Augusta Family Magazine September 2015 by Augusta Family Magazine

September 2015 ANNUAL FAMILY FAVORITE WINNERS LIMITING SCREEN TIME ACNE SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY TEENS

Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

Teen Scene Sam Carter, 13, left, is the son of Tway and Branch Carter of Grovetown. Jake Koenig, 13, right, is the son of Denise and Barry Koenig of Augusta.

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Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

w w w. a u g u s t afamily.co m PUBLISHER Ashlee Griggs Duren

Contents

September 2015

EDITOR Karin Calloway 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. Christa Melnyk Hines Cammie Jones Mary Ashton Mills Jennie Montgomery Dustin Turner Augusta Family Magazine is published 10 times per year and distributed throughout the Augusta and Aiken area. Send press releases, story ideas or comments to the editor at karin.calloway@augustafamily.com or mail to 127A 7th Street, Augusta, GA 30901 or telephone (706) 828-3946. For advertising information, telephone (706) 823-3702. For circulation/ distribution, call (706) 823-3722.

Family Favorites By Karin Calloway

Techno Talk

How To Keep Things Kid-Appropriate and Parent-Approved

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departments 7 9

editor’s page mom2mom

Call Me Sister

-Jennie Montgomery

10 13

news&notes eating well with kim Family Favorite Recipes—Who Decides? -Kim Beavers, MS, RD, LD, CDE

15 16

-Mary Ashton Mills

No More Kids

smart mom’s guide Setting Up a Guest Room -Cammie Jones

time out!

Raise a Social Media Savvy Teen -Christa Melnyk Hines

doctor/dad -J. Ron Eaker, M.D.

health&home

Acne Nobody Wants It, Almost Everyone Has Had It!

inspiration station

Teen Court Justice for Teens by Teens -Mary Ashton Mills

48 46

calendar go girl!

Catherine Harmon Toomer, M.D. -Karin Calloway

September qu ick pick “How much time should she be allowed to use her devices? Should we screen what she watches and plays? Between smart TVs, tablets, laptops and now even watches, how do you keep up with it all?” Writer Dustin Turner, father of an 8-year-old daughter, seeks answers to these questions and more in his feature on page 28.

ON THE COVER: Sam Carter, 13, is the son of Tway and Branch Carter of Grovetown. Jake Koenig, 13, is the son of Denise and Barry Koenig of Augusta. Photo by Carter Koenig Photography.

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editor’s by Karin Calloway

Melancholy Mommy

Tripp and C.C. are in their early 20s and attend the University of Georgia.

’ve always tried to remain relevant, keeping up with new music my kids were listening to, etc. I didn’t want to be “that mom” from Bowling for Soup’s song 1985 in which the lyrics state “Her two kids in high school, they tell her that she’s uncool, cause she’s still preoccupied—with 1985.” But last week I found myself a bit melancholy and couldn’t figure out why. Things were going great. My mom had open heart surgery at Emory about a month ago and although it was a high-risk surgery she came through with flying colors. Both of my kids were back at college and getting off to a great start. They had wonderful summer experiences, with Tripp doing an insurance sales internship in Atlanta and CC completing a special art program in the Big Apple. I finally put my finger on the reason for my melancholy. I had been watching moms with carts full of school supplies pass me by as I shopped. The school bus resumed its routine of passing by my house at 6:45 and 8 a.m. And, many of my friends and co-workers were stressed out from the beginning of an new school year. I think my “funk” was just me trying to figure out how to stay relevant now that my empty nest was feeling really, truly EMPTY! Maybe “relevant” isn’t the right word, but as a woman whose favorite job ever has been being a mom, and despite the fact our youngest is in her fourth year of college—yes she is!—it’s just finally dawning on me that although I’ll never stop being their mom, I may need to pursue other avenues for feeling relevant. So, to you moms who are stressed out by kids who are overwhelmed by activities, AP classes and juggling it all—everything that comes with the beginning of a new school year—just enjoy the ride. Soon enough you may be like me, a somewhat melancholy mom trying to map out the next phase of life. Until October,

KARIN CALLOWAY is a wife and mother of two. She’s also a journalist and recipe developer who writes the Wednesday cooking column for The Augusta Chronicle. Watch Karin prepare her recipes on WJBF NewsChannel 6 on Tuesdays during Mid-Day and Wednesdays during Good Morning Augusta.

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mom m m ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

by Jennie Montgomery

Call Me Sister

other, wife, journalist, sister, daughter, cousin, friend. Those nouns describe the way I view myself and the way others see me. They represent the roles I play in other people’s lives. Like many mamas, I identify myself FIRST as a mother. I have been loving and raising my children for 22 years. But my longest relationships go back to other children: my siblings! I don’t remember life without Amy, and I clearly remember the day Richard came home from the hospital. They are my people. We would pile into the same bed on Christmas Eve, worried that one of us might wake up and see Santa—and he wouldn’t leave anything! Our collective sleeping kept us accountable. We couldn’t risk one person ruining Christmas morning for ALL of us! We played kickball in the front yard and fought over whose turn it was to sit up front. (Amy and Richard—I really did get carsick!) And speaking of carsick, we all hated it when Mama piled us in the station wagon and drove up the old Saluda Grade to Ruth of Carolina. We would buy dresses and those slips with the pink rose at the center of the bust. (Richard did not get dresses, by the way. Poor kid, he endured all that misery for nothing!) Now, we’re spread across the country, from Georgia to Idaho to Arizona, but we know in our hearts that we’ll always there for each other. In the last few weeks I met a woman who has been looking for her brother for decades. She cries when she talks about the moment, 50 years ago, they were sent away from the courthouse with different families. The emptiness she’s felt throughout her life is heartbreaking, never knowing what happened to her little brother. She shared her story with me on WJBF-TV and guess what? She found her brother two days later in a town three hours away! I was there when they saw each other for the first time, when they cried over childhoods spent apart…over memories never made. I am happy for them as they begin their journey as siblings, and keenly aware of how fortunate I’ve been to have mine every step of the way. That’s something I will never take for granted again, thanks to Audrey and Joey.

JENNIE MONTGOMERY anchors the evening news at WJBF-TV. She and her husband, Scott, have three children.

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news notes

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Celebrating 10 Years

Sports Safety BACK TO SCHOOL AND BACK IN THE GAME. DOES YOUR CHILD PLAY SPORTS? Each year, a young athlete suffers a sports injury severe enough to go to the emergency room, according to a recent study by Safe Kids Worldwide. Interestingly enough, female athletes are eight times more likely to have knee injuries than male athletes.

Augusta Family Magazine is celebrating our 10th anniversary with the Morris Museum of Art during Artrageous! Family Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m. The event is free and will feature:

Before signing up for a sport, make sure your child gets a general physical exam. If the coach recommends certain types of warm-ups, it’s not just to make your children better athletes. It will help keep them from getting hurt. Always make sure children wear appropriate protective gear for the activity—for practice as well as games—and make sure it’s the right size and properly adjusted.

• Performance of Butterﬂy Balad presented by the Piccadilly Puppets • Giveaways and prizes! • Birthday cake • A picture booth to put your child on the cover of the magazine • Morris-provided paper ﬂower bouquet craft • Scavenger hunt

Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children’s Hospital of Georgia, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Greater Augusta is a member of the Safe Kids Worldwide & USA network. To ﬁnd out more about local Safe Kids programs, call 706-721-7606, or visit grhealth.org/safekids. Read the whole article about keeping your kids safe while they participate in sports at www.augustafamily.com.

We hope you’ll join us for this fun family celebration!

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

er 2015 Septemb ORITE FAMILY FAV ANNUALS WINNER TIME SCREEN LIMITING ACNE SOCIAL MED

TEENS IA SAVVY

Family A AUGUST

e a z i n m a g

Teen Scene

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

Branch of Tway and is the is the son g, 13, right, r, 13, left, Sam Carte Jake Koeni Augusta. Grovetown. Koenig of Carter of e and Barry son of Denis

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KNOW A MOM who deserves a “Go Girl!” (see page 46) in an upcoming issue of Augusta Family Magazine? Submit her on the contest page of our website.

High School Video Contest “We’re NOT Gonna Take It”

rescription drugs seem to be everywhere these days and easier than ever to obtain. As a result, many teenagers may be tempted to try them. While the vast majority, 90 percent, of high school students in Georgia have not misused or abused prescription drugs, there is another reality: there are still almost 20,000 Georgia youth that do misuse or abuse prescription drugs. The Georgia Office of the Attorney General Sam Olens is asking Georgia high school students to enter the “We’re Not Gonna Take It” video contest. Students can submit 30-second videos which encourage their peers to reject prescription drug use and abuse, promote awareness and prevention. Students who wish to participate can upload their video to YouTube and complete the form at law.ga.gov/videocontest. The student who submits the first place video will receive an iPad, second place will receive a $300 Amazon gift card and the People’s Choice winner will receive a $200 Amazon gift card. The contest runs September 15-October 31 and the winners will be announced in November.

GO TO LAW.GA.GOV/VIDEOCONTEST FOR COMPLETE RULES AND MORE INFORMATION.

