Parent 2 PAR E NT Parent Valley
“With every season turn, turn, turn” croon The Byrds. Released way before my time but a song that is appropriate for this time of year as it’s the season of all the seasons merging as one.
On a recent scroll (I must stop that! New Year’s resolutions anyone?) I came across a thread where the discussion was all about when to start decorating for Christmas. One person had voiced panic at the fact that there was effectively only three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and she needed to get on it! Others, with possibly a hint of antagonism, announced they had already decorated for Christmas-and as I write this, it is mid-November! I did not contribute to the discussion but looking up at my lovely collection of Mollie Jenkins Pottery Ghosts staring down at me from the mantelpiece, I acknowledged that life has been hectic recently, and I would enjoy my ghosts a while longer. I might possibly skip the turkey décor and haul out Christmas decorations when I have a free weekend. With all of the seasonal excitement, it’s easy to get carried away on a wave of must do’s, but I’m going to take this opportunity to get a head start on reducing the scroll(ing) and take the time to be with family. I have a different perspective this year—both of my girls will be back from college, and we’ll be under one roof!
Take time for yourself to peruse the pages of this issue and check out our Advent Calendar of Family Fun. It’s loaded with ideas to enjoy family time and as you make your gift list, make a point to support local businesses. Our Gift Guide on page six has choices for a variety of ages from something to unwrap, places to go and a great magazine to subscribe to. You can head on over to Columbus and the Valley by linking to the article about Piedmont Regional’s Bill and Olivia Amos’s Children’s hospital that recently opened. And what a wonderful gift for our community it is.
January is designated Financial Wellness Month, and it’s never too soon to introduce healthy financial skills to kids. We have six books listed that could potentially show up wrapped underneath the Christmas tree.
We are happy to focus locally on New Horizons and the support and services that they offer to families in our community. We hope that through this article you or somebody that you know will benefit from their Family Support Program. They tailor to individual families, and they want to ensure that their funding which is provided on a use it or lose it basis goes to those who have a need. Read all about it and reach out. Another great resource is Dr. Britney Farmer’s column where she shares her knowledge on ADHD medications. Dr. Farmer dispels the myths that can come with prescribed stimulants for this common disorder.
In the spirit of the season, share the gift of Valley Parent with your friends and family by passing it on. We aim to offer help, insight and resources to families thoughout the Chattahoochee Valley. From all of us at Columbus and the Valley and Valley Parent, wishing you, your family and friends all the very best of the season—all the seasons!
Editor/Publisher
JODI SAUNDERS
jodi@columbusandthevalley.com
Advertising Sales
BECKY KENIMER becky@columbusandthevalley.com
MARGIE RICHARDSON margie@columbusandthevalley.com
JULIE LAUZON, sales assistant salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com
Graphic Design
SIXTY TWO GRAPHIC STUDIO
Contributing Writers
BRETT BUCKNER DR. BRITNEY FARMER
TANNI HAAS Ph.D. PAM MOLNAR
Photography RITCHIE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
P. O. Box 229 Columbus, GA 31902
706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216 www.valleyparent.com
VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE is owned by Jodi and Gerald Saunders and is published monthly by Valley Life Ventures, LLC, dba COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE, P. O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Editorial contributions and letters should be addressed to VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE, Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Copyright ©2024 by Valley Life Ventures, LLC trading as COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. Subscriptions for VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE are available by mail for $25 per year. Call 706-324-6214 to subscribe. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to: Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902.
Columbus and the Valley Magazine
Jodi Saunders Editor & Publisher
by Dr. Britney Farmer
Stimulants for ADHD: Myths Busted
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder affecting 11.7 percent of the United States children from ages 3-17 years. ADHD is marked by difficulty with talking excessively, maintaining attention on a task, being “on the go” and making careless mistakes. In 1987, the former name Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) was changed to ADHD with three subtypes. The subtypes are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactiveimpulsive and combined type.
Stimulants (Amphetamines and Methylphenidate) are a medication class used to treat ADHD and can reduce ADHD symptoms by 40-50 percent. Yet there are parents and caregivers that are hesitant to start their children on these medications due to common myths. This article will answer some common questions about stimulants and their capabilities.
Can my child get addicted to these medications?
