NOVEMBER 2018
A U G U S TA
ANNUAL
TOY GUIDE
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Warm Water
Water Safety
Small Class Size
Get Ready For Summer
contents www.augustafamily.com
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PHOtO bY lI tzUNI ON UNSPlASH
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Features 22 Annual Toy Guide
A listing of top-rated toys, games and more that you’re children want this holiday.
NOVEMBER 2018
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Get Ready for Fall ON tHE COvER: Sonya & Lauren Smith, 8 years old of Evans. Photo by Sean Morgan
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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.
Handling the Holiday Season with Dignity, Patience and Grace A Few Practical Tips
Departments 6 9
Editor’s Page Mom to Mom
A Love Letter to Augusta Karen Gordon
11
News & Notes
14
Eating Well With Kim Holidays, Sugar & Fiber
—Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
16
—Dr. Dana Harris
Doctor Dad Pick Your Friends Carefully —J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
18
Also, check out our contests and giveaways!
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Smart Mom’s De-Stressing During the Holidays —Cammie Jones
20
Raising Readers
36
Inspiration Station Camp Wonderland
Story Tellers and Gamers —Meridith Flory
-Dustin Turner
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Calendar
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Go Girl! Ruthie Eden Garcia —Renee Williams
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 5
AU G U S TA
Editor’s Notes Renee Williams
www.augustafamily.com
PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren
EDITOR Renee Williams
ART DIRECTOR Michael Rushbrook
T
Thankfulness & Gratitude
he more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That’s because - for sure what you focus on expands. When you focus on the goodness in life, you create more of it.” -Oprah Winfrey
Every year at Thanksgiving, we are reminded to give thanks for the things in life that we are grate-
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ful for. But what if we resolved to set a time aside every day to deliberately pause to reflect and
Lisa Dorn
count our blessings?
ADVERTISING SALES Doressa Hawes Mary Porter Vann
CIRCULATION/MARKETING Kimberly Stewart
PHOTOGRAPHY John Harpring Chris Thelen Sean Morgan
CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Karen Gordon Dr. Dana Harris Meredith Flory Cammie Jones LeeAnn Rhoden Naimah Shaw Paige Tucker Dustin Turner Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times
Because, gratitude puts situations into perspective. When we can see the good, it becomes difficult to complain. Gratitude helps us realize what we have. Gratitude helps us see the beauty in life. Gratitude makes us happier, strengthens relationships, improves health, reduces stress and in general, makes us happier. Researchers have discovered that gratitude has some incredible benefits and that a daily practice literally rewires the brain and body for health and joy. Here are seven scientifically proven benefits of gratitude. 1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Showing appreciation can help you win new friends. Saying thank you, sharing a smile with a stranger or acknowledging a colleague’s hard work and other people’s contributions to your life can lead to new opportunities. 2. Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains. Not surprisingly, grateful people are also more motivated and likely to take care of their health. They exercise more often and are more likely to attend regular check-ups, which is likely to contribute to further longevity. 3. Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. 4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. Grateful people are more likely to behave in a positive manner, experience more sensitivity and empathy toward others, even when others may behave less kindly. 5. Grateful people sleep better. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep. Spend just 15 minutes
per year and distributed throughout the Augusta
jotting down a few grateful sentiments before bed, and you may sleep better and longer. (Check
and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or
out Mommy Minute for our featured Gratitude app.)
comments to the editor at renee.williams@augustafamily.com or mail to 643 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga., 30901. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/distribution, call (706) 828-4391.
6. Gratitude improves self-esteem and reduces social comparisons because grateful people are able to appreciate other people’s accomplishments. 7. Gratitude increases mental strength. For years, research has shown gratitude not only reduces stress, but it may also play a major role in overcoming trauma. Recognizing all that you have to be thankful for, even during the worst times, fosters resilience. Enjoy this issue of Augusta Family as we roll into the holiday season and remember to count all of your blessings, however big or small.
We look forward to hearing from you; visit our website www.augustafamily.com and on facebook and twitter.
Until December,
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6 • Augusta Family | November 2018
Renee Williams renee.williams@augustafamily.com
Mom to Mom
FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE TODAY!
Ka re n G o rd o n
A Love Letter to the City of Augusta “You ask me why I love her? Well, give me time and I’ll explain.” Those words from John Wayne always resonate with me because Augusta is many things to many people. Augusta is the Garden City, golf central, the birthplace of soul and the Silicon Valley of the south. For me, this is where I grew up and where I choose to call home. Augusta is home to my family and to an ever-expanding creative class and collaborative community and downtown is the epicenter of it all. Yes, downtown- the diamond in the rough. The place where some have said dreams go to die. But upon closer inspection, you notice a tightly knit collective of independent businesses and individuals from disparate industries coming together. City leaders, business professionals and technical wizards are building stronger human and computer networks. Public school students connect with entrepreneurs and develop new disruptive technologies. Visual and performance artists are leveraging partnerships to bring beauty to unexpected spaces. Augusta does indeed have its challenges – transportation, education and industry, and every now and again, someone asks, “Why do you stay here? Why haven’t you moved away to make music in The Big City or on the road?” I always welcome the question, because the answer is obvious. Everything I need is right here in Augusta and most of it is downtown. There are music and cultural festivals, historical structures and multiple opportunities to engage with the community. The Saturday Market, Jessye Norman School of Arts and the Arts In The Heart festival, all provide opportunities for me to pursue my passion and interests while serving the public. Here, I get to combine my love for music with my love for the downtown community. Over the past few years, I’ve sought in earnest to discover solutions to our community’s challenges. My husband has helped me to understand that you get out of life what you put into it… that what you see in others is simply a reflection of yourself. I’m convinced there are always pathways to “yes” and that anything is possible once you decide that it shall be. I see the tremendous resource that is our city. I see the gifts and talents on a daily basis and I see growth, opportunity and the potential for innovation. I see creative ones forming strategic alliances and stamping out the notion of the starving artist. All of these things create a kind of synergy unique to downtown. We are family and we understand that we need one another to survive. The sum of what we can accomplish together greatly eclipses any milestone that we reach from our personal silos. In downtown Augusta, 2+2>4. “Townies” continue to work together to build a sense of place and to develop a viable collaborative economy. It’s who we are. It’s what we do. We create, we innovate, we build, we respect, we live and we love. We are Downtown Augusta. A diamond in the rough is what I see when I look in the mirror because I need polishing and refinement. I could use a good image consultant and publicist… a fresh coat of paint and a new wardrobe. I am downtown. I am Augusta. I am the arts and to reference Mr. Wayne, “You ask me why I love her? I’ve got a million reasons why: My Beautiful Augusta, beneath God’s wide, wide sky. Karen Gordon is a singer, songwriter and the founder of Garden City Jazz. She works with the City of Augusta to present the Candlelight Jazz Concert Series each year and has partnered with RCBOE to develop interactive courses such as Taking Notes: Jazz & The American Story and Jazz4Kids.
Primary Care • Women’s Health • Pharmacy • Pediatrics Dental • Mental Health • Pulmonary • Infectious Disease
9 Augusta Christian Schools offers: • Christian worldview curriculum and excellent academic program
• Chapels every week, spiritual emphasis week
• Advanced Placement and honors courses for upper grades
• Fine Arts classes in band, chorus, drama and visual art
• Medical Health Sciences Academy
• Community service and mission projects and trips
• Classes for students with learning differences
• And more……
313 Baston Road Martinez, GA 30907 Call 706-863-2905, ext.206 or visit www.augustachristian.org Augusta Family | November 2018 • 9
Family Fun!!
FUN AND EXCITEMENT AT GYMNASTICS GOLD
NOVEMBER 2018
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Christmas & New Year’s Camp DECEMBER 27-28 & JANUARY 2-4
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Ages 4 - 13 Camp hours 8:30 to 4:30 (early dropoff 7:30 late pickup 5:30)
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Each day packed with fun activities, games, gymnastics and much more
Call 706-650-2111 for more information or visit us at www.gymnasticsgold.com 124 Cedar Lane, Martinez, GA
news&notes November 2018
App-Tastic!
