Recently I’ve found myself sinking into the world of bird cams. I’m watching life play out for a pair of bald eagles, namely Jackie and Shadow who are raising their young in Big Bear Valley. My level of distraction seems to be in direct correlation to the increased level of events that are leading up to my senior graduating high school.
I emerge from the cyber world with feelings of empathy and admiration for these fierce parents who are raising their young on the precipice of a tree limb on which they’ve built a firm foundation of a nest. They tag team a lot of their parental duties but often have a squabble—or more like a squawk—over who gets to sit on their eggs—who would want to leave a down filled nest when there’s a storm moving in?
From conception, nest-building, incubating and rearing to watching with equal amounts of self-pride and anxiety as their fledglings take that initial leap out of the nest, it’s like watching a fast track of my 18 years of child-rearing. As parents, my husband and I are balancing on the edge of what will soon be an empty nest. We’ve had our fair amount of squawking along the way and weathered a few storms. Now we’re getting a glimpse of what the future looks like, fledgling free. There’s a new chapter we’re getting ready to write that will begin as we drive off into the sunset leaving our youngest to find her wings at college.
This supersized issue of Valley Parent is chock full of pointers for parents and summer fun. A great place to start is Parental Philosophy from Dr. Britney Farmer. Set the groundwork with your partner if you’re at the incubating stage—although, it’s never too late to make sure that, as parents, you are on the same page. With a new baby in the home, your dog has some adjusting to do, and we’re here to help with recommendations for those first introductions. Choose to shop local retailers with our gift guide to welcome home baby.
Summer months bring plenty of celebrations. Get creative for Father’s Day with ideas to give Dad a noteworthy day that will leave him feeling loved and valued. We proudly fly our nation’s flag on Flag Day and Independence Day. Here’s your opportunity to learn all about Old Glory. Summer is for exploring and a wild and wonderful family adventure can be found at our very own Botanical Garden. Finally, kicking back with a good book is a favorite pastime for Columbus Bound Bookshop owner, Khristina Gallagher, who gives us her recommendations for a great read in our book nook.
Happy Summer to you!
Jodi Saunders Editor & Publisher
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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.
Have you ever been in a parenting situation where you just didn’t know what was “right?” How do you and your partner arrive at a conclusion to decide about your child’s future? Do you and your spouse argue about decisions concerning your children and are unable to arrive at a solution? Are you a carbon copy of your parents’ parenting style and want to break out of that pattern? If so, this article is for you!
What is a parenting philosophy?
A parenting philosophy is like a company mission statement for parenting. This philosophy should capture what is important to you as a parent and what is important to you as a family. The philosophy should be about one to two sentences in length and be universally applicable to choices that will befall you as parents. It is important to not make your philosophy overly complex or too narrow in scope. Avoiding these two limitations will allow for a broader application of your philosophy. A few examples of parenting philosophies from healthyplace.com are:
• Kids aren’t miniature adults and are still learning. My expectations of them will be age-appropriate.
• My kids’ health, mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of my words and actions.
• It’s important that my kids become motivated, resilient and compassionate adults. My decisions will support this.
Why is it important?
A parental philosophy is important because it guides decisions that you make for your children or consequences that you may have to enforce. We all were parented; therefore, our default is to fall back on the memories and skills used on us. With your newly established family, it may be important to you to break away or grow from some of those experiences from your childhood. There will be
plenty of crossroads, twists and turns in the journey of parenthood. However, parenting necessitates consistency. Alignment with your parental philosophy with every decision will allow for this mandatory consistency. For example, when to get your child a cell phone or if your child lies to you, your response to these scenarios should fall in line with your created philosophy. Additionally, creating a parental philosophy will decrease arguments between you as parents. If you and your spouse have agreed on a parental philosophy, it’s no longer differing opinions when the scenario presents itself. In this example, your spousal discussion can center on whether or not your given response aligns with your mutually created parental philosophy.
How do I get started?