No. Stimulant medications in themselves are not addicting when taken as prescribed. Some of the medication names (Amphetamine) are similar to the illicit substances which can cause parents to be fearful. There is no component of the medication that latches on to the brain and causes addiction. The stories of improper use and addiction are valid. If this medication is used with illicit substances or ingested improperly there can be serious consequences.
Will stimulants cause my child not to eat?
It may. One of the side effects of the stimulant medications can be decreased appetite due to the chemical messenger, dopamine, in the medication. Normally dopamine transmits the signal to our brain when our stomach is full. Therefore, the increased dopamine within the stimulant can falsely decrease the hunger cues to the brain.
Will stimulants stunt my child’s growth?
It can. While your child is taking the medication, research has shown that height is slightly lowered. However, when the medication is discontinued the child achieves full height according to their genetics. For this reason, your physician
may recommend medication holidays such as weekends or school breaks. Thankfully, this shortage is overcome after the child is in treatment for more than three years.
Can stimulants make my child irritable?
Maybe. The side effect of irritability with the use of stimulants is 10-20 percent of children. If your child does encounter this side effect, your doctor should be notified. Why the irritability occurs is not fully understood. The dose of the medication, the time it wears off or the medication itself may need to be adjusted.
Will it change my child’s personality?
It shouldn’t. Whatever your child is interested in, the medication should enhance. Children with ADHD can be boisterous, excessively talkative, intrusive and hyperactive. If these adjectives make up a child’s personality, then they will be decreased by the medication. If there are major personality changes that parents are not comfortable with, call the physician.
Will it cause my child to be a “zombie?”
No. Stimulants should not cause your child to have limited interests, hobbies and activities. The medical community strives for a balance between helping your
child become successful and reducing the number of side effects. Similar to the question above, the medication is meant to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity so the child may appear less “on the go” than before. It should not reach the level of being devoid of all personality. If that is happening, it could mean the dose is too strong. Consultation with a physician is recommended.
Will my child be a “guinea pig” and have to go through many stimulants?
No. No one in the medical community wants your child to be treated as a guinea pig. Unfortunately, modern medicine is not advanced enough to predict which medication would 100 percent work for your child. Your child’s physician makes an educated conclusion about which medication can be effective for your child with the background and information provided. There are times when the first medication selected is not a good fit. There is genetic testing that exists to predict how a child will digest the medication (i.e. normal, fast or very fast). These genetic tests can be helpful in some cases when your physician is finding the right dose. Regrettably, no medication is completely free from side effects. This article is not all-inclusive regarding ADHD treatment options and the side effects. There is another class of medication that is used to treat ADHD called non-stimulants. Please ask your child’s physician for more information. It is best to go into your child’s appointment fully informed and full of questions. The medical community, like you, wants your child happy and healthy! I hope this article busted some of the common myths and questions surrounding the use of stimulants in ADHD. vp
Dr. Britney Farmer is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist originally from California currently living in Columbus, Georgia. Practicing for St. Francis Hospital Partners at the Bradley Center Campus. Dr. Farmer has a passion for children with mental health disorders, learning disabilities and autism.
Charlotte Kerr, 3, is excited to open presents this Christmas. She is the daughter of Jerry and Kim Kerr of Smiths Station. photos by Ritchie White Photography
by Pam Molnar
An Advent Calendar OF FAMILY FUN
Traditionally, Advent calendars are small gifts you open for 24 days in December. This year, plan 24 activities to enjoy with the family during the holiday season. Not sure where to start? Check out our list below.
SING CHRISTMAS CAROL KARAOKE.
MAKE A BLANKET FORT & READ A CHRISTMAS BOOK.
Simply put a large blanket over the kitchen table, add cozy pajamas and a few pillows.
HAVE A PUZZLE NIGHT.
Buy the same puzzle for each person and see who can finish the fastest.
5
Head over to Karafun.com where you will find instrumental versions of Christmas songs as well as lyrics.
MAKE A HOT COCOA BAR.
6
Fill a crockpot with your favorite cocoa recipe and put out mix-ins like candy canes, sprinkles, whipped cream and marshmallows.
3
HAVE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST. Break the group into teams or work individually to complete your gingerbread house kit.