GrATiTude. rewire your brAin in five minuTes A dAy.
mommy minute
Goodwill celebrates National Family Literacy Month with the launch of the Good Readers Program with the help of community Ambassadors. Good Readers will work to engage young minds and foster a lifelong love of reading in children. As part of the Good Readers program, local community leaders who serve as Goodwill Ambassadors will read aloud to children at various Goodwill locations each Saturday in November at 11:00 a.m.
Science haS proven that when you write about a happy event, your brain relives that good feeling. And when you focus repeatedly on something that feels good, your brain rewires itself to do that more effortlessly in the future. Gratitude is your private memoir of life’s best moments. Gratitude is the EASY and FUN way to rewire your brain in just five minutes a day by journaling life’s best moments. Using a unique algorithm, Gratitude is the first brain fitness app to evolve with the user, keeping them engaged, investing in their practice, and finding their mojo. Suitable for all personality types, Gratitude reduces stress, improves health and your overlay quality of life. Gratitude was created after the founder, Carla White, had her own personal renaissance that stumbled her into the app business. In other words, on the brink of suicide, she discovered her divine core purpose by keeping a gratitude journal and in awe of its miraculous transformative powers, she launched the Gratitude app as a result. The year was 2008 and her app, Gratitude, has orbited through the top iTunes charts and has been featured in major publications around the globe. Key Benefits * Your personal, private and sacred diary of life’s best moments * Increase your happiness in the same impact as doubling your income! * Proven to reduce stress and anxiety while improving your overall quality of life. * Increase self confidence, strengthen emotions, and higher focus at work and play * Improves relationships and better sleep quality
“We must not forget that the most enduring modifications in toys are never the work of adults, whether they be educators, manufacturers or writers, but are the result of children at play.” ~Walter Benjamin
Story time will take place for an hour, while parents are free to browse the store or listen with their child. After the reading, each child will receive a free book to take home. Not only is reading together a source of joy for parents and children, studies show that children exposed to books at a young age are much more likely to do better both academically and behaviorally. Reading aloud is the single most important activity for the development of literacy skills – helping them develop word mastery, grammatical understanding and narrative comprehension – all critically linked to future success. The launch of the Good Readers program is on the heels of the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation national study, which finds that 80 percent of lower-income fourth graders and 65 percent of all children in the state of Georgia are not reading proficiently. Goodwill plans to participate actively in literacy efforts throughout its service area. Although improvements have been made over the past decade, reading proficiency remains unacceptably low in an economic environment that requires increasing levels of education and skills for family-sustaining jobs. “Unfortunately, poverty and illiteracy are closely connected: parents in low-income families are less likely to buy or have access to books and more likely to have limited literacy skills themselves,” said James J. Stiff, president of Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA. “The goal of our Good Readers program is to provide additional support and assistance for low-income children and their families as well as the gift of books of their own.” To reserve your spot at an upcoming Good Readers event, donate books or to become a Goodwill Ambassador please call Ashley Brown – at the Goodwill Augusta Campus 706.854.4747or Brandi Hartness at the Macon Campus at 478.471.4854 or visit www.goodwillworks.org.
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 11
news&notes REED CREEK NATURE PARK & INTERPRETIVE CENTER By Mary Ashton Mills eed Creek Nature Park & Interpretive Center is a wonderful resource for education and preservation. It is located just off Fury’s Ferry Road across from West Lake subdivision. Reed Creek runs through Martinez collecting and shedding water into the Savannah River. The park is a nature preserve within the limits of our growing and progressing community. The park offers a one-third mile long raised boardwalk and trail system open daily sunrise to sunset. Trail maps are available in the Interpretive Center. These trails are available for walking or jogging and taking in the local flora and fauna such as woodpeckers, river otters, deer, cattails, and willow trees. Along the trails you will be taken through six different habitat exhibits – creek, floodplain forest, pond, upland forests, field, and swamp. You’ll see a pollinator garden and the CSRA Master Gardener’s demonstration garden. It offers a true appreciation to all that our area has to offer and what we need to do to preserve our natural resources. The Interpretive Center is where the nature library is located. There you can find literature about our environment along with check lists for identifying animals and plants along the trail and in our very own back yards. There are also natural history displays and a live animal collection featuring turtles, frogs, and snakes. Reek Creek Nature Park and Interpretive Center offer educational programs for all ages. There’s story time for toddlers and scientific educational classes for homeschoolers, and for after school extra-curricular fun. You can arrange for school field trips, scouting trips, and even birthday events. One of their annual events is the Chocolate Festival held in March.
12 • Augusta Family | November 2018
Reed Creek Nature Park
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLUMBIACOUNTYGA.GOV
Are we there yet?
The Interpretive Center also offers an outreach program where one of the counselors will bring to your location several animals. They will provide information about each animal, its habitat, and allow children to touch and gently handle some of creatures. LOCATION: 3820 Park Lane, Martinez, GA 30907 BUDGET: The park is open to the public. There are costs for special events and classes. Be sure to check their Facebook page for the schedule and class information. https:// www.facebook.com/reedcreeknaturepark/ WHAT TO DO: Do walk the trails and use their check list for a nature scavenger hunt! Be sure to visit the Interpretive Center to learn about our environment and to check out the cool animals. And if you have the opportunity, do sign up for one of the classes. They are awesome! IF YOU GO: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring bug spray. Take a camera for pictures and binoculars to see all the animals.
news&notes
SAFE KIDS FAST FACTS PHOTO COURTESY OF VISITAIKENSC.COM
The holiday season is here and for many kids that means one thing: toys! Approximately 50 percent of all toy purchases in the U.S. each year occur between the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. While parents are on a mad dash to scoop up the hottest toys, Safe Kids Greater Augusta advises that safety should be at the top of every wish list. On average, about 515 children are taken the ER each day for toy-related accidents and injuries, and more than a third of toy-related injuries are in children younger than age 5. Safe Kids Greater Augusta wants to reduce these injuries, most of which can be avoided, by following key safety tips. One of the most important is to always select toys that are appropriate for a child’s age and developmental abilities. Also, if a new toy comes with a product registration card, it is recommended that parents complete it and mail it in so the manufacturer can contact them if the item is ever recalled. For more information about toy safety, call the Safe Kids Greater Augusta coalition at 706721-7606, or read the full column on the Augusta Family website this month.
30th Annual City of Aiken Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony Join the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department as we celebrate the holidays with the 30th Annual Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event will be held from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 30th, 2018 at the Newberry Street Festival Center. There will be live music children’s crafts, holiday snacks, and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus! For more information, please call 642-7634.