If there are two parents in the home, the first step is to sit down and write down virtues that both of you want to instill in your children. This is vitally important so that both parents are united and knowledgeable about the values they want for their children. If you are a single parent or co-parenting, you would make the same list. Next, think about how you want to react to your children when parenting them through the positive and negative events. This can be described with a few buzz words to start. This doesn’t have to be an all-inclusive list. Just go with the first thing that comes to your mind. Once you have the virtues then you would expand to the action verbs of how you plan to implement these virtues. Lastly, add your adjectives and adverbs that make your philosophy a polished, finished product. Proofread your philosophy and ensure all adult parties are satisfied and voilá!
When do I use it?
The answer to this question is DAILY. Parents find that the philosophy may
by Dr. Britney Farmernot work in every scenario, but it can get you closer to a decisive position that aligns with your family’s values. Every day your child is changing and growing and therefore the way that you interact may change also. However, when you refer back to your Parental Philosophy, your times of discipline and times of support will be grounded in the tenants that you have already agreed upon. If you desire additional resources, the Healthy Place website has a great article called Develop Your Parenting Philosophy: Strategies That Make you Great. 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.
M. SERFF, DMD
The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. It is proudly displayed throughout our towns and neighborhoods, especially during the summer months. Everyone knows (or should know) that there are 50 stars and 13 stripes on the flag. The stars represent the 50 states, and the stripes represent the 13 original colonies. But did your family know these other interesting facts about this iconic emblem of our country?
Check out these 20 fun and fascinating facts about the American flag.
1
The colors of the flag mean something. Red represents valor, white means liberty and purity and blue stands for justice and loyalty.
2
The U.S. Flag Code is a federal law with guidelines about how the American flag should be used, displayed, folded and retired or disposed of in a dignified manner.
3
Never let the flag touch the ground, floor or anything that may be beneath it like tables, chairs or bushes.
4
Flags are only meant to be displayed from sunrise to sunset.
5
The American flag can be flown at night only if it is properly illuminated.
6
It’s a myth that if a flag does touch the ground that it needs to be destroyed. As long as it’s in suitable condition, the flag can still be displayed.
7
It’s against the Flag Code to hang a tattered flag. Owners can sew, mend or wash their flags to repair them.
8
Flags that can’t be mended or repaired should be retired. You can drop them off at a local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) office for disposal with dignity.
9
If you hang the flag vertically, the blue square must be in the top left as seen by the viewer.
10
Speaking of the blue square, it is called either the canton or the Union.
11
The current version of the flag was designed for a class history project by a high school student in Ohio.
12
Flag Day, which honors the American flag and its traditions, was officially set as June 14 by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.
13 Pennsylvania is the only state that celebrates Flag Day as a state holiday.
14
Someone who studies flags is called a vexillologist? Say that five times fast!
15
In the beginning, the U.S. added both a star and stripe when new states joined the Union. However, lawmakers quickly realized the flag would become too crowded. In 1818, they decided to leave the stripes at 13 and honor each new state with a star.
16
Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner in 1814 after seeing the American flag flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. It officially became our national anthem in 1931.
17
There are six American flags on the moon, placed there by Apollo astronauts.
18
The first person to sew the flag was Betsy Ross in Philadelphia in 1776. She was George Washington’s seamstress.
19
There have been 27 versions of the American Flag. The current version, which added the last star for the state of Hawaii, was adopted in 1960. It is the only version to last more than 50 years.
20
There are a variety of nicknames for the flag. These include Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the Star Spangled Banner and the Red, White and Blue.
So the next time you see an American flag, think about all it represents and these 20 fun and fascinating facts. May these facts encourage your appreciation of the Red, White and Blue even more. vp
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Whether it’s glazed, chocolate-covered, cream-filled or with sprinkles on top, life is better with doughnuts. That’s especially true in Columbus, which is home to the locally owned and family operated Golden Donut.
While Golden Donut might be the first thing that comes to mind when locals crave a sugar rush, it also offers something that’s not necessarily on everybody’s menu.
