Auburn Opelika Parents April 2016 by KeepSharing

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April2016

Volume 7 Number 2

Columns

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

Living With Children John Rosemond

Kids Health Watch

With warmer weather finally here, learn tips for keeping your kids safe in the sun and water.

Making Bedtime Better

8 tips to turn your nightly routine from stormy to serene.

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

How to Find a High Quality Preschool

Child Care Guide

Find detailed information about Lee County child care centers What to look for and questions to and preschools. ask in this critical decision.

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

On The Cover Marion Runnels is the daughter of Brett and Billy Runnels. She attends University Daycare in Auburn. Marion enjoys spending time outside on long

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Bits and Pieces 10

stroller rides. She loves to crawl into

School Bits

new adventures and is beginning to

pull up and learn to walk. Her sweet

Family Calendar

smiles and laughter is contagious!

Movie Reviews 1

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Publisher’sNote One of the most frequently quoted sayings related to the arrival of spring is, “April showers bring May flowers!” When the calendar turns from March to April, this saying immediately springs to my mind. Many April days start out as warm mornings that lead into late afternoon and evening storms. These spring storms can be a much needed washing away of layers of pollen, that finish with a beautiful rainbow on the horizon. However, sometimes the quick warming of the day can translate into heavy winds and downpours, coupled with strong thunderstorms or even a tornado threat. These stronger lines of storms can bring out anxieties and fears for families, especially for us Southerners. But the destruction left behind seems to be surrounded by stories of hope, feelings of rebuilding and a renewal of life…even in the small blooms of flowers. While reading one of this month’s feature articles, From Stormy to Serene: 8 Tips to Make Bedtime Better, a new saying was sparked in my mind… ‘Bedtime plans bring bright mornings’! If your family is similar to mine, we have a bedtime schedule that begins with great intentions, but often times ends in frustrated kids and exhausted parents. With the main goal being a regular and consistent schedule, including bath, PJs, downtime and lights out, our kids know what to expect each night. These nights seem to run smoothly like a gentle breeze and the next morning our family is rested, revived and ready to take on the day. However, even the best of bedtime intentions can be disrupted by long after school activities, last minute science projects or a child’s illness. When these disruptions to our bedtime plans happen, the results can be anything but calm storms with rainbows and flowers! It’s these mornings, where kids and parents seem tired, grumpy and out of sync, that remind us just how important a good night’s rest can be. Often, these types of mornings can encourage us to plant new seeds into the foundation of our family’s routine and planning. In this article, you’ll find helpful tips to consider when planning your evening bedtime routines. One important tip the author suggests is to have a daytime plan and to begin the night routine early. Kids (and adults) need to be stimulated, and to burn energy throughout the day, in order for their bodies and minds to be in need of rest. I have seen what happens when my son stays cooped up in the house, playing video games for hours. At bedtime, he seems restless and irritable, yet can’t seem to settle into sleep as easily as the nights where he spends afternoons riding his bike or playing baseball. Simply stated, your children need to spend time outdoors in the sunshine and their bodies will be ready to rest at the planned bedtime. Another tip is to begin nightly routines early in your evening. Allowing yourself and your children enough time to get ready for a restful night’s sleep will help with the level of stress your home feels. On the nights that our afternoon running around ends early and we have dinner at home, each child has enough time to finish homework, take a shower, read a book, and relax toward sleep. Our home feels calm and wakes ready to take on the day. On the other hand, if baseball runs late and our meal is in the car, the night routine is rushed, and there are no chirping birds or a pots-of-gold at the end of that rainbow! A good night’s rest is especially essential for younger kids. Those that attend a daycare program or preschool setting certainly benefit from having the bedtime routine in place. It can be the difference between learning and the inability to focus. Children who are rested tend to be happier, play better with peers and are eager and ready to learn. Many of the child care centers in our area offer a wide range of teaching techniques and curriculums, plus some offer music, art, foreign language, and biblical lessons. Whether you are searching for full day, half day or after school care, Lee County has many centers to choose from for your child’s care. Included this month is the 2016 Child Care Guide where you can start your research. ‘Rest’ assured that the preschools and day care centers in Auburn and Opelika offer an environment that will foster growth in your budding flowers.

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

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 Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Barbie Norvell Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Sara Simeral Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, M.D. Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (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 2016 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.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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You have the power to prevent some cancers in your children. Each year in the U.S. there are 26,000 cancer cases that could be prevented with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV vaccine can prevent 9 strains of cancer. Three doses of HPV vaccine should be given to adolescents aged 11-12 years before exposure to the virus.

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HPV vaccine costs are covered under most insurance programs, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). To prevent HPV cancers, contact your healthcare provider or the county health department. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay, call today. /IMM

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Technology Hinders Creativity and Independent Play A 4-year-old boy informed his preschool teacher—a friend of mine—that he’d broken his iPad. “Oh!” my friend said. “What a shame. Did you drop it?” “No,” the boy said, very matter-of-factly. “I got mad that my mom wanted me to share it with my sister, so I slammed it on the table and it broke.” His next sentence: “Now we have two of them so I don’t have to share.” When the teacher conveyed this to me (as an example of the devolution of parenting since she began teaching), the first thing that came to mind was a gift I received in the mid-1980s from a complete stranger. I had written a column in which I speculated that video games were addictive and shortened a child’s attention span. A few weeks later, UPS delivered a state-of-the-art Nintendo accompanied by lengthy letter from the president of Nintendo Corporation. It took him nine pages to tell me that I was dead wrong, that video games stimulated all manner of intellectual and social skills. They are, he said, a veritable fount of marvelous benefit.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

Thirty years later, reputable studies have found that video games are addictive, shorten attention span, and are associated with depressed school performance. In addition, a significant number of parents have told me stories about video-obsessed kids who are moody, explosive, withdrawn, and suffer sleep difficulties. Research done by respected people such as psychologist Jane Healy (Your Child’s Growing Mind, Endangered Minds, Failure to Connect) finds that electronic, screenbased devices actually interfere with normal brain development. But to many parents the facts don’t seem to matter. What matters is that their kids do not feel different—that they have what their friends have. I am reminded of a mother who asked me what I thought about giving iPads and the like to toddlers. I told her, in a nutshell, what the research has discovered. She then said, “Oh, but my daughter (then 2 years old) likes hers so much! I just can’t see taking it away from her.” A year later, the child demands constant attention. She cannot be left with a

babysitter, so her parents take her everywhere they go and take turns entertaining her. She is, their friends agree, becoming more of a “handful” with every passing day. Electronic devices do not help young children learn to entertain themselves. A child who is self-entertaining is being independent. He’s learning how to solve real-world problems. Developmental psychologist Burton White claimed that the ability to play independently and creatively on a regular basis for more than an hour at a time without requesting adult attention was the best marker of developmental health in a three-year-old. Electronic devices of the sort in question induce dependency. And as is the case with the above little girl, when the electronics-dependent child doesn’t have access to electronics, she will transfer her inability to entertain herself to the most available adults. They, in turn, are likely to describe her as “difficult and demanding.” These games do children no favors. That, I’m convinced, is unarguable. Also unarguable, however, is that children like them. The question, then, becomes: So what? Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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George Washington Carver Arts & Crafts Festival

The festival is in recognition of Dr. Carver's first love, art. This day-long festival encourages artistic expression by means of music, dance, paintings, sculpture, crafts, vendors and other familyoriented activities. Events include: Presentation of student essays, poetry, and other theme-related exhibits, Image reception with former students and acquaintances of Dr. Carver, Parade, Car show, Macon County student expositions, Science fair, Numerous vendors with food and loads of diversified items of art, clothing, jewelry, etc., Musical entertainment and more! Located in Downtown on the Square, Tuskegee. April 30, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. www.carverfestival.org.

2016 Auburn Bike Bash

The City of Auburn and the Auburn Bicycle Committee will host Auburn Bike Bash on Saturday, April 23 from Wright's Mil Road Elementary School. Auburn Bike Bash is an event to encourage biking activities, endorse bicycle safety, promote the health benefits of this great leisure sport and emphasize local bikefriendly trails and areas. The 2016 routes will provide great rides for cyclists of all abilities. Route distances of 3, 9 and 20 miles will take riders through Auburn, the Auburn University campus, a variety of Auburn neighborhoods and beyond. Also, great music, bicycle inspections, helmet fittings, exhibits and children’s activities. Early bird registration April 15. Volunteers needed. Event time 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. www.bikebash.org.

Auburn Football A-Day

Cirque Mechanics Pedal Punk

From its home in Las Vegas, the inventive Cirque Mechanics wheels cross the country in its new steam punk inspired show, Pedal Punk, an acrobatic whirlwind where cycling is the escape from a technology obsessed society. The Gantry Bike, a pedal driven, roving mechanical marvel, and the centerpiece of the show, is a giant and elegant playground on wheels. Experience the thrilling artistry and exciting storytelling of a zany bike shop mechanic interacting with cyclists and their bikes, all the while repairing much more than the broken pieces. Wondrous machines come to life on stage and inspire the cyclist in all of us to unite with our inner pedal punk. April 19, 7:30 p.m, East Alabama Arts, Opelika. www.eastalabamaarts.org.

Auburn Football's annual spring football game, A-Day, will be held April 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 1:00 p.m. All seats are general admission, $5. For more information, visit www.auburntigers.com.

Dancing Stars of East Alabama “Team Mom & Daughter” Kendra and Reagan Sumner

The Annual Dancing Stars of East Alabama Fundraising Event will be held at the Auburn Arena, April 21. Funds raised from this event impact children's lives in Lee County through improvement to programs which enhance or provide access to health, wellness, education and nutrition. Charities to benefit are Auburn Parks and Recreation, I’m My Brother’s Keeper, The Exodus Ranch and Storybook Farm. The event will consist of local "stars" who will be paired with professional dancers from our area. Each professional dancer and "star" will determine which dance they will be performing. The event includes both a "dance off" and a fundraising competition. To purchase a table/tickets, please contact Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com, call/text 334-329-8073. Or, to sponsor our team, please log on to: www.gofundme.com/gem6s3pg Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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16th Annual Waverly "Old 280" Boogie

The Luckenbach vibe comes full circle every fall and spring when the Standard Deluxe grounds become the site of a semiannual happening called the Waverly Boogie, which Peek and some town folks threw for the first time back in 2001 to celebrate the State of Alabama’s decision to reroute an expanded U.S. Highway 280 south of the town — instead of right through it. The 2001 decision saved Waverly. The Boogies assemble great Southern musical acts and put them on a stage that Peek built under a shed out in the yard. When you’re in Waverly and someone tells you it’s time to “go out in the yard and boogie,” they mean it. The Boogies have brought great Southern musicians like soul singer Charles Bradley, the tremendous Alabama Shakes, New Orleans string band Hurray for the Riff Raff, Texas guitar slinger Junior Brown and up-and-coming songwriter Lydia Loveless to the same kind of oddball audience of country folks, rednecks and hippies that you would see at the Luckenbach Dancehall. But unlike Luckenbach, the musical vibe isn’t singularly countrified — or anything-fied, for that matter. It just accurately reflects the musical diversity of the modern South. Folks bring their kids, listen to music, eat barbecue and pickles from the local pickle maker, Wickles Pickles, and shop for T-shirts and posters. They hang out and just generally have a high old time. April 16. www.standarddeluxe.com.

Auburn Cityfest and Juried Art Show

Auburn’s largest, free outdoor festival is just around the corner and will be held on Saturday, April 30! Live music, arts & crafts and fine arts vendors, children’s activities, food, and more! The theme of Cityfest 2016 is "Art in the Park". CityFest is FREE to the public and is a rain or shine event. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kids, grab your parents and tell them you're heading to the Children's Imagination Station (CIS) at Auburn CityFest! All activities in the CIS are FREE to the public! We invite you to join us and let your imagination run wild! www.auburncityfest.com. CityFest has thrived for the past 15 years because of the Auburn community’s willingness to make the festival truly special for the thousands of guests. We need volunteers to make this year another huge success! If you would like to volunteer, please contact for more info. 334.501.2963. Also, join us Thursday, April 28, for the 12th Annual Juried Art Show, presented by the Auburn Arts Association. The event will be held at the Historic Nunn-Winston House from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy great food, live music, and beautiful artwork! If you are interested in participating, please complete the following application and mail or bring it to Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Spring Safety Tips I am always so excited when spring arrives and part of that excitement revolves around participating in water activities and soaking up some sunshine. While spending time outdoors is important, we want your children to stay as safe as possible. Here are some sun and water safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Sun Safety for Babies • Babies under 6 months of age should be kept in the shade and out of direct sunlight. Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use brimmed hats. • It is okay to apply a small amount of sunscreen on infants under 6 months if there is no way to avoid the sun. Remember it takes 30 minutes to be effective. Sun Safety for Kids • Select clothes made of tightly woven fabrics. Cotton clothing is both cool and protective. • Try to find a wide-brimmed hat that can shade the cheeks, chin, ears and back of the neck. Sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection are also a good idea for protecting your child’s eyes.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

• Apply sunscreen to areas of your child’s skin that aren’t covered by clothing. Before applying, test the sunscreen on your child’s back for an allergic reaction. Apply carefully around the eyes, avoiding eyelids. Sun Safety for the Family • The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to keep out of the sun during those hours. • The sun’s damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, snow or concrete; so be particularly careful of these areas. • Most of the sun’s rays can come through the clouds on an overcast day; so use sun protection even on cloudy days. • When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words “broad-spectrum” on the label - it means that the sunscreen will protect against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Choose a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying. • Zinc oxide, a very effective sunscreen, can be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, top of the ears and on the shoulders. • Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The additional benefits of using sunscreen with SPF 50+ are limited.

• Rub sunscreen in well, making sure to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet and hands, and even the backs of the knees. • Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors - it needs time to work on the skin. Pool and Beach Tips • Children and adults should never swim alone. • Provide touch supervision. This means that an adult is within arm’s reach anytime your young child is in or near water. • At the beach, stay within the designated swimming area and ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard • Be aware of rip currents. If you should get caught in one, don’t try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current. * American Academy of Pediatrics, 2/2016 See more at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aappress-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/SpringBreak-Safety-Tips.aspx#sthash.kAJXhJqv.dpuf Dr. Katie Wolter is board certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the American Medical Association. She is passionate about breastfeeding medicine and is currently working on becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is also a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Wolter is married to her husband, Jeremy, and has four sons. She loves to spend her free time outdoors with her family and friends.