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Augusta Family | November 2018 • 13
Eating well with Kim b y Ki m B e a ve rs , M S , R D, L D, C DE
14 • Augusta Family | November 2018
Eating well with Kim
Holidays, Sugar & Fiber Holidays and sweet treats fit together, but holidays and fiber, maybe not so much. I’d like to change that – now don’t get me wrong I am a fan of the occasional sweet treat, but I am a bigger fan of health. Consider these well known facts with health in mind. Fact one: Americans eat more sugar than is recommended. The average American eats 14 to 20 teaspoons of sugar per day. Children and teens consume slightly more than adults. • The American Heart Association recommendations for added sugar are gender based. It is recommended that women and children consume no more than 6 teaspoons and men no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day. • The primary sources of added sugar in the diet are sugar-sweetened beverages, baked goods and dairy rich desserts (such as ice cream). Fact two: Most Americans do not consume enough fiber averaging about 14g of fiber per day. • Adults should consume 25-35g of fiber per day for health and wellness. Children need slightly less fiber ranging from 14g-22g per day depending on age. • Fiber is found in plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and beans). There is a disconnect between what adults and children are consuming and what they should be consuming for health maintenance. Over the holidays sugar becomes an even larger presence in social gatherings while plant foods (fiber rich foods) take a backseat. But during this hurried time of the year I challenge you to take a few simple steps to enhance the presence of plant foods in your diet while keeping sugar at bay. Simple steps result in the greatest success. “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” ~ Henry Ford. 1) Enjoy plenty of fiber rich foods (beans peas, lentils, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables). Make a big pot of bean soup for quick meals throughout the week and include vegetables at 2 meals a day-or more. Often fruit, which is both fiber rich and sweet, is all you need to satisfy a sweet craving. Keep fruit out on the counter for easy grab and go snacks or cut up for easy eating from the refrigerator. 2) Eat 3 balanced meals a day. Fill half of your plate with non-starch vegetables, and be sure to add some protein and healthy fat. When hungry it is natural to want the most calories with the least effort, usually sweets are what we crave. Including protein and healthy fat (extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados) to your meals will keep you satisfied longer, which will keep sugar cravings at bay. 3) Stay well hydrated. Being slightly dehydrated will bring on cravings for food especially sugary foods. Keep water bottles filled and ready. 4) Enjoy indulgences! Don’t let feelings of guilt take away the joy of a special sweet indulgence. Keep quality and quantity in mind when choosing holiday splurges and then simply enjoy! This month’s recipe was selected specifically because it is high in fiber, nutrition and has a touch of sweetness from the sweet potatoes. It also provides ample leftovers making hurried dinner meals easy during a busy time of year. Until next time, eat well, live well. ~ Kim Beavers.
Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili The sweet potatoes provide an interesting taste and texture to this chili. The smokiness of chipotle pepper adds a special dimension and flavor. 1 tablespoon organic canola oil 2 large onions, finely diced 6 garlic cloves 2 red bell peppers, chopped 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch dice 2 cups black beans, presoaked 1 ½ cups water 2 (14 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes ¼ cup tomato paste ½ teaspoon salt Chopped cilantro for garnish
Heat the oil in an electric pressure cooker on the sear setting. Add the onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic, red peppers and spices and cook another 2 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes, black beans and water. Lock the lid and select the bean setting and press start, adjust the time to 25 minutes. Once the cook time is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes then press the steam-release button to release the remaining pressure. When the pressure is down, remove the lid tilting it away from you. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste and salt. Cook using the sear function for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down into a sauce. Serve over rice, or other grain, garnished with cilantro. Yield: 8 Servings Nutrition Breakdown: Calories 260, Fat 2.5g (0g saturated, 1g monounsaturated fat), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 280mg, Carbohydrate 50g, Fiber 14g, Protein 12g. Percent Daily Value: 160% Vitamin A, 110% Vitamin C, 10% Calcium, 30% Iron. Diabetes Exchanges: 2 Vegetables, 2 Carbohydrates, 1 Lean Meat Adapted for electric pressure cooker and used with permission form The Veggie Queen™ from “Vegetables Get The Royal Treatment© 2007 www.vegetarianconnection.com.
Kim Beavers is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To be notified of new recipes join Kim’s facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/ eatingwellwithkim. To search for specific recipes go to www.universityhealth. org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www.wrdw.com/ewwk.
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 15
Dr. Dad
PHOTO BY THOUGHT CATALOG ON UNSPLASH
J. Ro n E a ker, M. D.
16 • Augusta Family | November 2018
Dr. Dad
PICK YOUR FRIENDS... CAREFULLY ANOTHER IN THE SERIES, TEN HABITS FOR HEALTHY MOMS On my first day of medical school, a stodgy, statuesque professor sur-
suit. Granted, there are an amazing number of variables that couldn’t
veyed the class and prognosticated, ”Look around ladies and gentlemen.
possibly be excluded, but the fact remains that who you associate
In four years a third of you will not graduate, 1 will commit suicide, and
with can impact your health.
of those who are married now, 30% will be divorced.” At that moment I
Thankfully, benefits can be seen by positive associations. A study
about became one of those 1/3, but instead I persisted and learned the
that was mined from the data of the famous Framingham Heart
lesson that our peer group has an enormous impact on our lives.
Study showed that if one friend stopped smoking there was a 36%
A famous motivational speaker is fond of saying that you are the sum total of the qualities of the three people you hang around the
chance that a second friend would also quit. This was magnified with spouses as the likelihood of mutual stoppage went to 67%.
most, so pick your friends carefully. While no one argues that peer
There is no doubt that behavior affects health and there is ample evi-
groups and associations influence such things as status, behavior
dence that social groups influence behavior. Therefore it makes sense
and self confidence, few realize that who you hang with can also
that who you are friendly with can be a factor in your well being. One
affect your health.
study actually concluded that this effect may extend up to three degrees
Those of you with children are often victims of your child’s friendships. By that I mean your social group is largely determined by who
of separation. In other words, you may influence your friend’s friend and your friend’s friend may be having an impact on your health decisions.
your kids hang out with. This isn’t always the case; however, there
The obvious question in this social network world we inhabit is,
often is somewhat a randomness at this season of life in with whom
can “virtual” relationships influence a person’s health? The answer
you can develop a relationship.
there seems also to be yes. Whether through accountability, mo-
A landmark Harvard study published in the New England Journal
tivation, or a variety of other interactions, online friendships can
of Medicine in 2007 shocked sociologists and physicians claiming
be positive for certain health behaviors. Interestingly, the degree
that a person’s chances of becoming obese increased by 57% if he
of influence seems to be a bit less for virtual interactions over in-
or she had a friend who became obese in a given interval. Think
person associations.
about that for a moment. All other reasons aside, if you were friends
It appears in study after study that it is the intensity and depth of
with someone who became overweight, you stood a better than not
the relationships that hold the strongest influence. In other words,
chance of becoming overweight yourself! This completely changed
it’s pretty certain that your 10,348 Facebook friends actually have
how we viewed social relations as it applied to health. Is it really
very little influence on your health, rather the three folks you con-
possible that disease could spread through social connections?
sider your besties carry most of that water.
These researchers found that the closer you and the perceived
One of the key factors for healthy aging described in Dan
friend were the greater the association. For example, if you claimed
Buettner’s book, The Blue Zones, is being a member of a community.
someone as a friend not in the survey, and they didn’t reciprocate,
This association seemed strongest in communities that espoused
there was a less likelihood you would gain weight. On the other hand,
generally health behaviors such as in some religious groups. Many
if both of you acknowledged a close relationship and one became
studies have shown the negative impact of loneliness on health risks
obese, the likelihood of the other becoming obese rose by 171%!
including depression and cancer. In fact, one author went as far
The ramifications of this for weight loss programs was immense.
to say, “The mortality risk associated with a lack of a strong social
Anecdotally physicians had noted for years that people with a solid
network was comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes every day,
accountability group who were either losing weight themselves or
or more than 6 alcoholic drinks a day.”
being very supportive of the effort dramatically increased the likelihood of success in achieving weight loss. Now, we partially know
So the message is have friends, but pick them wisely to stay healthy, wealthy, and wise!
why. Some of it is picking your compadres carefully. Another study was really frightening. It showed that if you have a friend who has attempted suicide, you are 4 times as likely to follow
Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters in college.
