Family AUGUSTA
October 2015 ANNUAL SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY ADVOCATING FOR YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD
m a g a z i n e
EASY ENTERTAINING
It’s
Finally Fall!
Twins Flip and Ansley Hooks, 10, left and center, and Zach Hooks, 9, are the children of Mark and Tracy Hooks of North Augusta.
Family AUGUSTA
m a g a z i n e
w w w. a u g u s tafamily.co m PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren EDITOR Karin Calloway
Contents 18
October 2015
PRODUCTION Art Director / Web Producer Michael Rushbrook Graphic Artist Chris Goodman ADVERTISING Director of Advertising Lisa Dorn Advertising Sales Doressa Hawes Lisa Taylor Maidi McMurtrie Thompson Mary Porter Vann Audience Development Manager Margaret Ranew PHOTOGRAPHY Carter Koenig Photography John Harpring CONTRIBUTORS Kim Beavers, MS, RD, CDE J. Ron Eaker, M.D. Meredith Flory Cammie Jones Mary Ashton Mills Jennie Montgomery Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at karin.calloway@augustafamily.com or mail to 725 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901 or telephone (706) 828-3946. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/ distribution, call (706) 823-3722.
Special Kids
Our Annual Guide To Special Needs Resources Throughout the CSRA
30
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Uniquely Yours
Advocating for Your Child’s Unique Educational Needs By Meredith Flory
departments 7 9
editor’s page mom2mom Binford Blues
-Jennie Montgomery
10 13
news&notes eating well with kim Managing Food Allergies
-Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE
14
16
smart mom’s guide
Entertaining Made Easy -Cammie Jones
36
inspiration station
Giving Back To Those in Need -Mary Ashton Mills
38 46
doctor/dad Deflated Desire
-J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
calendar go girl!
Linda Diebel
-Karin Calloway
October qu ick pick “As your child approaches the age for school, the decisionmaking process that goes along with putting together an educational plan might seem overwhelming. ” Writer Meredity Flory’s article on page 30 offers tips to help you advocate for your child’s individual needs.
ON THE COVER: Twins Flip and Ansley Hooks, 10, left and center, and Zach Hooks, 9, are the children of Mark and Tracy Hooks of North Augusta. Photo by Carter Koenig Photography.
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The Fourfold Trap
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editor’s by Karin Calloway
Celebrating Differences
Tripp and CC on Halloween in 1995.
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ripp, my first-born, came into the world 100 percent ready to go! He was an alert infant who slept little. He walked at 9 months and began talking around that same time. CC came 19 months later and she was almost Tripp’s polar opposite…thank goodness, because he was a handful. She was laid back, content to sit in her bouncy seat and watch her brother run around. Unlike Tripp, who wanted to interact with me nonstop and announced it loudly the moment he opened his eyes in the morning (yelling Mommy, Mommy, Mommy…), CC awoke quietly, at a leisurely pace. I’d often hear her playing with her crib gym on the monitor but she didn’t make a peep to alert me. Although she could cruise around holding onto the furniture and make it speedily across any room crawling, she didn’t truly begin walking until she was 16 months old. She was observant, quick to pick up an object and closely study it at length. As young adults, my children continue to be very different from one another. Tripp is still very high-energy, always pacing, talking on his cell phone, rarely sitting still. And, although CC has an awesome sense of humor, she’s still tends to be more comfortable observing others than being the center of attention. Instead of focusing on Tripp and CC’s differences, I celebrate them. And, I’ve encouraged them to approach life celebrating the differences in people. I’ve always told them, “If God wanted us to all be the same, why would he have taken the time to create so many varieties of trees, flowers, animals, insect and so much more?” The variety—those distinct differences—are what makes the world a beautiful place to behold and people all the more interesting. This issue celebrates differently-abled children. Our annual Special Needs Directory is packed with resources throughout our area. And, Meredith Flory, a new writer for the magazine, explores different aspects of parenting children with special needs in her feature on page 30. Here’s to celebrating our differences! Until November,
KARIN CALLOWAY is a wife and mother of two. She’s also a journalist and recipe developer who writes the Wednesday cooking column for The Augusta Chronicle. Watch Karin prepare her recipes on WJBF NewsChannel 6 on Tuesdays during Mid-Day and Wednesdays during Good Morning Augusta.
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2
mom m m ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK
by by Jennie Jennie Montgomery Montgomery
I
IMAGE TO COME
Binford Blues
can still hear the clapping of clogs going up the steps in Binford Hall, in rhythm: stomp, stomp, stomp…stomp-stomp-stomp-stomp-stomp! At the same time, echoing wildly through the three-floor stairwell, we sang the still chorus latest of chart-topping “Bop, bop… can hear to thethe clapping clogs going uphit thefrom stepsQueen in Binford Hall,bop, in rhythm: another one bites thestomp…stomp-stomp-stomp-stomp-stomp! dust!” stomp, stomp, At the same time, echoing wildlyand through theatthree-fl sangstairwell—you’ the chorus to the latest My roommate I lived the topoor of stairwell, that thirdwefloor d open chart-topping hit from Queen “Bop, bop, bop…another bites the dust!”that the door to the hallway and see right at our room. We heardone EVERYTHING My roommate and I lived atracing the topdownstairs of that third floorsomeone stairwell—you’ d open happened in the stairwell—the when was late for the door to the hallway and see right at our room. We heard EVERYTHING that class, laughter, sometimes yelling, even quiet crying when homesickness set in happened in the or a break-up juststairwell—the happened. racing downstairs when someone was late for class, laughter, sometimes yelling, even quiet crying when homesickness set in or a breakThirty years later I find myself again walking up those three flights of stairs. up just happened. The most surprising difference is the number of boys passing me. Our women’s Thirty years later I find myself again walking up those three flights of stairs. The dorm, back in the day, is now a co-ed dorm. Blows my mind! The only time we most surprising difference is the number of boys passing me. Our women’s dorm, would have seen so many boys in Binford back in 1985 was when it got close to back in the day, is now a co-ed dorm. Blows my mind! The only time we would have 11 p.m. and allboys “guests” had toback be out of thewas dorm. seen so many in Binford in 1985 when it got close to 11 p.m. and all As I get to the third floor landing and open the door leading down the hallway, “guests” had to be out of the dorm. I see the mythird freshman room. The ofleading my Gino Vannelli recordsI As Idoor get totothe floor landing andfaint opensounds the door down the hallway, still linger in the air, along with leftover pizza, air-popped popcorn and Lauren see the door to my freshman room. The faint sounds of my Gino Vannelli records still linger in the air, along withbeen leftover pizza,inair-popped popcorn Lauren perfume—it must have sprayed every other roomand back then!perfume— I started it must have been in every other and roomI hid backinthen! I started about the thinking about thesprayed time my roommate the closet to thinking scare our... time“Mommy!” my roommate and I hid in the closet to scare our... I“Mommy!” turn and see my daughter Sky running down the hall…the “my daughter” I turn andme seeoff-guard my daughter down the hall…the “my daughter” part catching as ISky was,running for a brief time, a 19-year-old myself. part catching me off-guard as I was, for a brief time, a 19-year-old myself. “Sky Baby!” I call out and open my arms to hug my girl. “You know this was “Sky Baby!” I call out and open my arms to hug my girl. “You know this was my my room?” I ask as we start walking up the hall. room?” I ask as we start walking up the hall. Sky is an RA on the same floor where I spent my freshman year. We love talking Sky is an RA on the same floor where I spent my freshman year. We love talking about about the changes on campus, even as we realize how many experiences are the same. the changes on campus, even as we realize how many experiences are the same. As get to to her herroom roomininthe thecenter centerofof hallway, pass what looks As we we get thethe hallway, wewe pass what looks like like two two empty spaces, two useless “cubbies, ” so to speak. empty spaces, two useless “cubbies,” so to speak. “Hey Mom,””she shelooks looksatatme me with a mischievous smile, “Ithe amonly the person only per“Hey Mom, with a mischievous smile, “I am on son who knows phone booths!” (Which sounded like the flon oorthe whofloor knows those werethose phonewere booths!” (Which sounded like “and they can’t believe y’allcan’t hadbelieve pet dinosaurs. ”) pet dinosaurs.”) “and they y’all had Now THAT THAT makes toto use thethe two phones on Now makesme mefeel feelold! old!WE WEwaited waitedand andwaited waited use two phones ourour floor—and 30 years later,later, not not onlyonly do our kidskids havehave NO experience whatsoever on floor—and 30 years do our NO experience whatusing ausing pay phone, but they allthey haveallTHEIR OWN phones. (Not that they talk on soever a pay phone, but have THEIR OWN phones. (Not that they them...but that’s another column!) v talk on them...but that’s another column!)
I
Binford Blues
JENNIE MONTGOMERY MONTGOMERY anchors anchors the the evening evening news news at at WJBF-TV. WJBF-TV. She She and and her her JENNIE husband, Scott, have three children. husband, Scott, have three children.
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news notes
8cnXpj i\d\dY\i¿ >fc`Xk_ nXj X +' gf`ek ]Xmfi`k\ fm\i ;Xm`[% ~Ralph “Shug” Jordan of Auburn
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome OCTOBER IS SIDS AWARENESS MONTH. About 4,000 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the United States. These deaths are called sudden unexpected infant deaths. There’s no established cause of SIDS. It’s called a “diagnosis of exclusion”, meaning that it’s the diagnosis given after everything else has been ruled out. Although medical experts haven’t found a cause, they have identified many risk factors that contribute to SIDS, including sleeping environment factors. You can take action to reduce your baby’s risk by always placing baby on his or her back to sleep. Find out more infant sleep safety tips in the full column on our website. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids Worldwide & USA network. To find out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids. To read the entire article about infant sleep safety go to www. augustafamily.com.
on the Trick-Or-Treat trial
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Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
• •
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. • If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. • Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat. • Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters. • Stay in a group and communicate where they will
• • •
•
•
be going. • Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Carry a cellphone for quick communication. Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Never cut across yards or use alleys. Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways. Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will! Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
augustafamily.com View Our On-Line Extras at www.AUGUSTAFAMILY.com
2015 October
Family
®
A AUGUST
NEEDS SPECIAL ANNUALORY DIRECT YOUR TING FOR ADVOCA NEEDS CHILD SPECIAL ERTAINING EASY ENT
e a z i n m a g
It’s Finally Fall!
FRESH FACES IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR THEIR “close up?” If you think you’ve got a “cover kid,” submit their photo and information on our website and they may grace the cover of Augusta Family Magazine!
Girl
, left and center and Hooks, 10, and Ansley the children of Mark Twins Flip are Hooks, 9, ta. and Zach of North Augus Tracy Hooks
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FOLLOW US ONLINE! facebook.com/augustafamilymagazine twitter.com/AUGFamilyMag
GO
KNOW A MOM who deserves a “Go Girl!” (see page 46) in an upcoming issue of Augusta Family Magazine? Submit her information on the contest page of our website.
Nutrition for Smarties ARE YOU TIRED OF ALL THOSE “BOOKS FOR DUMMIES,” tired of information being “dumbed-down,” especially information about diet and nutrition or do you think that most people are actually pretty smart? If so, Augusta University Professor Emeritus Dr. Warren B. Karp has the answer for you in his new eBook Nutrition For Smarties.
The eBook is in the public domain and can be freely downloaded, shared and copied. It is in the pdf format and can be easily read on just about every eBook reader, as well as on iPads and computers. The book is available by simply visiting www.wbkarp.com where you will see a link to the download site. The book includes state-of-the-science information and is written in an engaging, conversational style, making it a fun read.
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eating well with kim by Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE and Susanna Proctor, Dietetic Intern
Managing Food Allergies ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK
Sunflower and Oatmeal Bites These are great little grab-and-go snacks, kind of like a cookie but healthier. They are wheat-, egg-, milk-, soy- and nut-free. Traditional chocolate chips contain milk and soy—check your labels.
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hey come around every year and most of us are familiar with the symptoms—scratchy throat, teary red eyes, sneezing and sniffling. Although seasonal allergies are annoying, they are temporary or “seasonal.” Food allergies, on the other hand, are not seasonal but an everyday situation. The Center for Disease Control estimates that four to six percent of children have food allergies of some type. A food allergy is defined as an abnormal response to food triggered by the immune system. The immune system overreacts to the food (as a perceived threat) and triggers a protective response. Allergies tend to run in families but it is difficult to determine whether or not a child will develop these allergies. Symptoms of food allergies range from very mild reactions to severe reactions and the severity of the reactions can change. The most severe reaction to a food allergy is anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction.
Know the “Big Eight” While any food can cause an allergic reaction, “the big eight” account for approximately 90 percent of all reactions. These foods include: eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. Once a food allergy is diagnosed, the most effective treatment is to just avoid the food in general. One might think avoiding a particular food is easy, but if you have
looked at food labels lately you will know that foods these days are complicated. It is important to know how to navigate around a food label, because sometimes allergens can be in an unexpected food item. To be certain a food allergen is not consumed, read and pay attention to to product ingredient lists and the “may contain” labels. Fortunately, many recent food trends have produced a variety of options that make suitable substitutes for many of the major food allergens. The trends themselves may not be related to allergies, but they did spawn the popularity of a variety of wheat-free flours, nondairy milks and yogurt and nut butters other than peanut butter. These are items that are now more widely available and, subsequently, a bit less costly than they once were.
Allergies Away From Home Managing food allergies at home is one thing but what about school? That can be one of the more challenging places to manage food allergies because you never know what other kids are eating. It is important to let the school administration and your child’s teacher know about any food allergies your child may have and the severity of them. Here is an excellent resource for managing food allergies it has a variety of topics ranging from what to do in a school setting to label-reading and recipes http://www. foodallergy.org. v
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1 cup oats ¼ shredded coconut ¼ cup flax meal ¼ cup Enjoy Life mini chips (soy, milk, wheat, egg and tree nut free) ¼ cup raisins, chopped ½ cup SunButter® sunflower seed spread (peanut and tree nut free) 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon vanilla Combine the oats, coconut and flax meal in a food processor bowl and pulse for five to six 1 second pulses. Transfer to a medium bowl and mix in remaining ingredients. Form into 16 (1-inch) balls. You may need to roll and compress the mixture in your hands to assist in forming the ball shape. Chill in the refrigerator and eat as desired. Yield: 16 servings (serving size: 1 ball) Nutrient Breakdown: Calories 120, Fat 7g (1.5g saturated), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 35mg, Carbohydrate 13g, Fiber 2g, Protein 3g.
KIM BEAVERS is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for University Health Care System. She lives in North Augusta with her husband and two children and she is the co-host of the culinary nutrition segment Eating Well with Kim, which airs at noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday on WRDW. To join the recipe club or view recipes, visit www.universityhealth.org/ewwk. You can also watch the segments at www. wrdw.com/ewwk.
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doctor dad by J. Ron Eaker, M.D.
Desire
Deflated
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as your sex drive driven off? Does a romp in the hay imply a fun time riding in a wagon with a bunch of straw? Are you more likely to win the lottery than have enjoyable sex with your spouse? If you answer affirmatively to any of those questions, you may be like a significant number of women who have a medical condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The medical definition of this common issue is a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sex that causes you personal distress.
