Auburn Opelika Parents November 2015 by KeepSharing

November2015

Volume 6 Number 9

30 Columns

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children

Dinner with a Picky Eater

John Rosemond offers three approaches to end supper-time battles around the table.

Teaching Children Self-Control

Find advice for helping your children respond correctly to the world around them.

John Rosemond

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Thankful Giving

Show kids how to put gratitude into action with these inspired ideas.

Holiday Happenings

From parades to tree lightings to musicals and more, these events make your season bright!

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

On The Cover Charlotte Cash is the 7-year-old daughter of Russell and Tiffany Cash of Opelika. She attends Trinity Christian School and is in the first grade. Charlotte enjoys painting pictures, reading books and spending time with friends. She and her little sister Annabelle love to play outside and climb trees. She is currently playing soccer with team Hamm of Opelika City League.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 46

Family Calendar 52

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote This morning’s crisp breeze reminded me that winter is on its way! It seems that I just settled into fall, and now have to quickly transition into colder weather, shorter daylight hours and heavier clothing. It’s time to break out the long sleeves, fleece pajamas, boots and thick coats. Each year, digging though the attic to find the winter wardrobe brings a sense of the ‘cleanout dread’ and longing for warm summer days in flip flops and shorts. It’s inevitable that while having the kids try on their old clothes, I will find that the stored up jeans, sweaters and jackets will now look like capri pants, halter tops and vests. How in the world did the kids’ clothes shrink so much while in storage? Of course, the truth that I don’t want to admit is that all the swimming, running and playing during those long summer days resulted in growing children. I swear they grew two feet taller and doubled their shoe sizes! As they walk back and forth, modeling their high-water pants and too tight shirts, I can’t help but smile, knowing how grateful I am to have these healthy, fast growing and happy children. And grateful to experience all of their seasons in this ever fleeting time known as childhood. Thankful that I can provide the clothing and shoes they outgrow each year. And thankful that the food and doctor checkups we take for granted have contributed to my current clothing crisis. In the world, and more specifically our own community, there are many families that find themselves in need of more clothing, shoes, food and health care for their children. Due to differing circumstances in their lives, they may be unable to provide for the basic needs of their families. Clothing options and sizes are hard to buy. Their pantries and refrigerators are bare, and sometimes, kids may go without food on weekends. I am sure that if you look around your child’s school, you will see others in need. On a cold day, while dropping the kids off in the car line or at the bus stop, observe those who are without a heavy coat. Most of the time, it is not because they chose not to wear it or that they forgot it at home, it’s that they outgrew it or never had one to begin with. How about their shoes? Do some classmates or neighbors have on shoes too small or with holes in them? Buying shoes for the family can cost as much as a week’s paycheck for some. Also, more than likely, if they don’t have the proper clothing for the season, they probably don’t have a pantry full of healthy food choices either. Grocery prices are on the rise and the most expensive are the healthier options. In pondering these needs in our community, I am encouraged to know that there are wonderful resources to help. This November, we are reminded to be thankful, and most of all, to appreciate by giving back to others. The feature article, Thankful Giving: Put Gratitude Into Action with These Inspired Ideas, does just that! It suggests some great ways teach our children about giving to others by beginning at home. Show thankfulness to your spouse and kids by leaving messages around the house and in lunch boxes, thanking family members and expressing your pride in them. Take the lead from teachers and schools. My kids beam each time a staff member ‘catches them being good’ and rewards them by just simply telling them they are being great role models to peers and doing their best that day. Then, reach into the neighborhood by collecting food items to be donated to the local food bank or start a ‘backpacks of hope for the hungry’ program, where school kids receive a bag of healthy food for the upcoming weekend. As for those clothes my kids have outgrown, I will be happily donating to our school’s ‘Community Connection Coordinator’, knowing that students in their schools will receive a much needed winter wardrobe this season. November is a month to reflect on all that we are thankful for. In doing so, we are reminded of those in need and ways in which we can share our gratitude with them. This year, let’s turn Thanksgiving into a verb by showing what ‘thanksgiving’ is to our family, neighbors and community. The positive impact this can have will be contagious. Those who receive thanks, in turn, will give thanks. From one parent to another, Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Kendra Sumner kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Heidi Smith Luedtke Judy M. Miller Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, M.D. Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner justin@auburnopelikaparents.com (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 1204 Owens Road Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2014 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Dinner with a Picky Eater Q: Our 4-year-old daughter will not eat dinner, no matter what. At most, she takes a few bites of what I fix and then says she doesn’t like it. This has been going on for over a year. I’ve taken favorite things away from her, sent her to bed early, even spanked. Nothing has worked and to be honest I’m getting increasingly frustrated. I absolutely refuse to fix her a special plate. I want her to be grateful for what she has. Please give me some direction here. A: I can give you some suggestions, but no approach is going to solve this problem as long as you are frustrated. You’ve gotten yourself stuck in a power struggle that you cannot win. An adult who enters into a power struggle with a child is no longer acting like an authority figure; therefore, the only person with any power in an adult-child power struggle is the child. If your daughter hasn’t eaten dinner for over a year and she’s still alive and thriving, then she’s eating enough at breakfast

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

and lunch to carry her over to the next day. You’re doing the right thing by not fixing her a special meal, but you’re probably paying entirely too much attention to her at the dinner table—coaxing, threatening, bribing, and the like. That’s going to do nothing but make this problem worse. I have three suggestions for you, all of which have good track records. Take your pick, but whatever you decide to do, stick with it because nothing is going to work without patience on your part. First Approach: Feed her 30 minutes before the family sits down at the table. Put very small portions on her plate—no more than a tablespoon of each food item. Set a timer and when the thirty minutes is up, take away whatever food remains. If she has not finished everything on her plate, put her to bed, explaining to her that a doctor has told you that children who don’t eat dinner are actually tired and need more sleep. While she is sitting at the table, whether she is eating or not, pay absolutely no attention to her. Leave the room. Don’t even stick your head back in there and ask how she’s doing.

Second approach: When you fix dinner, make sure you fix at least one food that she likes (assuming there is such a thing). Set a place for her at the table, but put no more than a half-teaspoon of each food item on her plate. The rule is that when and if she eats everything on her plate she can have seconds of anything. As time goes on, slowly increase the amount of each helping so that she has to eat more and more in order to receive second helpings. Again, the most important variable here is that you pay no attention to her if she isn’t eating. Have adult talk. Third approach: Don’t set a place for her at the dinner table. When dinner is ready, don’t call her. If she asks why there’s no place for her, calmly tell her that she obviously doesn’t like the dinners you fix and you’ve decided that’s perfectly fine. She has your permission to eat only breakfast and lunch. If she says she’s hungry, tell her you’ll fix a plate for her when the rest of the family has eaten. When all is said and done, your daughter needs dinner less than she needs you to be a calm authority figure in her life. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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“Ragtime the Musical”

45th Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow

At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing…and anything is possible. E.L. Doctorow’s novel, “Ragtime”, sets the turn-of-the-last-century New York stories of an affluent wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician to an electrifying and Tony Award-winning score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Their compelling stories and interactions with historical figures of the day – Booker T. Washington, Harry Houdini, Henry Ford, J.P. Morgan, among others – are set to an electrifying and Tony Award®-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, November 12, 7:30 p.m. www.eastalabamaarts.org.

The Poarch Creek Indians 45th Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow will be held on Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, in Atmore, Alabama. Celebrate a cultural tradition during Thanksgiving this year, with the Poarch Creek Indians. Each Year, tribal members gather on this original Creek land for their annual Pow Wow. You're invited to join the festivities. Enjoy a brilliant display of authentic dress and exhibition dancing by Tribes from throughout the country. Watch the crowning of the Poarch Creek Indian Princesses and shop from numerous booths for crafts, quilts, and other keepsakes. www.poarchcreekindians-nsn.gov.

Veteran’s Appreciation Week: November 8-14

Join the Montgomery Zoo in thanking the proud men and women of the armed forces. During Veteran's Appreciation Week, all veterans, active duty military and their immediate family members receive a 50% DISCOUNT on regular daytime admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Participants must provide a valid military identification to receive discount. Thank you for your service and dedication to this proud nation. www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Third Thursday Poetry Series at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

A new lineup of visiting poets to our area is slated for the fall 2015 installment of the Third Thursday Poetry Series. Once again, faculty designers from Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction created eight broadsides that represent works by each of the poets participating in the series. This month, John Hoppenthaler’s books of poetry are “Anticipate the Coming Reservoir”, “Lives of Water”, and “Domestic Garden”. Enjoy tapas, beer, wine, and specialty cocktail menus from the Museum Café from 5 to 8 pm.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

Discovery Hike – Turkeys

Explore the preserve, November 10, 3:30 pm, and learn something new about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! The November hike features turkeys! We will investigate this wonderful bird that is a favorite this time of year. Hikers will learn how to make turkey calls that might bring in a gobbler! For families with children ages 5 to 12. No pre-registration is required. Groups meet at the pavilion. Guided tours are free. Donations are welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, just north of the AU Fisheries complex. Call 334-844-8091 for more information. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens

A Callaway Gardens tradition on the first Saturday of every November, the Steeplechase features thoroughbreds racing through woodland surroundings, plus pony rides, a foxhound parade, a hat contest and much more. Some of the events include the Carmike Kids Corral- Inflatables, Arts, Crafts, Rock Climbing, Bungee Jumping, Moonwalk and Face Painting, Pony Rides, raffles and more! November 7. www.callawaygardens.com.

Clifford the Big Red Dog: Live

The ‘big red dog,’ a character beloved for generations, comes to life on stage in a BIG way in this interactive musical! Join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and all their friends November 13, as they embark on an adventure filled with singing, dancing and more. Share in the timeless values of Clifford’s BIG Ideas: Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe In Yourself, Be A Good Friend and Help Others! Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.

Free Internet Safety for Parents

Join us for the upcoming Internet Safety Parents’ Workshop featuring nationally acclaimed guest speaker Jesse Wienberger. This unique event will be held on November 16th, from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm in the Bill Heard Theatre of the RiverCenter in Columbus, GA, presented by Right from the Start. The information and content of this workshop is specifically tailored to parents and guardians of kids K - college. This presentation is FAR MORE explicit and graphic than those meant for a student-audience. Please do not bring children. We will be reviewing criminal cases in the news and their tragic outcomes. Ideally parents will be exposed to this course before their child starts the 3rd grade, which seems to be the “magical” time when parents are purchasing smartphones for their children. This presentation reviews specific platforms: which to avoid, which to allow with privacy settings, and what to watch out for in general. Parents will be given a sample family digital use policy which can be edited to suit any family dynamic. To register, www.rivercenter.org.

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K Trinity’s Opelika Road Race and Family Fun Run

Saturday, November 7, 8:00 a.m. marks the 11th Annual Trinity Opelika Road Race and Family Fun Run. This special community and family event takes place at the Municipal Park in Opelika and features 10K, 5K, and 1 mile races. Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome to participate. In the past we have had as many as 400 men, women, and children participate in our races. With t-shirts, medals, prize money, great door prizes, refreshments, and more, we know this year’s event will not be one to miss!

Fantasy In Lights Specialty Nights

You and your family can enjoy Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy in Lights from a completely different perspective during one of our Fantasy In Lights Specialty Nights. Specialty Nights are: Friday, Nov. 13: Motorcycle Night (Motorcycles Only) Join us for this one-nightonly magical ride! There will be no Jolly Trolleys or non-motorcycle vehicles operating on this night. Saturday, Nov. 14: March of Dimes Night Walk (No vehicles or Trolley) Guests walk the five miles to the shuttle pickup point, or the seven miles back to the starting point. For those who run out of steam, there is a vehicle that picks up those guests too. Sunday, Nov. 15: Bicycle Night (Bicycles Only) This family-friendly event will include a tricycle hour for younger children and beginners. All must have a bicycle light or a helmet light. Please note that there will be no Jolly Trolleys or personal vehicles operating on this night.

√ Kids Eat Free* √ Kids Play area √ Great Kids Menu

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www.niffersplace.com * Free food is on Tuesday nights at the Lake Martin and Opelika locations and Wednesday nights in Auburn, each free child meal is accompanied with a paying adult meal, fun depends on you! Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Strep Throat We all dread the day when our child says “Mommy, I don’t feel so good” and we discover they have fever. Strep throat is one of the more common childhood illnesses and this article will help clarify how we diagnose and treat this illness. Group A Streptococcus is the name of the bacteria that infects either the upper respiratory tract or the skin of healthy people. When the back of the throat is infected with this bacteria we call it “strep throat”. Strep throat infections occur most commonly in school age children. Strep throat is spread thru contact with the infected person’s saliva or other secretions that are expelled when coughing or sneezing. This transmission is aided by kids being close together while at school or day care centers. The rate that the infection is passed is about 35% of the time when close contact occurs between infected and noninfected people. We all know how frequently kids come into close contact with each other, so it does make it easy for the infection to spread. Signs of infection occur 2-4 days after contact with the infected person. The symptoms of Strep throat are most commonly sore throat, fever, headache, and difficulty swallowing. Kids often complain of stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting as

well. When we check the throat it is often a “beefy” red with or without pus on the tonsils. The lymph nodes in the neck are also swollen and a sometimes a rash may be present. When the rash is present it often feels like running your hand over sandpaper and is called the “scarlet fever rash”. Symptoms of runny nose, cough and diarrhea are less likely to be related to a strep infection. Diagnosing Strep can be done quickly and easily with a swab of the throat and a rapid strep test. This can be done in the office in about 10 minutes. Sometimes it may be necessary to send a throat culture to the lab to verify strep infection. Throat culture takes about 48 hours to be resulted. At times I will see a child who tests positive for strep most every time he is tested. This may represent a child who is a strep carrier. It is estimated that up to 20% of children may carry the strep bacteria without symptoms. This is not thought to be harmful to the child, but may cause confusion about how to treat the patient. Treatment for strep throat with antibiotics is necessary to both shorten the course of illness and to prevent complications. We use either a Penicillin type antibiotic such as Amoxil or a Cephalosporin such as Keflex as first line treatment. In spite of using these

antibiotics for many years, they are still effective in killing Strep germs the majority of the time. These antibiotics should be taken for a full 10 day course. An injection of long acting penicillin can be given as an alternative to oral medication. One penicillin shot equals 10 days of oral antibiotics. Penicillin allergic patients can be given Azithromycin or clindamycin instead. Often I am asked if siblings should all be tested or treated when one family member has strep. The answer is to test and treat only those who have symptoms of strep remembering that only 35% of close contacts will contract Strep throat. Finally, here are some tips to help avoid infections this fall and winter: wash your hands frequently and especially before meals, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet. Also make sure to get a flu vaccine! We wish you the very best health this fall. Dr. Ellen Royal attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for her medical degree and graduated in 1994. She returned to Alabama the summer of 1998 to join the pediatric practice of Dr. Richard M. Freeman. Dr. Royal is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Royal is married to Dr. Kevin Royal who practices Internal Medicine in Opelika and they have three children.

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Autauga County Schools

Richland Elementary School Walk to School Day

National Walk to School Day is in its 18th year of raising support for the health, community and environmental benefits of walking or biking to school. We had over 35 students walk to school on â&#x20AC;&#x153;International Walk to School Dayâ&#x20AC;?, Wednesday, October 7! Way to go Champions!

Dean Road Elementary Holds Pep Rally for Annual Fundraiser Kickoff

Dean Road Elementary celebrated their annual fundraiser kickoff of the Rocket Run with a pep rally that included Aubie, AU Cheerleaders, AU Tiger Paws, AU Softball Team, AU Basketball players, Teacher Games with doughnuts, pies and cookies!

OMS Students Working on Classroom Magazine

Students in Ms. Skelton's 6th grade class at Opelika Middle School are working to create a classroom magazine. Ms. Kate Larkin visited the class to give the students tips on how to find topics to write about, how to grab the reader's attention, and how to write good questions.

Poetry Out Loud at Auburn High School

The Poetry Out Loud competition was held at the AHS Auditorium. Mr. Davis Thompson organized the event and was assisted by Ms. Karen Hall and Ms. Kim Mock. Ms. Reed Thompson assisted by giving programs to audience members.

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Opelika HS Horticulture

OHS Horticulture students, Hayden Washburn, Phajah Gardner, and Jared Roberts work in the greenhouses preparing for the spring plant sale. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Southview Primary Supports the Police

Students in Mrs. Huddleston's first grade class at Southview Primary School support local law enforcement officers.

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Auburn HS Homecoming Queen Congrats to Auburn High School 2015 Homecoming Queen Katie Jackson!

Lee-Scott Academy Homecoming Queen

Caroline Walker was named Lee-Scott Academy's Homecoming Queen at the homecoming game on Friday, October 9th. Caroline is the daughter of Wally and Molly Walker.