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

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL RUSHBROOK

Family Favorite Recipes—Who Decides?

amily Favorites—when and how does a food or recipe get classified as a family favorite? Who decides it is a family favorite? Many would agree that a favorite family recipe is often found at holiday gatherings and is passed from generation to generation. Most definitely, it is a recipe that is remembered and cherished by many and typically regarded with fierce loyalty. Food and memories go hand in hand—just biting into a piece of pound cake made from your grandmother’s recipe may send you back to days of easy summer visits or big adventures in the kitchen. Food memories from childhood help to shape our path as future food eaters. For this reason, it is important to keep placing those vegetables on the plate (even if they are not always consumed). I never ate the tomatoes in this casserole, spending many holidays picking them out—now I love them in this recipe—so keep serving up those veggies! v

Granny’s Baked Mac and Cheese Every recipe has a story and this one is no different. We had this at every holiday meal and still do. I love the bright burst of the tomatoes in this mac and cheese. If you want to make this a little healthier substitute whole wheat noodles for the refined noodles. In an effort to keep the recipe authentic, I share with you the “less modified” version. 1 16-ounce box of elbow macaroni 1 small sweet onion, ﬁnely chopped 5 ounces reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided 4 ounces light processed cheese, cut into cubes (such as Velveeta) 1 15-ounce can no-added-salt diced tomatoes (do not drain) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook the noodles according to the package directions, but reduce cooking time by about 1 minute

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(you want them slightly under cooked). Combine cooked noodles, onion, processed cheese, tomatoes and 2 ounces of the sharp cheddar. Transfer pasta mixture to an oval casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top with remaining sharp cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, until cheese melts and casserole is hot throughout. Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 cup) Nutrient Breakdown: Calories 210, Fat 4g (sat. fat 2.5g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 240mg, Carbohydrate 33g, Fiber 2g; Protein 10g Carbohydrate choices: 2 carbohydrates, ½ medium fat meat

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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2015 Physicians’ Directory Available Free for iPhone® and AndroidTM.

Download the Physicians’ Directory app for free and have contact information at your fingertips for Augusta and Aiken area physicians and dentists. Database is searchable by both specialty and by name. Brought to you by Augusta Magazine.

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

NO More Kids What To Consider When You’re Done Playing the Baby Game

oald Dahl once said, “It’s a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful.” Blisters and all, there comes a point in many couples lives that they make a decision that they don’t want any more children. Granted there may be single folks who also make this decision, yet the vast majority of those who want to do something permanent surrounding birth control do it in the auspices of the family. Putting aside any moral or religious grounds for or against sterilization (that is a debate for another day) I want to explore the various options for permanent contraception.

For Her Surgical sterilization, or having one’s “tubes tied,” generally refers to a procedure that permanently blocks, removes or destroys both fallopian tubes. Many of you remember from high school anatomy that the fallopian tubes are the meeting place of the egg and the sperm as they begin their courtship. There are a variety of techniques for accomplishing sterilization and each has its unique advantages and disadvantages. Two ways of surgically altering the tubes are associated with the immediate postpartum period. If a woman has a caesarean section the tubes are prominently displayed at the time of the surgery. It is a relatively simple matter to perform a sterilization procedure at this time. There are various ways of accomplishing this but they all involve either cutting, tying or removing a portion of the tubes. Recently there has been a move to actually remove the ends of the tubes, or even the entire tube itself, instead of just a small portion. Recent studies

suggest there is a higher incidence of ovarian cancer in women with intact tubes as opposed to those who have had their tubes removed. Understand this doesn’t mean in any way there is an association with having a tubal ligation and ovarian cancer. It means just the opposite, that is, removing the tubes may lower the risk of cancer of the ovaries. There are even clips that can be placed across the tubes at the time of surgery. If a woman delivers vaginally, she may also easily undergo a surgical procedure shortly thereafter to tie her tubes. This involves a small cut below the belly button (with anesthesia of course) and again, there are a variety of techniques for accomplishing the procedure. It is feasible at this time because the uterus is still quite large and easily accessed from this small incision. In general, having a sterilization procedure after having a baby doesn’t prolong or intensify your recovery. Another common approach for permanent sterilization is accomplished as an outpatient by means of laparoscopy. This is a procedure that involves one or two very small cuts on the abdomen in which an instrument is inserted and the tubes are visualized. Again, clips can be placed across the tubes or, more commonly, the tubes are cauterized, destroying their lumen (inside) and blocking anything from passage. A surgeon can still remove a portion or all of the tube by this technique. It is an outpatient procedure and the recovery time is brief.

What To Expect Many women express concerns about possible changes after a tubal. They have heard from family, neighbors and that trusted medical text, the Internet, that having a tubal will cause a woman to have irregular, heavy, painful cycles. This is largely a myth.

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Many women are on hormonal contraception (the pill, patch, etc.) prior to getting their tubes tied. Naturally, once they have had the procedure there is no reason to continue the hormones, so they stop. The pill and other hormonal contraceptives are powerful medicines and very effective at regulating cycles and reducing both period amounts and associated cramping. Coming off these pills often results in a resumption of bothersome cycles, so it is stopping the pills, not having the tubal, that is responsible for most menstrual difficulties after the procedure. A newer technique called Essure is an outpatient (and sometimes office) procedure that involves placing a scope vaginally through the cervix into the uterine canal. Using a specialized instrument, a small metal coil is placed in each tube occluding their openings. It has the advantage of not requiring any abdominal cuts, but does require proving the tubes are blocked by doing an X-ray a few weeks later.

For Him Not to be left out, the male can also do his part to stamp out fertility by getting a vasectomy. This is a procedure that blocks the Vas Deferens, the tube traversed by sperm from the testes. The testicles continue to produce sperm, but the sperm are reabsorbed by the body. Like the tubal, there are various techniques for accomplishing this, all with similar efficacy. The decision not to have any additional children involves many facets. Each person should approach it with the intent of it being permanent, as reversals of these procedures are difficult and not always effective. 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

S ETTING UP A

GUEST ROOM t

hen I have friends coming to spend the night from out of town, I enjoy planning and setting up their guest room. Our guest room is my oldest daughter’s room, which was the original Master Bedroom of our home. How I set it up depends on who is coming to visit. Do they like to read, do they like a lot of pillows, will they bring their own shampoo? There are many ways to set up a guest room to ensure your visitors have a comfortable and fun stay at your home.

ing, like flowers or a plant. “Guest rooms are typically rooms sitting without much activity, and this helps them not feel so stale,” she says. “Smells are a biggie, too.” If you add flowers that are fragrant, that should be enough, but a diffuser always works, she suggests. “Also, if there are any empty containers or bowls, fill them with glass balls. They feel clean and light,” she adds.

3. Folding Luggage Stand

If you don’t already have an existing guest room in your home, choose one that has its own bathroom or quick access to a bathroom. Also, if possible, choose a room that is private (or, as private as possible.) You don’t want your guests having to cross the busiest paths of the house to get to their room.

“This hotel-inspired touch saves guests from having to squat all the way to the floor to rifle through their suitcases,” according to Houzz.com’s Lisa Frederick, “Impress Your Guests: 8 Tips for Gracious Guest Rooms.” Use a folded luggage stand that can be stored in the closet when it is not in use. Or, make the luggage stand part of the room year round by placing it at the foot of the bed as a piece of furniture.

2. Decorate Sparingly

4. Outfit the Bed

If in an unfamiliar place, too much stuff can distract your guests or make them feel uncomfortable. An article in Martha Stewart Living (November 1994) suggests placing a single flower in a vase, a nice clock and a selection of books suited to your guests’ tastes on the bedside table.

Make the bed look and feel inviting. Look at your guest bed and add pillows. The more, the better! Your guests can adjust the number of pillows as preferred. Also, make sure your guest has easy access to an extra blanket or two.

1. Choose the Right Room

Beth Welsh, interior designer at Design Images & Gifts, in Augusta, says to always add something liv-

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Welsh suggests adding a seasonal item, such as a throw with fall colors in the fall or, in spring, a pillow in happier colors, as a personal touch.

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smartMom’sguide 4. Hooks & Hangers Galore We go to a wonderful beach house each summer and every year I wish there were more towel hooks for our multitude of bath and beach towels. Check the bathroom your guests will be using and make sure there are plenty of towel bars and hooks. Also, make sure there are extra hangers in the closet. Hooks work well here, too.

5. Bathroom Essentials Every bathroom should be outfitted as if it is a hotel bathroom. Make sure your guests have plenty of towels, hand towels and washcloths. Also, place a fresh bar of soap in the shower or bath area as well as a new box of tissues. Travel size shampoos, conditioners and lotions are also a must. Keep an extra hair dryer in a drawer or cabinet. A nice touch is to fill a basket in the bathroom cabinet or vanity with razors, feminine supplies, baby wipes, cotton balls, etc.

6. Sitting Area Even if you are extremely close with your guests, they may still need some alone time to rest. If the guest room allows, add a chair, small table and a lamp for your guest to relax. Add a stack of books or magazines for your guest to enjoy. A television is also a good addition to any guest room.

8. Food & Drink Although not part of the guest room itself, it is good to find out what types of food and drink your guests prefer. Stock up and show your friends where to find their favorite beverages or snack. Give them a “tour” of your kitchen so they will know where to find glasses and plates. Add a pitcher of water on their bedside table for your guests to drink from each night. No matter what your guest room situation is, the most important job a hostess has is to always make your guests feel welcome. Remember the motto, “Mi Casa es Tu Casa—My House is Your House.” Sit back and enjoy this time together with your family and friends. A little pre-planning will allow you (and them) to truly enjoy their stay. v Cammie Jones is an Augusta freelance writer and mother of three.