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Autauga County Opelika Schools High Theater Society to Present “Chicago the Musical”

Opelika High Theater Society presents “Chicago the Musical” at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. The dates are April 7, 9, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. and April 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets are available at the door and in advance at Victory Designs. For more information call 334-745-9715 or email ohts@opelikaschools.org.

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Auburn High School’s Choral Company to Perform March 29

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Auburn Choral Company will perform on Tuesday, March 29, at 6:00 p.m. in the AHS Performing Arts Center (Auditorium)! Tickets will be $5 at the door. Come see the show that has been racking up accolades around the Southeast this winter!

Ogletree Elementary Holds Black History Program

Reverend Dr. Clifford E. Jones (ACS Board of Education President 2000-2002 to conclude his 10 years of being a BOE member and current Pastor at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist) was the keynote speaker at the Black History Program at Ogletree Elementary. Students sang songs and performed poetry, and Dr. Jones spoke about the importance of education when it comes to making an impact in the world as well as the origins of Black History Month.

Ogletree Elementary Science Olympiad Team Wins State-wide Competition

Ogletree Elementary School's Science Olympiad team won the Elementary Sci Oly Competition at Auburn University for the 3rd year in a row! Pick Elementary took 2nd place and Wrights Mill Road Elementary took 4th place. Auburn City Schools is proud of all involved including students, sponsors, parents and coaches! Science Olympiad is when about twenty-five schools, throughout our state, bring one or two teams of twenty-five students, in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade, to Auburn University, to compete in twenty-two science events. Each event requires one to five students from a team, and each student on the team usually competes in two to three events. Here is a photo of Dr. Zutter and the First Place Ogletree team!

Aubie Reads to Dean Road Elementary Students

AU's Athletic Director, Auburn Tiger Graduate Assistant Jonathan Wallace, Aubie and the AU Cheerleaders stopped by Dean Road Elementary this morning to read to students.

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Opelika City Schools Kindergarten Registration April 4, 5, and 6, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at: Carver Primary School, 307 Carver Avenue, Opelika; Jeter Primary School, 700 Jeter Avenue, Opelika; Southview Primary School, 2712 Marvyn Parkway, Opelika. For more information call 334-745-9700 or visit the OCS website www.opelikaschools.org.

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Breakfast with Dad at Cary Woods Elementary This morning Cary Woods Elementary School hosted Cole Cubelic, former Auburn University Tiger (1996-2000), College Football analyst for the Alabama Media Group & ESPN as well as the sports radio host of The Cube Show out of Huntsville 6-10am M-F (The UMP 730 AM/103.9 FM). Cubelic spoke about being a new father and how he has reprioritized his life around his daughter as well as his relationship with his parents as a kid. This event offers the opportunity for dads in our school system to spend quality time with their kids over breakfast. We thank Cole for his time and spending the morning with the CWES Explorers.

Give your child an academic advantage that lasts a lifetime. Kumon Math & Reading Center of Auburn-Opelika 1550 Opelika Rd, #9, Auburn, AL 36830

Auburn Jr. High Student Wins County Spelling Bee Victor Sutton, 8th grader at Auburn Junior High School, won the Lee County Spelling Bee for the second year in a row! The winning word was "Detente" which is a noun meaning the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries. Victor will now go on to compete at the state level on Saturday, March 12, in Alabaster. Way to go Victor!

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Autauga County Schools

Southview Primary Students Perform Random Acts of Kindness

Southview Primary students participated in the Random Acts of Kindness week February 15-19. Leading up to the week, the students had classroom guidance lessons on kindness and read the book “How Full is Your Bucket for Kids” by Tom Rath. The children were asked to complete two acts of kindness during the week, write them on a heart and add it to the Kindness Tree. Pictured are Amie White’s second grade students in front of the Kindness Tree.

C.J. Uzomah at Jeter Primary School

Current Cincinnati Bengals tight end and former Auburn University football player, C.J. Uzomah, was a guest reader at Jeter Primary School during Read Across America Week.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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Opelika Character Council Recognizes Opelika Middle School Honor Roll Students

The Character Council of Opelika recently hosted an honor roll breakfast for the all-A and all-AB honor roll students. Breakfast was provided by Kitchen 3810. Character Council members followed by Opelika High School seniors, Emma Royal, Cidney Woodson, and Kingston Frazier, spoke to the students about the importance of good grades, good choices, and good character. Pictured left to right are: Rusty Sheehan-Character Council, Kingston Frazier-OHS, Tom Tippett-Character Council, Cidney WoodsonOHS, Keith York-OMS Principal, Emma RoyalOHS, Amy RogersCharacter Council and Southern Union State Community College.

Project Lead the Way at West Forest

West Forest Intermediate students are pictured working hard on Project Lead the Way experiments.

Northside Intermediate School Read Across America Week Northside Principal Laura Hartley celebrates Read Across America Week with "the Cat in the Hat."

Special Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Sunday, May 8, 2016 11:00am through 2:00pm $45 Adults ◦ $19 Children 5 & under Free Automatic 18% gratuity added to all checks

For Reservations, please call (334) 844-5140 ∙ www.auhcc.com 13

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Autauga County Schools

AJHS and Drake to Advance to State Science Olympiad Competition

Auburn Junior High School and Drake Middle School students participated in the regional Science Olympiad competition. Auburn Junior High School’s Varsity team captured first place while Drake Middle School’s Varsity team came in second. AJHS and Drake advanced to the state tournament. Auburn High School and Auburn Junior High School will look to defend their state titles April 9 at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.

Auburn City Schools Science Learning Community has been leading the way in Alabama and the nation. The STEM-based Science Olympiad program at Auburn City Schools has been the top team for over 15 years. Science Olympiad's ever-changing line-up of events in all STEM disciplines exposes students to practicing scientists and career choices, and energizes classrooms with a dynamic content experience.

Trinity Christian School Varsity Basketball Hosts Playoffs

After a successful regular season record of 17-3, Trinity's boys' varsity basketball team hosted the first two rounds of the GICAA State Quarter Finals at Point University.

Soup’s On at Cary Woods Elementary

Mrs. Czerkawski and her after-school students harvested the last of their broccoli crop from the community garden at Cary Woods Elementary School. The second graders made Minestrone Soup and everyone was able to help themselves to seconds.

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: Kendra@aopmagazine.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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Experiencing the Oregon Trail at Pick Elementary

Some students play The Oregon Trail on a computer, but students at Pick Elementary are learning life on The Trail in the 1800s first-hand as part of a social-history unit. Along the way they met a blacksmith, learned what baked beans from a camp fire taste like and how to stay entertained with the help of Mountain Tom's tunes on the harmonica! It was a perfect day to learn outside in the sunshine what it was like for travelers looking to explore the Western United States more than 100 years ago.

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Auburn HS Golf Team Places 3rd in Fairhope Invitational

Yarbrough Elementary Holds Career Fair

The AHS Golf Team finished 3rd in the Fairhope Invitational. They were 1 stroke behind UMS Wright and 8 strokes behind first place Mountain Brook. The guys played awesome and are ready to get better every day.

The Second Annual Y.E.S. Career Fair was a success! After exploring and researching future careers in Mrs. Walsh's counseling class, the fifth graders shared their aspirations with third and fourth graders. With these future doctors, teachers, chefs, designers, engineers, and other leaders, our future is bright!

Jump Rope for Heart at Morris Avenue Intermediate School

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Morris Avenue students concluded their month-long jump rope unit and Jump Rope for Heart campaign, benefiting the American Heart Association, with a School-Wide Jump Rope Celebration! Students showed off their jump rope skills in three different categories, Speed, Tricks and Endurance. Each grade also sent a representative to the school-wide competitions to be crowned the overall champion for the school. The Champions were: Speed Rope - Lunden Campbell; Endurance - Caden Blair; and Tricks - Kaden Cooper.

Read Across America Week with C.J. Uzomah During Read Across America Week Ms. Holley Taylor's class had fun doing "the dab" with guest reader C.J. Uzomah.

Ogletree Elementary Geography Bee Winner

Connor Hawthorne, 5th grader at Ogletree Elementary, has qualified for the semi-finals of the National Geographic Bee and is eligible to participate in the Alabama National Geographic State Geography Bee on April 1 15

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Autauga County Schools

Trinity Christian School Hosts "Desserts with a Taste of Jazz"

On Thursday, February 18, Trinity's Jazz Band hosted "Desserts with a Taste of Jazz" which was an upscale evening of music, desserts and fun. The event served to help raise funds to offset the expense of the band's spring trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. The Advanced Band students helped by acting as servers for the audience. It was a wonderful evening which may become an annual tradition.

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Drake Students Work on Collaborative Mural

Seventh grade art students from Drake Middle School paid a visit to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art to learn from and explore one of the many local outlets for the arts and to work on the Auburn Studio Project. This project brings together different facets of art in a day-long experience that includes hands-on activities, discussions of works of art, and collaborative art-making. This year the theme was based on the faculty exhibition, so discussions were about how peers work together. The collaborative mural that students are working on in the photos will be installed at Drake.

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TAKE YOUR SWING

TO THE NEXT LEVEL Grand National is offering golf clinics this summer for junior golfers, ages 7-17, taught by PGA Certified pros. The clinics will be held in three, Monday – Thursday sessions from 8:30-11:30 a.m. SESSION 1: June 6-9 · SESSION 2: June 20-23 SESSION 3: July 25-28 · $100 PER SESSION Lunch and a free Par 3 round are included each day. » FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CALL 334.749.9042. «

THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT GRAND NATIONAL 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail · Opelika, AL 36801 facebook.com/rtjgrandnational · rtjgolf.com

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Wrights Mill Road Geography Bee Winner

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Wrights Mill Road Elementary School Geography Bee Champion is Saylor Jordan, making him a semi-finalist that qualifies for The Alabama State Bee to be held on Friday, April 1. One champion from each state and territory will advance to the national competition, which will be held May 22-25 at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C.

FACES Receives $5000 Donation

The Circle of Honor Society's Charitable Foundation made a $5,000 charitable donation to FACES through a grant that was written by Matt and Jennifer Clegg. The Circle of Honor Society is a national organization of financial professionals. The COHS Foundation provides matching contributions to charitable organizations for their membership in addition to three annual grants. Matt and his colleagues at Wilson Investment Group have been active in the COHS for many years. FACES is a group of community citizens and business partners who have joined together to support and enhance the educational program of all Auburn City Students. The mission of FACES is to promote innovative opportunities that enrich the educational experiences of students in Auburn City Schools. Pictured is ACS Board of Education President Matt Clegg presenting check to FACES President Martee Moseley.

H&G Horse Quarters 2016 Camp

HGHorseQuarters@gmail.com - or -

334-887-0026

om 10:52 AM

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn Anglers Win First Place

What a great weekend for our Auburn Anglers at the EAHSBT tournament on Lake Martin! AHS's Logan Parks and Lucas Lindsay won first place with 9.37 pounds and BIG Fish with a large 4.87 pound spotted bass, AJHS's Fishcher Keel and AHS's Will Garrett placed second with 9.21 pounds. Auburn Anglers also won first place team! Congratulations! Way to get out there and pull them in.

Pick Elementary Team Places 2nd at Science Olympiad

The Pick Elementary School Science Olympiad Team placed 2nd overall, out of 30 teams, in the competition at Auburn University! Thank you to their coach Jennifer Spencer and everyone who volunteered and coached a team this year! Top 10 Wins/Events: 1st Place: Cool It- Julia Sims, Forrest Morse. 1st Place: Weather or Not- Sujay Baskiyar, Taehyun Kim. 2nd Place: Density- Ben Chung, Chaehee Kim. 2nd Place: Simple Machines- Ben McNulty, Cole Brady. 3rd Place: Tennis Ball Catapult- Cole Brady, Stillman Brown. 3rd Place: Disease Detective- Sawyer Stanley, Bradley Bobga. 3rd Place: Food for Thought & Energy- Justin Bentley, Leo Shen. 4th Place: Elements, Compounds, Mixtures- Nahyun Kwon, Ben Tzou. 5th Place: Mystery Architecture- Bradley Bobga, Sawyer Stanley. 7th Place: Pond Study- Guy Nathan Charleston, Forrest Morse. 7th Place: Making and Using a Key- Parker Sumner, Sophia DiJulio. 7th Place: Knock, Knock Who’s There? – Jason Kang. 8th Place: Wildlife Safari- Stillman Brown, Jacob Windsor. 8th Place: Leaf and Tree Finder- Suyeon Oh, Jackson Riles. 8th Place: Paper Rockets- Jackson Riles, Leo Shen. 10th Place: Grasp a Graph- Ben Warman. 10th Place: Bridge Building- Parker Sumner, Jacob Windsor.

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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 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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Drake Middle School Geography Bee Winner

Conner Bailey from the Leopards at J.F. Drake Middle School has qualified to compete at the state level competition of the National Geography Bee! He will be the representative for Drake and compete on April 1st in Montgomery at the state level. ACS is proud of Conner!

Auburn City Schools Hosts Substance Abuse Education Events

Auburn City Schools hosted its first of two substance abuse education speaking engagements with reigning Auburn University Homecoming Queen Taylor Wesley as the guest speaker. This effort is in accordance with the education prevention aspect of the substance abuse policy for all students who participate in extracurricular activities. The focus of this opportunity targets approximately 700 Auburn High School students each time with a message on Taylor’s battles with alcohol and importance of openly discussing mental health. Students were able to approach Taylor at the conclusion of the event to ask questions and share their stories.

Ogletree Student Named “Character in Action”

Adesmond Roberts has been named a "Character In Action (CIA)" this month by Judge Mike Fellows in the Lee County Family Court. Adesmond was selected for this honor for showing strong character traits at school and diffusing a disagreement between two other fellow students at Ogletree Elementary. 19

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Autauga County Schools Dean Road Students Visit Auburn HS Aquarium

Students from Dean Road Elementary visited AHS for a nautical field trip! Mrs. Allison's students with disabilities had a blast exploring the Aquaculture Science classroom/lab with Mr. Arington, Ms. Donaghey, and Senior Research students Justin Gilbert and Mahmud Kamar. The students fed and held baby turtles and learned about different types of aquatic life! The visit was capped off by the large snapping turtle that students got to see up close and a few brave students even touched the â&#x20AC;&#x153;dinosaurâ&#x20AC;?-like tail of the big snapper. Thanks to Mrs. Allison and her students for visiting The Aquarium at Auburn High today.