Two Parts—One Diagnosis There are two very important parts of this description. One, it has to be persistent or recurrent. There are many instances where it is quite normal to not be feeling frisky. For example, if your house recently burned down, thinking about other things rather than a meaningful sexual encounter is quite normal. Often life gets in the way, so on these occasions, a lack of libido is routine. It’s only when this feeling becomes recurrent that an issue may be present. Second, the problem has to cause you personal distress. This is both necessary and subjective meaning that if you are not bothered by your lack of desire, it is hard to label it a significant issue. Frankly, many women I encounter are not particularly bothered by their lack of desire, but they are told they should be bothered by their spouse or an episode of “Sex in the City”. This illustrates the relative subjective nature of this problem and why it is so difficult to get an accurate sense of its prevalence. For those who meet this definition however, de-
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creased libido can be a significant problem. This definition also alludes to the fact that this problem can’t be taken out of the context. In other words, libido doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is influenced by any number of things such as stress, marital relationships, physical and psychological issues and medications.
A New Treatment Option The subject of female hypoactive sexual desire disorder has recently become more prominent due to the FDA approval of a new drug to treat this problem. Flibanserin (brand name Addyi) is the first medication approved by the FDA for any female sexual disorder. It has been erroneously labeled the “Female Viagra” by the media as it has no similarities to this erectile dysfunction drug. Viagra works to increase blood supply to the male genitalia to help with erections and has no impact on desire. The manufacturer of Addyi states that flibanserin corrects an imbalance of dopamine and norepinephrine (both responsible for sexual excitement), while decreasing levels of serotonin (responsible for sexual satiety/ inhibition). Flibanserin is not a hormonal drug and does not affect blood flow like the class of drugs approved for men with erectile dysfunction. This drug is not a panacea. Sexual desire is a very complex subject involving physical and emotional components and no one approach works for all people. It is important to remember this drug is treating a very specific medical problem. It is not intended to “give you a boost” or “set the mood”. The FDA website states, “Because of a potentially serious interaction with alcohol, treatment with Addyi will only be available through certified health care professionals and certified pharmacies. Patients and prescribers
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should fully understand the risks associated with the use of Addyi before considering treatment.” Additional potential side effects of Addyi include causing severely low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. These risks are increased and more severe when patients drink alcohol or take Addyi with certain medicines. Clearly this medication should only be used when the benefits outweigh the risks. The most important information to glean about libido, or lack thereof, is that the top two reasons for declining sex drive are stress and fatigue. Libido, like appetite, is very subjective and what is normal for one may be abnormal for another. One characteristic of hypoactive sexual desire is that it often represents a change from what was once a baseline desire. Again this must be placed in context of life events. For example, 75 percent of women will complain of a decreased libido for up to a year after childbirth This can be due to a number of factors but it is important to not label this immediately as a medical issue until other causes are entertained. Along these lines there are some medications that may reduce sex drive. Perhaps the most common are the family of medicines known as the SSRI antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, etc). Numerous nonsexual diseases can also affect desire for sex, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and neurological diseases. The take-home message is that you should discuss any concerns you have with your doctor and see what options are available. v Dr. Eaker is an Augusta Ob/GYN and author. He and his wife, Susan, have two daughters.
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smartMom’sguide by Cammie Jones
e
Ent
ad
e
i n n i g a t M r
S
ometimes the word “entertaining” scares me. When I used to think of “entertaining” I imagined a big spread of food, a clean and beautiful home, a full bar, lots of people and me in the middle—sweating because I am busy “entertaining” and feeling guilty because I was a total witch to my husband and kids the few days before the impending date. I have mellowed a little since those early Supper Club days and, with everyone in the same boat with full lives and activities, no one is judging me or my home. However, I sure do wish I would’ve known the tips from this article to ease the anxiety I felt back then! Vera Stewart, host and excutive producer of The VeryVera Show, gave me many fun and easy ideas for easier entertaining.
Easy Appetizers Don’t have time to make a complicated appetizer? No problem. There are many hors d’oeuvres that taste as if you have been working all day in the kitchen but are relatively simple. “My recommendation on ease is to keep a few simple items in the pantry, refrigerator and freezer,” says Stewart. “What busy mom doesn’t have chicken nuggets in the freezer and maybe frozen waffles?” Vera suggests heating up the chicken nuggets and waffles according to package directions. Then cut the waffle into
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bite sized pieces and put a nugget on top. Serve it with apple jelly or honey mustard and you’ve got the latest craze— Chicken & Waffles! Other ideas include toasted pimento cheese sandwiches cut into bite-size triangles with fig preserves on top. Or, take an English muffin and cut it into fours and top with a hard-boiled egg, bacon or ham, and Hollandaise sauce from a packet. Instant Eggs Benedict!
Presentation I still have issues with presentation when it comes to parties— big or small. Stewart suggests setting out three appetizers if it is a casual get together before a concert or dinner out with friends. These appetizers should all be pick-up and savory ones. “If its a cocktail party for 20 to 30 people, then I would look at the table where you want to display the food and determine the sort of containers and where they would all be on the table,” she suggests. “Then, plan the menu around that.” Stewart advises putting a big tray on one end of the table and a big bowl at the other end with main dishes in them. “Put height on opposite sides of the table diagonally across and consider one as a meat and the other as maybe a hot dip,” she says. Add two more things to fill up the table if there is room, such as finger sandwiches
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smartMom’sguide or stuffed mushrooms, and you have a spread. To help with the flow of party guests, Stewart suggests placing any desserts on a sideboard in the dining room or in another room. Also, smaller appetizers can be placed outdoors or in various rooms in your home— think toasted nuts, snack mix or cheese straws.
Just Say “Take Out” I have found that hitting a Zoe’s Kitchen for some pesto basil hummus or chicken salad or stopping by a Mexican restaurant for nachos to go is a great way to serve something that is a crowd pleaser. Other good restaurant pick-up appetizers are pizzas, wings, sushi and barbecue. I usually have crackers on hand so even picking up a block of cheese from a local grocery store works. Throw out some grapes and you have a nice starter for any gathering. Stewart also loves the Fresh Market for both quick appetizers and meal ideas. “The food is always fresh and they always have tips and suggestions handy at the counter for serving ideas,” she says.
Centerpieces I tend to fail at centerpieces. I get all caught up in the food and drinks and forget to put something pretty in the middle of the food table or on the bar. By the time I think of it, it’s too late. Stewart suggests using items from your home and yard (or your neighbor’s yard) to make a quick but lovely arrangement. She also suggests using fruit and vegetables along with greenery and flowers. “A cast-iron skillet can be the centerpiece for a great picnic sitting on top of a stack of your favorite cookbooks filled with fresh tomatoes, okra and basil,” she says. Look in your dining room and find a crystal bowl that might have been a wedding gift or passed down from a relative and fill it with lemons and mint, or even shrubbery from your yard. It will be both good looking and a great conversation starter. Use what you have and be creative!
fun, but there are things you can do ahead of time to ensure you wake up the next morning to a clean kitchen and home. “Certainly have your dishwasher empty before the party starts,” recommends Stewart. “Even throwing things in there not rinsed off keeps the kitchen looking tidy.” Another handy suggestion is to have a big tub filled with soapy water in the laundry room so you can soak plates and glasses during the party. It will be out of sight but will help keep the clean up time at the end of the night to a minimum. To avoid breaking wine and water glasses, collect them at the bar area at the end of the night to keep things that are fragile from the chaos in the kitchen. Most importantly, change your attitude about the end-of-the-night cleanup. Put on some music, pour a glass of wine or ice water, get your husband to help and get to work. It will all be worth it in the morning when you wake up! v
Easy Clean Up The dreaded clean up after entertaining is never
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Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.
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kids
SPECIAL
by Mary Ashton Mills
OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES THROUGHOUT THE CSRA
disabilities, the following directory
Do you have or know a child with special needs? The CSRA has a wealth
will serve as a road map. These
of resources available to children with
providers offer treatment options
special needs. From addressing and
and support that will allow these
treating mild developmental delays to
children the chance to shine and reach their full potential.
diagnosing serious physical or mental
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SPECIAL AGENCIES FOCUSING ON SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATIONS All About Developmental Disabilities 125 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 300, Decatur. 404-881-9777 http://aadd.org/ Offers family support services, advocacy and education. Center for Disability Resources University of South Carolina School of Medicine 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, S.C. 803-935-5231. http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdrhome/ Programs support families and their children with developmental delays, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, autism and other diagnoses through assistive technology programs, education, supported community living programs, supported employment and more. Easter Seals East Georgia 1500 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta. 706-667-9695. www.easterseals.com/eastgeorgia Easter Seals offers programs for adults and children. Work programs help disabled teenagers transition from school into the workplace. There are also work-related programs for disabled adults. The Champions for Children program provides financial assistance to families of special needs and medically fragile children who do not meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program. The Foundation for Therapeutic Options P.O. Box 3421, Augusta. 706-564-6172. http://www.therapyoptions.org. Provides families of children with special needs with funding for therapeutic supplies and treatment. Georgia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 2302 Parklake Dr., NE, Suite 210, Atlanta. 404-325-6973. Georgia@cff.org http://www.cff.org/ Conducts fundraising to fund research for a cure. Provides information and resources for parents of children with cystic fibrosis. The Georgia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 3525 Piedmont Rd., NE, Bldg 6, Suite 300, Atlanta. 404-420-5990. georgia@jdrf.org. www.georgia.jdrf.org This organization has the Family Network, which provides support, encouragement and programming for families of children with diabetes.
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities 2 Peachtree Street, N.W., 24th Floor, Atlanta. 404-657-2252. http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/ To access mental health, substance abuse and crisis and emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call 1-800-715-4225. To locate treatment or support services for individuals with mental illness, substance abuse disorders or developmental disabilities, visit www.mygcal.com. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Region 2 3405 Mike Padgett Highway, Building 3, Augusta. 706-792-7733; 866-380-4835. Behavioral Health Regional Services Administrator: Keith Edmonds, 706-792-7696, kedmonds@dbhdd.ga.gov. http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/region-2. Developmental Disabilities Regional Services Administrator: Karla Brown, 706-792-7741, karla.brown@dbhdd. ga.gov Behavioral Health Regional Services Administrator: Dawn Peel, dawn.peel@dbhdd.ga.gov Serves the following counties in East Georgia: Baldwin, Barrow, Bibb, Burke, Clarke, Columbia, Elbert, Emanuel, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jenkins, Jones, Lincoln, Madison, McDuffie, Monroe, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Twiggs, Walton, Warren, Washington, Wilkes, and Wilkinson. Operates a community-based system of care. The community-based system allows clients to receive care in the least restrictive setting possible while helping them to obtain a life of independence and recovery. Provides planning for and coordination of provider network; offers technical assistance; and serves as the point of contact for consumers who have questions about accessing services. Georgia Department of Community Health 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta. 404-656-4507. http://dch.georgia.gov/waivers. The New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) offer home- and community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) or developmental disabilities (DD) through the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Division of Medical Assistance Plans. To read information on Medicaid waivers: https://dch.georgia.gov/sites/ dch.georgia.gov/files/imported/vgn/images/portal/ cit_1210/49/43/92560099NOW_COMP_FY12.pdf. Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Child Support Services and Division of Family and Children Services 2 Peachtree Street, Suite 29-250, Atlanta. 404-651-6316.
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CustomerService@dhr.state.ga.us https://dhs.georgia.gov/ The agency provides a variety of services, including administrating the Wednesday’s Child Program which finds adoptive families for special needs children. HealthSouth Walton Rehabilitation Hospital 1355 Independence Dr., Augusta. 706-823-8504. http://www.healthsouthwalton.com. An excellent resource for information and assistance with neurological and orthopedic disorders. Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia 2566 Shallowford Rd., Suite 104, Atlanta. 404-303-7774 or ldaga@bellsouth.net. www.ldag.org. One of 50 volunteer state organizations which comprise the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). For over 30 years their mission has been to enhance the quality of life for individuals of all ages with Learning Disabilities (LD) and/or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). Members are served by a state office and volunteers who provide resources and sponsor events. National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602. info@ndss.org. http://www.ndss.org. Provides information and resources for parents and expectant parents of infants and children diagnosed with Down Syndrome. National Federation of the Blind of Georgia and South Carolina 315 West Ponce De Leon Ave. Suite 1020, Decatur, Ga. 404-371-1000. www.nfbga.org. 119 S. Kilbourne Road., Columbia, SC. 803-254-3777. www.nfbsc.net. The organization provides public education, information, referral services, literature and publications about blindness, adaptive equipment for the blind, advocacy services and job opportunities for the blind, plus support for blind persons and their families. Serenity Behavioral Health System 3421 Mike Padgett Hwy., Augusta. 706-432-4800. http://www.serenitybhs.com/ Provides a range of services for people with mental retardation, developmental disabilities and mental health issues. SC Association for the Deaf 437 Center Street, West Columbia, S.C. 803-794-3175; TTY: 803-794-7059. Video Phone 803-403-9255. www.scadservices.org.
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Promotes equal treatment toward deaf and hard-ofhearing citizens in education, employment, legislation, healthcare and other fields pertaining to the deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens of South Carolina. Compiles and updates contact information to help you connect with the many agencies and groups offering assistance and services for the deaf and hard of hearing. Soto ALG 3736 Executive Center Drive, Augusta. 706-426- 4200. Soto ALG provides residential and day services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Services include Community Residential Alternative Services, Community Access (Group and Individual), Supported Employment Services, Prevocational Services and ABA Therapy. Additional services include Community Living Support and Specialized Medical Supplies. We accept NOW/COMP Medicaid waivers and private pay. Spina Bifida Association of Georgia 5072 Bristol Industrial Way, Suite F, Buford, Ga. 770-939-1044 or sbag@spinabifidaga.org. www.spinabifidaga.org. Provides information and education for parents, plus raises awareness of this birth defect and promotes prevention.
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Tri-Development of Aiken County 1016 Vaucluse Road, Aiken, S.C. 803-642-8800. director@aikentdc.org. www.aikentdc.org. A United Way-funded agency providing services for children and adults with autism, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, mental retardation and related disorders. United Cerebral Palsy Georgia 3300 NE Expressway, Building 9, Atlanta. 770-676-2000. www.ucpga.org. Headquartered in Atlanta, the organization offers services in the Augusta area. Some of its statewide services include information and referral, employment services and residential services. United Cerebral Palsy South Carolina 1101 Harbor Dr., West Columbia, SC. 803-926-8878. info@ucpsc.org. www.ucpsc.org. In South Carolina, UCP offers adult day services, family support and residential services.
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BABIES AND TODDLERS A+ Kids 6140 Woodside Executive Court, Aiken. 803-642-0700 or info@apluspta.com. http://www.apluspta.com/main/apluskids. Early intervention services for infants and toddlers evidencing delays in growth, development and learning. Babies Can’t Wait (Statewide interagency service delivery systems) Georgia Department of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta. 404-657-2762. http://dph.georgia.gov/Babies-Cant-Wait. For infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, from birth to age 3. Baby Net in South Carolina (Statewide interagency service delivery systems) 1300 Sumter Street, Suite 100, Columbia. 1-877-621-0865. babynet@scfirststeps.org. http://scfirststeps.org/babynet. For infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, from birth to age three.