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 17
Smart Mom’s Guide C a m m i e Jo n e s
De-stressing During the holiDays It happens every year. I make a pledge to enjoy the holidays and not be a stress case. I promise myself that I will “remember the reason for the season” and sit back, slow down and just enjoy friends, family, holiday music and decorations. I WILL NOT BE STRESSED AND I ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT TAKE IT OUT ON MY FAMILY! Well, all those promises pretty much fly out the window the moment I realize how many days exist until Christmas or that my Etsy order will not be in on time unless I pay a thousand dollars extra in shipping. This year is going to be different because I am writing about it, and I am going to stick a copy of this list on every surface of my home so that I will make it through the “most wonderful time of the year” without a breakdown or two…
18 • Augusta Family | November 2018
Smart Mom’s Guide
1. Plan ahead
or life-changing event, we all know that no one is
Take a close look at your calendar and plan ahead. You
perfect. Not one person I know has the perfect life,
know when Thanksgiving is and what day Christmas
the most talented, well-behaved kids or the ideal
lands on this year. Look at the obligations already on
husband all of the time. There is no such thing as
your calendar so that you can make sure that when
perfection here on earth so stop striving for it. Just
those meetings or parties occur that you are able to
know that we are all human and will make mistakes
attend and not be in such a harried state of mind. Set
so put on your big girl pants and just do your best.
goals for when you would like to have all your Christ-
And, don’t forget to laugh at yourself!
mas or holiday shopping completed and try to fulfill these goals. Start with an ongoing list, either on a
5. volunteer
notepad or on your computer or phone, that you add
Not that you need to add anything else to your cal-
to when you get a great gift idea for someone.
endar, but giving just an hour or so to help someone else will bring you back to reality. Ring the bell for
2. Get enouGh SleeP
the Salvation Army, organize canned goods at your
Although this may make you giggle out loud, it is
local food pantry or help with a toy drive. There are
very important to get plenty of sleep, especially
many non-profit organizations that would welcome
during the hectic days of the holidays. Set a bed-
your help this time of year and really, all year long.
time goal each day depending on what activities you have planned for the evening so that you can set a
6. take a day off
realistic time. Before bedtime, try to limit screen
Try to keep a day or even half a day when you are
time on your computer or phone one to two hours
not running around or frazzled about this or that.
before you sleep. “Harvard Medical School scientists
That day can be your day to exercise, go out to
concur that specific wavelengths of light suppress
lunch with a family member or friend and maybe
the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin in the brain,”
just be home in the “quiet.” Read a book, make that
says Laurie Hollman, Ph.D., Effects of Screen Time on
phone call to an old friend or watch a television
Adult Sleep, Huffington Post, 2017. The light from the
show that you recorded to watch when you can sit
screen messes with your body’s ability to sleep so put
down and enjoy it without interruption. Have a “me”
your phone away in exchange for a well-rested mom!
day, and get back to your to do list the next day.
3. Go outSide / exerciSe
7. enjoy the BiG dayS
Fresh air can sometimes be the best remedy for
No matter how much you have to do before the
stress. Take a stroll around the neighborhood or go
“big day,” make sure that you can actually enjoy the
outside and water your plants when you need a little
day or evening for which you have been prepar-
break or you can feel the stress coming on. If you
ing. No one wants a stressed mom as the kids open
are at work, take your lunch hour to head outside to
presents Christmas morning or the frazzled person
reconnect to nature. Incorporate exercise into your
trying to get the turkey and dressing to come out
day. It’s as important as getting enough sleep and will
to the table hot and at the same time. Appreciate
release endorphins that trigger a positive feeling in
the time and effort that went into the day and then
your body, all in a natural way.
sit back and relax.
Also, during the winter months, Vitamin D is essen-
When the holiday season is over, I hope that I will not
tial. If you can’t get it from the outside sun, replace it
be the one that sighs and says, “Thank Goodness.”
with a supplement or add it in your diet via salmon,
I want to the person who can say it was hectic yet
egg yolks, or fortified milk.
wonderful all at the same time but I took the time this year to really enjoy it all — even the crazy days!
4. don’t Strive for Perfection I hope that these days, despite social media posts that primarily shows a person’s really fabulous day
Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 19
Raising Readers Me red i th F l o r y
Story tellerS and GamerS When I first met my husband and
and continue to welcome an increasingly
learned that one of his hobbies was tabletop
diverse fanbase that includes more women
role playing games, I honestly didn’t know
and the children and grandchildren of early
what he was talking about. I think I mus-
players.
tered a, “like Dungeons and Dragons?” but
While over the years I’ve learned more
I had no idea of what game play looked like
about his hobby, and he’s occasionally asked
or the diverse array of settings, systems,
for my advice as a writer when developing
and styles available for this hobby. These
stories and settings, it’s only been recently
games, known as RPGS, are experienc-
that I began to think about the positive as-
ing a resurgence in popularity as aspects
pects of RPGs for helping children develop
of geek culture become more mainstream
creativity, writing techniques, and problem
20 • Augusta Family | November 2018
Raising Readers
solving skills, while simultaneously providing quality time for
able using the tips for gameplay, but being much more in-
families that can incorporate favorite superheroes or stories,
ventive with his story as a seasoned gamemaster.
but keep everyone blessedly off their screens. It turns out
As a former English teacher, I see a lot of potential for ta-
that I’m not the only one that has begun to see these applica-
bletop RPGs to improve writing and reading skills, in addition
tions, and some game developers have started to create sets
to the emotional benefits of quality time spent together in co-
of rules and settings that are more family friendly.
operative problem-solving. As an avid reader of science fic-
Sometime last year my daughter wandered into a game-
tion and fantasy literature, Lloyd has found the same benefits
play session her Dad was holding with friends and began to
and incorporated those learning qualities into the game. He
ask a lot of questions. He quickly found a toddler sized dice
explains that his children “knew that Daddy had all these spe-
set for our kids and began to brainstorm ways to introduce
cial dice, and big books full of cool pictures, and they wanted
our children to his favorite hobby, which can be a challenge as
something like that for themselves.” He now sees them “losing
many RPGs have complicated rule systems and scary or oth-
themselves in books the same way I did and bringing things
erwise inappropriate pieces of storytelling.
they read into our games.” We both agreed that playing can
Martin Lloyd, a parent himself, is the creator of Amazing
help children process aspects of storytelling like plot struc-
Tales, a gaming system specifically for parents playing with
ture, character development, and story pacing, and Lloyd has
their children. Simple, with easy instructions and suggested
heard from teachers who have used the game in some way in
settings contained in one book, I spoke with Lloyd about the
the classroom. He states, “you get a great feedback loop be-
positives of role playing with your children, and ventured
tween kids wanting to make up the kinds of stories they read,
into new territory as a game master when my family worked
and then read the kinds of stories they’ve made up.”
through Amazing Tales on a recent vacation.
For parents looking for ways to share their science fic-
Games in general can be a great way for children and
tion and fantasy hobbies with their children, Amazing Tales
parents to spend time together, but unlike traditional board
can be a great way to bring your hobby to your families’ level
games that become repetitive after a while, and rely more on
and spend time with, rather than away from them. For par-
pure luck, RPGs are more open-ended. Lloyd shared that he
ents that are currently skeptical or know little about tabletop
realized this difference while developing the game and play-
RPGs, the basic rules here fit on one page, and are simple
ing with his children, and that Amazing Tales is “a work-out
enough for you and your child to understand them together
for the parents’ mind as well as the kids’” providing “a fulfilling
- in fact, we had a much easier time incorporating our young-
activity for parent and child...your kids are going to amaze you
er child into this gameplay than board games, so it’s perfect
with the stuff you’ll make up together.
for families with children at different ages, and gameplay can
During an RPG, a game master creates a story or sce-
vary in length and complexity. I particularly appreciated the
nario that the players work their way through with char-
ways the tips in the book help you guide your children with
acters they’ve created beforehand. Amazing Tales provides
decision making, while allowing their own agency, such as
artwork, ideas, and descriptions for four possible settings,
using the skills your children have decided their character
The Deep Dark Forest, Magical Kingdoms Long Ago, The
has to make suggestions. Our older child had selected “being
Pirate Seas, and Adventures in the Stars. The information
a leader” in addition to two ninja fighting skills for her char-
is often in question or list form, spurring parents to ask the
acter, so we would ask if she wanted to use her leadership
right questions as their family decides on a type of story.
skills to convince a bad guy or group to do something, rather
Character creation is explained in much the same way, with
than going straight to a fight. Lloyd worked through four
a “story sheet” that relies on spaces for the child’s artwork
years of research and development, and the Facebook group
or notes to decide on their characters description, pow-
and Youtube videos show more information and gameplay.
ers, and skills. The set-up works well for both parents that
Amazing Tales is available for purchase on DrivethruRPG.
have never played an RPG, gently guiding them through the
com as both a hardcover book and PDF format and would be
steps, while also being engaging enough for parents that
an excellent purchase for any family for the holidays as a way
are skilled players to skim through tips to help bring game-
to spend cold winter evenings together.
play to their child’s level. My children developed “ninja cats” as influenced by our pets and their favorite ninja cartoons. When I ran them through a game, I relied more on the books tips and information, using the Adventures in the Stars setting, while my husband was able to feel comfort-
Meredith Flory is an Augusta-area freelance writer, military spouse and mother of two. She has a masters degree in children’s literature from Kansas State University and has taught high school and college English.