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Auburn Jr. High Students Attend Career Expo

At the 2016 Career Expo at Auburn University students were able to put their name in the drawing for a new Samsung Galaxy Tablet, and Auburn Junior High's very own Lauren Dallas was one of the lucky winners! Here is Lauren pictured with AJHS Principal Ross Reed and ACS Career Tech Director Laura Bailey.

T r i n i T y

D i s T i n c T i v e s

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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ACS Career Tech Director Speaks at Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monthly Tuesday Talk

This morning Laura Bailey, ACS Career Tech Director, was the guest speaker at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce's monthly Tuesday Talk. Mrs. Bailey discussed all the great work that is being done within the career tech programs at ACS with courses offered in aquaculture, mass media, machining, health sciences, finance, business, hospitality, engineering and communications. Auburn City Schools is looking to lead the way in career tech in the state of Alabama and is doing so with the help of key partners like the City of Auburn, Lee County, EAMC, Southern Union and Auburn University among others.

Magic of Reading by Ben Franklin at Morris Avenue Intermediate

Ben Franklin visited Morris Avenue on Dr. Seuss's birthday to help ignite a passion for reading and learning! Students learned interesting facts about Ben and were able to test one of his most famous experiments. The students were great participants and enjoyed sharing their prior knowledge of Mr. Franklin.

www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters Science Matters is a summer enrichment program sponsored by the College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University for students in rising grades 1 - 8. The program offers youngsters a supercharged science experience. Kids will explore the world of science through real experiments, technology and art projects, and hands-on activities. Kids that show a high interest or aptitude in science, math, or technology-related subjects will be right at home as they design and build, dabble in the art of chemistry, and more! Science Matters offers six different science-themed weeks for students throughout the summer. All programs operate between 8am - 4pm daily. Prices start at $190 per week/child. Multiple week discounts are available. Courses fill on a first-come-first-serve basis and availability is limited! For more information, visit our website or contact: www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters Kristen Bond: kristen.bond@auburn.edu 334-844-5769 21

2016 Dates June 6-10

June 13-17

June 20-24

June 27-July 1 July 18-22

July 25-29 www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Auburn City Schools Employees of the Month

Today Horace Mann Insurance honored three more Auburn City School staff members as employees of the month at their campuses. Those honored received a certificate and a preferred parking spot at their school. The winners include: - Dr. Bruce Zutter at Ogletree Elementary School, who is the Venture Instructor at OES and Coach of the OES Science Olympiad Team. - Allyson Freeman at Drake Middle School, who is a resource teacher in her 14th year at DMS. - Kindergarten teacher Jennifer Mesman at Richland Elementary School. The teachers were chosen by their principals for the hard work the put in with ACS students. ACS hopes to grow this effort by honoring employees system-wide by adding more schools with time.

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

Congratulations to AJHS and Drake at Alabama Science Bowl

Auburn Junior High School placed 2nd in the Alabama Science Bowl in Mobile. Drake Middle School finished 5th. AJHS team: Sungho Yae - 8th grade; Eric Wang - 8th grade; Eric Mao - 8th grade; Sejal Srivastava - 8th grade; Nikitha Sridhar - 8th grade. Drake Middle team: Grace Greer - 6th grade; Jeremy Park - 6th grade; Sydney Hamilton - 6th grade; Gloria Ge - 6th grade; Daphne Conniver - 6th grade. The National Science BowlÂŽ (NSB) middle school competition began in 2002 as a highly competitive science education and academic event among teams of middle school students who compete in a fast-paced verbal forum to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and math. Each team is composed of four students, one alternate student, and a coach. Regional and national events encourage student involvement in math and science activities of importance to the Department of Energy and the Nation.

Auburn High School Wrestler Wins State Title

Auburn Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Khaleel Johnson finishes perfect season with state wrestling title.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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Auburn HS Business Students Win Awards at Southern Union Business Tournament

On March 2nd FBLA members and students from Auburn High School’s Business Management and Administration Program participated in the Annual Southern Union Business Tournament. Auburn High received recognition and a tournament school trophy for having the most winners from 6 of the 8 events offered at the tournament. Please join us in congratulating the following students: Ruth Adams - Accounting (2nd Place); William Stevens - Business Calculations (2nd Place); William Stevens - Computer Science (1st Place); Emily Conn - Keyboarding (3rd Place); Nicolas Bavolack - General Business/Economics (1st Place); David Petty General Business/Economics (3rd Place). The following senior was offered a scholarship for placing 1st: Nicolas Bavolack. We also want to congratulate the following students for their participation at the tournament: Mikayla

Carter, Katie Conn, Morgan Manning, Saloni Merchant, Katelyn Lee, Yousra Omer, John Pace, Cameryn Smith, Tadasia Thompson, Jameri Tyler.

Birmingham Meteorologist Visits Opelika Middle School Students

James Spann, Certified Broadcast Meteorologist from ABC 33/40 in Birmingham visited Opelika Middle School to speak with 6th grade students about science and weather. It was an honor to have him at OMS!

Celebrating 25 years!

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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

Domino's Pizza for Teachers at Carver Primary School

Teachers at Carver Primary School were treated to lunch compliments of Mix 96.7 and Domino's pizza. The faculty and staff had a great lunch with the crew from Mix 96.7! Pictured are Mason Black with Mix 96.7 and Carver Principal Joe Ross.

Opelika Middle School Gardening Club Receives Trees for Arbor Day

In celebration of Arbor Day, the Tulip Garden Club and Matt Tucker with the Alabama Forestry Commission donated tree saplings to members of the gardening club at Opelika Middle School. Pictured are Tulip Garden Club member Laura Hill and her grandson, Jake Lancaster, with Matt Tucker, OMS teachers Leigh Moore and Kristin White, and members of Mrs. Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gardening club.

START HERE

Develop Your Skills

GO ANYWHERE auburn youth programs Find Your Passion

Become a Leader For a complete listing of camps and programs, go to auburn.edu/summercamps, call 334-844-5100, or email auyouth@auburn.edu. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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March Board of Education Meeting

At the monthly BOE Meeting, the Board recognized Khaleel Johnson for his state title and perfect season in Wrestling. Johnson will go down in history as one of the best wrestlers in Auburn High School history. The ACS Financial Department was awarded a $61,654.41 rebate check from Regions Bank for the use of interdepartmental purchasing cards. Then 15 student-artists ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade were honored for their artwork being selected from more than 70 entries system-wide then sent to Montgomery to be on display in the 2016 State Superintendent's Art Show in February.

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

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Autauga County Schools Chic-fil-a Visitor Reads for Read Across America Southview Primary Students at Carver Primary

Mrs. Thrash's first grade class at Southview Primary School listens to guest readers for Read Across America Week.

Guest reader Corey Welch read to Ms. Williams' class during Read Across America Week at Carver Primary School.

FOOD, FUN, FAMILY &

SCULPTURE Celebrating the opening of

MUSEUM Homecoming Come & enjoy TAILGATE OUT OF THE BOX a juried outdoor sculpture exhibition

FRIDAY

OCT.

3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7 PM

FREE ADMISSION. Reserve your tickets at jcsm.auburn.edu by SEPT. 25

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

VENDORS

TOURS, ART ACTIVITIES & A TIGER BOUNCE HOUSE.

Food & d rinks

available for purchase. CASH IS PREFERRED. WE ID.

NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES ALLOWED.

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JCSM.AUBURN.EDU

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Drake and AJHS Students Participate in Science and Engineer Fair at Auburn University

The following Auburn City School (6th-8th grade) students participated in Greater East Alabama Science and Engineering Fair at Auburn University: Ahnaf Hossain - Drake; Brayden Noh - Drake; Sydney Hamilton - Drake; Pedro Vaconcelos - Drake; Nikitha Sridhar - AJHS; Sejal Srivastava - AJHS. GEARSEF is a regional affiliate fair of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest international pre-college science competition. ISEF, the premiere science competition in the world, annually provides a forum for millions of students from over 75 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their independent research. Nikitha Sridhar, Sejal Srivastava and Sydney Hamilton advance to the state fair March 31- April 2 at the University of Alabama at Huntsville.

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Autauga County Schools

Shower Hosted by Lee County Partnership for Children

The Lee County Partnership for Children recently hosted a baby shower for a group of teen moms and their babies at the Family Resource Center. Gifts including car seats, strollers, diapers and clothes were given to the young women and their babies. The Lee County Partnership for Children is a volunteer group of women who raise funds for the Family Resource Center through annual events such as the “Little Black Dress Party”. “You can make a life for yourself if you have confidence,” stated Mary Lynn Porter, member of the Lee County Partnership for Children. “It’s important for these young women to complete their education so they can achieve their dreams. Our organization offers emotional support and needed supplies to help these young mothers succeed.” Pictured (l-r) Lee County Partnership for Children members: Mary Lynn Porter, Alicia DeBardelaben and her daughter Robin, Nell Finley-Case Manager, Family Resource Center, and Kay Harris.

The Groovy Book Fair and Math Night at Dean Road Elementary Please send school news and photos to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

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

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners! A’ZARIA MILFORD ABIAGEAL HUTTON ABIGAIL BARRETT ABIGAIL STENDER ADAM MANGIAFICO ADRIAN JACKSON JR. AHNAYAH PRESTON AIDEN BARNES AIDEN BROWN AIDEN CRAFT ALESSA MOORE ALEXANDER DIAZ ALIE BETH RABURN ALLY WALKER ALLY WALKER ALY JONES AMANI JONES ANA JONES ANDERSON JIMENEZ ANDREW BURKHALTER ANDREW BURKHALTER ANDY LOPEZ ANDY LOPEZ ANIYAH WOODS ANIYAH WOODS ANNA WEBSTER ANNE FINKEL ANNE FINKEL ANNE MORGAN HOWELL ANSLEE BACUS AUBREY HOLLOWAY AUBRI JOHNSON AUTEVIOUSE LOVE

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CHANI’LYN ANDREWS CHARIS SMITH CHRISTIAN ORANTES CHRISTOPHER PINCKARD COLBY KEY COLLIN EARLE COLLIN EARLE COLTYN MATTIMORE COLTYN MATTIMORE DAMIAN LUCAS DAMIAN LUCAS DAMIAN SMITH DAVID VENTURA DAYLAN EVANS DENISE OLIVER DERICK REAP DESIREE MESSER DEVANI LEONARD DEVIN BARNES-SIMON DEVIN LEONARD DIVER REAP DOMINIC MATHENY DREW DUVAL DREW PAISLEY DYLAN INGRAM DYLAN MILLER DYLAN PRESSLEY EDEN PALMER EDWARD AKINS ELAINE LEE ELIJAH ROGERS ELIZABETH GONZALEZ ELLIE KEESEE EMILIE PRICE

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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JOSHUA WILLIAMS JOSHUA WILLIAMS JULIA KARACA JUSTIN LEVETT K’WANA FINLEY KALINA LOVE KALINA LOVE KALISE LOVE KALISE LOVE KAMRYN MOORE KANCHERIA WILLIAMS KANCHERLA (KA) WILLIAMS KAR’ZAYVEON BROOKS KARSON DUNSON KAYDEN SCOTT KAYLA KALTREIDER KAYLEE ANN CARTER KAYLEE PRESSLEY KAYLEE ZICKAFOOSE KAYLEY CARTER KAYLEY CARTER KAYLIN WADE KEAGAN JACKSON KEELY WEBBER KENDAL PRESSLEY KENNEDY BANKS KENSLEE RUSSELL KENSLEY CARTER KERVIN KENNABREW JR KERVIN KENNEBREW JR. KEVIN KARACA KHYLEE BONILLA KLARA HAVRON KNOX DAY KYLA OLIVER KYLON HERREN KYNLEE VERHULST LAILA HAYNES LAILA HAYNES LAMONTEZ POLLARD LANDRY HIETT LAURAN KATE RAY LAURYN GREATHOUSE LAYNE OMASTIAK LELAND SEHNERT

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SERENA ORANTES SERENA WATERS SERENITY MILBOURN SETH HILL SHANE BARKER SHANIYA TATE SHAWNTERIA FERRELL SHAWNTERIA GERRELL SIDDA JAMES DUCK SKYLAR GRAAF SLAYTAN CATRETT STOCKARD RABURN SUMMER CARLTON TAMARA AIKENS TAMARCUS FINLEY TAYLOR MATHIS TIMOTHY SMITH TONYA CLARK TOWNSMEN SLOCUMB TRENTON MORRIS TRENTON ROGERS TREVOR MCINTYRE TRINITY HARRIS TRINITY HARRIS TRINITY LEMOINE TUCKER LONG TY’RELL WOODS TYLER MATHIS TYLER MCINTYRE TYLER SULLINGS VIOLET ADAMS VIOLET ADAMS VIRGINIA HADLEY WALKER CARSON WELLS SIMMONS WILL BLACKMON WILLIAM HOWELL WILSON BENNETT WYNN CLEVELAND YORK HARLESS ZACH WASHINTON ZACHARY BEASLEY ZAHARRA RAY ZAKARIYYAH JOINER ZORIYA NOBLES

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Trinity Christian School Drama Club Performs "Southern Hospitality"

Trinity Christian School's Drama Club executed another successful opening night. The students, along with Mrs. Mayfield and Miss Ballard, spent many hours preparing for this much anticipated weekend of performances.

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Read Across America at Southview Primary

Sgt. Ben Blackburn with the Opelika Police Department was a guest reader during Read Across America Week at Southview Primary. Pictured is Sgt. Blackburn with Mrs. Amy Blackburn's class.

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Seuss Celebration at Yarbrough Elementary Check out the "Seuss Celebration" at Yarbrough Elementary!

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A Page in a Book The Magic of an Unlikely Friendship For small children, making friends is often a matter of simply sharing the same interests. Common ground is certainly the most fertile soil to nurture a fast and easy friendship. But there is also great value in the friendships that develop between more unlikely pairs. Finding areas of compatibility, discovering languages that each can understand, and exploring the ways that each complements the other are all elements that build character in both sides of an odd pair. The following titles inspire kids to look among the unlikely candidates for new companions, and to put in the extra work that make these special friendships so worthwhile.

Pig and Small

by Alex Latimer (Peachtree) Realizing that it’s not normal to wake up with a persistent ‘squeaky’ face, Pig’s investigation of his snout reveals a small bug on the end of his nose. It’s clear from the way that Bug is enthusiastically waving his arms and squeaking that he wants to be friends. So Bug and the much larger Pig try doing some things that friends do together. But tandem bike riding with Bug makes Pig feel like he’s doing all the pedaling. And a game of chess with Pig leaves Bug exhausted from simply moving a single piece. Just when it seems like they won’t be able to bridge the gap in their budding relationship, the winds of fortune change and they find an area of interest they can both explore together. Readers will discover with Pig and Bug many things that friends can share no matter their differences!