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SPECIAL Georgia Georgia Chapter Chapter of of March March of of Dimes Dimes 1776 1776 Peachtree Peachtree Street, Street, Suite Suite 100, 100, Atlanta. Atlanta. 404-350-9800. 404-350-9800. http://www.marchofdimes.com/georgia/ http://www.marchofdimes.com/georgia/ The The March March of of Dimes Dimes works works to to prevent prevent premature premature births, births, prevent prevent birth birth defects, defects, improve improve the the health health of of babies babies and and support support families families ifif something something does does go go wrong. wrong. Georgia Georgia Regents Regents Medical Medical Center Center Genetics Genetics Department Department Children’s Children’s Hospital Hospital of of Georgia Georgia Medical Medical Office Office Building, Building, 1447 1447 Harper Harper Street, Street, 3rd 3rd Floor, Floor, Augusta. Augusta. 706-721-2390. 706-721-2390. http://www.grhealth.org/childrens-hospital-of-georgia/ http://www.grhealth.org/childrens-hospital-of-georgia/ pediatric-specialties/genetics. pediatric-specialties/genetics. The The pediatric pediatric genetics genetics specialists specialists evaluate evaluate and and test test for for genetic genetic disease disease in in children children or or birth birth defects, defects, such such as as chromosomal chromosomal disorders disorders (for (for example, example, Down Down Syndrome), Syndrome), neurofibromatosis, neurofibromatosis, cystic cystic fibrosis, fibrosis, or or other other disorders. disorders.
MEDICAL, MEDICAL, THERAPY THERAPY AND AND TREATMENT TREATMENT PROGRAMS PROGRAMS Augusta Augusta Developmental Developmental Specialists Specialists 1303 1303 D’ D’AAntignac ntignac St., St., Suite Suite 2100, 2100, Augusta. Augusta. 706-396-0600. 706-396-0600.
http://www.augustadevelopmentalspecialists.com. http://www.augustadevelopmentalspecialists.com. Specializes Specializes in in helping helping people people with with healthcare healthcare and and developmental developmental needs. needs. The The group group provides provides developmental developmental assessment, assessment, care care coordination coordination between between therapists therapists and and school school staff, staff, aa wheelchair wheelchair clinic clinic and and more. more. Led Led by by Karen Karen Carter, Carter, M.Ed., M.Ed., M.D., M.D., the the group group includes includes aa licensed licensed massage massage therapist therapist and and recreational recreational therapist. therapist. The The clinic clinic isis open open Monday Monday through through Friday Friday from from 8:30 8:30 a.m.-5 a.m.-5 p.m. p.m. We We offer offer speech, speech, occupational occupational and and physical physical therapy therapy in in house. house. Blue Blue Ribbon Ribbon Riders Riders 987 987 Reynolds Reynolds Farm Farm Rd., Rd., Grovetown. Grovetown. 706-854-0644. 706-854-0644. Equine-assisted Equine-assisted activity activity and and hippotherapy hippotherapy program program for for ages ages 33 and and up. up. AA Professional Professional Association Association of of Therapeutic Therapeutic Horsemanship Horsemanship International International (PATH (PATH International) International) premier premier accredited accredited center. center. Hippotherapy Hippotherapy uses uses the the movement movement of of the the horse horse as as aa treatment treatment strategy strategy to to address address impairimpairments, ments, functional functional limitations limitations and and disabilities disabilities in in patients patients with with neuromusculoskeletal neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. dysfunction. Contact Contact Claudia Claudia Morin. Morin. Children’s Children’s Hospital Hospital of of Georgia Georgia Audiology Audiology 1447 1447 Harper Harper Street, Street, 2nd 2nd Floor. Floor. 706-721-6009. 706-721-6009.
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http://www.grhealth.org/childrens-hospital-of-georgia/ http://www.grhealth.org/childrens-hospital-of-georgia/ pediatric-specialties/rehabilitative-services/pediatricpediatric-specialties/rehabilitative-services/pediatricrehabilitative-services. rehabilitative-services. Patients Patients up up to to age age 21 21 receive receive comprehensive comprehensive audiology, audiology, speech speech therapy, therapy, physical physical therapy therapy and and occupational occupational therapy therapy services services from from aa team team of of skilled skilled professionals professionals in in aa facility facility designed designed and and equipped equipped for for children. children. Children’s Children’s Hospital Hospital of of Georgia Georgia Pediatric Pediatric Diabetes Diabetes and and Endocrinology Endocrinology 1447 1447 Harper Harper Street. Street. 706-721-3791. 706-721-3791. http://www.grhealth.org/childrens-hospital-of-georgia/ http://www.grhealth.org/childrens-hospital-of-georgia/ pediatric-specialties/diabetes/pediatric-diabetes-andpediatric-specialties/diabetes/pediatric-diabetes-andendocrinology-home. endocrinology-home. Delivers Delivers care care for for children children with with growth growth problems, problems, over over and and under-active under-active thyroid, thyroid, advanced advanced or or delayed delayed puberty puberty and and jujuvenile venile diabetes. diabetes. The The pediatric pediatric diabetes diabetes team team helps helps children children manage manage diabetes diabetes and and live live active active lives. lives. Children’s Children’s Hospital Hospital of of Georgia Georgia Pediatric Pediatric Psychiatry Psychiatry 706-721-6597 706-721-6597 –outpatient –outpatient services services http://www.grhealth.org/pediatric-psychiatry/ http://www.grhealth.org/pediatric-psychiatry/ Georgia Georgia Regents Regents Medical Medical Center Center Psychiatry Psychiatry and and Health Health Behavior Behavior offers offers outpatient outpatient and and inpatient inpatient treatment treatment for for
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children ages 6-16 years with emotional and behavioral problems. Children’s Medical Services Georgia Department of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 11th Floor, Atlanta. 404-657-2726. http://dph.georgia.gov/CMS. A community-based comprehensive system of health care services available for Georgia’s children with chronic medical conditions from birth to 21 years who live in low income households. Children’s Medical Services provides care coordination and other needed medical/health services for eligible children and their families. CMS may provide, arrange for and/or pay for comprehensive physical evaluations, diagnostic tests, inpatient/outpatient hospitalization, medications and other medical treatments, therapy, durable medical equipment, hearing aids related to the child’s CMSeligible condition, and genetic counseling. CSRA Therapy Services, Inc. 2485 Hwy 88, Hephzibah. 706-592-5565. Providing occupational and speech-language therapy services for children with special needs in the CSRA. Ducktails Pediatric Therapy & Wellness 568 Blue Ridge Dr., Evans. 706-364-5262. www.ducktailspediatric.com. Ducktails provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and athletic development for children from infancy through 21 years of age. Services address, but are not limited to, neuromuscular development and abnormal tone, developmental delay, balance and posture, sensory integration, ADHD, handwriting and fine motor skill, and speech language and auditory processing. Georgia Regents University Developmental Pediatrics Georgia Regents Health Medical Office Building, 3rd Floor, Augusta. 706-721-3791. http://www.gru.edu/mcg/pediatrics/adolescent-med/ developmentalpediatrics.php. Specializes in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, general pediatrics and adolescent medicine. Accepts new patients by physician referral. Hitchcock Healthcare 690 Medical Park Dr., Aiken. 803-293-4371 (children’s therapy). www.hitchcockhealthcare.org. A provider for adults and children, offering a full range of quality services including, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
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Lighthouse Care Center 3100 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta. 706-651-0005. www.lighthousecarecenters.com. Offers a serene residential setting for adolescent patients to recover from psychological issues and/or substance abuse. In addition to clinical care, a number of recreational opportunities and an accredited on-campus school are also available. These services aide patients in recovery by keeping their minds and bodies active and providing an opportunity for social interaction. They also offer an acute care unit and partial hospitalization. Neuro-Developmental Treatment Programs, Inc. 817 Crawford Ave., Augusta. 706-736-1255 or ndtprograms@gmail.com. Specializing in serving those with developmental disabilities of all ages. NDT Programs is a small outpatient PT and OT clinic that specializes in serving those with developmental disabilities of all ages (birth through adult). Services are individualized to meet the family desires and are offered in a variety of settings including home based infant intervention, clinic based, aquatic or pool based and therapy at a community gymnastic center. The Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Center at Children’s Hospital of Georgia 706-721-5437. http://www.grhealth.org/childrens-hospital-of-georgia/pediatric-specialties/pulmonary-cystic-fibrosis/ pediatric-cystic-fibrosis-center. Offers in and out-patient care and education by pediatric pulmonologists. It is one of only two facilities in Georgia accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Pediatric Therapy of Aiken 6140 Woodside Executive Court, Aiken. 803-642-0700 or info@apluspta.com. www.apluspta.com. Skilled professionals provide speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy service to children infancy to 17 years. Sensational Kids! Pediatric Rehabilitation Center 3628 Old Petersberg Rd., Martinez. 706-364-3470. Sensational.kids@comcast.net. www.sensationalkids.net. A full-service therapy practice offering a unique blend of services for children and families with special needs that specializes in evaluation and intervention for infants and children (Birth to 13 years) who have various developmental challenges. They are sensitive to the challenges of the family’s ability to cope as well. STAR Riding P.O. Box 698, Aiken. Contact Kim Davies, 803-220-5619.
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starkd@inbox.com. www.starriding.org. STAR is an equine facilitated therapeutic facility. An affiliate of PATH Int’l (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, formerly known as NARHA—North American Riding for the Handicapped Association)—STAR adheres to PATH’s strict safety standards and is fully insured. Therapeutic Interventions of Georgia 2315-C Central Avenue, Augusta. 706-364-6172 or info@tiofga.com. www.tiofga.com. Offers occupational therapy, feeding therapy, physical thrapy and speech-language therapy to pediatric patients. Facilities feature private speech therapy rooms, an outdoor playground and OT and PT gyms. THERAPY SOLUTIONS, LLC 2250 Woodside Executive Ct., Aiken. 803-634-3029 or uscslp@bellsouth.net. www.therapysolutionsllc.net. A private company offering pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and early intervention services. An early intervention team provides support and services in the home, daycare or clinic setting.
SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY Augusta Ear Nose Throat 340 N. Belair Rd., Evans. 706-868-5676. 720 Saint Sebastian Way, Augusta -706-868-5676. http://www.augustaent.com/what-is-an-audiologist. html A trained audiologist evaluates and treats hearing problems and related disorders. Augusta Hearing and Balance 1215 George C. Wilson Dr., Suite 3A, Augusta. 706-364-2378. http://www.augustahearing.com. Dr. Rebecca B. Hopkins and Dr. E. Robin Bohannan perform hearing diagnostics for children. Bright Start 720 Gracern Rd., Suite 450, Columbia, S.C. 803-929-1112 (24 hours a day). brightstart@sc.rr.com. www.brightstartsc.com. With a location in Aiken, Bright Start is a private provider of speech therapy and autism services to children, teenagers and adults with special needs and developmental delays. Families of special needs children from infancy to age 6 benefit from the early intervention services offered. Service coordination assistance aids families in navigating the complex service delivery system. Children’s Hospital of Georgia Speech Pathology 1447 Harper St., 2nd floor, Augusta.
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706-721- 5437. http://www.grhealth.org/childrens-hospital-of-georgia/ pediatric-specialties/rehabilitative-services/speechpathology. Children’s Hospital of Georgia’s speech pathologists provide individualized evaluation and treatments to help children with language problems or delays, hearing loss, stuttering, resonance issues, swallowing problems and other speech issues. Communication Station, LLC 601 N. Belair Square, Suite 19, Evans. 706-364-1486 or speechyleigh@yahoo.com. http://www.communicationstation.biz. Speech therapy for patients from infancy to 21 years. Specializing in autism spectrum disorders. Snyder Speech Therapy Services 229 Hillbrook Dr, Augusta. 706-860-9385. marysnyderspeech@hotmail.com. Provides speech therapy services for clients of all ages, infants through adults via telepractice over the Internet. Southern Medical Hearing Center 2916 Washington Road. 706-993-3269. Provide hearing aids, free hearing screenings, financing options and the gift of hearing to needy and qualified patients. Southern Otologic Clinic 818 St. Sebastian Way, Suite 204, Augusta. 706-724-0668 http://moretzmd.com/audiology.cfm Provides evaluation and treatment of hearing issues. Hearing aid guidance and fitting for children and adults. University Hospital Speech and Hearing Center 1430 Harper St., Suite C3, Augusta. 706-774-8666. 4321 University Parkway, Suite 102, Evans. 706-854-2630- Speech Pathologist. http://www.universityhealth.org/speech-and-hearing. University Hospital’s Speech and Hearing Center provides evaluation and treatment services for children with speech, language, feeding, swallowing and hearing disorders. The speech pathologists and audiologists strive to improve their patients’ ability to communicate and function as independently as possible.
EDUCATION Augusta Christian School of Talent Development 313 Baston Rd., Martinez. 706-863-2905, extension 131. www.augustachristian.org. The school is designed for students with a specific learning disability and/or those with attention deficit disorder.