PAINT WINTER SCENES
1 4 9 11 2 8
MAKE PLANT HOLIDAY CARDS
Add torn paper and water to a blender to make a pulp. Add wildflower seeds. Flatten out to dry. Decorate and share.
DECORATE YOUR BEDROOM DOORS.
Use removable hooks and tape to hang up garland, batteryoperated lights or personalized art on your kids bedroom doors
Buy cheap canvases to paint winter scenes you can use as decoration. Holiday paint-bynumber sets are fun, too.
MAKE GIFTS FOR YOUR DELIVERY PEOPLE.
Fill a dollar store Christmas mug with a hot cocoa pack and candy cane with a thank you note.
7 10 PLAY WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES.
SPONSOR A FAMILY. Take the whole family shopping for a family in need and deliver to them.
Your games can include relay races, distance throwing or freeing objects from a block of ice.
MAKE PAPER SNOWFLAKES.
Find directions to make snowflake cutouts on instructables.com or YouTube. Hang in windows and doorways
VISIT FIRST RESPONDERS. Show your appreciation with some treats. Instead of cookies and candy, try water bottles, granola bars or lip balm.
12
WATCH A LOCAL HOLIDAY PLAY.
Check theatres and high schools to see what plays or musical performances are going on.
13 14 16 15
RUN A HOLIDAY 5K
Get your Santa hats and your family and friends to find a local race at FindARace.com. There is one almost every weekend!
MAKE YOUR OWN UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER.
Go to the thrift store and dollar store to get your supplies. Decorate with garland, pom poms, buttons, felt, beads and bells.
GO ON A CHRISTMAS DECORATION SCAVENGER HUNT.
You can find printables online or create your own. You can also do this with Bingo cards.
MAKE A CHRISTMAS TREE ON THE WALL WITH CHRISTMAS CARDS.
ELF YOUR NEIGHBORS. Create goody baskets to leave at your neighbors doorsteps. Encourage them to pay it forward.
MAKE APPETIZERS FOR DINNER.
If you want to try out new holiday appetizers or sides before preparing them for your guests, this is a fun way to do it.
MAKE FOOD FOR THE BIRDS
Add two cups of birdseed to one cup of each: peanut butter, lard, cornmeal, flour and oats. Place in molds until dried. Hang in a nearby tree and watch them eat.
LISTEN TO A CHRISTMAS RADIO SHOW.
Find old radio shows on Spotify or YouTube. Cozy up on the couch with your comfy blankets and enjoy listening.
GIVE MRS. CLAUS THE NIGHT OFF.
With all the shopping and wrapping complete, take time to just admire your hard work and count your blessings. Another holiday season is in the books. DO SOME PRE-HOLIDAY PAMPERING.
Choose a day at the spa or salon or pamper at home with store bought face masks, nail polish and bubble bath.
If you don’t know how to display your Christmas cards, why not put them on the wall in the shape of a tree. 9 21 23 17 24 19 22 20 18
Guide
The Kids Are ALRIGHT
With the region’s first dedicated children’s hospital, Piedmont Columbus Regional enters a new era.
“Kids grow up so fast these days,” we’ve all said to ourselves at one point or another. But nowhere is a child forced to grow up more quickly than at a hospital. All of a sudden, childhood joy and innocence are replaced by imposing equipment, painful injections and adults speaking the alien language of modern healthcare.
Scan to continue reading about the new Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital in the November-December 2024 issue of Columbus and the Valley Magazine.
The Perfect P A R T Y G
U I D E
‘An
opportunity to try’
NEW HORIZONS FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
by Brett Buckner
Susan Reeder understands the struggles, so does GaQuilla HunterMathews. Both are social workers for Columbus-based New Horizons Behavioral Health, which provides professional care for individuals and families dealing with mental illness, developmental disabilities or addictive disease. More importantly, they are mothers with children on the Autism Disorder Spectrum.
“We’ve lived that life,” said Reeder, family support and social services technician. “We know how hard it is.” That is why both are passionate about supporting New Horizon’s Family Support program that provides individualized services and funding for clients ages three and up diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal is to maintain a cohesive family unit that allows those individuals to continue living at home. There are currently more than 200 people enrolled in the Family Support program.