Felix Stands Tall

Two Speckled Eggs

by Jennifer K. Mann (Candlewick Press) When Ginger’s Mom says she can invite all the girls in her class to her birthday party, she’s delighted. But Ginger struggles with the idea of including Lyla, the odd girl in her class that smells like old leaves and who one time brought a tarantula to show-and-tell. On the day of the party, Lyla arrives first followed by the loud crowd of their classmates. And Ginger’s carefully planned agenda goes off the rails as the rowdy girls mess up all the games and turn their nose up at Ginger’s coconut pineapple birthday cake. Just when Ginger thinks her party is ruined, there is a quiet Lyla, who likes Ginger’s cake. There in the chaos is Lyla, whose gift is a handmade nest with two malted milk speckled eggs. As the other girls make their goodbyes, Ginger and Lyla are actually connecting for the first time. Celebrating the small commonalities that can form the beginnings of great friendships, this title is a moving testament to true camaraderie. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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by Rosemary Wells (Candlewick Press) Felix doesn’t have a best friend until Fiona walks right up and asks him to be hers. He’s excited to have a best friend, but to keep up with the outgoing Fiona, the more timid Felix will have to step outside of his comfort zone. Fiona (who loves costumes and performing) insists that Felix join her on stage for the talent show. She teaches him how to sing and dance, and their hard work produces a first prize at the show. But it also produces bullies the next day who tease Felix about wearing a costume and singing. When Fiona quickly steps in and banishes the bullies, Felix wants to learn how to stand tall like her. Their new friendship levels up as Fiona teaches Felix how to ‘armor up’ when facing bullies. Highlighting the bravery that unique friendships can generate together, this title is a gentle inspiration for kids to stand together against bullies.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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4 Reasons No One Wants to Buy Your Home (And How to Fix It) You’re downright stumped. After months on the market, you’re no closer to a home deal than the day you planted a For Sale sign in the yard. Buyers come. Buyers go. And still no bite. It’s easy to chalk it up to the weather. But we’re here to let you in on a little secret: That may not be the case. Here are four reasons your home may be sitting on the sidelines—and how to get it back in the game.

It’s in Bad Shape

No one wants to drop six figures on a place that’s dingy around the edges. Every corner and crevice should pass the whiteglove test. If you surface cleaned and called it a day, that’s not good enough. Put the wet wipes away and break out the heavy-duty tools. It’s time to scrub your home inside and out! Pay special attention to nitty-gritty details like baseboards, window blinds, ceiling fans and even bathroom caulk. With a little extra

elbow grease, you can make your home look like new again.

It’s Uninviting

After a month with no interest—despite a strong market and a desirable location— Elizabeth B. realized her dad’s condo left something to be desired. So she helped him transform his bachelor pad into a place that made buyers want to sit and stay a spell. They started by decluttering all the rooms and applying a fresh coat of neutral paint. Then Elizabeth added a few tasteful accents, including pillows and a throw for the living room and lamps and a new duvet for the master bedroom. By the time they deep cleaned and removed personal items, it was ready for show time. “On the first open house after these changes, I put cookies in the oven so that they were cooling when buyers walked through, and we took the cats with us in the car for a couple hours,” Elizabeth says. “The condo sold within 24 hours of this open house.”

It’s Too Pricey

We know you love your home and you want to want to make as much money on it as you can. After all, you probably need that cash to fund your next home. But if your home has never looked better and still won’t sell, you might be asking too much. A price adjustment may be the only thing standing between you and a snappy home deal.

It’s Not a Priority

The perfect price and condition don’t mean much if buyers don’t know your home’s there in the first place. Sure, most folks these days may conduct their own online searches. But if your listing isn’t actively being marketed, it’s dying a slow death. That’s why it’s so important to have a high-octane agent on your side. A true go-getter won’t sit back and wait for buyers to come. They know how to find and reach the best prospects for your home—and they won’t stop until you have a deal!

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The word “bedtime” is loaded for parents. It conjures up images of how it should be: stories, cuddles, kisses, and sweet sleepy children drifting off to sleep. “Bedtime” can also mean frustrating nights: barking orders, kids crying, and the sense that it may never end. After realizing our frustrating nights seemed to be far more frequent than our pleasant ones, I wondered if there was more that I could do to make things go smoothly. I studied our routine (or lack-of) and found what was working and what was not.

Daytime Plan “I’m not tired!” and “I can’t sleep” were frequent laments after bedtime in our house. The lights were out, the kids were tucked in, but not for long. Little feet came padding down the stairs and my husband and I would sigh and start Round Two of bedtime. They say the best offense is a good defense; similarly, the best bedtime plan starts during the day. Think about how easy it is to fall asleep after a day of working hard or playing hard outside. That physical tiredness is key to a good night’s rest. The same is true for kids: active play, especially outside, helps them to be ready to meet the sandman at night, on time.

Maintain Routine I admit it, sometimes bedtime was at 6:45 when the kids seemed exhausted. Other nights they’d manage to stretch it to 9:00. Sometimes, it’s just impossible with activities, homework, and chores to keep kids going to bed at the same time every night. However, having a consistent time to shoot for helps the kids and parents know what the plan is. Aim for consistency, not perfection.

Start Early We start our bedtime routine long before I expect the little ones to actually go to sleep. Sure, we could get it done in thirty minutes, but when we do, it is stressful and I end up sounding like an Army drill sergeant yelling for the kids to do their next task. Bedtime is better for everyone if we have realistic expectations.

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Separate Siblings When your kids share a room, bedtime can spiral out of control quickly. We’ve all sent the kids to get ready for bed only to find them an hour later, still dressed and playing. To solve the distraction issue, I decided to get one kid ready for bed at a time. Meanwhile, the other child is downstairs with my husband enjoying one-on-one time with him. When he’s not home I allow some much desired computer time with an educational game to keep the other sibling occupied. After one is ready, we switch. It seems like this method would take twice as long, but without the distraction of a sibling, the kids are better able to focus and get things done.

Plan to be Present

I used to get frustrated that my kids couldn’t (or wouldn’t) do a task alone that I knew they were capable of. Now I grab some laundry and fold it in their room while they are getting ready for bed. Since there is only one child in the room at a time, it’s a great opportunity for us to bond every night for a little bit while we both get our “jobs” done.

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Make a simple list (with pictures for prereaders) that reminds your child of the steps to getting ready for bed, in the order you’d prefer them to be done. Laminate it or put it in a sheet protector and hang it in your child’s room.

Read Together The oldest bedtime advice is still the best: reading is a great way to transition from bedtime tasks to a more restful connection before sleep.

Lights Out – Time for Questions Each night after bedtime stories, I turn off the light and tuck the children into their beds, but they aren’t quite ready to drift off to sleep. Sitting in the quiet dark together brings out the deepest thoughts and questions of the day. Since I started planning this time into our routine, I’ve gotten questions from the kids about faith, death, and heaven and I’ve gotten silly questions like, “Did they have cars when you were a kid?” This is one of those magical times for connection, when the darkness allows for honest thoughts and worries to be shared. Our bedtimes aren’t always perfect, but when I remember to follow these tips, they are much more fun. AOP Sara Simeral is the mother of five-year-old twins. She’s been trying to build a better bedtime since they were born.

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Straight Talk About Online Harassment Parents don’t want to think about it, so kids are often unprepared. Cyberbullying may seem like something that happens to other people, but the statistics say otherwise. A study from the Pew Research Center found that, among adults, 40% have experienced online harassment and 73% have witnessed it. For teens, the numbers are a little lower, though researchers note that many adolescents don’t report incidents of cyberbullying for the same reason they don’t talk about offline harassment: They feel intimidated and humiliated. They assume nothing can be done. And they worry talking to adults will make the problem worse. That’s why parents need to be proactive. The hard fact is that most children will eventually encounter people who use the Internet to intimidate, harass and threaten others. The best way to fortify kids is to talk--in advance--about what cyberbullying is, how to prevent it and what can be done when it happens. Here’s some of what your child needs to know: Recognize it when you see it. Cyberbullying comes in many forms. The mildest is mean comments, name-calling and shaming. Painful as this may be for the target, it’s not dangerous. Learning to shake off mean and ignorant comments is a life skill. To give kids perspective, talk about the American tradition of free speech. Even nasty, misinformed people have a right to their opinion. That doesn’t mean your child should give them time or attention. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

Other forms of harassment are more serious, especially if they continue day after day. These include threats of personal harm including rape, spreading lies that damage a person’s reputation, posting personal information including cell phone numbers or sexual photos and techno attacks such as taking control of a social media account. Help your child distinguish between unpleasantness and risk.

Twitter, for example, recently started a Trust and Safety Council “to ensure that people feel safe expressing themselves on Twitter”-and was immediately slammed for restricting free speech. This is a good topic for dinner table discussion before a problem arises. If you were running a social media site, what limits would you put on what people can post? How should someone decide whether to ignore, confront or report a cyberbully?

Be proactive. The best way to deal with any problem is to avoid it. Raise your child with the assumption that people will be kind to each other. Model that way of living in your home, and help your child find friends who respect and appreciate each other. Online, help your child build a community where people treat each other well. Point your child toward the helpful Social Media Safety Guides produced by Heartmob (iheartmob.org/safety_guide). There are separate guides with straightforward explanations of privacy tools for Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr, and Youtube.

Get creative. Because bullies can’t always be avoided and authorities can’t always be effective, a growing number of people are taking creative steps to make the Internet—or at least corners of it— safer for everyone. Kids who know about these efforts are less likely to feel hopeless about bullying if it happens to them or they witness it. They may still feel shock, shame and even fear, but they will also know that they have allies and role models who have figured out effective ways to respond.

Report—sometimes. Experts give contradictory advice about how to respond to cyberbullies. Some recommend ignoring the behavior because most bullies are looking for reaction and attention. This is especially true online where anyone can say anything to anyone. Others recommend telling the bully to stop. That is also easier—and somewhat safer—online where it’s possible to send a private message that may appeal to the other person’s sense of fair play. Threats of abuse or harm should be documented by saving messages or capturing screen shots. Notify local police or the FBI with the understanding that they may be ineffective because laws lag behind technology in many states. The Cyberbullying Research Center maintains a comprehensive library of materials about cyberbullying including a complete list of regulations in every state (cyberbullying.org/cyberbullying-laws). Internet services are also inconsistent in how they define and respond to harassment. 34

A Thin Line provides detailed information about online harassment and encourages kids to share steps they’ve taken to assert their digital rights. The site, developed by MTV, also has a For Grownups Section that lists helpful resources. (athinline.org/pages/parents-and-educators) BeStrong Emoji are little symbols, distributed by Vodaphone, that allow kids to encourage people who are being harassed. (vodafone.com/ content/parents.html ) We Heart It is a social media app that limits harassment by allowing users to “heart” but not comment on content uploaded by others. (weheartit.com) StompOutBullying runs a free, confidential chat line for teens over 13. Trained volunteers provide support to young people who are distressed about online harassment. (stompoutbullying.org) The Speech Project details all the ways young women can be harassed online. The tools and resources section provides up-to-date information about what girls and young women can do to protect and defend themselves. (wmcspeechproject.com) StopIt is a software platform that allows people within a community to anonymously send screenshots of material that is offensive or abusive. Schools that use the app have seen a reduction in the number of cyberbullying incidents. (stopitcyberbully.com) 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, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Games That Connect with Kids

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Making connections is one of the most rewarding experiences kids can enjoy. Finding out which peg fits in which hole, discovering what puzzle piece fits where, are achievements that generate a strong sense of satisfaction. Their understanding of connections grows as they learn how separate parts come together to create a whole or to complete a task. Introducing kids to toys and games that explore connections supports their spatial thinking and problem-solving skills in fun and creative ways. The following items are guaranteed to connect with kids fast!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Gears Gears Gears

Snap Circuits, Jr.

Puzzling out the ways that gears and cogs interlock is just the beginning as small hands explore how to get them connected and moving. Large, colorful, uniformly sized plastic gears easily link together in both horizontal and vertical planes to create mechanically moving assemblies. This set comes with base plates, pillars, and extenders, plus an activity book to help early engineers establish their first connections. Supporting fine motor skills as well as problem-solving skills, Gears Gears Gears gives kids confidence to craft their own moving marvels.

With color-coded pieces and easy instructions, the daunting world of electronic circuitry is greatly simplified through Snap Circuits, Jr. This kit includes over 30 components that easily snap together to build working circuit boards that power a musical doorbell, voice-controlled lamp, a flying saucer and more! The included project guide features large colorful instructions for over 100 projects. Once kids gain confidence constructing these basic circuits, more elements and projects can be added through related Snap Circuits kits. Sparking an early interest in electronics is just a few clicks away with Snap Circuits Jr.!

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Qubits

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Deceptively simple, the 42 pieces of colorful plastic segments in the travel-sized Qubits pack inspire a surprisingly broad range of projects and exploration for kids as young as five (while remaining likewise appealing to much older fans of building toys). Fostering an early understanding of modular design and geometry, Qubits snap-together to form versatile shapes and structures. Additionally, Qubits are also compatible with Lego, K’nex, Hot Wheels and Lincoln Logs opening up fascinating options for cross-constructions and expanded projects. From towers three feet tall to six-inch long sleds, the inventive possibilities with Qubits are immeasurable!

The Goobi Construction Set is an ideal early exploration of three-dimensional geometry for kids. Colorful rods (with magnets embedded within the ends) connect with round iron ball “joints” to form multiple shapes and structures with ease. The illustrated instruction book offers additional projects that explore the attractive and repulsive properties of magnetism safely. While the box indicates compatibility with ages three and up, this Goobi set is best enjoyed by kids a bit older who have the attention span and motor skills to fully explore the possibilities of this fun collection of elements. Fostering an early understanding of architecture, Goobi is good to go for young designers.

