M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6
A U G U S TA
Time Savers for Smart Moms GET READY FOR
✲ READING
WHILE TRAVELING
Creative ideas to entertain while the kids are buckled up!
DRAMA ZONE
LEARN ABOUT THE AIKEN COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE YOUTH WING augustafamily.com
✱
Symphony LaGrant, 8, is the daughter of Danielle Parks of Grovetown.
GPS
GO. PLAY. SEE.
OUR GUIDE TO FAMILY FUN IN THE CSRA
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4 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
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contents www.augustafamily.com
39
PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLAHAN
Fun Food
23 Go. Play See.
Features
—Jennifer Miller and Karin Calloway
M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6
Time Savers for Smart Moms
ON THE COVER: Symphony LeGrant, 8, is the daughter of Danielle Parks of Grovetown. Photo by Carter Koenig Photography.
GET READY FOR
✲ READING
WHILE TRAVELING
Creative ideas to entertain while the kids are buckled up!
How to Turn Spoiled Dreams into the Summer You Desire —Judy M. Miller
Get Ready for Summer
A U G U S TA
LEARN ABOUT THE AIKEN COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE YOUTH WING
36 Feuding Siblings?
✱
Symphony LaGrant, 8, is the daughter of Danielle Parks of Grovetown.
GPS
GO. PLAY. SEE.
OUR GUIDE TO FAMILY FUN IN THE CSRA
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.
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Departments 6
Editor’s Page
9
Mom to Mom
Tell Me Later...Please! —Jennie Montgomery
11
News & Notes
15
Eating Well With Kim
It’s Grilling Season! —Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
16
Doctor Dad
18
Smart Mom’s Guide
A Delusion a Day Keeps the Doc Away —J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
Time Savers —Cammie Jones
20
Raising Readers
39
Fun Food
40
Inspiration Station
42
Calendar
54
Go Girl! Kelley Norris —Karin Calloway
Raising Traveling Readers —Meridith Flory
Sensational Flavors —Courtesy of Family Features Drama Zone —Dustin Turner
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 5
AU G U S TA
Editor’s Notes b y Karin Callo w ay
www.augustafamily.com PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren
EDITOR Karin Calloway
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Shirley Bass
GRAPHIC DESIGN & PREPRESS /WEB PRODUCER Michael Rushbrook
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Lisa Dorn
ADVERTISING SALES Doressa Hawes Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann
PHOTOGRAPHY Carter Koenig Photography John Harpring
CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Meredith Flory Cammie Jones Jennifer Miller Mary Ashton Mills Jennie Montgomery 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 karin.calloway@augustafamily.com or mail to 725 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., 30901. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/distribution, call (706) 823-3722.
From left: Ashlee Duren, publisher, Karin Calloway, editor, Michael Rushbrook, graphic artist/illustrator, Cammie Jones, columnist, Jennie Montgomery, columnist, and John Harpring, photographer.
I
’m not a competitive person. Ask anyone who knows me well and they’ll agree. If you say, “I bet I can beat you at…” my response will most likely be a big “high five, you win,” even before the competition begins. But, as much as I’m not competitive, I’m a zealous team player. I find it exhilarating to be part of a team, to brainstorm ways to do things better, to make big plans for future goals. The team-player side of me trumped the non-competitive side in mid-April, when the Parenting Media Association held its annual conference. Each year the conference closes with a Saturday night awards ceremony for their Editorial and Design Awards Competition. They usually post the results online the following Sunday morning and you can bet this non-competitive girl is refreshing the PMA awards page repeatedly until the new awards list appears. Part of me is always nervous because I want our Augusta Family Magazine team to fare well. Fortunately, I’ve never been disappointed with the results. This year we received six national awards. That’s one more than we received last year. Congratulations to our graphic artist Michael Rushbrook who received a gold award for Interior Illustration for his “Techno Talk” illustration in the September 2015 issue. Jennie Montgomery, who writes our Mom to Mom family humor column, won a silver award and Cammie Jones, author of our family matters column called Smart Mom’s Guide, received a bronze award. Writer Lucy Adams also received a bronze award for her feature in the July 2015 issue about coping with your child’s athletic coaches. Lucy and John Harpring, along with Michael Rushbrook and me, were recognized for the Spirit of Nursing Special Section in the May/June 2015 issue, taking a silver award for Special Section Within a Publication. The final award is one that has been more fleeting to our publication, as it is an overall award in a very competitive field. We’ve won it in the past, but not for a few years. This year I’m proud to report that we received a bronze award for Overall Writing. This one is a big deal for editors (even us non-competitive types) as it attests to the work we’ve done finding outstanding writers, and coming up with interesting story ideas for them to write about. My writers are so dedicated, they often come up with great story ideas, as well. Thanks to my excellent team! I’m proud to work with you all. Until July,
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 | May/June 2016
Karin Calloway karin.calloway@augustafamily.com
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 7
8 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
Mom to Mom b y Jen n i e Mo n tg o m er y
B
Tell Me Later...Please!
each towels? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Common sense? Nowhere to be found. My college senior and two of her friends were packing for their Spring Break trip to Miami. They seemed so organized and independent—it was clear they didn’t need my help at all. Me: “Let me get you a bottle of aloe.” Maddy: “Already have it packed.” Me: “I’ll find the good beach chairs out in the garage.” Marissa: “We’ve already found them, thanks.” Shrugging my shoulders I left the room and then it hit me: “Maddy, don’t forget your Triple-A card! Does anybody have a credit card?” Kelsey: “I have a credit card and we all have AAA. We’re good.” Too bad their car didn’t hear that. Not only did they LOSE the keys their first day on the beach, they ran into some engine trouble days later and had to get it checked out. A quick call to AAA landed them inside a repair shop that looked like something straight out of—their words—Criminal Minds. Maddy: “We were like, ‘Siri, this can’t be the place! It’s so sketch.’” Marissa: “The mechanic was all, ‘Ladies, you’re welcome to wait in the office.’ It was just an old couch!” Kelsey: “And the next thing I knew, someone was tapping my arm—‘Uh, miss...’” Maddy: “We had fallen asleep—right there in the office! We were leaning all over each other—probably drooling, too! It was so embarrassing.” The reality was a nice mechanic fixed their car and sent them back on the road in a reliable ride. But the Mama Drama part of me heard this: Three college girls, fast asleep in an unfamiliar place with a broken down car, nothing but Siri between them and the outside world... Sometimes it’s the little things we have to appreciate, like hearing the story AFTER your kid has survived a potential Lifetime movie plot!
2016 Physicians’ Directory Available Free for iPhone® and AndroidTM.
Download the Physicians’ Directory app for free and have contact information at your fingertips for Augusta and Aiken area physicians and dentists. Database is searchable by both specialty and by name. Brought to you by Augusta Magazine.
Jennie Montgomery anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 9
10 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
news&notes Ma y/J u n e 2 0 1 6
mommy minute
App-Tastic! RockabyBoo
FACIAL OILS: PART ONE If putting an oil on your face seems counter-intuitive—especially if you already have oily skin—think again. Facial oils, as both treatment and cleansers, have been a big buzz in the beauty world and their popularity continues to grow, as drugstore brands are jumping on the trend. Face Oils As Treatment
C
Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, iOS 8.0 or later. Also available for Android 4.0.3 and up.
TODAY NO ONE BLINKS AN EYE WHEN PARENTS USE EVERYTHING AT THEIR DISPOSAL—even their smartphone—to get their child to sleep. Now, sleep-deprived parents can finally get a good nights rest. Rockabyboo, a sleep-inducing lullaby app helps children drift into a soundless sleep with the hypnotic voice of hit U.K. singer Beulah, whose soothing voice has been hailed by pop royalty Victoria Beckham, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys.
Rockabyboo features original songs, stories and instrumentals that can be personalized by the 1,400 names that are available through the app, allowing parents to customize lullabies to their individual child’s name. The Rockabyboo app is available for monthly, quarterly or annual fees on both iTunes and Google Play.
Botanical oils such as argan, marula and others are potent antioxidants. Not only are they good for your skin, they also can prevent irritation from some anti-aging ingredients in your other skincare products. Oils are perfect for those approaching their late 30s, as this is the age when your skin’s natural oils tend to decrease. Because oils are “fat-loving” they pass through the lipid layer of the skin faster, preventing water loss and plumping the skin with moisture. Additionally, they help anti-aging creams with ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid and vitamin C, go deeper into the skin and closer to the collagen-producing layers—all without irritation. Using Face Oils:
“Some of the best memories are made in flip flops.” –Kellie Elmore
• These oils are potent, so a little goes a long way. A simple way to apply them is to put a drop on three fingers, then warm the oil slightly by rubbing with the fingers on your other hand. Then, simply pat into the skin on you face. A few drops more can be used on your neck and decolletage. • Smooth a few drops on your clean face in the morning before applying moisturizer (preferably with high SPF) and foundation. • Smooth on after your nightly anti-aging treatment.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 11
news&notes Are we there yet? GREAT WOLF LODGE, CONCORD, N.C.
L
By Mary Ashton Mills ocated just outside of Charlotte, N.C., the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord is a quick trip from Augusta that is ALL ABOUT THE KIDS. It promises you and your family loads of adventure without ever having to leave the expansive property. The Great Wolf Lodge is a family-oriented hotel with a large indoor water park and countless other attractions inside. Since the water park is indoors, you can visit the Great Wolf Lodge year-round, making it a perfect place to beat a case of the winter blues or the escape the heat of the dog days of summer. Inside, float over waves in the wave pool, enjoy playground structures and toddler zone with seesaws, mini slides and water soakers, and race down a vast array of slides from basic to terrifying thrill rides. For the thrill-seekers in your family, take a spin on the Howlin’ Tornado slide, which drops you into a six story tunnel of fun. All ages should be well entertained inside the water park with so many different options. Accommodations range from simple rooms to Kids Cabins and Wolf Dens with bunk beds and televisions. If you’ve had the chance to visit the Great Wolf Lodge, you’ll agree that you go for the water park, but once your children see all the other attractions, you’ll find that you could easily pull an all-nighter. Picture Las Vegas, but for kids!
Howlin’ Tornado Slide tions. Groupon also runs specials on GWL frequently. If you are on a budget, book one night and enjoy two days—access to the park starts at 1 p.m. and is available until the park closes on the day of departure. Bring extra spending money for the arcade and other attractions.
DISTANCE: 2 hours 57 minutes, 186 miles
WHAT TO SEE: Story time with the great wolf kid characters, dance parties, bingo, The Northern Lights Arcade and MagiQuest – a real life scavenger hunt that uses magic wands. MagiQuest is not free to play and involves purchasing a magic wand. Then, children of all ages move about the three-story property waving their wands in front of computer screens and talking treasure chests leading them to conquer a quest. Each time a quest is completed, another level is unlocked and the scavenger hunt begins again. Make sure to schedule some extra time away from the slides to conquer the exciting quests of the Great Wolf Lodge.
BUDGET: Unlike other destinations where you’ll pay for your room and pay additional fees for attractions, at the Great Wolf Lodge, admission to the water park is included with your room. Rooms range in price, but always try to book your trip in advance. By booking 60 days in advance you can save big on accommoda-
IF YOU GO: Concord and the surrounding Charlotte area have many other attractions you could add on to your trip. Try the Charlotte Motor Speedway, CharlotteConcord Aquarium, Carowinds, and the U.S National Whitewater Center, just to name a few.
12 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
news&notes
SAFE KIDS
FAST FACTS
Construction for a Cause
Drowning is the number one killer of kids age 1 to 4, but it can be prevented. A few of the most important things to remember are to always actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, teach children to never go near or in water without an adult present, and always wear the appropriate life preservers— even adults. For more information about playground safety go to www.augustafamily.com. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids.
From left, Mark Ivey, Matt Ivey, Jennifer Pennington, Catherine Stewart and Kim Elle.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLAHAN
Summer getaways often take families to the open waters for refreshing fun. But – just like pools – ponds, lakes and beaches can be dangerous if you don’t follow some important guidelines.
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME AND IVEY HOMES IS TAKING THAT SAYING LITERALLY. The home building company is constructing a five-bed-
room, three-and-a-half-bath home to sell as a fundraiser for three Augusta charities: Children’s Hospital of Georgia, the American Red Cross and the Augusta Warrior Project. Ivey Homes President Matt Ivey says, “The Augusta market has been good to us over the last several years and we wanted to give something meaningful back to the community.” Located at 7223 Hoffman Dr. in Evans—it is expected to be completed by early summer.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 13
Moms, Dads & Grads
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14 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
Eating well with Kim b y Ki m B e a ve rs , M S , R D, LD, C DE
It’s Grilling Season! DON’T YOU JUST LOVE GRILLING SEASON? Actually, I think grilling season is 365 days a year but there is an uptick in grilling this time of year. To honor this festive method of cooking, I am providing five strategies for successful grilling that will have you pulling delicious, nutritious food off the grill all summer long. 1. Preheat your grill for about 10 minutes and then clean off the
Simple Grilled Salmon
grill grates. It is easier to clean the grates of a hot grill! Once the grill
4 4-ounce salmon fillets
2 cloves garlic, minced
is clean you will want to oil the grates to prevent food from sticking.