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health home by Mary Ashton Mills

Acne

Nobody Wants It,Almost Everybody Has Had It!

hether you’re the parent of a teenager who gets away with only one pimple flare-up a month or the parent of a teenager who experiences full-blown acne, these pesky little dreaded bumps can wreak havoc on your child’s self confidence and daily routine. Most of us can remember a time in our lives right before an important event when we looked in the mirror and suddenly the north star appeared out of nowhere in the middle of our forehead. For me, I don’t have to try hard to remember a story like that. The harsh words of a popular upperclass boy still remain with me today. “If you wash your face, that might come off,” he said to me amongst friends at a crowded table in the library. Ouch! I’m not sure which was worse the bump or his rude bullying. Fortunately, topical acne treatments and face washes have come a long way over the past several years. I spoke with Anna Kay Duckworth, M.D., a dermatologist with Savannah River Dermatology, about some of the causes of and treatments for acne. According to Dr. Duckworth, acne usually begins in puberty with an increase in sex hormones and can become more prominent in the middle teenage years (ages 15-18) when hormone levels increase. If your child starts to experience acne, Dr. Duckworth recommends starting with an over-the-counter wash first. It is important to remember to be consistent with the products and give them at least one month

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to determine if it’s the right product for you. “Panoxyl wash, a benzoyl peroxide wash, is a fantastic over-thecounter product. Benzoyl peroxide is safe and effective for treating mild to moderate acne. “I prefer gentle cleansers such as Cetaphil or Cerave and would deter a patient from using aggressive scrubs,” recommends Dr. Duckworth. She also likes over-the-counter salicylic acid for younger patients with mild acne. If acne is not responding to over-the-counter medications like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a dermatologist to assess the condition. “If the acne is aggressive enough to scar or has psychosocial implications, treatment by a dermatologist is necessary,” Dr. Duckworth says. There are many forms of prescription medications today from topical creams to oral antibiotics and prescription face and body washes. A dermatologist can best make the decision about which treatment will deliver the best results. For Ellen Bledsoe of Martinez, acne has been something she struggled with for almost 10 years. Once she finally found the best treatment regimen she began to see results. “I don’t consider myself to be a superficial person. You’ll catch me with my hair in a ponytail, wearing a t-shirt and jeans, often with very little makeup, but I became very self-conscious about my acne. Finally after years of struggling to find a suitable treatment, simply taking an antibiotic and using two topical creams has dramatically reduced my acne,” she says.

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health home Acne affects 85 percent of the United States population at some point in their lives. Factors That Can Lead To Acne Many other factors in addition to hormones can cause acne. Some others to be aware of are heredity, diet and exercise. “Patients can have a genetic predisposition to the development of acne. If both parents had severe acne, then the offspring has a high risk for severe acne. Studies show that a family history of acne is associated with earlier onset of acne and recalcitrance,” Dr. Duckworth says. Sometimes patients try to get to the bottom of why that really bad break out occurred. There are no clear-cut answers as to whether or not acne is dietrelated. Dr. Duckworth tells her patients to avoid particular foods or drinks if they notice their acne worsens after having them. After all, we are the best judges of our own bodies. Although stress does not cause acne, it can make the bumps that you have worsen. Try to alleviate stressful situations and practice relaxation techniques.

Sweat is not proven to cause acne or bumps, however Dr. Duckworth admits that friction and sweat can make a difference in athletes. By gently wiping the area off after an intense workout, patients may be able to prevent bumps from forming. “Wipes containing salicylic acid, clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide are available. This does provide a method for quickly cleaning the skin as well as application of medication with ease away from home,” says Dr. Duckworth. Acne is a normal part of growing up and for many adults it remains a problem. Acne affects 85 percent of the United States population at some point in their lives. “Acne itself can have a strong psychosocial impact,” says Dr. Duckworth. She says studies have shown that acne may lead to decreased dating, academic performance, eating out and even increased unemployment rates. In some cases, it can be more impactful on mental health than diseases such as asthma, diabetes and arthritis. It is also important to remember to monitor anyone who is taking prescription medication for acne because side

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effects do occur. From time to time, there is no escaping that big bump on your face rearing it’s ugly head. Most cosmetic companies offer non-comedogenic forms of cover-up makeup and some even contain medication in the makeup. Many come in handy on-the-go sticks that are easily dropped into a purse or book bag making for easy touch-ups throughout the day. When it comes to makeup selections, be sure to choose oil-free so it won’t clog your pores. Here’s to hoping your days with acne are shortlived. As for me, I ran into that popular upperclassmen a few months ago and let’s just say that 20 years later he was experiencing mount Olympus on his chin! v Mary Ashton Mills lives in Augusta with her husband and two children. Her work has appeared in Charleston Magazine, The Post and Courier and Augusta Family Magazine.

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Family

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Faves!!

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WHAT ARE YOUR FAMILY FAVORITES IN THE CSRA?

We polled readers, tallied the votes and have come up with a list of favorite restaurants, medical professionals, retailers and more. So, without further adieu, here are our winnersâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Fa fir rmh BU s a RG F t p us se avo lac Bu ER an ve S e r as rge op n “ ite r s bu t H B t ta rg ion au urg he ke a s er e t r ” r o e ,w bu . W a’ s b u s e ca ild rge ith yo rs n se ur or e w own hy !

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ARTS/MUSIC/DANCING VISUAL ART INSTRUCTION 1) Artsy Me 2) Gertrude Herbert 3) GRU

PERFORMING ARTS GROUP 1) Dance Augusta 2) Storyland Theater 3) JAMP

JAZZ/HIP HOP DANCE LESSONS 1) Augusta West 2) Kane & Co. Productions 3) Pulse Dance Center

FAMILY FUN ANNUAL FAMILY EVENT 1) Arts in the Heart 2) Fort Gordon Fireworks 3) Storybook Brunch

TRADITIONAL DANCE LESSONS 1) Augusta Ballet 2) Augusta West 3) Kane & Co. Productions

DAY TRIP 1) Tybee Island, Ga. 2) Atlanta 3) Hilton Head Island, S.C.

MUSIC LESSONS 1) GRU Conservatory 2) Augusta Prep Conservatory 3) Center Stage

TRADITIONAL FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER 1) Katy D. Sullivan Photography 2) Carter Koenig Photography 3) Amy Owen

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INDOOR PLAYGROUND 1) Airstrike 2) Monkey Joe’s 3) Chick-fil-A OVERNIGHT TRIP 1) Hilton Head 2) Charleston 3) Atlanta PICNIC SPOT 1) Evans Towne Center Park 2) Lake Thurmond 3) Savannah Rapids Pavilion

NON-TRADITIONAL FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER 1) Katy D. Sullivan Photography 2) Carter Koenig Photography 3) Amy Owen

RAINY DAY OUTING 1) Regal Cinemas 2) Augusta Mall 3) Artsy Me STORY TIME 1) Columbia County Library 2) Appleby Library 3) Barnes & Noble BREAKFAST SPOT 1) Sunrise Grill 2) Ruth’s 3) Waffle House BURGERS 1) Farmhaus Burger 2) Five Guys 3) Red Robin DESSERTS 1) Boll Weevil 2) A Piece of Cake 3) Smallcakes

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DRIVE-THRU 1) Chick-fil-A 2) Cookout 3) Sonic DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT 1) Frog Hollow Tavern 2) Sheehan’s Irish Pub 3) Bonefish Grill FAMILY RESTAURANT CHAIN 1) Chick-fil-A 2) Applebee’s 3) Red Robin FAMILY RESTAURANT LOCALLY OWNED 1) WifeSaver 2) Rae’s Coastal Café 3) Village Deli FRIES 1) Five Guys 2) McDonalds 2) Farmhaus Buger PIZZA 1) Marco’s Pizza 2) Mellow Mushroom 3) The Pizza Joint CHICKEN FINGERS 1) Zaxby’s 2) PDQ 3) WifeSaver MAC & CHEESE 1) WifeSaver 2) Goolsby’s 3) Panera Bread PLACE TO GET COFFEE 1) Starbucks 2) Inner Bean 3) Buona Caffe HEALTHY MENU 1) Chick-fil-A 2) Panera Bread 3) Zoe’s Kitchen PLACE FOR ICE CREAM 1) Bruster’s 2) Cold Stone Creamery 3) Dairy Queen

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KENNEL 1) Suggs 2) Graced Kennels 3) Paradise Kennels PEDIATRIC DENTIST 1) Dr. Lee Baker 2) Dr. Andrew Chandler 3) Dr. David Brantley

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LOCAL TV STATION 1) WJBF 2) WAGT 3) WRDW LOCAL WEBSITE 1) The Augusta Chronicle 2) Augusta Arts Council 3) WJBF FAVORITE PART OF AUGUSTA FAMILY MAGAZINE 1) Calendar 2) Articles 3) Summer Camp Expo

PARTIES PEDIATRICIAN 1) Dr. Tracy Middlebrooks 2) Dr. Sandra Herzwurm 3) Tie: Dr. Debbie Benoit-Harris and Dr. Steven Jones

LOCAL RADIO STATION 1) WGAC 2) WAFJ 88.3 3) WBBQ

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DOG GROOMER 1) D’Tails 2) Animal House 3) Four Paws

MEDIA

VETERINARIAN 1) Care More Animal Clinic 2) Highland Animal Hospital 3) Blanchard Woods

FAMILY VISION CARE 1) Broome Family Eye Care 2) One Hour Optical 3) Eye Guys

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COMPUTER REPAIR SERVICE 1) Computer Exchange 2) Geek Squad/Best Buy 3) Computer Masters

AFTER-HOURS MEDICAL CARE 1) University Hospital Prompt Care 2) Pediatric Partners 2) Doctors Hospital

CL O TH ES :