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Autauga Auburn HS Students Greet Car County SchoolsFairy Tale Ball at Pick Riders at Wrights Mill Road Elementary

Wrights Mill Road welcomed football players and cheerleaders from Auburn High School as they helped to promote DRE/WMR school night at Duck Samford on September 18th. These high school students greeted children, opened car doors and appeared on the morning news broadcast.

What is your favorite fairy tale? Here is a look at the Fairy Tale Ball at Pick Elementary School where 3rd graders celebrated the completion of a literacy unit for the first semester. Students have been reading, writing, listening and speaking about Fairy Tales. Students have also studied fairy tales from around the world.

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Lee-Scott Academy Homecoming Court 2015

Lee-Scott Academy students participated in dress up days, class flat day, junior and senior girls in the annual powder puff game, homecoming assembly, and the annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;black light pep rallyâ&#x20AC;?. The homecoming court was selected by the vote of the student body. Front Row (L to R) SENIORS: Rachel Hadaway, Shelby Rice, Caroline Walker. Back Row (L to R) Ellie Sprayberry (7th grade), Garland Grace Welsh (9th grade), Mary Grace Sprayberry (11the grade), Claudia Tucker (11th grade), Annsley Cerovsky (10th grade), Mary Katherine Lamb (8th grade).

Introducing the Auburn High School Homecoming Court

The 2015 AHS Homecoming Court: (L to R): Amelia Taylor (sophomore), Katie Jackson (senior), Emily Shields (junior), Mikuel Hicks (junior), Bricken Allen (sophomore), Ruth Adams (junior), Kelsey Lawler (senior), Madelyn Swanson (sophomore), Bentley Sims (senior), and Sahar Omer (senior).

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Auburn High School Debaters Place in Top 5 in Speech and Debate Tournament

Auburn High School competed in the Vestavia Hills Speech and Debate Tournament in September. With only three teams made up of six students they placed among the Top 5 in every event. Tay Stinson and Carter Price were undefeated and placed 4th on the tournament (with a field of 60+ teams). Cobi Lee and Noah Biblis were 3-1 and Noah received the 4th place speaker award. Lemeace Sayeah and Lilly Walker were 3-1 and Lemeace Sayeah was the 2nd place speaker out of over 100 competitors. Congratulations to the Auburn Debaters and their sponsor/ AHS debate teacher Donna Yeager.

Carver Primary Students Learn About Police Officers Students at Carver Primary School recently learned about police officers and toured a police car while answering the essential question: What jobs need to be done in a community? Pictured with the students are Shellie Flenniken and Officer Jeff Fuller.

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Autauga County Schools Opelika High School

AHS Homecoming Week 2015

Homecoming Court

Dress up as your favorite characters from pop-culture.

The 2015 Opelika High School Homecoming Court was presented during their homecoming assembly. Pictured left to right: Jamiya McDougald (Freshman), Kayla Levett (Sophomore), Najaleec Seroyer (Junior), Aaliyah Bolware (Senior), Aleah Herring (Senior), Jasmine Bell (Senior), Ambriah Bryant (Junior), Ayanna Gaddis (Sophomore), and Casie Baldwin (Freshman).

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Opelika High School Student Named National Merit Semifinalist

Opelika High School Senior Kevin Lazenby has been named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Lazenby has the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. Kevin Lazenby in the son of Dr. Allen and Dr. Shirley Lazenby of Opelika. His activities at Opelika High School include serving as SGA President, Mu Alpha Theta President and Rho Kappa President. Lazenby is also a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the OHS Cross Country Team, 2014 All-State Cross Country Team Member and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Lazenby hopes to attend Vanderbilt University and major in biomedical engineering. To become a National Merit Finalist, Mr. Lazenby and OHS must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Leadership Academy Attends Symposium

Members of the Hal Moore Leadership Academy, at AHS, attended the This is Research: Faculty Symposium at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. They listened to Lieutenant General Kwast’s keynote speech titled: “Leading the Transformation of America into the Information Age; the Role of Leaders in American Society.” After the presentation, the students had the opportunity to speak and ask questions with Lieutenant General Kwast and General Burgess.

Coach Flo Visits Morris Avenue IS

Coach Flo visited Morris Avenue Intermediate School and donated school supplies. Thanks Coach Flo and War Eagle!

Pick Elementary Students Complete iChallenge

Students at Pick Elementary School completed the iChallenge, and the giant Tiger from Duck Samford was on hand for the event! The iChallenge includes 3 events: iLead, iRead, iRun! This activity was created as a fundraiser this year at PES.

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Autauga County Schools

Opelika High School Among Alabama Schools Lauded as “National Champions” in Advanced Placement Growth and Success

Opelika High School recently announced its 2014-15 Advanced Placement* (AP) results, indicating a 150-percent increase in the number of qualifying scores achieved by students in AP math, science and English exams. In their first year of program participation, Opelika High School had 63 more course enrollments in rigorous AP classes than in the year prior and students earned qualifying scores on 45 AP exams. “We are so proud of the hard work that our students and teachers exhibit. Opelika High School's commitment to the success of our Advanced Placement Program shows that we desire to challenge all students to take the most rigorous courses, enabling them to be more successful as they enter college,” stated Dr. Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal. Driving the increases in student achievement is the implementation of the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)/A+ College Ready AP Program, which Opelika High School began implementing in 2014. The goals of the program are to boost student enrollment and achievement, particularly for under-represented student groups in rigorous AP courses and to build a pipeline of students better prepared for college and careers. Statewide, the ALSDE/A+ College Ready AP program has delivered an astounding increase of 155%* in qualifying scores on AP Math science and English exams since 2008 -- doubling the nation’s growth of 57% over that time. The program is also credited for a consistent increase in percent growth of minority qualifying scores for MSE, ranking Alabama third in the nation over the last 7 years. At a special event held at the Alabama State Capitol September 10th, Governor Robert Bentley and Dr. Tommy Bice, the Alabama State Superintendent of Education, announced that Alabama continues to lead the nation, ranking #1 in percent increase in math, science, and English qualifying scores over seven years. In 2015-16, the ALSDE/A+ College Ready AP Initiative will support 148 schools in 67 districts. The program elements include open enrollment in AP math, science and English classes, increased time on task for students, intensive teacher training, support from master teachers, and stipends for teachers and students. The AP Initiative works closely with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) to assist all Alabama students in meeting the state’s College and Career Ready Standards. It also is adding support for social studies teachers and students this year, accelerating expansion of a Computer Science Principles course and expanding support for 6-10th grade teachers and students in Alabama public schools. In addition to the ceremony at the State Capitol, the Opelika High School AP students were recognized for their hard work and success and for enrolling in a total of 137 AP courses during a pregame ceremony on September 4, 2015 in Bulldog Stadium. The following Opelika High School students attended the event at the State Capitol on September 10, 2015: Pictured front row (l-r): Adriel Vinson, Joelle LeRoy, Mallory Fields, Dylan Munnerlyn, Logan Joiner, Joanna Boutdy and Chris Nguyen. Second Row (l-r): Anna Brown, Sam Sharma, Seth Eason, Victoria Drost, Cidney Woodson, and Emma Royal. Third Row (l-r): Zach Pelham, Owen Meadows, Jack Slay, JArthur Grubbs, Scot Carpenter, Kevin Lazenby, Will McKee and Aleah Herring.

Cary Woods Elementary Shows Support for AU Football

Cary Woods Elementary School Ambassadors walked in the Auburn University's Homecoming parade! Their sponsors are Jackie Vickers and Anna Gautney.

Coach Flo Visits Southview Primary

Southview Primary students got to meet Coach Flo when she stopped by to donate school supplies. Thanks Coach Flo and War Eagle! Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Auburn HS Ambassadors Deliver Treats to Bus Drivers

The AHS Ambassadors enjoyed distributing snacks and water to the ACS Bus Drivers and CPO (Auburn Security) from the AHS PTO. AHS is so grateful for the services that these dedicated men and women provide to our school system!

Monthly Hymn Sing

Trinity Holds First

On Friday morning, September 11, 2015, the doors were opened to school families to join the student body, faculty and staff in singing this month's hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy!" Students have been practicing the hymn in their homerooms and learning about its origin and history. Morning devotions were also provided centering around its content. The time served as a beautiful way to bring all in unison to praise our Father through song. The new tradition will continue next month with "Be Thou My Vision”.

Auburn High School Football Players Picked for All-Star Game

Auburn High offensive lineman Tyler Pritchett (left) and kicker Sage Ledbetter (right) were 2 of the 6 area players picked for Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game, which will be played in Mississippi for the first time this year at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg at noon on Dec. 12. Ledbetter is verbally committed to Auburn University and Pritchett is verbally committed to North Carolina.

Celebrating 25 years! Li v i ng. Lovin g. Lear n in g.

Caring for your children and laying a foundation for their growth and success has been our calling for the past 25 years. Our unique, caring approach is rooted in an understanding that each child is a gift and a responsibility. These precious little ones deserve our attention, security and love. Just like home. Today, our commitment to your children continues with caring and experienced teachers, a stimulating and secure environment and an atmosphere of living, loving and learning you’ll only find at Growing Room. 334-501-2044 | 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm | Ages 6 weeks – 12 years

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn City Schools Science Showcase

Dean Road Students Dress Like Pirates for AR

AHOY: Dean Road Elementary is celebrating their Accelerated Readers by dressing/talking like Pirates!

Sisters, Megan (12th grader) and Noel Lange (9th grader), both represented Auburn City Schools by presenting at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s International Environmental Youth Symposium in Atlanta. They presented their research from this past year and summer work on their science fair projects. Megan's project is on porous concrete and Noel's is on cotton filters that reduce sulfur dioxide found in indoor air.

Lee County Residents Show Appreciation for Local Police

On September 21st Lee County residents celebrated our members of law enforcement. This outpouring of gratitude all began from a simple post made on September 4th on Meredith Peel’s Auburn Opelika Mom Connection facebook page. The post made by Amanda Baker of Beauregard, read as follows: “With all of the negative attention police have received lately, I thought it might be nice to show our appreciation for our local police departments. Maybe bringing them coffee and doughnuts or raising money for the department? If anyone has any good ideas or wants to help let me know." The interest spurred from her post was so great that she created a new facebook page just to support our local law enforcement. Now with the support of the community and area businesses, a concerted effort was made to show our nearly 400 members of law enforcement how much their daily sacrifices mean to our community. To honor their service, local businesses and residences displayed a total of 1500 blue bows on doors and mailboxes. Lee County, Auburn, and Opelika school children made cards of appreciation that were hand delivered to each department. Citizens wore t-shirts with “Back the Badge” logos and are currently ordering yard signs to display as well. On the day of the event, officers, along with 14 canines, received a meal of recognition. Plaques of appreciation were also presented to each department. A second meal was provided on a later date to try to cover those not in attendances at the original meal. This day of appreciation was a group effort that included nearly 1000 online supporters, over 40 local businesses, and about 200 person attendees. The community hopes this moment in time shows our area law enforcement how much we appreciate their continued service. Meredith Peel was interviewed for this article and shared the following: “My close friend Rob Newman, a retired police officer from Raleigh, was speaking with Jay Jones at Lee County Sheriff’s Office and sent this to me: ‘I mentioned my former career and he shared with me that he has been working hard to keep his folks focused on the fact that the current negativity was really a tiny part of the community amplified by traditional and social media. That for every one of them there are tens of thousands of generally silent supporters that had their backs and would support them. He said this show of support really helps him drive that message home.’” Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Jeter Primary School Receives Donation

Jeter Primary School received a donation of school supplies from Afni, Inc. Pictured with Jeter students are Robin Goodman, Contact Center Recruiter for Afni, Inc. (left) and Jeannie Miller, Jeter Principal.

West Forest Intermediate School House Rally! West Forest Intermediate students were fired up for their first House Rally!

Northside Intermediate Family Curriculum Night

Northside Intermediate School recently hosted Family Curriculum Night where students and their families learned about the new science standards, played math games, checked their grades, learned about the 7 Habits and visited the book fair.

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2320 MOORES MILL ROAD, SUITE. 250 AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

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Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners! A’mya Brown A’yana Carson Aaron Norris Abby Kate Carney Abby Tillman Abigail Darnell Abigail Peinhardt Abigail Pinnell Abigail Stender Abigail Young Adam Al-Riyami Addie Newman Adisonn Mcconnell Adnrea Hernandez Ahnayah Preston Aiden Barnes Aiden Geon Woo Kim Ajiali Juavez Akeila Driver Alaina Joiner Alan Humphries Alex Holloway Alex Mendez Chilel Alexis Holloway Alicea Rainwater Alli Henderson Alveon Streeter Aly Jones Amelia Mccay Ana Jones Ana Kate Schutt Andrew Akins Ann Langston Hendrix Anna Israel

Anne Morgan Howell Anne Riley Hefelfinger Anslee Baccus Anthony Driver Anthony Lopez April Halverson Ariana O’neill Armiah Childs Aubrey Pilgrim Aubri Mathis Austin Burt Austin Mcconnell Ava Jane Ava Jones Ava Sturkie Ayden Bellamy Azarey Streeter Baxlee Boone Baylee Bryant Baylee Curtis Beau King Benjamin Darnell Bentley Matthews Benton Burnette Bianca Cole Boris Miles Braden Hufstedler Brady Mcnally Brady Rhyne Brandon Fears Brandon Green Brandon Mcclendon Brantley Knight Brayden Brooks

Brendyn Stender Brennan Harrison Brian Eaton Bristol Swader Brooke Price Brooks Johnson Bryan Collins Cade Pridgen Caden Walker Caitlin Jackson Callie Newton Cameron Mathershed Camille Hurey Camp Hendrix Camron Sanford Carmelo Washington Caroline Murphree Caroline Thompson Carolyn Phelps Carsen Etheredge Carter Barnes Carter Demyan Casey Carruthers Casey Kichler Catherine Hadley Chaney Thomas Chaney Thomas Charle Wilson Charles Conner Radford Iii Charlie Ann Lee Chase Carpenter Chase Eldred Christian Madzar Christian Nelson

Christopher Rainwater Claire Mckay Claire Nappier Claire Sipes Clara Hayes Johnson Clay Decker Cohen Burt Colton Hamon Colton Tew Coltyn Mattimore Connelly Etheredge Conor Newman Cooper Haynes Cora Beth Brooks Cordrevius Wilson Coty Pinedo Culver Murphree Dakota Rosier Damarious Spraddling David Andrew Holderfield David Nelson Rhyne David Pifer David Rosier Jr Davison Holley Demahdric Brown Demetraus Walker Demon Spraddling Demone Edwards Dennis Li Deramus Green Jr Desmond Gilliam Desmond Lewis Destinee Gilliam Devin Mcglon

Dj Wilkerson Doc Hardy Dominguez Jose Minguel Donavan Sparks Dylan Green Eddie Warren Ej Brooks Elaina Pruitt Elaine M Lee Eli Meadows Elias Hijaz Elijah Ethridge Elijah Rogers Ella Kate Smith Emaline Swenson Emma Eldridge Emma Haridson Emma Nichols Estevan Reyes Ethan Segrest Ethan Walker Everleigh Seawell Evie Ward Faheem Downing Faith Ann Blackmon Ford Chastain Gabrielle Core Genesis Lopez Gianni Spencer Greer Long Haisley Burnette Hal Bradshaw Haleigh Grace Davis Hannah Ford Hannah Pinnell Hannah Spraddling Harleigh Hodgins Harlie Williams Harmony Spraddling Harper Hendrix Hayden Likins Heath Joiner Heaven Fralic

Holland Eaton Howard Barnes Hristopher Pinkard Hudson Banks Hudson Mclaughlin Huntley Marshall Hyram Patton Jr Isaiah Jackson Isaiah Webb Jack Darnell Jack Mckay Jack Norris Jackson Burt Jackson Halverson Jacob Dehotel Jacob Wagoner Jada Finely Jaden Jackson Jaiden Juavez Jailene Thompson Jakalya Moss Jakayla Cooper Jakeira Cooper Jalecia Brooks Jalyrica Ford Jamarcus Watts James Omestiak Jameson Seawell Jamie-Lee Gaither Janie Humphries Jannie Freeman Janya Lockhart Janyria Dennis Jaquarious Adams Jaqueline Reyes Jasmine Finley Jason Howell Javion Brown Javoris Taylor Jayden Barnes Jayden Rosier Jayla Jamya Derrico Jeffrey Shiflett

