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s we head toward the close of another year, I’ve been reflecting on all the highs and lows 2022 brought to our family. Low: I started the year with a raging case of the coronavirus after being vaccinated and boosted. It was horrible for about five days, but I came through without sharing it with Mike. As an immunocompromised cancer patient, it would’ve been dangerous for him to get it, so we were very lucky. High: In May, our second grandson Griffin “Finn” Hamilton was born. The timing of his birth prevented his parents from joining us for the family beach trip to St. George Island the week before he was born. But what a joyous occasion to return home to! He’s such a happy baby who lights up when his parents come into the room. He’ll be a year old on our beach trip this coming May, and I can’t wait to see him and his cousin Milo (3) playing in the sand together. Low: In June, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. With Mike being a cancer patient for the past 13 years, we aren’t new to this party, so we turned to our old friends at the John B. Amos Cancer Center for treatment. They have kept Mike alive, and we trust the team there completely. I’m happy to say that after three surgeries and a round of radiation, I have no evidence of disease. Praise the Lord! High: I’m the mother and step-mother of four sons and the grandmother of two grandsons. I love my boys and wouldn’t change a thing about my life with them, but I have missed being able to buy a pink dress. Well, on November 5, I was able to do just that. Clara Elizabeth had barely arrived before I was out shopping. I’ve had so much fun and can’t wait until she’s a little older so we can shop together. She’s a beautiful baby with a head full of dark hair—the color that mine was before Father Time turned it silver. So that’s the recap of my year, and as Christmas approaches, I feel so fortunate to be here to celebrate with my family—including three grandchildren, now. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. Please patronize our advertisers for your Christmas shopping. They are the ones that make Valley Parent available at no charge to our readers. And don’t forget to send us photos of your children during the holidays for Valley Smiles.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Jill Tigner Editor & Publisher
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A F F I R M AT I V E PA R E N T I N G
Living with Children Q: My husband and I recently visited our son’s family. We live 2,000 miles apart and with the pandemic and all, hadn’t seen one another in several years. We were appalled to discover that they—our daughter-in-law in particular—practice “gentle parenting,” which seemed to explain our two grands’ generally disrespectful and disobedient behavior. When we confronted our son about the craziness in his household, he told us it was his wife’s “thing” and he was going along with it to keep peace. Is it us, or is it “gentle parenting”? A: “Gentle parenting” is the latest attempt by parenting progressives to market the same-old, same-old childrearing approach they have been marketing since the late 1960s. They’ve given it various labels—including democratic parenting, attachment parenting and indigo parenting—but a farce by any other name is still a farce. Gentle parenting boils down to treating children as if they are rational, reasonable equals. That significant numbers of adults actually think a constant downpour of love will magically transform a child into a person of that description would be mind-boggling if it wasn’t just one more symptom of these antiintellectual times. Furthermore, you son’s admission that he is only going along with his wife to keep peace is telling of the fact that in too many an American household, the father has zero say in how the children are being raised. The woman he refers to as “my wife” has all but completely abdicated her proper role. She’s a full-time mommy. He would be more accurate in calling her “my children’s mother,” albeit even “my” is questionable from a strictly philosophical perspective. Gentle parenting is driven not by research, which clearly favors traditional, authoritative childrearing, but appeal to emotion. The underlying message: If GP isn’t living up to its promise, the mother must not be doing it correctly, working hard enough at it, bending over suitably when she talks to her child, employing a sufficiently wheedling tone, etc., which is why many a mom has told me that GP put her under tremendous stress and that she was only doing it because it’s what all her friends were doing and if she didn’t, she would no longer be included in play dates and the like. Charming. If a mom doesn’t go along with the crowd, her child will pay the price. Some moms are getting it. One former GPer recently told me that finding yours truly online and beginning to read this very psychologically incorrect column had liberated her from “the craziness.” She seemed to be holding back tears. Keep in mind that “my” approach to raising children isn’t “mine” at all. It was the norm for thousands of years, to no one’s detriment. So, moms, listen up: Being liberated from the craziness of gentle parenting is worth being simultaneously liberated from
