April2014
Volume 5 Number 2
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Publisher’s Note Kendra Sumner
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Living With Children John Rosemond
Kids Health
Allergy season is here! Help prevent your child’s exposure to allergens with these tips.
Grow With It!
Discover how to thrive in each stage of motherhood, with all of its ups and downs.
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Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn
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Dave Says Dave Ramsey
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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
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Get This! Gerry Paige Smith
Quality Child Care
Learn what to look for when researching and visiting prospective daycare options for your children.
Child Care Listing Find details about Lee County child care centers when deciding what’s best for your little ones.
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The FlyLady Marla Cilley
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Parenting on the Plains Polly Dunn, Ph.D.
On The Cover Aubrey will be one year old April 29th! She is a spunky little girl who loves exploring and is into everything. She loves playing with her big brother, swinging, and has just started learning to walk. She lives in Opelika with her mom (Renea), dad (Jason), and big brother (Andrew). Aubrey and all of her cute little classmates attend Bonnie’s Kids Childcare Center in Opelika. Looks like they just adore their teacher!
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Departments 6
Bits and Pieces 10
School Bits 40
Family Calendar 48
Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Publisher’sNote All of a sudden, as if someone pushed the fast forward button to my life, I have found myself without any more toddlers in the house. My youngest will be turning five this summer and, with tears in my eyes, I handed over my last set of registration forms for fall preschool. Can’t I just keep him four years old forever and let him stay home and play with Mom? While struggling with myself over this question, the realization that I had to let go a little bit and find a preschool where he could make new friends, discover new things, and explore a world of learning, hit me like a ton of bricks. Who could I trust to take care of him? Which child care facility offered all the items on my checklist? How would I know where to start looking or what questions I need to ask? Does this sound like you and your thoughts while planning care for your kids? Most parents have very similar questions and needs regarding the care of their children by others. Each April, Auburn Opelika Parents features its Child Care Edition. In this year’s issue, the feature article, Quality Child Care: What You Should Look For, outlines some great places to start when planning full time, part time or after school care for your children. Things you may have on your checklist to consider are hours, location, teacher-to-child ratio, cost, and credentials of directors and staff. These are all very important research questions. For me and our family, the top priority is safety. Ask what the procedures are for building safety, for emergencies and how you would be notified if your child became injured or was threatened by a bully? If the answers you are seeking are not addressed or their procedures do not match your expectations, then you may need to question those procedures, make your concerns heard or find another facility that can better serve your children where safety comes first. My kids are my greatest treasures and should be seen as such by those who take on the care of them while I am not there. Another checkpoint on my list for finding quality care is the frequency of positive, affirming interactions throughout the day. With my background being in school counseling, I believe that children will learn and thrive only after they feel safe and enjoy being in that learning environment. I have always said that if my kids learn letters and numbers, then that is a bonus, but I first want them to love school, their teachers and to want to go to preschool each day. So, a caregiver who continuously speaks and responds to children in a positive way with encouragement and love will have me on board any day! Along with other great articles this month, a complete listing of local child care providers is included. Whether you need care for multiple kids, full time or part time, or just after school pickup service for older kids, our 2014 Lee County Child Care Guide has it all! Included with each facility’s listing are the features each center offers, their contact information, age groups they serve and any special classes or programs offered, such as music, foreign language or gymnastics. Many locations are just beginning the registration process now for this upcoming fall. So, get your checklist together of what you are looking for in quality childcare and start checking them off. Schedule a tour, observe the facility and staff, and get all your concerns answered. We are very fortunate to live in a community where our options are many and our children do come first! As a reminder, from one parent to another, while planning for your child’s care, take a few moment to press the pause button and enjoy those fleeting toddler moments. They go by so very fast!
Kendra
kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com
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Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source
Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Kendra Sumner kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Marla Cilley Polly Dunn, Ph.D. Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Brenda Nixon, M.Ed. Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Ellen Royal, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com
President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner justin@auburnopelikaparents.com (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 1204 Owens Road Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2014 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
Good Discipline Will Never Equal Perfect Kids Q: My 6-year-old son is a bright and
friendly kindergartner. Each day a color coded chart is sent home about his behavior. This year he’s gone through several spells during which he will have a “bad color” for several days in a row. Each time this occurs we punish him by not allowing him to play soccer, sending him to bed early, confining him to his room for the evening, or taking away TV, but none of this is having any long-term effect. The misbehavior—talking out of turn and not keeping his hands to himself—will happen for a few days, then stop for a week or two, then start happening again, and so on. Your advice?
A: Today’s parents have a “magical” belief in consequences. They believe that behavior modification (the manipulation of reward and punishment to “shape” behavior), used properly, will cure any behavior problem. When a behavior modification-based approach doesn’t
Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
work, the conclusion is either (a) it wasn’t used properly or (b) the child in question has a disorder that renders him immune to “normal discipline.” First, consequences do not work reliably with human beings. Another way of saying this is that behavior modification-based discipline sometimes has no lasting effect (as you’ve discovered) and can even backfire. Punishing a child for a certain misbehavior can make the child that much more determined to get his way, for example. When you use a proper consequence for a certain behavior problem and the behavior does not improve, the thing to do is stay the course. Continue using the proper consequence. Unfortunately, at that point, most parents begin an increasingly-frustrated search for a consequence that will solve the problem. In so doing, they run the risk of beginning to zig-zag all over the disciplinary playing field. Most adults, if they look back on their childhoods, will realize that they developed misbehaviors that no consequence on God’s green earth would have stopped them from doing. We all develop misbe-
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haviors during childhood that we carry into our adult lives. Our parents’ best efforts to help us solve these problems failed. We had to come to grips with them as adults. We had to take full responsibility for them and purge them from our lives. The second thing I need to tell you is that talking impusively and not keeping one’s hands to oneself is a symptom of “boy.” When all is said and done, and despite the fact that they are inappropriate to a classroom setting, they are not serious problems. He is not doing anything malicious or pre-sociopathic. Unfortunately, schools have lost tolerance for “boys.” They hold boys to a female standard of behavior which is one reason why a lot more boys than girls are diagnosed with the disorders referred to above. So, you’re doing fine. Just stay the course. Keep in mind that your job is not to correct all of his problems before he becomes an adult. You can’t, and the attempt to do so will drive you nuts. Look around you. There are lots of moms who are driving themselves nuts trying to raise perfect kids. Right? Right. Don’t go there. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.
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2320 MOORES MILL ROAD, SUITE. 250 AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099
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Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners! (Wii Drawing for March 1st)
A’yana Carson Abbey Darnell Abigail Arrington Abigayle Berry Addison Mezick Adrienne Williams Aiden Barnes Aiden Craft Aleah Browder Alexandria Ogletree Alexis Berry Alijah Calloway Amanda Lee Amanda Norman Amaya Wood Andrew Burkhalter Aniyah Woods Aniyha Frazier Anna Carlsson Anthony Lopez Asheton McCollum Aubrey Pilgrim Austin Franklin Austin Ware Ava Sturkie Avery Parmer Bailey Hoppa Ben Cox Benjamin Darnell
Blake Oliver Brandee Lee Brandon Boyd Jr. Brantaja Stinson Braxton Hughes Brayden Williams Braylin McGhee Bryant Kelley Brycen Hughes Brynne McCormick Bryson Parker Caleb Langford Caleb Sistrunk Callie Newton Cameia Askew Candice Kite Caroline Boterf Carter Barnes Carter Hefelfinger Carter Lowe Cayden Thomas Cecilia Strickland Chaney Thomas Chappell Shifflett Charles Kirk Charles Worthington Charlie Placek Chris E. Morales Perez Chris Kite
Christian Lowry Christian Ware Christopher Sims Christopher Terrell Christopher Thomas Clarice Grant Coleman Mezick Colton Eubanks Colton Milby Colton Ray Connor McCormick Cooper Moore Cordrevius Wilson D’Wayne Fears Daesung Ko Dakotah Rosier Damion Williams Daniel Darnell Daniel Venegas David Pifer Desiree’ Penn Destiny Powell Devon Lowry Dezmone Edwards Diamond Holmes Dillon Sullivan DJ Wilkerson Dylan Perez-Moon Dylen Crisp
Eliana Foradori Ellis Bailey Emily Downey Emory R. Compton Erica Mayberry Erron Mayberry Ethan Browder Ethan Langford Ethan Parmer Everleigh Seawell Francisco Venegas Grace Darnell Gray Carson Heinrich Weikart Hunter Cooper Isaac Baum Isaac Riggs Isabella Sullivan J’me Elliott Ja’Kaiya Jones Ja’Quez Johnson Ja’Vel Strickland Jabrion Batiste Jack Darnell Jackson Conaway Jaden Hill Jahnia Little Jailene Willard Jaimey Brynn Pike Jakeira Cooper Jalecia Brooks James Riley Jr. Jameson Houston Jameson Seawell Jamyah Dorman Jannie Freeman Jaquavious Adams JaQueraius Thomas Jarod Moreland Jr.
Jayden Rosier Jayla Moore Jeffrey Shifflett Jeraius Thomas Jhamari Carter Joel Tatum John-Elliot Willard Jonah Rodriguez Joniya Griffin Jontavious Williams Jordan Sotherland Jorden Davis Jose M. Dominguez Justin Levett Kadely Robertson Kaitlyn Alexander Kalayria Dinkins Kaleb Williams Kalina Love Karson Brown Katelyn Downey Katie Grace Pressnell Kaylie Crisp Kenveontae Coker Kenyion Stephens Keondre Underwood Keylee Taylor KeyShawn Bulger Kimberly Dye Kyle Chang Kyle Milby Kyleigh Ray Kymberneisha Pasley La’Meriyah Harris La’Mya Dunn LaMeshia Todd Lauren Luck Lendjae Moreland Leonardo Hernandez
Luke Donaldson Mackinzy Taylor Macy Margaret Kirkland Madison Lowry Madison Preston Makenzie Wynn Maribel Moon Marquetta Jackson Mary Burkhalter Mary Tressler Chambliss Mason Dabbs Mathias Burke Matthew Carlsson Matthew Mask McKenzie Ruth Johnson McKenzie Stoneback Messiah Houston Michael Austin Whaley Miriam Rodriguez Mollie Ford Morgan Kitchens Morgan Moncrief My’Khia Mitchell Myles Pike Naomi Beasley Natasha Byrd Nathaniel Ray Noah Merrels Nyja Butler Oscar Strickland Parker Tolbert Prayiler Reinhardt Promise Strickland Quincy Pruitt Quintrell Williams Remedi Thompson Ryan Donaldson Sam Stoneback Samuel Lowe
Sarah Smith Serenity Shuman Seth Crisp ShaKerra Forbes ShaTerra Forbes Shawn Stoneback Sofia Foradori Sofia Martinez-Ramirez Stormie Reaves Sydnee LaFrentz Tallie Bethea Tamara Aiken Tatum Lehmkuhl Taya Kelley Thomas Bailey Thomas Darnell Tiana Key Travevus Thomas Tre’Marion Cannon Tremayne Cannon Tremell Williams Trinity Hollie Trint Britton Tucker Thompson Tyler Hufstedler Tyleria Smith Tynesha Smith William Goodner William Sindo Xavi Daniel Ramirez Zach Sims Zachary Beasley III ZaKariyyah Joiner Zalexius Williams ZaNija Brinkley ZaQuavis Shaw Zemarion Hughley Zyion Shaw
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AU Football A-Day
Auburn’s 2014 spring football game, A-Day, will be held Saturday, April 19 at Jordan-Hare Stadium, at 2:00 p.m. Also, the Auburn baseball and track and field teams will be in action at home during A-Day weekend. The baseball team will host South Carolina in a three-game series, April 18-20, while the Auburn track and field teams will host the War Eagle Invitational on April 18-19. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Relay for Life of Lee County
Relay for Life of Lee County will be held on Friday, April 25, in the Downtown Opelika Courthouse Square. The 2014 theme is Lights, Camera, Take Action Against Cancer! Start/ join a team, support a team, donate time/ energy/resources or learn more about the event at www.relayforlife.org/ leeal. Contact Mary Kuhn at (334) 705-2492 or mkuhn@ci.opelika.al.us for more information.
Move & Groove Family Fit Day 2014
Please join the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University the morning of April 5, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., at 301 Wire Road, Auburn, for this free citywide celebration of children and their health. Children and their families are invited to participate in the first Move & Groove Family Fit Day. Event Activities include: Free T-shirt to the first 50 participants, Games & Sport activities and instructions, Sport technique analyses for optimization & injury prevention, Group Exercise Activities— yoga & stress reduction, Scavenger Hunt, Kite Flying, Tennis Tips & Lessons, Wheelchair Sports, USA Team Handball Sport demonstrations, Face Painting, Educational information & materials, Aubie & much more! All proceeds from this event will go to support Auburn Day Care Centers.