Classes are available in grades 1-12, depending on availability, offering low teacher-student ratios and individualized instruction. The curriculum is designed for students with special learning needs while incorporating a standard curriculum. American Sign Language GR Health 706-721-6921. http://www.grhealth.org/classes-and-events. American Sign Language courses are available for kids and adults, beginners and more advanced signers. American Sign Language Trinity Hospital of Augusta 2260 Wrightsboro Rd. 706-481-7604. http://www.trinityofaugusta.com/trinity-hospital-ofaugusta/eventsandclasses.aspx. Sign language classes for children, adult beginners and adult intermediates are offered periodically throughout the year. Call for information or check the Web site. American Sign Language University Health Care System University Hospital, 3rd Floor. 706-774-8559. http://www.universityhealth.org/body.cfm?id=37888 &action=detail&ref=3. Learn to talk with your hands. College Board Services for Students with Disabilities 609-771-7137. www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/index.html. The College Board works to provide appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities when taking the SAT, AP tests and PSAT/NMSQT. CSRA EOA, Inc. Head Start 1261 Greene St., Augusta. 706-722-0493. www.csraeoaheadstart.org. Provides professional, comprehensive, quality services to preschool children, families, staff and communities in Bulloch, Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond Screven and Warren Counties. The Disabilities service insures that children with disabilities receive the full range of developmental services in an inclusive environment. This includes children with physical disabilities, health conditions, vision, hearing, speech or learning impairments. Special services such as screenings, evaluations, speech or physical therapy and transportation also may be provided. East Georgia Learning Resources System, (GLRS) 800-282-7552. http://www.glrs.org/ Statewide network of 17 resource centers offering free ser-
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vices to parents and educators of students with disabilities. Georgia Academy for the Blind 2895 Vineville Ave, Macon, GA. 478-751-6083. www.gabmacon.org. Campus and outreach programs are designed to meet the educational needs of students who are blind, visually impaired and have adjacent multiple sensory disabilities. Georgia Learning Resources System 854 Broad Street, Augusta. 706-826-1128. www.glrs.org. The system is a network of 17 centers throughout the state providing training and resources to educators and parents of students with disabilities in 12 counties in Georgia. Georgia PINES (Parent Infant Network for Educational Services) 800-522-8652; 404-298-4882. www.gapines.info. Information/assistance to families of vision/hearing impaired, multi-handicapped, sensory impaired children, under age 4. Parent advisors make home visits to teach families how to help their child. Georgia Virtual School www.gavirtualschool.org. Georgia Virtual School is a program of the Georgia Department of Education Office of Technology Services. It is SACS accredited and offers middle school and high school level courses across the state. Parents and teachers partner in the on-line education of the individual child. GLASS- Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services 823 Telfair Street, Augusta. glass@georgialibraries.org. www.georgialibraries.org/glass. 1-800-248-6701. This is a talking book service sponsored by the AugustaRichmond County Library System. Registered patron services include the following: Books and magazines are available in audio formats, Braille and digital downloads. They loan playback machines for recorded materials with over 500,000 titles to choose from, more than 70,000 titles accessible for download on digital downloads. Free delivery to your door via U.S Postal Services. Immaculate Conception Catholic School 706-722-9964. www.icaugusta.org. In August 2015 we are offering the first fully inclusive special education program in a private school in our area. We are offering for special education for children ages 4-14. We will have Full Inclusion Program, Learning Lab Program, and Self-Contained Program. All of
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our Special Education Programs offer small class sizes, low student/teacher ratio. We will also offer Diagnostic Testing in Reading & Math Modules using specialized consultation & classroom intervention. Speech therapy, OT & PT offered. Disabilities include but not limited to autism, Down syndrome, mental retardation, learning disabilities, dyslexia, attention deficits, speech and language impairments, cognitive processing deficits, and physical disabilities. Kumon Math and Reading Center 500 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Unit 502-5, Martinez. 706-993-2232. www.kumon.com. The center strives to help each student perform at his/ her full potential by using techniques that improve speed and accuracy to master the basics in reading and math. Students meet with a highly trained Kumon Instructor during the week and continue with home assignments daily to fill in any learning gaps that may be hindering them. Preschool through high school. M.A.E.S. Education Center 4116 Evans to Locks Rd., Evans. 706-860-8585 or info@maeseducationcenter.com. http://www.maeseducationcenter.com. Offers tutoring, high school success classes, home-school classes, college counseling and skills-building in reading comprehension. Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday hours, as well. Oxford Learning Center 4272 Washington Rd., Suite 2A, Evans. 706-650-2225. www.oxfordlearning.com. Students preschool through adult receive help with study skills, homework, reading, writing, math, spelling, grammar and more. Partners in Achievement 454 Furys Ferry Rd., Suite B. 706-650-1877. augusta@partnersinachievement.com. www.pialearningcenters.com. PIA offers programs for children ages 6 and up with attention problems and/or learning disabilities help children overcome the underlying barriers to academic success. South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind 355 Cedar Springs Rd., Spartanburg, S.C. 888-447-2732. www.scsdb.org. An academic institution providing high-quality education programs, both day and residential, for students ages 2½ to 21 who are deaf, blind or multi-sensory disabled.
online options for the diverse educational needs of South Carolina students and their families.
I NFORMATION AND REFERRAL Beginnings SC http://scbegin.org/ info@scbegin.org. 803-216-1171(Office Phone/Voice Mail). 803-929-7785 (Video Phone). Beginnings is an expanded non-profit providing professional expertise, education and guidance to anyone in South Carolina with the ability to impact deaf or hard of hearing families. They help parents or caregivers of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing (ages birth-21), parents who are deaf or hard of hearing and professionals who serve these families. Charity Locator—Combined Federal Campaign of the CSRA www.cfcofthecsra.org/locator.php. A comprehensive list of local, state and national agencies and organizations that provide a vast array of assistance. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org. An on-line source for information about diagnosis, research, treatment, clinical trials and more. The DRM Regional Resources Directory www.disabilityresources.org/GEORGIA.html. Disability Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently. Georgia Council of the Blind 850 Gaines School Road, Athens, Ga. 706-410-1023; 877-842-9733. http://www.georgiacounciloftheblind.org. Works to improve education and rehabilitation and broaden vocational opportunities. For information about the Augusta Chapter, contact Alicia Morris 706-595-1465. Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities 2 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta. 888-275-4233. http://www.gcdd.org. Provides resources that promote independent living.
VirtualSC https://scvspconnect.ed.sc.gov. The South Carolina virtual school program delivers flexible
Georgia Disability Resources; South Carolina Disability Resources www.christopherreeve.org. An extensive list of organizations serving people with special needs in Georgia and South Carolina. For the Georgia list, type “Georgia Disability Resources” into the search box. For South Carolina resources, type “South Carolina Disability Resources” into the search box.
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Georgia Hands and Voices P.O. Box 133128, Atlanta. 678-310-5886. info@gahandsandvoices.org. http://www.gahandsandvoices.org. A parent-driven, non-profit organization that supports families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They currently have a free guide by your side program that assists newly diagnosed families of deaf of hard of hearing children. The web site provides resources and information. Georgia Snap4Kids http://snap4kids.org/id137.html Lists providers, organizations and agencies in Georgia that serve children with special needs and their families Gerald Powell Augusta. 706-796-6856. Gcp930@gmail.com Gerald Powell is semi-retired and offers assistance/advice on a volunteer basis to children and adults who are trying to establish or are having problems receiving social security disability benefits. Parent to Parent of Georgia 3070 Presidential Parkway, Suite 130, Atlanta. 800-229-2038. http://p2pga.org/. The organization has a comprehensive Web site that provides a map to securing services. for special needs children. SC Access 800-868-9095. https://scaccess.communityos.org. A guide to resources and services for people with disabilities and their caregivers. South Carolina Autism Society 806 12th Street, West Columbia. 803-750-6988. scas@autism.org. http://www.scautism.org. A statewide agency that educates and promotes awareness. South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs 3440 Hardin Street Ext., Columbia, S.C. 803-898-9600. www.ddsn.sc.gov. Plans, develops, funds and oversees programs for people with severe, lifelong disabilities in regard to intellect, autism, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 450, Columbia, S.C. 803-734-0465; TTY: 803-734-1147.
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www.scddc.state.sc.us. Advocates for people with developmental disabilities and provides leadership in planning, funding and implementing initiatives. United Way of the CSRA 1765 Broad Street, Augusta. 706-724-5544. https://www.uwcsra.org/ The 211 system provides a link to information and referral on a variety of services in the community. Other resources for families are found on the Web site as well.
SUPPORT GROUPS Augusta Food Allergy http://www.augustafoodallergy.org/ A non-profit support group that educates and supports families affected by food allergies and raises awareness in the community. Visit the web site for meeting and event information. Augusta Autism and Disability formerly known as the “A-Team” AugustaAutismandDisability@gmail.com. Facebook page: Augusta Autism and Disability Support Group. Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 North Belair Road, Evans. This meeting offers education and support for families and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders, including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. Parents, educators, community support representatives, caregivers, medical representatives and anyone affected by autism spectrum disorders are invited to attend. Meets Tuesdays and Saturdays. Email for schedule. Averys Angels Gastroschisis Foundation georgia@averysangels.org. http://averysangels.org/miranda-herring. Supports parents of babies born with gastroschisis and related complications. Blood Cancer/BMT Support Group Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, 1411 Laney Walker Blvd., First-Floor, Community Room. 706-721-1634. http://www.gru.edu/cancer/community/supportgroups.php This group provides educational and emotional support to patients, families, friends and caregivers. Meets the third Wednesday of the month, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
meetings vary. Call for information. JDRF Type One Nation http://typeonenation.org. Provides an online support group and information for parents of children with juvenile diabetes. Kids in Need of a Cure Juvenile Diabetes Support Group Gretchen Daly: 706-955-8232 or gvandaly@yahoo.com. The group meets each week. Call or email for details. SC/GA Transverse Myelitis Online Support Group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CSRATMSupportGroup/ The goals of the SC/GA Transverse Myelitis Support Group are to provide fellowship and support through sharing our common experiences, to provide educational information and to open the doors of communication between patients and our local medical community. Join the group on-line.
RECREATION AND LEISURE Camp Twin Lakes 404-231-9887. contact@camptwinlakes.org. http://www.camptwinlakes.org. Camp Twin Lakes, located in Rutledge, Winder (Camp Will-A-Way), and Warm Springs (Camp Dream), provide camp experiences for children in Georgia facing serious illnesses, disabilities and other life challenges through weeklong summer camps and year-round weekend retreats. Campsites are fully accessible and medically supportive. Champions Made from Adversity P.O Box 980, Evans 706-364-2422. info@cmfa.us. www.cmfa.us. Provides adaptive sports, recreation and leisure activities such as water skiing, archery, bowling, cycling and golf, to people with physical disabilities at no cost.
Common Bond Parent Support Group Geneice McCoy, 706-729-0012. mccoyg@comcast.net. For Augusta-area parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perseverance and resilience. Dates and locations of
The Family Y, Wilson Branch 3570 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA. 706-922-9622. www.thefamilyy.org. Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. Adapted Aquatics Special Populations Individual Adapted Aquatics offers one-on-one half-hour classes for all physically and developmentally challenged individuals of all ages. Specially trained staff use swimming and aquatic fitness skills to improve participants’ independence and quality of life. Sessions are by appointment only. For more information, please contact Claudia Collins, Adaptive Aquatics Coordinator at 706-922-9664 or at ccollins@ thefamilyy.org. Find us online at www.thefamilyy.org.
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Family Y BlazeSports Team BlazeSports is a swim team for all ages of physically challenged swimmers that provides them an opportunity to train for competitions. (This program is part of the BlazeSports Clubs of America training for future Paralympians). For more information, please contact Claudia Collins, Adaptive Aquatics Coordinator at 706-922-9664 or at ccollins@thefamilyy.org. Find us online at www.thefamilyy.org. Miracle League Baseball Provides a barrier-free baseball field for children and adults with disabilities to play on. Miracle League Teams play on a special, rubberized surface with flat bases that for allows safe play for those in wheelchairs or other assistive devices, such as crutches or walkers. Registration is open for ages 4 and up. Fall season runs September-October and spring season runs March-May. Teams practice and play are held at the Sports Complex located at the Uptown Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, 1 Freedom Way, Augusta. For more information please contact Rina White, Sports Director, at 706-922-9597 or rwhite@thefamilyy.org . Find us online at www.thefamilyy.org. Kathryn M. York Adapted Aquatics Center (Katie’s Pool) This pool is dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. It is a shallow and deepwater therapy pool with a wheelchair ramp at the shallow end. It also includes adapted changing rooms with a lift system to accommodate disabled individuals and a state-of-the-art sanitation system. For more information, please contact Claudia Collins, Adaptive Aquatics Coordinator at 706-922-9664 or at ccollins@ thefamilyy.org. Find us online at www.thefamilyy.org . Total Access Room At the Y, we believe that fitness should be available for everyone regardless of their physical abilities. This facility, located off the fitness floor at the Wilson Family YMCA Branch, provides adaptive equipment for both a nondisabled exerciser and for people with mobility limitations, including those in wheelchairs. Each exercise piece is easily adjustable to each exerciser’s height and strength level. For more information, please contact Claudia Collins, Adaptive Aquatics Coordinator at 706-922-9664 or at ccollins@ thefamilyy.org. Find us online at www.thefamilyy.org. Camp Lakeside The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta and Children’s Hospital of Georgia at GRU are collaborating in a dynamic partnership to ensure that children of all abilities have access to life-changing outdoor recreation and therapeutic programs. In response to the growing needs of those served by both organizations, the Y and CHOG have joined forces with a bold plan to renovate and expand the Y’s beautiful Camp Lakeside. It will be transformed from its limited, rustic condition in order to serve children with disabilities or serious and chronic health conditions in a medically safe environment. The new Camp Lakeside will enable both organizations to expand programs for kids of all back-
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grounds and abilities so that every child can have access to learn, grow, and thrive through the life-changing, thrilling experiences of camp. This facility will be opening Summer of 2016. For more information, please contact Faye Hargrove at fhargrove@thefamilyy.org. Find us online at www.thefamilyy.org. Camp Ivey Camp Ivey is an overnight camp held at Camp Lakeside in Lincolnton, GA. The purpose of this adaptive camp is to empower high functioning children with developmental disabilities by promoting independence in life- skills, relationships, physical activity and leisure, communication, and self-confidence through recreation and the arts. This camp will be opening in Summer of 2016. For more information, please contact Sterling Ivey at snivey70@knology. net. Find us online at www.thefamilyy.org. Georgia-Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America 706-733-5277. www.gacacouncil.org. Scouting programs are available for special needs children. Georgia and South Carolina State Parks http://gastateparks.org. http://www.southcarolinaparks.com. Find state parks, historic sites, campgrounds and trails across the state that are accessible to people with disabilities. Jesus Special Followers First Baptist Church of Augusta 3500 Walton Way, Augusta. 706-733-2236. Meets in Walton 101B at 9:40 am. http://www.fbcaugusta.org/worship/worship/classes/ A Sunday morning bible study class for teens and adults with physical and mental disabilities that includes activities and music. Monkey Joe’s 368 Furys Ferry Rd., Martinez. 706-922-5867. www.monkeyjoes.com. Inflatable play center, wall to wall inflatable slides, jumps, obstacle courses, walk-in play and birthday parties, for ages 12 and younger. Special Needs Night is held the first Sunday of each month, 6-7 p.m., after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. The RECing Crew 336 Georgia Ave, Suite 206-A, N. Augusta. Pamela Stickler, 803-426-1284 or therecingcrew@ comcast.net. www.therecingcrew.com. Based in North Augusta, The RECing Crew is a non-profit organization providing leisure and recreation opportunities for all ages and disabilities. Fees vary but are nominal.
The Cruisers: A social group for teens and adults that meets monthly for dances or field trips. Alley Cats: A weekly bowling league for teens and adults in Aiken and North Augusta. T-RecS: An adaptive basketball and baseball program for ages 6 and up. Games are played on Saturdays in the spring and fall. ART-Ability Studio: Spend one hour on a visual art project and one hour in music held in North Augusta and Columbia County. Jazzercise: Enjoy Jazzercise and line dancing once a month at Grace United Methodist Church in North Augusta. The Crew Chorus: Perform musical selections in the community. Ballet Tout le Monde : An adaptive Ballet program for those 21 years of age and younger. Dance Studio: Contemporary Jazz and Tap Dancing for ages 6 and up. Steps of Grace: Ballet for Special Needs 476 Flowing Wells Rd., G-2, Martinez. 912-531-2719 or stepsofgrace@aol.com. Ballet and tap classes are offered for children with special needs, ages 3 and up, at Pulse Dance Center and are taught by Mallory Lanier, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience teaching ballet. Adult volunteers experienced in working with children with special needs are an integral part of the class. Students receive one-on-one assistance should they need it. Talent Showcase—Exceptional Children of the CSRA 706-364-6172. www.Therapyoptions.org. An annual fundraiser for The Foundation for Therapeutic Options, a local non-profit organization that provides therapy services to children in the CSRA. It is an opportunity for children to be recognized for their abilities instead of their disabilities. Tri My Best Triathlon 706-736-1255. trimybesttriathlon@gmail.com. An annual event held on the second Sunday in May for children and young adults with disabilities. Participants run/walk, swim and bike.
haley@waltonfoundation.net www.waltonfoundation.net/camptbi Camp TBI is a free, safe overnight summer camp environment for children and young adults, ages 8-21, with traumatic brain injury. Camp TBI staff provide one-on-one care which increases the campers’ level of independence in the areas of personal hygiene, following a schedule, making friends appropriately and just having fun. Campers enjoy horseback riding, a ropes course, group games, sporting activities, swimming, fishing and arts and crafts along with social activities such as dances, karaoke and talent nights. Walton Family Weekend 706-826-5809 www.waltonfoundation.net Walton Family Weekend is open to children ages 6-18 with physical disabilities and their families. Walton Family Weekend takes place in February at a fully accessible campsite where each family gets their own private cabin. Activities include fishing, ropes course, rock climbing wall, hayride, movie night and much more. This two-night camp is free for each family except for a $25 application fee. Application opens October 1, 2015 on Walton Foundation’s website: www. waltonfoundation.net. Call Haley at 706-826-5809 for more information.