PLACE FOR CHILDREN’S HAIRCUTS 1) Hair Doc 2) Fringe 3) Great Clips

ORTHODONTIST 1) Dr. T. Barrett Trotter 2) Dr. David Carter 3) Rogers & Andrews Orthodontics

G IR L

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION 1) Georgia Bank & Trust 2) SRP Federal Credit Union 3) Bank of America

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AUTO SERVICE 1) Jiffy Lube 2) Milton Ruben Toyota 3) C&C Automotive

OB/GYN 1) Dr. Morgan Gibbs 2) Dr. Alan Joseph 3) Dr. Niti Carlson

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KIDS MENU 1) Chick-fil-A 2) Sonic 3) WifeSaver

BIRTHDAY CAKE 1) A Piece of Cake 2) Publix 3) Delightful Bites Cakery

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t ar m al W L O S: O E H PLI SC UP S TODDLER PARTY PLACE 1) Monkey Joe’s 2) Hoppy Feet 3) Chuck E. Cheese

GIRLS PARTIES 1) Tie: Singing Princesses and Tiaras and Pearls 2) Fairest of All Princess Parties 3) Lavishly Posh

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1) Westminster Schools of Augusta 2) Episcopal Day School 3) Augusta Preparatory Day School

SCHOOL/CLASS PARTIES 1) Putt-Putt Fun Center 2) Adventure Crossing 3) Bricks 4 Kidz

HIGH SCHOOL 1) Westminster Schools of Augusta 2) Augusta Preparatory Day School 3) John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School

PARTY SUPPLY STORE 1) Party City 2) Party Dollar 3) Dollar Tree

TUTORING SERVICE 1) Mathnasium 2) MAES Education Center 3) Sylvan Learning Center

EDUCATION

SHOPPING

ELEMENTARY AGE PARTY PLACE 1) Adventure Crossing 2) Monkey Joe’s 3) Chuck E. Cheese

DAYCARE CENTER 1) Cornerstone Academy 2) Fairview Education Childcare Center 3) Oakbrook Country Day School

CAR DEALER 1) Gerald Jones Auto Group 2) Milton Ruben Auto Group 3) Bobby Jones Ford

BOYS PARTIES 1) Monkey Joe’s 2) Adventure Crossing 3) Putt-Putt Fun Center

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1) Westminster Schools of Augusta 2) Lewiston Elementary 3) Our Lady of Peace

BABY CLOTHES 1) Posh Tots 2) Kid to Kid 3) Babies R Us

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D GR OG O O M ER :D ’T ai ls

D ES SE RT S: Bo ll W ee vi l BOYS CLOTHES 1) Target 2) Kid to Kid 3) Gap Kids

TOY STORE 1) Learning Express Toys 2) Toys R Us 3) Walmart

CONSIGNMENT SHOP 1) Kid to Kid 2) Uptown Cheapskate 3) Consign It GROCERY STORE 1) Publix 2) Kroger 3) Tie: Earth Fare and Fresh Market SCHOOL SUPPLIES 1) Walmart 2) Target 3) Office Max

CHILDREN/TEEN SPORTS PROGRAM 1) Family Y 2) Bulls Soccer Club 3) Columbia County Parks & Recreation FAMILY SPORTING EVENT 1) GreenJackets Baseball 2) Peach Jam 3) Augusta Southern Nationals GYMNASTICS/CHEER 1) Gymnastics Gold 2) Hayden’s Gym 3) Augusta Cheer Academy MARTIAL ARTS 1) Seigler’s Karate Center 2) Grubel’s MMA 3) Premiere Martial Arts

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GIRL CLOTHES 1) Kid to Kid 2) Justice 3) Target

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SPORTS

SWIMMING LESSONS 1) Family Y 2) Dolphin Academy 3) Brynwood Pool TENNIS PROGRAM 1) Petersburg Racquet Club 2) Newman Tennis Center 3) Forest Hills Racquet Club FAMILY FITNESS CENTER 1) Family Y 2) Evans Fitness Center 3) The Salvation Army Kroc Center v

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TECHNO TALK How To Keep Things Kid-Appropriate and Parent-Approved by Dustin Turner | illustration by Michael Rushbrook

hildren today have access to more technology—most of it quite literally at their fingertips—than we in Generation X ever dreamed of. There were no tablets, touch screens and phones or TVs dubbed “smart” when Abigail’s mother and I graduated high school in the mid-1990s.

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Now our 8-year-old has a tablet, an iPhone, a WiiU and a smart TV. Not only that, she knows how to download games, watch YouTube and browse the Internet. Did I mention she’s 8—EIGHT? And who knew that there are YouTube “stars” who get paid for what they do? She does. And she tells me and her mother (my wife, Jamie), all about them. All of this begs the question of limits. How much time should she be allowed to use her devices? Should we screen what she watches and plays? Between smart TVs, tablets, laptops and now even watches, how do you keep up with it all?

Setting Limits The San Francisco nonprofit group Common Sense Media studies screen time, and in 2013, found that children younger than 8 were spending roughly two hours a day in front of a screen. And that was two years ago. For decades, the American Association of Pediatricians has warned that children need to cut back on their screen time (first with television, then computers, now the whole media soup). The group’s latest advice: Entertainment “screen time” should be limited to two hours a day for children ages 3-18. For 2-year-olds and younger, none at all. Steve Crawford, of Augusta, has four children, ages 12 to 20, and he sets limits to video game time, online time and television watching for his younger children. “They must have permission and approval for all media time. Screen time is limited. We usually set a time limit. No one has unfettered access to media,” he says. Crawford and his wife also screen and preview what the children play and watch. “We screen just about everything and use Common Sense Media to help us make decisions about movies and TV shows.” Common Sense Media, at www.commonsensemedia.org, is a great resource for parents. The site reviews new movies in theaters and on DVD, television shows, books, games, apps and websites with parents in mind. It also provides blogs and tips for such topics as “talking to your kids about the news.” Common Sense Media recently reported that 72 percent of children younger than 8 use a mobile device, and 38 percent of kids younger than 2. Most kids play games using apps, according to the report.

Boredom Busters Child psychologist Jennifer Hartstein told NBC’s “TODAY” that parents need to be involved and look

to their own behaviors. Many parents use their devices in front of their children, then tell the kids not to do the same thing. She advised a “tech time out” for a few hours. “Create boredom,” she suggests. “Boredom begets creativity. Chances are, there’s enough toys in your house, there’s enough activities they can figure out, they’ll find something and jump in and do it with them.” Crawford said he and his wife “encourage reading, using your imagination and playing outside.” Audrey Ateca and her husband, Tony, of Aiken, have five children, ages 9-22. They have made community theater a family hobby. Mom, Dad and the children have all participated, often in shows together. Rehearsals and shows leave little time for other pursuits. When it comes to electronic media, she says, “We do limit viewing and time. For Daniel, who’s 9, I only allow three 30-minute shows a day. Now, if he’s watched that, and we decide to watch something as a family in the evening, I do allow him to watch. So it is really just his alone screen time that is limited. He’s one that would sit and watch all day if I didn’t limit him.” Ateca also screens what he watches. “I read about it and approve it. I do also watch with him occasionally to see what it is. I’ve always talked a lot about viewing with my children. So it isn’t just Tony and I laying down rules. We talk about what is and isn’t appropriate. We also talk about how much of the fluff TV versus quality we should watch. For example, watching ‘Wild Kratts’ is better than three episodes of ‘Phineas and Ferb.’ So, I encourage him to watch two of ‘Kratts’ for instance and just one of ‘Phineas.’” Except for R-rated movies, which generally are not allowed in the Ateca home, other films are determined on a case-by-case basis. “Most superhero movies are PG-13, but we allow Daniel to watch them if we have read the reviews about what is the reason for the rating. So we are flexible,” she says.

Keeping Things Age-Appropriate In addition to self-previewing and screening, a good resource for parents when it comes to video games is the Entertainment Software Rating Board, or ESRB (online at www.esrb.org). The group previews video games and rates them from E (for Everyone) to M (for Mature). Complete rating information for all ESRB-rated games is available on the

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TECHNO TALK

website or the mobile app, which is available for iPhone, Android and Windows phones. Crawford says, “We don’t allow M games for the 14- and 12-yearold. The 20- and 18-year-old are making their own decisions now. We are not real keen on any first-person-shooter games.” As far as gaming, the Atecas don’t like violent or shooting games, either. “I do try to limit that time. For every 30 minutes he (Daniel) wants to spend on it, he has to read for 30 and do something else for 30. For Joshua, who is 16, he is allowed a lot of free rein. We have always talked about appropriate viewing and teaching our kids to make wise choices. He tends to watch a lot of sports and documentaries,” she says. Some parents set limits for children on social media, even insisting their children “friend” them on Facebook. Ateca says, “I have never insisted that I be allowed to be a Facebook friend, but they have always friended me. I do make them wait until they are 13 to have a Facebook page, though.” Dr. Jim Taylor, who teaches at the University of San Francisco and wrote in Psychology Today that there is “a growing body of research that technology can be both beneficial and harmful to different ways in which children think. Moreover, this influence isn’t just affecting children on the surface of their thinking. Rather, because their brains are still developing and malleable, frequent exposure by so-called digital natives to technology is actually wiring the brain in ways very different than in previous generations.” So, what’s the bottom line? Taylor continues: “…too much screen time and not enough other activities, such as reading, playing games and good old unstructured and imaginative play, will result in your children having their brains wired in ways that may make them less, not more, prepared to thrive in this crazy new world of technology.” Marjorie Hogan, a pediatrician at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics, says families should encourage a “healthy media diet” for their children. Parents and children should work together to decide how much time to spend with media every day, and to make sure good choices are being made about what media to take in. I suspect that like most children her age, our daughter is quite the apt navigator in this technological world of ours. I’ve seen Abigail on her bed with the TV playing YouTube videos while she’s playing a game on her tablet. I’m proud to say, though, that she really enjoys educational games that teach everything from reading to math and science. Still, she would spend days exploring the seemingly endless and admittedly creative world of “Minecraft” if we let her. Which we don’t. For the record, we limit her time with TV and technology, and she has just as much fun outside, playing and riding her bicycle or reading a good book. Well, most of the time. n Dustin Turner is a travel writer and editor. He has been married to the wonderful Jamie Johnson Turner for almost 18 years, and they are the proud parents of straight-A 3rd-grader Abigail Turner.