Foster Parenting Classes
Become a foster parent to children in care. Open your home and your heart to a child in need with these foster parenting classes to become a therapeutic foster parent. The next classes are March 24, April 14 and May 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Alabama Mentor, 334705-8877.
Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine Open House for All Ages
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine will host an Open House on Saturday, March 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The student-organized event shares information about careers in veterinary medicine and activities about the college. The free event features a variety of fun and educational activities for all ages on our college campus located at 1130 Wire Road. High school and college students can talk with counselors about selecting courses for a future in veterinary medicine throughout the day. A special session at 10:30 a.m. in Overton covers admission requirements and career opportunities. Open House attendees will be able to tour the newly-opened Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital, as well as large animal facilities at the J.T. Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital. The last tour of the Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital will begin at noon; all other events will last until 2 p.m. During the popular Teddy Bear Surgery, children can help veterinary students practice their surgical skills. A scavenger hunt helps children learn as they explore exhibits around the college. Other family activities include a canine, bovine, and equine display of breeds, exotic animals and pocket pets, birds of prey from the Southeastern Raptor Center, face painting, and a paleodig. Educational demonstrations include ultrasound, radiographs, pathology, and an anatomy lab. Attendees are requested to leave pets at home. For more information on Open House, call (334) 844-2685. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
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Auburn Floral Trail in Full Bloom
Brought to you by the Auburn Beautification Council and the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, the 2014 Auburn Floral Trail is over 14 miles of the most beautiful spring blooms the South has to offer. The Auburn Floral Trail, open March 10-April 11, offers a North trail (3.4 miles), South trail (10.5 miles) and an optional trail. The Auburn Beautification Council is a non-profit, volunteer organization designed to assist in the fostering and promoting of the best interests of the residents of the city of Auburn and its environs so that it is a cleaner, healthier, safer, and more beautiful place to live, work, and visit. Any individual citizen, business, or organization in Auburn and its environs interested in promoting the purposes of the council is invited to join. Visit www.auburnalabama. org for trail directions. www. auburnbeautification.org.
On The Tracks Coming in April
Join Opelika for its biannual event, On the Tracks, April 11, 6:00 p.m., in Downtown Opelika. This event draws hundreds to Historic Downtown Opelika to enjoy a fun night on the town enjoying all that Opelika has to offer. Food vendors line the streets as live music is performed from a stage in the middle of Railroad Avenue. There are also musicians on 8th and 9th streets, playing for all to enjoy. A tasting trail takes participants through quaint shops and galleries throughout the square. There are also private group tables which allow friends and co-workers to mingle together for an unforgettable night. Trail tickets are available through this website or on the night of the event. On the Tracks was created by Pam Powers-Smith and Richard Patton as a way to get attendees exposed to all of the stores in downtown Opelika—even the shops attendees are less frequently exposed to. The event hasn't changed much over the years—mostly because people enjoy it the way it is! Each year, the same great atmosphere and social fun emerges in the spring and fall! www.onthetracks.org.
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K Easter on the Square 2014: April 19
Unique & Spectacular Egg-tivities for children 2nd grade and under! Come out for an old fashioned good time. Egg-tivities start at 10 a.m. Make parade decorations, hat, bunny ears, vest, tie or bonnet. Have picture made with the Easter Bunny; enjoy cotton candy, lemonade, cookies and storytellers on Courthouse Square. The Easter Parade begins at 10:45 a.m. Join the Easter Bunny, the Easter Egg, the Baby Egg and the Easter Chicken for an old fashioned parade around Courthouse Square. Show off bonnets and other Easter crafts as you take this traditional stroll while anticipating the Egg Hunt! An adult must accompany all parade participants. Giant Egg Hunt—11:00 a.m. Children 2nd grade and under are invited to join the fun and search for eggs at Courthouse Square. Sections are provided for Toddlers, Pre-School and School age children. Over 25,000 eggs to be gathered! 705-5560.
33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored By Wells Fargo
Auburn Parks and Recreation presents the 33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Wells Fargo, on Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. at Kiesel Park. Children ages 12 and under are invited to join us for this FREE community event featuring more than 35,000 eggs hidden over a four-acre area. Visit Auburn Parks and Recreation online at www. auburnalabama.org/parks to download a map of the hunting ground and activities going on throughout the morning. The hunt features four separate hunting grounds divided by age groups: 3 & under, 4 - 6 yrs, 7 - 9 yrs, and 10 - 12 yrs. All hunts will be held simultaneously and begin promptly at 10:15 a.m. Kids, don't miss your chance to find one of several Golden Eggs, including a $25 Visa gift card prize egg and a Wells Fargo stuffed pony for each age group, all courtesy of Wells Fargo! In addition to the egg hunt, attendees can enjoy music from Van Riggs with the 97.7 Kicker FM morning show and free soft drinks and balloons, courtesy of Wells Fargo. Don't forget your cameras for a chance to have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! The Kiwanis Club of Greater Auburn will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers, so be sure to bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic after the hunt. Proceeds from the sales will benefit needy families throughout the community.
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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.
Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!
We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?
Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1
Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International
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Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.
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Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director
1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16
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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,
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FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn
Allergies and Asthma Spring is here at last! Although I am grateful for the warm weather, for allergy sufferers this may be the time of year when allergies are at their worst. Allergies are caused by the immune system-- our defense system from infections-making a mistake and reacting to a harmless substance in the environment such as pollen. The body makes an antibody to the substance and this reacts with mast cells in the body to release histamine. Histamine causes a cascade reaction which produces the symptoms of sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, cough and sometimes wheezing and hives. Rarely anaphylaxis occurs. This is an overwhelming reaction to the allergen causing generalized swelling of the face, mouth, and airway. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that requires a trip to the emergency room to be treated immediately with epinephrine (epi-pen). Fortunately, this reaction does not happen often. Allergies are a common problem in the southeast. Our warm and humid climate plus abundant plant life, molds and insects produce an environment particularly conducive to developing allergies. In fact, the most common substances that people react to (called allergens) are all present in our area. These include, but are not limited to: pollen from trees, grass pollen weed pollen, dust mites, mold, cockroach droppings, and animal dander. Whether or not a person reacts to these allergens depends primarily on two things: genetics and exposure. Genetic predisposition to allergy and asthma is well known. Children of parents with allergic disease (allergy, asthma or eczema) are more likely than the general population to develop these problems themselves.
Usually, if a person is going to have allergies, they will develop them by the late teen years. That leads to the second factor: exposure to allergens. As stated above, in the South there is ample exposure to allergens throughout the year. These allergens are floating in the air waiting to be inhaled by the allergy sufferer. During certain times of the year the pollen count is high meaning there are more particles floating in the air. In the spring months-- February to May-tree pollen is highest, grass pollen is prevalent in the summer months and weed pollen comes in the late summer through November. Other allergens are around all year long. These include dust mites, mold, cockroach droppings, and animal dander. Preventing exposure may be possible for some allergens. Keeping the windows closed, running the air conditioner and staying indoors on days when the pollen count is high may be helpful. Reduce exposure to dust mites by covering pillow and mattress with special covers designed to block allergens. Wash bedding in hot water weekly, remove carpets and vacuum /dust frequently. If allergic to pets, keep them outside, or at least out of the child’s room. Water leaks and excessive humidity in the home can lead to mold, therefore fixing the source of the water leaks and cleaning mold contamination can help. Exterminating for cockroaches regularly helps to keep this allergy in check. Also a HEPA filter in the child’s bedroom may be helpful to clean the air. When avoiding the allergen is not possible, then treatment with medications is the next option. The mainstay of treatment for allergies is taking oral anti-histamines. Over the counter
antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratidine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra) are all available for children and have the advantage of being less sedating than diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others). Also you only need to take a dose once a day. If the over the counter medication is not enough, seeing your pediatrician for a prescription nasal spray or other medication may be needed. Treatment for allergic asthma requires a trip to the doctor’s office, but with proper adherence to prescribed inhalers; asthma can be very effectively treated. Asthma and allergy sufferers may also need to be referred to an allergist who can test for allergies and treat them with immunotherapy. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a long term treatment that involves being given a small amount of the allergen in an injection to help the body adapt to the allergen and react less to it in the environment. Allergy shots work for allergies to bee/wasp stings, pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander. They are not proven to help allergies to food, drugs or latex. Allergy season is here and hopefully so is the beautiful weather and flowers of spring. Keeping this information about allergies in mind can ensure that even allergy sufferers will have a wonderful spring! Dr. Ellen Royal attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for her medical degree and graduated in 1994. She returned to Alabama the summer of 1998 to join the pediatric practice of Dr. Richard M. Freeman. Dr. Royal is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Royal is married to Dr. Kevin Royal who practices Internal Medicine in Opelika and they have three children.
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Older Students Read to the Younger Ones
5th grader from Wrights Mill Road, Andie W., reads to a Dean Road first grader as part of the “Books and Blankets” celebration for Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Celebration. Wrights Mill Road 5th graders meet Dean Road 1st graders at the junior high school to read to them.
Autauga County Schools Senator Visits 3rd Graders at Morris Avenue Intermediate
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Senator Tom Whatley read to Mrs. Adams-Dorman’s 3rd grade class at Morris Avenue Intermediate School in Opelika and the students had lots of questions about how our government works. He did a great job of answering their questions in terms they could understand. The students really enjoyed his visit and wanted to know all about his dog.
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Dean Road Kindergarten Class Thinks Science is “Cool”
Dr. Allen Lipke, scientist and Granddad, recently visited Miss Donahoo’s Kindergarten class at Dean Road Elementary School. Dr. Lipke helped the boys and girls learn about solids, liquids, and gases during science time. Students practiced asking the all-important question “why?” while watching water “stick” to a string. In addition to using their own body heat to boil pressurized liquid in a hand bubbler, the students watched liquid nitrogen blow up a balloon as it turned from a liquid to a gas. The highlight of the activity was watching soap bubbles created using a bubble blower powered by dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) change into carbon dioxide gas. The activities all fit well with January’s exceptionally cold weather and the next experiment of building (and melting) a class snowman. Pictured is Dr. Lipke with students from Miss Donahoo’s class.
Ogletree Celebrates Black History Month
Students at Ogletree Elementary in Auburn commemorated Black History Month with a program. Mrs. Kathy Tremaine, retired ACS teacher, served as the guest speaker telling stories of her childhood and her presence at historical events during the civil rights movement. Students researched black Americans, created video presentations that can be accessed using QR codes, and presented this wall of fame visitors.
CIA Kids Awarded to Two West Smiths Station Elementary Students
Lee County recognized two students from West Smiths Station Elementary at the monthly CIA awards. The Character in Action award is sponsored by the Family Court of Lee County. Students with exceptional behavior and character are nominated by their teachers. Mrs. Charlotte Roberts and Tanner Banks represent first grade and Emma Barnes was nominated by her Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Donna Zeigler. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
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Wacoochee Holds Daddy-Daughter Dance
Wacoochee Elementary School held its Daddy-Daughter Dance on February 7, 2014. Dads and their daughters celebrated the evening by eating, dancing, and socializing. Sixth grader Kate Senn and her dad, Tim, stopped dancing just long enough to pose for a very sweet picture! There were among two-hundred participants this year and each girl enjoyed this special night with Daddy.
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Sanford Middle School’s NJHS Officers Pictured are Sanford Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society Officers for 2013-2014. They are from left to right Jasmine Reese (Historian), Victoria Clements (Treasurer) and Kaitlin Blackmon (Parliamentarian). Back row - Caleb Cook (Publicity), Dylan McCann (Vice President), Logan Massey (President), Wayne Graydon, Adviser. Missing from picture is Kim Harman (Secretary).
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Autauga County Schools OHS Senior Signs Scholarship with Southern Union State Community College
OHS Senior Skye Guice signed a volleyball scholarship to Southern Union State Community College. Pictured front row (l-r): Nisa Guice, mother; Skye Guice; Tyrone Guice, father. Pictured back row (l-r): Coach Devin Booth, Coach Brian Blackmon, Dr. Shakela Ford, guidance counselor; Ametrice Jackson, SUSCC Head Volleyball Coach; Inez Martin, grandmother; Devin Guice, brother;
Gertrude Guice, grandmother; Ulysses Guice, grandfather; Coach Melissa Bennett and OHS Principal Farrell Seymore.