MILITARY FAMILIES Fort Gordon Exceptional Family Member Program 307 Chamberlain Ave., Room 155, Darling Hall, Fort Gordon. 706-791-3579. www.gordon.army.mil/acs/EFMP/index.htm. This program, designed to aid active-duty service, provides information and coordination of services as well as respite care for any family member who has a chronic medical problem or special education need, regardless of age, that limits ability to function on a daily basis and/or requires ongoing counseling, training, education, therapy or treatment. Assistance with issues receiving Social Security Disability Benefits.
FAMILY COUNSELING AND PSYCHIATRIC RESOURCES
Walton Foundation 706-826-5809. www.waltonfoundation.net. Wheelchair Tennis: For all ages every Monday at 6 p.m. at Newman Tennis Center. Adaptive Golf Clinics: For ages 15+ March-October in Augusta and Aiken. Check Web site for details.
Center for Care & Counseling 4400 Wheeler Rd., Augusta. 706-305-3137. info@csraccc.com. www.csraccc.org. A faith-sensitive counseling service that helps individuals and families draw on their own strengths and values to begin their healing process. Offers a wide range of counseling services to families, couples, individuals, adolescents and children.
Walton Foundation Camp To Be Independent 706-826-5809.
Eastern Georgia Transitional Family Services 3643 Walton Way Ext., Bldg. 4, Augusta.
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706-364-1404. www.tfsga.com. Offers a range of family preservation services. Approved by the state to offer CORE Services, Comprehensive Child and Family Assessments (CCFA), Core service (C&A and Adult) and Intensive Family Intervention Services (IFI) through Medicaid, as well as provide therapy and counseling services and parent aide services through Homestead Family Preservation. Family Counseling Center of the CSRA 3711 Executive Center Dr., Suite 201, Martinez. 706-868-5011. www.fcccsra.org. The mission of the Family Counseling Center of the CSRA is to strengthen individuals and families to achieve their own goals and to network with other agencies and institutions to improve family life. Families Forward 3711 Executive Center Dr., #101, Martinez. 706-210-8855. http://familiesforward.co/. Specializing in children ages 3 to early adulthood. Dara Delancy, Ph.D., and Amy Holsten, Ph.D. Georgia Family Crisis Solutions 4145 Columbia Rd., Martinez. 706-869-7373. www.gfcs.info. Provides to all children and adults, experiencing the crisis of life events, the most current, correct information concerning therapy in a manner that is nurturing, non-threatening and non-judgmental. Georgia Family Crisis Solutions strives to be the model for accountability in all areas of business, especially concerning children. Mind-Body Health Services 3830 Washington Road, Suite 317, Augusta. 706-364-5228. www.mindbodyhealthservices.com. The providers at Mind-Body Health Services take into account the whole person in helping him or her find the solution to deal with what is causing discomfort. Connie Stapleton, Ph.D.
TRANSPORTATION ADA Paratransit Van Service 1535 Fenwick St., Augusta. 706-821-1819. http://www.augustaga.gov. Curb-to-curb van service available to qualifying individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities. Adaptive Driving Solutions 3027 Riverwatch Pkwy., Augusta. 706-765-2036.
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www.accessiblevans.com. www.augustamobility.com Specializes in wheelchair van rentals and sales. They also modify vehicles to make them accessible and install vehicle lifts. Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division Disabled Parking Permit 4125 Welcome All Rd., Atlanta, Ga. 404-968-3800. 855-406-5221. motorvehicleinquiry@dor.ga.gov. http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/ (Scroll down and click on Disability Parking Permits) http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/ Application for a disabled parking permit is on the Web site. South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Disabled Parking Permit www.scdmvonline.com. Click on the forms and manuals link on the left side of the screen, then scroll down to the link for the disabled placard application.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY & MEDICAL EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES The ALS Association of Georgia 1955 Cliff Valley Way, Suite 116, Atlanta. 888-636-9940. info@alsaga.org http://webga.alsa.org/ Offers one-on-one patient consultations, medical equipment and assistive technology. Patients and their caregivers are trained in the proper use of the assistive technology. Other services include support groups, educational programs and respite care. Augusta Ear, Nose and Throat 720 Saint Sebastian Way, Suite 201, Augusta. 340 North Belair Rd., Evans. 706-868-5676. www.augustaent.com. Highly trained audiologists evaluate hearing and fit patients with appropriate hearing aids. Augusta Orthotics and Prosthetics 2068 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta. 706-733-8878. www.augustaprosthetics.com. Customizes orthotic and prosthetic solutions to meet each individual’s needs, from custom-made braces to artificial limbs. Fragile Kids Foundation 3350 Riverwood Pkwy, Atlanta. 770-951-6111. www.fragilekids.org.
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Fragile Kids Foundation helps medically fragile children and their families with equipment, medical supplies and other support that is not covered by insurance and that they cannot afford. Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics 630 13th St., Augusta. 706-724-2481. http://www.hanger.com. Creates prosthetic and orthotic devices to suit the needs of each client. Midlands Prosthetics and Orthotics 1008 Druid Park Ave., Augusta. 706-737-7371. 690 Medical Park Dr., Aiken. 866-641-6007. billing@midlands.comcastbiz.net http://midlandsprosthetics.com. Produces upper and lower extremity prosthetics and orthotics using state-of-the-art components and orthotics. South Carolina Assistive Technology Program Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Rd., Columbia, S.C. 800-915-4522. www.sc.edu/scatp/. Works to provide assistive technology to people with disabilities. Tools for Life 512 Means St., Suite 215, Atlanta, Ga. 404-894-0541. info@gatfl.org. www.gatfl.org. Georgia’s Assistive Technology Act Program aids people with disabilities in accessing assistive technology. Walton Options STAR Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program 948 Walton Way, Augusta. 706-724-6262. http://www.waltonoptions.org/services. Collects, cleans and repairs used assistive technology and matches it to recipients with special needs. Additional assistive technology services are also available.
TRANSITION SERVICES Accent, Inc. 2606 Commons Blvd., Augusta. 706-550-0527. http://www.accentinc.org/ Promotes and enhances independence of adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Augusta Training Shop 1704 Jenkins St., Augusta. 706-738-1358. www.augustatrainingshop.com. The Augusta Training Shop is a non-profit work center that
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employs mentally and physically challenged adults. They employs mentally challenged adults. They learn to repair, stripand andphysically refinish furniture, re-cane chairs learn to repair, strip and refinish furniture, re-cane chairs and polish metals with the goal of performing purposeful and metals with the goal of performing purposeful workpolish independently. work independently. Center for Financial Independence and Innovation Center for Financial Innovation 315 W. Ponce de LeonIndependence Ave., Suite 600, and Decatur, Ga. 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 600, Decatur, Ga. 404-541-9005. 404-541-9005. http://www.thecfii.org. http://www.thecfii.org. The agency’s goal is to make independence affordable The agency’s goal is to make independenceofaffordable by improving the financial self-sufficiency Georgians by improving the financial self-sufficiency of Georgians with disabilities. with disabilities. Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Georgia VocationalRd., Rehabilitation 3112-A Washington Augusta. Agency 3112-A Washington Rd., Augusta. 706-650-5638. 706-650-5638. https://gvra.georgia.gov/ https://gvra.georgia.gov/ Promotes independence of people with disabilities by Promotes independence people withand disabilities by aiding with employment,ofaccessibility living accomaiding with employment, accessibility and living accommodations. modations. Serenity Behavioral Health System-GA TASC Center Serenity Health System-GA TASC Center 818 WhiteBehavioral Oak Rd., Thomson. 818 White Oak Rd., Thomson. 706-595-4027. 706-595-4027. www.serenitybhs.com. www.serenitybhs.com.
Provides supported vocational opportunities for people Provides supported vocational opportunities for people with disabilities. with disabilities.
Provides an array of services to help people with disabilities Provides an array of services to help people with disabilities find employment. find employment.
South Carolina Commission for the Blind South Carolina Commission for the 1430 Confederate Ave., Columbia, S.C. Blind 1430 Confederate Ave., Columbia, S.C. 888-335-5951 or publicinfo@sccb.sc.gov. 888-335-5951 or publicinfo@sccb.sc.gov. www.sccb.state.sc.us. www.sccb.state.sc.us. Provides vocational rehabilitation services, independent Provides vocational rehabilitation services, independent living services and prevention services to people who are living services and prevention services to people who are blind or visually impaired. blind or visually impaired.
Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia Statewide Independent Council of Georgia 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.,Living Suite 600, Decatur, Ga. 315 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 600, Decatur, Ga. 770-270-6860. 770-270-6860. www.silcga.org. www.silcga.org. An advocacy organization that provides resources and An advocacy organization that provides resources answers to questions regarding independent living.and answers to questions regarding independent living.
South Carolina Statewide Independent Living South CouncilCarolina Statewide Independent Living Council 136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100, Columbia, S.C. 136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100, Columbia, S.C. 800-994-4322. 800-994-4322. scsilc@scsilc.com. scsilc@scsilc.com. http://scsilc.com. http://scsilc.com. Promotes independent living for adults with severe disPromotes independent living adults withsociety. severe disabilities and their inclusion infor mainstream abilities and their inclusion in mainstream society. South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department Department 855 York St. NE, Aiken. 855 York St. NE, Aiken. 803-641-7630. 803-641-7630. http://scvrd.net/common/index.php http://scvrd.net/common/index.php
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Walton Options Walton Options 948 Walton Way, Augusta. 948 Walton Way, Augusta. 706-724-6262. 706-724-6262. www.waltonoptions.org. www.waltonoptions.org. The mission of Walton Options is to empower people of The mission is totoempower people of all ages and of allWalton types ofOptions disabilities reach their highest all ages and all types of disabilities to reach their highest level of independence. The caring, trained staff work with level ofto independence. The caring,plans trained work with clients develop individualized andstaff goals. Services clients to develop individualized plans and goals. Services include, but are not limited to, peer support groups, include, butwith are money not limited to, peer support groups, assistance management, assistance with assistance with money management, assistance nutrition and assistance with home modificationwith and nutrition andissues. assistance accessibility v with home modification and accessibility issues. v Information is provided by the organizations listed Information provided the organizations or from their iswebsite andby is subject to change. listed or from their website and is subject to change.
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Y L E U Q I Yours UN Advocating for Your Child’s Unique Educational Needs By Meredith Flory
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n a hot July evening, Pamela Wooten, an area mother of three, invited me to observe a local tennis practice. The familiar noises of tennis practices from my own days of playing as a teenager were in the background: the “thwack” of rackets hitting bright yellow balls and shouts of triumph or disappointment coming from the players. However, this was a new sort of tennis experience for me. I was there to watch Pam’s son—a double amputee due to a rare dermatological condition—play adaptive tennis with other wheelchair tennis players of varying ages. It’s an activity he enjoys and excels at. Earlier that day, as we discussed her learning experiences as a parent involved in special education and adaptive sports, Pam had proudly told me, “He’s a normal 16 year old who happens to not have
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feet...sports, that’s his life,” a fact made obvious by in his athleticism on the court. Learning that your child has a physical or cognitive disability when they are a small child is challenging and possibly changes your expectations of parenting. As your child approaches the age for school, the decision-making process that goes along with putting together an educational plan might seem overwhelming. However, there are many ways that you can learn to advocate for your child’s individual educational and social needs. Heloise Salter has been down that path, and for the past six years, until her son’s recent graduation, served as a Parent Mentor within the Special Education Program for Columbia County Schools. When asked why she chose to take the position, she stated, for parents “it’s
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going to be a new path to go down other than the expected normal baby things…but I can help parents see that it will be okay”. While navigating the complex field of doctor’s appointments, financial strain, therapies and educational needs can be difficult, below are four things to remember as your advocate for your special needs child’s success in school and beyond.
1. Build a support network for yourself. While your child needs support, you need to take time for yourself as well and form relationships with other people who can relate to your experiences. There is a large range of illnesses, injuries and learning disabilities that children with special needs may face, and some types of support groups are more prevalent due to the numbers of families who face that specific disability or illness. On the other hand, even parents of children with more rare conditions can sometimes find support through the internet and social media and many non-profit organizations have information on finding support groups online. For instance, The National Down Syndrome Society website has a list of their over 375 nationwide local groups and advises, “your hospital or pediatrician may be able to provide contact information for other parents who have agreed to serve as a resource”. The Center for Parent Information and Resources (www.parentcenterhub.com) has information on finding their centers, a search list on finding parent groups for specific disabilities, and information on their Parent-toParent program, which connects parents with another individual parent who has faced similar issues.
2. Find activities suitable for your child, giving him or her sense of purpose and their own community of friends. Finding hobbies that your child and family can participate in as they get older can promote relaxation, confidence and independent. For instance, Kelly Garcia at Champions Made From Adversity notes that teenagers who participate in their adaptive sports programs are able to meet adults that face similar challenges, giving them a safe space to ask everyday questions such as “how do you transfer from vehicle to chair?” In addition to team sports, every summer CMFA has a day of adaptive water sports for all ages of people with disabilities, where families can participate in a fun activity that might otherwise seem out of reach. The YMCA’s Miracle League and the Walton Foundation are two other local avenues for adaptive recreational opportunities. Garcia says that, “whether it’s a disability they’re born with or one they incurred, participating in adaptive sports helps their social skills and sense of normalcy.” From her experiences as a parent and dance studio owner, Wooten adds that parents shouldn’t be afraid to check with recreational facilities, scouting troops, etc., to see if their child can participate with accommodations. Salter mentioned several activities provided through schools, such as special needs proms and pageants and also shared that several area schools have “Buddy Clubs,” such as one her daughter started. These are clubs run by students in mainstream education that provide leadership opportunities in which they pair up to be a “buddy” of a student in special education, providing friendship opportunities for both. Through these activities, families
can not only encourage their child to make friends, but find ways of building a community and involving friends in family activities.
3. Learn from available resources the necessary terminology and options available for your child in school. There are many acronyms, terms and policies that may be difficult to understand when building your child’s educational program, on top of all the medical information. Both Richmond and Columbia County provide the parent mentor program, and the website www.parentmentors.org has information pertaining to all Georgia students. Salter shared that much of the Parent Mentor work involves making trainings and resources on navigating special education and care available to parents. In addition to this program, she advises that the resource library at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia also provides a valuable local source of information.