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timeout by Christa Melnyk Hines

RAISE A SOCIAL MEDIA

SAVY TEEN T

o help her daughter navigate the somewhat murky waters of social media, Kristin Meier set strict guidelines when her 15-year-old opened a Facebook account. She friended her daughter, set up security with her, required access to her password and informed her that inappropriate posts or photos could result in the loss of her Facebook privileges. As much as she encourages her daughter to make the right decisions, mistakes do happen. “There was a time that she left herself logged in at a friend’s house. The friend posted on her wall—not anything inappropriate—but had it been anyone else, it could have been,” Meier says. “It did bring up the conversation on passwords and keeping your personal information private.” According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, “for general advice and influence, parents are still the top source for teen Internet and cell phone users.” If you haven’t already, educate yourself on social media so you and your teen can talk about about how to use it appropriately and avoid misuse that can cause serious heartache later.

of Pediatrics, and the author of CyberSafe: Protecting and Empowering Kids in the Digital World of Texting, Gaming and Social Media. Take a look at different social networks to determine which ones are appropriate for your child. Check out Mashable.com and CommonSenseMedia.org, which provide informative articles, as well as reviews on websites, apps and networks targeting different age groups.

Protect Privacy Predators and strangers aren’t the only “wrong people” to be aware of. Set up privacy settings with your child to avoid their account becoming accessible by people who are not part of their social network, “like potential employers, college admission advisors or just people snooping,” O’Keefe says. “We want to make sure they have control over who they’re friending and that other people can’t just peer onto their site and their posts.” Also, advise your kids to never share their passwords or any other personal information and to only “friend” people who are actual friends.

The Golden Rule Still Applies

Follow Age Guidelines “For Facebook, they need to be 13 and that needs to be non-negotiable. Just like many aspects of our life, like driving a car and drinking alcohol, we have to follow those age requirements,” says Dr. Gwenn O’Keefe, a pediatrician, spokeswoman for the American Academy

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According to Pew Research Center, 88 percent of teens have seen someone be cruel or mean on social media. Explain to your kids that their online identity is an extension of their offline identity. “Teach your kids how to treat others well online, the way they treat others well offline,” O’Keefe says.

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{ timeout Make a Contract Discuss your rules ahead of time. Together sign a family technology-use agreement. Post it next to your computer as a reminder. Example contracts and pledges can be found at the Family Online Safety Institute (www.fosi.org) or SafeKids.com.

Monitor Set up a Google Alert with your kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; names to help monitor where their name shows up online. Also, keep computers in an open, family area, rather than in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room.

Protect Your Computer As a precaution, Robert Siciliano, an online security expert with McAfee suggests parental control software. For example, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Safe Eyes can block inappropriate websites, restrict the amount of time that your kids use the Internet and monitor their instant messenger chats to protect against predators,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Watch for Behavioral Changes Depression triggered by social media is a growing phenomenon that can affect anyone who uses social networking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teenagers in particular can be very vulnerable to mood changes because they compare themselves to others on social networking sites,â&#x20AC;? Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There might be kids getting invited to parties or lots of pictures of people doing other things and they start to feel inferior. Often thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very normal reaction.â&#x20AC;? Contact your pediatrician if your teenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moods donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t improve after two weeks to determine if intervention with a psychologist or therapist is warranted. v

By the Numbers r QFSDFOU PG UFFOT BHFT UP BSF POMJOF r QFSDFOU PG POMJOF UFFOT FOHBHF JO TPDJBM NFEJB TJUFT MJLF 'BDFCPPL Twitter and Instagram. r QFSDFOU PG UFFO JOUFSOFU BOE DFMM QIPOF VTFST TBZ UIFJS QBSFOUT IBWF been the biggest influence on what they think is appropriate internet and cell phone behavior. Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project

Freelance journalist and author Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two active boys. Christaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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inspirationstation by Mary Ashton Mills

5IF 5FFO $PVSU NFNCFST SFQSFTFOUFE TUVEFOUT GSPN BDSPTT $PMVNCJB $PVOUZ TDIPPMT *O UIF QSPHSBN 5FFO $PVSU NFNCFST TFSWF BT KVSPST QSPTFDVUJOH BOE EFGFOTF BUUPSOFZT CBJMJGGT BOE DPVSU DMFSLT "QQMJDBUJPOT BSF PQFO GPS B OFX 5FFO $PVSU HSPVQ UIJT GBMM

een Court Justice for Teens by Teens

ften times teenagers make bad decisions. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all part of growing upâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;testing the boundaries and learning about the repercussions. Sometimes the decisions are worse than texting something rude to a friend or skipping class. Minor possession, theft, disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana at school are all examples of arrests where most kids would love to have that coveted â&#x20AC;&#x153;get out of jail freeâ&#x20AC;? card. It is tough to explain to a teenager that one quick decision turned wrong can leave a scar so deep that it can change the course of their entire life, quite possibly keeping them from certain colleges or careers. Columbia County teenage first-time offenders are fortunate to be

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considered for an alternative system of justice, allowing them a second chance at a clean criminal record. Thanks to a joint venture between Columbia County Community Connections, Columbia County Juvenile Court, Harlem Department of Public Safety, Columbia County Board of Education and Grovetown Department of Public Safety, Teen Court is now in full session. What makes this program unique is that while these juvenile offenders are given a second chance, other teenagers in the community are getting real life experience in the courtroom. Justice for Youth by Youth is a fitting motto. Teenagers from Columbia County School District serve as jurors, prosecuting and defense attorneys, bailiffs and court clerks. Being defended and prosecuted by

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{ inspirationstation There is strong evidence that young people stay out of trouble after their Teen Court appearance.

their peers is a unique form of justice. For 17-year-old Jordan Diamillo of Martinez, serving as the court’s defense attorney has shed light on a pathway she didn’t know she wanted to take. “I used to want to be a physical therapist and it wasn’t until Judge Flanagan introduced me to Teen Court that I got an interest,” says Diamillo who now hopes to go to law school after she graduates from high school and college. “It has given me the pathway I needed to find. I am grateful for that,” she says.

Whose Case Gets Heard? Columbia County first time juvenile offenders between the ages of 12 and 17, who are willing to admit responsibility for their offense, are considered for Teen Court. The Juvenile Services Intake Counselor refers each case to Teen Court. If the director of Teen Court determines that the case is appropriate for Teen Court, then the process begins. Meetings with the juvenile and their families are scheduled, the process is explained and waivers are signed. As long as the juvenile agrees to actively participate in Teen Court, upon completion of their time in court and sentencing, their record will be free of all criminal charges. By completing their sentence of community service hours, these juvenile offenders are learning the art of giving back to the community.

Who Benefits? The juvenile court system spends less time on minor first-time offenders and more time and energy on serious juvenile offenders, making this a cost-saving program. In addition, the county is raising responsible youth, who are learning early about the consequences of breaking the law. In addition young people are learning what it means to give back to the community. Youth who are interested in the legal system also become beneficiaries with real-life court experiences presented to them during training and

in Teen Court. By experiencing this hands-on legal training, student’s eyes are opened to many career paths in the legal field.

How To Apply Kari Poss, Teen Court Director, is thrilled over the launch of this program in January 2015. “I have wanted this program for years and now it has come to fruition and is doing extremely well. We are taking a negative choice and turning it into a positive end result,” says Poss. This type of restorative justice program has been used in the United States for over 30 years and has continued to yield positive results. There is strong evidence that young people stay out of trouble after their Teen Court appearance. “This is cost-effective for our taxpayers, since there are no costs associated with county funds and it saves the state of Georgia on incarcerating youth,” says Poss. Poss looks ahead to more opportunities for youth to participate in Teen Court. “I am working on a Teen Court Youth Summit at Rock Eagle in April for the Georgia Teen Courts to come together and meet for a weekend of training,” says Poss, who is currently trying to raise funds for over 140 youth and directors to participate. New classes and training begin each August and training will continue each month. Court is held in the evenings on the last Thursday of the month at the Grovetown Courthouse annex. Do you know anyone in the Columbia County School District who is interested in a career in the legal field? If so, it’s not too late to join Teen Court this year. Visit their website for more information and to fill out the electronic online application at www.columbiacounty.org. v Mary Ashton Mills lives in Augusta with her husband and two children. Her work has appeared in Charleston Magazine, The Post and Courier and Augusta Family Magazine.