2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
To oil the grill, grab an oil-soaked paper towel with long-handled
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for
tongs and rub the oil soaked towel over the grates. Then commence
¼ teaspoon pepper
garnish)
cooking as directed. 2. Marinate, especially when cooking meats. Marinating does more than infuse food with flavor. It also inhibits the formation of potentially carcinogenic HCAs (heterocyclic amines), which form when grilling meats like poultry, red meat and fish. Marinating can reduce HCA formation by 90 percent. 3. Use a meat thermometer. I know, I know, this is rather geeky sounding and very dietitian like—and there are really cool chefs who can simply touch meat and tell if it is done. I will have to sit in the, “rule following dietitian camp,” on this one. Plus who doesn’t enjoy avoiding foodborne illness and eating juicy meat cooked to perfection rather than overcooked dried-out meat. Due to this
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Once grill is heated, brush off any remaining charred bits from previous grilling adventures and oil the grill grate. A simple way to oil the grill grate is to soak a paper towel with oil, then grab the paper towel with long-handled tongs and rub over the grill grate. Rub the salmon with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic, salt and pepper. (This could be done the night before and then left to chill in the refrigerator.) Grill salmon fillets skin-side down for 10 minutes or until cooked completely (the flesh will be opaque but will still be moist). Remove salmon to a platter drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with additional lemon if desired.
basic, properly cooked meat philosophy, I have run through many thermometers and have finally found one that works great. The Thermoworks digital is an instant read thermometer, and is hands down my favorite! It costs approximately $20.00 and can be ordered at: http://thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/. 4. Grill vegetables! Since you have the grill fired up, go ahead and load it up with your whole meal. Recipes abound for grilled cabbage, zucchini and onions. There are many ways to cook vegetables, but one nice tool to have on hand is a vegetable grilling basket. This is especially true of vegetables that are in small pieces. Simply toss
Yield: 4 servings Nutrient Breakdown: Calories 240, Fat 15g (3g saturated fat, 6g monounsaturated fat, 2g omega-3 fatty acids), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 210mg, Carbohydrate 1g, Protein 23g. Carbohydrate Choices: 0 carbohydrates, 3 medium fat meats, 1 fat
COOK’S NOTE: You can grill the salmon for 6 minutes on the skin side and flip it to grill another 4 minutes on the flesh side. This will give you the nice grill marks associated with grilled food but can be a little tricky when it comes to flipping. However since the salmon has been rubbed with oil it should not stick to the grate.
chopped veggies with oil and seasonings then add to the grill basket. Cook, turning occasionally until the desired degree of doneness
Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care
is reached.
System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-
5. Grill some fruit! Fruits such as, pineapple, peaches, water-
host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday,
melon and more develop a rich sweet-savory flavor when grilled,
Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To be notified of new recipes join Kim’s facebook fan
turning them into a decadent dessert. Try them directly on the grill,
page at www.facebook.com/eatingwellwithkim. To search for specific recipes go to www.
in a kabob or in a grill basket—you will not be disappointed.
universityhealth.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk. Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 15
Dr. Dad
b y J. Ro n E a ke r, M . D.
A DAY KEEPS THE DOC AWAY I have several legitimate, healthy delusions. Now, on the surface this may appear as a juxtaposition worthy of a seasoned politician, but I feel my irrational thoughts (i.e. delusions) are somewhat logical and justified. I realize this is enough double-talk to keep a Freudian psychoanalyst busy for months, so let me attempt to clarify. My only concern is that if you understand my explanation, you may suffer from the same worrisome thinking as I do. You have been warned. go the way of the wooly mammoth. Unfortunately most politicians have DELUSION NUMBER ONE is that I am invincible. I don’t mean in the Marvel the backbone of a Play-Doh snake, so I don’t honestly see them passing superhero sense but more like I don’t ever think I will get sick or injured anything other than gas. What I really see happening is that things will get sense. I realize this is a very common delusion for anyone under 25, but it is so bad that the populace will vote to establish a single-payer system where stretching it a bit for a geezer pushing 58. the government is that single payer. Welcome to the Gulag, comrades! I fabricate reasons for this invincibility based on running performance and good genes. I have run some of my fastest marathons in the past three years. THE THIRD DELUSION is that hard work leads to success. If I was giving stuI attribute most of this to a simple mental decision that I could run faster, dents a graduation speech about today’s workplace, I would tell them to find not some magical training program or speedy pills. For years I thought of something they love to do and if someone is willing to pay them for it, be the sub-four-hour marathon as futile and foolish, and that my lungs would thankful. Don’t expect to necessarily be paid well and don’t explode if I attempted to run faster. One day, and I can’t really remember specifically why, I decided I could run faster and If I was giving students expect to be doing the same thing five years from now. Get the idea out of your head that you are going to design an App not spontaneously combust. And I did. Not because my legs a graduation speech that Google will pay $14 billion for and instead find something were any younger or my lungs were any more expanded, but about today’s workplace that makes a difference in the lives of others. because I had the belief that I could do it. Honestly, working hard at something you hate is about as Here’s where the delusion comes in. I made the fallacious I would tell them to find worthless as a screen door on a submarine. Most of us are not assumption that if I could run faster and jump higher then I something they love to going to be wealthy so you might as well be happy, and that was immune to cancer, TB, every known “itis” and “osis” and do and if someone is doesn’t necessarily come from hard work, it comes from meanringworm. This is obviously a nonsequitur, as running faster willing to pay them for ingful work. The adage that, “Do what you love and the money means one thing. I was running really slow before. The reality it, be thankful. will follow” is bogus. I agree with the “do what you love” part, but is as people get older, more stuff happens, but in my head I realize the money may suck. And that’s okay if there is enough am still 30 (but much smarter than I was then). meaning in the work. Now if it so happens that you love doing things that make a lot of money, good for you! But don’t come out of the shoot thinking that simply DELUSION NUMBER TWO is that Obamacare will be repealed. I hold on hard work will ever earn you any more than respect. This also applies to your to this illusion like a dad on a roller coaster. I fantasize that once everyone health. Living right, eating well and exercising need to be fun in their own right sees how it is accomplishing none of what it was designed to do and is acbecause there are lots of folks that do all three and get horribly sick. tually destroying both medical care and the medical profession, people will After writing this I am as depressed as a teenager on cell phone restricrise up like leavened bread and defeat it. tion. Maybe being a bit deluded is actually a good thing! Wasn’t it Thales who The realist in me, albeit a very small and ugly component of my psyche, said, “Know thyself…but what really counts is your Facebook profile.” knows that this behemoth has become more entrenched than herpes in a hooker. It would be like suddenly cancelling Social Security or repealing Poland. I still hold out for everything that is good and pure in these United Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two States and hope that we will suffer a mass awakening and Obamacare will daughters in college. 16 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
Smart Mom’s Guide b y C a m m i e Jo n es
WE ARE ALL BUSY PEOPLE - there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get all of our stuff accomplished. A great line I heard lately is that when someone asks you how your day was, instead of answering “busy,” say, “full.”
Guide to
Savers PICK UP/DELIVERY DRY CLEANING SERVICE
I like that answer so much better because it reminds us that we should be thankful that we do have full days, which to me equals a full life. So, yes, we should be appreciative of our health and wellbeing and ability to have “full” days, but we can still use a few shortcuts here and there to allow us a little breathing room and, hopefully, a little less stress. I’ve put together a list of services that can help save a little time in your everyday life.
MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES
Hello Fresh offers a flexible subscription so you can pause your subscription by a certain time
I recently looked into Hello Fresh, mainly because
and day the week before the ingredients are to be
Susan Littlefield, owner of The Laundry Bag,
I have seen the ads along with many posts on
delivered if you will not need a meal that week.
offers a pick-up and delivery dry cleaning
Facebook. How does it work? Basically Hello Fresh
service for people in the CSRA. “We pick up at
chefs create recipes that are easy to prepare with
your home and deliver back the next business
a balanced diet in mind—keeping it simple yet
day,” she says. Think this will be costly? It’s not.
interesting. The folks at Hello Fresh do the grocery
The costs are the same as when you take your
shopping for you and deliver the pre-measured
You can always swing by a fast-food drive thru
clothes to the cleaners yourself. Customers are
ingredients to your home once a week. Delivery
but sometimes you want something healthy
billed by the month and there are no contracts,
is free and then you prepare the meal according
without the prep time. Every Thursday, Fresh
no hidden fees and no pickup and delivery fees—
to the instructions provided. They promise not to
Market offers a meal to feed a family of four
it’s all included. If you’re like me and tend to
require any fancy equipment or weird ingredients,
people for $20. You just purchase it, heat it up
drive around with the clothes to be drycleaned
and making the meal takes about 30 minutes.
and dinner is ready.
for a week before dropping them off, this is a great time saver for you! 18 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
Costs are between $9 and $10 per person per meal, depending on which meal box you choose.
QUICK PICK UP MEALS (NOT FAST FOOD)
The New York Butcher Shoppe is now open in Surrey Center and each week, they offer a meal
Smart Mom’s Guide
that includes a main dish, bread and a side. For ex-
more of a “rinse-off shower” but it will do the trick
vices or products that can help you save time,
ample, one week it was a lasagna, salad and bread.
when you are in a hurry. I try to do this about once
but making a list for each day will help keep you
You can choose between a meal that feeds two or
a month or so, just before a road trip or if I am go-
focused and stay on track. What are the most
four depending on the size of your family—all for
ing to have a non-family member adult in my car.
important things that need to get done that
a pretty decent price, considering that you don’t
The last thing they need is a bunch of sticky chee-
day—are you out of milk? Do you need to send in
have to do anything but heat it up in the oven!
rios or soccer field debris stuck to their clothes!
money to school for the annual family dinner by
Publix also offers its Apron Simple Meals. “Sometimes it’s not a meal idea you need, but a recipe for a great dish.” The Publix website is a
MOBILE PET GROOMING SERVICES
a certain day? Write it down and make sure to look at that list every morning before your day starts. It can be on your phone or written down, old-school style.
great place to look for these delicious recipes. They also actually cook some of these recipes at
Sometimes getting my large and spirited black
their local store using the specials of the week if
lab in the car to go get a bath is more trouble
those last-minute, frantic trips to the grocery,
you happen to be grocery shopping when they
than its worth. Now, you don’t have to throw
etc., that were not planned for in your day, thus
are cooking—and the ingredients for the recipes
your animal in the car and struggle to get him
making you stop whatever other task you were
are conveniently located in a cooler nearby. All
in the store for his grooming service. There are
doing at the time.
recipes have been tested and are paired with a
many mobile pet grooming companies out there
recommended side dish.
today. Grateful Paws and Scissor & Suds are a
choosing one or two to try may give you more
couple that I know of in the area.
time to do what it really important in life – en-
FAST CAR WASHES
DAILY TO-DO LISTS
For about $5 you can zip through a quick car wash and use the vacuum to clean out your car. It’s
Okay, this really doesn’t fit in with actual ser-
Why is this a time saver? It will help eliminate
Time savers for busy families are a must and
joying it! Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 19
Raising Readers by Mere d i th Fl o r y
Raising Traveling Readers KEEPING CHILDREN QUIET AND ENTERTAINED WHILE
are “good for airline travel when you need to pack light”. On a recent
TRAVELING can seem like a daunting task. But what if
trip her 3-year-old played independently with a bag of cut-up felt
we approach the time it takes to get to our destination
pieces, making pictures and working on shapes and colors. Busy
as time available to learn with our children? Thinking creatively about how to best use your child’s undivided
bags can be made using simple items like pipe cleaners or lacing cards placed in a reusable pouch or freezer bag.
attention when they’re buckled in might help us enjoy the journey more.
Sticker Books: Local stay-at-home-mom Lau-
Just as adults might pick reads that seem more
ren Shoemaker purchases sticker books for her
leisurely on vacation, students can get the benefit of
two children when they travel. She explains,
reading while focusing on activities that seem more
“There are a million different kinds and it has
fun than work. Melissa Watson, Teacher Librarian at
the shape of the character (or whatever goes
Stevens Creek Elementary School discussed motivat-
there) and the description.” Children match
ing summer reading with me: “Usually kids that ‘hate’
stickers from one page onto a corresponding
reading have not experienced true engagement with
activity, teaching sorting and matching.
a book. The kind of engagement where you just can’t put it down. So, the key is finding a book that is highly interesting to the child,” she says. “Parents also need to remember that their children may not
Toddler Apps: Augusta mom Heather Letourneau shared that her family uses the apps available through ABCmouse.com, a subscription service with
like the same titles or style of books that they them-
activities that you can use on any device through
selves enjoyed as a child and should not be critical
your account. Additionally, Reading Rainbow, Sesame
of a child’s book selection.” If a child is drawn to
Street and a variety of other educational organiza-
a graphic novel, parents often call them comic
tions have apps available. It’s important to consider
books, it is okay. There are some very wonder-
age-appropriate limits on screentime, and
ful graphic novels out there and yes, they do have a story line and often teach great life lessons. The following activities are sugges-
noise-control headphones for little ones, but as a special treat, apps can be great for a plane. On a flight to Seattle, we used a Little Critter read-along app
tions from real moms and educators,
about going on vacation to keep our
and are grouped by reading level to help
toddler engaged.
you find appropriate ones for your child. However, some are appropriate for multiple ages and reading levels.
EMERGENT AND EARLY READERS Students who need shorter texts and occasional assistance may enjoy reading new
PRE-LITERACY LEARNERS
books silently or aloud on a long trip.