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

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Parents often find themselves making countless decisions when it comes to the education of their young children: What type of environment is best for my child? What type of preschool is going to prepare my child for kindergarten? Where is my child going to thrive when I am not around? Is my child really better off going to preschool or staying home with me? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to know what options you have regarding the care you expect for your child. Are you looking for an environment that offers an educational curriculum in addition to a day care environment? Are you considering placement for full or half day care? What kind of student-teacher ratio should you expect when considering a preschool? Understanding the options available is an important step in the process of making this decision. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

Understanding the Environment Preschools of our current society range from the state sponsored Pre-Kindergarten programs, to Private Preschools, to University Laboratory schools. State sponsored pre-K programs are generally provided for children who are socio-economically challenged or have some form of limitation that needs attention prior to entering a formal education environment. State sponsored pre-K programs offer a Head Start curriculum, which began in 1965 as a program to 36

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provide economically disadvantaged children a “head start” to their education. Since that time, Head Start programs are serving over 900,000 children nationwide. Additionally, many states are offering universal pre-K programs, which offer free preschool education to all children over the age of four prior to entering Kindergarten. Currently Georgia, West Virginia, and Oklahoma offer universal pre-K, while other states such as Florida and North Carolina are in the process of offering these services. Universal pre-K does not admit children solely on the basis of socio-economic status or ability; rather it is a service available to all four-year-old children in that state. Private preschools operate often as forprofit, independent non-profit, and programs sponsored by religious organizations. Often times, private schools will have a lower school campus or preschool attached as a transitional experience for the K-12 environment. The educational quality and curriculum varies from preschool to preschool and there are no specific state or federal guidelines for teacher qualification or certification. However, most private preschools do make the effort to hire certified teachers to work with their preschool children and hire those with some teacher training to serve as “aides” in their pre-Kindergarten classrooms. The university laboratory school is a concept that began in the late 1800s at The University of Chicago by John Dewey. Since that time, many universities have established a laboratory setting on their campus as a way to offer educational experience to their education and human studies majors. Laboratory schools can range in enrollment from birth-12th grade. Most university lab schools offer a preschool, or preschool-Kindergarten environment. University laboratory schools offer a curriculum that is deeply grounded in developmental theory and are staffed by teachers with Masters, Specialists, and Doctoral degrees. The university laboratory school offers a different sort of environment in that it serves as a teacher preparation environment for pre-service and often advanced certification teachers. Instruction is prepared by pre-service teachers and approved by a professor with advanced training in the area of specialization. Lessons are conducted by the preservice teachers and evaluated consistently 37

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by the professor for immediate modifications and areas of elevation suggested.

Making The Choice When choosing what environment is best for your child and your family you must ask yourself what you hope to accomplish through enrolling your child into a specific environment. Are you looking to make sure your child has the proper social skills to easily assimilate into a Kindergarten environment or is your goal more to expose him to academics? Each of these various environments can do both of those things. What you need to review are a few specifics: • Is this preschool one that has a positive reputation in the area? • Is this preschool accredited by NAEYC [National Association for the Education of Young Children]? DHR? • What is the student: teacher ratio (for the state of Alabama, the recommendation is no more than 6:1.) • What are the credentials of the teachers that will be teaching your child? • Is information about the preschool readily available? Do they have a website where parents can find general information? • Do they offer tours? Are they open to meet with you and address your concerns? • Are the hours of operation conducive to your home/work schedule? Your child’s education is one of the most important decisions you will make for him. Giving him the right start is the best way to ensure success in later academic endeavors. Knowing the facts about any and all schools you may be considering is half the battle. Talk with neighbors and community members. Research the school online. Take a tour. Get to know the people you will be leaving your child with. Choose an environment that will allow your child to be as happy and well adjusted away from home as he is at home. Then you will know that you’ve made the best decision for your child, and ultimately, your family. AOP

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Barbie Norvell is currently the Director of the Auburn University at Montgomery Early Childhood Center. She has a PhD, an EdS, MS and a BS in Early Childhood Education and 26 years of experience as a classroom teacher and university professor.

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Tips for Enjoying Your Swimwear It’s getting closer and closer to summer, which means activities and vacations that involve pools, oceans, lakes, and well, you get it, bodies of water. That also means...I’m going to say it...SWIMSUITS! I know we all dread this, including yours truly. Here are a few tips that I have tried and shared with my clients in regards to understanding their bodies and how to make their swimwear part of their summer style. This goes for every woman, pre and post pregnancy, teenagers, moms, women of all ages and shapes.

First, what’s your shape? Are you a pear shape, apple, straight up and down? Whatever it may be, the first step in purchasing any type of swimwear is finding out your shape.

Research Take time trying on swimwear. Get a professional or family/friend to give you some honest feedback. Take a look at some online stores, blogs, magazines or websites that might have tips on how to find the perfect swimsuit for you.

Understand your body

Keep it on a budget

We all know we are made differently, and we are not all going to be the same when it comes to swimsuit styles. Don’t get discouraged if you have a friend who can wear the perfect two piece and you feel as if you can not. She might not be able to pull off a certain one piece or tankini like you can. That’s why we need to research swimwear.

Find a store that will allow you to mix and match your swimwear or purchase your items separately. You might find a bottom that fits you better at one store and a top at another, or vice versa. Doing this can be fun and can help you save money. Look for discount swimwear or outlet stores where you can purchase items to mix with your current swimwear. If you see a swimsuit you like but it’s just too much, try it on at the store first then check online for the same brand and style. You may be able to purchase it with a coupon or there may be specials online.

Modesty This is important in the swimwear world. We don’t have to bare it all to feel or look beautiful. It’s about being confident and learning how to style your swimwear. You can be creative with your swimwear and be very tasteful while doing so.

Be creative Have fun with your swimsuit! Mix and match your colors or prints to bring in a little flair. Find a few cover-ups, maxi dresses, summer dresses, skirts, tanks, or t-shirts to throw on, and then have fun with simple accessories like summer scarves, simple jewelry pieces, hats, summer bags to put all your goodies in and a summer shoe to help take a simple swimsuit to simply fabulous! Having these items can allow you the versatility of enjoying your swimwear not just on the beach or by the pool, but for lunch dates or quick shopping trips without revealing a lot. 39

Confidence I always say to be confident in your style and this goes for your swimwear as well. You can find ways to enjoy your swimwear simply by doing the above list. Find your style, and if you want to wear a cover-up over your swimsuit all day then so be it. If you want to wear your two piece with a little coverage on the bottom then do so. Just be confident in yourself and your body.

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 and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.

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(ad on page 4)

Director: Milissa Clowers Address: 128 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn. Phone: 821-8125 Email: afbcdc@gmail.com Website: www.auburnfbc.org Ages: Infant through 6 years and After School care available grades K - 5 / Field-Trip Based Summer Camp available for children who have completed Kindergarten - 5th grade (entering 6th) Hours: 7:00am-5:30pm Transportation from Schools available; Licensed by the State of Alabama; Nationally Accredited through National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs/ Association for Early Learning Leaders (NAC); Theme-based Lesson Plans and Curriculum. The Child Development Center is a ministry of Auburn First Baptist Church in which we provide safe, loving, quality care for children in a Christian environment. We strive to provide the best in early education by providing hands-on learning so that each child may develop to his or her highest potential cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Now Enrolling Summer Camp. Please contact Milissa or Kristina for more information.

Auburn Parks and Recreation Department • Little Learners Preschool Program (ads on pages 5 and 25)

Coordinator: Dana Stewart Address: Dean Road Rec. Center, 307 S. Dean Road Phone: 501-2950 or dstewart@auburnalabama.org Ages: 3 – 5 (child must be potty trained to participate) Days/Time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. Spring Quarterly tuition $525. Description: Join us for a fun-filled quarter of arts & crafts, storytelling, and creative learning. This program reinforces preschool readiness and promotes socialization skills. Field trips may be offered.

Bonnie’s Kids Childcare Center (ad on page 24)

Director /Owner: Tammie Long Address: 2314 Enterprise Drive, Opelika Phone: 745-6248 Website: www.bonnieskidschildcare.com Email: Bonnieskids@aol.com Ages: 4 weeks to 10 year old Hours: 6:00am- 5:30pm; Monday-Friday Conveniently located across from Tiger Town. “Where children grow.” Closed circuit monitoring; computer & dance programs; pick up from school for Beauregard, Opelika & Auburn, and Trinity Christian for after school programs, and summer camps. We are licensed for up to 200 children / DHR Licensed for 26 years with qualified staff that have been at the center for over 15 years. Summer activities program for school age chilAuburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

dren; Breakfast, lunch, & snack provided (USDA Food Program), Premier Spirit Academy, field trips include swimming, bowling, parks, Callaway Gardens, Auburn University and movie theatre; art and music classes offered at the center.

Growing Room Child Development Center- Auburn (ad on page 29)

Owner- Laura Smith, Director-Hollie Autrey Address: 644 North Dean Road, Auburn Phone: 501-2044 Email: hautrey@grauburn.com Website: www.growingroomusa.com Ages: 6 weeks-12 years old Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm Give Your Child the Growing Room Experience! More Informed Parents Choose Growing Room! “On Our Block”-language based curriculum, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, nutritious warm meals, superior security and an outstanding playground with safe, solid rubber surfacing. Extracurricular programs include JumpBunch & Dance. We offer before and after school care to most Auburn City Schools.

Parkway Baptist Church Preschool (ad on page 45)

Director: Dawn Woodrow Assistant Director: Beth Fordham Address: 766 East University Drive, Auburn Phone: 321-0537 Email: dawn.woodrow@parkwayauburn.org Website: www.parkwayauburn.org Ages: 6 weeks-Kindergarten program Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:30am-12 pm & 8:30am-12:15pm Christian based preschool consisting of biblical and instructional curriculums. Instructional curriculum is

Handwriting Without Tears®. The curriculum draws from years of innovation and research to provide developmentally appropriate, multisensory tools and strategies for our classrooms. The program follows research that demonstrates children learn more effectively by actively doing, with materials that address all styles of learning. Weekly Chapel, monthly lunch bunches, extracurricular tumbling classes, and more!!

A.C.H.R. Child Development Center-Darden Address: 601 S. 4th Street, Opelika Phone: 821-8336 Ages: 3 weeks-12 years old Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-5:30pm

A to Z Home Daycare- Auburn

Owner: Belinda Dowdell, president of Lee County Home Daycare Association; Phone: 821-3292 Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Hours: day and evening care available Quality care when you’re not there! Child Development degree. Meals and snacks provided, homework help offered, in home computer lab, monthly field trips. Located just 5 minutes from Auburn University Exit 51.

Auburn University Early Learning Center

Address: Auburn Campus Phone: 844-4696 Website: www.humsci.auburn.edu/hdfs/earlylearn-main.php Ages: 3-5 year olds; half day and full day options Nationally accredited laboratory preschool is available to any child in the community. Head teachers generally hold advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and the teaching assistants are graduate students working on advanced degrees in Human Development and Family Studies. The teaching philosophy is “learn by doing”. The facility also maintains a research mission and is designed to maximize opportunities to conduct developmental research on children and their families.

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Auburn City Schools After-School Programs

Programs located at and all Elementary Schools Phone: 887-2100 Website: www.auburnschools.org Ages: Kindergarten -5th graders Hours: Immediately after school until 5:30pm Individualized tutoring, participation in creative activities, and interaction with peers. Tuition prices are on a sliding scale based on lunch status. Activities such as art, sports, computer, music and movement, and other clubs added throughout the year help children interact socially and physically with children of all backgrounds in their community. Tutoring allows individualized instruction tailored to student’s learning styles and levels of understanding therefore improving grades and self-esteem.

Auburn Day Care Centers

Director: Ethel White; 4 Locations Central Office: 410 Boykin Street, Room 14, Auburn Morton Center- 68 Slaughter Street Ridgecrest Center- 969 Booker Street Boykin Center- 400 Boykin Street Phone: 821-4060 Email: auburndaycarectr@bellsouth.net Website: www.auburndaycarecenters.com Hours: Weekdays 6:30am-5:30pm Founded in 1964 to meet the needs of low-income, working families, ADCC is an accredited, full service daycare for infants through “afterschool” age 12 with fees based on a sliding scale. All families of any income level welcome. Rates start at $58 per week. Half days available.

Auburn UMC- Children’s Day Out

Director: Molly Baldwin Address: 137 South Gay Street, Auburn Phone: 826-8800, Ext. 228 Email: molly.baldwin@aumc.net Website: www.aumc.net Hours: Open to the community on a first-come, first-served basis Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am12:00pm. Open during the summer months. The purpose of this program is to give parents free time each week by providing a safe, well-supervised place where they may leave their children.

Auburn United Methodist ChurchWeekday Preschool

Director: Rachael Thomas Address: 137 South Gay Street, Auburn. Phone: 826-8800, Ext. 229 Email: rachaelt@aumc.net Website: www.aumc.net Ages: 1-4 year olds Hours: Monday-Friday options; 8:30am-12:00pm. The Preschool follows the Auburn City School schedule and is designed to begin the learning process early in a child’s life in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Auburn United Methodist Church- Discovery Club After-School Program

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Contact: Lindsey Middleton Address: 137 South Gay Street, Auburn. Phone: 826-8800, Ext. 278 Email: lindsey.middleton@aumc.net Website: www.aumc.net Ages: Kindergarten-7th grades Hours: Monday- Friday (after school until 6:00pm) care is available to children in the 1st through 7th grades and can be picked up at their schools and transported by bus to the church for homework, snacks, crafts, cooking, recreational activities, devotionals and mission projects.

Bright Beginnings at FBC Opelika

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Director: Marsha Teel Address: 301 South 8th Street, Opelika Phone: 364-2784 Website: www.fbcopelika.com Ages: 11 months (and walking)-Preschool Hours: 8:30 am- 11:30 am; Tuesday, Thursday, and

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Child Care Network- Opelika Friday / Monday-Friday Christian- based curriculum. Lunch bunch, Chapel, Music, Spanish, extracurricular activities and more!

Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lee County

Address: Auburn Unit-400-B Boykin Street Phone: 821-6020 Address: Potter Daniel Unit- 1610 Toomer St, Opelika Phone: 745-2582 Website: www.bgcleeco.org After school hours: 2:30-6:30pm; Monday- Friday; Summer Camps available. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Offering transportation from schools, homework assistance, tutoring, mentoring, games, field trips, prevention services, sports, arts, and more!

BRIDGES- After School Program

Address: Drake Middle School, Auburn Phone: 749-8400 Hours: 3:15-5:30pm; Monday-Friday Full-time program of care for children ages 10-14 years sponsored by the Employers’ Child Care Alliance. Based on an innovative curriculum, participants are involved in a variety of healthy, fun, educational and interactive program elements (or clubs). Tutoring offered; snack provided. Summer Program registering now.