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Handling tHe HolidayS witH dignity, Patience and grace By dr. dana harris The holiday season is rapidly approaching! For many, it’s an opportunity to rekindle the feelings of family togetherness, meaningful traditions, spiritual rejuvenation, precious memories of childhood and the innocence of a moment in time long ago. For others, the holiday season can bring about feelings of being overwhelmed, depression and loneliness, coupled with hectic times and shiny new possessions that probably won’t be paid off until March. Family relationships, finances and the physical demands of the holiday season are all common triggers of stress. During this time of year, it comes as no surprise that old patterns of behavior began to emerge, stress levels rise and for some, the ability to cope flies out the window. If the thought of the holiday season is already stressing you out, you’re not alone. Many people have an expectation of the perfect holiday, which is usually something out of a movie or television show but in real life however, last minute things come up, appointments are postponed, schedules are reshuffled, people arrive late, house decorations aren’t perfect, there’s shopping lists to be completed and the perfect dinner that we planned so well is ruined. In fact, between stressful end-ofyear deadlines, family dysfunction and loss, overscheduling, overindulging and overspending, it’s easy for the holiday season to feel not-so-merry and bright.
32 • Augusta Family | November 2018
Some experts agree that the holiday blues is a real phenomenon. For an overwhelming majority, the holiday season adds a whole new layer of activities and responsibilities both real and imagined. It’s easy to become physically and emotionally exhausted during this time of year especially with the added demands of parties, shopping, decorating, baking, cleaning and entertaining. In addition, trying to satisfy the expectations of parents, sibling and children can be too much. And when stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. During my early childhood years, holidays focused on family traditions and rituals meant to create meaningful experiences. Nowadays, holidays often revolve around obligations, expectations and going through the motions but this year, reframe by arming yourself with a few coping strategies. I highly recommend creating your very own action plan to cope with challenging people and situations so that you can reclaim your power and feel more in control. We can’t stop the world from turning, but we can better manage the emotional challenges of the holidays better. •
Be a Proactive Planner. A great way of preventing holiday stress is by planning and prioritizing. Heightened pressure and fear of not getting everything done are the most common triggers for the holiday blues. Careful planning can eliminate the rush of lastminute things to do, things that often zap your energy. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers whether it’s financial pressures or personal demands. With a little pre-planning and some positive thinking, you will be able to find peace and joy during this special time of year. The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health. Give yourself permission to let some things go. Take a moment each morning to gather your thoughts, make a to-do list and check off the two or three items that are important to you. Let yourself entertain the idea of letting go of many of the others or at least reducing them in some way. Create a budget. There’s so much
pressure on people to spend, spend, spend. Planning and creating a budget will eliminate overspending. Keep your commitments and spending in check. It is quite easy to forget that the holiday season is about “presence” and not presents. Yes, the holiday season is a busy time but keep a relaxed and positive outlook. When we plan effectively, we will be able to give the best gift we can possibly give ourselves and those around us which is our own peace of mind. •
reflect, Balance and rejuvenate. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones. It’s easy to get caught up in the decorating, shopping, baking and wrapping, but are you enjoying any of it? Stop, breathe and take a few minutes to look around and enjoy the decorations on the lampposts. Look at the beautiful lights on the tree. Inhale the warm aroma of those delicious cookiesmell the scent from the freshly baked pumpkin pies. Be present. Sit down, relax and enjoy a cup of tea. Don’t forget the basics and be sure to exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and take your vitamins. Time invested in yourself is worth it. The holidays can bring out the best and worst in people so this year give yourself and other family members the best stress-free version of yourself that you can.
•
acknowledge Your feelings. If someone close to you passes away or is ill and you can’t be with love ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. Take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. Embrace your memories. No one can truly understand how it feels to experience the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. For me, it’s personal. The holiday season is a very sensitive time as my dad’s birthday
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 33
was celebrated on Christmas Eve. It’s been 12 years since he passed away and every year the cherished memories and special moments we once shared begins to surface. It has taken me over a decade to realize that the pleasant memories of my dad during this time of year is one of the greatest legacies that I have.Dad was such a devoted and proud family man. He was also a perfectionist when it came to him assembling the decorations on our family tree. During my quiet moments, I can remember sitting back as a kid, watching my dad for hours at a time vigorously cleaning and putting up the many colorful lights and decorations around the house with tunes from Lena Horne and Nat King Cole playing on our floor model stereo. It is these memories that would often bring both laughter and tears to my eyes. Do what you can to spend as much time with friends and family members who truly understand that the holiday season can increase your sense of loss. Be with those who will allow or encourage you to express your feelings without judgement, folks who will inspire you to share your memories. Tell your stories and take time to look thru the family photo albums. What makes the holiday season so special is that it presents each of us with an opportunity to celebrate our victories and commiserate our losses with those who are most important to us. •
Be Grateful and realize What’s really important. Both in real life and on social media, it can be difficult to avoid comparing yourself with others around Christmas time. If you are dealing with family drama, stress from work issues, postpartum, bad relationships or experiencing a health issue, stop comparing your holiday experience with others. Coveting is a recipe for increased sadness and isolation. Holiday advertising can often make you forget what the holiday season is about. If you should find your holiday list running longer than your budget, you may want to consider scaling back. Research has shown that taking the time to be grateful every day has enormous physical and
34 • Augusta Family | November 2018
mental health benefits. Being grateful for what we have, helps build our immune systems, keeps us in touch with the positive aspects of life and connects us with others. Why not start a holiday gratitude journal? From now until the New Year, take a few minutes each day to jot down at least three things you are grateful for in your life. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. It could be as simple as receiving a long-distance phone call from an old college buddy, helping an elderly woman with her groceries in the parking lot at a busy mall or simply having a grateful heart for having enough food to eat. The first step to a happy holiday season is to determine what you want from the experience. Consider what you want from the holidays, not what others want from you. Sit back and visualize your plans for a fun-filled and memorable holiday season with your friends and family. •
enGaGe in healthy Conversations. If there is worry about heated disagreement or negative conversations, focus on what you and your family have in common. Families might even plan activities they can do together that foster good wholesome fun and laughter. We all know that even with good intentions, unexpected challenges may still catch us off guard. If it starts to feel uncomfortable during certain conversations, simply excuse yourself. There’s always that one uncle or family member in every family who can be offensive and outspoken. They are normally the ones who appear to be the expert on every topic. If this should occur, keep the conversation light and on “safe” subjects (avoid controversial topics like politics, religion and money). You may even consider repeating an encouraging chant in your head such as “I can handle this” or “Setting boundaries is a healthy form of self-respect.” You can also use “I” statements to calmly and kindly express your feelings and needs. However, if the conversation is too irritating, you can always excuse yourself or leave early! I strongly believe in setting boundaries and declining invitations to gatherings or events that are likely to be
highly stressful or painful. We can’t always predict the future, but we can reasonably anticipate challenging circumstances based on what has occurred in the past. Being realistic allows us to problem-solve ahead of time. •
•