Jennings Ham Jermandrenique Blue Jerome Brown Jhakari Carter Jillian Byrd John Elliot Thompson John Freeman John Israel Jon Cade Wilson Jordan Wagoner Jorden Davis Joseph Kin Josh Brooks Joshua Ray Joshua Wagoner Jsutin Williams Justin Howell Justin Johnson Justin Paulk K’wana Finley Ka’dyn Deshotel Kailyn Brown Kaleb Williams Kamal Bath Kameron Doherty Kamori Finley Karrington Long Karsten Peterson Kassidy Arnold Kathryn Steen Kayden Aadil Kayden Jennings Kayden Quinn Kelmon Juarez Kennedy Barnes Kennedy Williams Kenslee Russell Kenyan Vann Keondre Underwood Kevin Mendez Chilel Khalia Core Khamar Woody Khaniya Momon

Kiley Brooks Kimbell Nappier Kinsley Walker Kristina Honeycutt La’miracle Driver Ladereke Sanders Landon Smith Landyn Woodall Laura Kate Ray Lauren Luck Lauren Martin Lauryn Jackson Leathie Jackson Lee Ellen Shores Levonte Thompson Liam Pilgrim Lille Casey Lilly-Beth Spivey Lily Escarlera Logan Tate Londyn Wagoner Louis Brooks Luke Norris Lyla Sehnert Mac Lancaster Mackenzie Davis Macon Grace Hardison Madeline Marshall Madison Preston Mae Ward Maggie Brooks Maggie Casey Mahari Reeves Mahogany Flood Makayla Howson Makenzie Wynn Makilah Pendleton Makinley Munnenyn Malachi Burke Mally Nappier Marcus Mcneil Margaret Madsen Mark Hudgins

Markeiah Rowe Mary Clare Nichols Mason Daniels Mason Mattimore Mathias Burke Matthew Rainwater Maurice Spivey Megan Decker Megan Spurlock Melanie Walker Melissa Johnson Memphis Jane Mercy Hallmark Messiah Grooms Micah Clark Micah Howson Michawl Pouncy Michelle Moline Monejhai Morgan Morgan Harrison Morgan Moncrief Morris Stinson Myles Foreman Natalie Ray Naudia Louangkhoth Nevaeh Hicks Nicholas Carpenter Noelle Bulger Olivia Kahn Olivia Seoyoung Lim Olivia Walker Oscar Strickland Paisley Kirk Parker Henderson Payton Eaton Perry Harless Peyton Etheredge Princess Meadows Qmarious Woody Quincey Pruitt Quintrell Williams Raegan Brooks Rayna Juarez

Reagan Moore Reginald Moss Jr Robert Doss Roxy Hardy Rylan Rope Salija Floyd Saniya Bulger Sara Beth Kahn Sarah Beth Smith Savannah Luse Serenity Shuman Shabria Williams Shakeitha Broughton Shakerra Forbes Shamiracle Dunn Shamiya Stinson Shamorria Stinson Shaniyah Stinson Shaterra Forbes Skyler Luse Skylynn Hammond Sophia Sims Stacey Matthews Starke Thomas Stella Henderson Stella Jane Stephen Aiden Treadwell Sukhman Bath Sydnee Seaborn Sydney Salatte Sydney Smith Takira Lockhart Talor Norris Taniah Patterson Taylor Henderson Taylor Pouncy Taylor Steen Thomas Darnell Thomas Spurlock Tommy Decker Tommy Pike Travan Matthews Travis Dennis Jr

Travun Turman Tre Tre’mayne Cannon Tre’shawn Coleman Tremell Williams Trevor Johnson Trevor Surfield Trint Britton Tucker Long Tucker Mclaughlin Tulasia Dennis Ty’dasha Dodson Tykeria Smith Tyler Hufstedler Tyleria Smith Uriah Jackson Virginia Hadley Waler Carpenter Iii Warner Mcdonald Waylon Johnson Wesley Young William Coxwell William Heuermann William Howell William Marshall Wyatt Middleton Xavier Allen Ylan Templeton York Harless Yosef Farquharson Za’hyria Patton Za’niya Turman Zachary Carpenter Zane Place Zanique Mitchell Zari Thomas Zemarion Hughley Zoie Thomas Zukiria Posey Zy’meciah Jones

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Autauga County Schools

Watermelon Snack for Trinity Christian Students

On Friday, September 4, Trinity provided the students in all grades with a delicious watermelon snack. It provided a nice break on a warm and sunny morning.

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Cary Woods Elementary Staff Puts on Talent Show at PTO Meeting

Cary Woods Elementary School held their PTO meeting where they introduced teachers, staff and student ambassadors. Things got fun when the CWES staffers put on a talent show and even Aubie made an appearance! Talents including synchronize swimming out of water, lip syncing, cheering, dancing, singing and playing tribal drums.

Richland Elementary Hosts Tailgate Literacy Event

Richland Elementary hosted a Family, Football and Phonics Tailgate Event for their annual Literacy event. Parents were invited to participate in reading-related games with their child throughout the day. Additionally, they had a pep rally at the end of the day to wrap up our event with special guest Aubie, the Auburn University Pep Band and AU Cheerleaders.

More than 75 youth from the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee attended the 86th South Central Regional Youth Leadership Conference June 18-20, in Birmingham. PGZ Youth that attended and won in several competitions are listed from left to right: Brailyn Johnson (2nd place Amicette memory book competition), Frances Bailey (Archonette escalation recognition) , TaNala Welch (SCR Amicette President & first place Amicette scrapbook competition), Cammy Smith (3rd place Archonette brain bowl competition & 3rd place Archonette oratorical contest) and Angel Bailey (Archonette escalation recognition). The youth participated in leadership and skill building workshops, toured various historical and entertaining exhibits such as the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and The McWane Science Center. 20

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Local Zeta Youth Attend Regional Conference

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Auburn Junior High Intern Named to 2015 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

After being named to the 2015 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, Auburn University's Jonathan Wallace, is back to completing his internship with ACS at Auburn Junior High School with Coach Katie Carter (far left), Coach Craig Sanders (far right) and Coach Corey Delaney (not pictured).

Kiwanis Speaker Discusses CareerTech Opportunities for Students

Thank you to the local Auburn Chapter of Kiwanis for hosting Laura Bailey, CareerTechnical Director for Auburn City Schools! Bailey was the guest speaker and shared with the civic club about how Career-Tech opportunities are growing for students and industry alike in Auburn. From culinary arts to JROTC, approximately 900 students take Career-Tech courses at AHS (out of the 1,700+ total students at AHS). These courses not only provide certifications and training for career paths, but also gives college-bound students a wealth of knowledge and experience before pursing their majors. If you or your business is interested in collaborating with ACS when it comes to internships, volunteering opportunities, on-job training/certification, please contact Laura Bailey, 334-887-4970.

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Respect Visitors to Trinity Christian School are impressed by the culture of mutual respect that permeates our school both in and out of the classroom.

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

www.tcsopelika.org

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Autauga CountyCary Schools Woods Student Teacher Named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

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Jonathan Wallace has been a P.E. student teacher this fall. When he arrived at the school, he was welcomed by cheers from students, family, teammates, colleagues and many others. He has been making a positive impact on people and the community. This year, Wallace was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his commitment to serving the community. Students and staff were honored to help present the award to Wallace.

Newsroom to Yarbrough Classroom WTVM's Chief Meteorologist Derek Kinkade came and spoke to Yarbrough Elementary third graders about various types of precipitation, weather patterns and what it is like to be a meteorologist.

Auburn HS Seniors Selected as Members of US Army All-American Marching Band

Seth Almond and Caleb Williams, both seniors at Auburn High School, have been selected to be members of the 2016 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. FUN FACT: Almond and Williams were the only musicians tapped from state of Alabama (out of approximately 30 states nationwide). Almond (Trombone) and Williams (Trumpet) will join other top high school senior marching musicians and color guard members from across the country to perform during halftime of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas on Jan. 9, 2016 in the Alamodome. The game will be broadcast live on NBC at noon (central). With their fellow band mates, parents, administrators and band director, Mr. Cothran, looking on, the senior Auburn High School students were officially named as a members of the U. S. Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All-American Marching Band during a ceremony in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Performing Arts Center.

Carver Primary School Holds Math Night Please send school news and photos to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama's School Grant Program Awards $250,000 in Grants to Address Childhood Obesity

In our commitment to help prevent childhood obesity, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama's Be Healthy School Grant Program is awarding $250,000 in grants to 28 schools statewide enrolling students in grades K through sixth for the 2015-2016 school year. The grants are for the implementation of schoolbased health and wellness programs, emphasizing increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement during the school year. More than 15,000 students will benefit from the program. Each school is receiving a grant up to $10,000. Since 2012, Blue Cross has awarded over $510,000 in 58 Be Healthy School Grants statewide impacting nearly 28,000 students. Congratulations to the following Auburn City Schools receiving grants for the 2015-2016 school year: Richland Elementary and Wrights Mill Road Elementary. Left photo: Jeff Adams with BC/ BS, Nurse Tracy Lowe, Coach LaDextric Oliver, and Physical Education Instructor Bari Hodges. Lowe, Oliver and Hodges wrote the grant at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School (3rd grade through 5th grade). Right photo: Jeff Adams with BC/BS, RES Assistant Principal Katy Conradson and RES Principal Jeff Johnson. Assistant Principal Katy Conradson, Counselor Anne Busbin, Nurse Hope Helton, and Physical Education Instructor Deb McDonald wrote the grant at Richland Elementary School (Kindergarten through 2nd grade).

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Autauga County Schools

Wrights Mill Road Students Take Overnight Trip to Science School

Recently our 5th graders made an overnight trip to the Coosa River Science School at Alabama’s 4-H camp. It was a great experience filled with canoeing, rock climbing, lake living, campfires and great memories.

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Trinity Holds First Chapel Services in New Sanctuary

On Wednesday, September 9, all grade levels experienced chapel in the new sanctuary at Trinity Christian School. Grades 1st-4th received a lesson on Proverbs 24:30-31. The 5th and 6th grades continued their study of “Pilgrim’s Progress”. Pastor Chris Duncan led chapel for 7th12th graders. He spent the time giving details about the logic and meaning behind architectural choices made when designing the new church building. The school looks forward to many more years of enjoying the new sanctuary.

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Accepting Alabama Medicaid & most major Insurance Providers.

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ACS Hosts Substance Abuse Prevention Meeting

Auburn City Schools hosted a substance abuse educational prevention meeting with the help of the Addiction Prevention Coalition (APC) out of Birmingham, East Alabama Mental Health, the City of Auburn, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Panera Bread and Chick-Fil-A. ACS wants to express their gratitude to these companies/entities and the individual's involved for their time, donations and support of this effort. The morning was impactful with first-hand anecdotes of substance abuse and the effect it can have on an addict and their loved ones. This is in conjunction with the educational prevention aspect of the substance abuse policy within ACS.

Math. Reading.

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Schedule a FREE Placement Test today! Kumon Math & Reading Center of Auburn - Opelika 1550 Opelika Rd. #9, Auburn, AL 36830

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November 28, December 5, 12, 19

Teacher of the Year at Auburn Early Education Center

Congratulations to Auburn Early Education Center's Teacher of the Year for 2015-2016 - Heather Donaldson!

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A Page in a Book Picking the Perfect Pet Once a child has their heart set on a pet, their desires can become immovable objects when it comes to what they want in their new friend. Kids take the long view (way past any puppy training, kitten teeth, or swampy fish tanks) straight to the ideal bond they will enjoy with their imagined pet. But animals, just like people, aren’t made to order. Opening our hearts to a new pet begins a journey of discovery as we and our new family member get to know each other. The following titles explore the transition from imagining the perfect pet to loving the real perfection in a child’s adopted companion.

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The Octopuppy

by Martin McKenna (Scholastic) Edgar wanted a dog. But when his birthday arrived, eight tentacles attached to Jarvis (an octopus) sprang out of the box. Disappointed but undeterred Edgar began a rigorous course of training for Jarvis to teach him all the things that dogs can do. Unfortunately, Jarvis obeys every command to the extreme with a cephalopod’s flair for the dramatic. But when he gets one trick right, Edgar takes a big chance and enters Jarvis in a dog show. The disaster that follows leaves them both discouraged. Edgar’s following epiphany that an octopus isn’t supposed to be a dog almost comes too late. A heartbroken Jarvis has headed for the open sea and it’s up to Edgar to find his friend and bring him home. Delightfully illustrated “The Octopuppy” is guaranteed to open every heart that ever took the journey from unrealized expectation to the wonderful reality of true companionship shared between a beloved pet and his caregiver.

Motor Dog

by Kurt Cyrus and David Gordon (Disney / Hyperion) When he spies the perfect pet online, it’s a easy as the click of a button for Flip to order his own Motor Dog. Delivered right to the door, Motor Dog comes with its own remote control so Flip knows his new pet will do exactly what he wants. But their first stroll together reveals a glitch in the software when Motor Dog spies a cat and overrides his programming. The ensuing chase has one motor-enhanced pup dragging Flip along in his hot pursuit. Pushing buttons and entering commands aren’t helping get the situation under control. But when the leash breaks and Motor Dog is free to choose his path, the real connection between boy and dog begins. With a gentle nod to the two-way street that good relationships are built upon, “Motor Dog” is a high-octane new pet adventure!

The Princess and the Pony

by Kate Beaton (Scholastic) Princess Pinecone is ready to stake her claim in the kingdom of warriors. All she needs is a strong and valiant steed to carry her into battle. But her advance specifications are for naught when her parents present her with a pony that is decidedly not fierce. Her birthday pony is too small, too round, and its eyes don’t always look in the same direction. Without the strength, size or agility of a real fighting horse, their cause may be lost as their tiny duo enters the warriors’ melee. But Princess Pinecone’s little pony reveals an adorable power that may just help them become the perfect team to carry the day. From the comic genius behind the “Hark! A Vagrant”, Kate Beaton’s laugh-out-loud treatment of fantasy warfare will have adult readers chuckling alongside little listeners. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Q. With all the economic problems in the country today, what can college students do to avoid money problems in the future? A. There are always three or four things smart things you can do to protect yourself financially. One is to live on a budget. When you give every dollar you make a name, and write in down on paper, it helps you know what your money is doing instead of wondering where it went. Two more good ideas are staying out of debt, and saving as much money as possible. Your money is your biggest wealth-building tool, and when you’re saddled with debt, your money goes to creditors instead of into your pocket. Saving money is what prepares you for the good and bad things life throws at you — whether it’s putting money aside to buy

a car, a house or handling unexpected things that always happen. Another thing is investing. I know you’re young, but a little bit invested now could make you a millionaire when you’re ready to retire. These are all simple things, but they’ll make a huge difference in your financial situation now and in the years to come!

Q. I’m having issues with my youngest brother, and I need some advice. He’s 25, divorced and has two kids. He only wants to play dad when it’s convenient for him, and he’s very irresponsible with money as well. Our parents passed away a few years ago, so this leaves me to be the big brother and dad at the same time. I worry about him, but I’m not sure how to help him grow up. Any advice? A. One of the bad things about these

situations is watching people you love do stupid things to themselves and the people around them. And I don’t know

that there’s really a lot you can do without becoming the enemy to some degree. You can always try to hold him to a higher standard and refuse to tolerate immature, irresponsible behavior when you’re around him. You might even look for opportunities to use yourself as an example. Point out areas in your life where you made mistakes in the past and how you fixed the problems. But to go out and directly intervene in his life, trying to force him to be a man, would be a tough thing to pull off. When I help people on my show, I have the benefit of them calling in and actually looking to me for help. These people actually care about what I think. I don’t just walk up to folks and say, “You know, what you’re doing there is really stupid. Let me fix you.” I think that’s kind of the situation you’re in right now. I would also begin to pray for him, and ask God to bring people into his life who will have a positive impact. You never know what might happen, and asking God for help is never a bad idea. Who knows? He might even start dating some strong, mature young woman who’ll jerk a knot in his tail and straighten him up!