Local Author Visits Ogletree Elementary Fourth Graders This group of fourth graders at Ogletree Elementary received a visit from local author Peter Huggins. The students took notes and were able to ask him questions about his book as well as learn writing techniques from him. They are reading his book, “In the Company of Owls�, in the media center with Mrs. Alsobrook.
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Southview Primary Celebrates Read Across America
Mrs. Thrash's first grade class at Southview Primary School read with our eyes shut for Read Across America Week.
Celebrating Read Across America Week at Carver Primary School
During Read Across America week, students at Carver Primary School in Opelika celebrated by participating in dress up days and were visited on Friday by guest readers. Pictured with Ms. Turnequois Mark and her Kindergarten class is Dr. Wayne Barr, Tuskegee University, Director of Choral Activities.
Auburn Classical Academy’s Geography Bee Winners
Auburn Classical Academy held its annual Geography Bee in February. Stanford Roarke won first place. In 2nd place was Sarah Rabren and taking 3rd was Sam Barbaro. Stanford will go on to participate in the State Geography Bee. Congratulations to our winners and good luck Stanford!
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Autauga County Schools Wrights Mill Road Students Excel at Science Olympiad
Wrights Mill Road students place fourth at the annual Science Olympiad competition held at Auburn University.
Opelika City Schools 2013-14 Teachers of the Year
The Opelika City Schools Board of Education honored the 2013-14 Teachers of the Year at the February board meeting. Pictured front row (l-r): Renae O'Mary-Northside Intermediate, Beth CampbellJeter Primary, and Janice Green-Morris Avenue Intermediate. Pictured back row: John Wilson-OMS, Amie White-Southview Primary, Robin Horn-West Forest Intermediate, Claudette Tennant-OHS, and Morgan Hilyer, Carver Primary. Robin Horn was selected as the OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year and Claudette Tennant was selected as the OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to this outstanding group of teachers!
Milestones Learning Center Celebrates Read Across America
Wrights Mill Road Students Jump for Ducks
4th graders Pierson C., and Lauren E. hold up ducks as part of the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. Students can earn different ducks for raising money.
In honor of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America, Milestones Learning Center had a host of activities to celebrate this special week. The childcare center held a book fair, a book drive, and hosted some very special volunteer readers. One of the childrens' favorite readers was "Sunny", a dog on call. Sunny is part of R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) and shared several Dr. Seuss books at Milestones with the help of his trainer, Nancy McDaniel. Sunny came dressed up in his Dr. Seuss hat and special reading glasses. Lee Sides, director of MLC, stated "The children simply love having special friends read to them throughout the day and Sunny made the day so much fun!"
Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
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100th Day at Wacoochee Elementary
Wacoochee Elementary School celebrated the 100th Day of School differently this year. The students and teachers dressed up as if they were 100 years old. Mr. Todd Seeley, second-grade teacher, and his student, Wyatt Henderson, were among those who participated. Happy 100th Day of School Wacoochee!
Cary Woods Class Becomes Famous American Wax Museum
On February 27th, Mrs. Vicker’s class became a living Famous American Wax Museum, with the students dressing as famous Americans in history.
Author Visits Students at South Smiths Station
4th, 5th, and 6th grade students at South Smiths Station Elementary School kicked off their library research unit with a hands-on presentation by nature and science author, Heather Montgomery.
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Autauga CountySanford Schools Middle School Scholars Win First Place at District Competition
The Sanford Middle School Scholar’s Bowl (academic) team won first place at their District Competition held at LAMP High School in Montgomery on January 25. This first place allows this team to compete at the State level in Hoover. Team members are: Cale Langley, Jud Myers, Logan Massey (Co-Captain), and Barrett Purohit (Co-Captain). Back row - Ben Meadows, Jacob Guthrie, Adam Gooden, Eve Hawkins, Victoria Clements and Emily Errigo. Wayne Graydon, Adviser.
Studying Astronomy at Auburn Classical Academy
Astronomy students from Auburn Classical Academy enjoy experimenting with the visible light spectrum while studying the stars of the winter constellations and the types of light they emit.
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 9-12 · SESSION 2: June 23-26 SESSION 3: July 28-31 · $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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OHS Ovations and Impressions Named Grand Champions at Southland Classic
Congratulations to the Opelika High School Ovations and Impressions for being named Grand Champions on March 1, 2014 at the Southland Show Choir Classic Competition in Enterprise, AL. Ovations won Overall Grand Champion of Preliminaries and Finals, Best Choreography, Best Show Design and Best Vocals. Impressions won Grand Champion of the Women’s Division, Best Choreography and Best Show Design. Congratulations also to James Ruffin who was named Best Male Soloist. “We are so proud of our students,” said Allyson Petrone, OHS Choral Director. “Mr. Ellis and I have seen them work extremely hard this year and they are very deserving of this honor.”
This season, the Ovations and Impressions performed at the Capital City Classic in Montgomery, where each group was named 2nd runner-up. Both groups also performed at the South Central Classic in Homewood, AL. The Ovations’ next competition will be in Orlando, FL at the FAME National Showchoir Competition, March 15 at the Hard Rock Theatre at Universal Studios. The Opelika Ovations and Impressions showchoirs are under the direction of Allyson Petrone and Calvin Ellis. Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.
T r i n i T y
D i s T i n c T i v e s
A c c o u n tA b i l i t y Accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools, Trinity is marked by a culture of hard work and the highest standards for conduct, spiritual growth, and academic achievement.
A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464
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Autauga County Schools 2015 Distinguished Young Woman Kickoff
The first of many gatherings for the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County was held March 3rd at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center. This was an informational meeting for the participants and/or parents. Any high school junior residing in Lee County may participate in the upcoming program. The program will be held August 9 at the Auburn High School Performing Arts Center. Deadlines are fast approaching. The DYW Program is a scholarship program for upcoming senior girls. It started in Mobile, Alabama with strong roots here in Auburn/Opelika area. Lee County is a growing area with lots of talented, intelligent, fit young women who excel in many areas. This program is all about being your best self and striving for the best. The program, (formerly Lee County’s Junior Miss), will take place on August 9 at Auburn Performing Arts Center, Julie and Hal Moore Center for Excellence. Interested girls may visit www.DistinguishedYW.org and click on the icon “Participate” to receive an application or they may contact Chairman Wynne Wages at lee@distinguishedYW.org or 334-728-4777. There is no entry fee. Participants compete in the categories of Fitness, Self-Expression, Interview, Scholastics and Talent. Last year more than $5,700 in cash-tuition scholarships was awarded and over $250,000 in college-granted scholarships. The Lee County representative will advance to the Distinguished Young Women Program of Alabama in Montgomery, where she will compete for over $40,000 in cash-tuition scholarships and over $1,000,000 in college granted scholarships. The current Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County is Nancy Fang, a senior at Auburn High School. All state winners will travel to Mobile to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2014 and for a share of more than $125,000 in cash scholarships. Founded in 1958 in Mobile, Alabama, America’s Junior Miss, now Distinguished Young Women of America, is the largest and oldest national scholarship program for high school girls. During its 55 years of operation, the program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women. Last year Distinguished Young Women provided more than $63 million in cash and college scholarships opportunities. Pictured, Michelle Swidwerski, Abby Watson; both juniors from Auburn High School background Katie Basden, mother of participant, Kallie Basden of Lee-Scott Academy.
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ACADEMIC CAMPS Art Studio Intensive Architecture Building Construc�on Engineering Fisheries + Aquaculture Fashion + Interior Design Food Science Forestry Science Industrial Design Musical Theatre REAL Cents, REAL Change Strings and Chamber Music Veterinary Science World Affairs (Model UN)
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LEARN. GROW. HAVE FUN. EARN COLLEGE CREDIT. SUMMER COLLEGE COURSES programs for high school students Environmental Geology auburn.edu/summercamps Crea�ve Wri�ng auburn.edu/summercollege Cyber Security Engineering or call 334-844-5100 Art of Architecture, Place, & Culture
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educa�onal ins�tu�on/employer.
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Local ‘Scouting for Food’ Nets Nearly 3 Tons for Food Bank
Area Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts took to neighborhoods, churches and other parts of our community in early February
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to scout for food — collecting more than 5,600 pounds — as part of the Boy Scouts of America’s national “good turn.” In all, 12 Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops in the Lee County area comprising the Chattahoochee Council’s Saugahatchee District collected food and assisted in receiving drop-offs to benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama. Additional Scouting units affiliated with churches and civic organizations collected food, clothing and other essential items to benefit their church food pantries or other charitable causes. “We enjoy participating in Scouting for Food because the benefits are so tangible,” said Troop 29 parent and troop committee member Bliss Bailey. “The boys look into those bags, see foods they recognize and like, and immediately understand how this will help others. It also teaches Scouts that little things add up — the contributions they collect, combined with the contributions collected by other units, add up to make a big impact.” Martha Henk, the Food Bank’s executive director, underscores how the collective efforts of some of the youngest residents of our community can result in great significance for the food insecure. “When you think about each one of those pounds was picked up and handled by [Scouts] as they brought the food to the Food Bank, it’s pretty amazing to remember this involved three and a half tons of food,” she said. “We appreciate the timing of this drive since it comes after the holiday season when people tend to forget about donating food.” Scouting for Food, an annual service project rooted in the founding principles of Scouting, helps thousands of families in
334.705.8655 www.bracesbyallen.com
need. Initiated by the Greater St. Louis Area Council in 1985, the program now encompasses the entire nation. Each year, Boy Scouts of America councils across the country gather goods from their communities for local food pantries to distribute to those in need. This “national good turn” emphasizes the role Scouting has had in the United States since its founding in February 1910. Food insecurity exists in every county in the United States, with 48.8 million Americans living in hunger. Nationally, as well as throughout Alabama, roughly 1 in 6 people struggle with “food insecurity.” Different from poverty, food insecurity individuals and household lack stable access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food because of the devastating effects of economics and supply. For more information about either organization, visit www. foodbankofeastalabama.com or www.saugahatchee.org. Members of Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops went door-to-door in Lee County neighborhoods over two weekends— first to distribute promotional flyers, then to collect food donations. Collection efforts, including those pictured here by Cub Scout Pack 15, chartered by the Kiwanis Club of Auburn, netted more than 5,600 pounds of food for the area’s less fortunate and food insecure. 19
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Autauga CountySports SchoolsBanquet Awards Beulah High School’s Winter
On Tuesday, February 18th, the Beulah High School Athletic Club sponsored its annual winter sports banquet in the school’s multi-purpose room. A catered meal was held honoring all student athletes from the cheerleading squads, and both the girls and boys basketball teams. Well over 225 parents and students turned out for the event. Athletic Director Richard Brown and the school coaching staff recognized all junior varsity team members and then awarded varsity letters to student athletes. The following Beulah athletes were additionally recognized for earning
the following awards: Jr. High Cheerleaders (left photo) – Bobcat Spirit Award – Haylee Williams; Academic Excellence – Melissa Sanders; Leadership Award – Madison Green. Varsity Cheerleaders (middle photo) – Senior Cheer Awards: Tiffany Messer, Brana Booth, Sydnee Williams, Britley Hewitt and Raegan Smith. Bobcat Spirit Award – Sydnee Williams. Jr. High Girls Basketball (opposite page, top left photo) - Best Offensive Player – Kensley Taylor; Bobcat Award – Kirsten Miller; Captain Award – Alicia Hodge; Best Defensive Player – Makayla Passmore. Jr. High Boys Basketball (opposite page, top right photo) – Coach’s Award – Troy Hinton; Coach’s
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Award – Trent Lewis; Coach’s Award – Lonzie Portis; Coach’s Award – Latezman Turner. Jr. Varsity Boys Basketball (opposite page, right photo) – Coach’s Award – Ty McCants; Coach Gary Peters; Coach’s Award – Procetro Pitts. Varsity Girls Basketball (bottom left photo) – Most Valuable Player, Captain – Alani Hodge; Captain Award – Tiffany Messer; Top Gun Award – Best Offensive Player – Brittany Todd; Bobcat “Hustle” Award – Alexandria Joye; Terminator Award – Best Defensive Player – Jasmine Patton. Varsity Boys Basketball (bottom right photo) – Bobcat Award – Sean Morgan; Sharp Shooter Award – Caleb Boone; Best Defensive Player – Trevon Brown; Captain Award – Davis Lamb; Best Offensive Player – Tony Brown; Hustle Award – Brandon Waido.
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Autauga County Schools Daddy-Daughter Dance at West Smiths Station Second and third grade girls had a wonderful night celebrating at the annual Daddydaughter dance at West Smiths Station Elementary.