by John Rosemond, PhD
crazy toddler play dates overseen by micromanaging mothers and crazy “My Child Is More Worthy Than Your Child and I’m Gonna Prove It” birthday parties that run into the thousands. Q: I have two boys, 18 and 33 months. How much time each day should I spend involved in activities with them? Also, they chase one another around the house and other sorts of roughhousing, but they hardly ever play with their educational toys. Is there some way I can get them interested in these things? A: The notion that parents need to get down on the floor and play with toddlers a certain amount of time each day is very post1960s (i.e., without substance). If you feel like getting down on the floor and making a block castle with one of your children, do so. On the other hand, if you don’t feel like it, then don’t. Your children should not learn that you are an on-call playmate. Please don’t try to fill some Daily Play with the Kids Quota, and when you do play with them, don’t conduct “activities” (another example of modern parenting). Just play. Have fun. Let your crazy loose. Then, when you’ve had enough, simply excuse yourself and go do your own thing. In the long run, it is best that they learn to play by themselves. If you feel the need to be involved with them, then read to them two or three times a day for thirty minutes per. In addition to developing their imaginations, reading will also calm them down for a while—a benefit to you, I assume. At this age, a child’s play is not very organized. You need not take pains to organize it or turn it into a specific “learning experience.” The running, chasing and jumping that your boys are doing is both very toddler-like and very boy-like and in their own boisterous way, they’re learning a lot. To bring a modicum of peace into your life, mandate several “quiet times” a day during which the children are separated and must play quietly for, say, fifteen minutes. Use a timer to define the quiet period. When they’re able to handle fifteen minutes, extend it to twenty, and so on. As for their toys, remove the toys they aren’t playing with and make them disappear quietly, one or two at a time. Replace them with boxes and pots and pans and wooden spoons and so on. Give the others to charity. Once you’re down to five or 10 toys that the boys do, in fact, play with, start a toy library. Store the toys in a closet and only let each child have one toy at a time. When a child is finished with one toy, he can exchange it for another one. This will slowly help their play become more focused. It will also dramatically reduce toy clutter around the house. vp Family psychologist John Rosemond: johnrosemond.com, parentguru.com. Copyright 2022, John K. Rosemond
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Dec. 22/Jan. 23
VOLUME 17 NO. 6
D E PA R T M E N T S John Rosemond
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Birthday Party Guide
7
Lessons Learned
11
VP Locations
12
Valley Smiles
13
F E AT U R E S Holiday Traditions
3
Kick off a new family tradition.
Holiday Gift Guide
6
Great suggestions for those on your list
Educational Winter Family Getaways
8
Fun, fascinating trips the whole family will love.
ON THE COVER
On th
e Go?
Read every Valley Pa rent wher mobi e on your le de vices . Ryan and Rylee Richmond, 1, are excited to open presents this Christmas. They are the son and daughter of Loren and Michael Richmond of Phenix City, Alabama. photos by Ritchie White Photography 2
Valley Parent | JANUARY 2023
Holiday Traditions TO STA RT THIS YEAR by Pam Molnar
T
he holiday season gives us plenty of opportunities to kick off a new tradition. By doing something that creates and rekindles memories year after year, you are building a family custom. Looking to try something new this year? Consider these ideas to freshen up the holidays in your family.
Learn Something New Attend a holiday service at a different place of worship. Research holiday traditions from your ethnic background and add one to your current day celebration. Read a different holiday story each night—find a mix of old favorites and new reads. Sit down with the family to discuss their New Year’s Resolutions. Try a traditional holiday recipe from a different country every year.
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane Start a holiday journal. Encourage everyone to write down their holiday memories from this year and add new pages next year. Call the friends on your holiday card list with whom you have lost touch. Watch home movies of past holiday celebrations. Take a family picture in the same spot every year and add the picture to an album that you display during the holidays. JANUARY 2023 | Valley Parent
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Buy a white tablecloth that you can write on. Write messages or draw pictures each year to create a wonderful keepsake.