Golden Donut and baby showers goes together like coffee and crullers.
“Our location on Wynnton Road has a couple of spacious rooms available,” said operating partner Colt Miley.
The seating capacity for the location ranges from 10 to 25 people.
“We do charge a small reservation fee of $75,” Miley explained. “This gets you the
room, a staff party coordinator, two dozen glazed, four colors of sprinkles and four colors of icings. You can also get additional sprinkle and icing colors for an additional fee.”
Donut staff that promises to make the baby shower, or any celebration, special.
Operated by partners Colt and Erin Miley, Golden Donut is a long-standing tradition in Columbus, now with two locations.
“Baby showers are new to Golden Donut,” Miley said. “Although our stores have been used for birthday parties for quite some time.”
The goal is to offer a fun location for those working on a budget. There is just a small rental fee that includes all you’ll need for a memorable baby shower.
“We do ask that no outside drinks be brought in,” Miley said. “We do allow simple food options to be brought in like pizza, chips, etc.”
Beyond the sweet treats, it’s the Golden
“Our team members are amazing all around,” Miley said. “We pride ourselves in providing quality products and fantastic customer service. From normal transactions to celebrating birthday parties, our team members work hard to provide a great experience to everyone that we have the opportunity to serve.”
And if you’re looking for something unique before the baby shower, consider Golden Donuts for the gender reveal.
“We have only hosted one gender reveal party,” Miley said, “but we do get special requests for doughnuts that have pink or blue icings inside or on top.” ADV
Sleep when the baby sleeps. Take a shower every day, no matter what. Have date night at least twice a month. Expectant parents receive lots of advice on how to prepare themselves for life with a baby. But what about preparing the family dog? Just like new parents, dogs need lots of support when welcoming a baby to the household.
Experts agree, making sure your dog is well-behaved before your baby arrives is key. According to Daryl Young, a
world-renowned dog trainer with over 40 years of experience, “Training your dog establishes a way to communicate what you like and do not like to your dog. A dog that understands certain behaviors such as jumping, nipping and pulling on a leash are not permitted will be much easier to control when making the introduction to baby.”
Heather Corum, lead obedience instructor for Canine Company, advises parents to begin obedience training or take a refresher course as soon as they find out they’re pregnant.
Caleb Backe, pet health and wellness expert, says one of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring the bad behavior their dog is already displaying and expecting it to subside once the baby arrives. In reality, your dog is likely to have difficulty adjusting to the new family dynamic, which will only exacerbate the issues. And once the baby arrives, you won’t have time to train your dog.
Even the most well-behaved dog will need help acclimating to a new routine (or lack thereof) when your baby comes home. According to experts, there are plenty of ways to prep in advance. Young recommends taking your dog on walks or feeding him at different times than usual.
“Even the most well-behaved dog can become alarmed by a newborn’s strange noises and flailing arms and legs and react suddenly, putting baby in danger.”
-HEATHER CORUM
New York City veterinarian Dr. Lisa Lippman recommends giving your dog less attention as your due date draws near. “Getting used to not constantly being the center of attention will enable your dog to cope better once the baby arrives and takes up much of your time and energy.” It’s especially important to establish new routines well in advance, in order to minimize the likelihood of your dog associating his schedule disruption with the baby.
Experts also recommend getting your dog used to baby dolls and baby items in advance. Exposing him to dolls, strollers,
onesies, blankets and even baby sounds (with the help of an app) will not only help your dog get accustomed to the baby, but it will also create an opportunity to troubleshoot any issues (i.e. your dog nipping at the doll). Once the baby is born, Dr. Lippman encourages parents to bring home something the baby has worn before bringing the baby home. “Let the dog sniff it from a distance, and then allow them to get closer and closer.”
Parents should also practice creating rules and boundaries in the nursery while it’s still unoccupied. Young advises parents to make certain things clear using a doll. “No jumping on crib. No pulling blankets or sheets that may hang down from the crib. Do not enter baby’s room unless invited by parents. Once the baby is home go through the same routines you practiced with the doll.”