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Family

PARTY TIME! Augusta Family Magazine is celebrating our 10-year anniversary during Artrageous! Family Sunda y at the Morris Museum of Art. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 2 P.M. AT THE MORRIS. FREE. • Performance of Butterﬂy Balad presented by the Piccadilly Puppets • Giveaways and prizes • Anniversary cake • Picture booth puts your child on the cover of the magazine

• Morris-provided paper ﬂower bouquet craft • Scavenger hunt • Anniversary cake • Children’s activities • Giveaways and prizes

Family AUGUSTA

m a g a z i n e

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calendar

PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLAHAN

September 2015

Culture Infusion The Greater Augusta Arts Council presents their annual, three-day extravaganza of all things art and culture. At Arts in the Heart of Augusta, peruse the market, featuring more than 120 fine artists and crafters selected by jury, and sample the flavors of the Global Village, an international banquet cooked and served by local ethnic associations. Four stages will host non-stop performances by dance and music groups from throughout the CSRA. September 18-20. Augusta Common and Broad Street. 706-826-4702. For a full schedule of events, visit www.artsintheheart.com.

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calendar SPECIAL EVENTS September 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29. Professional Organizing Classes. Topics include letting go of stuff, organizing as a family, paper management and more. Reservations by 4 p.m. the day of the class. Whole Foods Market, 2907 Washington Road. Email info@ libraorganizing.com or visit libraorganizing.com. Ages 18 and up. September 5. Goodwill Pony Parade. For ages 5-12. Make a stick pony using items from Goodwill. Race ponies during half-time on opening day of fall polo season. Includes a mop for the pony. Register and purchase supplies to make your stick pony at Aiken’s Goodwill, 1015 Pine Log Rd. September 10. CSRA College Night. Meet recruiters from more than 140 colleges and universities. Win scholarships totaling $12,000. Free. 5-8:30 p.m. at the James Brown Arena, 601 Seventh St. Go to www.srs.gov/general/outreach/edoutrch. coll_night.htm. September 11-12. Aiken’s Makin’. An extensive arts and craft show held in the parkways of downtown Aiken. Food vendors, live musical entertainment, children’s activities and fun for the whole family. Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. www.aikensmakin.net. September 11. Remembrance Ceremony. This event recognizes the heroism of all involved in the September 11th attacks through acknowledgements of families and volunteers from the CSRA. 9-11 a.m. Augusta Common. September 12 & 13. Cattyshack Cats Champion and Household Pet Cat Show. Learn about different breeds from Persian to Bengals, meet breeders and learn about cats. Cats from all over the U.S. will be competing for titles in seven judging rings. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Riverview Park Activities Center, 100 Riverview Park Dr., North Augusta. www.seregiontica.org. September 14. ACFAC Goodwill Clothing Drive. Local culinarians, it's time for back to school, and that means going through the closet and collecting all those items that you and the kids can't wear anymore. ACFAC will be sponsoring a clothing drive with all collected items to be donated to Goodwill. Please bring clean gently used clothing to Buona Caffe at 7 p.m. and stay for a demonstration on "The Art of Roasting: Why Better Beans Make Better Coffee" with Master Roaster John Curry. Email americanculinaryfederation@gmail.com. September 17. Perfectly Aged. Support the mission of Historic Augusta by attending its annual benefit

auction at Saint Paul’s River Room. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, raffle and silent auction of antiques, wine, and entertainment and vacation opportunities. 6:30-9:30 p.m. For tickets and information, contact Historic Augusta at 706724-0436.

9:30 a.m. at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock and Dam Rd., Augusta. www.phinizycenter.org.

September 18. Border Bash. The annual event celebrating the rivalry between the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Live music, vendors, UGA and USC cheerleaders and mascots fill the event with fun and excitement for the next day’s big game. Proceeds benefit children’s charities in the CSRA. 5-11 p.m. Augusta Common. www.borderbashfoundation.com.

September 5-12. Preserving Your Treasures: Behind the Scenes at the Augusta Museum of History. See the Museum's Processing Laboratory and watch a demonstration of how the Museum collects, preserves, studies, cares for and displays artifacts and archival collections. 1 and 3 p.m.

September 18-20. Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival. Internationally-inspired food, crafts, performances and concerts. Augusta Common and Broad Street. 706-826-4702. www.artsintheheart.com. September 22. Financial Aid 101: Understanding Federal and State Financial Aid Available for College. Presented by Brenda Vaughn, K-12 outreach representative from Georgia Student Finance Commission. Registration required. 5:30 p.m. at the Jeff Maxwell Branch Library, 1927 Lumpkin Rd. 706793-2020. September 26. CSRA Game Day 2015. A day for all ages to get active and participate in fun indoor and outdoor competitions. 5K race, football, basketball, softball, volleyball and more. Individual and team competitions. Presented by Positively Active Foundation. 9 a.m. at Riverview Park in North Augusta, 100 Riverview Park Dr. 762-233-1201 or www.csragameday.com. September 26. Pirate and Princess Party. Come in gowns, crowns, vests and bandanas for crafts, music, face painting, bouncy houses, concessions and more. Guest appearances by the Fairest of All Princess. Presented by the Family Counseling Center of the CSRA. Noon at Patriots Park, 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. 706-868-5011. September 30-October 4. Westobou Festival. A celebration of fine and performing arts, featuring dance, theater, visual arts, film, spoken word and music performances. Various locations. 706-7552878. www.westoboufestival.com.

MUSEUM AND SCIENCE EVENTS September 5. Swamp Saturday Guided Hike. Leisurely hike through approximately 2.5 miles of nature park trails, departing from the Swamp Shop & Visitor’s Center. Wear comfortable clothed-toed shoes, bring water to drink, strollers welcome, no dogs.

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Augusta Museum of History 706-722-8454. www.augustamuseum.org.

September 9. Brown Bag History Lecture: Hello! Can You Hear Me Now? Working the Phones. Bring a lunch; beverages provided. Refreshments served at 11:30 a.m. Lecture, 12:30-1 p.m.

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. September 4. Insect Investigation. Learn about our six-legged friends as we catch and release insects with bug nets in different areas of our park. Ages 5 and up. 4:30–5:30 p.m. September 11. Kids Night Out. Hey kids! Leave your parents at home tonight while you have fun at Reed Creek Park. Have a blast exploring under the stars, playing games, and watching an indoor movie! Bring a flashlight and a blanket. Pizza, popcorn and juice provided. Ages 5-12. 6–9:30 p.m. September 12. Pond Exploration. With dip nets in hand, children will explore and learn about what critters live in the Reed Creek pond. Be prepared to get wet and muddy. Ages 5 and up. 10–11 a.m. September 25. Family Movie Night. Come join us under the stars at Reed Creek Park with your blankets, beach chairs, and snacks to watch Penguins of Madagascar 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 dusk—approximately 7:30 p.m.

THE ARTS, MUSIC AND MORE Through September 30. African American Women and Civil Rights. Traveling exhibition at Augusta Regional Airport. Presented by the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. 706-724-3576. Through September 30. African American Nurses in Augusta. Exhibit opening reception, August 2.

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calendar Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. 706724-3576. September 4-5, 11-13 and 18-19. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Contains adult language and content—parental guidance strongly recommended. September 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19, 7:30 p.m. September 13, 3 p.m. Aiken Community Playhouse. 803-648-1438. September 6. Candlelight for a Cause. A celebration of music, art and community. 6 p.m. at the Augusta Common. Call 762-233-5299 or go to www. gardencityjazz.com. September 11. Southern Soul and Song: The Seldom Scene. Morris Museum of Art’s Budweiser True Music Southern Soul + Song Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. at the Imperial Theater. www.southernsoulandsong.org. September 11-12, 18-19 and 24-26. Sleuth. The ultimate game of cat-and-mouse is played out in a cozy English country house owned by celebrated mystery writer Andrew Wyke. Invited guest Milo Tindle, a young rival who shares not only Wyke’s love of the game but also his wife, has come to lay claim. Revenge is devised and murders plotted as the two plan the ultimate whodunit. 7 p.m. Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre. 706-793-8552. September 11-October 16. A Sense of Place. 35th annual juried fine art competition. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. 706-722-5495. September 12. Jazz @ The G. Featuring Wycliffe Gordon and the NuFunk Revolution, the Mike Frost Band featuring Lauren Meccia, the Travis Shaw Trio and the GRU Jazz Ensemble. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Seating on grass-covered terraces. Rain location: The Jaguar Student Activity Center Ballroom. No tobacco or alcohol. 6 p.m. at the GRU Summerville Campus, D. Douglas Bernard Jr. Amphitheater, 2500 Walton Way. For tickets: www.gru.edu/maxwellthatre. September 13. Third Annual Ann N. Johnson UNCF Jazz Festival. Nice & Easy Jazz, Bethany & Balducci, Monet Robinson, Sounds Unlimited and more. Benefits Augusta UNCF campaign. Tickets available at the Paine College Office of Institutional Advancement, Hagood-Holsey Hall. 6 p.m. at Jessye Norman Amphitheater, 1 Ninth St. Go to www.paine.edu. September 15. REO Speedwagon. The iconic group has sold 22 million albums in the U.S. and 40 million around the globe, including a string of gold and platinum records and international hit singles. This special concert benefits the Southeastern Fire-

fighters Burn Foundation. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Bell Auditorium. www. augustaentertainmentcomplex.com.

MACH Academy Inc.

September 18. The Velveteen Rabbit, Madeline and Other Works. As performed by the Columbia County Ballet. 7 p.m. Imperial Theatre. 706-722-8341.

Volunteer Opportunity: After-School Tutors Monday-Thursday from 3:30-6 p.m.

September 18. The Spanish Brass. The International Trumpet Guild Journal calls them “one of the most exciting and artistic brass quintets to come on the scene in recent years.” The group plays with amazing cohesion and sets a high standard for brass chamber music. 7:30 p.m. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. GRU campus. www.hjcms.org.