Holiday Purchases Purchase a new ornament each year for each child representing something about him that year or buy an ornament from each vacation spot and add that to your collection. Give your family the gift of pajamas to be opened on Christmas Eve. Buy a new board game to add to your arsenal for family game night. Start a collection of holiday decorations like snowmen, snow globes or illuminated houses and add to it each year. Get a new holiday DVD every year and watch your collection grow.
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Have Some Fun Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Purchase an Elf on a Shelf and set him up in different situations each night. Plan a couple of evenings to watch holiday movies together. Add it to the calendar so everyone can look forward to it. Leave out shoes for St. Nicholas Day. Host a cookie exchange. Re-gift the same gift over and over and see who ends up with it this year. Play holiday decoration bingo as you drive around and mark off things like a blow up snowman, a house with all red lights or a menorah in the window. Have a Christmas Carol Karaoke Night. Host a holiday-themed Favorite Things Party.
Play holiday versions of games like Scattergories, Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary or Minute to Win It.
Make Something Together Build a Gingerbread house—from scratch or from a kit. Create a homemade gift for someone each year. Design a Christmas time capsule to be put away in your holiday boxes. Make an outdoor Christmas tree for the birds by stringing popcorn, dried fruit and bread or add birdseed ornaments made with seed, nuts and gelatin. Bake cookies, make candy or put together Gifts in a Jar to share with your neighbors.
Start a book drive in your area and donate the books to local shelters and children’s hospitals. Make an Advent calendar that includes a random act of kindness to carry out each day. Stock shelves at the local food pantry. Go caroling with friends and take up a collection for your favorite charity. vp
Be of Service Play board games with residents at the senior center. Prepare a meal for the families at Ronald McDonald House. Fill a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. Make a double batch of tonight’s dinner and share it with a friend. Prepare bagged lunches at the homeless shelter. Make no-sew blankets for hospitals or nursing homes.
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HOLIDAY
Gift Guide
The Cat in the Hat Tickets Give the gift of laughter with tickets this spring to the Springer production of The Cat in the Hat. Based on the timeless book by Dr. Seuss, this imaginative adventure will delight audiences of all ages. Starting at $15 Springer Opera House 103 E 10th Street • 706.327.3688 SpringerOperaHouse.org
Dinglewood Gift Card
Storytime Toys Away in a Manger Christmas Carol Set
Treat your little one to the almost world famous scrambled dog and an ice cream float. Starting at $5
A gift for bedtime story lovers. Act out the traditional Nativity story at home while reading Away In a Manger in the included illustrated storybook. $25
Dinglewood Pharmacy 1939 Wynnton Rd. 706.322.0616 DinglewoodPharmacy.com
Schomburg’s Jewelers 1640 Rollins Way 706.327.7489 Schomburgs.com
Columbus and the Valley Subscription For a gift that’s always the right size and color, choose a subscription to Columbus and the Valley. Your recipient will be reminded of your thoughtfulness six times in the coming year. $18 Columbus and the Valley Magazine 706.324.6214 ColumbusAndTheValley.com
Tutoring Sessions Give the gift of academic assistance with sessions for Pre-K through grade 12 and college prep. Starting at $42/hour Sylvan Learning Center of Columbus 5256 Armour Rd. • 706.563.9864 • SylvanLearning.com
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Valley Parent | JANUARY 2023
Assortment of Children’s Keepsakes Whether it’s blankets, frames, teddy bears or jewelry, Schomburg’s carries many keepsake children’s gifts. Starting at $19 Schomburg’s Jewelers 1640 Rollins Way 706.327.7489 • Schomburgs.com
Itzy Ritzy Sensory Popper Toy This push bubble toy is the perfect way to engage a little one’s mind and senses by keeping their attention and soothing sore gums. New parents will thank you. $9 Mickayla’s Place 3151 Williams Rd. Suite A 706.221.1154 • MickaylasPlaceResale.com
The Perfect
P
A R
T Y
E D G U I
Have your Birthday Party at
GOLDEN DONUT!