Children that are not yet reading on their own are often young enough that they need to be
Activity books: Find an activity
kept busy while traveling with activities that
book that focuses on a topic of
can help lay a foundation for reading.
interest, with mazes, search-
Busy Bags: Ruchi O’Connor, a local
puzzles for busy minds. Some
and-find pictures and other mom originally from Australia, has
are created with dry-erase pages
a lot of experience flying with small
and, using the correct marker,
children. Busy bags occupy her boys and 20 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
can be erased and reused.
Raising Readers E-Readers and Audio Books: Depending on your
trip. Tead the same book as teens or set reading
budget, many electronics specifically geared
goals for the family. Decide upon activities like
towards educational activities can be helpful.
discussion questions or challenge rewards.
other dimension by setting a budget to follow. Word Games: Freerice.com is a website I loved to suggest to my students that helps with test
Sara Mitchell, a local military wife and mother to three girls who travels by car over 16 hours to
Non-fiction Books: Use the travel part of the trip
prep. Every correct answer to the vocabu-
see family likes, “the Leap Pad because I can con-
to get your children excited about where you are
lary game increases the puzzle skill level and
trol what goes on it,” yet there is a lot they can do
going with non-fiction books. Watson suggests,
donates 10 grains of rice to end world hunger.
independently. Watson suggested the app Epic!
“If traveling to a well-known location, there is
Challenging crossword puzzles or other brain
Books (www.getepic.com), a low-priced sub-
a great series of historical fiction books where
teasers can be fun to do together.
scription service to high quality children’s ebooks
kids are trying to solve mysteries in real places
and audio books. She recommends audio books
(Real Kids, Real Places by Carole Marsh). Although
Genre Exploring: Purchase serious maga-
because, “it is especially wonderful if the entire
the story is fictional, the author provides a lot of
zines on a subject the student enjoys, such as
family can listen to a book that everyone will en-
interesting facts about the location.
science, politics or animals. Read a mystery together and try to solve the ending, or pull a
joy and can discuss. Travel time passes so quickly when everyone is so absorbed in the story.” INDEPENDENT READERS
GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER
genre from a hat for everyone to try. Watson
Help older students find their interests and pas-
suggests Common Sense Media (www.com-
sions by investing in their learning opportunities.
monsensemedia.org) to help you find books and media that are age- and readinglevel ap-
Students capable of reading longer books may need to be encouraged to do so when traveling,
Trip Planning: Planning family appropriate
and they need to see that adults love reading
activities can keep teens busy in a positive
for pleasure too.
way on technology. Advance research skills by asking your teen to plan one day of the trip by
Shared Reading: Create a mini-book club for the
picking the museum, restaurant, etc. Add an-
propriate to your children. 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 | May/June 2016 • 21
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GPS
GO. PLAY. SEE. By Jennifer Miller and Karin Calloway
EXPLORE THE CSRA Page 24.
FAMILY FAVORITES Page 26.
ARTS, CULTURE AND HISTORY Page 28.
RECREATION & FAMILY FUN
Page 30.
PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS Page 32.
A PULL-OUT GUIDE TO THINGS TO GO, PLAY AND SEE IN THE CSRA. >>
A U G U S TA
Go to www.augustafamily.com for an exclusive online guide to communities throughout the CSRA.
PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
Explore the CSRA by Jennifer Miller
Sports enthusiasts can cheer on the AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS, a Single-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. There’s plenty of baseball, entertainment and even photos with Auggie, the team mascot.
It wasn’t too long ago that DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA was mostly a sea of abandoned, boarded up buildings. Not any longer. Thanks to several enterprising young entrepreneurs, the downtown food and beverage scene is alive and kicking. From the acclaimed Frog Hollow Tavern to the music scene at The Soul Bar to the plethora of ethnic and sandwich shops, there’s plenty to feed the soul. Stroll through the many studios and galleries of Artists Row, then relax on the Riverwalk on the bank of the Savannah River.
24 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
PHOTO BY SARA CALDWELL
CLARK’S HILL LAKE (as it is known in Georgia, but officially it’s J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake) is one of the most visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the country and is the largest man-made lake this side of the Mississippi River. The lake is home to many parks, campgrounds and marina and is known for championship fishing and excellent boating.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLAHAN
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4 Discover the universe at the DUPONT PLANETARIUM AND OBSERVATORY at the University of South Carolina at Aiken. Programs for ages 4 and older are held on Saturdays and focus on astronomy and exploring the skies. Weather permitting, visitors can view the skies through the Bechtel Telescope in the observatory. www. rpsec.usca.edu/planetarium.
PHOTO BY EMILY ROSE BENNETT
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PHOTO BY JON-MICHAEL SULLIVAN
Get a taste of the flavor and diversity of the CSRA by visiting some of the unique places.
Step back in time in one of the country’s largest urban forests, HITCHCOCK WOODS in Aiken. Walk, run or ride a horse through the 70 miles of sandy pathways in this 2,100-acre habitat that has been preserved to maintain its natural character and historical legacy. While there, make your way to South Boundary, a street USA Today named one of the 10 Prettiest Streets for a Stroll. It is known as the “Avenue of Oaks” because of the canopy created by the live oaks planted along both sides. www.hitchcockwoods.org.
REED CREEK NATURE Park in Martinez is a recreational park with a raised boardwalk that allows visits to go through an active wetland environment. See frogs, snakes and other wetlands wildlife. It’s also the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. www.columbiacountyga.gov.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLAHAN
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PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLAHAN
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PHOTO BY CHRIS THELEN
PHINIZY SWAMP & NATURE PARK in South Augusta, was founded in 1996 when there was a critical need for independent water quality research to find solutions to balancing sustainable watersheds and economic interests. Over the years a hands-on educational program has developed where the community can enjoy nature and learn more about wetlands and water systems. There are trails for walking and bike riding, and even fishing from the banks of the Mayor’s Fishin’ Hole. www.phinizycenter.org.
Black History has been an integral part of Augusta’s past and future. Among the famous African-Americans born or raised in Augusta are: James Brown, singer; Jessye Norman, opera star; Laurence Fishburne, actor, and many others. Much of this rich history is preserved at the LUCY CRAFT LANEY MUSEUM OF BLACK HISTORY. Laney started the first school for black children in Augusta in 1883. The museum is in her former home and promotes her legacy through arts and history. On Fridays, the museum sponsors a trolley tour to more than 25 significant historic sites related to Augusta’s black history. www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.
9
6 Tucked away behind a serpentine brick wall under a canopy of ancient trees along Whiskey Road and Dupree Place is one of the jewels of Aiken: HOPELANDS GARDENS. The 14-acre gardens were once an estate in the Winter Colony area of Aiken now open to the public. With its towering 100 year old oaks, meandering pathways, pond and fountains, Hopelands Garden for relaxing, enjoying nature and play. www.visitaikensc.com.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLAHAN
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PHOTO BY RAINIER EHRHARDT
PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT
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SAVANNAH RAPIDS PARK is located at the headgates of the Savannah River in Columbia County. Walk, jog or bike along the Augusta Canal towpath. Kayak or canoe along the canal or take a leisurely Petersburg Boat Tour to the Augusta Canal Discovery Center in downtown Augusta. Visit the visitor’s center housed in the renovated Lockkeepers Cottage, dance in the restored pavilion and learn about the lock and dam system built in the 19th century to let boat navigate the falls. Bikes and boats are available for rent. www.columbiacountyga.gov.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 25
amateur and professional musicians who play several concerts a year through out the Augusta area.
www.aikenmuseum.us Dedicated to preserving Aiken County’s rich history.
Augusta Players/Augusta Junior Players 1301 Greene St. 706-826-4707. www.augustaplayers.org Theater group for ages 6-19.
Aiken Railroad Depot 406 Park Ave., Aiken. 803-293-7846. aikenrailroaddepot.org A rebuilt replica of the original depot in downtown Aiken featuring interactive displays evoking the history of the railroad
Greater Augusta Youth Theatre 600 Broad St., #2. 706-860-9729. www.grayt.org This theater is operated entirely by local youth actors, directors, designers, artist and musicians and produces two major community productions each year. Garden City Chorus 803-215-0641. www.gardencitychorus.org An all-male chorus that performs throughout the Augusta-Aiken area. Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society 706-790-9274 or 706-951-6877. www.hjcms.org World-class musicians are invited to participate in the Society’s six concerts each year. Imperial Theatre 749 Broad St. 706-722-8341. www.imperialtheatre.com One of the area’s premier venues for a variety of performances and films. Storyland Theatre 706-736-3455. www.storylandtheatre.org Quality theatrical productions, performed by adults, for children and families. Performances at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta University. Symphony Orchestra Augusta 706-826-4705. www.soaugusta.org Regional symphony performs a variety of concerts from classical to pops throughout the year. The Augusta Players 1301 Greene St. 706-826-4707. www.augustaplayers.org Local theater company that produces big Broadway-style musicals at Augusta’s Imperial Theatre. Westobou 1129 Broad St. 706-755-2878. www.westoboufestival.com A five-day festival in downtown Augusta each fall that features music, dance, film, spoken word and visual arts.
MUSEUMS Aiken County Historical Museum 433 Newberry St., Aiken. 803-642-2015.
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken. 803-642-7631. www.aikenracinghalloffame.com/ Celebrates the great tradition of racing and Aiken’s vital role in it. Augusta Museum of History 560 Reynolds St. 706-722-8454. www.augustamuseum.org/ Dedicated to preserving the history of Augusta. Augusta Canal Interpretive Center 1450 Greene St. 706-823-0440. www.augustacanal.com Learn about the people who built the canal and explore its progress, problems and promise. Guided canal boat tours Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson 419 7th St. 706-722-9828. www.wilsonboyhoodhome.org A house museum depicting the life of President Wilson. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art 506 Telfair St. 706-722-5495. www.ghia.org An art institute and exhibition galleries housed in a beautiful renovated former home in downtown Augusta. Grovetown Museum 106 West Robinson Ave., Grovetown. 706-863-1867. Explore Grovetown’s history and see the collection of military equipment. Imagination Station, A Neighborhood Children’s Museum 965 Hickman Road, at Hickman Park. 706-726-3506 or 706-834-5543. www.imagineaugusta.org A community-run children’s museum featuring interactive educational exhibits as well as programming for both children and parents. Laurel & Hardy Museum 250 N. Louisville St., Harlem. 706-556-0401. www.laurelandhardymuseum.com Celebrate the legacy of Oliver Hardy, who was born in Harlem 1892. He and his com-
edy partner Stan Laurel entertained audiences for more than 25 years, starting in the era of silent fees. The museum is filled with memorabilia and visitors can even watch old films by the duo. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History 1116 Phillips St. 706-724-2866. www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com Dedicated to African American history and art in Augusta. McDuffie Museum 121 Main St., Thomson, Ga. 706-595-9923. www.mcduffiemuseum.com Dedicated to preserving the history of McDuffie County. Morris Museum of Art 1 10th St. 706-724-7501. www.themorris.org The first museum dedicated to the art and artists of the American South. The collection includes holdings of nearly 5,000 paintings, works on paper, photographs and sculptures dating from the late-eighteenth century to the present. Signal Corps Museum Fort Gordon. 706-791-2818. www.signal.army.mil/OLD/ocos/museum/ Exhibits trace the development of the Signal Corps from its beginning in 1860. Columbia Museum of Art 1515 Main St., Columbia, S.C. 803-799-2810. www.columbiamuseum.org Eclectic and dynamic exhibits and collection, lectures, art classes and tours. Georgia Museum of Art 90 Carlton St., Athens, Ga. 706-542-4662. www.georgiamuseum.org The official state museum of art. Greenville County Museum of Art 420 College St., Greenville, S.C. 864-271-7570. www.gcma.org Home to the world’s largest public collection of watercolors by Andrew Wyeth. High Museum of Art 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4400. www.high.org Renowned collection of classic and contemporary art and award-winning architecture. South Carolina State Museum 301 Gervais St., Columbia, S.C. 803-898-4921. www.scmuseum.org Features four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and an observatory.
Artists Row Broad Street. www.artistsrowaugusta.com Artists Row offers everything from original works by internationally renowned artists, to local fine art, pottery, hand crafted glass work, sculpture, unique regional crafts, photography, jewelry and specialty gifts. Augusta Market on the River Saturdays through Nov. 26, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 8th Street Plaza at Riverwalk www.theaugustamarket.com Farmer’s Market and vendors set up tables to sell items. Music, childrens activities.