It’s never a good idea to leave your baby and your dog alone without parental supervision. No matter how well you know your dog, you can never assume he’ll react as you expect in any given situation. Says Young, “babies look feel and may smell like a dog
toy. Dogs can easily and unintentionally injure or even kill a baby.” Corum cautions that “even the most well-behaved dog can become alarmed by a newborn’s strange noises and flailing arms and legs and react suddenly, putting baby in danger.” She advises parents to always stay between the dog and the baby and to keep the baby elevated in case of sudden moves.
Even the most loving dog will feel miffed by the new baby’s arrival. To minimize jealousy, professionals encourage parents to give dogs as much focused attention as possible. Corum advises new parents to continue to praise their dog and maintain their functional obedience. Dr. Lippman says parents should make an effort to engage with their pup while the baby is in the room. “You don’t want your dog to think that good things happen for them only when the baby is out of sight or asleep.”
While you can give your dog snuggles, treats and positive reinforcement without taking too much time out of your hectic day, Backe says not to skimp on giving your dog adequate exercise. He suggests hiring a dog walker a few times a week if getting out with your dog isn’t realistic.
As eager as you may be for your newborn to snuggle up with
your four-legged baby, you should never force a relationship. Backe reminds parents that it’s natural for dogs to be wary of a new baby initially. He says to be patient and remember they’ll have plenty of years to become buddies. Dr. Lippman advises parents to take it slow when introducing your dog and your baby. “Allow your dog to sniff the baby from a distance, then gradually work up to closer contact.”
To teach your dog how to be safe with the baby and to encourage bonding, Corum has specific guidelines: “Praise him when he sniffs or gently nuzzles the baby. Say “no” firmly if he gets too excited, then immediately give praise when he calms down to help him understand what type of behavior is appropriate around this tiny new friend.”
Dogs know when you’re pregnant (or scared, sad or about to take them to the vet). But your dog’s unique ability to tune into human emotions doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll become a baby whisperer once Junior arrives. Your dog will need plenty of help managing the transition. But with pro tips up your sleeve, love in your heart and treats in your pocket, you’re just the one to help him. vp
Every dad needs reminders of how much he is loved and valued. While you don’t want to forgo the handmade cards and the offbeat kid ideas, these 10 ways to celebrate dad are sure to remind him of how much you care and give everyone some fun along the way.
This works for kids of all ages, plus it can be as involved as you want it to be. Come up with fun clues like “As a dad I could not ask for better, your next clue is where you find a letter,” to lead dad around the house to find a Father’s Day prize. You can make up your own clues or download a set from ETSY. You’re sure to get lots of giggles from kids every step of the way.
To make this work with older kids, you can even take the hunt beyond the house to go to places around town. Give him a clue when he arrives at each location, eventually ending up at a favorite restaurant or event like a baseball game or concert.
Even the most macho dads can appreciate a little trip down memory lane, especially for Father’s Day. Break out some old
photos and create a short movie full of memories for him. This is the perfect project for tweens and teens to take charge of. For younger helpers, get photos printed and have them create a poster of memories.
It’s even great to get photos from before dad was, well, a dad. Give him the chance to tell stories about who he was as a kid and before he embraced dad life.
3. Finish a Project
Every dad we know has some project they started that they never got around to finishing because dad life is busy. Work together to help him finish a project. Whether it’s finally building the shelves he needs or planting the garden he dreams of, working together will make the project even sweeter.
4. Challenge
This can be as crazy as you want it to be. Think outdoor races or a bake-off. Maybe a game of basketball or chess. Discover a fun challenge you can do for some friendly competition and time together.
5. Serve Him
This is not giving him a coupon for help in the yard or washing his car. This is about actually doing it. Surprise dad
and wash the car inside and out. Pack his lunch for the next day. Take care of a job he always does so he can put his feet up and relax. Bonus points if you bring him some lemonade and cookies!