Be a Good Holiday Role Model. Do what you can to emphasize to your kids that it’s not always about the tons of presents but giving and receiving a few heartfelt gifts. By starting early with meaningful traditions, talking candidly about the true meaning of the holidays and focusing on toughtful gift giving, you can help mold your child’s’ perspective. Teach your children the key is moderation and to feel appreciative with what is given. Volunteerism is another inspiring way to show kindness towards others. The phrase, “One person can make a difference” is a direct and empowering message for children. Teaching your child the importance of engaging in community service projects can be a humbling experience, particularly during the holidays. Voluntering can bring kids together with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities and various ages. They will soon discover that even the most diverse individuals can be united by common values. When kids are involved in helping others who are less fortunate, they will be able to envision for themselves all the remarkable things to be grateful for in their own lives. This life long lesson will teach them that giving comes in many forms, not just as presents. Your kids will come to know that giving from the heart means so much more—and last so much longer— than any gift that money can buy. Take Good CaRe of youRself and don’T aBandon HealTHy HaBiTs. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Be mindful when it comes to your own tipping points regarding holiday indulgences. This could only add to your stress and guilt. You already know your limits for alcohol and sweets. Listen to your inner voice
and use common sense to avoid doing something that you may regret later. Incorporating regular physical activities each day and getting plenty of sleep are steps in the right direction. Time invested in yourself each day will pay off big dividends and promote a better sense of wellbeing throughout the holiday season. Pace yourself. While extra special holiday gatherings can be enticing, you don’t have to compromise your physical or mental health by doing too much. Try your best to make good conscious choices and relax to restore energy. You may feel pressured to be everything to everyone, but remember that you’re only one person and can only accomplish certain things. Your endurance will be better if you stick to a regular routine as much a possible. Do what you can to engage in activities that bring you a sense of peace and contentment. Whether its exercising, meditating, getting a massage, reading a book, enjoying coffee with a friend or simply going to bed at a reasonable time, we all need some down time to recharge our batteries. Learning to manage and prioritize your time, commitment and family activities can reduce stress, allowing you to enjoy your holidays and focus your energies on the things that matter most to you and your family. The holidays are a great opportunity to enjoy time with others, to celebrate life, to be grateful and to reflect on what’s truly important. There are several helpful steps that you can take to lessen holiday stress and feel more optimistic about the season. Being realistic, planning and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression. When all is over and done, you may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would. In fact, you might even feel more energized as you reflect on what went well this holiday season. If this occurs, hats off to you! Wishing you and your lovely family a safe, peaceful joyous holiday season. Dr. Dana Harris, Retired Educator, Richmond County Public Schools
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 35
Inspiration Station by D u s t i n T u r ne r
Camp Wonderland Camp Wonderland’s showcase was an intensely moving experience for Scott Seidl. He says, “In a time in our world when it seems there is so much darkness, this gives you hope and brings you some happiness.” Scott is the executive director and artistic director of the Augusta Players. Camp Wonderland, which recently completed its third year, is a summer camp that exposes children on the autism spectrum to two weeks of music, drama, movement and visual arts. Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that often makes it difficult for children to communicate and form relationships with other people. Each of the 32 campers on the autism spectrum (ages 7-21) is paired with a “buddy” from the Junior Players. They spend the two weeks working with teachers who specialize in arts and special education, then put on a showcase to others can see their accomplishments.
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“This is a transformational program for the campers and the Junior Players themselves,” Scott says. Camp Wonderland has obvious effects on the campers, but the volunteer “buddies” from the Junior Players benefit, as well. “These 16- and 17-year-old Junior Players are going into this camp not knowing what to expect,” Scott says, “then, after two weeks, they decide their career path is going to be in special education.” Scott says some of the Junior Players become friends with the campers. “They talk to them even after the camp and invite them more mainstream activities they might not otherwise have access to.” The camp has lasting effects on the teachers and adult volunteers, too. “Everyone walks away with a wider vision of the world, with a better understanding of how we are all similar, not different,” Scott says.
Inspiration Station
Because Camp Wonderland is for young people with autism, organizers work diligently to provide a structured, consistent experience. “We want to make sure all of our processes make sense with how the children operate,” Scott says. The 2018 Camp Wonderland was the third one for Augusta Players, but Scott has been with the Players less than two years. “This past summer was my first summer,” he explains. “I gotta tell you, I was so moved at that showcase. I was not only moved by the performances of these campers, but the care and the love of the Junior Players toward them. They had only met two weeks earlier. Our outreach programs are amazing. But the two weeks of this program are my favorite of the entire year.” Running a two-week summer camp involves some operating costs, but Augusta Players would rather be generous than make a profit. Even though there is a tuition to offset operating costs, no campers are ever turned away because they can’t meet the financial obligation. Camp Wonderland has been so successful that it operates at capacity every year, and there is a waiting list. Organizers would like to expand the program, but operating at a financial loss can make that a difficult goal to reach. That’s where Ryan Abel comes in. Ryan, a local singer, songwriter and musician, has been involved with the Augusta Players for 12 years. “I’ve been wanting to do something to benefit the Players for a long time,” Ryan says. “Scott brought up the camp, and once he told me about it, I decided it was what I wanted to do.” Ryan organized the Goin’ South Concert to benefit Camp Wonderland. The Nov. 23 concert at the Miller Theatre will feature local musicians and guest singers performing a lineup of Southern rock favorites from Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, 38 Special, Marshall Tucker Band and more. The core band features: Keith Jenkins, Michael Vincent Baideme, Ronnie Hill, Brooks Andrews, T. Keith Davis, Russell Jarrett and Ryan Abel. Special guests include: Bethany Davis, Keith Petersen, Taylor Swan, Jaycie Ward, Scott Terry and Rachel Goodman. Ryan’s longtime love of Southern rock and a mediocre concert provided the genesis for the fund raiser lineup. “I was raised on Southern rock,” Ryan says. “I grew up lis-
tening to Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers. My father and mother love Southern rock. It’s a music near and dear to me, and it’s always been something I loved.” Ryan also plays in popular local cover band Ed Turner and Number 9. “We do cover music, and the idea is to re-create the music as best we can so we can take people on a journey back in time.” Imagine his disappointment when he saw the Marshall Tucker Band in concert “and they just didn’t do a great job,” Ryan says. “People came up to me and said, ‘You could do better than that.’” Ryan and his musician friends thought about that and decided they wanted to do a Southern rock concert. Ryan also wanted to do a fund raiser for the Augusta Players, “and here we are.” Most people think theater fund raisers only ever feature show tunes, so it is a unique match to feature Southern rock. “We just wanted to do something original and different. And fun,” Ryan says. And popular, evidently. More than 200 tickets sold within hours of becoming available. Tickets for the Nov. 23 Goin’ South concert at Miller Theatre are available at www.goinsouthlive.com. Scott says he is eternally grateful for the support. “Ryan has generously offered to donate the proceeds that will allow two things to happen. We will be able to expand the program and get more people involved.” Expanding Camp Wonderland to include more autistic children would bring joy to many people’s lives, Scott says. “That final showcase performance – there was so much joy on that little stage they are performing on. Most of us who get involved with arts do so because it is a joyful, fun experience. And these autistic kids are not shy about expressing their joy. It carried me for months afterward and gave me so much happiness seeing their happiness.” For more information on the Junior Players, go to www. augustaplayers.org.
Dustin Turner is an SEO and Content Specialist for Main Street Digital. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Jamie, for 20 uears, and they have a 10-yearold daughter, Abigail. The whole family enjoys performing in community theater.