OHS HOSA Team Places 3rd at State Competition
At the Alabama HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) State Leadership Competition, February 20-21, the HOSA Bowl Team from Opelika High School placed third. Members of the HOSA Bowl Team include: Abbey Rowe, Adriane King, Janie Bigham and Taylor Watson. In addition, Breanna Burton placed third in the Human Growth and Development category. The students that placed will be competing at the HOSA National Leadership conference in June in Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Pictured: Opelika High School HOSA members at the Alabama HOSA State Leadership Competition. First row: Abbey Rowe, Leigh Kemp-OHS Health Science Instructor, Bekah McCormick, and Janie Bigham. Second row: India Dow, Adriane King, Taylor Watson and Megan Howe. Third row: Cerigan Simpson, Chazden Blackmon, Breanna Burton, and Kailin Jones.
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Morris Avenue Students are Serious About Jumping
Students at Morris Avenue Intermediate School recently participated in a Jump Rope for Heart school-wide celebration. Students filled the basketball courts and surrounding fields with jump ropes in hand for a "jumpfest" as well as 3 different jump rope competitions. “The kids have been raising money all month for the American Heart Association while also improving their own hearts and fitness by developing jump rope skills. I’m extremely proud of their hard work and determination,” stated Chris Rhodes, Morris Avenue PE teacher. During the month of February, students in grades 3-5 participated in a Jump Rope Unit consisting of 3 different focuses of jumping rope: Endurance, Speed, and Tricks. Each student competed in all 3 events within PE and a boy and girl representative from each grade were chosen as finalists to compete on the event day. Each of the finalists competed to see who would be the school-wide Endurance, Speed and Trick champion. The winners for the contests were all 5th Graders: Endurance: Will Bennett and Amelia Blaschke; Speed: Devin McPherson and Leighanna Howell; and Tricks: Tres LaGrand and Emma Hankins. The students raised $5,254.27 for the American Heart Association.
Cary Woods Students Have Snowball Fight
S. Jones' class at Cary Woods Elementary School had a “snowball fight” after finishing up a collection of shared reading lessons about snow.
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Wrights Mill “Clowns” Get Kids Excited About Reading
Wrights Mill Roads very own clowns Mrs. Tremaine and Mrs. Mason get the children excited about reading. They were part of Dr. Seuss’s Circus McGurkus.
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Read to a Kid Day at Wrights Mill Road
5th graders from Wrights Mill Road, Alana J. and Lucy H., are dressed at their favorite book characters for Read to a Kid day, Pinkalicious and Purpleicious.
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Q. What happens to the money in an ESA if the child gets a scholarship and no longer needs the money?
Q. How do you feel about gambling at a
A. In an Educational Savings Account (ESA), and in a 529 Plan, you are allowed to pull out money tax free in the amount of the scholarship. But very rarely do you find someone going to college completely free and clear. Often tuition is covered, and even tuition and a dorm room in some cases, but zero-cost college is almost unheard of. There are always living expenses, books and other miscellaneous items, and you can use the money in an ESA for any education-related expenses. The chances of your money getting trapped and you as parents winding up in a situation where you’ve actually saved too much and a child has leftover money just doesn’t happen. This is a bunch of drama found only in the nightmares of nerds. Real human beings don’t have this problem, because nobody ever saves enough!
A. I don’t really have a moral problem with it, but I don’t understand the concept. Call me crazy, but I do not get a thrill from losing money I’ve worked hard to earn. That’s not my idea of entertainment. When someone tells me they gamble for fun or recreation, my first thought is they’re delusional enough to believe that they’ll actually win—that they think they’re the exception to the rule. Otherwise, there would be no thrill. You may see a news story once in a while about someone winning big money in a casino, but that rarely happens. Think, too, about how much money those people had flushed down the toilet previously while gambling. There’s a really good chance they didn’t really “win” anything. In most
casino, as long as you limit your spending and don’t expect to win big money?
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cases, they probably just recouped a small portion of their previous, substantial losses. My advice is don’t waste your time and money on that stuff. One way or another, the house always wins. That’s how they’re able to build those giant, billion dollar places called casinos. Did you know that some of those companies are so big and expansive that they’re publicly traded entities? And guess what? The profits they make off people who are foolish enough to gamble their money away inside their fancy halls—and call that entertainment—drives their stock prices! Think about it. Why do all the folks sitting at slot machines and card tables look like they can’t afford to lose money? Most of them look like sad, broken, lonely people. Maybe they change when they sit down. Maybe they were winners in life and with money before they walked through the doors, and their slumped body language and the look of stress and hopelessness they carry is just a coincidence or the indoor lighting. But I don’t think so.
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When you’re pregnant, nine months feels like an insanely long time. The joy of knowing you have a new life inside you intensifies as the baby grows and kicks and hiccups. Along with the wait comes the worry. Each twinge and tickle makes you wonder if something is wrong. You just want to gaze into your baby’s eyes, count his toes, and know that everything is alright. Each stage of motherhood brings joys and challenges. Moms who thrive approach the process with openness, patience, and a sense of humor. Motherhood is a wild, wild ride. Just grow with it. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
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The Early Years: Can’t See the Forest for the Laundry “Nothing beats super sloppy baby kisses,” says Kris Koenig, mother of five girls age five to fifteen. Snuggling your baby, smelling her hair and watching her fall asleep in your arms is amazing. “I also loved nursing my kids. It made me feel like I was giving them something special that they couldn’t get anywhere else,” says Mary Miller, mother of two. Fun firsts like smiling, walking, and talking make every mom swoon. Mountains of laundry and epic exhaustion are not-so-happy facts of life in this stage. Remember: sleep deprivation is used to torture prisoners of war. “I once went to the grocery store with my shirt on inside out,” Koenig recalls. “It was nice of my 3-year-old to tell me when we got home.” Temper tantrums, potty training, and limit-testing can try the patience of any mom. A willingness to be present is key, says Cathy Cassani Adams, Parent Coach and author of The Self-Aware Parent: 19 Lessons for Growing with Your Children. “Life with small children
can be repetitious, even boring. There is a lot of watching and waiting and worrying.” Trust your own instincts. Being a new mom is daunting and there is no manual. You don’t really know what’s “right” or “wrong.” You have to figure it out. “Everyone wants to tell you the best way, but their approaches may not work for you,” says Miller.
The School Years: Homework and Carpool, Oh My! Watching your child become independent is truly a joy, says Koenig. “Each year on the first day of school I shed a few tears, but they are happy tears because each year brings new experiences and knowledge.” Your kids will choose their own friends and make decisions without you. But they’re not grown up yet. “My kids still like me to lie with them at night and tuck them in,” says Miller. “I treasure that. My son claims he’s too old to hold hands in public, so I sneak in hugs on the sly.” Letting go of control is challenging. Kids spend much of their day in school and you can’t take up residence in the adjacent desk. Bullying is a real
threat, and kids aren’t always aware of the physical or social dangers they face. It’s hard not knowing who is doing what to my child when they’re not with me, Koenig says. You can’t protect them 24/7. Good communication is a must.
“Listen to your kids, be curious and ask questions,” Adams advises. You may be spending less time together, but stay tuned in to their interests. While you’re at it, nurture interests of your own. “Put yourself on the list,” says Adams. If you don’t spend time alone, you won’t know who you are anymore. Set a good example and pursue passions of your own.
Teens and Beyond: Up, Up and Away “It fills my heart with great pride to see what an amazing person my teen is becoming,” Koenig enthuses. It’s gratifying to see the results of your earlier teachings: kindness, respect, creativity, and achievement. Missie Ellis, mom to two twentysomethings enjoys their holiday homecoming. “I love to listen to them interact with one another because
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despite the sibling rivalries they had growing up, their bond of brotherly love is very apparent.” As much as you’d like to chart their life’s course for them, your kids will follow their own paths. Let them tell you who they are rather than telling them who to be. If you’re lucky, they’ll hire you on as a consultant. Knowing when to step forward and when to pull back is challenging, says Susan Mather, mom to two adults. They may suffer big setbacks, like job loss and divorce. “Talk to your grown kids about your feelings and your mistakes; be real and be human,” says Adams. By doing so, you let them know what they are feeling is normal. Support them, but don’t ask them to bear your burdens. “There is a void I feel without my kids around me,” says Ellis. “I’m not sure when – or if – that will end.” If you feel lonely, lean on friends your own age. Rekindle romance with your partner. Rediscover what fulfills you as a person.
Lovin’ Every Minute of It When challenges overwhelm, it’s natural to wish your kids were at a different stage of development. And we usually love the stage that plays to our strengths. You may feel comfortable dealing with your kids as babies but fear the terrible twos (and threes). Or you may wish that your kids would grow up overnight so you could communicate more rationally, on an adult level. When that happens, reflect on the joys of today. “It’s challenging! My 7-year-old is very strong-willed. But when she curls up with me while we read Fancy Nancy, I realize that those tough moments will pass,” says Miller. Anticipate the joys to come, too. Susan Mather, a mom to two adults, loves being able to help her grown kids and to rely on them when she needs help. “I am looking forward to becoming a grandma in June and hope to be the primary babysitter for the first year,” she says. “After that I will probably not be able to keep up!”
Heidi Smith Luedtke is a psychologist and author of Detachment Parenting. She is constantly grateful for the lessons she learns from her kids. Read more at www.HeidiLuedtke.com.
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A Page in a Book by Gerry Paige Smith
Celebrating Little (Strong & Independent) Girls It’s a brave new world out there for girls. It was only in the last century that women gained full access to education, voting, fair employment and other freedoms and rights that they’d not enjoyed previously. While most of the biggest barriers for girls have dropped, it remains important that today’s youth remember feminine examples who carved a path through forbidden territory to make the path easier for those who came later. The following titles celebrate independent, courageous women who blazed the trail for today’s strong, independent little girls.
Stand Straight, Ella Kate
by Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise (Dial Books / Penguin) This true story of a real giant follows the tale of Ella Kate Ewing, who started out small and grew to the staggering height of eight feet. Ella’s normal childhood shifts when she begins to grow taller than her classmates, and then taller than her parents. Too large for the desks at school, too big to play hide & go seek, and teased about her stature by the meaner sort, Ella’s small town was becoming too small for her to be happy. But when a museum manager from Chicago offered Ella the chance to stand up tall and use her height to her advantage, she took the world by storm and made her fortune with her head held high. Featuring amazing endpapers with facts about Ella’s size, Stand Straight, Ella Kate is an inspirational story of a nineteenth century girl who discovered how to put her advantage to the best use!
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Marching with Aunt Susan
by Claire Rudolph Murphy, Illustrated by Stacey Schuett (Peachtree Publishers) Even though she could ride a bicycle faster than everyone on her block, Bessie wasn’t included on hikes with her father and brothers. She was told that hiking wasn’t for girls. But when staying home meant helping prepare for a suffrage tea, Bessie soon discovers that she’s not the only one feeling left out. The main guest of the tea is Susan B. Anthony, an aged woman who has spent the greater part of her life organizing women to speak out and stand up for the right to vote. Anthony’s story and passion move Bessie to help women struggle for equal rights, if only in the ways a child can. A dynamic story that follows the passion of the suffragette movement through the eyes of a young girl, Marching with Aunt Susan shares an important aspect of yesterday’s journey to women’s rights with the children of today.
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Women Explorers
by Julie Cummins, Illustrated by Cheryl Harness (Dial Books / Penguin) This collection of short biographies features trail-blazing women who ventured into wilderness and wonders world-wide, traveling into territory where only men had ventured before. From mountain peaks to African rivers, there were women in the 18th century who were venturing into jungles and icy wastelands that would intimidate even the bravest of men. Some were wealthy socialites whose passion for knowledge moved them out of their elegant salons into the wilds. Others were poor women who overcame impossible odds to journey into unknown territory for the pursuit of wealth, science and sheer adventure. Women Explorers blends pistols, perils and petticoats into an exciting assemblage of ladies who went out on a limb, long before it was proper, and changed history!
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Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.
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Make Room for Kids!
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
In a child’s mind, their room is an important piece of real estate. Whether they have it all to themselves or share space with siblings, this distinctive place is where children can put their own style stamp on their haven within the home. Some kids only sleep in their rooms, bounding out of bed in the morning and only returning when the last call for bedtime has sounded. Other children use their rooms as their personal space to read, play, rest, or just retreat from general family traffic. Either way, finding products that help tailor this space for their needs and interests helps children feel invested and responsible for their room. From active play to restful recreation, the following ideas are great starting places for a kids room re-do!
by Gerry Paige Smith
Hugglepod
Wall Coaster Extreme Stunts
(HearthSong)
Creating a floating island of tranquility in the middle of an open space, the Hugglepod offers a cozy chamber to retreat from the world for some private time. The 100% cotton canvas seat with tented sides hangs from a ceiling-mounted swivel hook creating the effect of a floating cocoon. The cushion seat can also be removed and the pod gently draped to the side to retrieve room space when needed. Best for smaller children (the recommended weight limit is 175 lbs), the Hugglepod has the sensibility of a soft room within a room. While it’s not designed for swinging or bouncing, the ‘Pod makes a perfectly peaceful hideaway for the child who likes to curl up with a good book, chill with some tunes or simply relax in a tranquil fabric alcove that’s just their size.