6. Explore a Favorite Spot
Does he love a certain hiking trail or beach? Maybe there’s a bookstore that he never has time to meander through or that hardware store that he loves. Even a coffee shop that makes his favorite latte. Find a place you know he enjoys and get him there.
You can have him go on his own if he likes some quiet time to himself or make it a family affair if that’s more his speed. No matter how you do it, just make sure it’s one of his favorite places.
7. Discover a New Place
It’s easy for parents to get so caught up in the day-to-day that they run out of time for exploring new places. Give dad the gift of exploration.
You can go old school and road trip with no plan in mind, but it’s usually better to have a few ideas up your sleeve. Websites like Only In Your State can help you find everything from wacky restaurants, hikes you never knew about, abandoned places and even road trip trails to take you on
an adventure to the state’s best ice cream spots, breweries and more.
8.
Sometimes the list of things dad wants to do gets buried under work and baseball practice and goodnight stories. Father’s Day is the perfect time to dust it off.
Get a poster and some markers or create a shared family list on your phone for Dad’s Summer Bucket List. Ask him what he wants to do before summer is over. And it can’t be all work and house things. Make sure he has fun little outings like going to his favorite ice cream shop and some bigger ideas like boogie boarding at the state beach. Even reading through a favorite book or seeing a movie counts.
The only requirement: make time for the things on the list. Putting them on the calendar is the key to making them happen.
From sunup to sundown, fill the day with dad’s favorite foods. Does he love a Caffè Americano and donuts? Maybe a protein shake from that place across town? How about burgers and fries? Add a milkshake? You got it!
Whatever it is, the day isn’t about what the kids like (sorry kids) It’s a chance for dad to eat the things he loves and enjoy every bite. He doesn’t even have to share.
The fun doesn’t have to last for just one day. Make it an overnight or a weekend. Plan a family vacation that you know he’d love. It doesn’t need to be far or expensive (although that resort he’s dreamed about isn’t a terrible idea) Think about things he loves and start there.
Does he love the outdoors? Maybe a campout is a perfect idea (even in the backyard) Is he a museum guy? Plan an overnight to go to an art installation or even a fun place like the Spy Museum. Whatever dad likes you can find a place he will enjoy.
And the best part? The time you’ll have together. vp
Tby Jodi Saunders
his summer be prepared for a big adventure of the wild, wonderful and giant kind at Columbus Botanical Garden. Created from moss, flowers and foliage 12 larger than life animal topiaries can be found amongst the various gardens. The exhibit runs from June through October with the opening reception being held on June 13th from 5-7 pm.
Families can get their wild side on and head over the gardens for a great day out. Creation stations will be set up at various parts of the Garden, where guests of all ages can come and create their own art out of our nature. Check out columbusbotanicalgarden.org/artofnature for more information. vp
HCHS has 20 students who will be signing a letter of commitment to pursue a degree in education and, in turn, committing to improve the quality of education for students in Georgia. This endeavor is supported by the Georgia State School Superintendent’s Office, the Georgia Department of Education’s Division of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), Georgia Early Childhood Education Foundation (GECEF), and Georgia’s colleges and universities. Front row: Sarah Nelson, Sophia Bledsoe, Katelyn Goodroe, Ny’Asia Gates, Ashley Fields; Middle row: Laura Bowens, Delaney Ferrone, Carley Carroll, Avery Haberkorn, Anna Barfield; Back row: Gretchen Stephenson, Symone Davis, Aaron Colley, Gabrielle Guillaume
Harris County School District (HCSD) proudly announces a significant milestone as Mulberry Creek Elementary in Cataula has been officially certified as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) school by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). After years of dedicated planning, strategizing and hard work, this achievement solidifies Mulberry Creek Elementary’s commitment to providing an integrated curriculum driven by exploratory project-based learning and student-centered development of ideas and solutions.
The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation named Christie Akers the 2024 Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year at it’s annual gala. Christie teaches English, AP Seminar and Mythology at Northside High. The announcement was made in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 1,100 teachers and community leaders on May 9th at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.