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Dealing with Distraction Many parents are conscientious about making rules for when and how kids can use technology. But what about rules for parents? For her book, The Big Disconnect, Catherine Steiner-Adair, a psychologist at Harvard, interviewed more than 1000 children, aged 4-18. Over and over, she heard kids talk about how they felt frustrated or forlorn because their parents spent too much time on their cellphones. The same results showed up in the State of the Kid Survey, done by Highlights Magazine in 2014. Over half the children surveyed reported that their parents often didn’t respond to them because they were distracted by technology—laptops, cellphones or television. Several researchers have observed that interacting with technology is different from other parenting activities like cooking, shopping or even driving in ordinary traffic. Cellphones, in particular, are designed to grab and hold attention, so people lose track of other things including how much time they’ve spent staring at the device. E-mailing, texting or even scrolling through social media preoccupies parents in a way that can make children feel shut out, lonely and unimportant. At the same time, giving kids constant undivided attention isn’t possible or desirable. Children need to learn how to soothe and amuse themselves. They benefit from opportunities to play and daydream without the direct supervision of adults. Also, good parenting can’t happen in a vacuum. Adults must earn a living and stay informed. They are also likely to be more grounded and happier if they stay connected to colleagues, friends and other parents, something that’s supported by new technologies. In other words, cellphones and other technological distractions aren’t a problem in and of themselves. They become a problem Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

when parents aren’t mindful about how they distribute their most precious resource—attention. Here are things to consider: Focus on safety. After years of decline, visits to pediatric emergency rooms have risen. No one can prove cellphones are responsible but research shows that adults who use cellphones while walking, much less driving, are more likely to have accidents. For safety’s sake, parents (and other caregivers) should put away all devices when supervising kids in risky settings—changing tables, bathtubs, parking lots, city streets, swimming pools and playgrounds—where even a moment of inattention can be dangerous. Make the most of reunions. Adair recommends putting devices on hold when family members see each other after they’ve been separated. Make yourself fully available when you pick your child up from daycare or other activities and when someone (including your spouse!) walks into the house. Plan ahead so you can stop what you’re doing and let your child know how happy you are to see him or her. Teach (and appreciate) patience. There’s nothing wrong with asking a child to wait while an adult finishes a task. How long a child can be patient depends upon age, temperament and other stresses, so you’ll want to take those variables into account when you ask for “just a sec” to finish something on your phone or laptop. Be sure not to take advantage of your child’s self control. If you promised to get a snack or play a game in ten minutes, set a timer so you keep your commitment. Respect tech free zones. Many families enjoy each other’s company more if they put technology off-limits at particular times. Meals and bedtime are obvious choices but you might also set aside time for a walk after dinner or game night on the weekend. Some families make the car a tech-free zone, but others depend on tech to relieve the stress of a long commute. Once you decide on rules 28

that make sense for your family, be sure you follow as well enforce them. Before checking in with a ping that seems urgent, think about what you’re telling your children about their place in your priorities. Monitor emotions. Do you feel irritated when your child wants your attention? In one recent study, researchers observed caregivers and children in a restaurant. Most of the adults used a cellphone during the meal, and those who were most focused on their phones responded harshly to interruptions. Some kids gave up and sat passively, but others became more disruptive in an effort to get the adult’s attention. If negative feelings are building in you or your child, it’s time to take a tech break and tune in to what’s happening. Take a breath and focus on your child. If you have to correct misbehavior, feel compassion for what has caused it. Notice what your child is doing right. Ask yourself what you can do to restore good feelings. Make good use of found time. Even when life is very busy, there are moments of unclaimed time. Your toddler is napping. Your school age child is playing happily with a friend. Your teen is engrossed in homework. Use these moments on something that will replenish and not deplete your energies. If you reach for your device, be selective. Answer the e-mail that’s weighing on your conscience. Reach out to the friend who lifts your spirits. Pay attention to your feelings. Does a hit of social media feel refreshing? Or would you be better served using found time on exercise, crossing off something on the To-do list or daydreaming with a cup of tea? Finally, think about times in your life when you have felt treasured and loved. In all likelihood, you had another person’s full attention. Be sure your child regularly has that experience in your company. Read together. Share a snack. Take a walk. Play a game. Snuggle before bedtime. What you do doesn’t matter nearly as much as the fact that you let go of everything else so your child can feel the security and warmth of your undistracted love. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center The Opelika Sportsplex is more than just a gym. So much more! Maybe we should call it a “Life Enhancement Center”. From work-outs to performances to sports, swimming, activities and so much more, our state-of-the-art complex truly does offer something for every body. Join now and be part of the Opelika Sportsplex family. Unsurpassed Features & Services: • Splash Park (Wet Playground) •2 Racquetball Courts •Indoor Aquatics Center – Heated Pool, Jacuzzi, Steam Rooms •Youth Game Room •Concession Area •Outdoor Walking Trail •Gymnasium with Large Stage •Resilient, Rubber Indoor Walking Track •Three Large Meeting Rooms with AV Equipment •Warming Kitchen •EAMC Cardiovascular Area •Cal James Weight Room •Group Fitness Room •Outdoor Amphitheater •Tot Watch •W. James Samford Jr. Soccer Complex

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Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center 1001 Andrews Road Opelika, Alabama 36801 p . 3 3 4 .7 0 5 . 5 5 6 0 f . 3 3 4 .7 0 5 . 5 5 6 8 For more information and facility rental details, visit

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The goal of parenting is to prepare our children to be successful, independent, capable, and moral adults. Part of the responsibility of parenting is teaching our children how to control their responses to the world they live in. Through discipline (â&#x20AC;&#x153;to teachâ&#x20AC;?) children learn to master self-control, a vital life-skill for success. Self-control is the ability to regulate emotions, desires, and the verbal, nonverbal, or physical expression of those desires, especially when challenged by other people and situations. Children will come to rely on self-control as they move through the stages of infancy and childhood into adolescence and adulthood, calling again and again on their ability to tolerate frustration and to manage themselves in a variety of situations. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Begin early. Self-control begins when children are infants, when parents empathetically respond to their child when he is tired, hungry, cold, needing connection, or have soiled their diapers. When an infant’s needs are met, they begin to learn basic trust. A child must be able to trust his environment and in others because it is the foundation for self-control. Parents teach their infants how to self-soothe, the first self-regulation (self-control) skill. Infants are able self-soothe because they trust that their parents will care for and nature them. I used to rub all of my kids’ backs when they fussed before drifting off in their cribs, assuring them I was close and responsive. They calmed and quickly fell into a deep slumber.

Model what you want to see in your child. Children learn emotional regulation through parental regulation. When modeling, parents should respond to others and in situations the way they wish their children to respond. Model calm, even though you may feel otherwise. You are always the teacher. You are also the student, always. Take a look at yourself first when you witness your child behaving in a way you do not approve of.

K.I.S.S. Keep it short and simple. For example, with the younger child directions can be something like, “If you hit, you sit.” The parent follows through and when the child is ready, he can reengage with others, with a reminder of “no hitting” as well as using his words. Self-control generally improves as children develop and the prefrontal cortex area of the brain, which regulates behavior, matures. Older children have had years of experience of knowing the rules, routines, and what behavior is expected in numerous situations.

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

Use do-overs and generous praise.

their healthcare is.

Parents can go over instructions (do-overs) to reinforce what behavior they wish to see. Do-overs provide children with opportunities to practice the behavior over, often in a fun way. Do- overs teach, encourage and strengthen the self-control “muscle” in children. The best time to achieve a do-over is when the child and the parent are calm and the lack of control has recently occurred. For example, “You sounded mean when you spoke to me. I understand you may be tired, but that is not the way we speak to each other. Try again, please.” And then have your child speak, until he has achieved the proper tone. If he has trouble, model it for him. Praise him for doing it the way you asked him to. “I like how you spoke to me. Well done!” Praise him for controlling himself. Repetition and verbal praise, along with a hug and smile, reinforce the self-control you are trying to instill in your child as well as self-esteem.

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Help your child notice his lack of control and work on problem solving.

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Discuss the reason(s) why your child becomes out of control. Does he have a specific “flashpoint” or trigger? Is he tired? Hungry? Overtaxed with too many tasks or commitments? My daughter is triggered by hunger. She becomes snarky and then downright mean and combative as her blood sugar drops; in her case we make sure she eats small portions of protein throughout the day. A teen now, she oversees this herself with great success. With the help of your child come up with one or two go-to ideas that work for him (and you) when he loses control. For my son, we long ago discovered two options that work well with him. He voluntarily goes to his room to cool off until he feels in control or he takes a long shower to “wash away the emotional dirt.” His choice. The child that reemerges is my sweet, thoughtful loving boy.

Focus on the positive. Positive reinforcement begets more positive behavior. Bring up the positive whenever possible, “You are so thoughtful and kind. You helped your sister feel better when you sat with her and read to her.” Kids love to be stroked and be noticed for the good behavior they have.

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Reward kids for self-control. The most sought after reward with my kids is one-on-one time with their dad or me. We try to be efficient, working in tandem to get things done to allow for more “together” time. “I was able to complete my errand quickly because you were so patient; now I have more time to spend with you. What would you like to do?” No child is perfect or comes with instructions. Focus on the love you have for your child, your relationship with him, and his strengths and interests. Your child’s self-control will eventually improve if you are consistent with discipline, expectations and verbal praise. AOP Judy M. Miller is a freelance writer living in the Midwest with her husband and four children. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Style Designed by Kids

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

It’s cool to watch a child develop their own sense of style. The littlest kids can bounce back and forth between superhero capes in the grocery store to the latest fashions at school without batting an eye. But as they grow, they begin to develop some unique sensibilities when it comes to their ‘look’ and accessories. Whether they master all the latest fashion trends or march to their own drummer in the dress-yourself department, the following items let kids put their own distinctive stamp on their personal style!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Hair Chalk Salon

New Cool Sewing Studio (Sew Cool)

(Alex Toys)

Easy and no mess are some of the first words to describe how the Hair Chalk Salon makes temporary hair coloring a snap. With five washable chalk pens, plus 24 metallic beads and elastics, kids can experiment with all kinds of colors using their hair as the canvas. Ideal for hair of any color, boys and girls can make a temporary hair statement adding a range of color to their locks (colors which wash out easily with shampoo). Perfect for spa play at a sleepover or for adding some heady excitement before a festival or party, the Hair Chalk Salon is a fun, easy and colorful way kids can add flair to their hair!

Without thread, without a needle, the New Cool Sewing studio offers a whole new way for kids to craft purses, pouches, soft figures and more with fabric. Complete with patterns and projects pre-cut from felt, the machine uses enclosed prongs that clamp together, fusing the felt as it’s fed across the base. When kids get the hang of guiding the felt through the machine as it “sews” the pieces together, they will quickly develop the confidence and skill to take on bigger felt projects and maybe even design some of their own. A great intro to the world of machine sewing, kids will soon be ready to show off their stitching style with the projects they create.

Pop-Arty Beads (B. Toys)

Duct Tape Wallet Kit (Alex Toys)

Just like style is ever-evolving, Pop-Arty Beads are just as versatile! Kids can choose from a compelling variety of shapes, texture and colors among the 500 beads that simply pop together in endless combinations. Bracelets, rings, sashes and tiaras – there’s no limit to the ways kids can assemble their beads into ready-to-wear masterpieces. The set is complete with a bead storage jar that travels and an instruction book with some great ideas to start off projects. For young jewelry designers, the party is just getting started with Pop-Arty style!

It’s common knowledge that duct tape can fix everything. It can also make almost anything – including uber-cool wallets. The Duct Tape Wallet Kit from Alex comes with everything a kid needs to design and craft a wallet that suits their own distinct style. With five rolls of duct tape (three yards each), plus non-stick paper, stencils, pre-cut fabrics and easy instructions, the stage is set for kids to quickly learn wallet design and construction. Duct Tape Wallet is a satisfying way for kids to pour their style into something that’s useful, unusual AND uniquely theirs!

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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1. Apples for the teacher. Take the kids on an apple-picking expedition at a nearby orchard or hit the farmer’s market for fresh fruit. Then get in the kitchen and bake cinnamonapple muffins together (try this 5-star recipe from Robyn at Addapinch.com). Give the muffins to your child’s teacher with a hand-written note that says, “I

couldn’t have picked a better teacher! You are the apple of my eye.”

2. Word up. Boost your brainpower by learning how people say thanks in a load of other languages. You’ll find written words for thank you with pronunciation tips at Factmonster.com and a video presentation of 29 thankful expressions on Youtube.com. Set a goal to say “thank you” three times each day in a foreign language and soon these expressions will feel familiar.

3. Picture it. Take a photo of your child with something (or someone) he’s grateful for – like a loving grandparent or an awesome bus driver. Post it on Facebook for others to see and challenge your friends to catch your attitude of gratitude and share their own images of appreciation. Let’s make gratitude go viral.

4. Pay it forward. You’ve undoubtedly heard that money

talks. This month, make it say “thanks!” by donating to charitable organizations in your community. Not sure where to start? Donations to the Feeding America BackPack Program are used to give weekend eats to 230,000 children who get free lunch at school but go hungry at home.

5. Rake it up. Grab a rake and a pack of paper leaf bags and head outside to haul in the harvest. Kids can scoop up neighbors’ leaves for free or ask for a small donation to pass on to a community garden or green space. When the work is done, take the leaves to your city’s drop-off site or to a garden center for composting. Then enjoy a cup of cocoa together. You’ve earned it.

6. Talk turkey. In the US and Canada, many food banks serve traditional Thanksgiving dinners to people in need. Find a food bank near you using the search engine at FeedingAmerica.org and volunteer

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

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Don’t let this month’s focus on food – and football – overshadow the spirit of thanksgiving. Show kids how to express their thanks with these inspired ideas. Because actions really do speak louder than words.

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to work at an upcoming turkey drive. There, you’ll have the privilege of saying thank you to the generous people who bring in the birds, and all the sidedish fixings. (East Alabama Food Bank, 334.821.9006)

7. Express your good fortune. Bake your own fortune cookies with personalized messages inside to remind your kids just how lucky you are to have them in your life. Find simple recipes at AllRecipes.com or order fancy custom cookies at KCFortuneCookieFactory. com.

8. Give the gift of time. Start a family time bank to give kids a chance to help one another. Your teenager might spend an hour designing student council campaign posters for your middle school student who pays it back by folding his big brother’s share of the laundry pile. Pitching in on family projects lets everyone experience the joys of teamwork. Learn more about time banking at timebank.org.

9. Launch an attack. Of appreciation, that is. Pen a heartfelt thank you note to hide in your husband’s wallet or brief case. Leave a lipstick kiss on his side of the bathroom mirror in the morning. Text thank you messages to his cell phone throughout the day. Your goal: To remind him (and yourself!) how grateful you are to have a sweet and supportive partner.

10. Fill everybody’s bucket. Teach young kids the value of good deeds with the book Fill a Bucket by Carol McCloud and Katherine Martin. To reinforce its message, ask kids to write down good deeds on slips of paper and put them in small tin buckets labeled with family members’ names. Pretty soon, kids will be clambering to see who can fill up their bucket first. And everyone will be happier for it. AOP

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom who is grateful for knock-knock jokes and bedtime stories. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

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Don’t Stress About Dressing Your Teen Most months I typically write about how you can save money on your style, give you the best tips when it comes to fashion or show you how to embrace yourselves and your style. I am going to take a different approach this time and talk about fashion as it relates to the “young ladies” in your lives. I have recently had an opportunity to work with some gorgeous young women and styling them has been a joy. I have had a few moms ask me to help their teen girls in regards to their fashion, and I know that this age is hard for both teen and mom. Trying to agree on what they should or shouldn’t wear can be the source of a lot of frustration. I might not have a teen or a daughter, but I have two older sisters and I was once a teen girl myself, so I can certainly relate. Remember, God made us in his image so the key is honoring that. We can look beautiful as long as we embrace who we are and how God made us. With that being said here are a few fashion forward tips for your growing teen.

1- Embrace your body. We are all made differently and that is a wonderful thing. Some are tall, some short, some have bigger bones or a more athletic build, etc. Don’t get caught up in why someone can wear a particular style and you can’t. That’s not what it’s about; it’s about you understanding who you are and your body. We need to remember that we can embrace and wear the same or different styles in different ways, and in return that is what makes your style stand out more. 2- Confidence- This is the key to embracing your style. Now, don’t be overly confident; you don’t want to come across the wrong way. I am talking about when you find your style and what you know you can and cannot wear, then it’s about enjoying and knowing you look and feel your best. Pass that confidence along to other young ladies. 3- Modesty- I know to a lot of teens this sounds like a scary word… I promise it’s not. Talk to your teen about modesty, style and appropriate clothes. Let her know that you want her to be comfortable in her clothes and that while fashion is about self-expression, she should understand that she can make the right impression on others when she understands that being modest can actually come across as being trendy. Let her be a good example to others. 39

4- Research- Moms, do your research with your teens. Make this fun! Find your teen’s favorite style magazines, blogs or websites, or check out Pinterest. Be open minded with your teen, but in return make your teen understand that there will be a compromise when it comes to what styles they choose to wear. 5- Creative- This goes back to the researching and can be so much fun for both you and your teen. Get ideas and if you feel that your teen may be choosing items of clothing that are too tight, too short or are just all around inappropriate then find items in the outfit she chose that might work with more appropriate pieces of clothing. 6- Layer- Layering is key to any style no matter your what age. Try a long cardigan with a t-shirt or tank. I know teens love comfort, and who doesn’t, so this can be a simple process with minimal items. Pair their favorite layers over a maxi dress, skirt, tights, jeans, sweater, or leggings. Then you can add some fun style with boots or flats and jewelry. Layers will balance out what might seem inappropriate. Love yourself and love your style!

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

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Auburn / Opelika 19th Annual Nutcracker Ballet

(ad on Inside Front Cover) Presented by the East Alabama Community Ballet. December 11-13, Auburn University Telfair Peet Theatre. There is no more festive way to start the holiday season than by experiencing the holiday ballet classic that is The Nutcracker. Visit www. eacballet.com for info.