(Wall Coaster)
Instead of staring at the same four walls, put those walls into play with the versatile and easy to assemble Wall Coaster Extreme Stunts! Kids can attach tracks, tubes and other specially designed components to the wall to create their own marble runs. Planning, experimentation and gravity come together as kids generate their own designs that send a marble shooting down the coaster. As kids get on a roll, their coaster designs will quickly incorporate loop-de-loops, zig zags, and other stunts along the marble’s path. With its colorful and clean design the Wall Coaster doubles as both a cool décor element and a source of endless entertainment for budding coaster engineers!
Jellyfish Hideaway
Shrunks KidFriendly Air Bed
(Hearthsong)
The organic beauty of one of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures is the inspiration behind the AquaGlow Jellyfish Hideaway. Creating a magical ocean-themed retreat for play, this ceiling-hung tent features sheer walls made of ocean blue netting. Translucent streamers and pearly beads hang from the belled “jellyfish” cap while 160 tiny deep blue LED lights blend into the fabric folds adding a bioluminescent effect. As a permanent addition to a room’s décor or a portable delight for evenings on a covered porch, it’s hard to beat the peaceful vibe of the deep blue sea with the AquaGlow Jellyfish Hideaway.
(The Shrunks)
The Shrunks Kid-Friendly Air Bed is designed with children in mind. Crafted from non-toxic, Phthalate-free materials, it features a patented “Tuckaire” system which allows sheets to be tucked into the sides of the mattress without exposing bed linens to flooring. Gently elevated sides mimic toddler bed railing and help keep midnight fall-outs to a minimum. Easily inflated with the included electric pump, the Shrunks bed deflates and stores quickly in a cheery carry bag. It’s perfect for in-house camp outs and sleep-over friends, and is ideal for hotel stays, camping trips and anywhere kids need some extra sleep space of their own.
Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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TheFlyLady
A Flight Plan For You and Your Home. by Marla Cilley
Parents Should Do Their Best, But Great Not ExpectExpectations! Too Much in Return With our personalities we often expect the worst. Here’s an example... Someone in your family did not call you when you thought they were supposed to. You immediately start thinking of everything bad that could have happened to them. You work yourself into a tizzy, and when they eventually call, you find out they just forgot. All the while you are upset; your adrenalin is pumping and you can’t settle down. We have set ourselves up for this by allowing our minds to run rampant thinking the worst. Did you know that we can do just the opposite of this and set ourselves up for more disappointment? This is when our imagination takes a simple event we are going to attend and makes it much more glamorous and special than it really is. A holiday is a perfect example. We spend hours dreaming of how wonderful it is going to be only to be disappointed by its inability to live up to our expectations. Our wedding day can do that to us, too. We expect that this is going to be the greatest day of our lives, and if that were to happen what would that say for the rest of our marriage? Our imaginations cause us to live in a fairy tale where everything works out, but then when it doesn’t occur the way we have imagined we are devastated. This devastation is caused by our perfectionism. Expectations that no one or any event can live up to only come true in fairy tales. I am trying to figure out why we do this to ourselves. It is one thing to have hope, but it is an entirely different thing to exaggerate or project an outcome on people’s reactions when we cannot read their minds and we don’t have a magic wand. This type of perfectionism is all about control. We want to be the director of the
play we have staged in our heads. We want everything to go just as we have planned. Then when it doesn’t go just the way we imagined we lash out at the people who didn’t play their parts well. If for some reason you don’t say what is on your mind then you take it to your bed and complete the process of closing out the real world more than you already have. We have to catch our brains before they plot and scheme to destroy our peace. Don’t allow yourself to project unrealistic outcomes. Be happy with what is. Don’t make things worse than they really are or set your expectations so high that nothing
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can ever live up to them. Setting the bar of expectation so high that no one will ever be able to reach it only allows you to always be the victim and martyr. In your own mind you believe that others really did let you down which makes you right in your feelings of being victimized. You are only a victim of your own thoughts. Be happy with what is and enjoy the process. Don’t allow your perfectionism to ruin another event in your life. Are you ready to FLY by living your life instead of wasting away in the pages a fairy tale? For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2013 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
I’ve been a full-time, stay-at-home mom (SAHM), a stay-at-home mom with a home business, and the parent with outside employment. The most exhausting – and often the loneliest – was the first. Yet, I embraced it, read parenting books, scanned the latest research, and worked on a healthy relationship with my daughter. For me, it was – still is – important to be as conscientious about parenting as any other career! But, there came a time when family finances demanded I earn income in the labor force. So before my employment, I sought out quality childcare for our precious daughter. The better the childcare, the more I could relax, and the better off my child would be in many ways. Childcare is becoming a critical issue for parents as 64 percent of mothers work outside the home while only two percent of employers offer on-site daycare centers. A 2000 Census Bureau report shows more mothers are returning to the labor force within a year of giving birth. As a result, over half the babies under a year of age are being cared for on a routine basis by someone other than Mom. If you’re in the “market” for quality childcare, shop around as carefully as you would for any other major investment. From safety and setting to staff and story time, know the key elements of quality care. Be an educated consumer on behalf of your most valuable possession. If you already have a childcare arrangement, match it against these criteria. Look for a center or private home where:
• It’s generally clean, well lit, and ventilated.
You could find the play area cluttered with toys but it should still look and smell clean. A well-lighted play area promotes your youngster’s hand-eye skill. Good ventilation prevents recycling the same old germs.
• It is a safe environment. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in Washington, D.C. suggests that staff should be well versed in health and safety procedures, and be able to describe the policy for handling emergencies. In a safe environment, children will be under adult supervision at all times. • Parents feel comfortable asking questions.
If you ask several questions and the caregivers seem offended or avoid your inquisition, leave! When they are knowledgeable and proud of the facility they will be eager to offer information.
• Parents are told to drop in anytime.
Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
You want to make sure that caregivers welcome parents for lunch, special 32activities, or just to observe. www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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• Parenting literature and child development resources are available.
You want your tot in an environment where parent education and professional growth are encouraged. Great minds are always learning.
• Toys and play equipment are child sized, age-appropriate, and regularly maintained and
Learning can take you everywhere!
cleaned.
• The program focuses equally on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. According to the
NAEYC website (www.naeyc.org), “High quality early childhood programs do much more than help children learn numbers, shapes, and colors. Good programs help children learn how to learn: to question why and discover alternative answers; to get along with others; and to use their developing language, thinking, and motor skills.”
• Pictures and room decor are down on the child’s eye level. Remember this is a place for children, not adults.
• Adult turnover is low.
A steady stream of new caregivers is disturbing to young children. It may signal to you that a relationship problem exists between staff and the director, a problem that trickles down to your child.
• Children are touched appropriately, frequently, and in positive, affirming ways. Children need to be touched,
Our children experience a stimulating environment, are treated with dignity and respect, enjoy clean and safe surroundings and participate in daily educational experiences to form a life long foundation for success! Growing Room - 334-501-2044 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL | M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm Ages 6 weeks – 12 weeks
w w w. g ro w i n g ro o m u s a . c o m
even if it’s a pat on the back, or holding hands during games.
• Each child is addressed by name. There should be minimal use of group terms like “infants,” “babies,” or “kids.”
• Caregivers receive training in early childhood education. They should participate
in continuing education every year, meet regularly to plan, and evaluate the program.
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• There’s low adult/child ratio. The NAEYC recommends at
least one caregiver for every four infants (up to 12 months old) or a 1:4 ratio; 1:5 for toddlers (13 to 24 months); 1:6 for 2- and 3-year-olds; and about 1:9 for preschoolers. Small groups of children with adults promote more positive interactions and individualized curriculum.
• Childrearing and discipline philosophies are similar to your own. You want
leave your child in an environment consistent with your home discipline. Ask “what if” questions to be sure.
• Sign-in and -out policies are enforced. Especially if you leave your little one in a large center with lots of foot traffic, security precautions are a must.
• It’s either certified or licensed by your state.
Certification and/or licensure gives you a minimum health, safety, and nutritional standard – not a guarantee it’s the right place for your child. I’ve known some licensed facilities where I wouldn’t leave my dog. Neither does certification or licensure limit curriculum; church-run facilities can be licensed and still teach religious curriculum.
A word to the wise: Be wary of the caregiver with the “Honey, I’ve been tendin’ kids for 20 years an’ I know all there is to raisin’ babies!” attitude. A caregiver worth his or her salt – and your money – needs to learn about your child and continually sharpen caregiving skills. Finally, check with your local heath department and Better Business Bureau to see if the facility you’re considering has a record of complaints. Remember knowledge is power. Research shows that parents have an important influence on their child’s development, regardless of how much out-of-home care the child receives. Whether you are at home or work outside the home, you are still your child’s most influential teacher.
As a speaker and writer, Brenda Nixon (www.brendanixon.com) is dedicated to building stronger families through parent empowerment. She is a mom and the author of, Parenting Power in the Early Years, on raising a child from birth to age five.
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Lee County
Child Care Guide ABC~123/Small Fry Camp • Auburn Parks and Recreation Department Coordinator: Dana Stewart Address: Dean Road Recreation Center, 307 S. Dean Road Contact: (334) 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. (fall, winter, and spring quarters); Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 8 – 11 a.m. (summer quarter) 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 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 children; Breakfast, lunch, & snack provided (USDA Food Program), Big Green Bus, dance and music classes offered at the center.
Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center
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.
Growing Room Child Development Center- Auburn
Owner- Laura Smith, Director-Hollie Autrey Address: 644 North Dean Road, Auburn. Phone: 501-2044 Email: lsmith@grauburn.com Website: www.growingroomusa.com Ages: 6 weeks-12 years old Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm Give Your Child the Growing Room Experience! “On Our Block”-language based curriculum, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, nutritious meals, extracurricular programs include JumpBunch, Big Green Bus, Marital arts and Spanish, & before and after school care to most Auburn City Schools.
Parkway Baptist Church Preschool
Director: Dawn Woodrow Assistant Director: Laura Hardy 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-12:00pm & 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 develop35
mentally 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!
Preschool Adventures at Lakeview Baptist Church
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 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.
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 www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
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.
ment 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.
Milestones Learning Center
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.
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.
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 LeeScott. All staff is CPR certified; security lobby and cameras in all rooms. A.C.H.R. Child Development CenterDarden 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 DevelopAuburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
Auburn Day Care Centers Director: Ethel White 4 Locations Address: 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 United Methodist ChurchChildren’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 firstcome, first-served basis Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am-12:00pm. 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. $12.00 per child | $3.00 for each additional child in the same family with an $18 cap per family. Payment is due on a daily or weekly basis. Auburn United Methodist ChurchWeekday Preschool Director: Rachael Thomas 36
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; 8:30am12:00pm. 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 ChurchDiscovery Club After-School Program 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 First Baptist Church Opelika 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 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 Street, Opelika. Phone: 745-2582 Website: www.bgcleeco.org After school hours: 2:30-6:30pm; MondayFriday; 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. www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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Care A Lots Child Development Center Director: Dean Nevels 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 CCI Christian Fellowship Director: Ashley Marsh Address: 1131 2nd Ave, Opelika. Phone: 749-5616 Email: amarshopelika@gmail.com Website: www.cciopelika.com Child Care Network- Opelika Director: Nedlan Augustus 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. First Step Learning Center Address: 1600 Toomer Street, Opelika. Phone: 737-6464 Foundations Preschool at Cornerstone Church Director: Deanna Franey Address: 2123 Hamilton Rd, Auburn. Phone: 887-1152 Email: Deanna@cornerstonebuzz.org Website: www.cornerstonebuzz.org Ages: 6 weeks-4K Hours: 2-5day options; 8:00am-12:00pm Foundations Preschool is an exciting, funfilled 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 Phone: 703-8340 “Caring for them while serving Him”. 2008 Terri Lynn Lokoff National Child Care Teach-
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Registration Opens February 3, 2014! Science Matters is a summer enrichment program sponsored by the College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University for elementary students in rising grades 1 - 6. 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, “become a flight specialist”, see amazing critters and more!