• 1 hour time slot • Up to 30 guests 625 Manchester Expy., Suite 100 706.660.8783 • GoldenDonut.com JANUARY 2023 | Valley Parent
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by Kimberly Blaker
Educational Winter Family Getaways FUN, FASCINATING TRIPS KIDS & PARENTS WILL LOVE Getting away for a winter vacation is an excellent way for families to bond and rejuvenate. But working in a vacation over a school break can sometimes pose a challenge. So know the factors to consider before taking your kids out of school. Then, if you do decide to go, find an educational destination to make the most of your kids’ time away from class.
TAKING KIDS OUT OF SCHOOL TO TRAVEL Winter is the only time of year some families can travel because of work vacation policies. Travel during peak season is also unaffordable for many families. So going during the school year is sometimes the only option. But parents often feel torn over the decision to take their kids out of school for a few days. There’s much debate among parents 8
Valley Parent | JANUARY 2023
and educators over the practice. So, the best approach is to weigh out the pros and cons as they relate to your family. First, find out if your child’s school permits it. Some schools do have policies against parents taking kids out of school for vacations or trips. More often, though, teachers and administrators may frown on it, but don’t have a policy against it. Usually, schools and teachers are willing to work with students and their families. Teachers may provide homework in advance of the trip or arrange a makeup schedule for missed work. Talk to your child’s school and teachers well in advance, so a workable plan is in place. Another factor to consider is how your child is doing in school. If your child is maintaining As and Bs without too much effort, a few days off school probably won’t hurt. But if your child struggles in one or more subjects, it may be difficult for your child to catch up. Also, contemplate the type of trip you want to take. If your travels will include educational opportunities, it’s much easier to justify. Historical sites, science and art museums and
experiencing other cultures are great learning opportunities. These can offer kids deeper understanding and appreciation than reading from textbooks, listening to classroom lectures and doing rotework. On the other hand, a vacation that lacks any educational opportunity may weigh more heavily on your conscience. Finally, find out how your child feels about missing school for a trip. Are there any school events your kids will miss that are important to them? If so, try to plan around the events.
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong trip, consider the following fun, educational destinations.
Washington D.C. Visit the Supreme Court of the United States and listen to oral arguments open to the public. You’ll also want to get a close-up view of the White House and other federal buildings. The enormous Smithsonian has many art, science and history museums. You can also tour President Lincoln’s cottage where he drafted the Emancipation Proclamation. Then visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate along the Potomac River. Check all of these before your trip to ensure they are open to the public since the pandemic.
Savannah Old Fort Jackson is a fun, family adventure where you can watch live cannon firings and weapons demonstrations. You’ll also want to check out the Savannah Children’s Museum. Downtown Savannah, the largest urban historic district in America, offers trolley and horse-drawn carriage tours of this fascinating town. You can also visit Tybee Island, just 18 miles away, and explore its arts, history and culture.
New Orleans If your kids like winged creatures and creepy crawly things, they’ll be in heaven at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. A bayou kayak tour is also a fun way to expend some energy if you have older kids. New Orleans also has a family-friendly jazz venue, Preservation Hall. At the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, kids can get creative with hands-on art projects designed for families. There’s also the National World War II Museum, Louisiana Children’s Museum, historic Jackson Square and more.
The Four Corners This favorite western travel destination is loaded with history, culture and nature exploration. The adjoining four corners of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah is often cold in the winter months because of high elevations. But you won’t want to miss the Hopi villages. In Walpi, on the First Mesa, JANUARY 2023 | Valley Parent
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Hopis live much the same way as they did a hundred years ago. There are also many awe-inspiring sites to visit. Arches National Park, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly National Monument are but a few.
Southern Arizona If you prefer warmth, the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona is a great family destination. The region offers numerous fascinating historical and nature sites. You can check out petroglyphs in Phoenix. While you’re there, visit the Heard Museum and discover the history, arts and culture of the many Native American tribes of the Southwest. You can take a detour a couple of hours north for a scenic drive through Sedona’s beautiful red rock. Then head south to Tucson for a stroll,
hike or tram ride through Sabino Canyon National Park. Just outside of town, you can drive up to Mount Lemmon for breathtaking views. Tucson’s fascinating Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is a small live zoo of unusual mammals and reptiles that reside in the Sonoran Desert, is a must-see.