4. Stay on top of changes to your child’s condition and progress to know when it might be time to reevaluate his or her educational plan and goals. There are several diploma and accommodation options available to special needs students, and it may be necessary to re-evaluate your child’s plan over time, such as a switch from an IEP to a 504 plan, and the starting or stopping of certain services. Wooten reminds other parents that “it goes by so quickly” and faculty, while doing their best, are working with many children, so you may be better positioned to know your individual child’s struggles and accomplishments. Staying involved can ensure that time isn’t lost and that your child’s experience continues to be a good one, but she notes that “being involved doesn’t mean you are sitting by your child every day,” and striking a balance is a challenge all parents face. Salter explains that if your child is capable of striving for a traditional diploma, it might be worth it, even if it takes the student more time, but that it’s also important to “be realistic” in working towards the goals that make sense for your child. You are a member of your child’s IEP team, and teachers, administration and paraprofessionals are all important and knowledgeable members of the team as well. Of her son’s experiences in working towards graduation Salter notes, it was difficult, but “I knew he could do it, and he knew he could do it. Never give up on knowing that they’re capable and just don’t give up.” A common theme from the parents I interviewed was stated simply by Salter at the end of our conversation: “When you know your child, and you know their abilities, don’t ever stop advocating for your child.” Encouraging words for any parent, but especially those facing the unique challenge of raising a child with special needs. v Meredith Flory is an Augusta area freelance writer. She has a master’s degree in children’s literature from Kansas State University, and is a former high school English teacher and college English instructor. Originally from Virginia, she is a military spouse married to Reese Flory, and their family includes two children, a dog and a cat.
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funfood
Frankenstein Cake Serves: 12
6 cups favorite cake recipe or mix
4 cups Wilton White Ready-To-Use Decorator Icing (4.5-pound tub)
Wilton Color Right Performance Color System Wilton Black Icing Pouch with Tips Wilton Large Candy Eyeballs Tools:
Wilton 6-by-3-inch Round Pan
Wilton 10-by-16-inch Cooling Grid Cake plate
Wilton Cake Leveler
Wilton 13-inch Angled Spatula
How to Host a Mad Scientist Halloween Party
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make two layers using 6-inch round pans. Bake and cool on cooling grid.
Prepare Spring Green icing using this color tint fortem: 4 cups icing + 30 Y + 6 B. Stack layers on cake plate for a two-layer cake, using leveler as needed. Ice cake sides smooth with green icing.
Use black pouch icing without tip to cover top of
cake. Use tip of spatula to create spiral effect. Use
black pouch icing with star tip to pipe pull-out bangs
Tricks for Your Treats
For more Halloween party ideas and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.
Prepare cake according to box instructions and
mula from the Color Right Performance Color Sys-
ransform your house into Frankenstein’s lab with a few party tricks and Halloween treats. Set the scene with a mad scientist-themed sweets table and carry it home with a crazy good menu featuring frightfully yummy appetizers, mocktails and, of course, treats.
r -JUUMF .POTUFST .PDLUBJM 1MBZ NJYPMPHJTU XJUI B perfect potion recipe featuring a few easy ingreEJFOUT BQQMF KVJDF DMVC TPEB BOE EFMJDJPVT ESPQT of Treatology flavor concentrates in taste-tempting Cinnamon Graham and Creamy Vanilla Custard ĂŤBWPST 4FSWF VQ UIFTF NBE TDJFOUJTU NJYUVSFT JO food-safe Wilton plastic beakers. r $BOEZ $PSO $SB[F )BMMPXFFO XPVMEO U CF UIF same without candy, especially candy corn. Wow guests with your inventive use of the iconic Halloween flavor. Infuse limited edition Candy Corn ĂŤBWPSFE $BOEZ .FMUT $BOEZ JOUP DVQDBLF JDJOH r ŃŽF (VFTU PG )PSSPS :PV DBO U IBWF B NBE TDJFOUJTU )BMMPXFFO QBSUZ XJUIPVU 'SBOLFOTUFJO ŃŽJT FBTZ buttercream cake makes a big statement, a fantastic centerpiece for your sweets table and will make othFST HSFFO XJUI FOWZ PWFS ZPVS EFDPSBUJOH TLJMMT ŃŽF $PMPS 3JHIU 1FSGPSNBODF $PMPS 4ZTUFN NBLFT JU FBTZ UP NJY UIF QSFDJTF TIBEF PG 'SBOLFOTUFJO HSFFO
Wilton 12-inch Disposable Decorating Bags
around top edge and two hair strands on cake top.
Prepare a disposable decorating bag with green icing;
cut a hole in point of bag the size of tip 3. Attach candy eyeballs with dots of green icing. Pipe green eyelids.
Use black pouch icing with round tip to pipe dot nose and neck bolts, outline mouth and stitches.
Apple Pie Potion Makes: 8-10 servings
1 bottle (1 liter) club soda, chilled 5 cups apple juice, chilled
7 drops Wilton Treatology Warm Cinnamon Graham Flavor Concentrate
3 drops Wilton Treatology Creamy Vanilla Custard Flavor Concentrate
4 drops Wilton Yellow Color Right Performance Color 1 drop Wilton Blue Color Right Performance Color In large pitcher, combine club soda, apple juice, Warm Cinnamon Graham and Vanilla Custard
avors and colors. Whisk until well combined. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
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Candy Corn Cupcakes Makes: 2 dozen cupcakes
evenly among baking cups, filling about 2/3 full.
Egg whites, water, vegetable oil to prepare mix
in center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in
1 package (16.25 ounces) white cake mix
17 drops Wilton Orange Color Right Performance Color
3 drops Wilton Yellow Color Right Perfor-
Bake 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted pans on cooling grid 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on grid.
mance Color
In medium microwave-safe container, combine
Candy Corn Candy Melts Candy
cream. Microwave at half (50 percent) power
1 package (10 ounces) Wilton Limited Edition 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
2/3 cup solid vegetable shortening 2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon Wilton Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract
2 cups confectioners’ sugar (about 1/2 pound)
Candy Corn Candy Melts Candy and heavy 1 minute. Stir. Microwave on half power in
30-second intervals, stirring between each,
until melts are almost melted. Stir thoroughly until mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.
Candy corn for garnish (optional)
In large bowl, beat shortening with electric
Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare muffin pans with
mixture and beat until smooth. Beat in honey
baking cups.
In large bowl, beat cake mix, egg whites, water and colors with electric mixer at low speed 30 seconds. Scrape bottom and sides of bowl;
beat at medium speed 2 minutes. Divide batter
mixer until light and fluffy. Add Candy Melts and vanilla. Gradually add confectioners’
sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Pipe or
spread onto cooled cupcakes. Top with candy corn, if using. v
Article and Images Courtesy of Family Features.
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Fall
34 t "VHVTUB 'BNJMZ ] 0DUPCFS
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Fun!
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inspirationstation by Mary Ashton Mills
Giving Back To Those In Need The Foundation for Therapeutic Options Helps Fund Therapy for Disabled Children
F
or 7-year-old Chaiden Floyd of Thomson, cochlear implants for hearing have been a part of his life since he was 3 years old. Frequent therapy is an essential part of a routine to improve his hearing impairment and communication. In order for him to overcome his disability, he must detect a sound, hear the sound, pay attention to the sound, discriminate it and assign meaning to the sound. This type of auditory discrimination doesn’t come easily for those born with hearing loss. Countless hours in a therapist’s office have become a familiar part of the week for patients like Chaiden. When other little boys are playing sports or showing interest in other after school hobbies, Chaiden is busy participating in therapy to overcome his auditory impairment. With constant changes in the insurance industry and medical reimbursement constantly varying, limitations routinely affect families with children who receive speech, occupational and physical therapy. Can you imagine your child needs therapy four times per week and you were suddenly limited by your insurance, allowing your child therapy only once per week? For example, what was once an allowance of eight therapies per discipline may be reduced to an allocation of two therapies per discipline and many children may be left without the ability to afford care. With such shortages in
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therapy coverage, children like Chaiden were left suffering. Fortunately for Chaiden and other lucky children, a
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{ inspirationstation With constant changes in the insurance industry and medical reimbursement constantly varying, limitations routinely affect families with children who receive speech, occupational and physical therapy. portion of of their their therapy therapy is is now now paid paid for for by by aa grant grant portion from the the Foundation Foundation for for Therapeutic Therapeutic Options. Options. from
Funding Equals Progress in Therapy Founded in in 2006, 2006, The The Foundation Foundation for for TheraTheraFounded peutic Options Options is is aa local local non-profit non-profit that that believes believes peutic children with disabilities should be afforded every children with disabilities should be afforded every opportunity possible possible to to enhance enhance the the quality quality of of their their opportunity lives. Floyd’s Floyd’s mom, mom, Coquita Coquita Snow, Snow, says says that that itit takes takes lives. her child child aa little little while while to to settle settle down down when when he he ararher rives at therapy, sometimes cutting in to the insurrives at therapy, sometimes cutting in to the insurance allotted allotted time time for for therapy. therapy. “The “The Foundation Foundation for for ance Therapeutic Options Options has has given given us us funding funding and and itit rereTherapeutic ally helps helps him him by by allowing allowing him him more more time time to to settle settle ally down and then focus on his therapy. He has prodown and then focus on his therapy. He has progressed more more and and has has been been able able to to meet meet his his goals, goals,”” gressed says Snow Snow who who notes notes how how Chaiden Chaiden has has come come aa long long says way. “His “His therapist therapist is is so so patient patient with with him him and and works works way. so well with him, ” she says. so well with him,” she says. For Jennifer Jennifer Jones, Jones, who who holds holds aa Ph.D. Ph.D. in in Speech Speech For Pathology and and Audiology Audiology and and is is Board Board Certified Certified in in Pathology Swallowing and and Swallowing Swallowing Disorders, Disorders, seeing seeing her her Swallowing idea come to fruition in the form of helping chilidea come to fruition in the form of helping children of of the the CSRA CSRA is is extremely extremely gratifying. gratifying. Jones Jones exexdren perienced frustration frustration with with aa lack lack of of insurance insurance covcovperienced erage on on the the front front lines lines in in her her practice, practice, Therapeutic Therapeutic erage Interventions, as well on the home front with her her Interventions, as well on the home front with own children children who who have have special special needs. needs. She She knew knew the the own children she she treated treated needed needed more more therapy therapy and and when when children Medicaid changed changed their their reimbursement reimbursement policy, policy, she she Medicaid began seeing patients for free. While talking to her began seeing patients for free. While talking to her brother one one day, day, he he suggested suggested she she start start aa foundation foundation brother to offer offer funding funding to to cover cover the the therapy. therapy. Paperwork Paperwork to was filed, filed, aa board board of of directors directors was was formed formed and and the the was rest is history. rest is history.
Raising Money for the Cause Since it’s it’s inception, inception, the the Foundation Foundation for for TheraTheraSince peutic Options Options has has given given away away over over $600,000 $600,000 to to help help peutic patients in in need need of of therapy. therapy. The The Foundation Foundation receives receives patients funding several ways including private donations, funding several ways including private donations, grants and and through through fundraising. fundraising. The The biggest biggest chalchalgrants
lenge Jones Jones faces faces is is getting getting the the word word out out about about what what lenge the Foundation Foundation is is and and getting getting people people used used to to giving giving the to the the Foundation. Foundation. The The highlight highlight of of the the year year is is their their to annual Talent Talent Showcase, Showcase, Exceptional Exceptional Children Children of of annual the CSRA. Each spring children from around the the CSRA. Each spring children from around the special needs needs community community come come together together for for aa wellwellspecial attended talent talent show show fundraiser. fundraiser. From From ballet ballet and and attended vocal performances performances to to bongo bongo drums drums and and freestyle freestyle vocal dance, children are recognized for their abilities dance, children are recognized for their abilities rather than than disabilities. disabilities. Afterward, Afterward, an an art art auction auction rather takes place place where where patrons patrons continue continue to to enjoy enjoy the the arts arts takes while having having the the opportunity opportunity to to purchase purchase artwork artwork while created by some of the participants. created by some of the participants. Jones feels feels that that there there is is no no child child that that should should go go Jones without therapy. therapy. “Every “Every child child that that comes comes into into this this without clinic should should be be able able to to receive receive therapy, therapy,”” says says Jones Jones clinic of her own private clinic. She says the biggest reof her own private clinic. She says the biggest reward for for her her is is seeing seeing these these children children functional functional and and ward independent with with aa smile smile on on their their face. face. independent The Foundation Foundation for for Therapeutic Therapeutic Options Options has has The networked with several providers in town to offer networked with several providers in town to offer services for for patients patients who who receive receive the the grants. grants. In In addiaddiservices tion to to Jones’ Jones’ clinic, clinic, CSRA CSRA Therapy Therapy Services, Services, NeuroNeurotion Developmental Treatment Treatment Programs, Programs, Pediatric Pediatric TherTherDevelopmental apy Intervention, Inc. and Pediatric Therapy Partners apy Intervention, Inc. and Pediatric Therapy Partners are also also currently currently providers providers for for the the Foundation. Foundation. are If you you are are interested interested in in becoming becoming aa provider, provider, If please contact contact the the Foundation Foundation at at www.therapywww.therapyplease options.org. As a parent of a child who needs fundfundoptions.org. As a parent of a child who needs ing for for speech, speech, occupational occupational or or physical physical therapy therapy ing or their their supplies, supplies, applications applications are are reviewed reviewed several several or times each each year year in in March, March, June, June, September September and and DeDetimes cember. Applications are available on the website cember. Applications are available on the website and may may be be submitted submitted anytime. anytime. If If you you are are interested interested and in donating donating to to The The Foundation Foundation for for Therapeutic Therapeutic OpOpin tions, their their website website also also has has information information on on giving giving tions, as well as other resources for special needs children as well as other resources for special needs children in the the community. community. v v in Mary Ashton Ashton Mills Mills lives lives in in Augusta Augusta Mary with her husband and two children. with her husband and two children. Her work work has has appeared appeared in in Charleston Charleston Her Magazine, The Post and Courier and Magazine, The Post and Courier and Augusta Family Family Magazine. Magazine. Augusta
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calendar 2015
PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLAHAN
October
Go Greek! Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is hosting another annual Augusta Greek Festival with food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. Sample an array of Greek appetizers, entrees and desserts, enjoy shopping in the Greek store and watch live performances throughout the weekend. October 8, 4-9 p.m. October 9 & 10, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. October 11, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For a full schedule of events, visit holytrinityaugusta.org/festival. 953 Telfair Street, Augusta. 706-724-1087.