2014 Dates
Science Matters offers six different science-themed weeks for students in rising grades 1 - 4 and four weeks for students in rising grades 5 - 6. Parents may choose between the Regular Day option from 8am - 3:30pm daily or the Extended Day option from 8am - 5pm daily. Prices range from $170 - $235 per week/child. Multiple week discounts are available. Courses fill on a first-come-first-serve basis.
www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters For more information contact Kristen Bond at kdb0022@auburn.edu or by phone at 334-844-5769. 37
May 27 - 30 June 2 - 6*
June 16 - 20*
June 23 - 27* July 14 - 18*
July 28 - August 1 * 5th- 6th grade course is offered www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Christian atmosphere; Units in math, social studies, science, art, music, literature, poetry, & field trips. Weekly chapel, Bible lessons, music and prayers.
ers 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-Pre-Kindergarten 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: 8:00am -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 Holy Trinity Day School Address: 100 Church Drive; Auburn, AL 36830 Phone: 821-9838 Website: www.holytrinitychurch.info/school Hours/Ages: Half-day Preschool and Kindergarten Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
Hardy’s Creative Childcare Director: Martha Hardy Address: 222 North College Street, Auburn. Phone: 821-4514 Email: hardyscreativech@bellsouth. net Ages: 18 months-11 years old Hours: 6:30am5:45pm After School program/ Summer Day Camps; Developmentally appropriate curriculum, Nationally Accredited. Indian Pines Country Day School Directors: Lisa Eaves and Peg Weiss Address: 1742 Saugahatchee Road, Auburn. Phone: 821-7786 Email: eaves11@charter.net; p_weiss@bellsouth.net 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. Jacob’s Ladder Early Learning Center Director: Greta Jacobs Address: 1452 Opelika Rd, Auburn. Phone: 821-5100 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 Kingdom Child Care Center Director: Mary Madden Address: 112 North 16th Street, Opelika. Phone: 749-7051 Ages: 6 weeks-12 years old Hours: 6:30am- 5:30pm After school pick up and care, summer 38
program, and offer a drop in care and mom’s day out. 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 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. 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 President- Belinda Dowdell- 821-3292 Vice President and for referral informationKay Gillock- 703-8340 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 and Mary Carl 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. Minnie Mouse’s Home Daycare Director/Owner: Minnie Allen Address: 144 Lee Road 449, Auburn. Phone: 821-0963 Email: mmdayc@yahoo.com Ages: 6 weeks old-12 years Hours: Monday-Sunday; 1st and 2nd shifts available www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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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 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. Opelika City Schools- Extended Day Coordinator: Scarlett McAllister Phone: 745-9711 Email: www.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. Providence Baptist Church Child Development Center Director: Mandy Steward Address: 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika. 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.
The Fig Tree Childcare Director: Gwen Newton 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.
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
The Living Way Ministries Address: 1100 Old Columbus Rd, Opelika. Phone: 705-8962
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.
Trinity United Methodist ChurchChildren’s Day Out- Opelika Director: Melissa 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. There is no registration fee. You pay for only the days you use. AOP
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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, Montgomery. www.asf.net. Auburn Floral Trail March 10-April 11. Sponsored by the Auburn Beautification Council and the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau. www.auburnalabama.org. Birmingham Children’s Theatre • “The Secret Garden.” April 12-30. • “Little Miss Muffet and the Lost Sheep.” Through April 26. BJCC. www.bct123.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 • “Weather Rocks!” Through March 23. • “1001 Nights: A Love Story About Loving Stories.” March 25-April 6. • “Charlotte’s Web.” April 10-May 25. Atlanta. www.atlanta.net. Cloverdale Playhouse • “A Raisin in the Sun.” April 24-May 4. Montgomery. www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. DeSoto Caverns Park • Easter Sound, Light, and Water Show. April 7-20. Childersburg. www.desotocavernspark.com. Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. “I Hate Hamlet” Through March 23. Virginia Samford Theatre. www. virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Spring Invitational 2014: Pastels. March 31-May 2. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art • Shared Vision: The Sondra Gilman and Celso GonzalezFalla Collection of Photography. March 30-April 5. • Ganado La Vida (Making a Living): Images of Labor in Modern Mexican Art. Through April 19. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. Magic of Marble Festival, April 8-19. Blue Bell Park, Sylacauga. www.bbcomerlibrary.net/ marblefestival. McWane Science Center • Robots + Us Exhibit. Through May 11. • Tornado Alley. March - May 31. Birmingham. 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,
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(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. Montgomery Ballet www.montgomeryballet.org. Montgomery Performing Arts Montgomery Performing Arts. www.mpaconline.org. Old Alabama Town Holiday Celebration Black Heritage Tour. Through Feb. 28. www.oldalabamatown.com. Old Courthouse Museum • 25th Annual “To Kill a Mockingbird”. April 17-May 17. Monroeville. www.tokillamockingbird.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. Red Door Theatre • “Cotton Patch Gospel”, April 24-27. Union Springs. www.reddoortheatre.org. Sherlock’s Mystery Dinner Theater: Sock Hop Homicide Through March 22. Uptown Historic Marriott Hotel, Columbus. 7 p.m. Spring Fling April 4-13. Columbus Civic Center Parking Lot. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Springer Opera House • “Oops! I Tweeted Again”. April 10-13, 17-19. Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org. Telfair Peet Theatre • “Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief”. April 8-13. Auburn University. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org. We Piddle Around Theater “Come Home, It’s Suppertime”. April 3-12. Brundidge. www.piddle.org.
Parents Support & Moms Groups
Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ CORNERSTONE Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call Josie at 257-3950. Lee County Autism Support Group meets every other month. Call Julie Brown 887-3903 or Florence Evermom 887-5005. Covenant Presbyterian Church on Shelton Mill Road in Auburn. 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. Moms In Touch. Do you worry about your children? Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Moms In Touch International gathers moms
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together for one hour, once a week, to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and school. Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation? Please contact Julia Farrow at julia@cornerstonebuzz. org for information about our local groups. For more information about Moms In Touch International, visit www.MomsInTouch.org. 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.
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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.
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 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
Columbus Lions Arena Football April 4, 11, 26. www.ColumbusLions.net. Auburn Baseball March 18-19, 25-29. April 8, 18, 19, 20, 22.
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Family Calendar Auburn Softball March 19, 21-23. April 11, 12, 13, 23, 25, 26, 27. Auburn Tennis March 28, 30. April 4, 6, 11, 13. Auburn Track and Field April 4, 5, 18, 19. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball April 3-7, 19-23, 29-30.
Tuesday, March 18
Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Forest Friends 6 week Session Begins Tuesdays and Fridays at the Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 9:30-11 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. “Warhorse” BJCC. www.bjcc.org.
Wednesday, March 19 Zac Brown Band Columbus Civic Center. www.ticketmaster.com. CSU’s Department of Theatre Presents the Musical “The Secret Garden” Columbus. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu. “Warhorse” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Lunch and Learn A Little Lunch Music. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.
Thursday, March 20
Disney on Ice Presents: Princess & Heroes Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Dancing Stars of East Alabama AU Hotel and Conference Center, Auburn. www.dsoea.com. Storytelling Festival 2014 White Hall. www.nps.gov/semo. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. “Warhorse” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. “One Foot In Heaven” Columbus. www.familytheatre.com. Extended Museum Gallery and Café Hours Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. 5-8 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.
Friday, March 21
An Evening with Steve Forbes sponsored by Auburn Conservatives for Tomorrow Auburn Arena. 7-9 p.m. For tickets, William Cody Garton, 256-698-5836 or email williamcgarton@gmail. com. Disney on Ice Presents: Princess & Heroes Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Springer Children’s Theatre presents “James & the Giant Peach” www.springeroperahouse.org. Atlanta Ballet presents Modern Choreographic Voices Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com. Storytelling Festival 2014 White Hall. www.nps.gov/semo. “Warhorse” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. “One Foot In Heaven” Columbus. www.familytheatre.com. An Evening with Steve Forbes sponsored by Auburn Conservatives for Tomorrow Auburn Arena. 7-9 p.m. For tickets, William Cody Garton, 256-698-5836 or email williamcgarton@gmail.com.
March/April 2014
Will Kimbrough in Concert at Sundilla AUUF, 450 Thach Avenue, Auburn. 7:30 p.m. $12 tickets. www.facebook.com/sundilla.
Saturday, March 22
Disney on Ice Presents: Princess & Heroes Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Springer Children’s Theatre presents “James & the Giant Peach” www.springeroperahouse.org. 2014 Mud Mania Auburn. www.mud-mania.com. Atlanta Ballet presents Modern Choreographic Voices Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com. S’MORES for Kids presented by Columbus Symphony Orchestra www.csoga.org. RiverBlast! Port Columbus, Ga. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.portcolumbus.org. Book Sale sponsored by the Friends of the Auburn Public Library 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hardbacks $1; soft $.50. Paws in the Gardens Aldridge Botanical Gardens, Hoover. www.aldridgegardens.com. Hawk Walk Callaway Gardens, Ga. 2 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. “Warhorse” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. SEC Gymnastics Championships BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Quad Cities Wild Game Cook-Off Longhorn Arena, Tuscumbia, Al. (800) 822-9453. “One Foot In Heaven” Columbus. www.familytheatre.com. Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding Saugahatchee Square, Opelika. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday Train Excursions Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org.
Sunday, March 23
Disney on Ice Presents: Princess & Heroes Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Springer Children’s Theatre presents “James & the Giant Peach” www.springeroperahouse.org. Atlanta Ballet presents Modern Choreographic Voices Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. ticketmaster.com. Music in the Forest The Forest Ecology Preserve and Auburn University’s Department of Music will present the 3-week concert series. 3:30 p.m. Free. Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. “Warhorse” BJCC. www.bjcc.org.
Monday, March 24
Auburn and Opelika City Schools Spring Break
Tuesday, March 25
Auburn and Opelika City Schools Spring Break Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Kids In the Kitchen Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ages 5-8 years. $8. 705-5560. Spring Break Camp Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve.
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Miley Cyrus Tour Philips Arena, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.
Wednesday, March 26 Auburn and Opelika City Schools Spring Break
Spring Break Camp Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Lunch and Learn A Little Lunch Music. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.
Thursday, March 27
Auburn and Opelika City Schools Spring Break Disney Jr. Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. 6 p.m. www.ticketmaster.com. The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show Orange Beach. www.wharfboatshow.com. The Women Gather Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. www.bcri.org. Bicentennial of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend Daviston. www.nps.gov/hobe. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Joyce Meyers Ministries BJCC. www.bjcc.org.
Friday, March 28
Auburn and Opelika City Schools Spring Break Springer Children’s Theatre presents “James & the Giant Peach” www.springeroperahouse.org. Spring Break Blowout Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free. 705-5560. The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show Orange Beach. www.wharfboatshow.com. Bicentennial of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend Daviston. www.nps.gov/hobe. 75th Anniversary of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s visit to Tuskegee University www.nps.gov/tuin. Joyce Meyers Ministries BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Day Out With Thomas! Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. Southernsavers Couponing Workshop Harris Center, Auburn Parks and Rec. 6-8:30 p.m. $10 person. workshops@southernsavers.biz.
Saturday, March 29
Keep Opelika Beautiful Garden in the Park Municipal Park, Opelika. Springer Children’s Theatre presents “James & the Giant Peach” www.springeroperahouse.org. The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show Orange Beach. www.wharfboatshow.com. Elberta German Sausage Festival www.sausagefest.elbertafire.com. Bicentennial of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend Daviston. www.nps.gov/hobe. Lake Martin 100 Alexander City. www.lakemartin100mile.homestead.com. Fountain City Arts Festival Pratt Park, Prattville. www.prattvilleal.gov. Hawk Walk Callaway Gardens, Ga. 2 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. Joyce Meyers Ministries BJCC. www.bjcc.org.
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Family Calendar Natural Hair and Health Expo BJCC. www.bjcc.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. Day Out With Thomas! Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org.
Sunday, March 30
Springer Children’s Theatre presents “James & the Giant Peach” www.springeroperahouse.org. The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show Orange Beach. www.wharfboatshow.com. Lake Martin 100 Alexander City. www.lakemartin100mile.homestead.com. Music in the Forest The Forest Ecology Preserve and Auburn University’s Department of Music will present the 3-week concert series. 3:30 p.m. Free. Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Day Out With Thomas! Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org.
Tuesday, April 1
2nd Annual A Tasting of Historic East Alabama Museum of East Alabama, Opelika. 6-8:30 p.m. $25 tickets, purchase at Resurrect Antiques. Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve.