HISTORY Confederate Powderworks Chimney 1717 Goodrich St. www.nps.gov/nr/travel/augusta/sibleymill.html The chimney used to produce gunpowder for the Confederacy is accessible to the public anytime. Magnolia Cemetery Between 2nd and 3rd streets, Augusta. Gates open until 8 p.m. daily. Explore the resting place for hundreds of Civil War casualities, including seven Confederate generals. Saturday Historic Trolley Tour of Augusta 706-724-4067. www.visitaugusta.com/CalendarFolder/ Events/Trolley-Tour Starts at the Augusta Museum of History, 2 p.m. Driving tour of historic downtown Augusta. Reservations required. Meadow Garden 1320 Independence Drive. 706-724-4174. www.visitaugusta.com Tour the home of George Walton, one of Georgia’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence. Ezekiel Harris House 1822 Broad St. 706-722-8454. www.augustamuseum.org/HarrisHouse Tour this 18th Century house, considered to be an outstanding example of early Federal style architecture. Heggie’s Rock Old Louisville Rd., Appling. 706-873-6946. www.nature.org (search for Heggie’s Rock) One of the finest remaining examples of a Piedmont flat rock outcrop. A 130-acre rock outcrop rising about 70 feet supports many rare and unusual plants. The area is closed to the public, but tours are available. See the website for details. Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site 181 Redcliffe Road, Beech Island, S.C. 803-827-1473. www.southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe Tour the restored home of former South Carolina Governor James Henry Hammond.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 29
401 Martintown Road, Suite 111, North Augusta. Steiner Branch Family YMCA 706-922-6711 218 Partnership Drive,Grovetown. Wilson Family YMCA. 706-922-9623 3570 Wheeler Rd., Augusta. This facility includes indoor and outdoor pools, water park and splash pad along with the largest indoor public aquatic therapy pool in the CSRA. Gordon Lanes Bowling Center www.fortgordon.com/programs/leisure/ activities/gordon-lanes. 706-791-3446. Bldg. 33200, 3rd Ave., Fort Gordon. Gordon Lanes Bowling Center offers bowling for all ages. This center has 24 USBC-sanctioned bowling lanes, electronic video and amusement machines, a full service snack bar, a pro shop, pool tables, video games, volleyball court and more. Gordon Lanes is open seven days a week for both open and league bowling. Graystone Ranch and Wildlife Education Center www.graystoneranch.com 706-360-0808. 1017 McManus Rd., Hephzibah. Graystone Ranch is a non-profit organization dedicated to children and environmental/wildlife conservation. We are a state and federally licensed rehabilitation center, sanctuary,and preserve. The ranch is a rustic preserve of antiquary where we try to preserve a part of the past for our future. Yee-Haa ‘N Company and Twin Lakes Expeditions are subsidiary companies of Graystone Ranch, Inc. Gymnastics Gold www.gymnasticsgold.com. 706-650-2111. 124 Cedar Ln., Augusta. Offering preschool and developmental gymnastics through a competitive program encompassing both the men’s and woman’s programs both of which have produced State and National Champions. Children’s birthday parties and summer camps offered. Haydens Gymnastics and Cheer Academy www.haydensgym.com. 706-868-0608. 4300 Evans to Lock Rd., Evans. Haydens coaches and staff help students develop an “I Can” attitude through lessons that teach not only physical, but also mental flexibility. All of our programs are developed with overall well-being in mind. Offering both recreational and competitive gymnastics for boys and girls as well as competitive and recreational cheer programs for ages 5-18. Parties, parents night out programs, Parkour, Physique Fit-
ness and other programs are also offered. Hidden Forrest Equestrian Center hiddenforrest.net 706-825-6216. 1333 Jackson Rd., Augusta. With an 80’ vintage windmill, a 2 acre pond with swans, ducks, and a gazebo, to our soon to be completed water wheel, we are truly “A Touch Of Country In The City.” Offers riding lessons, pony rides, boarding and more. Hilltop Riding Stables www.fortgordon.com. 706-791-4864. N. Range Rd., Building 508, Fort Gordon. Hilltop Riding Stable offers more than 250 stunning acres of trails are available to horseback riders. Lessons are offered for beginners to advanced riders. Pony rides and organized trail rides for groups are also conducted. Hoppy Feet Fun Center 701 Devika Dr., Suite 8, Grovetown. 706-755-2619. www.hoppyfeet.com/ Hoppy Feet Inflatables is a family owned and operated indoor fun center and inflatable rental company in Grovetown— licensed and fully insured to provide your children with a safe environment for play. Offering great party packages and inflatable rentals at a reasonable price. Call for details. Jump City www.jumpcity.us or www.augustamoonwalks.com. jumpcityrentals@gmail.com 706-262-4653. 4446 Washington Rd., Suite 7, Evans. Jump city delivers the party to your backyard. Rent inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and water slides. Up the fun with an Sumo suits, a dunk tank, a rock wall, a popcorn machine, a sno-cone machine or a cotton candy machine. Tables and chairs, generators, inflatable movie screens and sound systems also are available. Jump’n Jitterbugs www.facebook.com/JumpinJitterbugs. 803-571-9001. North Augusta. Rent inflatable bounce houses, water slides and combo units. Free delivery and set up. Level Up Game Center www.level-up-augusta.com/parties. 706-305-3780. 3837 Martinez Blvd., Augusta. A place for avid gamers to meet up and compete. Most games are co-op or multiplayer, games that can be played with friends or in groups. It doesn’t matter if you prefer Atari or PS4, PC or Xbox 360, arcade or table top, as long as you enjoy the game you play we welcome you to
play. Tournaments, special events and parties available. Little Dippers and Sip & Dip Painting Parties sip-and-dip.com. 706-699-4449, Haley Tam. Book an art party for adults or kids. Classes are also offered on a regular basis. Monkey Joe’s www.monkeyjoes.com. 706-922-JUMP(5867). 368 Furys Ferry Rd., Suite 2, Martinez. Monkey Joe’s is a fun-filled inflatable play center. Wall-to-wall inflatable slides, jumps and obstacle courses will keep your kids active, happy and healthy. My Best Friend’s Sewing Room www.facebook.com/mybestfriendssewingroom 706-993-8819. 3850 Washington Rd., Suite 4C. Sewing machine classes are for ages 9 & up. The “Sewing Seeds” club meets the third Saturday of the month from 10-noon. Birthday parties also offered. Premiere Martial Arts www.hensleypma.com. 803-640-8443. 401 West Martintown Rd., North Augusta. 706-432-6963. 701 Devika Dr., Grovetown. Email at info@hensleypma.com. Adult and children’s karate, kids birthday parties, Krav maga, self defense and more. Putt-Putt Fun Center www.augustagabirthdayparties.com 706-868-0083. 3763 Martinez Blvd., Martinez. Activities putt putt golf, laser tag, the game room, the Wet Zone and batting cages. Enjoy family fun or book a party. Red Wing Rollerway www.redwingrollerway.net. 706-860-1548. 3065 Washington Rd., Augusta. Enjoy an open skate session or book a party or fundraiser. The Salvation Army Kroc Center salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/ kids-family/birthday-parties Allyson_campbell@uss.salvationarmy.org 706-922-1533. 1833 Broad St., Augusta. Providing excellent programs, facilities and services to promote positive experiences for all people in the Greater Augusta Area. Facilities include a fitness center, gymnasium, sports and recreation programs, Aquatics Center and training, arts and education classes and more. Seigler’s Karate Center goskc.com Martinez: 4471 Columbia Rd.
706-855-5685. West: 370 Furys Ferry Rd., Ste. 1 706-364-3535. Karate classes for students ages 3.5 and up. Birthday party packages also offered. Skateland of Augusta www.skatelandofaugusta.com/Parties. htm. 706-796-4048. 2451 Windsor Spring Rd., Augusta. Private parties, birthday parties, adult skate nights, skating lessons and more. Southern Tang Soo Do Martial Arts Studio www.stsdkarate.com. 706-793-6603. 2007 Tobacco Rd., Augusta. Small classes led by experienced black belt instructors, with emphasis on Christian family values, make us your best choice for self-defense and martial arts training. Birthday party packages available. Steed’s Dairy www.steedsdairy.com. 706-564-0220. 4635 Wrightsboro Rd., Grovetown. Steed’s Dairy is a real working dairy farm. Available activities include a petting zoo, jumping pillow, giant tube slide, rubber duckie races, preschool play area with swings and slides, corn kernel pit and more. During the fall Maize season enjoy hayrides, corn maze, pumpkin patch and real cow milking demonstrations. Available for children’s birthday parties. Tiaras & Pearls www.tiarasandpearls.net 706-922-7721. 3241 Washington Rd. New location coming soon. Tiaras and Pearls is a posh spot for all your tots and tweens pampering needs providing exhilarating, fun, relaxing spa experiences in an elegant, old-Hollywood setting fit for your princess. Van Gogh and Vino VanGoghandVino.com 706-284-6649. Home Rd., Suite 2-B. Le Pavilion Shopping Center. Caters to all ages and skill levels with painting classes and private parties for every occasion. You’ll paint and socialize in a relaxed setting in these artist-instructed classes. First-time painters welcome. XP Gaming Lounge www.xpgaminglounge.com or www.facebook.com/xpgaminglounge 706-524-2018 4534 Washington Road, Ste. 12, Evans. A cozy video gaming lounge located in Evans. Offers gaming on XBox Ones, highend dedicated gaming PCs & the Wii U, with no lag at an affordable rate. Offers a variety of events from Parents’ Night Out with pajama parties to watch parties.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 31
Play system for ages 2-12, tennis and basketball courts, swing set and walking trail. Kennedy Colony Playground 1402 Redd Street SE, Aiken. 803-642-7636. https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/parks-playgrounds-natural-areas/kennedy-colonyplayground/ Play system for ages 2-12, bike rack, benches, one and one-half basketball courts. Library Park 355 York Street SE, Aiken. 803-642-7636. https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/parks-playgrounds-natural-areas/library-park/ Handicap accessible play system for ages 2-12, a gazebo, picnic table, benches, grill. Living History Park 299 W. Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta. www.colonialtimes.us/ A beautiful, natural setting which serves as a frequent community gathering spot for events such as Colonial Days in the Park. Maude Edgefield Park 400 E. Buena Vista Ave., Aiken. Tot lot, lighted tennis courts, picnic area and community center. Frequently hosts outdoor summer concerts. Osbon Park 346 Columbia Ave., Aiken. 803-642-7636. https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/parks-playgrounds-natural-areas/osbon-park/ Picnic shelter and tables, benches, walking track and water fountain. Perry Memorial Park 720 Abbeville Ave. NE, Aiken. 803-642-7636. https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/parks-playgrounds-natural-areas/perry-memorialpark/ Picnic shelter, sand walking track, pond, nine holes of disc golf on 24 acres. Riverview Park 100 Riverview Park Drive, North Augusta. 803-441-4311 The Riverview Park Activities Center is the hub of North Augusta’s parks and recreation facilities. Built in 1994, the 94,000 square foot center anchors the city’s 149-acre Riverview Park. Park includes access to the Greenway, walking/ jogging track, baseball, softball and tennis, two playgrounds, picnic pavilion and disc golf course. Smith-Hazel Park 400 Kershaw Street NE, Aiken 803-642-7635. https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/parks-playgrounds-natural-areas/smith-hazel-park/ Basketball court, tennis courts, picnic tables, shelter with two grills, walking track and play system for ages 2-12. Summerfield Park 738 Old Edgefield Road, North Augusta.
Spray Ground, basketball courts, shelter and picnic tables, multi-purpose playing fields, drinking fountains and a walking/ jogging track. Virginia Acres Park 1700 Whiskey Road, Aiken. 803-642-7631. https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/parks-playgrounds-natural-areas/virginia-acres-park/ Picnic shelter with picnic tables, walking track, play system for ages 2-12, soccer field, tennis, racquetball and basketball courts, 18 holes of disc golf and more. Wade Hampton Park 300 Georgia Ave., North Augusta Veterans park dedicated to the veterans of every war since the American Revolution. Walnut Lane Neighborhood Park Located in the Walnut Grove subdivision on St. Julian, North Augusta. Features a playground, a picnic area and a unique boardwalk trail.
AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY Augusta Aquatic Center 3157 Damascus Road. 706-261-0424. www.augustaga.gov/391/Aquatic-Center The Augusta Aquatics Center is the premier aquatic facility in the CSRA. You can swim laps, practice rolling over in a kayak, join an adult or Senior Aqua Fitness program, compete on a swimming or diving team. You can also take a lifeguard training course, practice your flips and spins in the diving area, don a scuba tank and explore underwater life, or even celebrate your birthday with a splash with all of your friends and family. Augusta Canal and the Augusta Canal Discovery Center 1450 Greene Street. 706-823-0440, ext. 7. hmadden@augustacanal.com. www.augustacanal.com. Explore the Augusta Canal. Whether you hike, bike, paddle or just float through Augusta Canal’s history on a guided boat tour, explore the recreation and outdoor experiences along miles of towpath, trail and canal waters. Explore the nation’s only industrial power canal still in use for its original purpose. Visit the Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill to hear the stories of the people who built the canal in 1845 to harness the water and power of the Savannah River,and learn about the progress, problems and promise of its 170-year history. Augusta Riverwalk Downtown Augusta www.augustaga.gov/292/Riverwalk The Augusta Riverwalk spans between 6th and 10th Streets in Downtown Augusta along the Savannah River. The Riverwalk consists of two bricked levels and the Jessye Norman Amphitheatre.
The 9th Street and 10th Street Plazas host the two largest water features in downtown Bernie Ward Community Center 1941 Lumpkin Road. 706-790-0588. www.augustaga.gov/1487/Bernie-WardCommunity-Center Includes a gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, picnic area, playground and more. Brookfield Park 2740 Mayo Road. www.augustaga.gov/2160/BrookfieldPark Please call Warren Road Community Center at (706) 860-2833 for availability and booking. Amenities include a comfort station, two picnic areas, two shelters (electricity not included), water feature, walking track and two playgrounds. Carrie J. Mays Family Life Center 1014 Eleventh Ave. 706-821-2827/2828 www.augustaga.gov/1489/Carrie-J-MaysFamily-Life-Center Offers a gymnasium, outdoor basketball courts, outdoor shelter, playground and picnic area. Charles H. Evans Center & Wood Park 1866 Highland Avenue. 706-733-9210 or 706-261-0424 (Augusta Aquatic Center—for Splash Pad information). www.augustaga.gov/1490/Charles-HEvans-Center-Wood-Park Splash Pad hours: Monday-Friday, May 23-August 7: 2016, 10 a.m.-5p.m. Weekends, May 7-May 22, 2016 August 13-September 18, 2016: 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Includes a community building and rental facility, commercial kitchen, basketball courts, playground, open space and picnic areas, walking track and water play feature.