Help kids learn how to solve problems creatively, develop self-potential, respect for themselves and others, get a head start towards a successful career as a volunteer at MACH Academy. MACH Academy provides year-round programs and camps for ages 3-18. It is a 501(c)2 notfor-profit community organization housed at the Flemming Tennis Center in South Augusta.

September 20. Todd Wilson. The concert organist performs as part of the Concerts With a Cause Series. 3 p.m. Saint John United Methodist Church in Augusta. 706-724 9641. September 22. Step Afrika! Performance blends percussive dance styles practiced by African-American fraternities and sororities and African traditional dance. 7:30 p.m. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. GRU campus. September 24-25. The Fabulous Equinox Jazz Orchestra. Fashioned in the style of the legendary entertainers of the big band era, Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, along with their fiery hot 17-piece band, are putting their own stamp on the Great American songbook. 7:30 p.m. URS Theater. Aiken. 803-643-4774. September 25. Silent Movie Night. Featuring The Gold Rush (1925), starring Charlie Chapman. With musical accompaniment by organist Ron Carter. 7:30-10 p.m. Sacred Heart Cultural Center. 706826-4700. September 25-27. Fiddler on the Roof. Starring Tony-nominated performer Willy Falk as Tevye, father of five daughters and defender of his family’s Jewish religious and cultural traditions. Performed by the Augusta Players. 8 p.m. Imperial Theatre. www.augustaplayers.org. September 28-October 31. Nourishing Art: Portraying the Diversity and Development of American Food Culture. Opening reception, October 1. 6-8 p.m. Aiken Center for the Arts. 803-641-9094. September 29. Jenny Q Chai. An adventurous and prodigiously talented young pianist, Jenny Q Chai cultivates a mercurial and engrossing stage presence and seeks to create “fairy tales for grownups” in her themed and multimedia concert performances. Part of the Tuesday’s Music Live luncheon

www.augustafamily.com

4360 Quail Creek Rd., Martinez. 706-796-5046.

concert series. Noon. Saint Paul’s Church. 706-7223463. www.tuesdaysmusiclive.com.

Morris Museum of Art 1 Tenth St. 706-724-7501 or www.themorris.org. Through September 6. Contemporary American Studio Glass From the Collection of Eugene Fleischer. Considered by many to be the father of the American studio glass movement, Harvey Littleton (1922–2013) began experimenting with hot glass in 1959. Through October 4. Exhibition: The African American Voice, Works From the State Art Collection of South Carolina. Meet several artists represented in the exhibition. Panel discussion moderated by filmmaker and arts advocate Anthony Page. Reception follows. 6-8 p.m. September 3. Mommy and Me: A Basket of My Own. Learn how sweetgrass baskets are made and used, then weave your own basket. Registration required. 10-11 a.m. September 4. Films on Friday. Finian's Rainbow (1968). After viewing the film, museum director Kevin Grogan leads a discussion. Bring lunch. Free. Noon. September 13. Artrageous! Family Sunday: Butterflies in Your Garden. Enjoy a performance of Butterfly Ballad presented by the Piccadilly Puppets Company, create a paper-flower bouquet and go on a gallery scavenger hunt. Free. 2 p.m. September 15. Film Premiere: A Gesture and a

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calendar Word. View the documentary detailing the extraordinary life of the late musician and songwriter Rob Morsberger and meet the director and co-producer, Dave Davidson. Free. 6 p.m. September 18. Art at Lunch: Alan Campbell. Environmental artist Alan Campbell discusses his adventures on scientific research expeditions around the world and his artwork documenting the scenery, flora and fauna or exotic locales. Paid reservation due September 16. September 19. Workshop: Plein Air Painting. Join artist Alan Campbell for a plein air painting workship at the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park. All supplies included in fee. Registration required by September 16. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. September 20. Music at the Morris: Sugarloaf Mountain Boys. Enjoy the country bluegrass sounds of this engaging group. Free. 2 p.m.

410354 3&$3&"5*0/ September 3-7. Augusta GreenJackets Versus Charleston. Game times are 7:05 p.m. on Sept. 3, 4 & 5, 5:05 p.m. on Sept. 6 and 2:05 p.m. on Sept. 7. Go to www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com. September 12. GRU Stomp Out Sickle Cell 5K Run/ Walk. Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Children's Hospital of Georgia lobby, 1446 Harper St. Contact Nisha George at 706-721-1079 or nisgeorge@gru. edu for information September 12-13. Hot Dam Olympic and Sprint Triathlons. West Dam Park. Evans. Visit www.runsignup.com. September 26. IRONKIDS Comes to Augusta. The first IRONKIDS fun run will be held Saturday before the IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta. The race will begin at 9 a.m. the Augusta Convention Center, 901 Reynolds Street. The one-mile and quarter-mile fun run gives kids the opportunity to race like their parents. Ages 3-14. Each athlete will receive a race bib, finisher shirt or trucker hat, medal, goodie bag and the pride of calling themselves an IRONKID. On-Site Rgistration and Packet Pickup Times: Friday, Sept. 25, noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 7:30-8:30 a.m. www.ironkids.com, www.augustasportscouncil.org or info@ironkids.com.

September 27. Out of the Darkness Walk. Support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by participating in national suicide prevention and awareness program. Registration opens at 3:30 p.m. and the walk begins at 4 p.m. Go to www.outofthedarkness.org or call 888-333-2377 to register, donate or learn more. Race held on the Augusta Canal River Levee Trail, 2 Milledge Rd.

Columbia County Parks & Recreation Department 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. 706-863-7523. September 14-25. Fall Lacross Registration. Ages TBD. Season played October-November at Patriots Park. Call for more information.

Champions Made From Adversity P.O. Box 980, Evans, Ga. 706-364-2422. www.cmfa.us. This nonprofit organization strives to advance the lives of people with physical disabilities and their families through sport and leisure opportunities. Current weekly schedule: 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.

$43" %FGFOTJWF "SUT 803-221-0330 or csraDefensiveArts.com. Martial Arts Classes. Ages 8-adult. Goshinjitsu, Kindai Karate and Kobojutsu. Call for information.

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.

September 27. The Intermedix Ironman 70.3 Augusta. Billed as the “world’s largest Ironman 70.3 event,” the Intermedix Ironman 70.3 Augusta has sold-out for five straight years. The competition is comprised of elite-level amateurs, beginners and world class professional triathletes who compete for a share of a $15,000 prize purse. For more information, visit www.ironmanaugusta.com.

September 4. Kid's Night Out. Parents enjoy a night out by bringing your child, ages 2-12, to the Kroc Center the first Friday of each month. Kid’s Night Out will last from 6-10 p.m. and dinner is included. Activities may include gym play, inflatable, and swimming. Proper swim attire and towel required. Children 4 and under do not swim. Children must be potty trained.

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www.augustafamily.com

September 25. Family Movie Night On the Lawn. Grab your lawn chair or blanket for a night out with the family. When the sun goes down, the family fun begins with a movie for all ages. The Movie on the Lawn event is a great way to spend a warm evening with friends, family and loved ones. Come early, stake your ground and have some fun. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 7 p.m. until movie ends (movie will start at dusk).

)041*5"- 130(3".4 Georgia Regents Health System Register online at gru.edu. Ongoing. Support Group for Families Who Have Lost a Baby During Pregnancy, Childbirth or Early Infancy. Call 706-721-8299 or visit their website. First Tuesday of Each Month. Autism Spectrum Disorder Support and Resource Group (The “ATeam”). Education and support for families, caregivers and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders including autism, Asperger’s and PDD NOS. 6-7 p.m. Children’s Hospital of Georgia, First Floor, Family Resource Library, Room 1801. Call Family Services Development at 706721-5160 for more information. First Thursday and Third Wednesday of Each Month. Cribs for Kids. Co-bunking and inappropriate infant furniture are putting area babies at risk. Safe Kids Greater Augusta, led by Children's Hospital of Georgia, will teach caregivers how to provide a safe sleep environment by showing what dangers to watch out for. Families who can demonstrate a financial need (Medicare, Peachcare or WICC) will receive a portable crib, fitted sheet, sleep sac and pacifier for a small fee. Call Rene Hopkins at 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, 9:45 a.m.-noon on the third Wednesday of each month. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C,1225 Walton Way. First Friday and Second Wednesday of Each Month. Child Safety Seat Inspections. Four out of five car seats are used incorrectly. Schedule an appointment to make sure yours is installed properly. First Friday of the month in Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call Rene Hopkins, RN, at 706-7217606 to schedule an appointment at the downtown location. The second Wednesday each month at Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 650 Ronald Reagan Dr. Call 706-541-3870 to make an appointment at the Columbia County location. Second Thursday and Fourth Wednesday of Each

calendar Month. Car Seat Class. Safe Kids Greater Augusta offers car seat safety, education and training. Financial assistance is available to Medicaid and Peach Care eligible families. Safe Kids Office, Building 1010C, 1225 Walton Way. Call 706-721-7606 to register. 5:45-8 p.m. Second Thursday of Each Month. NICU Parent Support Group. Noon-1 p.m. in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 5th Floor, Children’s Hospital of Georgia; For more information, call Sylvia McCoy at 706-721-2286. Third Tuesday of Each Month. Breastfeeding Class. A free class led by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Helps expectant parents gain knowledge and support to ensure successful breastfeeding. 7-9 p.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center, 7th Floor South, Room 7524.