Jim Buntin Award winner, Warren Steele Tasha Norman, 2023TOTYWhy didn’t the poodle want to go to the beach? He didn’t want to be a hot dog
What do you call a beach that keeps losing sand? A shore loser
Who cleans the oceans? The mermaids
Books are an invaluable way to connect with our children and help them understand the world around them. Whether reading your favorite ABC’s book to your little one or hearing your growing tween tell you about the latest chapter book they are enjoying, books consistently play a valuable role in the parenting experience. As a parent of a soon to be 12 year old, here are some of my favorite books throughout time:
The Going to Bed Book
BY SANDRA BOYNTONThis book follows animals as they get ready for bed, so it might inspire your little one to get some shut-eye, too. My son quickly memorized the words to this modern classic and took joy in reading along.
The Story of Ferdinand
BY MUNRO LEAFA lovely tale of a bull, Ferdinand, who prefers the simple pleasures in life, smelling the flowers and enjoying the shade, rather than participate in what is expected of a bull, butting of heads and stomping of feet. This was my mild mannered husband’s favorite to read to our aging toddler, debunking typical masculine tropes.
Big Anthony is left alone with Strega Nona’s magic pasta pot. His desire to show off lands him in hot water with the townspeople. Strega Nona to the rescue. This funny story always made us laugh out loud as a family.
The Magician’s Hat
BY MALCOLM MITCHELLThis is not your typical afternoon at the library—a magician invites kids to reach into his hat to pull out whatever they find when they dig down deep. As big library and UGA fans, my family loved this story by former football star Malcolm Mitchell.
The One and Only Ivan BY KATHERINE APPLEGATE
Ivan, a gorilla, has grown up mostly in captivity and discovers how to express himself through art. When Ruby, a baby elephant, comes to live with them she brings her memories and her point of view and has Ivan seeing his art and his home through new eyes. A sweet tale of self discovery as a child learns to read chapter books.
The Crossover
BY KWAME ALEXANDERJosh and his twin brother Jordan need to work through growing up on and off the basketball court and understand that breaking the rules can come at a cost. This one’s on our TBR (to be read) list as it’s told entirely through verse. vp
Khristina Gallagher is the owner of Columbus Bound Bookshop—an independent bookshop opening in Fall 2024 in the Columbus area carrying new books for all ages. You can support the store early on by ordering these books and more online at Bookshop.org/shop/columbusboundbookshop.
3-Aug. 2
Columbus Museum Day Camps
Info: ColumbusMuseum.com
6
DIY Bird Feeders at the Columbus Public Library
Info: Cvl.libnet.info/event/10524974
4-25
Alabama Cooperative Extension System “My Plate for My Family” Cooking Class
Call: 334-298-6845
15-19
Just Breathe for Kids Summer Camp
Info: JustBreatheForKids.com
17-28
Kids Week at Cascade Hills
Info: CascadeHills.com/Kids-Week
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
6
Rock Painting at the Columbus Public Library
Info: Cvl.libnet.info/event/10524974
24-28
Animal Antics
Oxbow Meadows
Summer Camp
Info: Oxbow.ColumbusState.edu
4
Fourth of July Party at the Phenix City Amphitheater
Info: Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
4-6
Callaway Gardens Star Spangled Beach Party
Info: CallawayGardens.com
19-28
Springer Opera House presents Finding Nemo Jr. Info: SpringerOperaHouse.org
19
Tangled (PG) at the Columbus Public Library
Info: cvl.libnet.info/event/10525036
24
Musical Adventures at North Columbus Public Library
Info: cvl.libnet.info/event/10525036
29-Aug. International Friendship Ministries Soccer Camp
Info: ifmga.org
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
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.
Ace Myers and his mom, Cassie, enjoyed the festivities at the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries Children’s Book Festival.
Margaret Norman and Olivia Massey are all set to play on their soccer team, The Pink Panthers.
Anna Krieg and Olivia Massey both age 6 had fun celebrating at a birthday party.