New York City The Big Apple is loaded with familyfriendly activities year-round. The theater and performance-based Toy Museum of New York is sure to enthrall. NYC is home to other museums, as well, including the New York Hall of Science and Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Also, don’t forget to check events listings for a family Broadway show.
San Diego This beautiful coastal city has museums of all kinds. There’s the Museum of Man, San Diego Air and Space Museum and San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, among others. You also won’t want to miss gray whale watching and go on a seal tour. The massive San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which boasts more than 3,500 different animals, is another favorite.
San Francisco There’s so much to do and see in the city for the famed Golden Gate Bridge. First, there’s the fascinating Alcatraz prison tour. The Exploratorium, which offers hands-on exhibits, will also keep kids engrossed for hours. San Francisco has an array of other kids museums, too. The California Academy of Sciences, one of the largest natural history museums in the world, has something for everyone. Your family will also be in awe checking out the redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument. Then you can visit Yosemite National Park just a few hours away to see the giant sequoias.
Cincinnati This mid-western city is home to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. There your family will learn about the history of slavery, African Americans’ journey to freedom and much more. You’ll also want to visit the interactive Newport Aquarium where your kids will thrill at touching a shark and meeting a penguin. Then, just a couple hours drive
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away, spend a day at the COSI science center, which boasts more than 300 interactive exhibits.
Chicago If your family likes art, you’ll want to visit the enthralling Art Institute of Chicago. It houses 300,000 works in its permanent
collection, as well as numerous special exhibitions each year. Other museums in the windy city include the National Museum of Mexican Art, The Field Museum of Science, Museum of Science and Industry and the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank. Your kids will also love the Shedd Aquarium, which is home to 32,000 aquatic creatures. vp
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YOUR LOCAL PAR ENT ING R ESOUR CE
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DECEMBER 2-23 The Springer Opera House presents White Christmas
This is the beloved song-and-dance Holiday spectacular featuring the music of Irving Berlin. World War II combat veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are now a popular entertainment duo. With romance in mind, they join a pair of beautiful singing sisters at their lavish Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by their former commanding general. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards like Blue Skies, Sisters, How Deep Is the Ocean and the famous title song, White Christmas, this joyous family musical celebrates the season with joy, love and an inspiring message of service to our nation. Info and tickets: SpringerOperaHouse.org.
2-28 Shine – A Celebration of Nature and Wonder at the Columbus Botanical Garden
Choose from nine different nights to stroll through the outdoor oasis and let the Illuminated Garden’s winter beauty be the backdrop to new cherished memories with your family and friends. For tickets and more info: ColumbusBotanicalGarden.org.
10-18 All Aboard The Polar Express at the National Infantry Museum
Visit the museum this holiday season to watch The Polar Express on the giant screen. Screenings start at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost: Free for children under 4, $8 (4-12) and $10 adult. Info and tickets: NationalInfantryMuseum.org.
17 & 18 The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Join the ballet as the magic returns to the RiverCenter stage for their 26th anniversary production of The Nutcracker. This holiday classic celebrates the joy and spirit of the Christmas season and is a wonderful family tradition. For tickets and more info: RiverCenter.org
JANUARY 14 Rodeo Columbus at the Civic Center
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associate (PRCA) rodeo will debut in the Columbus Civic Center with Bareback riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Girls Barrel Racing, rodeo clowns and much more. Watch the best cowboys compete on the nation’s top stock right here in Columbus. Cost: $10-$63 Info: Hiloprorodeo.com
24 The RiverCenter presents Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide
Now that Junie B. Jones has been going to school for over oneand-a-half years, who better to write the book on everything you need to know? From bus rules and Band-Aids to carpools to cookies, Junie B. and friends deliver the definitive word on surviving and thriving in style. With a jillion tips, tricks and tripups, Junie B. shares her hard-won expertise and shows us all how school is sometimes scary, sometimes super-fun and always something to sing about. Info and tickets: RiverCenter.org.