Clara’s Tea Party

(ad on Inside Front Cover) Hosted this year by Auburn University’s Telfair Peet Theater, Saturday, December 12, 10:00am12:00pm, this event is the perfect way to usher in the Christmas season! Ideal for girls and boys ages 10 and under, Clara’s Tea Party gives children an opportunity to watch a shortened version of the Nutcracker, meet the dancers, and take memorable Christmas photos. Light snacks and sweets will be provided. For adults, Clara’s Boutique, a unique collection of Christmas and Nutcracker-themed gifts, will also be open. Cost: $15.00 per person, for tickets, www.eacballet.com.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

(ad on page 5) 11th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration Join the Auburn Arts Association and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center for the 11th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 5 at 10:00am and 1:00pm. The “train” will depart at 10:00 am and 1:00pm. Activities include arts & crafts, sweets & treats, holiday games, a trackless train, and much more. This event is open to children 12 and under. Children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas. Tickets will be available for sale Wednesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 6 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. The cost is $10 per person. For information, contact the Arts Center at 501-2963. 9th Annual Holiday Art Sale The Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Parks & Recreation, and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will host the 8th Annual Holiday Art Sale on Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

Saturday, December 12 from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves, and much more! If you would like to sell your work, applications are available online at www. auburnalabama.org/arts by clicking on the special events button. Applications are also available at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free to the public. For more information, please contact the Arts Center at 501-2944. Interested in participating in the Holiday Art Sale as a vendor? Applications are available online at auburnalabama.org/parks. 27th Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night Tickets go on sale Monday, December 7, 8:00am at Dean Road Rec Center, $35/per couple and $5 additional child. Dance will be February 7-9, 2013. This is a night for memories! Dads and daughters, enjoy an evening of dancing, refreshments, pictures, and surprises! Put your best foot forward in our dance contest and don’t miss your chance to take home one of several door prizes! Last year, this event SOLD OUT, so be sure to purchase tickets early. Join us for one of three nights of music, memories, and fun!

Niffer’s Place

(ad on page 8) You’re Invited! Kids New Year’s Eve party! December 31st, 2015 at Niffer’s Place: Auburn, Opelika or Lake Martin. Reserve your table today! Due to the incredible response in years past, and to keep from disappointing any kids, Niffers has set up a special web page for reservations for this event: Simply go to: www.niffersplace.com/new-years.html and reserve today! The First Countdown begins at 6:00PM. The Second Countdown is at 8:00PM. Party hats and sparkling cider will be available all night.

The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center

(ad on page 41) Gingerbread Village Unveiling The Hotel at Auburn University in partnership with Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction Master of Integrated Design and Construction Program presents the 2015 Auburn 40

Gingerbread Village. The unveiling will be held Friday, December 10, after the Auburn Christmas Parade. . Enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate while admiring the 2015 Gingerbread Village. Children’s Gingerbread Class Experience the magic of the holiday season by creating your very own Gingerbread House. Executive Sous Chef, Brandon Burleson, will assist your child in assembling and decorating a Gingerbread House. The class will be December 19-22, 2:00-4:00pm. For $35 per child, your fee includes all materials, refreshments & the completed Gingerbread House to take home. Immediately following the class, children are invited to gather round the hotel’s Gingerbread Village to listen to classic holiday stories during Storytime with Santa. S’more’s and More Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday in December (except for December 12), 5:00-6:00pm, gather around the fire pit on the Ariccia patio for s’mores and hot chocolate with friends and family. Reservations required and can be made by contacting Ariccia at (334) 844-5140. $10 per person; complimentary for hotel guests. Christmas Dinner Let our culinary team do the cooking for you and enjoy a delicious four course holiday meal in Ariccia, on December 24 & 25, 5:00-9:00pm. Reservations highly recommended and can be made by contacting Ariccia at 334.844.5140. $39 adults; $19 child.

Variations Dance Studio Presents “Nutcracker”

(ad on page 3) This holiday season, enjoy the magic and beauty of our premiere performances of “Nutcracker”, December 11-13, 2015 at the Opelika Performing Arts Center. Follow Clara into a dream-like world of dancing snowflakes and see all the colorful treats found in the Land of Sweets! Whether it is a first-time experience or an annual holiday tradition, don’t miss your chance to reserve your seat at this beautiful holiday ballet! Tickets available now online, www.variationsstudio.com. 20th Annual Cookie Walk Cookies! Cookies! Cookies! For this Habitat for Humanity annual community fundraiser, the whole www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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community gets into the holiday spirit of generosity and celebration. The Cookie Walk gets bigger and better every year. Folks come from far and near to buy fresh, delicious, holiday decorated cookies at this Habitat for Humanity fund raiser, sponsored by Auburn’s WeHelp Coalition of churches. Select from an array of 30,000 home baked holiday goodies for $6.00/lb. Santa will visit for photos! See you early for best selection! All proceeds go to build a house right here in Auburn! Saturday, December 5, starting at 8:00am-1:00pm at Grace United Methodist Church by Kroger on Glenn Avenue in Auburn. 21st Annual Christmas in a Railroad Town Friday, December 11, 6:00-9:00pm. The Historic Downtown District celebrates “Christmas in a Railroad Town” in conjunction with the Victorian Front Porch Tour. This event converts Railroad Avenue into a Christmas wonderland festival, featuring all sorts of fun activities for the whole family, along with music, hot wassail and a variety of other holiday treats. Children love the miniature train rides and the time they can spend with Santa and Mrs. Claus; and everyone loves the wagon and/or trolley rides that take folks from the historic downtown district through the Victorian Front Porch tour in an “old fashioned” way. Annual Holiday Poinsettia Sale The Junior League of Lee County is offering beautiful poinsettias to enhance the holiday décor of any business or home. By purchasing a poinsettia, you are supporting health and wellness initiatives for Lee County’s Children. 6.5” Poinsettias (6-8 blooms) at $12 each & 10” Poinsettias (18-20 blooms) at $22 each in Red, Ivory and Marble. Orders will be taken from through November, with free delivery on November 20 and December 4. Go to www. juniorleagueofleecounty.com for more info.

Auburn Christmas Parade The entire community is invited to celebrate the season with the Auburn Chamber Christmas Parade on December 10 at 5 p.m. in downtown Auburn. The parade, sponsored by Thames Orthodontics, will include Aubie, Santa, Christmas characters, live music and lots of other Christmas favorites! Before and after the parade, from 4-9 p.m., enjoy Christmas in the Village, an open house in downtown Auburn. The event will feature pictures with Santa, a live nativity, live music and merchant specials. For float entry forms or more information, log onto www.auburnchamber.com. Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Recycle your Christmas tree with the Opelika Tree Commission and Keep Opelika Beautiful on January 2. Location for drop off is at the Opelika Depot. Citizens will receive a tree seedling in exchange for the tree. City of Opelika Christmas Parade On December 5, festive floats showcasing local groups and business will be parading through downtown Opelika to deliver Christmas Magic to all! Santa and Mrs. Claus highlight the parade’s finale! Find a perfect spot downtown Opelika for seeing the magic at 10:00am. Collinwood Christmas Luminaries Collinwood Subdivision shares the season with visitors to its annual Luminaries Tour held one night each holiday season- December 18. This wonderful drive through tour features luminaries along the route that leads to the nativity scene at the end of the tour – reminding us all that Christ is why we have Christmas! The luminaries follow a oneway route beginning on Collinwood Street at the intersection of North Tenth Street and Oakbowery

Road. The tour winds through the entire Collinwood subdivision and ends on McLure Avenue. Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike Make time in your busy holiday schedule to join us for this fun “santa-hunt” where we will hike the preserve, Saturday, December 5, 10:00am, looking for this elusive visitor in red. Later we will return to the amphitheater where we will gather for a cup of hot cocoa and a warm fire! New this year! We will offer holiday portraits with our special guest. The sitting fee for a 5×7 portrait is $10 and will benefit the Forest Ecology Preserve. Admission to the Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike is $3 per person. Donations of canned goods will be accepted for the East Alabama Food Bank. No pre-registration required. Cancelled in the event of rain. 334-707-6512. Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings The Auburn Preservation League (APL) is pleased to announce the 8th Annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings will be Saturday, December 8, 10am-4pm and Sunday, December 9, 1-4pm. The tour will feature nine homes and buildings in the Auburn area. Tickets for the tour are $20 and are available at The Villager and the Auburn Chamber. Tickets will also be available at each home on the days of the tour. For more information about the tour, visit www.auburnpreservationleague.org. National Village Christmas Lights Bring the family for a festive, Christmas outing! Just pull right up in your car or bring your blankets for the viewing. The light display will be each night from November 21-January 3. For more information on times, please visit www.facebook.com/ NationalVillage.

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Events

December 2, 9, 16, 21, 22 & 23 | 6:00-7:00pm

S’mores n’ More Every Tues, Thurs, & Sat in December | 5:00pm

Gingerbread Village Unveiling Thursday, December 10

Children’s Gingerbread Class December 19-22 | 2:00-4:00pm

Christmas Dinner December 24 & 25 | 5:00-9:00pm

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New Year’s Eve Celebration December 31 | 5:00pm-1:00am

For more information or to make a reservation, please call (334) 844-5140 or visit www.auhcc.com/holidays

241 S. College Street Auburn, AL 36830

Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet Thursday, November 26 | 10:30am or 1:00pm

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Opelika Parks and Recreation Ceramics Holiday Special- December 8-9, 3:304:30pm at Denson Dr Rec Center. $10 fee. Christmas Crafts-Make and take your own Christmas crafts, on December 21, 2:00-3:00pm at the Covington Rec Center. Ages 6-10yrs. Fee: $15. Christmas Wreaths- Join us at the Covington Recreation Center, Opelika for an afternoon of decorating Christmas wreaths to hand on your door for the holidays. December 1; 3:30-4:30pm. Ages: 5-12 years. Fee: $15. Therapeutics Christmas Ball-Celebrate the holidays and feel like a king and queen for the day dressed in your Christmas best! The event is sponsored by Opelika Parks & Recreation and EAMH-MR and will be Friday, December 4, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Avenue, Opelika. 705-5550. Santa On the Corner Santa will be on the Corner on December 12 and 13 in Downtown Auburn! Times are to be announced! Donations will be accepted to The United Way. For more information, please visit www. downtownauburnonline.com. Toys For Tots 5K, 10K, 1 Mile Fun Run The Toys For Tots 5K, 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run will be held December 5 at Auburn High School. The 5K and 10K will start at 7:30 a.m. and the 1 mile fun run will begin at 9 a.m. The run raises toys and money for the local chapter of Toys for Tots, all registered participants are expected to donate a toy at the race as part of their registration. www.runsignup.com Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour Visit an Ole World Christmas wonderland and see more than 60 turn-of-the-century Victorian homes adorned with life-size Santas, angels, toys, and other figures. Enjoy live entertainment, carolers, costumed homeowners and other festivities. December 9-13, in Opelika. Lighted driving tour December 9-13, 5:00-10pm. Walking tour December 12, 6:00-9:00pm. More information, please call 334-887-8747. Free event.

Valley /LaGrange Christmas Holidays at Hills & Dales Estate Experience our circa 1940’s tinsel-laden Christmas tree, brilliant Poinsettias and other seasonal decorations during the holiday season. The Fuller E. Callaway family home and the visitor center will be decorated for the holidays this December, Tuesday to Saturday. Regular tour prices apply. Call 706-882-3242. Christmas Village at Historic Langdale Mill Christmas Village and Merry-Go-Round Beginning the first weekend in December, experience the spirit of the Season in Historic Valley, Al. There’s the life size Nativity Scene in the meadow, the Madonna light-sculpture, and the Christmas Merry-Go-Round that has given over 1,000,000 FREE rides to children and adults, too. As you take a walk through history, you will be greeted with Christmas caroling and much more festive fun. In 2008, a new tradition was started with the first “A Cotton Mill Christmas” production at Langdale Historical Theater, as local actors tell the history and stories of Valley. Exit 77 and left on US Hwy 29. www.cityofvalley.com Follow The Shepherds Christmas Walks & Under The Bethlehem Star Light Show Experience the Christmas story in a whole new way. Join a guide as you walk from Nazareth to BethleAuburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

hem, learning new insights into the Christmas story in the most unique, authentic setting surrounding areas, as well as live actors and animals. December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, (Friday and Saturday evenings) and Christmas Eve at 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 6:40pm, 8:15pm. $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4-12. Explorations in Antiquity Center, 130 Gordon Commercial Dr., LaGrange. 706 885-0363. LaGrange Christmas Parade December 5, 6:00pm, as an old-fashioned celebration laced with nostalgia, culminates in the arrival of the big guy atop a bucket fire truck. LagrangeChamber.com LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Concert ‘Holiday Presence’ The Choral Society of West Georgia, led by artistic director Bettie Biggs, joins the LSO for a special Christmas performance, December 15 and 17, 7:309:30pm, Callaway Auditorium at LaGrange College. 706-882-0662. Mixed Greens Christmas Wreath Workshop December 5, 10:00am, at Hills & Dales Estate. Get ready for the holidays by creating a Christmas wreath using fresh greenery and holly berries from the garden plus a beautiful holiday bow. Floral artist Helen Phillips will be on hand to guide your project from beginning to lovely completion. Bring clippers if you have them. All other supplies will be provided. Registration is required, 706-882-3242. ‘The Gifts of the Magi’ Presented by New Horizon Community Theatre, December 3-5. www.nhct.org Sons of LaFayette Christmas Concert Concert with audience participation, December 6. Come early to get a good seat, located at First Presbyterian Church, 7:30pm. This is both an enjoyable and worshipful experience. What a great way to start the Christmas season. Tickets available, sonsoflafayette@gmail.com

Phenix City / Columbus 24th Annual Fantasy in Lights The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 13- January 2! Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992. With more than a dozen larger-than-life lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic setting. Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. www.callawaygardens.com. 25th Annual Christmas Made in the South As Christmas time approaches what better way to get ready for the holiday season than to stroll the aisles for treasures at this year’s award winning 24th annual Christmas Made in the South, November 13-15, at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. www.madeinthesouthshows.com ‘A Cantus Christmas’ December 21, 7:30pm. The 16th annual tradition 42

tells the Christmas story with musical masterpieces and audience carols. The professional chorus Cantus Columbus presents the eleventh installment of Message of the Season—Music of the Masters in Legacy Hall. The concert features the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet and tenor Bradley Howard. www.rivercenter.org ‘ A Tuna Christmas’ Celebrate Christmas in Tuna, Texas, with its quick changes, fast-paced humor and heart-warming moments of sincere Christmas joy. Texas’ third smallest town is in the throes of its annual Christmas yard display contest, which promises to have Tuna in an uproar and have you laughing out loud. Columbus’ most popular show ever; over 35,000 served. December 10-23, Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org Bi-City Christmas Parade Saturday, December 5, 10:00am. It’s here! The annual B-City Christmas Parade! Come early and find a great spectator spot for you and your family to enjoy seeing marching bands, commercial floats, homemade floats, motorcycles, clowns, horses, and much more. Parade applications can be found online or picked up at the Phenix City Parks and Recreation Office located at 1500 Airport Road. Please call 334-291-4719 for more information. Broadway Holiday Join Uptown Columbus, December 4, 6:30pm, for a holiday tree lighting, carriage rides, a visit by the Coke Polar Bear and more! Fun for the whole family! www.uptowncolumbusga.com Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker December 12, 7:30pm and December 13, 2:30pm. The Columbus Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker promises to instill a love of the arts in young and old alike. This family-oriented production, which features a cast of over 100 performers, with live orchestra and acclaimed guest artists, captures the magical wonder and innocence of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet as seen through a child’s eyes. Spectacular sets, sumptuous costumes, special effects and live music come together to create a stunning grand-scale event that is sure to become a firm family tradition. www.rivercenter.org Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas December 15, 7:00pm. Based on the book of the same name, this production is a must-see for Fancy Nancy fans. What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles—and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? In this merriest of stories from best-selling author and illustrator team Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way! www.rivercenter.org Jingle 5K Ho Ho Ho…Go! Event scheduled for December 19, in downtown Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com ‘Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!’ presented by Columbus State University Theatre December 3-6. Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday SingAlong and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park. 706-507-8444. Night of Lights December 3, 7:00pm. You are invited to join us for NIGHT OF LIGHTS at The Phenix City Amphitheater located on the banks of the beautiful Chattahoochee River at 7:00 p.m. eastern time. This very special holiday event will include a beautiful stage production to include live music, a visit from dear ole Santa and a fabulous fireworks display over The Chattahoochee River. Admission is free and includes FREE hot chocolate for our little guests to enjoy during the show. After the show, enjoy the Christmas lights on Broad Street with your family and friends. Make this part of your family holiday tradition. For more information, please call The Phenix City Parks and Recreation Office at 334-291-4719. Port Columbus’ Victorian Christmas December 5-6. Our Civil War-era Santa will be on hand for visits and story telling. There will also be Victorian-era entertainment and music. At the conclusion of the day, Santa will fire the original Civil War cannon from the CSS Jackson! The museum is decorated throughout with circa 1863 decorations and trees. Admission to the museum is FREE during the open house. www.portcolumbus.org The Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular Drive into a light display set to music like none other within the Cottonwood Subdivision, 5784 Ironstone Dr, Columbus. www.lundychristmas.com

Eufaula / Dothan 10th Annual Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes Stroll through history and witness the magnificence

of Eufaula’s finest homes all aglow in holiday splendor. Enjoy a seated luncheon or an elegant dinner at the grand historical Shorter Mansion. December 5. www.eufaulapilgrimage.com A Downtown Christmas Snow, artisans, food vendors, Santa, cookie decorations, marsh mellow roasting, handmade items and lots of art venues for children and families. December 5, 9:00am-3:00pm, downtown Dothan on North Foster and Troy Streets. 334-793-3097. thedowntowngroup.com. Free! Mistletoe 5K The Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center will be hosting their annual Mistletoe 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run on December 12, 9:00am-12:00pm. www. ftruckermwr.com Mistletoe Market Main Street merchants offer goodies to sample and great sales. Also an Artist Walk, and more. December 5, 10:00am-7:00pm. Historic Downtown Eufaula. 334-616-6170. Free. “The Nutcracker” Southeast Alabama Dance Company presents its 34th annual performance of this holiday classic. Watch as snowflakes dance, flowers waltz, dolls come to life and the Nutcracker turns into a charming prince. December 4-6; Dothan Civic Center. 334-702-7139. www.southeastalabamadanceco.org Victorian Christmas Sample turn-of-the-century desserts, sip hot chocolate or mulled cider and try your hand at making traditional Christmas decorations. December 13, 1:00-4:00pm. 334-794-3452. www.landmarkparkdothan.com. Free.