Wednesday, April 2
The Ten Tenors The Opelika Center for Performing Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org. Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15-12:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.
Thursday, April 3
9th Annual Mayors’ Jeans and Jackets Ball The Hotel at Auburn University. All proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County. To make a reservation, or for more information about sponsorship opportunities, call (334) 502-1311. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve.
Friday, April 4
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Assassination Commemoration Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Bham. www.bcri.org. Reload Receiving Day at Kids Clothes Connection www.kidsclothesconnection.com 49th Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. Southeast Alabama Dance Company presents “Princesses and Pirates” Dothan Civic Center. www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org. Tiger Track Classic Auburn Tiger Track and Field. Hutsell-Rosen Track, Auburn. First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.eventcenterdowntown.com. First Fridays “Shop Late, Eat Local” Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org. First Day of Kids Clothes Connection Sale 1625 East University Drive, Auburn (behind McAlister’s Deli). 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.kidsclothesconnection.com.
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Gala of the Royal Horses Columbus Civic Center. www.ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, April 5
Day Out with Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. Calera. www.HODRRM.org. 2014 Walk MS: Birmingham Homewood Central Park. www.walkms.org. Curtain Call Ball BJCC, Bham. Birmingham Children’s Theatre’s Patrons Board is excited to present an enchanted family evening to raise funds and awareness for the education and outreach programs that Birmingham Children’s Theatre has provided for more than 12 million children in the past seven decades. www.bct123.org/anightin. html. Free Anti-Bullying Seminar Sponsored by Auburn Mixed Martial Arts, in association with Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy. Auburn Mixed Martial Arts, Auburn. 12:30-2:30pm. Pre registration is required, so please call 334-887-0818 or e mail us at info@auburnmma.com to register. Mountain Brook Art Association 33rd Annual Spring Festival Crestline Village, Mountain Brook. www.MountainBrookArtAssociation.com. 49th Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. Alabama Chocolate Festival Rainbow Plaza Center, Rainbow City, Al. www.rbcalabama.com. Civil War Walking Tour of Old Cahawba Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Orrville. www.cahawba.com. Southeast Alabama Dance Company presents “Princesses and Pirates” Dothan Civic Center. www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org. Dothan Gem & Mineral Show Dothan, Al. www.wiregrassrockhounds.com. Ozark Crawdad & Music Festival Downtown Ozark. www.ozarkalabama.us. Piney Woods Arts Festival Enterprise State Community College Campus. www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com. Tiger Track Classic Auburn Tiger Track and Field. Hutsell-Rosen Track, Auburn. CAMP’s Chewacla Challenge Trail Run Chewacla State Park, Auburn. www.about-time-events.com. Bark in the Park Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Kiesel Park, Auburn. Free. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. .auburnalabama.org/parks. Move & Groove Family Fit Day 2014 Sponsored by the School of Kinesiology at Auburn. 301 Wire Rd, Auburn. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. All proceeds from this event will go to support Auburn Day Care Centers-celebrating 50 years of service to Auburn children and their families. Home Depot Kids Workshop ‘Build a Bird Feeder’ Home Depot, Opelika. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. Free. www.homedepot.com.
Sunday, April 6
Day Out with Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. Calera. www.HODRRM.org. Week of the Young Child An annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Education of Young Children. McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org. 49th Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. Zoo Weekend 2014 The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum. www.montgomeryzoo.com.
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Southeast Alabama Dance Company presents “Princesses and Pirates” Dothan Civic Center. www.southeastalabamadancecompany.org. Dothan Gem & Mineral Show Dothan, Al. www.wiregrassrockhounds.com. Piney Woods Arts Festival Enterprise State Community College Campus. www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com. Tiger Track Classic Auburn Tiger Track and Field. Hutsell-Rosen Track, Auburn. CAMP’s Chewacla Challenge XC Mountain Bike Race Chewacla State Park, Auburn. www.about-time-events.com. Auburn Music Nights in the Forest Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. Free; 3-5 p.m. 334-707-6512.
Monday, April 7
Week of the Young Child An annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Education of Young Children. McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org. Zoo Weekend 2014 The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Kids Clothes Connection Sale. Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am-7pm. 524-0606. Reload Receiving Day at Kids Clothes Connection www.kidsclothesconnection.com Therapeutics Easter Egg Hunt and Cookout Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec and AU Chapter of Best Buddies. Kiesel Park, Auburn. 5 p.m. dstewart@auburnalabama.org.
Tuesday, April 8
Week of the Young Child An annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Education of Young Children. McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org. Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Kids Clothes Connection Sale. Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am-7pm. 524-0606.
Wednesday, April 9
Week of the Young Child An annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Education of Young Children. McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org. Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15-12:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Kids Clothes Connection Sale. Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am-7pm. 524-0606. Columbus Kids Market Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church. www.columbuskidsmarket.com.
Thursday, April 10
Week of the Young Child An annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Education of Young Children. McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale www.bbgardens.org. Kids Clothes Connection Sale. Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am-7pm. 524-0606. The Hospitality Gala 2014 The Hotel at Auburn University. www.thehospitalitygala.com. Auburn 107th Annual Vet School Conference AU College of Veterinary Medicine. www.auburn.edu. Artist Talk: Clark Whittington Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5-8 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.
www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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Family Calendar Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Lee County Wild Game Cook-Off Lazenby Farm, Auburn. www.alabamawildlife.org. Columbus Kids Market Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church. www.columbuskidsmarket.com. Ceramics Easter Special Denson Dr. Rec, Opelika. 3:30-4:30 p.m. $10. 705-5560.
Friday, April 11
Week of the Young Child An annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Education of Young Children. McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org. Bastson Blade Smithing Symposium and Knife Show Tannehill State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale www.bbgardens.org. Fairy Tales Weekend: Little River Canyon Center & DeSoto State Park www.canyoncenter.org. Auburn 107th Annual Vet School Conference AU College of Veterinary Medicine. www.auburn.edu. USA Handball College Nationals Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum, Auburn University. Chewacla Classic Campout (Vintage Camper Rally) Chewacla State Park, Auburn. (334) 887-5621. On The Tracks Downtown Opelika. 6 p.m. www.onthetracks.org. Stephen Mills’ “Hamlet” presented by The Atlanta Ballet www.atlantaballet.com. Night Eggstravaganza at FDR State Park Pine Mountain, Ga. 7:45 p.m. 706-663-4858. Columbus Kids Market Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church. www.columbuskidsmarket.com. Therapeutics Bowling Night Auburn Lanes. 5-7 p.m. Ages 10-up; $10 fee. dstewart@auburnalabama.org. Kids Clothes Connection Sale. Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am-7pm. 524-0606. Reload Receiving Day at Kids Clothes Connection www.kidsclothesconnection.com
Saturday, April 12
Discover Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab www.estuarium.disl.org. Kids Clothes Connection Sale. Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 9am-5pm. 524-0606. Week of the Young Child An annual celebration sponsored by the National Association of Education of Young Children. McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org. Bastson Blade Smithing Symposium and Knife Show Tannehill State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale www.bbgardens.org. Cottontail Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. Calera. www.HODRRM.org. Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival Lanark Park, Millbrook. www.alabamawildlife.org. Easter Egg Hunt Charles E. Bailey Sportsplex, Alexander City. www.acpr.me. Wind Creek State Park Easter Egg Hunt Alexander City. www.alapark/WindCreek. Bunny-Palooza Festival of Spring Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne, Al. www.canyoncenter.org. Fairy Tales Weekend: Little River Canyon Center & DeSoto State Park www.canyoncenter.org. Wilcox Area Chamber Big Fish Crappie Tournament Lake Dannelly / Miller’s Ferry Lake, Camden. www.wilcoxareachamber.org.
March/April 2014
Calico Fort Arts & Crafts Fair Fort Deposit, Al. www.calicofort.com. 54th Annual Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo www.rattlesnakerodeo.com. 17th Annual LaFayette Day for Valley Haven Courthouse Square, LaFayette. www.valleyhavenschool.org. Tri-State BBQ Festival Dothan. www.tristatebbq.com. Auburn 107th Annual Vet School Conference AU College of Veterinary Medicine. www.auburn.edu. USA Handball College Nationals Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum, Auburn University. Chewacla Classic Campout (Vintage Camper Rally) Chewacla State Park, Auburn. (334) 887-5621. Xterra Tiger Off-Road Triathlon Chewacla State Park, Auburn. www.xterraplanet.com. 5K Tiger Trot for Tots Walk/Run Sponsored by The Learning Tree, Inc. Beard Eaves Memorial Coliseum, Auburn University. 8-10 a.m., 334.415.9372. 15th Annual Auburn Bike Bash Sponsored by City of Auburn, Auburn Bicycle Committee, Auburn City Schools. Richland Road Elementary School, Auburn. 8 a.m. -12 noon. 334.501.2930. Stephen Mills’ “Hamlet” presented by The Atlanta Ballet www.atlantaballet.com. Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum. Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Second Saturday: Family Fun Day at the Columbus Museum Georgia. www.columbusmuseum.com. Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival Lanark Park, Millbrook. www.alabamawildlife.org. Columbus Kids Market Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church. www.columbuskidsmarket.com. 69th Commemorative Ceremony for our President FDR’s Little White House, Warm Springs, Ga. 706-655-5870. 10K CottonTrail Rabbit Run FDR’s Little White House, Warm Springs, Ga. 706-655-5870. Reptile Review at FDR State Park Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-663-4858. Lady Antebellum: Take Me Downtown Tour Oak Mountain Amp. www.ticketmaster.com. Cardboard Boat Races Opelika Sportsplex Pool. 10 a.m. $15 per team/boat. 705-5560. 7th Annual Confederate Garrison Living History Day at Fort Morgan
Sunday, April 13
Bastson Blade Smithing Symposium and Knife Show Tannehill State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale www.bbgardens.org. Calico Fort Arts & Crafts Fair Fort Deposit, Al. www.calicofort.com. 54th Annual Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo www.rattlesnakerodeo.com. Tri-State BBQ Festival Dothan. www.tristatebbq.com. Auburn 107th Annual Vet School Conference AU College of Veterinary Medicine. www.auburn.edu. USA Handball College Nationals Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum, Auburn University. Chewacla Classic Campout (Vintage Camper Rally) Chewacla State Park, Auburn. (334) 887-5621. Stephen Mills’ “Hamlet” presented by The Atlanta Ballet www.atlantaballet.com.
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Monday, April 14
Become a Foster Parent Class Alabama Mentor, Opelika. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 334.705.8877. WWE Monday Night Raw BJCC, Bham. www.bjcc.org. Nickel Creek Alabama Theatre. www.ticketmaster.com. Kids Clothes Connection Sale Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am7pm. 524-0606.
Tuesday, April 15
Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Kids Clothes Connection Sale Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am7pm. 524-0606.
Wednesday, April 16
Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15-12:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Kids Clothes Connection Sale Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am7pm. 524-0606.
Thursday, April 17
Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Great Flashlight Egg Hunt Moore Stadium, Opelika. 7:30 p.m. Ages 3rd-5th grade. 705-5560. Kids Clothes Connection Sale Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am7pm. 524-0606.
Friday, April 18
K-12 Kids Art Club ‘Stuff for Pets’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 1:30-3:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Light Up Columbus 1K/5K/10K Benefiting Autism Speaks. Columbus. www.strollerstrongmoms.com. Kids Clothes Connection Sale Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 10am7pm. 524-0606. Underwater Egghunt Opelika Sportsplex Pool. 705-5560. Hands-On Craft Days at Historic Westville Lumpkin, Ga. Casting Crowns BancorpSouth Arena. www.ticketmaster.com. Underwater Egg Hunt Opelika Sportsplex Pool. 6-8 p.m. Free to members/$3 nonmembers. Ages 8-10yrs. 705-5560. The Standing Ovation Tour Columbus Civic Center. www.ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, April 19
Kids Clothes Connection Sale Winn Dixie Building, East University, Auburn. 9am-5pm. 524-0606. Wetumpka CraterFest Gold Star Park and Wetumpka’s Riverfront Park. Facebook. Alabama Book Festival Old Alabama Town, Montgomery. www.alabamabookfestival.org. 28th Annual Castleberry Strawberry Festival Castleberry, Al. 251-966-2422. Auburn Football A-Day Jordan-Hare Stadium. 2 p.m. www.auburn.edu.