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Valley Parent | JANUARY 2023
GIFT GUIDE Kick Off a NEW Holiday Tradition
Pick up your copy of the latest Valley Parent at one of these convenient locations:
E D U C AT I O N A L
WINTER FAMILY GETAWAYS
Academy Dance Center Acute Care Express All About Kids Learning Center Devica Alappan, MD Angel Academy Aranas & Stitt, OB/GYN Bare Ware Pottery Basilio Pediatrics Behavioral Health Partners Bluebelle Artist Market The Blushing Brunette Boutique Julie Braddy-Roberts, MD Regina Carpenter, MD Center Pharmacy Central Christian Church Central OBGYN Chambers OB/GYN Ritu Chandra, MD Chick-fil-a Bradley Park Childcare Network (Hamilton Rd) Clement Arts Columbus Children’s Dentistry Columbus Clinic Columbus Museum Columbus Pediatrics Columbus Public Library Columbus Regional Family Practice Columbus Roberts Center CSU Elizabeth Bradley Turner Ctr. Curves for Women (Phenix City) Curves for Women (Veterans) Dinglewood Pharmacy Divine Childcare Learning Ctr. James Dorchak, MD Easter Seals Miranda Y. Edwards, MD Fairview Baptist Preschool The Family Center Family Physicians of Columbus First Baptist Church Child Dev./PC Foot & Ankle of West Ga. Fort Benning Housing Services Fountain City Coffee Generations Knowledge & Care Ctr. Goo Goo Car Wash (Manchester Exp) Great Beginnings Child Care Greystone Falls Greystone at Columbus Park Greystone Inverness Growing Room Growing Room Too Hollywood Connection Imagination Station
Imagination Station Too International Friendship Ministries Joyful Journeys Childcare Just for Kids Kool Smiles Mark Lawrence, DDS La Bella Party and Tea Lil’ Rascals Resale & Boutique Little Angels Child Dev. Ctr. Little Paws Preschool James Lopez, DMD Thomas Malone, MD Mathnasium Mica’s Child Development Ctr. Mickayla’s Place Midtown Medical Center Midtown OBGYN Mildred L. Terry Library My Gym Necco Foster Care North Columbus Library Northside Recreation Center OBGYN Associates Lirio E. Palmos, MD Panvelkar & Panvelkar, MD Pastoral Institute Pediatric Rehab Pediatrics at Brookstone Ctr. Phenix City-Russell County Library Pierce Chapel Methodist Preschool Polka-Dots Early Childhood Dev. Ctr. Preppy Pets Project Launch Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Ctr. Rising Star Child Development Ctr. Rivertown Pediatrics Russell County DHR Second Avenue Animal Hospital Jeffrey Serff, DMD Smile Doctors Smiths Station Baptist Church Smiths Station Pharmacy St. John AME Church St. Luke Early Learning Ctr. St. Mark UMC Child Dev. Ctr. Lisa Alexander Strickland, DMD Summerville Baptist Preschool Sylvan Learning Center Nora Tan-Ngo, MD Toni’s Dancing Studio TSYS Childcare Center Uptown Pediatrics West Georgia Pediatrics Wynnton UMC Pre-school ZÖe Pediatrics
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Valley Smiles Send your photos and captions to ContactUs@ValleyParent.com. Milo Venable donned a fox costume for trick-or-treating. Amelia Begly, 1, loves the slide at Lakebottom park.
Whit Sullivan dressed as “The King” for his first Halloween.
This cute pumpkin is Finn Venable, celebrating his first Halloween.
Ciara White, 11, recently won two State Championships in the Girls 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke and earned at AAAA time in her 50 breaststroke placing top 50 in the United States. She is a member of The YMCA Barracudas Swim Team and is a rising 6th grader at Veterans Memorial Middle School.
Lovelle Williams enjoyed Labor Day at Lakebottom Park.
Adriti Srivastava went trick-or-treating dressed as a princess.
Hudson Begly, 3, visits a coffee shop with his dad for a muffin before school. JANUARY 2023 | Valley Parent
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