Dyess Park 902 James Brown Blvd. 706-821-2877 www.augustaga.gov/1492/Dyess-Park Community building, picnic area, walking track, comfort station, basketball courts, swimming pool and more. Eastview Community Center and Park 644 Aiken Street. 706-312-5524 www.augustaga.gov/1493/EastviewCommunity-Center-Park Amenities include an athletic ball field, comfort station, community building, outdoor shelter, outdoor walking track, picnic area and playground. Eisenhower Athletic Complex and Park 1488 Eisenhower Drive. 706-821-2800/2801. www.augustaga.gov/1494/EisenhowerAthletic-Complex-Park Athletic fields, district athletic office, open space, outdoor walking track and rental facility. Flemming Athletic Complex & Office 1915 Daniel Ave. 706-796-5047/5048. www.augustaga.gov/1495/Fleming-Athletic-Complex-Office Athletic fields, basketball courts, district athletic office, playground and rental facility. Flemming Tennis Center www.augustaga.gov/2203/FlemingTennis-Center www.machacademy.com or call (706) 796-5046. Programs and services provided include: Tutoring/Academic Support, Science, MACH Academy, Inc., established in April of 1992, is a non- profit 501(c) 3 community organization that provides year round classes and camps at the Fleming Tennis Center in Augusta, Georgia and satellite locations throughout the Central Savannah River Area. Programs include technology, engineering and math (STEM) sessions, mentoring, social skills development, tennis/fitness instruction and more.
Diamond Lakes Regional Park 4335 Windsor Spring Road, Hephzibah. Community Center: 706-826-1370. Adult Athletics: 706-771-2980. Library: 706-772-2432. www.augustaga.gov/614/Diamond-Lakes Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m.-dusk. A 286-acre park with two walking tracks, three wooded picnic areas with tables and grills, two playgrounds, four fully stocked fishing ponds, sand volleyball court, two horseshoe pits, a youth baseball/softball and adult complex, covered pavilion with 10 picnic tables and two grills.
Henry H. Brigham Community Center, Park & Swim Center 2463 A Golden Camp Road. 706-771-2654/2655. www.augustaga.gov/1499/Henry-HBrigham-Community-Center Community Center and rental facility, tennis courts, walking track, comfort station, gymnasium, picnic area and playground. The Swim Center houses an indoor heated six-lane pool with handicap ramp.
Doughty Park 1200 Nellieville Road. 706-724-2044. www.augustaga.gov/1491/Doughty-Park Includes a community center, playground, athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts.
Jamestown Community Center and Park 3647 Karleen Road, Hephzibah. 706-790-1805. www.augustaga.gov/1501/JamestownCommunity-Center-Park Includes outdoor basketball courts, athletic fields, community building, open space,
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 33
rental facility, playground, picnic area, outdoor walking track and outdoor shelter. Lake Olmstead Park 2309 Tobacco Road. 706-796-5025. www.augustaga.gov/1528/Lake-Olmstead-Park This lake/waterfront park includes an athletic field, comfort station, disc golf course, gazebo, outdoor walking track, picnic area, boat ramp and rental facilities. May Park Community Center 622 4th Street. 706-724-0504/0505. www.augustaga.gov/1504/May-ParkCommunity-Center Location includes a gymnasium, picnic area, playground, comfort station, rental facility, outdoor walking track, outdoor shelter and fitness room. Offers youth athletics, adult fitness programs and more. McBean Community Center 1155 Hephzibah-McBean Road, Hephzibah. 706-560-1814/2628. www.augustaga.gov/1505/McBean-Community-Center Facilities include a community building, playground, comfort station, open space, rental facility, outdoor shelter, picnic area, outdoor walking track and senior services center. Activities include afterschool and parent’s night out programs and summer camps. McDuffie Woods Community Center 3431 Old McDuffie Road. 706-771-2656/2657. www.augustaga.gov/1506/McDuffieWoods-Community-Center Amenities include a community center and rental facility, gymnasium, picnic area, tennis courts, comfort station, outdoor basketball courts, outdoor shelter and computer lab. Activities include youth basketball and fitness, dance and karate classes. Minnick Park 1850 Kissingbower Road. 706-796-5025. www.augustaga.gov/1090/Minnick-Park Indoor facility includes a kitchen with tables and chairs for inside use only. Outdoors you’ll enjoy a playground, outdoor shelters and comfort station. Newman Tennis Center 3103 Wrightsboro Road. 706-821-1600. www.augustaga.gov/771/Newman-TennisCenter Newman Tennis Center is a municipal tennis facility with 18 hard courts (14 lighted). Offers beginner tennis lessons for adults and children. Pendleton King Park 1600 Troupe Street. Park Rentals – 706 796-5025. Park Caretaker – 706 564-7462.
34 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
pendletonkingpark.com/ Summer Hours 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sunday 6 p.m.) Winter Hours 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Pendleton King Park is a 64-acre bird sanctuary of great topographic diversity with pine forests, sand ridges and marshes. Includes an arboretum, the Bark Park, a children’s sculpture garden, disc golf course, two playgrounds, trails and wetlands. Phinizy Swamp & Nature Park 1858 Lock and Dam Road. 706-828-2109. phinizycenter.org/park-rentals/ (click on Kid’s Birthday Parties tab) Located on 1100 acres with 14 miles of biking and hiking trails, and just minutes from downtown Augusta, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park offers visitors the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as Blue Heron, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Otter, Alligator and the elusive Bobcat in their natural setting. Phinizy Swamp Nature park is free and open to the public 365 days a year from dawn until dusk. Special programs for all ages, such as guided hikes and bike rides, are scheduled throughout the year. Sand Hills Community Center & Park 2540 Wheeler Road. 706-842-1912 www.augustaga.gov/1509/Sand-HillsCommunity-Center-Park Facilities available include a community building, comfort station, picnic area, playground, rental facility and outdoor walking track. Activities include group exercise classes, arts & crafts classes and more. Warren Road Community Center 300 Warren Road. 706-860-2833/0986. www.augustaga.gov/1510/Warren-RoadCommunity-Center Amenities include a community building and rental facility, gymnasium, playground, covered picnic areas, comfort station, outdoor shelter, outdoor walking track, tennis courts (lights on Monday-Thursday) and outdoor basketball courts (lights on Monday-Thursday). Activities include afterschool programs, aerobics, dance, open basketball and more. WT Johnson Community Center 1610 Hunter Street. 706-821-2865/2866. www.augustaga.gov/1512/WT-JohnsonCommunity-Center Includes athletic fields, picnic area, playground, basketball court, rental facility, community building and gymnasium.
stadium soccer field and a certified cross country course for high school and college competition. The facility has been designed to host state, regional and national competitions. Euchee Creek Trails Harlem-Grovetown Road, Grovetown. Parking, restrooms and walking trails with scenic views. It is one of a series of greenways that will eventually link up and form one long trail that will go from Grovetown to Patriots Park. Another greenway, Grovetown Trails at Euchee Creek, already exists and will be linked up with Euchee Creek Greenway in the future. Evans Towne Center Park 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans. 706-650-5005. evanstownecenterpark.com/ Playground, splash pad, dog park, pavilions and walking track. B-cycle is a bike sharing system located in Evans Towne Center Park that allows patrons to rent bikes for recreational use around Evans. The park is home to the Lady Antebellum Amphitheatre, which regularly is host to family events and concert. Goodale Park 5200 Wrightsboro Road, Grovetown. Two ball fields, basketball court charcoal grills, parking, playground, picnic area, walking trail and tennis courts. Harlem Park 385 Church Street, Harlem. www.columbiacountyga.gov/government-/ departments-l-r/parks-recreation-department/parks-facilities/harlem-park Amenities include a T-Ball field, youth baseball fields, a batting cage, tennis court, basketball courts, two playgrounds with picnic areas and a covered picnic pavilion. International Disc Golf Center International Disc Golf Association Wildwood Park, Appling. 706-261-6342 www.pdga.com or www.pdgatour.com The International Disc Golf Center opened at Wildwood Park on April 20, 2007. This 2,700 square facility is equipped with a full service pro shop, snack vending area, commons area, meeting rooms, and handicap accessible restrooms. Also located at the center is the “Steady” Ed Headrick Museum that showcases historical items from the early days of the sport.
COLUMBIA COUNTY
Kiddie Park 105 Whiskey Road, Grovetown. Benches, parking, picnic areas, slides and toys.
Blanchard Woods Park Blanchard Woods Road, Evans. www.columbiacountyga.gov/government-/departments-l-r/parks-recreationdepartment/parks-facilities/blanchardwoods-park Four regulation soccer fields, an additional
Liberty Park 1040 Newmantown Road, Grovetown. All fields, community center, concession stand, multi-purpose fields and more. Community Center includes a basketball court, fitness center, gym, kitchen, meeting rooms and more.
Memorial Park 100 W. Robinson Ave., Grovetown. Benches, gazebo, memorial wall, military cannon, parking and swings. Mistletoe State Park 3725 Mistletoe Rd., Appling. 706-541-0321. mistletoe.park@dnr.ga.gov www.gastateparks.org/mistletoe Located on 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta, this park is known as one of the finest bass fishing spots in the nation. Ninety-two campsites, picnic areas, group shelters, special family events throughout the year, canoe outings and more. Patriots Park 5445 Columbia Rd, Grovetown, 706-863-7523 www.columbiacountyga.gov/government-/ departments-l-r/parks-recreation-department/parks-facilities/patriots-park Two playground areas, a walking track, 18-hole disc golf course, soccer fields, tennis courts, softball and baseball fields, batting cages, and a gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts. A variety of facilities are available to rent from a multi-purpose room to gyms and pavilions. Reed Creek Park and Wetland Interpretive Center 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027. www.ReedCreekPark.com. Trails are open sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. A map is posted on the front door of the education building. Special children’s programs are regularly scheduled and family movie nights and other fun family events are scheduled throughout the year. Riverside Park 4431 Hardy McManus Road, Evans. Park includes youth baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, two playgrounds, a boat ramp and fishing dock/pier, batting cages and two shelters. The Riverside Dog Park is located behind Riverside Park. Wildwood Park 3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling. 706-541-0586. Email: wildwoodpark@columbiacountyga. gov. www.columbiacountyga.gov/government-/departments-l-r/parks-recreationdepartment/parks-facilities/wildwoodpark Wildwood Park is located on Thurmond Lake (also known as Clarks Hill Lake). This 975 acre park offers access to the 72,000-acre lake which is excellent for fishing and boating activities. Park includes 61 campsites, six lane-mega boat ramps, large parking lot with 231 spaces, home of the International Disc Golf Center & Hall of Fame and three championship disc golf courses, beach area, picnic area, seven covered pavilions and clean restroom and shower facilities in each camping area.
Family Faves!!
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 35
FEUDING SIBLINGS?
How to Turn Spoiled Dreams into the Summer You Desire by Judy M. Miller
Looking forward to having your kids home for the summer? I always am. I anticipate enjoying the outdoors and a much more leisurely pace-long bike rides and hikes, an annual trek to the beach, lots of ice cream, and more time and connection-all with my kids.
The saying goes that a mom’s two favorite days are the day summer vacation begins and the day it ends. Is this true for you? Do you find yourself counting down the days to the start of school because your kids have spoiled your dreams of a relaxing summer by arguing, fighting or refusing to participate in family time and activities? There are two primary culprits behind derailed summer dreams. Think back to the ten months or so preceding summer and you’ll likely recognize them: lack of routine and time together. What we often love about summer-the easy-going, unstructured days-can backfire. Kids without routines can quickly become restless and edgy, which can lead to tormenting each other. Likewise, kids often spend the other ten months separated-by bedrooms, school, peers, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Months of separation portend a lack of interaction, which in turn fosters unfamiliarity, and that makes spending time together challenging. So, do you want to nip the possibility of a spoiled summer in the bud? Here are several ideas that address the key reasons summer dreams sour:
BE INTENTIONAL. The first step to a successful summertime with your kids is understanding why summers sour. That said, be thoughtful about how you’re going to smooth the way. Realize that you will have challenges and remember your focus is on your kids, not what you need to do. Hold on to your enthusiasm, patience, and humor.
HAVE A PLAN. Consider your kids’ interests and plan activities around them or combine their interests into one activity. Remember to get your kids input on what they’d like to do. I have a daughter who loves nature, one who loves to bake, and two sons who are very active. I combine their interests into a bike ride through the woods that includes a picnic (with a special des-
36 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
sert made by my daughter) on the bank of our local river. We skip rocks after we eat. (This has
KEEP IT LOOSE.
become a summer favorite.)
Kids need routines; they help regulate their
THINK “ACTIVE.”
mind and body clocks, and kids know what to
Sitting around day-in and day-out frustrates kids; they require activity for healthy bodies and minds. I ban the use of computers and watching videos and TV during the day (different rules for inclement weather). We still go down to the local park to swing and spin and hit some balls around on the tennis courts. We often play games of HO-R-S-E or Croquet while waiting for dinner.