Care A Lots Child Development Center Address: 1515 Lee Road 298, Smiths Station Phone: 297-7269 Ages: 6 weeks-12 years old Hours: 6:00am-6:00pm State Licensed. A Beka Curriculum

Director: Michelle Abernathy Address: 702 Second Avenue, Opelika Phone: 749-9631 Website: www.childcarenetwork.net Ages: 6 weeks old-12 years old Hours: Monday-Friday; 6:00am- 6:00pm High Reach Learning & Bright Babies Curriculum, Summer programs, Young Achievers Club, free meals and snacks with family style dining, before and after school pick up for most Opelika City Schools

Child Care Resource Center- Opelika

Address: 2015 Gateway Drive, Opelika Phone: 749-8400 Website: www.ccrc-alabama.org Our Services: Training and professional development for childcare professionals; Assisting parents with locating quality child care; Financial assistance for childcare; BRIDGES After-School and Summer Programming for 10-14 year olds; AmeriCorps Program within 2 counties Work within child care centers to promote quality childcare (STEPS).

Covington Preschool- Opelika Parks and Recreation Department

Address: 213 Carver Avenue, Opelika. Phone: 705-5550 Age: 3-4 year olds Days: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-12 noon Prepare your child for school-combination of fun and learning skills. Space is limited.

Creative Discovery Child Development Center Director: Staci Greene Address: 1675 Shug Jordan Parkway, Auburn Phone: 887-5730

Email: kidscreative7@gmail.com Website: www.creativediscoverycdc.com Ages: 6 weeks old-12 years old Hours: 6:30am-6:00pm; Monday.-Friday “Where discovery leads to learning!” Daily schedule includes free choice of time spent in learning centers, group time for circle time, creative movement, music, storytelling, and dramatization. Learning centers include creative arts, literature, science, pre-math, dramatic play, and cognitive and small motor development. Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack provided. After school pick up at Auburn City Schools, Lee Scott, and Indian Pines. School Age summer camp, preschool summer camp, Scholastic Book Fairs, lots of special activities throughout the year for family involvement. Security hand-scan doors, closed circuit cameras throughout.

Family Guidance Center

Address: 36-D Samford Avenue, Opelika Phone: 745-7037 Resource for parents in Lee County.

Foundations Preschool at Cornerstone Church

Director: Amy Baxter Address: 2123 Hamilton Rd, Auburn Phone: 887-1152 Website: www.cornerstonebuzz.org Ages: 6 weeks-4K Hours: 2-5day options; 8:00am-12:00pm Foundations Preschool is an exciting, fun-filled Christian based learning experience for children. Features include worship time, music class and summer preschool classes.

Gillock Gang’s Home Child Care Director/Owner: Kay Gillock Address: Opelika, Al

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Phone: 703-8340 “Caring for them while serving Him”. 2008 Terri Lynn Lokoff National Child Care Teachers of the Year Award Winner National Association for Family Child Care Accredited Provider

God’s Glory Daycare

Director: Jeffery McCoy Address: 1500 Bruce Avenue, Opelika Phone: 737-0443 Ages: 6 weeks old- 6yrs Hours: 6:00am- 6:00pm Before and After School care and pickup; Summer programs; A Beka Curriculum and My Baby Can Read.

Grace United Methodist Church Preschool

Director: Leslie Carter Address: 915 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn Phone: 887-5981 Email: gracepreschool_auburn@yahoo.com Website: www.graceumcaub.com Ages: 1 year- 4 years old Hours: 8am -11:30am / two, three and five day options A thematic curriculum and related activities are utilized, addressing the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual domains of early childhood education. “Hands-on” learning experiences: Art, Manipulatives, Science, Dramatic Play, Chapel and Fieldtrips. Snacks provided and lunch bunch available.

Greater Peace Child Development Center

Address: 940 Fox Run Parkway, Opelika Phone: 749-5555 Email: lrj0005@auburn.edu The center offers an affordable tuition payment plan that is based on a “sliding scale,” dependent upon the family’s income.

Holy Trinity Day School

Address: 100 Church Drive; Auburn Phone: 821-9838 Email: dayschool@holytrinitychurch.info Website: www.holytrinitychurch.info/school Hours/Ages: Half-day Preschool and Kindergarten Christian atmosphere; Units in math, social studies, science, art, music, literature, poetry, & field trips. Weekly chapel, Bible lessons, music and prayers.

HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

Indian Pines Country Day School

Directors: Stacy Jackson Address: 1742 Saugahatchee Road, Auburn Phone: 821-7786 Email: sccijackson@yahoo.com Website: www.ipcds.org Ages: 3 year olds- Kindergarten Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:30am -12:00pm Program includes themed units, language, math, science, social skills, phonics program and more. Lunch bunch, gymnastics, and art classes offered.

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Joyland Child Development Center

Director: Pamela Dumas Address: 410 Boykin Street, Auburn Phone: 821-7624‎ Email: JoylandCDCinc@yahoo.com Ages: 2 years-12 years old Hours: 6:30am-5:30pm Sliding Fee Scale; Joyland accepts children under Child Care Resource Center Subsidized Care Transportation before and after school

King’s Kids Child Care and Development Center

Address: 2900 Waverly Parkway, Opelika Phone: 749-3916 Email: director@opelikadaycare.com Website: www.opelikadaycare.com Ages: Newborn-Preschool Hours: 6:30am- 6:30pm

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Learning centers include Blocks & Building Design, Dramatic Play, Library & Literature, Math & Table Activities, Music & Movement, Science & Discovery, and Writing Exploration. We place special emphasis on readingreadiness, but your child will also explore beginning math and science concepts, creative arts, dramatic play and much more. Provide morning and afternoon snack and a warm lunch. Before and after School / summer program.

Ages: 6 weeks old-12 years Hours: Monday-Sunday; 1st and 2nd shifts available Loving and nurturing home environment where we teach ABCs and 123s! Just 5 minutes from Exit 51 in Auburn, Auburn University and all the major plants on S. College Street. Meals and snacks provided; State Licensed and CPR Certified.

Miss Deanna’s Childcare

Director: Deanna Holley Address: 1901 Corporate Drive, Opelika and 1745 E University Dr, Auburn Phone: 745-7139 and 821-0066

develop mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially through a planned curriculum. It is the intent of Lakeview Preschool Adventures to provide an opportunity for preschoolers to socialize and learn with peers in a Christian setting. Christ-centered, focusing on Scripture memory, Bible stories, social interaction, letter and number recognition.

Providence Baptist Church Child Development Center Director: Mandy Steward Address: 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika

Learning Zone

Director: Debbie Armstrong & Renee Thomas Address: 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn Phone: 821-1127 Ages: 3 weeks old-12 years old Hours: 5:15am -6:00pm Fall and Summer programs available. After school program, drop off and pick up available, full and part time offered.

Lee County Home Providers Association/ Lee County Home Childcare Association

Providers of in home care of children throughout Lee County. Monthly networking meetings; referrals; DHR approved in service training of home care providers.

Lee-Scott Academy- Preschool

Contact: Cindy Leonard, Teddi Meagher, Joanna Reaves Address: 1601 Academy Drive, Auburn Phone: 821-2430 Website: www.lee-scott.org To provide a safe and pleasant atmosphere in which students may develop socially, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Our goals and objectives are carefully geared toward the needs and developmental stages of the individual pupil. We are committed to a low-key readiness plan for this age group, using familiar teaching vehicles to introduce language skills and number awareness. The program is lightly structured, based on our persuasion that four-year-olds thrive and learn in an atmosphere that stresses “fun with a purpose,” or learning by playing. We follow a thematic approach.

Ages: 6 weeks-12 years old Hours: Monday-Friday; 6:30am -5:30pm After school transportation and care, School age summer program, High Reach learning curriculum, CPR and First Aid Certified and State Licensed.

Milestones Learning Center

Opelika City Schools- Extended Day

Director: Lee Sides Address: 1811 E Glenn Ave, Auburn Phone: 887-4391 Email: milestoneslc@gmail.com Website: www.milestoneslc.com Ages: 6 weeks old – Pre-K / Full time and part time available Hours: Monday- Friday; 6:30am- 6:00pm “Believes Childhood is a Journey, not a Race”. High/ Scope Curriculum. Children learn through direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas..Tumbling, Kindermusik, Summer Camps and more. Fall registration will be held annually in June.

Minnie Mouse’s Home Daycare Director/Owner: Minnie Allen Address: 144 Lee Road 449, Auburn Phone: 821-0963 Email: mmdayc@yahoo.com

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Coordinator: Scarlett McAllister Phone: 745-9700 Email: scarlett.mcallister@opelikaschools.org Extended Day Hours: 2:30pm-5:30pm. Each day includes: snack, tutorial and homework time, crafts & activities, and physical play time.

Preschool Adventures at Lakeview Baptist

Director: Holly Hutto Address: 1600 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn. Phone: 321-4905 Email: hb5hutto@gmail.com Website: www.lakeviewbaptist.org Ages: 1 year old- 4 year olds Hours: Ones and Twos - Tuesday and Thursday; 8:45am - 11:45am Threes and Fours - Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, Friday; 8:45am – 12:00pm Our most important tasks are to help children

Phone: 745-0507 Email: director_mandy@yahoo.com Website: www.providencealive.com Ages: 6 weeks old-5 years old Hours: Monday-Friday, Half-day and full days available; 6:30am-5:30pm Child-centered curriculum that helps children grow mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Provides breakfast, lunch and snack.

Stepping Stones Christian Childcare Center Director: Ashley Marsh Address: 1131 2nd Ave, Opelika Phone: 749-5616 Email: amarshopelika@gmail.com Website: www.cciopelika.com

St. Michael Catholic Preschool

Director: Cindy Wilton Address: 1100 North College Street, Auburn Phone: 887-5540, ext. 206 Email: cwilton@mobilearchdiocese.org Website: www.stmichaelsauburn.com Ages: Preschool ages 3 and 4 years old Hours: Monday-Friday options

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The Children’s House-Auburn Montessori

Director: Charlene Kam Address: 231 East Drake Avenue, Auburn Phone: 740-6192 Website: www.auburnmontessorischool.org Ages: 3-18 year olds The Children’s House to preserve a home away from home that nurtures the love of learning, values ambition, and fosters the spirit of peace, love and kindness in every child. The curriculum includes: art, craft, culture, grace and courtesy, foreign language, field trips, gardening, gymnastics, language, mathematics, movement, music, outdoor and indoor play, practical life, Reggio Emelia Project instruction, sensorial, and science.

The Fig Tree Childcare and Learning Center Address: 44 Lee Road 380, Valley Phone: (334) 741-9216 Email: gwen@figtreechildcare.com Ages: 6 weeks old-12 years old Hours: 6:00am-6:00pm Offers full time, part time, after school and drop in care; School pick up service available.

The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool

Director: Leigh Ann Strain Address: 721 E. University Dr., Auburn (inside AEEC) Phone: 887-4956 Email: lstrain@learning-tree.org Website: www.learning-tree.org/preschool/auburn Ages: 3-5 years old / Up to 24 children served at a time Hours: 8:30am-2:20pm; Monday-Friday 1. Preschool Program- Our preschool program aims to prepare students for Kindergarten. Our lessons are based on state standards and our teachers are certified. We focus on pre-reading skills, basic math concepts, handwriting, and social skills. All lessons are geared to address individual developmental needs of those enrolled. 2. Preschool Program for Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): In addition to regular preschool services, we provide intensive services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays. Our interventions are based on scientifically validated methods, specifically Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Each child eligible for special education services has an individualized education plan (IEP) developed upon entrance.

Trinity United Methodist ChurchChildren’s Day Out- Opelika

Address: 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, Phone: 745-2632 Website: www.tumcopelika.org Ages: 3 months-5 years school year; 3 months-8 years summer program Hours: Open to the public- Wednesday and Fridays; 8:45am-12:00pm year-round. A Christian day care program offered as a ministry to the community. Activities include crafts, games, chapel time, playground time, snack time, and more! There are no registration fees, no attendance requirements, and no need to call ahead – just use us when you need us! The cost is $15 per child for the entire morning and $5 for each additional child in the same family. This fee assists in paying for supplies, snacks and salaries of paid workers. We ask that you pay when you sign your child in. No registration fee. Pay for only days you use.

University Daycare Child Care Center

Director: Hopewell Carroll Address: 2454 East University Drive, Auburn Phone: 826-7337; Email: hpcarroll@una.edu Ages: 6 weeks-10 years old Hours: Monday-Friday; 6:45am-5:45pm NAC accredited, and a Alabama Office of School Readiness Pre-Kindergarten Site. Curriculum for all ages; after school care with pickup from Auburn City Schools and Lee-Scott. All staff is CPR certified; security lobby and cameras in all rooms. AOP

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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 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 Shakespeare Festival Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Artbeat 2016 March 28 - April 9. Columbus. www.artbeatcolumbus.org. ArtsRevive Annal Art Show March 12 - April 2. Selma. www.artsrevive.com Birmingham Children’s Theatre • “Jack and the Beanstalk”. Through April 22. • Pinocchio. April 5 - 27. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. www.bbc123.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. Center for Puppetry Arts www.atlanta.net. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. DeSoto Caverns Park • Easter Sound, Light, and Water Show. March 13 - 21. 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. 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. The Fox Theatre www.foxtheatre.org. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • Art Gallery Spring Exhibition: Forty 2 Fifty Plus. March 22 - April 29. • Spring Photography Show. April 1 - 29. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Jule Collins Smith Museum • Auburn University Department of Art and Art History Studio Faculty Exhibition. Through March 20. • Face to Face: Artists Self Portraits from the Collecdtion of Jackeye and Curtis Finch Jr. April 2 August 7. • Winter Denizens, The Sweet Birds Sing Selected Works from the Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Au. Through May 15. 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

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

March/April2016

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 • Body Worlds Rx. Through May 1. 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 To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield. org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. Montgomery Zoo 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. Project Uplift: Mentor a Child! A child, a friend, endless possibilities. “If you are interested in becoming a mentor to children in the area between ages 5-12, we are having Spring Semester training sessions: March 6, 21, April 5, 17. Only one session is needed. Cary Hall 158. www.auburn.edu/ projectuplift. Riverside Theatre Riverside Theatre, Columbus State. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/productions Samford University • Annual Juried Student Art Show. April 4 - 26. Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu Southeastern Plein Air Invitational Mar 28 - April 30. Gadsden.www.gadsdenmuseum.com. Telfair Peet Theatre • Dancing on the Edge. March 31 - April 3. • “The Integration of Tuskegee High School”. April 14 - 24. Telfair Peet Theatre. www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre. Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Joanna Fisher Champagne at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2996, Ext. 311 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life! Virginia Samford Theatre Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org. XBAR Fitness For Youth For all fitness levels. Mondays 5:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. $65/6 weeks. Megan.Linge@gmail.com.