“But with our funding, if we don’t use it, we lose it,” said Hunter-Mathews, family support coordinator. “It doesn’t roll over.” An example of family support is if someone is receiving speech therapy at school twice a month for a minimum of 30 minutes, but the doctor recommends six sessions, usually their insurance will only pay for two or three outside visits. Or if someone is wheelchair bound and needs modifications to their house or vehicle specific to their situation.
“That’s when we come in,” said HunterMathews, family support coordinator. “We are here to help bridge the gap.” The state of Georgia, which provides funding for New Horizons, allows a stipend to be used for several things. The list is open-ended because it is based on the individual need.
“We can never provide a blanket list of what we can and cannot do because it’s person-centered, which is great,” Mathews said. “For example, every person with
NEW HORIZONS FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM
Family Support provides financial assistance to be used for individualized support services to family members with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
New Horizons Behavioral Health provides families the following services:
• respite care
• recreation and social community integration
• incontinence supplies
• FS supported employment
• specialized nutrition
• Family Support transportation; medical appt.
• dental services
• environmental modifications
• specialized equipment
• assistive technology
Family Support funds may not be used for certain services and goods, including but not limited to therapies, tutoring, private school, school supplies and services provided by schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All individuals admitted to the program must be at least three years or older and must live in Georgia within a family unit. All admissions must have a diagnosis of a:
• developmental disability, or
• severe chronic disability, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy or autism spectrum disorder before the age of 18.
Individuals/families wishing to start the application process must contact the Family Support Coordinator to set up an initial meeting. During this time, families are given a Family Support agreement and application.
Families must provide:
• a copy of the individuals Birth Certificate
• insurance card
• Social Security Card
Families must also submit supporting documentation to verify the diagnosis of a developmental disability, intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The following is a list of acceptable supporting documentation of an ID/DD:
• psychological evaluation
• school IEP
• DD I&E assessment
• functional limitations
• medical verification
• Social Security disability
For more information, call: (706) 256-3200, email familysupport@nhbh.org or visit New Horizons at https://nhbh.org/.
GaQuilla Hunter-Mathews, Susan Reeder and Kay Ellison
autism does not require the same things, and that’s true of every special needs situation. They’re all unique and deserve to be treated that way.”
What makes this program unique is that it caters to individual clients. The benefits are not regimented, forcing enrollees into one-size-fits-all situations.
“We ask so many questions when families come in,” Reeder said. “We want to really understand their needs.” Hunter-Mathews performs intake questionnaires to build client-centered profiles. “I learn all the ins and outs about the person needing service,” she said.
“Our program is family led. We listen to the people who come in looking for assistance, asking a lot of questions to really understand what their needs are and the best way we can meet them. We get a lot of grateful tears, and a lot of what-do-I-do-now tears.
“It’s all about understanding the client.” Dorothy Asante is one such client. She has two children enrolled in Family Support, Kaylee, 16, and Micha, 22, both are on the Autism spectrum. With financial reimbursement from the Family Support program, Kaylee and Micha have been able to explore a variety of activities like soccer, swimming and gymnastics through their local YMCA. Both are involved in the Boy and Girls Scouts.
“It’s been such a blessing,” Asante said. “It’s been especially helpful with their socialization skills by helping them become a part of the community.” Family Support offers funding for recreational activities. For example, Chuck E. Cheese hosts Sensitive Sensory Sundays the first of every month for children
on the Autism Spectrum during which lights are dimmed as are the noises from the arcade.
“But to get reimbursed, it has to be disability-specific,” HunterMathews said. “They couldn’t just go on a random Tuesday.” Because they will be reimbursed, parents are free to embrace a trial-and-error approach. “I will put my kids into anything that might spark an interest somewhere,” Asante said. “And if that doesn’t work, we’ll just move on to the next thing.”
Some of these services can be extremely expensive, but necessary. “My son is a sensory seeker so he’s always, always, always busy so things like a trampoline crash pad have him based on his disability,” Hunter-Mathews said. “This program helped provide that, otherwise we’d never be able to afford it.”
Family Support also offers reimbursement on travel. “From my perspective, I spend more on gas than just about anything because of driving to every single appointment,” Reeder said. “And that’s the same for a lot of clients who take occupational, physical and speech therapy. There are so many therapies, and all are important.”