THINK TRANSITIONS. Provide an hour of downtime every day, to quietly read or create artwork. I set the kitchen timer, one of my “best” friends. Kids need time to regroup independently, just as you do. Similar to when you had your newborn, rest when they rest. I encourage you not to take this time to do household chores or other activities.
expect. Because there are fewer commitments during the summer, you can have a little looser
BACK-UP OPTIONS Have some backup plans you can rely on, in case of inclement weather, other unforeseen circumstances, or if your intended plan falls flat. The ideas are endless. Here are a few we enjoy:
routine, for example letting your kids stay up later to catch the fireflies or watch the stars and sleeping in the mornings. Kids should still have chores, like walking the dog and helping to water the garden. Just remember that while you have a looser schedule, the need still exists to keep a focus on the day and any plans. The summer you desire is within your reach. Use summer to reconnect and build deeper relationships between siblings, and between you and your kids. That last day of summer? You will come to wish it wasn’t. Judy M. Miller savors time with her kids. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.
KITCHEN FUN: Create a menu together. Shop for the ingredients and prepare the meal together. Kids of all ages can participate, from getting items together to measuring, stirring, mixing, cutting (with your supervision), and cleanup. We do a theme night once a week-Thai, Chinese, Italian, etc. GETTING OUT OF THE HOUSE: Think pottery painting, first-run movies, local museums, and day-trips (destinations within a few hours of where you live). BOARD GAMES: Make sure the games can incorporate all of your kids ability levels, as well as yours.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 37
Summer Fun
Picture Your Family HERE! Share a photo of your family summer vacation or just plain good old summer family fun and your photo may be included in the July 2016 issue of Augusta Family. Go to www.augustafamily.com and click on contests to ďŹ ll out a form and upload your family photo.
A U G U S TA
Questions? Email our editor at karin.calloway@augustafamily.com.
38 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
Fun Food C o u r tes y Fa m i l y Fea tu res
Flavors SENSATIONAL
BETWEEN BLOSSOMING FLOWERS AND WARMER TEMPERATURES, there are plenty of reasons to spend more time outside. Brighten up your warmweather family gatherings, such as your Mother’s Day brunch or Father’s Day dinner, with the sweet flavors of the season. These two simple recipes introduce new twists on classic desserts that will impress your loved ones. Dessert combinations, like a classic cheesecake laced with sweet cherries on a buttery chocolate chip cookie crust or a brunch-perfect cinnamon French toast with your favorite features of an apple fritter, are sure to be the talk of your family’s table. Find more easy recipes for spring at luckyleaf.com and visit the promotions page for a special offer.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cherry Cheesecake Pie Cook time: 67-82 minutes 1 roll (16.5 ounces) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough 2 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cans (21 ounces each) Lucky Leaf Regular or Premium Cherry Fruit Filling, divided
and sides of deep dish (2-inches deep) 9-inch pie plate. Bake 12 minutes. Cool completely. While crust is cooling, prepare filling. In large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. Stir in 1 can of cherry fruit filling. Pour filling into cooled crust.
Recipe courtesy of Kate of I Heart Eating Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45-55 minutes Servings: 12 1 package (24 ounces) thick-sliced cinnamon bread, divided 1 can (21 ounces) Lucky Leaf Apple Premium Fruit Filling and Topping 9 large eggs 1 cup fat-free half-and-half 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup powdered sugar 1-2 tablespoons milk Grease 9-by-9-inch baking dish.
Bake 55-70 minutes, or until filling is set and golden brown.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Press cookie dough evenly into bottom
Overnight Apple Fritter French Toast Casserole
Cool. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with remaining can of cherry fruit filling.
Cube cinnamon bread and add half to prepared baking dish. Add fruit filling over bread. Cover fruit filling with rest of bread cubes. In bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread. Cover and chill overnight. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Uncover and bake for 45-55 minutes. If it starts to brown too much, tent aluminum foil over casserole. Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk, adding more as needed to make pourable glaze. Drizzle glaze over casserole just before serving.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 39
Inspiration Station by D ustin Turner
Drama
oNE
Many of today’s adult actors, directors, board of director
members and others got their start in the Aiken Community
Playhouse’s Youth Wing, a free monthly gathering of children in grades 4-12 who meet for a couple of hours on a Saturday to learn the ins and outs of the theater world.
ACCORDING TO YOUTH WING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NANCY HANSEN, pictured on the left, The Youth Wing’s mission statement says a lot: To provide the broadest range of theatrical experience and education we can to the greatest number of young people we can while maintaining the highest level of quality we can in a safe and welcoming haven. “We are passionate about presenting the dramatic arts to any interested young people in a fun, dynamic way,” Hansen Says. “Theater provides so many life lessons, and there are so many opportunities to teach life skills and connect with kids in an authentic and meaningful way.” 40 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
A PLACE TO SHINE As school budgets have tightened, there are now fewer opportunities for children to be exposed to the theatrical arts, and the Youth Wing aims to fill that gap. “So many kids are looking for a place to belong and explore who they are and what they might become,” Hansen says. “At the same time, many have learned to hold back, to hide their differences or creative sides for fear of being different or singled out. In theater, we celebrate our differences and embrace them.” About 60 to 90 children each month attend the free workshops. “We always have someone new each time,” Hansen says, “and new students are welcome anytime. No preregistration is needed.” In 2011, then-Executive Director Jim Anderson introduced the Immersion Program and the Broadway Bound (now, Broadway & Beyond) fundraiser. “Initially, the focus was on taking a group of students to New York City to participate in the Broadway Student Summit, an advanced educational program with working Broad-
GREENJACK-ETTES Is your child ready to show their dance moves as part of the GreenJackets baseball team’s official dance team? The team is open to ages 4-18. Members rehearse twice to learn dance routines choreographed by professional dance instructor Ashley Barton of Burns Dance Studio. The registration fee includes: • On-field performances at three GreenJackets home games • An official GreenJack-ettes Dance Team t-shirt • Two tickets to each performance • Discounted prices for additional tickets. Rehearsals are scheduled for Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Monday, June 13 from 5-6 p.m. Both rehearsals will be held at Lake Olmstead Stadium. Game performance dates are Fridays June 17, July 8 and July 15. For more information, contact Shannon at smitchell@greenjacketsbaseball.com or 706-922-WINS.
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.
calendar M AY/J U N E
Special Events MAY 1. Shamrock and Peach Garden Tea. Dan and Patty Blanton open their lush gardens to guests. Stroll through Japanese maples and vibrant landscaping. Cookbook author Judith McLoughlin is scheduled to speak. Gardens open at 3:45 p.m. Tea seating, 5 p.m. Reservations required. 706-826-4700. MAY 3, 10 & 17. Toddler Tuesday. Ages birth through 5 enjoy 30 minutes of playtime and story reading followed by an hour in the pool splash pad area. One adult is free per child admission. Parent must remain with the child throughout the program. 10:30 a.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St. http://
42 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
salvationarmyaugusta.org/kroc-center/ kids-family/events-programs/. MAY 6, 13 & 20. Kroc Tots. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Enjoy a playdate featuring children’s literature, art and craft projects and social play. 9:30 a.m. MAY 6. Kids Night Out. Parents can enjoy a night to themselves by dropping their kids off at the Kroc center from 6-10 p.m. Ages 2-12. Activities include swimming, gym play, inflatables, arts and crafts and more. Proper swim attire and towel required. Ages 4 and younger will not swim. MAY 6-7. Historic Augusta Downtown Loft Tour. Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month by taking an intimate
look inside the historic buildings of downtown Augusta. All proceeds benefit the projects and programs of Historic Augusta. For tickets and more information call 706724-0436 or visit www.historicaugusta. org. MAY 6 & JUNE 3. Augusta Black Heritage Trolley Tour. Visit more than 25 significant historic sites related to Augusta’s black history including a comprehensive tour of the Laney-Walker area. 10 a.m. at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. MAY 7. Kids Fishing Rodeo and Family Day. Games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, snow cons and more. Preregister online at www.chfishforlife.org or on the morning of the event from 8-10
calendar
a.m. Fish Rodeo from 9-11 a.m. for children ages 2 to 14. Wildwood Park, 3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling. 706-799-3240. MAY 7. GOOD BOATS FOR GOODWILL. Annual dragon boat festival featuring races, food and family fun. Free admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Olmstead. 706-650-5760. MAY 7. Soul Food Festival. Performers include Rick James and Stone City Bane, The Bar Kays, Ohio Players, Slave, Midnight Star, Lakeside and Sapp. Gates open at 2 p.m. and show starts at 4 p.m. Lady Antebellum Pavilion, 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd. ilovesoulfood. com/augusta-ga. MAY 7. Derby Day. The Augusta Training Shop’s annual fundraiser and spring social event. Attendees will enjoy watching the Kentucky Derby live while sipping homemade mint juleps paired with Southern cuisine. Live entertainment, raffles, silent auction and hat contest. 706-738-1358. MAY 7. Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival. The small town feel and exceptional quality of the music presented make this annual festival a special event indeed. Featuring artists who offer the best in American music, focusing on Americana, folk, gospel, rock, blues and all its variations. In addition to a buffet of roots and blues, the festival will be serving up delectable regional dishes from a variety of local vendors. Gates open at 11 a.m. Thomson, Ga. For tickets and more information, visit www.blindwillie.com. MAY 8 & 22 AND JUNE 5 & 19. Heritage Gold Mine Park. Tour the 1852 Dorn Gold Mine starting point, learn how to pan for gold like old-timers using local, native gold. Keep what you find. Heritage Gold Mine Park, North Mine St. McCormick, S.C. www.heritagegoldmine.com. MAY 13-14. Aiken Bluegrass Festival. Benefits Aiken’s Therapeutic Riding. Carnival rides, food and craft vendors, camping and the best bluegrass bands in the nation. Aiken Fairgrounds. May 13, gates open at 4 p.m. May 14, gates open at 11 a.m. For a full schedule, tickets and other information, visit www.aikenbluegrassfestival.org. MAY 14. Columbia County Giant Community Yard Sale. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Columbia County. Rent a space and keep the profits. Register online at giantcommunityyardsale.com. 7 a.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 5642 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. Giantcommunityyardsale.com. MAY 14. Paddlefest. Annual kayak/canoe/standup paddleboard race. There will also be a home-made boat show, food vendors and live entertainment following the races. 8-10 a.m. Starts at the headgates footbridge on
the Savannah River. www.savannahriverkeeper.org. MAY 14. Etsy Craft Party Augusta. This is a celebration of meeting and making sponsored by Ever Crafty of the CSRA and the CSRA Creators Etsy Team. Partygoers will create craft projects and shop from local Etsy shop owners and crafters. Art contests, raffles, snacks and music. Children welcome. Basic supplies are included, just bring an item you’d like to paint with chalkboard paint. 6 p.m. at the Clubhou.se, 540 Telfair St., Augusta. 912-308-2243. MAY 15. Lock to Lock Bike Ride. Join this annual bicycling event for a scenic route of Augusta. Beginning at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion and back, the National Trails Fest Ride is an opportunity to spend a Sunday morning with your family and friends as you discover the real Augusta. Pre-Registration is required at Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Shop, 13th Street. Registration open until Saturday, May 14th by 5 p.m. For more information, please call 706-724-2453 or visit www.andyjordans.com. MAY 14. National Train Day. Features crafts, bubbles, a train photo booth, live music by Depot Jam, balloons, concessions, scavenger hunt, free train rides and more. 10 a.m. at the Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum, 406 Park Ave., S.E. VisitAikenSC.com. MAY 16. Celebrity Waiter Night. Enjoy a fine meal, be waited on by one of Aiken’s celebrities and help kids all in the same evening. Last year’s event featured 13 area restaurants and more than 150 local celebrity waiters. A portion of your meal price and all tips are donated to Children’s Place. 803-641-4144 or www.childrensplaceinc.org.
MY FIRST PIANO ADVENTURE Augusta University Summerville Campus, 2500 Walton Way.
Call 706-721-2329 to register and inquire about fees. Mini Music Camp at Augusta University Send your students to explore their first adventure in learning piano. Designed for rising 1st and 2nd grade students, Dr. Sarah Moore will get your students learning about reading music and playing the piano all while having a blast. Snacks will be provided each day. Space in this camp is limited to eight participants. All materials will be provided and are included in tuition. June 6-10 from 9-10:30 a.m.
dancers compete to raise money by gaining votes in a one-night dance competition. Vote online prior to the event with all proceeds benefiting the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Purchase tickets at www.DancingStarsofAugusta.com. 6 p.m. at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, 2 10th Street. MAY 21. Thunder Over Evans. Live musical performances, aerial demonstrations, food vendors, exhibits and a spectacular fireworks show. All in honor of Armed Forces Day. Free admission. Evans Towne Center Park. www.thunderoveraugusta.com.
MAY 17 & JUNE 21. Third Thursday Tales Story Time. Stories, rhymes and songs with beloved retired librarian Kathy Crosson. 10:30 a.m. at Imagination Station Children’s Museum, 965 Hickman Rd., Augusta. Imagineaugusta.org.
MAY 21. Imagination Station Family Fun Day. Kids’ crafts and activities, music and entertainment, snacks and sweet treats for all. The museum will be open. 1 p.m. at Imagination Station Children’s Museum, 965 Hickman Rd. Imagineaugusta.org.
MAY 19. Cotton Ball. Historic Augusta’s Cotton Ball will be held this year at Twin Gables, the home of Drs. Brooks Keel and Tammie Schalue, located at 920 Milledge Rd. Dinner and dessert, a cash bar, mint juleps, music and an opportunity to mingle in a historic setting. Admission to the Cotton Ball is by current, new or renewing membership in Historic Augusta, Inc., open to all who are interested in preserving our city’s historic places. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 706-724-0436.