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. 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

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Family Calendar 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 Baseball March 18, 19, 20, 22. April 1, 2, 3, 5, 14, 16, 19, 26, 29, 30. Auburn Softball March 25, 26, 27. April 6, 8, 9, 10, 20, 22, 23, 24. Auburn Tennis March 18, 20. April 3, 15. Auburn Track and Field April 8, 9, 22, 23. Columbus Cottonmouths Hockey March 19, 22, 26. April 1, 2. Columbus Lions Indoor Football March 20, April 9, 16, 23. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball April 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. www.biscuitsbaseball.com.

Thursday, March 17

Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Garrett Coliseum. www.slerodeo.com. The Official Blues Brothers Revue Enterprise. www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com. Wharf Boat and Yacht Show Orange Beach. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Fall Out Boy BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Alabama Gun Collector’s Association Spring Gun Show BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Friday, March 18

“The Cat In The Hat” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org. Night Eggstravaganza FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-663-4858. Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Garrett Coliseum. www.slerodeo.com. Historic Selma Pilgrimage Vaughan-Smitherman Museum, Selma. www.selmapilgrimage.com. Wounded Warrior Classic (Spring Turkey/Coyote Hunt) Fort Rucker. Wharf Boat and Yacht Show Orange Beach. 64th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Fairhope. www.eschamber.com. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Atlanta Symphony Hall. www.ticketmaster.com. Alabama Gun Collector’s Association Spring Gun Show BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Saturday, March 19 “The Cat In The Hat” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org.

March/April2016

Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Garrett Coliseum. www.slerodeo.com. Cotton Trail Rabbit Run 5K FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-663-4858. CSO presents S’MORES (Saturday Mid-Day Orchestra Rehearsals) for Kids RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Ga. www.csoga.org. LaGrange Art Museum Super Saturday LaGrange Art Museum. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org. Wharf Boat and Yacht Show Orange Beach. Historic Selma Pilgrimage Vaughan-Smitherman Museum, Selma. www.selmapilgrimage.com. Coosa Fest Childersburg Kiwanis Park, Childersburg. www.childersburg.com. Wounded Warrior Classic (Spring Turkey/Coyote Hunt) Fort Rucker. 12th Annual Children’s Festival Ft. Rucker. (334) 255-1749. Dothan Gem & Mineral Show Dothan. www.wiregrassrockhounds.com. Spring Farm Day Landmark Park, Dothan. www.landmarkparkdothan.com. St. Patrick’s Day 5K/10K Run Fort Rucker. www.ftruckermwr.com. 64th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Fairhope. www.eschamber.com. BBQ & Blues Cook-Off Foley. www.foleybbqandblues.com. Paws in the Gardens Aldridge Gardens, Hoover. www.aldridgegardens.com. Fishers of Men Bass Tournament Alexander City. www.alapark.com/wind-creek-state-park. Finish on the Fifty Toomer’s Corner. www.runauburn.com. Alabama Gun Collector’s Assoc Spring Gun Show BJCC. www.bjcc.org. WinterJam Tour Spectacular BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Uptown’s Spring Food Truck Festival Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Brahms & Bruckner RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Sunday, March 20

“The Cat In The Hat” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org. Wounded Warrior Classic (Spring Turkey/ Coyote Hunt) Fort Rucker. Dothan Gem & Mineral Show Dothan. www.wiregrassrockhounds.com. Wharf Boat and Yacht Show Orange Beach. 64th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Fairhope. www.eschamber.com. Teen Third Sunday 2 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Alabama Gun Collector’s Assoc Spring Gun Show BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Monday, March 21 Spring Break Camp Covington Rec, Opelika. 334-705-5550. Spring Break Radical Reptiles Oxbow Meadows, Columbus. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu.

Tuesday, March 22 Spring Break Camp Covington Rec, Opelika. 334-705-5550.

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. LitWits Auburn Public Library. 4:30 p.m. Ages 13-18 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Spring Break Radical Reptiles Oxbow Meadows, Columbus. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu.

Wednesday, March 23 Spring Break Camp Covington Rec, Opelika. 334-705-5550. Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Spring Break Radical Reptiles Oxbow Meadows, Columbus. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu.

Thursday, March 24

The Women Gather Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. www.bcri.org. Walk with a Pharmacist Auburn University Pharmaceutical Care Center. hollite@auburn.edu. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Southern Circuits Tour of Independent Film Makers Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Third Thursday Poetry Series 6:30 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Spring Break Camp Covington Rec, Opelika. 334-705-5550. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Spring Break Radical Reptiles Oxbow Meadows, Columbus. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu. The Great Flashlight Egg Hunt Moore Stadium, Opelika. www.opelika-al.gov. Super Mario Brothers Smash Cart Tournament www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, March 25

Spring Break Blow Out Covington Rec. Opelika. 334-705-5550. Underwater Egg Hunt Sportsplex, Opelika. 6 p.m. 334-705-5550. Spring Break Radical Reptiles Oxbow Meadows, Columbus. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Tyrese with guest Tank Columbus Civic Center. www.columubusciviccenter.org.

Saturday, March 26

Easter Egg Decorating Contest FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-663-4858. Easter Weekend Celebration at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Pawsfest 2016 Headland. www.charmheadland.org.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar The Original German Sausage Festival Elberta. www.elbertafire.com. 35th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Kiesel Park. 10:30 a.m. 334-501-2930. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Go Native Plant Workshop Louise Krehler Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center. Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. 2nd Annual Muscogee County Sheriff Office Easter Egg Roll Woodruff Park, Columbus. Facebook. Spring Break Radical Reptiles Oxbow Meadows, Columbus. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Easter On the Square Downtown Opelika. www.opelika-al.gov.

Sunday, March 27

Easter Weekend Celebration at Callaway Gardens • Easter Sunrise Service 7 a.m. • Easter Egg Hunt 12 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. Boots & Bowties: Supporting The Learning Tree Lazenby Farms, Auburn. 6:30 p.m. sweldon@learning-tree.org.

Monday, March 28

Artbeat 2016 Uptown Columbus. www.artbeatcolumbus.org. Superhero Spring Training McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org.

Tuesday, March 29

MAX Capital City Classic Alabama vs Auburn Baseball Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. www.maxcapitalcityclassic.com. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Night to Honor Israel RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Artbeat 2016 Uptown Columbus. www.artbeatcolumbus.org. Superhero Spring Training McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org.

Wednesday, March 30 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Superhero Spring Training McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org.

Thursday, March 31

A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12 p.m. www. jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu OOTB: Artists Talks Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jay Sanders Film Series Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 7 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

March/April2016

Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com. “Dancing On the Edge” Through April 3. Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu. Superhero Spring Training McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org.

Friday, April 1

56th Annual Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo Opp Channell-Lee Stadium. www.rattlesnakerodeo.com. Mobile AEROFEST www.mobileaerofest.org. 51st Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. 5th Annual BBQ Cook-Off Camden. www.wilcoxareachamber.com. First Fridays Downtown Opelika. 5 - 8 p.m. “Satin Soul”, Event Center Downtown Opelika, 7 p.m. The Big To Do Concert Series ‘River City Horns’ Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.ga

Saturday, April 2

Science on Saturdays Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/ preserve Milk & Cookies East Alabama Birth Villages. www.birthvillage.org Noble Street Festival Anniston. www.noblestreetfestival.com 56th Annual Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo Opp Channell-Lee Stadium. www.rattlesnakerodeo.com. Bark in the Park Kiesel Park, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks 41st Piney Woods Arts Festival Enterprise State Community College. www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com Friends of the Library Book Sale Dean Rd Rec Center. www.auburnalabama.org Mobile AEROFEST www.mobileaerofest.org. Puttin’ On The Gritz Fairhope. www.esartcenter.com Reggae in the Park Bham. www.magiccityreggaefestival.com Celtic Nights: Spirit of Freedom Samford University.www.tickets.samford.edu 51st Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. Alabama Chocolate Festival Rainbow City. www.rbcalabama.com Civil War Walking Tour of Old Cahawba www.cahawba.com Fountain City Arts Festival Prattville. www.prattvilleal.gov Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival Atl. www.brookcherryfest.org Love to Tri Cooper Creek Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.ga Strut the Hooch Comic Parade Uptown Columbus. Facebook/Strut the Hooch Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library Home Depot Kids Workshop ‘Build a Butterfly House’ 9 a.m. Opelika. www.homedepot.com Atlanta Festival of Laughs with Mike Epps, Bruce Bruce, Sommore Phillips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com “Menopause the Musical” Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com

Bark in the Park: Celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership Kiesel Park. 9 a.m. 334-501-2940. Fountain City Arts Festival Prattville. www.prattvilleal.gov.

Sunday, April 3

Noble Street Festival Anniston. www.noblestreetfestival.com 41st Piney Woods Arts Festival Enterprise State Community College. www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com Mobile AEROFEST www.mobileaerofest.org. Reggae in the Park Bham. www.magiccityreggaefestival.com 51st Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. Dwight Yoakam in Concert Columbus Civic Center. www.columubusciviccenter.org.

Tuesday, April 5

Sylacauga ‘Magic of Marble’ Festival www.bbcomerlibrary.net/marblefestival Home School Science & History Days Oxbow Meadows. www.oxbow.columbustate.edu ‘The Illusionists’ RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Wednesday, April 6

Fractured Fairy Tales Auburn Public Library. 3:30 p.m. 334-501-3190. Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Thursday, April 7

5th Annual Alabama River Chili Cookoff Selma. “Mother of Rain” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Film: Portraits of the Artists 4 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Alabama Auto Show BJCC. www.bjcc.org Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Friday, April 8

Legends of Southern Hip Hop Columbus Civic Center. www.columubusciviccenter.org. “Mother of Rain” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org Alabama Auto Show BJCC. www.bjcc.org Football, Fans and Feathers Raptor Educational Program 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive, Auburn. 4 p.m. www.auburn.edu/raptor USA Volleyball Gulf Coast Region Championship Mobile. www.gulfcoastvball.org

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Family Calendar “Wake Me Lord! Shake Me Lord!” A Tribute to Hovie Lister and the Statesmen Quartet. Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu Member Opening Lecture: Brad Cushman 6 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu The Big To Do Concert Series ‘Satin Finish’ Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.ga Frogtown Hollow Jam Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.frogtownhollowjam.com Alabama Auto Show BJCC. www.bjcc.org Outcry Tour BJCC. www.bjcc.org Gabriel Iglesias Phillips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, April 9

Auburn Football A-Day 2016 Jordan-Hare Stadium. 1 p.m. www.auburntigers.com 19th Annual LaFayette Day for Valley Haven LaFayette. www.valleyhavenschool.org Ozark Crawdad & Music Festival www.ozarkalabama.us USA Volleyball Gulf Coast Region Championship Mobile. www.gulfcoastvball.org Discovery Day at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Dauphin Island. www.estuarium.disl.org “Wake Me Lord! Shake Me Lord!” A Tribute to Hovie Lister and the Statesmen Quartet. Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival Lanark Park, Millbrook. www.alabamawildlife.org Alabama Book Festival Old Town Alabama, Montgomery. www.alabamabookfestival.org Calico Fort Arts & Crafts Fair Fort Deposit. www.calicofort.com Central Alabama Crawfish Festival Selma. www.facebook.com/centralalabamacrawfishfestival Tour Autauga Spinner’s Park, Prattville. www.tourautauga.org Second Saturday Riverfront Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com Volunteer Saturday Oxbow Meadows. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu Frogtown Hollow Jam Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.frogtownhollowjam.com Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum. Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Sunday, April 10

USA Volleyball Gulf Coast Region Championship Mobile. www.gulfcoastvball.org Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival Bham. www.stelias.org Mumford & Sons BJCC. www.bjcc.org 2016 Lakewood Amp Country Megaticket Lakewood Amp, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com Calico Fort Arts & Crafts Fair Fort Deposit. www.calicofort.com

Monday, April 11 Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival Bham. www.stelias.org

Tuesday, April 12

Discovery Hike Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

March/April2016

Wednesday, April 13 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Thursday, April 14

Nature Walk Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve SEC Women’s Golf Tournament Bham. www.secsports.com “Mother of Rain” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org Film: Portraits of the Artists 4 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Book Talk: Daniel Patterson 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Friday, April 15

On the Tracks Opelika. www.onthetracks.org SEC Women’s Golf Tournament Bham. www.secsports.com Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale Mountain Brook. www.bbgardens.org “Mother of Rain” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org The Big To Do Concert Series ‘Lava Lamp’ Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.ga American Heart Association Heart & Stroke Ball Cirque Du Coeur Honoring Rick Ussery RiverMill Event Center. 678-224-2063. Flashdance BJCC. www.bjcc.org Kathy Griffin Atl. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, April 16

Junior Adventure Challenge Kiesel Park, Auburn. 2-5 p.m. www.juniorleagueofleecounty.com Butterflies and Bridges 8K Races Selma. www.selmacitysports.com Castleberry Strawberry Festival Facebook/Castleberry-Strawberry-Festival 16th Annual Waverly “Old 280” Boogie www.standarddeluxe.com SEC Women’s Golf Tournament Bham. www.secsports.com Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale Mountain Brook. www.bbgardens.org Mountain Brook Art Association Spring Art Festival www.mountainbrookartassociation.com Walk For Autism and 5K Spain Park High School. www.walkforautismAl.com “Mother of Rain” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org Flashdance BJCC. www.bjcc.org Super Saturday Family Day LaGrange Art Museum. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org Georgia Vines Beer & Wine Festival Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.ga Pentatonix: The World Tour 2016 with Special Guest Us the Duo BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com

CASA Superhero 5K/Mile Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.ga The Pines of Rome: Music of Time & Place RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library Bryan Adams: Get Up Verizon Wireless Amp at Encore Park, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com Wetumpka Craterfest www.wetumpkachamber.com

Sunday, April 17

iHeart Media Auburn Bridal Show Hotel at Auburn University. 1 p.m. Hardee’s Pro-Classic Tennis Tournament Dothan. www.hardeesproclassic.com SEC Women’s Golf Tournament Bham. www.secsports.com Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale Mountain Brook. www.bbgardens.org “Mother of Rain” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org K-12 Art Club 1:30 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Monday, April 18

Hardee’s Pro-Classic Tennis Tournament Dothan. www.hardeesproclassic.comApril 18- Show & Tell Book Group Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. 334-501-3190.