Alexander City / Lake Martin An Eclectic Christmas A unique way to experience Christ this Season! It was the night that saved the world. Sent away because there was not room in the inn, Christmas was born in a stable. Come join us, December 1-8, to experience the true story of the first Christmas. In the atmosphere of an outdoor walking trail, you and your guests will be part of live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. As you walk through the streets on your way to Bethlehem, you will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message and news of the Messiah. Then visit the wise men as they journey in search of the New Born King. This event will take place at 1733 Claud Road Eclectic, Alabama, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. Reservations are suggested and may be made by calling 256.794.7789. Admission is free. Annual Hometown Christmas Parade One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. December 7, 6:00pm. Downtown Alexander City. Children’s Harbor Christmas Market Over 40 vendors from all over the state sell their unique items. Great time to pick up that special Christmas Gift. 20% of vendor sales go to benefit Children’s Harbor. The Children’s Harbor Lodge, December 5, 8:00am-1:00pm. www.childrensharbor.com Christmas at Crossroads Christmas at Crossroads, November 27-29, is a great way to get out with the family and friends,

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do some shopping, take a carriage ride, check off items on your Christmas list and let the kids visit with Santa. Our Naturalist, Marianne typically has a presentation that will interest everyone. Russell Crossroads at Russell Farms Rd. Visit www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis December 5. 5k Run or Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation Also 1 mile fun run (chasing an Elf) for under 8’s and 1 mile walk for those of us who want to support the Arthritis Foundation. www.jbrmontgomery.kintera.org

Santa & Mrs. Claus and Tree Lighting The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus to downtown Alexander City, December 7, 6:00pm. Bring the kids and your camera to make your own pictures on Santa’s lap as they let him know what they’d like to find under the tree Christmas morning. 256-329-3461.

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Early December. www.oldalabamatown.com.

Montgomery/Selma 10th Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit Help your family keep the true meaning of Christmas in your heart from the start by attending this Community Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. This spectacular event features nativities from around the world and special music by local performers. This magnificent display is sure to warm the hearts of young and old alike. December 2-6, 1:00-8:00pm . 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. www. MontgomeryNativity.com 24th Annual Christmas Light Festival at Montgomery Zoo Thousands of Holiday Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Stroll the many pathways or enjoy a brisk ride on the Santaland Express train ride. Visit with Santa nightly, enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and more. December 3-6, 10-13, 17-31; 5:30- 9:30pm each night. (334) 240-4900; www.montgomeryzoo.com Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents “A Christmas Carol” ASF revives this family classic, November 22-December 24! The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens’ magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the past, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. Visit www.asf.net for more information. Capital of Dreams Christmas Parade December 6, 6:00pm. Depart from Cramton Bowl and Parade downtown from Capitol Steps to the Court Street Fountain. Cruising with Santa Cruise the Alabama River with Santa on the Harriott II Riverboat, Downtown Riverwalk. December 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19. (334) 625-2100. F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House Come join us, December 12, as we celebrate Christmas with our Christmas Open House. www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net. Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Open House The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. December 7, 14, & 21. 5:30-7:30pm. 1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery. Holiday Festival A community celebration of the holiday season. A two week long, December 7-19, craft show and bake sale with Santa in attendance some afternoons. 10:00am-5:00pm. www.SelmaAlabama.com Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

‘The Long Christmas Dinner’ and ‘The Santaland Diaries’ presented by Cloverdale Playhouse The Long Christmas Dinner–nine decades long– showcases the lives of several generations of the Bayard family, and some of their Christmas dinners. Wilder breaks the boundaries of time as we measure it, and invites us to partake of “one long, happy Christmas dinner”-past, present and future. Based on the outlandish and true chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. This hilarious cult classic features comic encounters during the height of the holiday crunch. December 10-20. www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org

Millbrook/Wetumpka Christmas on the Coosa

(ad on page 7) A Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, quilt show, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with Santa ski-in and a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. December 12, Gold Star Park & the Courthouse Veranda, Wetumpka. www.wetumpkachamber.com. Christmas at the Alabama Nature Center December 21-22. For the regular price of admission, ANC guests can visit with Santa, hike over 5 miles of trails, make a Christmas craft and enjoy a snack around a roaring fire. 1-800-822-9453. Christmas Faire The Christmas Fair showcases fine art, handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts and crafts of all kinds made by local artisans. This event is six weekends and ends on Sunday before Christmas, November 14-December 22. www.arrac.org City of Millbrook Christmas Parade and Festival Join in the spirit of Christmas and celebrate the holiday season during the annual Christmas parade and Arts and Crafts in the park. Village Park will be filled with arts and craft vendors and concessions from local schools, December 5, 9:00am-4:00pm. The parade starts at 2pm. www.cityofmillbrook.org Wetumpka Tree Lighting & Progressive Nativity and Luminaria Lighting of the Tree will be December 1, 6:00pm. Downtown Wetumpka and Gold Star Park. Luminary Night and Downtown Open House, December 4, 6:00pm. www.cityofwetumpka.com

Calera The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum’s North Pole Express

(ad on page 25) All aboard! Next stop - the North Pole! “All Aboard” says the conductor, as your train ride begins. Families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with a reading of The Polar Express™ and 44

chocolate milk and cookies served on board the train. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus visit everyone on the train and each child will receive the “First Gift of Christmas”, just like in the story. Sing Christmas carols as you return to the depot. Wear your pajamas! The excursion will last approximately one hour. First class service to the North Pole! The Silver Maple and Kayenta railcars will offer first class service - hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, special dessert treat, premium gift and specialized service. Wear your pajamas! November 20-22, 27-29, December 4-6,11-13, & 18-19. For tickets, www.hodrrm.org.

Santa Claus Special at The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (ad on page 25) Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! November 28, December 5, 12 & 19. www.hodrrm.org.

Birmingham and North Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” Annual performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, Alabama Ballet remains one of only seven companies in the world currently licensed to present this holiday classic. All performed to Balanchine’s brilliant specifications; dazzling choreography, opulent costumes, and extravagant sets make this production unlike any other. The addition of a community cast of children from the area make this performance truly magical. Join us December 11-13 and 18-20 at the Samford Wright Center for this joyous spectacle. www.alabamaballet.org. Christmas at Arlington Celebrate with Arlington’s staff, December 5-6, as they commemorate the mansion’s 57th anniversary as Birmingham’s historic house museum. See local floral designers transform the interior into replications of Christmas past. Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens, www.birminghamal.gov/arlington. Christmas Light Show at DeSoto Caverns November 1- January 4. This special light show celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is shown on every caverns tour. www.desotocavernspark.com Community Kwanza Celebration December 30. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. A celebration of the spirit of family and community during Kwanzaa- which means “first fruits of the harvest” in Kiswahili. 6 p.m. www.bcri.org “Dear Santa” Poor Santa is just too tired from all the hard work of Christmas and thinks he’s getting too old for this job. Last year, he even got stuck in the Merrywood Mega Mall on Christmas Eve! Santa is convinced it is time to retire but what will the world do without Santa Claus?! Join Mrs. Claus, Prancer, Billy Blizzard, and special guest, Dottie, on this adventure to convince Santa to stay, with your help of course! November 23- December18. Recommended for ages PreK-1st grade.www.bct123.org ‘Holiday Seasonings’ December 16-20. Start a new Holiday tradition with the VST! Join us for our brand new fun-filled revue that will make your holidays bright! Featuring the www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Birmingham Sugar Babies, the Holiday Hyjinx girls, our STARS performers, and more of Birmingham’s favorite performers!www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org ‘Holiday Spectacular’ Step out of the cold and into a heartwarming holiday show. Enjoy your favorite holiday hits in this cheerful celebration that is sure to spread the humor and joy of the season. December 3-20. www. redmountaintheatre.org. McWane Science Center Breakfast in Santa’s Workshop- December 5; 8:3010:00am. Bring your little elves to have breakfast in Santa’s Workshop. Decorate gingerbread houses, have breakfast together, explore the Winter Wonderland exhibit and visit with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera! Ticket includes admission to the museum, breakfast, activities and visit with Santa! Reservations are required. $20 Adults, $15Kids. www.mcwane.org Polar Express P.J. Party- December 5, 12 and 13. 4:30-6:00pm with movie times 3:00pm or 6:00pm. Tickets: Non-Members: $14 Adults, $12 Kids. Members receive $2 off. It is the return of the Polar Express PJ Parties and the beloved holiday movie Polar Express in IMAX. Put on your pajamas, treat yourself to cookies and hot-chocolate, kick back for the viewing of Polar Express, and enjoy a visit with Santa. Special treats will be given to all. The Magic of Model Trains Exhibit- Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit which features over a dozen different train displays. November 20- January 10. Winter Wonderland- Snow is in the forecast, November 21-January 10, at McWane Science Center this year with the return of the Winter Wonderland exhibit. This magical holiday experience gives families a chance to learn about the science of the season together as they play in the snow, go ice fishing, and watch toy trains zip around the tracks. Inside the snow room, children can make snow angels, build snow castles and more. Children can catch fish through the ice in the ice fishing area. Guests can even sled down the giant slide between the third and second floors in the museum or try the zip line. Families also have a chance to see toy trains of every shape and size zipping around the tracks in the Magic of Model Trains area. This year children will be able to become conductors at one of the new stations. Opera Birmingham presents “Sounds of the Season” Don’t miss this December concert, jam-packed with all your favorite Christmas carols and beloved holiday classics! It is a true gift of the Season! Brock Recital Hall at Samford University. December 10 & 12. www.operabirmingham.org ‘Suessical’ Presented by Birmingham Children’s Theatre, December 1-18. Horton the elephant hears a small sound coming from a tiny speck of dust and discovers a whole world of people called Whos! Horton vows to take care of them because a person’s a person no matter how small. All the animals, however, think Horton is crazy. Can Horton convince them there really is a whole world they can’t see? Join us for this spectacular musical where the stories of Dr. Seuss come alive before your eyes to show you the power of imagination, dedication, and thinks!. Recommended for 2nd-8th grade. www.bct123.org

South Alabama and Gulf Coast 32nd Annual Christmas Through the Ages Experience a Christmas of “Days Gone By” in Dauphin Island. This event is a living history Day for the whole family. Come and join the soldiers from the1700’s through the 1900’s and their Families as they celebrate a non-commercial Christmas. Our visiting children will have the chance to make a seashells ornament and other decorations. www.dauphinisland.org Arctic Express Christmas Train Christmas at the Wales West Light Railway is a special family time. The entire railway and surrounding park grounds are totally decorated with over 1,000,000 lights, figures, blow-ups and miles of ribbon & garlands. Our steam powered totally decorated train (Arctic Express) leaves the main station for a mile long trip through a wonderland of lights to the North Pole and return. Visit Santa and receive a handmade wooden locomotive made here at the railway as part of their visit that they can decorate at the arts & crafts table before reboarding the train. December 1- 23, 4:00-9:00pm, Silverhill, Al. (near Fairhope, Al.) www.waleswest.com. Magic Christmas in Lights From November 27-January 2, Bellingrath Gardens, Mobile is set aglow with more than 3 million twinkling lights, and more than 900 custom-designed set pieces appear in 13 scenes at this popular attraction. Tour the Bellingrath Home decorated in its holiday finery, and on weekends and during the week of Christmas you can have a picture made with Santa. www.bellingrath.org

Atlanta Area 2015 Children’s Christmas Parade December 5, 10:30am, at Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown Atlanta, Ga. Surprise your kids this year by taking them to see the Southeast’s premier Holiday Parade! The annual Children’s Christmas Parade has been a holiday tradition in Atlanta for years, and features award-winning Marching Bands, Holiday Themed & Animated Floats, giant Helium Balloons & a grand finale featuring Santa Claus. The Atlanta Children’s Christmas Parade begins at Peachtree Street near Baker Street. The route follows Peachtree Street and turns right onto Marietta Street. It will end on Centennial Olympic Park Drive. Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade Every year on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 12:30pm, around 30 Bands, Classic Cars, Floats and various other entertainment, parade their way down Peachtree Street to International Blvd., then winds through downtown to Centennial Olympic Park, ending at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Parade makes it’s way through the downtown area to honor and celebrate the Two College Teams that will be playing for the Chick-fil-A Bowl title. First Night Atlanta New Year’s Eve Festival December 31, 11:00pm. Peachtree Street, Downtown Atlanta Georgia. This Block Party for thousands offers live musical performances by local artists and musicians, as well as a midnight Fireworks Spectacular. Tickets are available at a variety of local sources. Stay downtown and enjoy the festivities at Underground Atlanta ... enjoy the ‘official’ Peach Drop at midnight - followed by a really awesome New Year’s fireworks display, with live performances. 45

Holiday in Lights Centennial Olympic Park’s annual Holiday in Lights is an Atlanta tradition and celebrating its thirteenth anniversary season this fall. In November, the Park transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights that make up the dazzling display. Different and unique every year, Holiday in Lights runs through the first week of January. The Park is open daily, November 21-January 10, to view the lights from 7:00am-11:00pm, including Dec. 25, Christmas Day, and there is no charge for admission. Come celebrate the 2015 holiday season by taking a stroll through the glowing 21-acre Park or a spin around Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink located amongst the glittering lights on the Great Lawn. Magical Nights of Lights November 17-December 31; nightly 5:00-10:00pm. Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights holiday celebration. A seven-mile drive through tour of animated, festive, holiday light displays. At the end of your tour, the Holiday Village awaits you with carnival rides and games, pony rides and numerous holiday treats. Warm up with a hot cup of cocoa or step inside Santa’s Workshop for some holiday shopping and a visit with Santa. And nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a visit to Legacy Lodge & Conference Center for a delectable Magical Nights of Lights dinner buffet, or stay the night so the kids can enjoy the time honored tradition of having Breakfast with Santa. www.lakelanierislands.com Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park! The season opens November 21, 2015-February 28, 2016. Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain. Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. Based at Stone Mountain Park’s famous Laser Lawn, Snow Mountain keeps your entire family busy for hours. A 400’ foot tubing hill and a snow play area filled with a blizzard of snow activities make Snow Mountain Atlanta’s not-to-be-missed winter attraction. There’s even a play zone reserved for your littlest snow bunnies. Snow Mountain’s state-of-the-art snowmaking magic guarantees you tons of fresh snow daily. And with two Mountain SnoLifts to get you up the tubing hill, you’ll want to go again and again! www.stonemountainpark.com Stone Mountain Christmas November 7- January 3. There is nothing like the Christmas season that magically transforms Stone Mountain Park into a land of enchantment. Within the glow of more than two million twinkling lights, you can watch live entertainment, engage in fun attractions and reconnect with friends and family during this special time of year. Make a Stone Mountain Christmas a part of your holiday tradition. Events include Sing-a-long Christmas Train, Wonderland Walkway, Snow Angel Castle, Holly Jolly Cabaret, Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 4D Experience, Snow Angel Fireworks and Snowfall Celebration, Sleigh Ride, Simply Christmas, Christmas Parade, Visit with Santa Claus, storytelling and live shows, great food and holiday shopping! For tickets, www. stonemountainpark.com. The Lighting of Macy’s Great Tree Join Atlanta in the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree at Lenox Square Mall, November 22. 770.826.6336. AOP www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Ongoing:

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-7281162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Cotton Festival Eclectic, October 1-31. www.townofeclectic.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama National Fair October 30 - November 8. Montgomery. www.alnationalfair.org. Alabama Shakespeare Festival • “A Christmas Carol”. Nov. 22 - Dec. 25. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. The Art of Andy Warhol & Pop Art Studio Gadsden, through Nov. 15. www.culturalarts.org. Birmingham Children’s Theatre • “Dear Santa.” Nov. 23 - Dec. 18. • “Seussical.” December 1-18. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. www.bbc123.org. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute • American Boricua: Puerto Rican Life in the United States. Through Jan. 10, 2016. www.bcri.org. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Callaway Gardens Fantasy In Lights. Nov. 13 - Jan. 3. www.callawaygardens.com. Center for Puppetry Arts www.atlanta.net. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. DeSoto Caverns Park • Christmas Laser Light, Sound & Water Show. November 1 - January 1. www.DeSotoCavernsPark.com. Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex. East Alabama Birth Village 3rd Monday of each month. Monarch Estates, Auburn. 6 p.m. www.birthvillageclass.com Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. Georgia Aquarium • A-Scary-Um. Weekends through October 31. www.georgiaaquarium.org. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts • Festival of Trees. November 27 - December 31. Gadsden. www.culturalarts.org. Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum • Santa Special. November 28 - December 19. Calera. www.hodrrm.org. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • Photo XVII Juried Exhibition. Through November 6. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

October/November2015

Jule Collins Smith Museum • Along the Eastern Road: Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido. Through Jan. 10, 2016. • 1072 Society Exhibition. November 14 - January 24. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. McWane Science Center Winter Wonderland. Nov. 20 - Jan. 10. McWane Science Center, B’ham. www.mcwane.org. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Miracle League Now recruiting for volunteer/buddies to help in this year’s season. To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. Montgomery Zoo • ZooBoo. October 15 - 31. • Veteran’s Appreciation Week. November 8-14. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Pioneer Museum Pioneer Museum, Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. Pope’s Haunted Farm Oct. 1 - 31. Salem. www.popeshayride.com. “Really Fern?” Oct. 9 - 24. Family Theatre. Columbus. www.familytheatre.org. Riverside Theatre Riverside Theatre, Columbus State. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/productions Scarecrows in the Park Oct. 1- Nov. 30. Opp. www.alpark.com/FrankJackson. Springer Opera House • “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.” November 12-22. • “Beauty and the Beast.” December 3-20. Columbus, GA. www.springeroperahouse.org. Telfair Peet Theatre • “Puttin’ on the Hits.” October 22-30. • “The Glass Menagerie.” November 11-20. www.auburn.edu. Virginia Samford Theatre Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580.

Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780. Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City. 256-329-9227. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Mom’s Morning Out

Auburn United Methodist Church, Children’s Day Out Program, every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each additional child. Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information. Trinity United Methodist Church (Opelika) Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional.

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov). Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama. For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net.

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Family Calendar GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@ womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help.

Sports

Auburn Football Oct. 15, 24, 31, Nov. 14, 21, 28. Auburn Volleyball Oct. 16, 21, Nov. 6, 8, 20, 22. Auburn Soccer Oct. 11, 17, 23, 25. Auburn Softball Oct. 17, 24, 30. Auburn Equestrian Oct. 17, Nov. 13. Auburn Basketball Oct. 30, Nov. 5, 13, 17, 20, 27. Auburn Women’s Basketball Nov. 13, 19, 27, 28. Auburn Swimming & Diving Nov. 7. Auburn Hockey Oct. 23, 24. www.columbusicerink.org. Columbus Cottonmouths Hockey Nov. 10, 20, 24, 27.

Saturday, October 17

Day Out With Thomas Cordelle, Georgia. www.ticketweb.com/dowt. Fisheries Expo and Field Day E.W. Shell Fisheries Research Center, North College, Auburn. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.auburn.edu. Pioneer Day at Loachapoka 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Greater Columbus Fair Columbus Civic Center, Georgia. www.columbusciviccenter.org MainStreet Alexander City Farmer’s Market www.mainstreetac.org. Attalla Heritage Day Festival www.attallacity.com. Mentone Colorfest 256-845-3957. Haunted History Tours Orrville. www.selmaalabama.com. “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Hear the Dead Speak Walking Tour Orrville. www.cahawba.com. Landmark Park Quilt Show Dothan. www.landmarkpark.com. Boll Weevil Fall Festival Enterprise. www.enterprisealabama.com. Fall Farm Day Dothan. www.landmarkparkdothan.com. The Sandi McCool Champions of Hope Dothan. www.samcfoundation.org. Women’s Life Expo The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ITA Collegiate Women’s Tennis Tournament Yarbrough Center, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org. Swimming and Diving War Eagle Invitational Martin Aquatics Center. www.auburntigers.com. Run for Your Life 5K Opelika Municipal Park. 334-749-6271. Jr. League Holiday Market

October/November2015

Cramton Bowl, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Riverwalk Wine Festival Riverwalk Park, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@ charter.net. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Arts on the River 2015 Uptown Columbus. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.artsontheriver.com. Blues, Brew & Q 2015 Uptown Columbus. 1 p.m. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Florida Georgia Line: Anything Goes Tour. Aaron’s Amp at Lakewood www.ticketmaster.com. Georgia A-Scary-Um Weekends through Oct. 31. Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Sunday, October 18

Day Out With Thomas Cordelle, Georgia. www.ticketweb.com/dowt. Greater Columbus Fair Columbus Civic Center, Georgia. www.columbusciviccenter.org Mentone Colorfest 256-845-3957. Landmark Park Quilt Show Dothan. www.landmarkpark.com. ¡Tango in Auburn! Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org. ITA Collegiate Women’s Tennis Tournament Yarbrough Center, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org. Swimming and Diving War Eagle Invitational Martin Aquatics Center. www.auburntigers.com. Teen Third Sundays 2 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Greater Columbus Fair Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org.

Monday, October 19 Faculty Recital: Joseph Ikner, guitar Goodwin Recital Hall, AU Campus.

Tuesday, October 20

Workshop: Helping My Child with Anger Pastoral Institute. 706-649-6500 ext 1361. The Floating World: Japanese Art Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts 12:45 - 2:15 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Rothschild Speaker Series 6:30 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Thodos Dance Chicago: A Light in the Dark Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org.

Wednesday, October 21 A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Thursday, October 22 “Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Freeman Series “Bat Boy” Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com.

“Farce of Nature” Comedy Production New Horizon Theatre, West Point, Ga. www.nhct.org. International Peace Dinner 2015 AU Student Center Ballroom. 334-744-4243. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Zombie Zip! Hosted by Whitewater Express and Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.whitewaterexpress.com.

Friday, October 23

“Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Freeman Series “Bat Boy” Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu. Alabama 500 Weekend Talladega. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. 3rd Annual Haunted Auburn Walking Tour 7-10 p.m. Toomer’s Corner. 334-444-1422. Pork & Cork Alabama Farmer’s Pavilion, Ag Heritage Park. 6:30 p.m. www.porkandcorksocial.weebly.com. The Big To Do Concert Series: Radiolucent Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. The Great Pumpkin Splash Opelika Sportsplex. 6-8 p.m. www.opelika.org/opr. On the Tracks Downtown Opelika. 6 p.m. “Farce of Nature” Comedy Production New Horizon Theatre, West Point, Ga. www.nhct.org. Zombie Zip! Hosted by Whitewater Express and Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.whitewaterexpress.com. Country Living Fair Stone Mountain State Park. www.stonemountainpark.com.

Saturday, October 24

Day Out With Thomas Cordelle, Georgia. www.ticketweb.com/dowt. “Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Balloon Glow in the Gardens Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Mobile. www.bellingrath.org. Freeman Series ‘Bat Boy’ Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu. MainStreet Alexander City Farmer’s Market www.mainstreetac.org. Weogufka Old Farm “N” Bluegrass Day www.weogufkaenter.com. Wounded Warrior Walk/Run Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Beethoven’s Ninth RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 6:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. 34th Annual Spinners Pumpkin Patch Arts & Crafts Show Prattville. www.spinnersprattville.com. Alabama 500 Weekend Talladega. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. 3rd Annual Haunted Auburn Walking Tour 7-10 p.m. Toomer’s Corner. 334-444-1422. Novice Tennis Tournament Yarbrough Tennis Center. www.auburnalabama.org/tennis. AORTA Tough 10/Tough 2 Ogletree Village. www.auburntough10@gmail.com. 8th Annual Run to Read Benefitting Jean Dean RIF Floral Park, Opelika. 334-663-2197. Creepy Wonderful Critters Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 10 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Gladys Knight Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, Wetumpka. www.ticketmaster.com. Mark Knopfler Chastain Park Amp, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. The Comedy Get Down Philips Arena, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. Creepy Wonderful Critters ‘Spiders’ Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. “Farce of Nature” Comedy Production New Horizon Theatre, West Point, Ga. www.nhct.org. Murder Mystery Theatre Dinner Irish Bred Pub. 334-663-4480. Zombie Zip! Hosted by Whitewater Express and Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.whitewaterexpress.com. Country Living Fair Stone Mountain State Park. www.stonemountainpark.com.

Sunday, October 25

Day Out With Thomas Cordelle, Georgia. www.ticketweb.com/dowt. Salvation Army Fall Festival 2015 Columbus. 3 p.m. 706-561-9026. “Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Critters by the Creek Orr Park, Montevallo. www.montevallocc.com. 34th Annual Spinners Pumpkin Patch Arts & Crafts Show Prattville. www.spinnersprattville.com. Alabama 500 Weekend Talladega. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. Signature Sunday 3 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Zombie Zip! Hosted by Whitewater Express and Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.whitewaterexpress.com. Country Living Fair Stone Mountain State Park. www.stonemountainpark.com.

Monday, October 26 “Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu.

Tuesday, October 27

Guest Artist Recital: 9 String Theory Goodwin Recital Hall, AU Campus. 7:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu. “Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Workshop: Helping My Child with Anger Pastoral Institute. 706-649-6500 ext 1361. The Floating World: Japanese Art Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12:45 - 2:15 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Meet Me @ the Museum: Marianne Richter 12:20 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Fall Festival Children’s Carnival Opelika SportsPlex. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. www.opelika.org/opr. East Alabama Signature Chefs Auction Saugahatchee Country Club. 334-513-7381.

October/November2015

Halloween Treat Bags Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 3:30 p.m. www.opelika.org/opr.

Thursday, October 29

Guest Artists Recital: Read Gainsford, piano Goodwin Recital Hall, AU Campus. 7:30 p.m. www.auburn. edu. “Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Casting Crowns With Special Guest Lauren Daigle 7 p.m. Columbus Civic Center, Georgia. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Covenant Hospice ‘Holiday of Hope Marketplace’ Dothan. 334-615-3175. 15th Annual Downtown Auburn Trick-or-Treat Auburn. 6-8 p.m. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm. auburn.edu. Zombie Zip! Hosted by Whitewater Express and Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.whitewaterexpress.com. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Celtic Woman Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com. Indian Festival & Pow-Wow Stone Mountain State Park. www.stonemountainpark.com.

Friday, October 30

College Town Throwdown with Easton Corbin Ingram Farms, Opelika. www.collegetownthrowdown.com/ concerts. 32nd Annual Renaissance Festival GATALOP 32 Dauphin Island. www.dauphinisland.org. Alabama National Fair Montgomery. www.alnationalfair.org. “Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Opp Fest www.cityofopp.com. Jordan-Hare Stadium Locker Room Tour AU Campus. 4 p.m. Football, Fans and Feathers Edgar B. Carter Educational Amp. Campus Walking Tour AU Campus. 4 p.m. Ausome Amphibians & Reptiles Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 4:30 p.m. Nephew Tommy, aka Thomas Miles and Friends The RiverCenter for Performing Arts. 8 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. Zombie Zip! Hosted by Whitewater Express and Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.whitewaterexpress.com. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” The Riverside Theatre, Columbus State University. www.columbusstate.edu. Southern Lovin’ Junkin’ Show Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Spooky Science McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org. Indian Festival & Pow-Wow Stone Mountain State Park. www.stonemountainpark.com.

Wednesday, October 28 Saturday, October 31 “Puttin’ on the Hits” Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Annual Community Kwanzaa Birmingham Civic Rights Institute. www.bcri.org. Italian Film Screening Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 2 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

32nd Annual Renaissance Festival GATALOP 32 Dauphin Island. www.dauphinisland.org. Peanut Butter Festival & Nutter Butter Parade Brundidge. 334-685-5524. Nightmare at the Museum Pioneer Museum, Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. MainStreet Alexander City Farmer’s Market www.mainstreetac.org. Spookapalooza at DeSoto State Park Fort Payne. www.jsu.edu/epic.

Alabama National Fair Montgomery. www.alnationalfair.org. Opp Fest www.cityofopp.com. Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@ charter.net. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Mary J. Blige Columbus Civic Center. 8pm. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Broadway Paw-rade at Market Days Uptown Columbus. 10 a.m. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Spooktacular 2015 Woodruff Park. 2-5 p.m. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Trick or Treat Georgia Aquarium. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.georgiaaquarium.org. Zombie Zip! Hosted by Whitewater Express and Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.whitewaterexpress.com. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” The Riverside Theatre, Columbus State University. www.columbusstate.edu. So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Southern Lovin’ Junkin’ Show Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Spooky Science McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org. Indian Festival & Pow-Wow Stone Mountain State Park. www.stonemountainpark.com.

Sunday, November 1

Fall Choral Concert 2:30 - 4 pm. LocationTBA. www.auburn.edu. Wellness Kitchen Sunday Brunch Wellness Kitchen AU Campus. 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. The Tenors Atlanta Symphony Hall. www.ticketmaster.com. Alabama National Fair Montgomery. www.alnationalfair.org. Southern Lovin’ Junkin’ Show Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Home School Science & History Days Oxbow Meadows. 10 am - 3 pm. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Zombie Fun Run and Obstacle Course 5K Alexander City. Indian Festival & Pow-Wow Stone Mountain State Park. www.stonemountainpark.com.

Monday, November 2 Faculty Recital: Josh Pifer, piano Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu.

Tuesday, November 3

The Floating World: Japanese Art Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12:45-2:15 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. LitWits Auburn Public Library. 4:30 pm. Ages 13-18 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Workshop: Parenting the Anxious or Depressed Child Pastoral Institute, Columbus. 706-649-6500 ext 1361. Opelika High Theatre Society presents “The Drowsy Chaperone” Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 7 pm. Admission: Adults $7, Kids $5. www.eastalabamaarts.org.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Family Calendar Wednesday, November 4 Native American Heritage Month Opening Performance: Medicine Tail Singers Student Center Green Space, AU Campus. 11:30 am. www.auburn.edu. Native American Heritage Month Speaker: Robert Thrower Foy Auditorium. www.auburn.edu. Percussion Ensemble Concert Goodwin Band Hall. www.auburn.edu. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, November 5 Homewood Holiday Open House www.homewoodchamber.org. 31st Annual Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Orange Beach. www.fbisf.com. 2nd Annual Hank Williams Songwriting Workshop Montgomery. www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” The Riverside Theatre, Columbus State University. www.columbusstate.edu. Sufjan Stevens Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Christmas Village BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Friday, November 6

Battles for the Armory Tallassee. www.tallasseearmoryguards.org. 2nd Annual Hank Williams Songwriting Workshop Montgomery. www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net. First Fridays Downtown Opelika. 5-8 pm. Football, Fans & Feathers Southeastern Raptor Center, Auburn. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Gun and Knife Show Cramton Bowl, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. First Fridays: Shop Local, Eat Local Downtown Opelika. Extended hours until 8 pm. www.opelikamainstreet.org. First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 pm. www.eventcenterdowntown.com. The Last Comic Standing presented by RiverCenter www.rivercenter.org. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” The Riverside Theatre, Columbus State University. www.columbusstate.edu. Wanda Sykes Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Last Comic Standing RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. First Friday Artwalk Columbus, Ga. 4:30-10 p.m. 1000 Block of Broadway. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Homeschool in the Park Day: Rockin’ Rocks FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-663-4858.

