLING Join the biggest names in entertainment at the Christenberry Fieldhouse, the home of Augusta University basketball. Here’s your chance to rub elbows with the Legends that made wrestling the highest viewed sporting events in the world! Meet superstars like Mick Foley, Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart, The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat and many more. Enjoy the opportunity to meet your favorite wrestlers, get signed merchandise, take pictures and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to know the answers to. March 24 | www.eventbrite.com.
Dragon” Steamboat and many more. Enjoy the opportunity to meet your favorite wrestlers, get signed merchandise, take pictures and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to know the answers to. www.eventbrite.com. March 24. Augusta Roast on the River. Join Savannah Riverkeeper for the 6th annual Roast on the River! There will be Bluffton oysters, low country boil, craft beer and a raffle. Tickets are $35 for individuals, $60 for couples.
Event will be held at a new location Savannah Riverkeeper at 328 Riverfront Drive Augusta. www.eventbrite.com. March 24 Latin Masterpieces at Miller Theater. www.millertheater.com. March 25 Disney Live. Open the door to reveal unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to
Magic. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box; and the dazzling stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, you never know who might join in the fun. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.
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Girl Go
PHOTO BY JOHN HARPRING
by Ren ee William s
Kessler Leigh Davis KESSLER LEIGH DAVIS, 31, is a hairstylist at Salon Surreal. She is married to Seth Davis who is the superintendent for Pierwood Construction. The couple have 10 month old twins, Copeland and Knox. The family have two Yorkipoos: Cruz and Siri and three chickens: Rhodi, Polli and Trixi.
What are you reading right now? James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore
Hardest part of being a mom? Without a doubt, watching how quickly they grow.
What did you want to be when you grew up? I have always wanted to be a mom.
Biggest fear? Heights. Although I did jump out of an airplane with my girlfriends a couple years ago.
If you could have one job, what would it be? Produce Farmer
Song playing in my head: Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake. I’ve literally seen the movie Trolls 100 times. Sometimes for fun, my husband and I quiz each other on Trolls and Moana (real talk).
What quality do you admire most? I’d have to say grit. People who don’t let adversity prevent them from succeeding but instead use it as fuel.
Favorite TV show: Anything on HGTV. Dream vacation? The beaches of Thailand. Best Part of being a mom? It’s a constant reminder to stop and smell the roses.
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Who do I admire? Most definitely my husband. I was so scared 10 months ago, about us becoming new parents and he has taught me more than I could ever imagine. He has overcome more than I can imagine to get here. I don’t tell him enough but he is my hero.