MAY 27. Family Movie Night. Head to the Kroc to enjoy a movie in their state-of-the-art theater. Seating is limited, so arrive early. Refreshments available for purchase. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 6 p.m. at The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Augusta, 1833 Broad St. 706-922-1533.
MAY 20. Hops and Hogs. Enjoy live music from local band Delta Cane, local barbecue and regional craft beer. Free admission. The event will be held in downtown Aiken, at the corner of Pendleton Street and Hayne Avenue. 803-649-2221. MAY 20. Dancing Stars of Augusta Dance to End Alzheimer’s. Local Augusta celebrities with professional
MAY 27-28. Banjo-B-Que. Bluegrass festival and sanctioned barbecue competition. A stop on the Great American BBQ. Craft beer, petting zoo, pig races and more. Evans Towne Center Park. www.banjobque. com. Begins at 4 p.m. on Friday and 10:45 a.m. on Saturday. MAY 31-JUNE 1. Sesame Street Live Let’s Dance! Hosted by two live performers, Sesame Street Live Let’s Dance offers an up-close, interactive experience that includes dance parties. Elmo uses his imagination to Do
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Back to School issue in August August 2015 BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHION 9 HABITS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
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Charlsie Linder, 4, is the daughter of Wes and Denise Linder of Augusta. She was photographed in the Children’s Room at the new Salvation Army of Augusta Kroc Center in downtown Augusta.
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the Robot, Cookie teaches all “feets” to dance and Ernie shares the fun of dance with the Sesame Street favorite “Shake Your Head One Time.” Favorite friends join the audience on the floor—dancing with fans, not just for them. It’s sesame street like you’ve never experienced it before! 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1.
History & Science AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY 560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-722-8454. MAY 5. Robert Smalls: The Man Who Stole Himself. Presented by the Augusta Genealogical Society. Author Thomas Thibeault speaks about Robert Smalls, a former slave who stole a Confederate ship and gave it to the Union Army. He later served in the S.C. State Legislature and then the U.S. House of Representatives. 3 p.m. augustagensociety.org. MAY 7, 14, 21 & 28 AND JUNE 4, 11, 18 & 25. James Brown Family Historical Tour. Narrated tour of sites that were significant to the life of James brown. Highlights include his elementary school, his childhood home, businesses owned by Brown, the James Brown statue and more. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance by calling 803-640-2090. Go to jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org for ticket prices. MAY 11. Brown Bag History Lecture: Irish-American in the River Region. Part of a series exploring the theme of immigration in the CSRA and the cultural diversity of the region. William Herman will make a presentation about Irish individuals and their contributions, as well as the Irish community’s contributions locally. 12:30 p.m. MAY 30. Monday at the Museum: Historic Writing— Quill Pens and Spenserian Script. Ages 2-6. Registration required. Call 706-722-8454 or email aschaffman@augustamuseum.org to register and inquire about fees. JUNE 13. Monday at the Museum: Southern Summer—Fireflies in Jar. Ages 2-6. Registration required. Call 706-722-8454 or email aschaffman@augustamuseum.org to register and inquire about fees. PHINIZY SWAMP NATURE PARK 1858 Lock and Dam Rd., Augusta. 706-796-7707 or email info@phinizycenter.org. phinizycenter.org.
ers Club. For children through age 5. Stories, crafts and hands-on fun in nature. Registration required by calling 706-396-1424. 10 a.m. MAY 14 & JUNE 11. Children’s Hike with Story Time. Nature hike for children with a story before exploring and experiencing nature first-hand. Space is limited and registration is required by calling 706-396-1424. 9:30 a.m. MAY 21 & JUNE 18. Swamp Saturday Guided Bike Ride. Gentle bike ride through approximately seven miles of wetlands trails. Meet in front of the Swamp Shop. Bring your own bike, wear comfortable closedtoed shoes and bring drinking water. Helmets required. Register by calling 706-828-2109. 9:30 a.m. MAY 21. Family Camping Night. Campfire sing along with The Wynns, hot dog dinner, campfire stories with s’mores, games and a morning nature hike. Camping begins at 4 p.m. Saturday and ends at noon on Sunday. Call 706-396-1426 to register and inquire about fees.
MOONLIGHT MUSIC CRUISE SERIES All cruises begin at 7 p.m. 706-823-0440 www.augustacanal.com
May 6. Tara Scheyer May 13. Stink Bamboo May 20. Joyce Lynn May 27. Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold June 3. Jarod Gay June 10. Chris Hardy June 17. Angela Easterling June 24. The Kelley Family Band
time in a natural setting to inspire the imagination, followed up with a stroll on the boardwalk around the wetlands. For ages 2-4. 9-10 a.m.
MAY 21. Full Moon Walk. Guided walk through the swamp at moonlight. Wear closed-toed shoes and bring water. Strollers welcome. No dogs. Register and inquire about fees by calling 706-396-1426. 9 p.m.
The Arts, Music and More
MAY 28 & JUNE 23. Stream Explorers. Become an aquatic ecologist for a day. Join scientists in the creek (waders provided) and in the lab. Learn methods to determine the condition of the lakes and streams. Wear long socks, bring water to drink. No dogs or strollers. Ages 8 and up. 9:30 a.m.
MAY 1. Augusta Chorale Spring Concert. Thirty-third season spring concert featuring the Augusta Chorale, Washington Isaac Holmes (bass), Kira King Dittfurth (soprano), Angela Arrington (accompanist) and director Dr. Phyllis W. Anderson. Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel. Paine College. www.augustachorale.org.
REED CREEK PARK AND INTERPRETIVE CENTER 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027. www.reedcreekpark.com. Preregistration required. Call for fee information and registration.
MAY 1-3. REMIX. This exhibit highlights the practice among many African-American artists of retelling or refashioning themes, ideas, and objects in new ways and from their own unique perspective. The exhibition title is a reference to how African-American musicians sample other music by quoting it in new musical works—this same process occurs in the visual arts. REMIX will not only impress viewers with highly creative objects, but it will also invite discussion about history and how artists create entirely new pieces. Columbia Museum of Art. Columbia, S.C. www.columbiamuseum.org.
MAY 14. Snakes: The Misunderstood Hiss Story. Learn about snakes, one of nature’s most misunderstood animals. 10-11 a.m. MAY 20. All About Frogs. An indoor/outdoor program to learn about our local frogs and how they are being studied through a calling survey at Reed Creek. Go outdoors to listen to and identify different species of frogs using the calling survey protocol. Ages 5 and up. 8- 9 p.m.
MAY 7. Swamp Saturday Guided Hike. A leisurely hike through approximately 2.5 miles of nature park trails, departing from Swamp Shop & Visitors Center. 9:30 a.m.
JUNE 4. Busy Bees. Bzzzz! Often times when we hear the “buzz” of a bee we start to swat, duck and hide. We don’t want to get stung! But in this program you’ll learn why bees are so important to our ecosystems and why it’s important to help save them from decline. Ages 5 and up. 10-11 a.m.
MAY 10 & JUNE 14. Puddle Ducks: Kids & Caregiv-
JUNE 18. Mr. Nate’s Nature Reading Room. A story
MAY 2. 42nd Street. The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written. Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical. When the lead breaks her ankle, Sawyer takes over and becomes a star. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www. augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. MAY 3. James Brown Birthday Family Bash. Friends With Benefits is working with the city of Augusta and
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the James Brown Family Foundation to bring an unforgettable concert experience honoring the life, legacy and music of James Brown. The show will benefit the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils (JAMP), whose mission is to further music education for Augusta’s youth through the music of James Brown. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Augusta Common. For tickets, www. jbfamilybash.com. MAY 4. ZZ Top: Hell Raisers Tour. ZZ Top is notable for having the most consistently stable line-up in the history of rock music. Singer/guitarist Billy F. Gibbons, bassist/singer Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard continue to impress audiences, drawing material from their 15 studio albums, with combined record sales of more than 25 million in the U.S. alone. Timeless hits like “La Grange,” “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man” have kept generations of audiences coming back decade after decade. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. MAY 5. Hayley and Dylan Richardson: An Evening of Irish Traditional Music. Enjoy this brother and sister duo from Ireland at Fat Man’s Mill Café. 7:30 p.m. 1450 Greene St. Call 706-267-5416. MAY 6-8. Mary Poppins, The Musical. Everyone’s favorite, practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this musical adventure. One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story and unforgettable songs such as “Jolly Holiday,” “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Chim Chim Cheree.” Discover a world where anything can happen if you let it. Performed by the Augusta Players. May 6 and 7, 8 p.m. May 8, 3 p.m. Imperial Theatre. www.augustaplayers.org. MAY 7. The Christian McBride Trio. Among the many awards and accolades in Christian McBride’s trophy case are five Grammys. He’s like a force of nature, fusing virtuoso-level talent with the substance and grounding of a seasoned journeyman. McBride consistently combines his musicianship with an innate ability to communicate his enthusiasm to an audience. 6 p.m. Barnard Amphitheater. Augusta University. 706-7317091. MAY 8. The Riverwalk Revival. Trampled by Turtles and The Devil Makes Three will perform. Go to theriverwalkrevival.com for tickets. 5 p.m. at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, 1 Ninth Street, downtown Augusta. MAY 8. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds With Tank. The 11-time Grammy Award winner channels the magic of his storied career. Featuring nine new original songs, his first solo album in seven years is a nod to his RIAA triple-platinum album Tender Lover. That 1989 definitive breakthrough spun off four R&B/pop crossover
hits, including the R&B number one “It’s No Crime” and “Tender Lover” plus “Whip Appeal” and “My Kinda Girl.” 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. MAY 20. An Evening with Sara Evans. CMA Awardwinning country artist will perform hits. 8 p.m. at the Imperial Theater, 749 Broad St., Augusta. Imperialtheatre.com. MAY 22. Transcendence. Renew your spirit with the ethereal music of Hildegard von Bingen, Italian Jewish composer Salamone Rossi, Mozart and Bach. The program continues with pieces from the American experience, including Randall Thompson’s Alleluia, followed by a premiere performance of a new work from British composer Bob Chilcott, The Real of Heart, commissioned by Aiken Choral Society through Chorus America. 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 224 Barnwell Ave NW, Aiken. For tickets, www.aikenchoralsociety.org. MAY 27-29, JUNE 3-5 AND 10-11. How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Big business means big laughs in this delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder. Young, ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch rises from window washer to chairman of the board. Musical. May 27-28, June 3-4 and 10-11, 7:30 p.m. May 29 and June 5, 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. 803-648-1438. MAY 28. Augusta Music Fest. Featuring a variety of food vendors and artists, including saxophonist Gary Palmer, Perfect Picture and the GP Project. 3:3010:30 p.m. Augusta Common. www.augustamusicfest.com. MAY 28. Augusta Choral Society: Remembering and Honoring. Annual Memorial weekend concert with color guard, spoken word and music. 7:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 1201 Greene St. augustachoralsociety.org. JUNE 3. Alabama Southern Drawl Tour. Featuring special guest The Charlie Daniels Band. 6 p.m. at the James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. JUNE 3. Kirk Franklin: 20 Years in One Night Tour. For nearly two decades, Kirk Franlkin has been one of the most prominent voices in gospel music. His unique way of combining hip-hop, pop, R&B and gospel has garnered fans across multiple genres as well as critical acclaim. 7:30 p.m. at the Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. JUNE 4. JEEZY & Friends. Atlanta-based Young Jeezy has released albums and mixtapes under his corporation Thugs Entertainment. 7 p.m. at the Bell Auditorium.
AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS
Home Game Schedule Sunday games, 2 p.m. All other days, 7 p.m. 706-992-9467 May 1-2. vs. Greensboro May 12-15. vs. Greenville May 16-18. vs. Asheville June 2-4. vs. West Virginia June 6-8. vs. Columbia June 16-19. vs. Lexington June 27-29. vs Asheville
JUNE 18. Candlelight and Wine Concert Series. Bring your own seating and picnic and enjoy jazz, soul, R&B, spoken word, rock, funk and gospel music and live art demos. 7:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Amphitheater, 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans. Call 762233-5299 or go to gardencityjazz.com. JUNE 23. New Edition. 8 p.m. at the Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. JUNE 24 & 25 AND JULY 1 & 2. Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun. Presented by the Aiken Community Playhouse. 7:30 p.m. at the AECOM Performing Arts Center, Bechtel Experimental theatre, 126 Newberry St., S.W., Aiken. 803-648-1428. www.aikenplayhouse.us. JUNE 25. Elvis ’56 Starring Cody Ray Slaughter. Produced by Sherry Management. 7:30 p.m. at the Imperial Theatre, 749 Broad St. www.imperialtheatre.com. MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART 1 10th Street, 2nd Floor. 706-724-7501. www.themorris.org. MAY 1-JULY 24. Paintings by Victoria Lowe. Over the past four decades, Victoria Lowe’s paintings and drawings have focused primarily on atmospheric surfaces and gradations of color. Consistent throughout this body of work is her concern with energy in its many forms and the viewer’s deep emotional response to color. She has noted that the paintings have their origin in her childhood experiences of stargazing and in her feeling of sublime connectedness to things beyond the physical environment. Her paintings are free of narrative or subject matter and offer viewers a way to experience the depth of their own imagination. May 5, exhibition opening reception. 6 p.m. MAY 1-22. The Wild Treasury of Nature: A Portrait of Little St. Simons Island. In April 2011 artist Philip Juras was invited to paint the natural environments of Little St. Simons, a subject that he’s been exploring since. The works in this exhibit, and the book that accompanies it, capture a wide variety of the island’s natural landscapes. Through them he shares his passion for experiencing
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calendar these fascinating environments while underscoring the natural processes that formed them. MAY 1. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Pots and Paper. Create handmade paper with staff from the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking, sculpt clay pinch pots with students from Augusta University’s Mad Potters organization and help put the finishing touches on a cooperative installation. Free. 2-4 p.m. MAY 5, 12, 19 AND 26. Meditation in the Galleries. Learn the practice of meditation with instructor and author Kevin Sharpe, while surrounded by images in the exhibition Paintings by Victoria Lowe. Pre-registration required. Free. 8:45 a.m. MAY 6. Films on Friday: The Pickwick Papers (1952). The Morris Museum of Art concludes a springtime Dickens adaptation series with the rarely-seen British black-and-white film, written and directed by Noel Langley. It stars James Donald, Joyce Grenfell, Donald Wolfitt, Hermione Gingold and Hermione Baddely. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Free. Noon. MAY 20. Art at Lunch: A Dimensionality of Folk Art. Jason Hoelscher, gallery director and assistant professor of art at Georgia Southern University, discusses the unique aspects of Southern folk pottery and the university’s Smith Callaway Banks Southern Folk Art Collection. Several pottery pieces from the collection are currently on view at the Morris Museum of Art. Preregistration required by May 18. Noon. MAY 22. Music at the Morris: Big Kids Accordion Band. Delight in accordion hits from across the globe. Free. 2 p.m. MAY 26. Art Now: Aldwyth. Join artist Aldwyth as she discusses her complex collages and assemblages. Aldwyth is the 2015 winner of the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award, presented by the South Carolina Arts Commission, and is represented in museums and galleries throughout the U.S. Free. 6 p.m.