In a time when money is tight and everyone is struggling to make ends meet, parents with special needs children still must find a way to take care of their families. The Family Support offers a financial outlet many might otherwise not have.
“It opens doors to things you didn’t think your child would be able to do,” Asante said. “It gives them the opportunity to try, to do something that’ll help them lead their best life. As a parent, that’s all you want.” vp
Have a jolly good time with our jolly good friend from the North Pole!
December 3 | 11:00am
COLUMBUS PUBLIC
December 5 | 4:00pm
December 10 | 4:00pm
December 11 | 10:00am
COLUMBUS PUBLIC
December 12 | 4:00pm (Sensory Storytime. Reservations Required)
December 13 | 4:00pm
December 14 | 12:00pm
December 17 | 3:00pm
FUN PAGE
What kind of shoes do airplanes wear?
High heels!
What happens when you wear a watch on a plane? Time flies!
What do you call a flying monkey? A hot air baboon!
So Funny! Weather Word Scramble
Can you unscramble these weather words? ROMST
FUN Fact
Flight
Find these words:
TAKEOFF
PROPELLER
COCKPIT
Have you ever been on a plane? If so, you are in the 5% of people on earth who have been on an airplane!
Word Search
RUNWAY
MONEY MATTERS Great Books for Kids About Money & Finance
by Tanni Haas Ph.D.
January is Financial Wellness Month, a good time for parents to consider teaching their kids about money, finance and related concepts. Here’s a list of some of the very best and recent books for young readers, tweens and teens. These books will not only make your kids more financially literate, they also set them up for a lifetime of sound financial decision-making.
BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS ( 3 - 7 )
Billy the Borrowing Blue-Footed Booby
BY SHEILA BAIR
This delightful book is written by the former Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The story follows Billy, a blue-footed booby (a large, tropical seabird native to the Galapagos Islands), who gets into increasingly more financial trouble for borrowing from his animal friends to satisfy his luxurious lifestyle (an umbrella to relax beneath, a fan to deal with the heat, etc.) This story teaches young kids important lessons about the dangers of accumulating unnecessary debt and the power of compound interest. The book is part of an eight-part series called Money Tales, all written by Blair, which shows young kids how to be financially responsible.
How to Spend Wisely
BY KELLY LEE
Written by a former investment trader who now devotes her time to raising financial awareness among kids, How to Spend Wisely is about a young hamster named Hank who wants all kinds of things for himself and his family but doesn’t have enough money in his piggy bank to buy all those things at once. Throughout the story, Hank learns important lessons, such as how to tell the difference between needs and wants, save for what really matters and budget and prioritize with limited money to make good financial decisions. Like Billy the Borrowing Blue-Footed Booby, this book is also part of an eight-part series, called Little Economists, that deals with different aspects of financial literacy for young kids.
BOOKS FOR T W EENS ( 8 - 12 )
Investing for Kids
BY DYLIN REDLING AND ALLISON TOM
Written by a husband-and-wife team who retired from their corporate jobs and travel the world to teach others about sound financial decision-making, this book is specifically geared towards tweens. Featuring “Mr. Finance” and “Investing Woman,” Investing for Kids includes a lot of valuable information, such as the relationship between risks and rewards, different investment options (certificates of deposit, government bonds, individual stocks, mutual funds and treasury bills) and the importance of diversifying one’s investment portfolio. The information is presented in a kid-friendly manner, with real-world examples.
Investing for Kids Activity Book
BY JUSTINE NELSON
This companion volume to Investing for Kids features practical exercises aims to inspire tweens to think more deeply about financial topics and ultimately become more thoughtful and savvy investors. Tweens learn how to assess their investment profile (how risk averse and/or tolerant they are), how they can create investment goals that align with their investment profile and how to make sound investment choices and track performance over time. The book is written by Justine Nelson, the creator of Debt Free Millennials, a well-known and popular website and YouTube channel aimed at helping people become more financially literate and responsible.
BOOKS FOR TEENS ( 13 - 18 )
Investing for Teens
BY MICHELLE HUNG
Like Investing for Kids, Investing for Teens is a one-stop investment resource, but geared towards teens rather than tweens. It teaches kids how to set financial goals, budget money and research different investment options. It also includes information about what teens need to do to prepare for a part-time job (like getting a work permit) and how to make sure that their job fits in with in with the rest of their busy lives and doesn’t take over. It even has a section on how to land a great summer job and save money for life after high school. The author, Michelle Hung, is the creator of The Sassy Investor, a popular website on investing.