Trinity Hospital of Augusta Call Women’s Health Services at 706-481-7727 or visit trinityofaugusta.com for information and registration. Please call for class times. September 5. 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. September 8. Infant CPR. Learn how to respond in an emergency situation using infant mannequins and a simple step-by-step method. September 15. Childbirth Education 101. Learn about the signs and symptoms of labor as well as labor and delivery. September 18. 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.

org/calendar for information. Registration is required for most programs. September 1-22 (Tuesdays), September 2-24 (Wednesdays) or September 14-28 (Mondays). 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. September 11 & 12 or 18 & 19. Childbirth Preparation Weekend Class. A complete childbirth preparation class designed for those with time constraints or fluctuating schedules. Class meets from 6:309:30 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-and-answer session and review. September 17. 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. September 24. Introduction to Infant CPR. Do you worry about knowing how to revive your baby should the need arise? This class provides an opportunity to learn and practice infant CPR on mannequins and learn other aspects of infant safety. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. 7-8:30 p.m.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Aiken Home School Times Playgroup 803-648-7042 or fourmckeels@yahoo.com. Thursdays. This playgroup is open to all home schoolers. Meets at the O’Dell Weeks playground for unstructured play for the children and time with other home school parents for the adults. Noon.

September 18. Breastfeeding Support Group. Help, understanding and guidance in breastfeeding.

Augusta Jewish Community Center

September 22. On Being a Girl. This class is designed for girls ages 9-12 accompanied by their mother, a female friend or relative. Discussion is focused on physical and emotional changes of puberty.

Ongoing. The Mothers Circle. Free course, resources, education and events for women of other backgrounds raising Jewish children. Call for details.

University Health Care System Call 706-774-2825 or logon at www.universityhealth.

898 Weinberger Way. 706-228-3636 or log on at augustajcc.org.

Augusta Preparatory Day School After School Enrichment and Conservatory Programs ambre.cornett@augustaprep.org. www.augustaprep.org/afterschoolenrichment. www.augustaprep.org/conservatorygroup. Augusta Prep is launching a new after school enrichment program with course offerings including: Theatre Exploration, Hands On Art History for Kids: Ancient Civilizations, Crafting Corner, The "Write" Stuff, LS Football, The Kids Table and Functional Art: Making Art You Can Use. The Augusta Prep Conservatory continues to offer programs which include a variety of opportunities for music and dance instruction. Visit their websites for details and course times.

Classical Conversations www.classicalconversations.com. kelli.c.graham@att.net. Classical Conversations is a community of home educators following a Christian, classical model of education. Five locations currently serve families in the CSRA—Augusta, Evans/Grovetown, Grovetown/ Martinez, North Augusta and Aiken.

Monkey Joe’s 368 Furys Ferry Rd. 706-922-JUMP (5867). monkeyjoes.com. First Sunday of Each Month. Special Needs Night at Monkey Joe’s. This event is held the first Sunday of each month after general store hours to ensure a calm environment for special needs children and their parents. 6-7 p.m.

North Augusta Homeschool Playgroup Meets Thursdays at various North Augusta parks for play. Field trips will also be scheduled. All homeschoolers are welcome. Call 803-613-0484 or e-mail emilykohlbacher@hotmail.com.

CHILDBIRTH, BREASTFEEDING AND PARENTING SUPPORT GROUPS Augusta Area Mommies

Sign Up for Class! The AJCC offers a wide variety of classes for children of all ages and adults, including athletics, the arts, cooking, language and more. Log on to download a complete listing.

Contact Jennifer Stanley at 706-855-0072 or phlegalesfan@att.net. A community for moms in the Augusta area offering support, friendship and fun as well as the opportunity to exchange information. The group, which

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calendar is part of The Mommies Network, also provides discussion forums, an events calendar and more. Meeting are held online, at local parks, members homes (for monthly BUNCO) and on field trips. All mothers are welcome.

"VHVTUB 'PPE "MMFSHZ (SPVQ Does your child have severe, potentially fatal food allergies. Would you like to get together with other parents who face the same challenges? This group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Evans Government Center Auditorium, Building A, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr. Free and welcome to anyone dealing with food allergies. Meetings often include special guest speakers. 6 p.m. Contact Sheena Whitlock at swhitlock@ augustafoodallergy.org or go to www.augustafoodallergy.org.

verance and resilience. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Call for location.

-B -FDIF -FBHVF This breastfeeding support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2204 Kimberly Dr. Evening meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. Call 706-737-2405 or log on at lllusa.org/web/AugustaGA.html.

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ond Tuesday of each month for moms to learn, share, support each other and socialize. Meetings are held in the South Aiken Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 1711 Whiskey Rd. Free childcare and dinner for those attending, reservations required. You do not need to be a member of South Aiken Presbyterian to attend. Check out MOPS Aiken on Facebook, contact Jennie Beat at 803640-4742 or email mopsaiken@gmail.com for more information or to register for childcare.

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

801 Greene St., Augusta. Call Kimberly Lee-Branch, coordinator of licensing, recruitment and training at 706-396-2180, ext. 107. The goal of this organization is to revolutionize foster care by keeping siblings together while building healthier families.

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Contact Donyale Clarke at 803-384-0522. This Autism support group meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at AGC Teacher Supply. Preregistration is required. Attendance is free.

www.momsclubofgrovetown.weebly.com Momsclubofgrovetown@gmail.com Members come from Grovetown, Harlem and the communities of Fort Gordon. The group is not affiliated with any parenting style, religion, or ethnic group. MOMS Club is open to and accepting of any and all moms who are at-home with their children.

907-854-1509. A non-profit 12-step support group for people addicted to food. No dues or fees for membership. Meets in Augusta on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3551 Wheeler Road, and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way.

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Call 706-721-8283 for more information. Every Tuesday. A free weekly support group for new mothers. All new moms are welcome and can bring their baby. Information from International Board Certified Lactation Consultant/Educator/ Perinatal Nurse. Weigh your baby, share refreshments and meet other moms while getting answers to your questions along with timely advice from the Georgia Regents Women’s Health team and guest speakers. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Georgia Regents Medical Center, second floor, Terrace Dining Magnolia Room.

The Child Advocacy Center, a program of Child Enrichment Inc., a nonprofit organization serving victims of sexual abuse in our community, is offering a support group for parents and caregivers of children who have been sexually abused. Groups will be held the second Tuesday of each month. Call 706-7374631 for information and location. This group is not appropriate for sex offenders.

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

#VSO 4VSWJWPST 4VQQPSU (SPVQ The Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation invites all burn survivors to attend this monthly support group. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday each month at 2 p.m. at the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation, 3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Building C. Call 800-650-BURN or go to www.sfbd.net.

$FMJBD %JTFBTF 4VQQPSU (SPVQ Email RoseforHealth@aol.com. Meets the third Tuesday of every month in Suite 120 of the Summerville Building, adjacent to Trinity Hospital of Augusta. Open to those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or on a gluten-free diet. Discussions include information on celiac disease, do’s and don’ts of a gluten-free diet and more. 7-8:30 p.m.

$PNNPO #POE 1BSFOU 4VQQPSU (SPVQ Geneice McCoy, organizer. 706-729-0012 or commonbond@comcast.net. For parents of children of all ages and diagnoses with challenging disabilities but remarkable perse-

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

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A nondenominational Christian group for mothers of preschool-aged children. Childcare provided. Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, 642 Telfair Street. Call Amy Toney at 803-341-1904 or go to www.firstpresaugusta.org/MOPS. The Aiken charter group of MOPS meets the Sec-

www.augustafamily.com

1FBDFGVM 1BSFOUJOH "VHVTUB This unofficial Attachment Parenting support group is for families who believe in parenting gently and building children’s spirits, minds and bodies through nurturing, attentive and practical approaches. Join their Yahoo! group at Peaceful_ Parenting_Augusta or email Jen at theotherbradford@yahoo.com.

1SFWFOU $IJME "CVTF "VHVTUB Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services: 706-7245200. preventchildabuseaugusta@gmail.com. Prevent Child Abuse Augusta is a volunteer-based non-profit organization which meets on the third Wednesday of each month at University Hospital. Meetings include informative speakers and other community representatives. If you are interested in participating in this collaborative effort or would like more details please call or email.v

Submit calendar information to karin.calloway@augustafamily.com.

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by Karin Calloway

Catherine Harmon Toomer, M.D. | “Wonderlustful” Dr. Catherine Harmon Toomer, 50, of Aiken, is a family medicine physician at Barnwell Family Medicine and serves as county medical director with Hospice Care of South Carolina. She and her husband, Anthony L. Toomer, M.D. (a radiologist) have three children, ages 14, 16 and 30, and two grandchildren. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. and serves on the board of Naomi’s Fund (supporting pediatric cancer awareness, care and research). She enjoys playing the violin, painting, sculpture, singing, community theater and reading. Wanted to be when she grew up: A doctor (since I was 8 years old). First Job: Checking meal cards at my university dorm cafeteria. Dream job: A job much like what I am doing now—helping people reach their full health potential through direct patient care or through policy development. Important life lesson: Don’t believe everything you think. Quality she admires the most: Fortitude. Surprising fact about Catherine: I learned to ride a horse at 40 years old. Favorite indulgence: Spending hours alone in an art museum. Planner, Doer or Dreamer? I’m all of the above—I dream it, plan it, then do it. I am originally from Michigan, but grew up in Nairobi, Kenya. My high school classmates are scattered around the world and I hadn’t seen most of them since leaving Kenya for college. I thought it would be wonderful get together again in Nairobi. After 8 months of planning, 45 out of 60 classmates met for the first time in 30 years. Best thing about being a mom: Being exposed to new and popular culture. Hardest thing about being a mom: Making parenting mistakes I promised myself I wouldn’t. Super power she’d like to have: To remove pain of any kind.

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