Sports & Recreation MAY 15. Lock to Lock Bike Ride. Beginning at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion and back, the National Trails Fest Ride is an opportunity to spend a Sunday morning with your family and friends as you discover the real Augusta. Pre-registration is required at Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Shop. All ages are invited. For more information, 706-724-2453 or visit www.andyjordans.com. MAY 7. Rock & Run 5K. A Fun run at Blanchard Woods Park in Evans. 9 a.m. Call 706-650-9467. JUNE 4 & 5. Wildwood Games. USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships, Wildwood Games, running, open water swimming, disc golf plus music, food, vendors, non-competitive activities and more. Register at www.active.com. Wildwood Park, 3780
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Wildwood Lane, Appling. www.wildwoodgames.com. 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. Weekly Schedule: Monday: >> Adapted fitness at the Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. >> Wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday: >> Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m. >> Quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday: >> Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday: >> Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., >> Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m. Friday: >> Adapted cycling at the uptown VA, 1:30-2:30 p.m. CSRA DEFENSIVE ARTS 803-221-0330 or csraDefensiveArts.com. Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8 to adult. Goshinjitsu, Kindai Karate and Kobojutsu. Call for information.
Hospital Programs AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY HEALTH Register online at augustahealth.org.
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. 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 706-721-7606 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. 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. SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH. NICU Parent Support Group. Noon-1 p.m. in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 5th Floor, Children’s Hospital of Georgia. For more information, call Sylvia McCoy at 706-721-2286. 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., Augusta University Health, 7th Floor South, Room 7524.
ONGOING. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their website.
DOCTORS HOSPITAL 3651 Wheeler Rd. 706-651-3232 http://doctors-hospital.net
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 706-721-5160 for more information.
MAY 12. Baby 101—Infant Care. Infants don’t come with instructions, but this class will equip new parents with knowledge about infant development and the guidance needed to care for your infant. Topics include normal newborn appearance and behavior, bathing, crying, diapering, swaddling and feeding. Partners are encouraged to attend. 7-9:30 p.m.
FIRST THURSDAY AND THIRD WEDNESDAY OF
MAY 21 & 22. Short and Sweet. A two-day weekend
calendar class covering discomforts of pregnancy, the process of labor and delivery, comfort techniques used in labor, medication/epidurals and relaxation and breathing techniques. This class includes valuable information even if mom intends to use an epidural for labor and birth. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on the Sunday. MAY 26. Safe Sitter. A nationally recognized program that teaches students ages 11-13 safe and nurturing child care techniques, management and appropriate responses to medical emergencies. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. MAY 31. The Daddy Class. This class is for dads only—no women allowed. Taught by an experienced dad, the class offers an opportunity to talk about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, various ways to support mom through pregnancy, labor and birth and breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m. JUNE 2 & 30 Breastfeeding. This class will help prepare mom and her partner for a great start in breastfeeding their new baby. the benefits of breastfeeding along with proper positioning and latch-on techniques are taught. Partners are encouraged to attend. 6:30-9:30 p.m. JUNE 4. You’re a Big Girl Now. This is a class for girls ages 9-12, along with their mothers. Information on
puberty and adolescence is discussed, including subjects such as emotions, acne, menstruation and normal body changes. Class is led by a registered nurse with a Master’s degree in education. 10 a.m.-noon.
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 p.m.
JUNE 23. Happiest Baby on the Block. This class is an adjunct to the best-selling book and DVD called “The Happiest Baby on the Block.” This program was designed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp. This class explains, teaches and offers hands-on practice with techniques Dr. Karp uses to calm fussy babies and to help all babies sleep better. Used by the nurses here at Doctors Hospital, these techniques will be a lifesaver for new parents after taking their baby home. 7-8:30 p.m.
MAY 10 & JUNE 14. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. 6-8:30 p.m.
TRINITY HOSPITAL OF AUGUSTA Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. MAY 3 & JUNE 28. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. 6-7:15 p.m. MAY 7 & JUNE 4. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Education. Helps mother and support person
MAY 23 & JUNE 27. Baby Care Basics & Breastfeeding. This class combines two important topics. A board-certified 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. 9 a.m.-noon. MAY 23 & JUNE 27 Breastfeeding Support Group. Help, understanding and guidance in breastfeeding. Noon-1 p.m.
UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth. org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs. FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH. Parents Healing
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calendar Together. For parents, families and friends who have lost infants through miscarriage, death, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. 7 p.m. in University Hospital, Dining Room 2. MAY 17-31 (TUESDAYS) OR MAY 18, 25 & JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAYS), JUNE 6-27 (MONDAYS), JUNE 7-28 (TUESDAYS) OR JUNE 8-19 (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. MAY 20 & 21 OR JUNE 23 & 25. 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. MAY 19 & JUNE 16. 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. MAY 26 & JUNE 23. 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.
Family Activities AIKEN HOME SCHOOL Times Playgroup 803-648-7042 or fourmckeels@yahoo.com. THURSDAYS. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the O’Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon.
CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS www.classicalconversations.com. kelli.c.graham@att.net. Classical Conversations is a community of home educators following a Christian, classical model of education. Five locations currently serve families in the CSRA —Augusta, Evans/Grovetown, Grovetown/Martinez, North Augusta and Aiken. MONKEY JOE’S 368 Furys Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). monkeyjoes.com. FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m. NORTH AUGUSTA HOMESCHOOL PLAYGROUP Meets Thursdays at various North Augusta parks for play. Field trips will also be scheduled. All homeschoolers are welcome. Call 803-613-0484 or e-mail emilykohlbacher@hotmail.com.
Parenting Support Groups 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. AUGUSTA FOOD ALLERGY GROUP Does your child have severe, potentially fatal food allergies. Would you like to get together with other parents who face the same challenges? This group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Evans Government Center Auditorium, Building A, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr. Free and welcome to anyone dealing with food allergies. Meetings often include special guest speakers. 6 p.m. Contact Sheena Whitlock at swhitlock@augustafoodallergy.org or go to www.augustafoodallergy.org.
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 Wednesday each month at 2 p.m. at the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation, 3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Building C. Call 800-650-BURN or go to www.sfbd.net. CELIAC DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP Email RoseforHealth@aol.com. Meets the third Tuesday of every month in Suite 120 of the Summerville Building, adjacent to Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Open to those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or on a gluten-free diet. Discussions include information on celiac disease, do’s and don’ts of a gluten-free diet and more. 7-8:30 p.m. COMMON BOND PARENT SUPPORT GROUP Geneice McCoy, organizer. 706-729-0012 or commonbond@comcast.net. For parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Call for location. LA LECHE LEAGUE This breastfeeding support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2204 Kimberly Dr. Evening meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. Call 706-737-2405 or log on at lllusa.org/ web/AugustaGA.html. MOMS CLUB 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.
AUGUSTA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 898 Weinberger Way. 706-228-3636 or log on at augustajcc.org. ONGOING. The Mothers Circle. Free course, resources, education and events for women of other backgrounds raising Jewish children. Call for details.
AUSTICARE Contact Donyale Clarke at 803-384-0522. This Autism support group meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at AGC Teacher Supply. Preregistration is required. Attendance is free.
MOMS CLUB OF GROVETOWN www.momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com Momsclubofgrovetown@gmail.com Members come from Grovetown, Harlem and the communities of Fort Gordon. The group is not affiliated with any parenting style, religion, or ethnic group. MOMS Club is open to and accepting of any and all moms who are at-home with their children.
Sign Up for Class! The AJCC offers a wide variety of classes for children of all ages and adults, including athletics, the arts, cooking, language and more. Log on to download a complete listing.
THE BRADLEY METHOD OF NATURAL CHILDBIRTH Contact LeReese Bennett at 706-541-0970 or roger.bennett06@comcast.net.
MOMS CONNECTION Call 706-721-8283 for more information. Every Tuesday. A free weekly support group for new mothers. All new moms are welcome and can bring
52 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016
calendar 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. 10:3011:30 a.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center, second floor, Terrace Dining Magnolia Room. MOTHERS OF ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE (MAMA’S) Did you have a child at age 35 or older? Are you expecting? This group of “older” moms welcomes you for meetings, support and play dates. Disabled children welcome. Contact Ami McKenzie at 706-364-5245 or hoopnhollar2@ yahoo.com or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MaMasInAugusta/. MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS (MOPS) 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 803-640-4742 or email mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare. NEIGHBOR TO FAMILY 801 Greene St., Augusta. Call Kimberly Lee-Branch, coordinator of licensing, recruitment and training at 706396-2180, ext. 107. The goal of this organization is to revolutionize foster care by keeping siblings together while building healthier families. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS 907-854-1509. A non-profit 12-step support group for people addicted to food. No dues or fees for membership. Meets in Augusta on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3551 Wheeler Road, and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way. PARENT SUPPORT GROUP The Child Advocacy Center, a program of Child Enrichment Inc., a nonprofit organization serving victims of sexual abuse in our community, is offering a support group for parents and caregivers of children who have been sexually abused. Groups will be held the second Tuesday of each month. Call 706737-4631 for information and location. This group is not appropriate for sex offenders. PEACEFUL PARENTING AUGUSTA This unofficial Attachment Parenting support group is for families who believe in parenting gently and building children’s spirits, minds and bodies through nurturing, attentive and practical approaches. Join their Yahoo! group at Peaceful_Parenting_Augusta or email Jen at theotherbradford@yahoo.com.
VOTE FOR US!!
VOTE for us online at www.augustamagazine.com Voting ends June 5, 2016
PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AUGUSTA Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services: 706-724-5200. 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.
Augusta Family | May/June 2016 • 53
Girl Go
PHOTO BY JOHN HARPRING
by Kar in C allow a y
Kelley Norris KELLEY NORRIS, 43, is a pediatric pharmacist at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. She and her husband, Matthew, an engineer, have three children ages 12, 11 and 10, as well as a Standard Poodle named Max, a Calico cat named Fleming and a neighborhood cat they feed, whom they call Tiger. She is a youth leader at Church of the Good Shepherd and leads a team for Friends of Frances, an organization that raises awareness for those with special needs or rare diseases. What quality do you most admire the most? Loyalty. What’s your favorite food? Roasted broccoli or a Green Jacket salad. Dream vacation? A trip to Italy. Favorite place to take the kids? Folly Beach. Is there an important life lesson you’ve learned? Having gratitude changes your perspective on life. Not only does it allow you to appreciate all the blessings in this life, it helps you overcome adversity and be successful in difficult situations. What would surprise people about you? Despite that I work with large groups of people, I am actually an introvert. Best thing about being a mom? Seeing the lessons that you teach your children play out in their actions. Hardest part about being a mom? Seeing my children deal with disappointment or heartache is one of the hardest thing a mother has to do. Favorite indulgence? Pizza.
I admire. Ashley Brown is one of them. She is a wonderful mother and selfless friend. Signature dish? Peanut brittle. Are you a planner, a dreamer or a doer? Give us an example of why: I think of myself as a doer. While I do dream and also like to plan, when I get something in mind that I want to do I let very few things get in my way. I don’t let the details of planning something stop me from actually getting it done. When I started Friends of Frances, I dreamed big about what it could be and just went with it. I am thankful for the people around me who pay attention to the details. Favorite subject in school? Math. Greatest hope: I hope that I live my life to the fullest and inspire other people to do the same. Biggest fear: Looking back on my life and having true regrets. What are you reading right now? Four different books! What inspires you? Seeing people live out their passions inspires me to do the same.
What was you first job? Babysitting.
Favorite college football team: Auburn.
Whom do you admire the most? I am surrounded with wonderful friends who
Song playing in your head: Something Beautiful by Needtobreathe.
54 • Augusta Family | May/June 2016