Tuesday, April 19

Cirque Mechanics Pedal Punk East Alabama Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org Hardee’s Pro-Classic Tennis Tournament Dothan. www.hardeesproclassic.com Forever YA Book Club Auburn Public Library. 7 p.m. 334-501-3190. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library Jimmy Buffet Oak Mountain Amp. www.ticketmaster.com

Wednesday, April 20 Hardee’s Pro-Classic Tennis Tournament Dothan. www.hardeesproclassic.com Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Thursday, April 21

Dancing Stars of East Alabama Beard-Eaves Court. For a table/tickets, contact Kendra, 334-329-8073 or Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Battle of Selma Re-enactment Selma. www.battleofselma.com Hardee’s Pro-Classic Tennis Tournament Dothan. www.hardeesproclassic.com Putting on the Ritz Ritz Theater, Greenville. www.gaac-ritz.com A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Third Thursday Poetry Series 6:30 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Friday, April 22

Battle of Selma Re-enactment Selma. www.battleofselma.com Lee County Relay for Life Lee County Courthouse Square, Opelika. www.relayforlife.org/LeeAl Earth Day Clean Up Talladega NF - Talladega District. www.fs.usda.gov/goto/alabama/districts/talladegaRD Hardee’s Pro-Classic Tennis Tournament Dothan. www.hardeesproclassic.com Gardendale Magnolia Festival www.magnolia-festival.org Magic City Art Connection Bham. www.magiccityart.com Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com Putting on the Ritz Ritz Theater, Greenville. www.gaac-ritz.com “To Kill a Mockingbird” Theatrical Production Monroeville. The Big To Do Concert Series ‘The Journey Tribute Band’ Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.ga Boyz II Men BJCC. www.bjcc.org Russell Marine In Water Boat Show Alexander City. www.russellmarine.net

Saturday, April 23

Russell Marine In Water Boat Show Alexander City. www.russellmarine.net Music and Miracles Superfest Jordan-Hare Stadium. www.musicandmiracles.com Rock N Ribs Benefit Selma. www.blackbeltbenefitgroup.org Sunshine Saturday Family Life Center, Talladega. Facebook/the ARC of North Talladega County 2016 Bike Bash Wrights Mill Elem, Auburn. 8 a.m. - 12 noon. www.bikebash.org Hardee’s Pro-Classic Tennis Tournament Dothan. www.hardeesproclassic.com Gardendale Magnolia Festival www.magnolia-festival.org 7th Annual Bald Eagle Bash Fairhope. www.baldeaglebash.com Mobile Bay Earth Day www.earthdaymobilebay.org Magic City Art Connection Bham. www.magiccityart.com Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com Earth Day at The Gardens Bham. www.bbgardens.org Gumbo Gala Bham. www.gumbogala.com Putting on the Ritz Ritz Theater, Greenville. www.gaac-ritz.comApril “To Kill a Mockingbird” Theatrical Production Monroeville. Hippy’s Big Butt BBQ Bash Monroeville. www.hippyofmc.org ReptileFest Oxbow Meadows. www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu Symphony on the Sand Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com Widespread Panic BJCC. www.bjcc.org Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day 365 North Donahue Drive, Auburn. 334-501-3080. Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

March/April2016

4H Day McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org Battle of Selma Re-enactment Selma. www.battleofselma.com

Sunday, April 24

Battle of Selma Re-enactment Selma. www.battleofselma.com Hardee’s Pro-Classic Tennis Tournament Dothan. www.hardeesproclassic.com Magic City Art Connection Bham. www.magiccityart.com Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com Montevallo Family Fun and Fitness Day Montevallo. www.montevallocc.com Steely Dan BJCC. www.bjcc.org Family Storytime Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. 334-501-3190. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show Alexander City. www.russellmarine.net

Tuesday, April 26

Meet Me @ the Museum Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Wednesday, April 27 Tim O’Brien BJCC. www.bjcc.org Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Thursday, April 28

Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series: On the Town Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu “The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Maestro for a Moment RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org 12th Annual Auburn CityFest Juried Art Preview Exhibition Reception 5:30 p.m.Kiesel Park, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org Listen To Your Mother BJCC. www.bjcc.org Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Friday, April 29

GEICO 500 Weekend Talladega Superspeedway. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com Confederate Park Civil War Military & Civilian Life Living History Marbhury. www.exploresouthernhistory.com/confederatepark Geneva Festival on the Rivers www.genevariverfestival.com Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series: On the Town Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu “The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org

Spring Swing Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.coa.columbusstate.edu/springswing

Saturday, April 30

Walk the Walk: A Walk for Women’s Hope 9 a.m. 832 Stage Rd, Auburn or Trinity Presbyterian Church, Opelika. www.walkthewalk2016.com. Southern Makers Union Station Train Shed, Montgomery. www.southernmakers.com 22nd Annual Fitzgerald Gala and Auction Montgomery. www.fitzgeraldmuseum.org Three Notch Market Andalusia. www.ajwcthreenotchmarket.com Auburn Cityfest Kiesel Park, Auburn. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburncityfest.com Geneva Festival on the Rivers www.genevariverfestival.com George Washington Carver Arts & Crafts Festival Downtown Square, Tuskegee. www.tuskegeeareachamber.org Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series: On the Town Samford University. www.tickets.samford.edu TroyFest www.troyfestarts.com Weogufka Mule Day 2016 www.weofufkacenter.org “The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. GEICO 500 Weekend Talladega Superspeedway. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com Discover Silk Painting with Rene Shoemaker Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com Cardboard Boat Race Opelika SportsPlex. www.opelikasportsplex.com Confederate Park Civil War Military & Civilian Life Living History Marbhury. www.exploresouthernhistory.com/confederatepark Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library Weatherfest McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org Walk the Walk: A Walk for Women’s Hope Auburn and Opelika. www.walkthewalk2016.com Auburn CityFest 2016. Kiesel Park. 9am. www. auburncityfest.com

Sunday, May 1

Southern Makers Union Station Train Shed, Montgomery. www.southernmakers.com Geneva Festival on the Rivers www.genevariverfestival.com April 30-May 1- TroyFest. www.troyfestarts.com GEICO 500 Weekend Talladega Superspeedway. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com

Thursday, May 5

Sundown Concert Series at Town Creek Park 6 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org “The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org Sundown Concert Series at Town Creek Park Auburn. 6 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Family Calendar Friday, May 6

“The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org AACT’s “The Red Velvet Cake War” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org

Saturday, May 7 Touch a Truck Landmark Park, Dothan www.landmarkparkdothan.com AACT’s “The Red Velvet Cake War” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org “The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org

Sunday, May 8

AACT’s “The Red Velvet Cake War” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org

Thursday, May 12

Sundown Concert Series at Town Creek Park 6 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org “The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org AACT’s “The Red Velvet Cake War” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org

March/April2016

Friday, May 13

“The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org AACT’s “The Red Velvet Cake War” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org

Saturday, May 14

24th Annual Fishing Rodeo 8 a.m. www.auburnalabama.org Wandering Through Wondrous Gardens 2016 www.leemg.org Tiger Kids Tri www.triauburnal.com “The Who’s Tommy” Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org AACT’s “The Red Velvet Cake War” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org

Sunday, May 15

Wandering Through Wondrous Gardens 2016 www.leemg.org AACT’s “The Red Velvet Cake War” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org

Wednesday, May 18 Rihanna: Anti World Tour 2016 Phillips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, May 21

42nd Annual Old Car Show 1220 Fox Run Ave, Opelika. 334-826-9826.

Thursday, May 26

Sundown Concert Series at Town Creek Park 6 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org

Friday, May 27

57th Master’s Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com

Saturday, May 28

57th Master’s Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com Auburn City Pools Open Today

Sunday, May 29

57th Master’s Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com Janet Jackson BJCC. www.bjcc.org

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com!

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www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Miracles From Heaven

The Divergent

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: A Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Miracles From Heaven PG for thematic material, including accident and medical images. The faith based movie train is rolling full steam ahead, and Miracles From Heaven is the next car to pull into the station. From Sony’s Affirm Films (which just released Risen a few weeks earlier) this is a movie based on the real life experience of young Texas child, Anna Beam. Anna (impeccably depicted by Kylie Rogers) is getting tummy aches and vomiting on a daily basis. Her mother Christy (in a spot on performance by Jennifer Garner) does what so many parents have done. She parades Anna to a litany of doctors who tell her the little girl is perfectly fine -- or at worst lactose intolerant. But this mom isn’t going to accept the “all is well” response any longer. Finally, after a long night in an emergency room, a doctor discovers that Anna has a disease that essentially causes her gut to paralyze. Put simply, her food intake is trapped in her digestive tract. It’s a life threatening condition with no known cure. From here Christy begins the anticipated trek to save her child. Only one specialist in the country has the necessary experience with the illness. Leaving her husband Kevin (Martin Henderson) at home with their other two girls, his brand new veterinary practice and mountain of debt, the dedicated mom hops a jet with Anna and heads to Boston to see Dr. Nurko (Eugenio Derbez). The problem is she’s been on Nurko’s wait list for months and she still doesn’t have an appointment. However, this is a movie about miracles and the first one comes a day after she pleads to see the doctor and manages to get an early morning appointment. From here, mother and daughter begin a new life schedule of every-six-week flights and a continual stream of heartbreaking disappointments. With Anna’s condition worsening, the pair heads home with a palliative care agenda -- until Anna’s big sister Abbie (Brighton Sharbino) talks her into climbing a rotting cottonwood tree in the family yard. If you’ve seen the trailer you may feel like you’ve seen the movie -- however there is more to this story than Anna’s fall from the tree that miraculously heals her. Where the real payoff for your box office dollars lies is during the many scenes where Christy must keep her desperation in check while trying to deal with circumstances spiraling out of control. Yes, Anna’s “spontaneous remission” is a miracle, but the real story is about her mother and how faith kept her from falling from her own figurative tree. During the process Christy claims she’s lost her belief in God but the evidence on screen still displays a dedicated woman willing to move heaven and earth to see her daughter get better. Devoid of the usual content issues, most viewers will appreciate the production’s messages of hope and the existence of God. It would just be nice to see other examples of faith in theaters that don’t have the wrapped-in-a-bow (and overtly sentimental) conclusion this one offers.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: CSexual Content: B Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated The Divergent Series: Allegiant PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements, and some partial nudity. Our determined gang of Divergents continue their fight to fix Chicago, a dystopian mess of demolished buildings overrun by warring factions. (Make sure you take a look at the previous two movies or novels to catch up on the backstory.) They received a message in the previous episode that claimed the answers to their problems lay on the other side of the wall that surrounds their city. Now leader Tris (Shailene Woodley), along with her boyfriend and right-hand beefcake Four (Theo James), her brother Caleb (Ansel Elgort), the difficult-to-trust Peter (Miles Teller) and hard-core adventurer Christina (Zoe Kravitz) make a run for the barrier. In hot pursuit are soldiers following the commands of Evelyn (Naomi Watts) the crumbling metropolis’s new, self-appointed leader. The hurdle over the wall doesn’t go well and the green on the other side of the fence is less than lush. Running across a landscape that looks like Mars, with blood-like rain to match, the fugitives are eventually greeted by a platoon of futuristic warriors that envelop them in a net-like bubble and deliver them to an outpost reminiscent of George Jetson’s condo. After a decontamination shower (naked, of course, providing us with a lingering view of Woodley in silhouette) a devious looking dude named Matthew (Bill Skarsgard) fills them in on what’s happening. Put simply, 200 years ago mankind (that’s us) was messing around with DNA and the mutants they created eventually led to planetary destruction. Believing that human genes could heal themselves, if given enough time, someone agreed to use the survivors living in the ruins of Chicago as lab rats, to see if the damage could be repaired. The Divergents proved to be the cream of the crop and, no surprise, Tris is the creamiest. Her status as the only human to evolve from impure to pure, gets her a pass to ride the glass elevator to the penthouse suite where she meets David (Jeff Daniels), the guy who’s in charge of the experiment. Compared to the military style barracks everyone else is housed in, David’s luxurious living quarters are a not so subtle clue he’s not as nice as he first appears. Torn apart by issues of trust and dealing with mounting aggression from earlier confrontations, the characters in Allegiant stumble toward an awkward mid-novel intermission (yet another final book stretched into two movies -Ascendant is scheduled for release in June 2017). The battling factions are core to the story, which features weapons use, stabbings and hand-to-hand combat with blood effects, although the visuals stop short of becoming explicit. Fortunately, the script contains only a smattering of mild profanities.

Series: Allegiant

What Parents need to know about Allegiant...

Violence: Violent depictions are pervasive in this movie, which features detailed hand-to-hand combat, gunfights and knife use. Also depicted are explosions, electrical shock, vehicle crashes and kidnapping. Characters are injured and killed (some blood is shown) during these confrontations. Characters are executed -- a gun is held to their head, the sound of a shot is heard, and their body is shown falling to the floor. Injections and poisonous gas are used to gain power over enemies. Children are kidnapped and their parents are sometimes killed. Characters mock and belittle others. Sexual Content: Characters embrace and kiss. A woman removes her clothing to shower: seen naked from shoulders up, and from the back in silhouette. Language: Infrequent uses of mild profanity and scatological slang.

What Parents need to know about Miracles From Heaven...

Violence: Characters suffering from illness are depicted: one has a bloated belly, others have hair loss, some are shown attached to medical equipment. Vomiting is portrayed. Medical procedures, tests and treatments are shown, sometimes in detail. A child falls 30 feet into a hollow tree and is trapped inside. Tense scenes depict emergency crews attempting a rescue while worried parents and neighbors stand by. Bloody injuries are shown. Death is discussed. Sexual Content: A married couple kiss. A shirtless man is seen. Language: Mild profanities and terms of deity are used, most in a religious context. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2016

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THE ADVENTURES IN

Math & Science 2016 Summer Camp Sessions

Hosted by the Alabama School of Math and Science June 6-10, June 13-17, & June 20-24 Grades 6-10

Register Online Early to Save! Register by April 6: $360 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $260 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after April 6: $385 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $285 Day Camp (includes lunch) The cost to stay the weekend between Sessions 1 and 2 is an additional $185 (includes trip to water park) Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at www.asms.net. COURSE SAMPLING ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more.

1255 Dauphin St. • Mobile, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • www.asms.net • admissions@asms.net

Day & Overnight Camp! Kayak in Mobile Bay Build a Robot

Solve a Crime

Prepare for the ACT Launch a Rocket

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