October/November2015

Christmas Village BJCC. www.bjcc.org. The Women of Faith: Farewell Tour BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Saturday, November 7

Steeplechase 2015 Callaway Gardens. National Pumpkin Destruction Day The Rock Ranch, Georgia. www.therockranch.com. Alabama Pecan Festival Tillman’s Corner. 251-401-5555. Moss Rock Festival Birmingham. www.mossrockfestival.com. Battles for the Armory Tallassee. www.tallasseearmoryguards.org. Collinsville Turkey Trot Collinsville. www.discoverlookoutmountain.com. Pioneer Days at Rikard’s Mill Historical Park Beatrice. www.monroecountymuseum.org. 2nd Annual Hank Williams Songwriting Workshop Montgomery. www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net. Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com. Lineville Merchants Association Heritage Day Festival www.linevillemerchantsassociaiton.com. Gun and Knife Show Cramton Bowl, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Charlie Wilson-El Debarge Concert Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. 2015 Soldier Marathon & Half Marathon National Infantry Museum, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” The Riverside Theatre, Columbus State University. www.columbusstate.edu. America’s Got Talent Live Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 am - 4 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Astronomy Night Providence Canyon State Park. 7 pm. www.gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon. Christmas Village BJCC. www.bjcc.org. The Women of Faith: Farewell Tour BJCC. www.bjcc.org. 11th Annual Opelika Road Race & Family Fun Run Hosted by Trinity Christian School. Municipal Park, Opelika. 8 am. www.tcsopelika.org. Chastain Park Arts Festival Chastain Park, Atl. www.affps.com. 34th Annual Veterans Day Parade Centennial Olympic Park, Atl. 404-518-0911.

Sunday, November 8

Veteran’s Appreciation Week The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. K-12 Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Alabama Pecan Festival Tillman’s Corner. 251-401-5555. Moss Rock Festival Birmingham. www.mossrockfestival.com. Battles for the Armory Tallassee. www.tallasseearmoryguards.org. 2nd Annual Hank Williams Songwriting Workshop Montgomery. www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net. Cahaba Classic River Race Orrville. www.cahawba.com. Gun and Knife Show Cramton Bowl, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Artist Talk: John Morgan Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Paleo to Present Exhibit Opens Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com.

Christmas Village BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Chastain Park Arts Festival Chastain Park, Atl. www.affps.com. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”: The Musical Fox Theatre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com.

Monday, November 9 Low Brass Ensembles Concert Goodwin Rectal Hall. www.auburn.edu. Veteran’s Appreciation Week The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Brass Quintet and Trumpet Ensemble Concert Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu. Alabama Pecan Festival Tillman’s Corner. 251-401-5555. Shaeffer Eye Center Fashions for the Foundation Mountain Brook. www.welcometomountainbrook.com.

Tuesday, November 10

Auburn University/Community Orchestra Concert Auburn First Baptist Church. 7:30 pm. www.auburn.edu. Discovery Hike: Turkeys Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Meet Me @ the Museum: Marianne Richter 12:20 pm. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Camp Laughing Child presents The Charlie Daniels Band, Military Tribute Concert RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 7:30 pm. www.rivercenter.org. Veteran’s Appreciation Week The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Workshop: Parenting the Anxious or Depressed Child Pastoral Institute, Columbus. 706-649-6500 ext 1361.

Wednesday, November 11 The Battle of Horseshoe Bend and the Formation of Alabama: Heather Tassin AU Student Center. 11:30 am. www.auburn.edu. Veteran’s Day at the American Village Montevallo. www.americanvillage.org. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, November 12 Guitar Ensemble Concert Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu. Veteran’s Appreciation Week The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Nature Walk: Turkeys Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/preserve. “Ragtime the Musical’ Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. www.eastalabamaarts.com. Film: “Found in Translation’” Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 pm. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

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Family Calendar Friday, November 13

Charis Crafters Craft Show Wetumpka Civic Center. Facebook. Veteran’s Appreciation Week The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Jordan-Hare Stadium Locker Tours AU Campus. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Football, Fans and Feathers Edgar B. Carter Educational Amp. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Campus Walking Tour Alumni Center. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Friday Football Luncheon Letterman’s Lounge at Jordan-Hare Stadium. 11:30 am. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Star Wars Meets Harry Potter: A Tribute to John Williams RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.com. Clifford the Big Red Dog Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Motorcycle Night at Fantasy In Lights Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

October/November2015

Sunday, November 15

Opening Reception “1072 Society” Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. AU/UA Gospel Choir Concert www.auburn.edu. Chambers County Fair LaFayette. The Oaks. www.jackolanternlane.com. Wellness Kitchen Sunday Brunch Wellness Kitchen AU Campus. 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Teen Third Sundays 2 pm. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Bicycle Night at Fantasy In Lights Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. The Oak Ridge Boys Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.com.

Monday, November 16 Internet Safety for Parents RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.com.

November 17 Saturday, November 14 Tuesday, Opera Workshop Performance Show Exhibition Opens: “1072 Society” Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Dirt Dash Fun Run Birmingham Botanical Gardens. www.bbgardens.org. Charis Crafters Craft Show Wetumpka Civic Center. Facebook. Veteran’s Appreciation Week The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Chambers County Fair LaFayette. The Oaks. www.jackolanternlane.com. Fredonia Heritage Day Five Points. www.savefredoniaheritage.com. Second Saturday Columbus, Ga. 10 am - 12 noon. 706-748-2562. Second Saturday Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum. Loachapoka. www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. The Out of Darkness Walk Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com. Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 am - 4 pm. www.auburnalabama. org/library. Christmas Made in the South Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Uptown Drum Circle Uptown Drum Circle is a “Community Drum Circle”. The Community Drum Circle is the use of a rhythm-based event as a tool for unity. It is NOT a drum class. It’s NOT using culturally-specific rhythms. A community drum circle in the United States is a fun, family friendly event, where people empower each other in the act of celebrating community and life through rhythm and music. People of all levels of musical expertise come together and share their rhythmical spirit with what ever drums and percussion they bring to the event. They don’t have to be a drummer to participate. Everyone has something to offer the circle, and any one is welcome. All percussion instruments welcome. 6-9 pm. 1100 Block of Broadway. For more information contact: http://facebook.com/UpTownDrumCircle. March of Dimes Night Walk at Fantasy In Lights Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Dirt Dash Fun Run Birmingham. www.bbgardens.org. Kayak the Hooch Oxbow Meadows. 2-6 pm. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Harry Potter World Oxbow Meadows. 2-6 pm. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Lowes Build and Grow Clinic 10 am. Geology Day Providence Canyon State Park. www.gastateparks.org/ ProvidenceCanyon.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. LitWits Auburn Public Library. 4:30 pm. Ages 13-18 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Workshop: Parenting the Anxious or Depressed Child Pastoral Institute, Columbus. 706-649-6500 ext 1361.

Wednesday, November 18 Jazz Band and Jazz Combo Concert Goodwin Band Hall. www.auburn.edu. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, November 19 Symphonic Winds Concert with OHS Bands Opelika Performing Arts Center. www.auburn.edu. Opera Workshop Performance Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Third Thursday Poetry Series Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 7 pm. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Third Thursday: Rhythms of the World 6 pm. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 pm. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, November 20

Soul of November Dance Alabama School of Fine Arts, Birmingham. www.asfa.k12.al.us. Jordan-Hare Stadium Locker Tours AU Campus. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Football, Fans and Feathers Edgar B. Carter Educational Amp. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents.

Campus Walking Tour Alumni Center. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Impractical Jokers “Where’s Larry” Tour Staring the Tenderloins Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Choo Choo! The Magic of Model Trains Preview Party McWane Science Center, Birmingham. www.mcwane.org.

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Saturday, November 21

Soul of November Dance Alabama School of Fine Arts, Birmingham. www.asfa.k12.al.us. Turkey Day Classic ASU Stadium, Montgomery. www.bamastatesports.com. Art Extravaganza at Plank Road Station Talladega. Facebook. Chattahoochee Challenge Adventure Race Broadway, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com. Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 am - 4 pm. www.auburnalabama. org/library. Kid’s Game Day Activity Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. American Frontier Days FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 10 am. 706-663-4858.

Sunday, November 22 Soul of November Dance Alabama School of Fine Arts, Birmingham. www.asfa.k12.al.us. 68th Annual Performance of Handel’s “Messiah” Riverchase United Methodist Church, Hoover. www.alabamacivicchorale.com. Opera Birmingham “Catch a Rising Star” Concert www.operabirmingham.org. Wellness Kitchen Sunday Brunch Wellness Kitchen AU Campus. 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Brian Regan BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. American Frontier Days FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 10 am. 706-663-4858.

Tuesday, November 24 Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Workshop: Parenting the Anxious or Depressed Child Pastoral Institute, Columbus. 706-649-6500 ext 1361. Moscow’s Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.com.

Wednesday, November 25 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, November 26 45th Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow Poarch Creek Indian Reservation. www.poarchcreekindians-nsn.gov. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 am & 1 pm. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 pm. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, November 27 45th Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow Poarch Creek Indian Reservation. www.poarchcreekindians-nsn.gov. Blue Friday Downtown Auburn. www.auburntigers.com.

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Family Calendar Jordan-Hare Stadium Locker Tours AU Campus. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Football, Fans and Feathers Edgar B. Carter Educational Amp. 4 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents. Funksgiving Union Station Train Shed, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com.

Saturday, November 28 Katt Williams Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Hunter Appreciation Day Arts and Crafts Festival Pine Apple, Al. www.pineapplealabama.com. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 am (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. “Straight No Chaser” RiverCenter for Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.com. Craig Ferguson BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Turkey Trek FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-663-4858.

Sunday, November 29 Wellness Kitchen Sunday Brunch Wellness Kitchen AU Campus. 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents.

Monday, November 30

Native American Civil Rights and Wrongs: Betsy Irwin Student Center, AU. www.auburn.edu. Indian Music Ensemble Concert Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu.

October/November2015

Tuesday, December 1 Christmas Wreaths Covington Rec, Opelika.

Thursday, December 3 “Junie B. Jones Live” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Friday, December 4

“Junie B. Jones Live” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Saturday, December 5 Polar Express Holiday Event 2015 Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 20th Annual Cookie Walk Grace United Methodist Church. 8 am - 1 pm. Opelika Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade 10 am. “Junie B. Jones Live” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Sunday, December 6

“Junie B. Jones Live” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Tuesday, December 8 Ceramics Holiday Special Denson Drive Rec. Opelika.

Wednesday, December 9 Ceramics Holiday Special Denson Drive Rec. Opelika. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour December 9-13. Historic Opelika.

Thursday, December 10 Auburn Christmas Parade Downtown Auburn. 5 pm. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour December 9-13. Historic Opelika.

Friday, December 11 The Mutt-Cracker Birmingham Ballet. BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Gaither Homecoming Christmas Spectacular BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Christmas in a Railroad Town Opelika. www.opelikamainstreet.org. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour December 9-13. Historic Opelika.

Saturday, December 12

The Mutt-Cracker Birmingham Ballet. BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Santa on the Corner Toomer’s Corner. www.downtownauburnonline.com. 9th Annual Holiday Art Sale Jan Dempsey Community Art Center, Auburn. 334-501-2944. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour December 9-13. Historic Opelika. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Goosebumps

Pan

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C Sexual Content: ALanguage: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Goosebumps PG for scary and intense creature action and images, and for some rude humor. R. L. Stine is a best-selling author, well known for his Goosebumps series. This big screen production presents a fictional version of the writer, played by Jack Black as a man with a big ego hidden behind the thin façade of someone seeking a life of anonymity. Perhaps his reclusive behavior is also the result of a few secrets he has concealed in his library… Stine, who goes by the fictitious name of Mr. Shivers, finds his privacy threatened when his beautiful daughter Hannah (Odeya Rush) attracts the attention of a boy who has just moved into the neighborhood. Despite ominously warning Zach (Dylan Minnette) to leave them both alone, the teen instead becomes convinced the girl is in danger. When a call to the police fails to satisfy his concerns, Zach decides to investigate the situation himself. Still, he is smart enough to know he should take some back up with him. The problem is the only person besides Hannah that he’s met in his new home is a rather cowardly boy named Champ (Ryan Lee). Whatever it is Zach and Champ are expecting when they break into the creepy house next door, it is not what they find. After sidestepping bear traps in the basement and tracking down a thumping sound upstairs, they bump into an annoyed Hannah who has no desire to be rescued. They do however discover a bookcase full of locked manuscripts that gives away the true identity of her Dad. And when they crack the cover of one of the volumes, they also learn the actual reason why the pair is in hiding. No sooner do the leaves flip open than the abominable snowman, the title character of the tale, arises from the typewritten words. Unfortunately, this proves to be just the beginning of the escape into the real world of various other monsters created in Stine’s imagination. Aided by Slappy (voice of Jack Black), a ventriloquist dummy featured in another of his stories, the alarming creatures run amuck, destroying property, terrorizing citizens, welding weapons and promising to do whatever it takes so that they will never have to return to the confines of the printed page. From start to finish, this movie runs like an amusement ride full of thrills, twists and turns. Parents would be well advised not to take along those too little for this adventure. The constant peril faced by the characters and the oft-times gruesome depictions will be enough to scare most youngsters. Boasting big production budgets and believable special effects, the film also includes positive portrayals of parents and teamwork. With few profanities and little sexual content, those looking for some fright factor may find this escapade delivers that desired goose bump sensation.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Pan PG for fantasy action violence, language and some thematic material. Twelve years after Peter (Levi Miller) was left as an infant on the doorstep of a home for boys, England becomes engulfed in WWII and London endures persistent German air raids. Within the walls of the institution the orphans are under attack from Mother Barnabas (Kathy Burke) as well. This dictator of a Nun uses wartime rationing as a way to misappropriate funds while fabricating excuses for the disappearance of some of the children under her care. Although the mischievous Peter is suspicious of her actions, even he can hardly imagine the full nastiness of the verbally abusive woman until he himself is yanked out of bed in the middle of the night. Along with many of his fellows, Peter is pulled aboard a flying ship that sails through the air, and arrives at an island floating in the clouds. As it turns out, Peter has just exchanged one kind of servitude for another, because Neverland is ruled over by an even more deplorable despot named Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman). Here the eccentric pirate forces those he’s kidnaped to mine large rock pits looking for fairy dust, an increasingly scare commodity. Those who don’t comply with his wishes are threatened with his merciless justice. Peter’s feistiness soon has him facing the wrath of his captor, and he is sentenced to execution by walking the plank. Only two things save him from falling to his death: A mysterious power that prevents him from hitting the ground and the unexpected friendship of another laborer named James Hook (Garrett Hedlund). The first not only saves his life, but also makes Blackbeard suspicious that Peter may be the fulfillment of a prophesy about a human with the power of flight who will lead a rebellion against the his powerful rule. Hook, the second miracle, invites the youngster to join his escape plan, with the mercenary motive of believing he, Peter and tag-along Smie (Adeel Akhtar) will stand a better chance of success if they include the “boy who can fly”. Once the trio breaks out of Blackbeard’s grasp, another conflict arises. Hook wants to return to Earth while Peter desires to find his mother whom he has reason to believe is connected to Neverland’s extinct Fairy Kingdom. And opportunist Smie just wants to go with whoever seems the most likely to insure his freedom. No matter what destination they chose, the squabbling group must pass through the enemy territory of the Tribal Natives. They must also avoid being spotted by monstrous birds of prey and the marauding pirates Blackbeard has sent out to hunt down Peter. Despite all the intrigue, these plotlines fail to keep the promise of reimagining this familiar story. Instead of something new, the retelling of this fairytale that began with skepticism about its potential sadly sees that potential end in skepticism.

What Parents need to know about Goosebumps...

What Parents need to know about Pan...

Violence: Characters face continuous perilous situations. Monsters, zombies, humongous bugs and other frightening creatures attack people – although both parties have murderous intents, no real deaths are implied. Characters are injured, knocked out and frozen (with an alien gun). Property damage, weapon use and explosions occur frequently – these depictions are usually non-graphic. Some scary and gruesome transformations are shown. Sexual Content: Several characters hug and kiss, including teenaged couples. An adult who is trying to appear in touch with youth trends makes a reference to a sexual dance style. Brief potty humor and infrequent mild slang terms for body parts are used. A teen boy flirts with girls. Language: The script includes frequent terms of deity used as expletives, along with infrequent mild profanity, name-calling and slurs. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2015

Violence: World War II bombing raids and explosions are depicted. Characters are kidnapped and sold into slavery. Misbehaving boys are threatened with punishment (by having their palms whipped) and shown with bandaged hands. Characters are in constant peril from frightening predators, warring groups and an unmerciful dictator. Resulting injuries and deaths are implied, with little detail shown. Battles are frequently depicted, with weapons and fists, as well as dogfights between airborne vehicles. Characters are shown with mild injuries, languishing in dungeons, in life and death contests. Sexual Content: Tribal people and mermaids are dressed in scanty costumes. Characters joke about flatulence. A man attempts to flirt with a woman. Language: Name-calling, slang words and mild profanity are used. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. 52

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