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 37
calendar
38 • Augusta Family | November 2018
calendar november
Nov 2. TOTO. Historically, few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of ToTo. as individuals, the band’s performances can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the collected works with 225 Grammy nominations. For tickets, visit www. millertheateraugusta.com. Nov 3. Lynndale. lynndale Advocates 5th Annual Vendor/Craft bazaar from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lynndale, Inc., 1490 Eisenhower Drive, Augusta. Vendor/Craft Bazaar - event being held inside, come rain or shine to shop for fall and winter décor and holiday gifts. Past offerings included personalized children’s books,
creative crafts, custom ornaments, jewelry, honey and much more. Refreshments available. RAFFLE GRAND PRIZE $125.00, need not be present to win. To book a table or for more information, e-mail rose-mary@knology.net. Visit, www. lynndaleinc.org. Nov 3. CanalFEST ‘18. come to celebrate all the outdoor fun you can have along the Augusta Canal.It’s a free, family-friendly party along the canal’s Mill Village Trail. from 9 am to 4 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment all day, a 5k/ Fun Run, Exhibitors, Food Trucks, sports demonstrations and hands-on try outs - learn to kayak, bike, fish on the Augusta Canal. www.augustacanal.com. Nov 3. 2018 Chukkers of Hope Polo Match. Aiken, SC. The 3rd Annual Chukkers of Hope benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & child advocacy center of aiken
County will be at New Bridge Polo and Country Club on Saturday, November 3, 2018! The event’s feature match will be a High Goal game featuring top American and International players and will also feature a Youth Polo Match featuring up and coming American polo players. www. eventbrite.com. Nov 6. Guitar Pull. Kicks 99. Artists include Coke Swindell, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Chris Lane, Carly Pearce and Justin Moore. www. kicks99guitarpull.com. Nov 7. Bob Dylan. Get tickets for Bob Dylan www.AXS. com. Show at William B. Bell Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. www. augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. Nov. 8. Farmers Market. each Thursday evening at Evans Towne Center Park round out the Fall with
Cirque Dreams HoliDaze | November 27tH & 28tH Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2018 holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s in a 2 hour breathtaking spectacle. Visit millertheateraugusta.com.
We’d love to hear from you. If you have an event you’d like to add to our next issue, send an email to renee.williams@augustafamily.com.
Augusta Family | November 2018 • 39
CALENDAR
HEAD TO THE FAIR
The Columbia County Fair returns with rides, games, food and fun. November 1-11 | www.columbiacountyfair.net
food trucks, beverage tent, live entertainment, food stands, local artisans, kids’ fun zone and more. www.eventsaugusta.com. Nov 8. Guild of Sacred Heart Art Exhibition Opening Reception. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Free. www.sacredheartaugusta.org. Nov 9. Wine & Dine 2018. Enjoy a night of unlimited wine tasting, Hors-d’oeuvres and dinner by Art of Style Catering (chef LaCadrick Collier) while enjoying the beautiful sound of jazz music and hearing encouraging words of wisdom by a special guest speaker. www. eventbrite.com. Nov 9. ALAS invites you to the 6th annual gala to benefit Clinica Latina and 40 • Augusta Family | November 2018
the Centro Medico. ALAS is a nonprofit organization improving the quality of life and promoting the wellbeing of Hispanics in the CSRA. ALAS emerged in response to the nonexistent health services for the Hispanic community. Today ALAS is extending social, educational and health services to an increasing number of economically disadvantaged families in the area. Join the black tie affair on Nov 9 at Legends Club. For more info, visit www.alas-csra.org/story. Nov 9. Brian Wilson presents Pet Sounds. Garnering critical acclaim and marking a true return to form, Wilson continues to deliver a live performance of Pet Sounds in its entirety, as well as top hits and fan favorites spanning his 54-year
career with The Beach Boys and as a solo artist. Universally hailed as a writer of one of the greatest American songbooks, Pet Sounds has reigned atop countless critic and fan polls, and has maintained its timeless rank as one of popular music’s most-cited influences. www. augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. Nov 9. The Imperial. Charlie Chaplin’s Red Letter Days with Dan Kamin. By 1916 Charlie Chaplin had become the most popular person on the planet, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands when he traveled. It was like the frenzy over The Beatles half-a-century later, only Chaplin’s fame was even greater. This program explores that fame, the iconic Tramp character at its core, and what was going on
CALENDAR
THE NUTCRACKER
Your entire family will enjoy this classic holiday tale that has become a tradition in the CSRA. Join us as Colton Ballet Company of Augusta brings this holiday favorite to life during the 2018 Thanksgiving Weekend at The Imperial. Nov 24 | www.imperialtheatre.com
behind the scenes. It is based, in part, on a newly discovered series of thirty-seven articles written in 1916 by Fred Goodwins, one of the actors in Chaplin’s stock company. The program will include an account of how Chaplin electrified Augusta in 1918 with a live appeal. www.imperialtheatre.com. Nov 10. EXIT12 at The Miller. EXIT12 is a contemporary dance company committed to creating and performing works of high cultural significance that inspire conversations about worldly differences and the lasting effects of violence and conflict on communities, families, and individuals. Through movement, we educate audiences about the reality of war, advocate diversity and mutual understanding through cultural exchange, and champion
the humanity and dignity of all races. www. millertheateraugusta.com. Nov 10. The Legends of Soul Tour with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, along with Cameo and host Sheryl Underwood is coming. The Bell Auditorium at 6:30. www. augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. Nov 10. Augusta Market on the River. From March through November this outdoor market is overflowing with local vendors showcasing and selling their goods. Shop for local fruits, veggies, honey, baked goods, coffee and such. 15th 8th St., Augusta. Nov 10. Rhythm & Ribs Community Festival. WAFJ. The 3rd annual Rhythm & Ribs
Community Festival takes place at Christ Community Health’s historic Widows Home building in downtown Augusta. This event provides live, local music & dance groups as entertainment, a BBQ rib lunch, and a familyfriendly environment for the local community. All proceeds benefit the medical ministry of Christ Community Health. **If you or your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Ron Skenes at 706-396-1462. www. wafj.com. Nov 10. The Augusta 706ers announced a slate of high school games to help celebrate their home opener Nov. 10. James Brown Arena will be the site of six high school basketball games that Saturday leading up to the 706ers’ home opener at 7:30 p.m. The Augusta Family | November 2018 • 41
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Mr.SoleSby’S Shop
Local Author, Amy Epps inspire students to choose their own paths in life through her new book, Mr. Solesby’s Shop. “The book helps children learn to embrace the past and find the value it can yield for tomorrow,” Epps says. “The picture book tells the story of a young boy, who enters a cobbler’s shop with his mother and discovers lessons of the past. He soon learns shoes tell a person’s story, if only we take the time to listen. As the boy concludes his visit with the cobbler in his shop, he is left to wonder what his own story will be as he looks down at his blue tennis shoes.” Epps wrote this story after visiting a shop in Monroe, Georgia where she was having her husband’s shoes resoled. “It was like stepping back in time, a lost art that was still alive and well in that small little shop in Georgia,” Epps says. “Our days are so busy and life seems so hurried, places like this demand we take a breath and realize the value in each human being we encounter. Everyone has something to contribute. Everyone has their own story, but we have to be willing to take a moment to listen.” The book was written with teachers in mind. On her website, there are digital literacy activities for classroom use and at home. Readers can get their copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble online, Books a Million online, Surrey Center Pharmacy, Posh Tots, The Book Tavern or on the author’s website. For further information visit: www.amyepps.com.
schedule starts at 10 a.m. and one ticket covers the entire day. Tickets range in price from $12 to $32. The day starts with Burke County girls facing Dutch Fork, followed by Josey and Orangeburg-Wilkinson girls at 11:30. Laney and Johnson girls will play at 1 p.m., followed by Josey and North Augusta boys at 2:30. Westminster and Alleluia boys will meet at 4, and Evans and Burke County boys at 5:30 wraps up the high school portion. Nov 11. Junior League of Augusta Holiday Market hosting Silhouettes by Edward. Former top selling artist with Walt Disney World, Edward Casey, will be creating hand cut classic silhouettes only $25. www.eventbrite.com. Nov 11. Steven Stills & Judy Collins. Miller Theater. Doors at 7:00 p.m. www. millertheateraugusta.com. Nov 11. Exhibits at The Morris. 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission: Adults: $5 Child, 12 and younger-Free, Youth 13–17, $3. www. themorris.org.
Nov 12. Kris Kristofferson at The Miller. Kristofferson has been making things happen his entire life. Born in Texas and raised in a military family, he was a Golden Gloves boxer who studied creative writing at Pomona College in California. The Phi Beta Kappa graduate earned a Rhodes scholarship to study literature at Oxford. After graduating he served in the army as an Airborne Ranger helicopter pilot and achieved the rank of Captain. In 1965, he moved to Nashville to pursue his music. After struggling in Music City for several years, Kristofferson achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s. His songs “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “For the Good Times,” all chart-topping hits, helped redefine country songwriting. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded his compositions. www. millertheateraugusta.com.