Money Skills for Teens
BY FERNE BOWE
While Investing for Teens is about helping teens prepare for a financially secure future, Money Skills for Teens teaches teens how to take care of their personal finances right now. The book includes important, practical information like how to open your first bank account, read your monthly bank statement, avoid financial frauds and scams and build credit and maintain a good credit score. The book is written by Ferne Bowe, marketing professional, mom of two teens and author of several books on life skills for teens and young adults.
Academy Dance Center
Acute Care Express
All About Kids Learning Center
Devica Alappan, MD
Angel Academy
Aranas & Stitt, OBGYN
Bareware Pottery
Basilio Pediatrics
Behavioral Health Partners
Bluebelle Artist Market
The Blushing Brunette Boutique
Carver Heights Presbyterian
Child Development Ctr.
Central Pharmacy
Central Christian Church
Central OBGYN
Chambers OBGYN
Ritu Chandra, MD
DECEMBER
Now-Jan. 4 Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights CallawayGardens.com
4-22 RiverCenter’s Gingerbread Village Rivercenter.org
6-27 SHINE at Columbus Botanical Garden ColumbusBotanicalGarden.org/shine-2024
7 Christmas with Santa ColumbusTradeCenter.com
7-8 The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker TheColumbusBallet.org
14 Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at the Library CVL.LibNet.info/event/11243369
14 The Meadows Nature Journaling Club with Oxbow Meadows Oxbow.ColumbusState.edu/calendar-of-events
Childcare Network (Hamilton Rd)
Clement Arts
Columbus Children’s Dentistry
Columbus Clinic
Columbus Museum
Columbus Pediatrics
Columbus Public Library
Columbus Regional Midtown
Columbus Roberts Center
CSU Elizabeth Bradley Turner Ctr.
Dinglewood Pharmacy
Divine Childcare Learning Ctr.
Columbus Specialty Hospital
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 Moore Housing Services
Fountain City Coffee
Generations Knowledge & Care Ctr.
Great Beginnings Child Care
Greystone Falls
Greystone of Columbus Park
27 Noon Year’s Eve at the Chattahoochee Valley Library CVL.LibNet.info/event/11182355
———— JANUARY
11 Mini-Makers at COMU ColumbusMuseum.com
11 Cirque Kalabanté at RiverCenter Rivercenter.org
14 After School Art Break at COMU ColumbusMuseum.com
18 CSO Open Rehearsals CSOGA.org/open-rehearsals
FEBRUARY
2 The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy Rivercenter.org
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
Little Angels Child Development Ctr.
Little Paws Preschool
Thomas Malone, MD
Mathnasium
Mickayla’s Place
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
Pediatrics at Brookstone Ctr.
Phenix City-Russell County Library
Pierce Chapel Methodist Preschool
Polka-Dots Early Childhood Development. Ctr. Preppy Pets
Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Ctr.
Rivertown Pediatrics
Russell County DHR
Second Avenue Animal Hospital
Jeffrey Serff, DMD
Smile Doctors
Smith Station Baptist Church
Smith Station Pharmacy
St. John AME Church
St. Luke Early Learning Ctr.
St. Mark UMC Child Dev. Ctr.
Lisa Alexander Strickland, DMD
Summerville Baptist Church
Sylvan Learning Center
Nora Tan-Ngo, MD
Toni’s Dancing Studio
TSYS Childcare Center
Uptown Pediatrics
Richard A. Valentine, MD
Wynnton Methodist Preschool
ZÖe Pediatrics
Send your photos and captions to ContactUs@ValleyParent.com.
Minnie Mouses Cassidy Griffin, 4. and Brielle Price, 2, on Halloween
Adriti Shrivastava on a school field trip to the pumpkin patch
Hazel Price,8, won second place at the Russell County Science Fair.
The Upatoi Polo Cup benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley hosted the LIttle Chef Big Chef Brunch Competition featuring help from the chefs of Charred Oak, Epic, Morten’s and It’s Tamale Time.
Serenity Ackles, 6, met Bluey at the grand opening of the renovated South Columbus Public Library.