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calendar SPECIAL EVENTS October 1-4. Westobou Festival. A celebration of music, dance, film, visual arts and spoken words. Come be inspired by creative performances and engaging fine art. This year’s headliners include pianist Ben Folds, singer/songwriter/actress Nellie McKay, and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. Various locations in downtown Augusta. 706-7552878. www.westoboufestival.com. October 2-3. Peek-a-Boo Fall Garden Tour. Sponsored by the Augusta Council of Garden Clubs. Featuring six beautiful gardens in the Augusta-Columbia County area. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Tickets may be purchased by emailing peekaboogardentour@gmail. com. October 8. Pig Jam. BBQ, music, craft beer and good spirits in the garden of Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 7 p.m. 706-826-4700. October 3. Fall Farm Fest. The City of Aiken and the Aiken Master Gardeners host the event which features fall produce, gardening demonstrations, live music, children's crafts and more. 8 a.m.-noon at the Aiken County Farmers Market, 115 Williamsburg St. www.VisitAikenSC.com or 803-293-2214. October 3. The Color Run. A popular race series known as “The Happiest 5K on the Planet,” the Color Run is a unique experience focused less on speed and more on crazy color fun with family and friends. Color runners begin the 5K run wearing solid white clothing and finish in an explosion of color. Sponsored by Westobou and the Greater Augusta Sports Council. www.thecolorrun.com/augusta. October 3. Oliver Hardy Festival. The city of Harlem comes alive once again to put on this popular family festival featuring Laurel and Hardy look-alike contests, live entertainment, raffles, movie showings, rides and a barbecue dinner fundraiser for the Laurel and Hardy Museum. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Harlem. www.harlemga.org. October 3. Oktoberfest. Food, music and beer in a festive setting in downtown Aiken. 6:30-10 p.m. 803-649-2221. October 7, 14, 21 & 28. Wacky Wednesday Story Time. It's never too early to start reading to your child. Held in the Children's Department of the Barnes & Noble at Augusta Mall, 3450 Wrightsboro Road. Call 706-737-0012 for times. October 8-11. Augusta Greek Festival. Enjoy live entertainment and music throughout the day and treat your taste buds to authentic Greek food, wine and pastries. Visit the Greek store, tour the church
and celebrate Greek culture and its offerings. Free and open to the public. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. 953 Telfair St. 706-724-1087. October 10-11. Walk With the Spirits. During 45-minute tours of one of Augusta’s historic cemeteries, costumed guides lead the way while discussing the history of the cemetery, the iconography of the headstones and interesting facts about the “spirit” that they are portraying. Along the route additional notable citizens from Augusta’s past will share their stories. Presented by Historic Augusta. Reservations required. 706-724-0436. October 10. Moving Day Augusta. The CSRA Parkinson Support Group hosts its 16th annual fundraising walk at the Wilson Family Y track. There is no charge for the walk, but donations are accepted. Proceeds will fund local exercise and swim classes, a respite program for caregivers, research grants and educational materials and events. Entertainment, refreshments and a raffle. Registration, 9 a.m. Walk, 10 a.m.-noon. For more information, to form a team or to make a donation, visit www.movingdayaugusta.org or call 706-364-1662. October 13. Best of Augusta Celebration. Meet the winners, taste the food, listen to their music and enjoy the fun. All proceeds benefit the Greater Augusta Arts Council and Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 6-9 p.m. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706- 823-3722 or www.augustamagazine.com. October 16. Monster Bash. This Halloween-themed fundraiser for Children's Hospital of Georgia features dinner, music, silent auction and more. 8 p.m. at Julian Smith Casino, 3 Milledge Rd. Go to www. monsterbashaugusta.com for tickets. October 16-25. Georgia-Carolina State Fair. In its 93rd running, the Georgia-Carolina State Fair promises even more enormously popular rides and shows. With a pristine midway, plus all the great agricultural exhibits and competitions, 2015 has the potential to be one of the best ever. For more information, visit www.georgiacarolinastatefair.com.
of the CSRA. In addition to several special guests, the event features demonstrations in pottery, weaving and spinning, frontier trading, quilting, blacksmithing, meat curing, gold and silversmithing, candle making, and much more. North Augusta Living History Park. 803-279-7560. October 22-31. Western Carolina State Fair. Enliven the fall season with old-fashioned family fun. Featuring rides, exhibits, performances, games, and food vendors serving funnel cakes, cotton candy and all the classic carnival fare. Held at the Aiken Fairgrounds. 803-648-8955 or www.westerncarolinastatefair.com. October 21. Art and Flowers: A Southern Perspective. Peruse elaborate floral and horticultural displays and a photo exhibition presented by the Sand Hills Garden Club. Designers from across the area present floral arrangements inspired by artwork from the museum’s permanent collection. Free. 2-5 p.m. Morris Museum of Art. 706-724-7501. October 24. Pastoral Leadership Conference. Inspiration, education and networking with faith group leaders, pastors, pastor’s spouses, ministerial staff, hospice chaplains, health care chaplains, military chaplains, CPE residents, church leaders involved in health and hospice ministries. Special musical guest Ron James, Keynote Speaker, Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr., speaking on “The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Issues of Social Justice.” 9 a.m.3:30 p.m. at the J. Harold Harrison, M.D. Education Commons, GRU Health Sciences Campus, 1301 R.A. Dent Blvd, Augusta. Register online at bit.ly/ GRUClergyConference15 or call 706-721-2929. October 24. All Hallowed Ever Ghost Walk and Illusion Show. Walk among the ghosts of yesteryear in a colonial setting at the North Augusta Living History Park. Preview the flavor of the festivities by attending the Spirits of Hallowed Eve Dinner, October 23, featuring an evening of wine, ale and heavy nibbles. Spirits, songs, stories from afar and fire in the night. Proceeds benefit the Living History Park. Reservations required for all events. 803-279-7560 or www. colonialtimes.us.
October 17. Westminster Fall Festival. Enjoy loads of activities, games and much more. All are welcome. Ages 3 and up. For tickets, call 706-731-5260.
October 24-25. Summerville Tour of Homes. Headquarted this year at the Appleby Library, this popular annual event features a tour of some of Summerville’s most beautiful homes, as well as guest speakers including Peter Bonner from Saving Tara. Each home will host a working artist, with works available for purchase at Appleby. 12-5 p.m. both days. 2260 Walton Way. For tickets and further details visit www. summervilletourofhomes.com.
October 17-18. Colonial Times: A Day To Remember. See what daily life was like for the early settlers
October 29. Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat. Bring a one canned good per child for entry. The canned
October 17. Miracle Mile Walk. This breast cancer walk is a fun walk through downtown Augusta. Walk begins and ends at the Augusta Common, 836 Reynolds St. Call 706-667-0030 or go to www. themiraclemilewalk.org.
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calendar goods will be donated to the Columbia County Food Pantry. 5:30-8 p.m. at Bobby Waters Gymnasium, Patriots Park. 706-650-4995. October 29. Time To Scare Halloween Carnival. The Annual Time To Scare Halloween Carnival and haunted house is sponsored in part by WRDW, Augusta Recreation Parks & Facilities Department and Clear Channel Radio. Doors open at 5 p.m. Children ages 12 and under only. A costume contest will be held at 7 p.m. for children in three different age categories: infant-2 years, 3-8 years and 8-12 years. Contest is judged by local TV and radio personalities. 5:30-8 p.m. at Diamond Lakes Community Center, 103 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. Call 706-821-1812 for information. October 30-November 1. Friends of the Columbia County Library Book Sale. Books will be on display in the foyer of the Evans branch from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday. Both fiction and nonfiction books will be available. Call 706-863-8760 for information. October 31. Aiken Fall Steeplechase. The tradition continues with the 23rd renewal of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase. The highly-anticipated sporting and social event features steeplechase races, carriage parade, the Village of Shops, guarantor tent party, and tailgating opportunities around. October 30, fall gala. Call 803-648-9641 for tickets. Ford Conger Field. Visit www.aikensteeplechase.com for more information. October 31. Jack-O-Lantern Jaunt. A fun, family friendly 5k event along the North Augusta Greeneway. Winners in different age groups will receive artisanmade medallions. Participants are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes; awards will be given to the best individual and team of two or more people. Races begin at 8 a.m. for runners and 8:30 a.m. for walkers at Brick Pond Park. Award ceremony at the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta. All proceeds benefit the center. 803-441-4380.
THE ARTS, MUSIC AND MORE October 1-16. A Sense of Place. 35th annual juried fine art competition. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. 706-722-5495. October 1-December 31. Brown Sugar Quilters Exhibition. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. 706-724-3576. October 2. Miranda Lambert: Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour. Reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Miranda Lambert resurrects her “Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour” in the shape
of an all women’s tour. With guests Ashley Monroe and Clare Dunn and introducing Courtney Cole. 7:30 p.m. James Brown Arena. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex.com. October 4. The 76th Swanee Quintet Anniversary: Starring Rickey Smiley. Featuring Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs, the Canton Spirituals and the Mighty Sons of Zion. 4 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www. augustaentertinamentcomplex.com. October 9. The Gibson Brothers. Voted 2013 Entertainers of the Year at the IBMA World of Bluegrass 24th Annual Awards Show in Raleigh, N.C. for the second year in a row. Presented by the Morris Museum of Art Budweiser True Music’s Southern Soul and Song. 7:30 p.m. Imperial Theatre. www.imperialtheatre.com.
Reed Creek Park and Interpretive Center 3820 Park Lane, Martinez. 706-210-4027. www.ReedCreekPark.com. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. Call for fee information. October 2. Spiders. Spiders are some of the most misunderstood creatures in the world. They will seem less scary once you find out why they are important to our ecosystem and discover some of their cool adaptations. For ages 5 & up. 4:30–5:30 p.m.
October 9. Tchaikovsky’s Fourth! Featuring Symphony Orchestra Augusta. 7:30 p.m. First Baptist of Augusta. 706-826-4705.
October 2. Kids’ Night Out. Kids have fun exploring under the stars, playing games and watching an indoor movie. Bring a flashlight and a blanket. Pizza, popcorn and juice are provided. For ages 5 to 12. Pre-registration is required. 6-9:30 p.m.
October 9-11, 16-18 and 23-24. Evita. Argentina’s controversial first lady is the subject of this dynamic musical masterpiece. Told through a compelling score, Evita creates an arresting theatrical portrait as complex as the woman herself. October 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24, 7:30 p.m. October 11 and 18, 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. 803-648-1438.
October 3. Live Animal Presentation. Enjoy a live animal presentation with wildlife educator Wade Carruth. Wade will talk about reptiles, amphibians and birds and will have a Red-tailed hawk and an Eastern screech owl along with a variety of other animals. For ages 5 and up. 10–11:00 a.m.
October 9-January 10. Independent Spirits: Women Artists of South Carolina. Approximately 30 works of art by women from across the state. South Carolina has produced and nourished many such independent spirits, women who work against the social grain to pursue modern and experimental means of artistic expression. Whether they work in painting, sculpture, assemblage, ceramics, or installation, these women represent the undeniable role that women play in shaping the future of arts in South Carolina. Columbia Museum of Art. Columbia, S.C. www. columbiamuseum.org.
October 10. Batty Bats. Bats are the only mammals that are able to truly fly. Learn about these crafty creatures of the night and why it’s important to have them around. For ages 5 & up. 7:30-8:30 p.m.
October 10-November 13. South Carolina Watermedia Society Annual Exhibition. This annual juried exhibition will feature between 50 to 70 of the most talented water-based media artists from across South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. Opening reception, October 10. The Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta. www.artsandheritagecenter.com.
October 30. Trick-or-Treat at Reed Creek. Walk on Reed Creek's Haunted Boardwalk and enjoy games, treats and a costume contest. 6–9 p.m.
October 11. Family Ties: Augusta’s Famous Siblings To Perform With Jessye Norman. Russell Joel Brown, Karen Brown, Wycliffe Gordon and Karen Gordon join international opera star Jessye Norman for an evening of Broadway, jazz and spiritual music.
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October 16. Family Movie Night. Bring blankets, beach chairs and snacks to watch Haunted Mansion on the big screen. The movie will start at dusk, but come early to stake your ground and enjoy the pre-movie dance contest or take a walk on our boardwalk. Movie starts at approximately 7 p.m.
Benefits the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. 4 p.m. Maxwell Theatre. GRU-Augusta Summerville campus. 706-284-3021. October 15. Steve Lippia’s Centennial Celebration: A Frank Sinatra Tribute. Come fly to the Bell for a centennial salute to Frank Sinatra. Symphony
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calendar Orchestra Augusta is joined by the swingin’ voice of Steve Lippia for all your Sinatra standards. It takes you back to the time when a great voice and a great song came together. Part of the Pops! At the Bell Series. 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. 706826-4705. October 15. The Broadway Boys. A collection of the hottest male voices currently working on the New York stage. Through their dynamic vocal prowess and redefining arrangements, the Boys add elements of pop, funk, Gospel, jazz, and folk to show tunes and classic pop songs. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. www.augustaamusements.com. October 16. The Avett Brothers. This group’s narrative folk-rock tells big stories about what it means to be Southern, to be American, to be alive. 8 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertainmentcomplex. com. October 17. Jazz @ The G. Georgia Public Broadcasting in Augusta presents a six-part concert series, in conjunction with the GRU Department of Music, Garden City Jazz and the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Performances feature internationally
known recording and teaching artists, professional regional musicians and GRU music students. Curated by artist-in-residence Wycliffe Gordon. 6 p.m. Doug Barnard Amphitheater. 706-667-4100. October 20-24. Rumpelstiltskin. A musical version of the classic tale presented by Storyland Theatre. School shows, October 20-23 at 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Saturday family matinee, October 24 at 3 p.m. Maxwell Theatre. GRU-Augusta Summerville campus. www.storylandtheatre.org. October 22. Vienna Boys Choir. A choral jewel known for their bright, clear tone, the Vienna Boys Choir has a history that dates back more than half a millennium. Today there are 100 choristers from 30 different nations between ages 9 and 14. GRU Lyceum Series. 7:30-9 p.m. Maxwell Theatre. GRUAugusta Summerville campus. 706-729-2310. October 23. 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz. Concert features two performances, ranging from Latin jazz to vocal standards to Dixieland. It’s a musical celebration of art in nature. Artists will perform several selections representative of the season. 7:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta. www. uuaugusta.org or 706-733-7939.
October 24. Atlantic Alliance. Music from Britain and America with the Augusta Choral Society. 7:30 p.m. Saint Paul’s Church. 706-826-4714. October 24. Walking Sketch Crawl. Participate in a sketch crawl at three downtown locations led by artists Jason Craig and Leonard Porkchop Zimmerman. You’ll begin at the Morris Museum of Art, drawing works from the permanent collection, and then head to the Saturday market to draw produce and goods from local vendors. The final stop is Nacho Mama’s, where you’ll participate in a figure drawing session. Free. For details or to register, 706-828-3808. October 24. Billy Joel Tribute: The Stranger. Comprised of some of the best and most experienced musicians in the business, this six-piece band brings together an authentic replication of Joel’s timeless music, crowning it with soulful spot-on vocals. 7:30 p.m. Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. www. augustaamusements.com. October 24. Corey Smith: While the Gettin’ Is Good Tour. This Georgia born and breed country/rock/folk/ Americana singer has one mission—to bring down the house. 8 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www.augustaentertinmentcomplex.com. October 25. Music for Action, Service and Hope (MASH). Headliner Kid Rock will play his first live show in the Augusta area when he brings his full band to Evans Towne Center Park. The event was created by Friends With Benefits to support likeminded charities Operation Finally Home, the Fisher House, Turn Back the Block and the Augusta Warrior Project. Gates open at 4 p.m. For tickets, www. mashaugusta.com. October 29. An Evening With Groucho. Awardwinning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast-paced 90 minutes of hilarity. 7:30 p.m. USC-Aiken Etherredge Center. 803-641-3305.