Classical, and Romantic repertoire to stages and audiences of all kinds. The quartet’s passionate energy is poured into everything they do, generating/ critical and audience acclaim for their Clasical Roots, Latin Soul, and Romantic repertoire. Its tours include appearances for distinguished chamber music and cultural center series in the U.S., Canada, and South America. www.calendar.augusta.edu.
Nov 16. Dali String Quartet. The Dalí Quartet brings its signature mix of Latin American,
Nov 17. Living Well Health & Beauty Expo. Promoting healthy living and positive health
Nov. 17. Charlie Daniels Band. From his Dove Award winning gospel albums to his genredefining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor to young artists and still a road warrior at age 80, Charlie has parlayed his passion for music into a multiplatinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children and others in need. www.millertheateraugusta.com.
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transitioning and health screenings. Kroc Center, Broad St., Augusta. www. augustakroc.org. Nov 18. Dwight Yoakam. Doors at 7:00 p.m. www.millertheateraugusta.com. Nov 20. Bones James at The Imperial. The Honesty Tour. Boney James first rose to prominence in the mid-1980s as the keyboard player and later saxophonist for Minneapolis musician and Prince acolyte Morris Day’s band the Time, becoming an in-demand session and touring player for acts such as the Isley Brothers and Sheena Easton. www. millertheateraugusta.com. Nov 22. Turkey Trot. www.runsignup.com. Nov 23. Goin South. A Tribute to Southern Rock. www.millertheateraugusta.com. Nov. 24. Inaugural Palmetto Peach Half Marathon. SRP Park, North Augusta. Cross the start line in South Carolina (“The Palmetto State”) at the state-of-the-art SRP Park, in North Augusta. Listen to the spectators’ cheering fade into chirping birds and rustling leaves as you find your stride on the peaceful and picturesque North Augusta Greeneway. Skip through the Mayberryesque downtown North Augusta before crossing the Savannah River, into Georgia (“The Peach State”) . You’ll be feeling really good as you pace through Augusta, the hometown of the Godfather of Soul. www. wherevent.com. Nov 24. The Nutcracker. The holiday season brings to mind family, friends and…The Nutcracker! Come and experience the same magic and grandeur that Ron Colton brought to Augusta in 1971. Your entire family will enjoy this classic holiday tale that has become a tradition in the CSRA. Join us as Colton Ballet Company of Augusta brings this holiday favorite to life during the 2018 Thanksgiving Weekend at The Imperial. https://www.imperialtheatre.com/
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Nov 27 & 28. Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2018 holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 worldclass astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s in a 2 hour breathtaking spectacle. Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers at The Miller Theater. millertheateraugusta.com. Nov. 28. Christmas with the Annie Moses Band at Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts. A great opportunity for music lovers to get out and hear some of the greatest music ever written, performed by one of the most dynamic and exciting musical acts anywhere. Annie Moses Band is Emmy Award-winning, has charted the top of Billboard multiple times, and has wowed PBS audiences with their specials American Rhapsody and The Art of the Love Song. They’ve played at Carnegie Hall and are a regular presence at The Grand Ole Opry. Nov 29. Christmas Festival at Ft. Gordon. Tree lighting, hay rides, bonfire, Trees for Troops, arts and crafts, holiday concert, Santa Claus, Vendor Village for gift shopping and much more. www.evensi.us. Nov 30. Fall Concert. First Baptist Church of Evans. Join us for our first concert of the 2018-19 season! We will present Come, Ye Sons of Art by Henry Purcell along with favorite choruses from Handel’s Messiah featuring well-known local soloists. www. eventbrite.com. Nov 30. COME, YE LADIES AND LAIRDS Aiken Choral Society invites you to the 6th Annual Madrigal Feast to be held at the Reserve Club in Woodside on Friday, November 30th. Doors open 6:30 pm. The renaissance yuletide madrigal feast provides entertainment and merriment at the Reserve Club Ballroom. The chorus will be in full renaissance “garb” singing music from the 16th century and earlier. Also other
entertainment will be featured including Aiken Community Theatre Youth Wing, Carl Purdy’s instrumentalists and more. Director Dr. Maureen Simpson’s sense of humor guarantees a few chuckles and surprises. For Tickets stop by Aiken County Visitors Center at 133 Laurens St. NW or visit website www.aikenchoralsociety.org. Dec 7 to 8. THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL NORTH AUGUSTA CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES. sponsored by Beta Sigma Phi Sorority will be celebrated December 7 and 8. The tour begins with a candlelight tour on Friday evening from 5:30 until 9:30 p.m. and continues Saturday with tour stops open from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The tour will feature six beautiful homes decorated for the holidays. These North Augusta homes are in Hammond’s Ferry, Savannah Barony, Woodstone, Whatley Place and on Butler Avenue. In addition to the six homes, Tour of Homes guests are invited to peruse the Arts and Heritage Center’s (AHC) Galleries and Gift Shop while enjoying refreshments and holiday music. A brunch and fashion show will be held in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist of North Augusta at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. For additional information, please visit our website www.natourofhomes.org. HOLD THE DATE! December 7 at 7:00 p.m. Augusta Ballet will return to Columbia County this holiday season with an annual “Tour of Homes.” Please join and celebrate the SEASON! Join Augusta Ballet as an Ambassador and enjoy being part of a wonderful organization. As an Ambassador you will receive regular updates and notifications about our upcoming programs and future events. To show appreciation, each person’s membership includes a complimentary ticket to the Augusta Bal- let’s Ambassador Soiree on Friday, December 7, 2018, at a beautiful home in Westlake. The house will be beautifully, festively decorated by the area’s most talented interior design- ers, florists, and garden clubs. The evening will include a silent auction, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment.Tickets can be purchased at www.augustaballet.org.
Girl Go
photo by John harpring
b y Ren ee William s
Ruthie Garcia Ruthie GaRcia, 47, is a Senior Training Specialist and Owner of Eden Business Services. She has four children, daughter Marina, 25, son Ben, 22, daughter Sophia, 14, and son Gabriel, 13. She has three pets, Olive Ü LaFleur, Pit Bully mix; Stella Luna Tuna (aka Luna), calico shorthair; Margarite Sardinia (aka Marge), calico medium-hair. One word you would use to describe yourself: Passionate.
Give your presence to the present.
If you could have any job, what would you choose? Star of my own exotic
What would surprise people about you? That I can move my eyes indepen-
travel destination show.
dently of each other.
What quality do you most admire? Hmmm--I think this is a toss-up be-
tween incorruptibility and compassion.
Best thing about being a mom? Getting to love, laugh, cry and learn with four amazing human beings who I helped bring into this world.
What’s your favorite food? Sushi--just about any Asian cuisine.
Hardest part about being a mom? Seeing any of them hurt is the worst.
Dream vacation? Santorini, Greece.
Favorite indulgence? Oysters and Sauvignon Blanc at Abel Brown when
Favorite place to take the kids? A beach with lovely white sand. If you had a super power, what would it be? To plug in my brain to instantly
Marina works on a Saturday night. What was your first job? A hair-wash girl at a salon for blue-haired ladies.
learn anything, like in the Matrix!
Whom do you admire the most? Oprah Winfrey.
Favorite TV show: Sherlock & Game of Thrones.
Signature dish? Cornbread dressing AND cranberry orange chutney.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A “weather lady” on TV.
Greatest hope: That all of my children grow up to lead happy, successful,
Hobbies? I love to make stuff... any stuff, but not too much of any one thing,
healthy and productive lives.
over and over
Biggest fear: Dying too young.
Is there an important life lesson you’ve learned? That the present is a
What are you reading right now? The Little Book of Letting Go by Hugh
gift. Don’t squander it from woes from the past or worries of the future.
46 • Augusta Family | November 2018
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