Morris Museum of Art
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1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org. October 1. Mommy and Me: Impressions of a Landscape. Take a stroll through the exhibition The New American Landscape: Paintings by Robert Stark and learn about color mixing. Afterwards, create an abstract landscape painting. Registration required. October 1-4. The African American Voice: Works From the State Art Collection of South Carolina. This exhibition includes 40 works of art in several media—paintings, drawings and sculpture—from
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calendar the State Art Collection of South Carolina. These artworks were created in recent times by 25 celebrated African American artists, all of whom have close ties to the state. October 1-November 8. The New American Landscape: Paintings by Robert Stark. Robert Stark has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.; Cheekwood Museum of Art in Nashville, Tenn., and more. His paintings have traveled to more than 140 world capitals under the U.S. Department of State’s Art in Embassies program. October 1-December 1. Decoys From the Collection of Dr. Lloyd Newberry. Dr. Lloyd Newberry, an avid big-game hunter, author and retired educator, began collecting decoys in the late 1960s. Fascinated by the wooden birds, he took several trips northward along the East Coast from his Georgia home, seeking fellow decoy collectors, antique shops, and carvers, purchasing a variety of hand-carved, painted birds and listening to the stories of craftsmen and hunters. Today early American decoys are highly collectible and widely recognized as a true form of early American folk art. October 1. Exhibition Opening: Decoys From the Collection of Dr. Lloyd Newberry. Dr. Newberry discusses the history and use of decoys for sport. 6 p.m. October 2. Films on Friday: The Prisoner of Shark Island (1936). Directed by John Ford, this film is loosely based on the life of Dr. Samuel Mudd, who treated John Wilkes Booth after the Lincoln assassination. After viewing the film, Museum Director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Participants are invited to bring a lunch. Free. Noon. October 4. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Symphony Petting Zoo. Touch, play and learn about a variety of instruments with musicians from Symphony Orchestra Augusta, create musically-inspired crafts and dance along to impromptu performances. Free. 1-4 p.m. October 15. Art Now Artist Talk: Hatch Show Print. Celene Aubry, manager of Hatch Show Print in Nashville, relates the history of the print shop and discusses work on view in the Education Gallery. 6-8 p.m. October 16. Champagne Print Fair Preview Party. Enjoy Champagne and hors d’oeuvres while you shop, meet the artists and get the best deals of the weekend. 5:30-8 p.m. October 17. Print Fair. This ever-popular event is a wonderful way to begin or expand your collection with affordable, original works of art. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
October 18. Music at the Morris. The Savannah River Stringband performs Appalachian dulcimer standards. Free. 2 p.m. October 17-January 3. Real Lives: Observations and Reflections by Dale Kennington. Organized by the Friends of the Mennello Museum of American Art, the exhibition features nearly 30 paintings by Dale Kennington, who earned a BA in art history from the University of Alabama in 1956. She turned to painting in her early 40s because she wanted portraits of her children, but later gave up portraiture for the kind of work for which she has become famous.
a project. No experience required. Supplies included in fee. Age 15 and up. 10 a.m. October 24. Watercolors Painting Class. Learn the basic skills while completing your first project. No experience required. Supplies included in fee. Ages 18 and up. 9:30 a.m. October 24. Clay Leaf Bowl. Make a lovely clay bowl with leaf embellishments for your home. All supplies are included in the fee and no experience is needed. Ages 12 and up. 10 a.m.
SPORTS & RECREATION
October 18. Workshop: Bird Illustration. Join illustrator Jennifer Vaz as she shows you how to render a true-to-life duck drawing in water media and pen. Prepaid registration due by October 9. Noon-4:30 p.m.
October 2-4. BMX Gold Cup Eastern Finals. BMX racers of all ages from across the southeast compete for the number one regional title in their class. Blanchard Woods Park BMX Park. Evans.
October 23. Art at Lunch: Robert Stark. The painter discusses his work on display at the museum. Catered lunch included. Paid reservations due by October 21. Noon.
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.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center 1833 Broad Street, Augusta. www.krocaugusta.org. 706-364-KROC or info@krocaugusta.org. Call or email for course fee information. October 1, 8 & 15. Mini Monet. Kids ages 3-6 will enjoy this weekly art class specifically designed for them. Parents are welcome, but not required to participate. 10 a.m. October 3. Fall Personalized Plates. Instructor Nanette Langer will teach you how to paint on glass and porcelain while you complete a decorative plate to take home. No experience needed. All supplies provided with course fee. Ages 15 and up. 10 a.m. October 10. Basket Weaving Autumn Beauty. Learn how to weave while you make a basket you can use through the fall. Beginners and experienced weavers welcome. Ages 18 and up. 9 a.m. October 17. Beginning Painting. Learn to paint with acrylics while you complete your first painting. No experience necessary. Supplies included with fee. Ages 15 and up. 9 a.m. October 17. Manga Club. Join Xavier Jones to learn techniques for drawing Manga-style artwork. No experience needed. Ages 10 and up. Supplies included with fee. 10 a.m. October 17. Pumpkin Watercolors Painting Class. Learn basic watercolor painting while you complete
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Champions Made From Adversity
Current weekly schedule: Monday—Adapted fitness at the Kroc Center, 2-4 p.m. and wheelchair basketball at Garrett Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and quad rugby at the Kroc Center, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday—Wheelchair basketball, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday—Swimming at Fort Gordon, 9-11 a.m., and Adapted Fitness at the Kroc Center, 3-5 p.m. Friday—Adapted cycling at the uptown VA, 1:302:30 p.m.
CSRA Defensive Arts 803-221-0330 or csraDefensiveArts.com. Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8-adult. Goshinjitsu, Kindai Karate and Kobojutsu. Call for information.
The Family Y Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs. Register at any branch or online at www.thefamilyy.org or call 706-922-9622 October 24. Fall Family Roundup at the North Augusta Family YMCA. Free Face painting, bounce houses, crafts and class demos. Fun for the whole family! 10 a.m.-2 p.m. . 803-278-0882 October 24-30. Spooktacular Les Mills Fitness Launch Party. Free Les Mills Aerobics Classes all week at the Downtown Augusta Family YMCA Branch. For a full schedule visit www.thefamilyy.org. 706 922 6190.
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calendar calendar October 24. The Great Pumpkin Challenge. AuOctober 24.Family The Great Challenge. Augusta South YMCA.Pumpkin Weightlifting competition gusta SouthofFamily YMCA.ofWeightlifting competition consisting 3 attempts each lift (bench, back consisting 3 attempts of each back squat, and ofdead lift). Winners willliftbe(bench, determined squat, on and dead lift). Winners be determined based maximum weight liftedwill to personal weight basedAwards on maximum lifted to personal weight ratio. will be weight given out to the top 3 male and ratio. Awards will be Registration given out to fee the includes top 3 male and female competitors. t-shirt. female Registration fee includes t-shirt. 706 922competitors. 9650. 706 922 9650.
)041*5"- 130(3".4 )041*5"- 130(3".4 Georgia Regents Health System Georgia Regents Health System Register online at gru.edu. Register online at gru.edu.
Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Ongoing. Support for Families Who Lost a Baby DuringGroup Pregnancy, Childbirth or Have Early Lost a Baby Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. CallDuring 706-721-8299 or visit their website. Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their website. First Tuesday of Each Month. Autism Spectrum First Tuesday of Each Month. Autism Disorder Support and Resource GroupSpectrum (The “ADisorderEducation Support and (Thecare“ATeam”). and Resource support forGroup families, Team”).and Education supportwith for families, caregivers friends and of children autism specgiversdisorders and friends of children withAsperger’s autism spectrum including autism, and trum NOS. disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD 6-7 p.m. Children’s Hospital of GeorPDD First NOS.Floor, 6-7 p.m. Children’s Hospital of Room Georgia, Family Resource Library, gia, First Resource Library,atRoom 1801. CallFloor, FamilyFamily Services Development 7061801. Call Family Services Development at 706-
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721-5160 for more information. 721-5160 for more information. First Thursday and Third Wednesday of Each First Thursday Wednesday of Each Month. Cribs for and Kids.Third Co-bunking and inappropriMonth. Cribs for Kids. inappropriate infant furniture are Co-bunking putting areaand babies at risk. ate infant furnitureAugusta, are putting area babies at risk. Safe Kids Greater led by Children's HospiSafe Greater led by Children's Hospital ofKids Georgia, willAugusta, teach caregivers how to provide talsafe of Georgia, will teach caregivers to dangers provide a sleep environment by showinghow what a safe sleep by who showing dangers to watch outenvironment for. Families can what demonstrate to financial watch out for. (Medicare, Families who can demonstrate a need Peachcare or WICC) a financial (Medicare, Peachcare or WICC) will receive need a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac will receive portable sheet,Hopkins sleep sac and pacifier afor a smallcrib, fee. fitted Call Rene at and pacifier fortoa register. small fee. Call Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606 5:45-8 p.m. on the first 706-721-7606 register. 5:45-8 p.m. on on the the third first Thursday of thetomonth, 9:45 a.m.-noon Thursday of of theeach month, 9:45Safe a.m.-noon on theBuildthird Wednesday month. Kids Office, Wednesday of each month. ing 1010C,1225 Walton Way.Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C,1225 Walton Way. First Friday and Second Wednesday of Each First Friday WednesdayFour of out Each Month. Child and SafetySecond Seat Inspections. of Month. Safety Seat Inspections. Four an outapof five car Child seats are used incorrectly. Schedule five car seats are used Schedule an appointment to make sureincorrectly. yours is installed properly. pointment sure yours is installed properly. First Fridaytoofmake the month in Building 1010C, 1225 First Friday the Rene monthHopkins, in Building 1225 Walton Way.ofCall RN,1010C, at 706-721Walton Call an Rene Hopkins, at RN, 706-7217606 to Way. schedule appointment theatdowntown 7606 to schedule an appointment the downtown location. The second Wednesdayateach month at location. The second Wednesday each month650 at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650
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Ronald Reagan Dr. Call 706-541-3870 to make an Ronald Reagan Dr. Columbia Call 706-541-3870 to make an appointment at the County location. appointment at the Columbia County location. Second Thursday and Fourth Wednesday of Each SecondCar Thursday and Safe Fourth Wednesday of Each Month. Seat Class. Kids Greater Augusta ofMonth. Car Seat Class. Safe and Kidstraining. GreaterFinancial Augusta asoffers car seat safety, education fers car seat safety, education and training. assistance is available to Medicaid and PeachFinancial Care eligible sistance Safe is available to Medicaid and1010C, Peach1225 Care Walton eligible families. Kids Office, Building families. Kids Office,toBuilding Way. CallSafe 706-721-7606 register.1010C, 5:45-8 1225 p.m. Walton Way. Call 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. Second Thursday of Each Month. NICU Parent Second Thursday of Each Parent Support Group. Noon-1 p.m.Month. in the NICU Neonatal InSupportCare Group. p.m.Children’s in the Neonatal tensive Unit,Noon-1 5th Floor, Hospital Inof tensive Care Unit, information, 5th Floor, Children’s Georgia; For more call SylviaHospital McCoy of at Georgia; For more information, call Sylvia McCoy at 706-721-2286. 706-721-2286. Third Tuesday of Each Month. Breastfeeding Class. Third Each Breastfeeding Class. A freeTuesday class ledofby an Month. International Board Certified A free class led by anHelps International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. expectant parents gain Lactation Consultant. Helps expectant parents gain knowledge and support to ensure successful breastknowledge support to ensure successful feeding. 7-9and p.m., Georgia Regents Medical breastCenter, feeding. p.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center, 7th Floor7-9 South, Room 7524. 7th Floor South, Room 7524.
Trinity Hospital of Augusta Trinity Hospital of Services Augusta Call Women’s Health at 706-481-7727 or
Call trinityofaugusta.com Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit for information and regisvisit trinityofaugusta.com for information and regis-
calendar tration. Please call for class times. October 3. Saturday Express Lamaze Childbirth Education. Helps mother and support person understand the final stages of pregnancy as well as labor and the birth of your baby. Covers natural and medicated deliveries, Lamaze coping techniques and more. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. October 10. Growing Boys. Boys ages 9-12 accompanied by their father, male relative or friend will find helpful information on what to expect in the preadolescent years. Knowing what to expect can help boys weather this transition without undue anxiety, confusion and frustration. October 13. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. October 15. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. October 16. Baby Care Basics & Breastfeeding. This class combines two important topics. A boardcertified lactation consultant teaches the class and
covers a range of helpful topics including diapering, bathing, feeding, cord care, nipple care, milk storage, weaning and more. October 16. Breastfeeding Support Group. Help, understanding and guidance in breastfeeding. October 19. The Birds, The Bees and Me. This course brings together 12- to 15-year-old girls and their mother, female relative or friend for frank discussion on sexuality, peer pressure and responsible decision making. Course deals with the changes, challenges and decisions that confront today's teenage girls.
University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth. org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs. October 2 & 3 or 16 & 17. Childbirth Preparation Weekend Class. A complete childbirth preparation class designed for those with time constraints or fluctuating schedules. Class meets from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Also included is a follow-up evening at the W.G. Watson, M.D., Women’s Center for a tour, question-
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and-answer session and review. October 5-26 (Mondays) or October 6-27 (Tuesdays). 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. October 15. 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. October 22. Introduction to Infant CPR. Do you worry about knowing how to revive your baby should the need arise? This class provides an opportunity to learn and practice infant CPR on mannequins and learn other aspects of infant safety. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. 7-8:30 p.m. v
Submit calendar information to karin.calloway@augustafamily.com.
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Girl GO
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Linda Diebel | Focused Linda Diebel, 39, of Evans, is the operations director for Meybohm Realtors. She and her husband, Jeremy, senior manager-MTU in Aiken, have three children ages 12, 9 and 7 and an Old English Sheep Dog named Star. She has volunteered in the community as a youth soccer coach at The Family Y, at Golden Harvest Food Bank, as neighborhood captain for It’s Spooky To Be Hungry and more. Wanted to be when she grew up: An attorney. Dream job: Do you think my boss will read this? Favorite indulgence: Outlet malls. Quality she admires the most: Patience. Surprising fact about Linda: I share my wedding anniversary with my three sisters—June 6th of different years. Planner, Doer or Dreamer? Doer. Dreaming and planning take more time than I usually have. Signature dish: Chicken Parmesan. Best thing about being a mom: Our family is a team. We win together and we lose together. Having each other’s support through all that life throws our way is really special. Hardest thing about being a mom: Having to say “No” a lot. I try to say “Yes” as much as possible to offset all of the “No’s.” Super power she’d like to have: I would like to be able to teleport myself so I could always make it to the important things my kids have going on. Biggest fear: Losing the people I love. Greatest hope: That my children make the world a better place by sharing God’s love with others. Important life lesson: You have no control over others behavior but you do have control over your response to it. Is inspired by: Change. Working with new people on different systems and projects is exciting. I am always eager to hear fresh perspectives. Is reading: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.
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