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Family Calendar Green Day American Idiot BJCC, Bham. www.bjcc.org. Chewacla State Park 75th Anniversary Bike Race Auburn. www.alpark.com/Chewacla. Waverly Old 280 Boogie www.facebook.com/waverlyboogie. Easter On the Square Downtown Opelika. 705-5560. Lake Martin Wild Game Cook-Off Lake Martin Amp. www. alabamawildlife.org. Hands-On Craft Days at Historic Westville Lumpkin, Ga. Color Vibe Run 5K at the Columbus Civic Center www.columbusciviccenter. org. Earth Day “Bark In The Park” at FDR State Park FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-6634858. Easter On the Square Downtown Opelika. 10 a.m. - 12 noon. 705-5560. 33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored by Wells Fargo and Auburn Parks and Rec. Kiesel Park, Auburn. 10 a.m. Ages 12 and under. Free. He Is Risen Easter Celebration Columbus Civic Center. www.ticketmaster.com.
Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
March/April 2014
Sunday, April 20
Montevallo Family Fun and Fitness Day Orr Park, Montevallo. www.montevallocc.com. 3rd Annual Easter Egg Roll and Egg Hunt FDR’s Little White House. Warm Springs, Ga.
Tuesday, April 22
Earth Day Safari 2014 The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Spring Treats Covington Rec, Opelika. 6-7:30 p.m. $10. 705-5560.
Wednesday, April 23
Earth Day Safari 2014 The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum. www.montgomeryzoo.com. “Capture the Moon” Presented by The Auburn University Theatre Dance. Telfair Peet Theatre. www. auburnuniversitytheatre.org. Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15-12:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.
Thursday, April 24
Battle of Selma Battlefield Park. www.battleofselma.com.
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Toadlick Music Festival National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, Dothan. www.toadlick.com. Extended Museum Gallery and Café Hours Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. 5-8 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. “Capture the Moon” Presented by The Auburn University Theatre Dance. Telfair Peet Theatre. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve.
Friday, April 25
29th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party Flora Bama, Orange Beach. www.florabama.com. 4th Annual Shelby County’s Best BBQ Cook Off Columbiana, Al. www.southshelbychamber.com. Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park. www.barbermotorsports.com/indy. Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival 8th Street South, Bham. www.stelias.org. 31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Gardendale Magnolia Festival Gardendale Civic Center. www.magnoliafestival.org. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. Battle of Selma Battlefield Park. www.battleofselma.com. Annual Open Buddy Bass Tournament Valley Grande, Selma. www.valleygrande.org.
www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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Family Calendar Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts Alabama National Fairgrounds, Montgomery. www.alabamafiberarts.com. Toadlick Music Festival National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, Dothan. www.toadlick.com. Geneva Festival on the Rivers Robert Fowler Memorial Park, Geneva, Al. www.genevariverfestival.com. Relay for Life of Lee County Opelika Courthouse Square. www.relayforlife.org/leeal. “Capture the Moon” Presented by The Auburn University Theatre Dance. Telfair Peet Theatre. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org. 16th Annual Georgia Strawberry Festival Reynolds, Ga. www.ga-strawberry.org.
Saturday, April 26
29th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party Flora Bama, Orange Beach. www.florabama.com. 5th Annual Bald Eagle Bash Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center, Weeks Bay National Esuarine Research Reserve. www.BaldEagleBash.com. Delta Woods & Waters Expo Spanish Fort, Al. www.deltawoodsandwaterexpo.com. Gardendale Magnolia Festival Gardendale Civic Center. www.magnoliafestival.org. Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park. www.barbermotorsports.com/indy. Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival 8th Street South, Bham. www.stelias.org.
March/April 2014
31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Earth Day at The Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens. www.bbgardens.org. Festival of the Springs Reed-Harvey Park, Center Point. www.centerpointchamber.com. 2nd Annual TroyFest Song Writers Festival The Studio, Troy. www.troyfest.com. Troy Fest Arts & Craft Festival Troy. www.troyfest.com. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. French & Indian War Encampment Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson, Wetumpka. www.fttoulousejackson.org. Hog Wild For Art Festival Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center, Camden. www.blackbelttreasures.com. Battle of Selma Battlefield Park. www.battleofselma.com. Annual Open Buddy Bass Tournament Valley Grande, Selma. www.valleygrande.org. Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts Alabama National Fairgrounds, Montgomery. www.alabamafiberarts.com. Joy to Life Foundation Walk of Life Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.joytolike.org. Toadlick Music Festival National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, Dothan. www.toadlick.com. Geneva Festival on the Rivers Robert Fowler Memorial Park, Geneva, Al. www.genevariverfestival.com.
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Pepper Jelly Festival Alabama Rural Heritage Center, Thomaston, Al. 334-627-3388. Finish on the Fifty Toomer’s Corner, Auburn. runauburn@gmail.com. Auburn CityFest Kiesel Park, Auburn. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Tyler Perry’s Hell Hath No Fury BJCC, Bham. www.bjcc.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. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. “Cashore Marionettes: Life in Motion” RiverCenter for Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. The Great Cloth Diaper Change at Lake Bottom Park Columbus. (706)386-2850. Reptile Review at FDR State Park Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-663-4858. 16th Annual Georgia Strawberry Festival Reynolds, Ga. www.ga-strawberry.org.
Sunday, April 27
29th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party Flora Bama, Orange Beach. www.florabama.com. Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park. www.barbermotorsports.com/indy. 31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Troy Fest Arts & Craft Festival Troy. www.troyfest.com.
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Russell Marine In Water Boat Show Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. French & Indian War Encampment Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson, Wetumpka. www.fttoulousejackson.org. Battle of Selma Battlefield Park. www.battleofselma.com. Geneva Festival on the Rivers Robert Fowler Memorial Park, Geneva, Al. www.genevariverfestival.com. Tyler Perry’s Hell Hath No Fury BJCC, Bham. www.bjcc.org. K-12 Kids Art Club ‘Arbor Day’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 1:30-3:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net.
Monday, April 28
Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net.
Tuesday, April 29
Earth Day at Lakepoint State Park Eufaula. www.alapark.com/LakePointResort. Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Easter Egg Hunt at Columbus Botanical Garden Columbus. 706-327-8400.
Wednesday, April 30
Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15-12:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.
Looking ahead... May 1. May Concert Series Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec Town Creek Park, Auburn. 6 p.m. Free. May 3. Garden in the Park Sponsored by Keep Opelika Beautiful Municipal Park, Opelika. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. May 3. Derby Day at the Stables Russell Crossroads, Alexander City. www.russellcrossroads.com. May 6. Lady Gaga’s ArtRave—The Artpop Ball Philips Arena. www.ticketmaster.com. May 9. Jason Aldean: 2014 Burn It Down Tour Oak Mountain Amp. www.ticketmaster.com. May 9. S’more Fun with Mom Hosted by The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve and the City of Auburn. 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per mother/son couple. For more information visit www. auburn.edu/preserve; Tickets go on sale March 31. May 17. Fishing Rodeo Sponsored by Evans Realty and Auburn Parks and Rec. Auburn Technology Park South Lake. 8-11 a.m. Children 12 under; $5. May 17. Paddle for a Purpose 3rd SUP the South Race Children’s Harbor, Alexander City, Al. www.childrensharbor.com. May 22. Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. May 29. 2014 Tour of Homes Kick-Off Party Women’s Council of Realtors.
Please send your calendar events to kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com by the 5th of the month. It’s FREE! Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
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www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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ParentingOnThePlains by Dr. Polly Dunn
5 Tips to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and that makes it the perfect time to learn how to prevent child sexual abuse in the East Alabama community. Stewards of Children is a training program developed by the Darkness to Light organization to teach adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program focuses on a five step action plan that each of us, as parents, teachers, grandparents, or concerned adults, can follow to prevent child sexual abuse from occurring. Here’s more about the five steps: Learn the facts. 1 in 10 children in the United States will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday. It’s a harsh reality. These children come from all walks of life and from every socio-economic status. No child or family is immune. In fact, 90% of children who are abused know their abuser. The greatest risk for sexual abuse comes from friends and family, not strangers. Minimize opportunity. More than 80% of instances of child sexual abuse occur in one-on-one isolated situations. Reducing one-on-one situations dramatically reduces a child’s likelihood of being sexually abused. Encourage group interactions and when one-on-one situations need to occur, make sure that they are observable by others. For example, if your child needs tutoring after school, make sure that the classroom door is left open so that the session can be observed by others in the hallway. Check with your child’s school, church, sports club, camp, and other extracurricular activities to make sure that they have policies in place that eliminate one-on-one interactions unless they are observable. Talk about it. From a young age, talk with your children about their bodies and let them know that no one is allowed to touch their private parts, even family members and friends. Encourage them to tell a parent, teacher, or other grown up if someone does touch them inappropriately. In addition to talking with your child, talk to other adults about issues related to child sexual abuse. Not only does this increase awareness in the community, but it also lets potential abusers know that you are paying attention to this important issue.
Recognize the signs. Often the signs of child sexual abuse are not obvious unless you know what to look for. There may be physical signs, but behavioral and emotional concerns are far more common. Unexplained withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and anger are some examples of the many emotional signs that a child who is being abused may display. React responsibly. If a child reveals to you that they are being or have been sexually abused, respond by telling the child that you believe them and that you are so proud of them for the courage they showed by telling you. After assuring the child that you will help them, contact the Department of Human Resources, the Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama, or the police. These agencies will gather information from you about the child and the alleged abuser and will investigate the
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situation further. It’s not up to you to investigate whether the allegations are true or false. As a concerned adult, all you need to do is report the situation to the proper authorities. The two-hour, facilitator led Stewards of Children training program can teach you more about these five steps so that you can protect every child you know from sexual abuse. If you would like to attend one of the upcoming Stewards of Children trainings in East Alabama or host a training for your organization, please contact me at polly@ childpsychmom.com. Together we can prevent child sexual abuse in our community. Dr. Polly Dunn received her Ph.D. from Auburn University in 1999. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and currently serves as the Director of the Auburn University Psychological Services Center, a position she has held for over ten years. Dr. Dunn is also the founder of www.ChildPsychMom.com where she blogs about what works and what doesn’t in her hectic life as a child psychologist, wife, and mom of four.
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
Veronica Mars MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: C Sexual Content: CLanguage: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: D+ The MPAA has rated Veronica Mars PG-13 for sexuality including references, drug content, violence and some strong language. Veronica Mars fans have spoken. It’s one thing to put money down at the box office, but devotees of the television program went one step further. When Rob Thomas, creator of the series, asked viewers to donate to a film adaptation, they contributed in droves. By the time the collection plate was passed around 91,585 fans had handed over $5.7 million to see their favorite sleuth on the big screen. The story picks up nearly ten years after Veronica (Kristen Bell) graduated from high school. She escaped the pull of Neptune, California and has since made a name for herself in New York City. As a recent law school graduate, she is in the running for a position at a prestigious law firm. Her dad Keith Mars (Enrico Colantoni), a former sheriff turned private investigator, admires his daughter’s resolve to leave the snubs of high school behind her. Veronica is also involved in a comfortable relationship with Stosh “Piz” Piznarski (Chris Lowell) and he is anxious for her to meet his parents. Unfortunately tranquility is not something Veronica craves. She is, by her own admission, an adrenaline junkie. She also carries a huge chip on her shoulder. So when she gets a call from her old boyfriend Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring), she is on the first plane out of town. Logan has been accused of murdering his girlfriend Carrie Bishop. With a social media maelstrom swirling around the story, Logan wants Veronica to help clear his name. But it doesn’t take long before romantic feelings begin resurfacing between the two old classmates. It’s no surprise that fans of the television program will appreciate this movie more than newcomers to the story. There are definitely lines aimed at the well initiated. However there’s more to this neo noir detective script than just insider jokes. Veronica is like a dog after a bone. She refuses to walk away until she’s dug out every last dirty detail. That content won’t be anything new for those familiar with the series. But for parents with young teens and kids, those sordid particulars might be enough reason to forgo viewing Veronica Mars. The script includes a strong sexual expletive (along with several modifications) and a host of other profanities. As well, audiences are exposed to brief scenes from sex tapes, passionate kissing and morning after scenes, frequent crude comments, sexual innuendo and crass terms for body parts and functions. When it comes to cleaning up the community Veronica Mars’ thoroughness might be a good thing. Yet exposing youth to the corruption she intends to eliminate may not be something to which parents want to donate.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Mr. Peabody & Sherman PG for some mild action and brief rude humor. In the animated shorts from The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, the incredibly smart beagle and his adopted human Sherman travel in their WABAC (pronounced “way-back”). The time travel machine allowed them to meet famous faces, attend historical events and right wrongs from the past. In 2014, Mr. Peabody and Sherman (voices of Ty Burrell and Max Charles) are back in an updated, big screen version of the story aimed at a new generation. However rather than being Peabody’s pet, Sherman is more of a cherished son. (Still, the genius inventor insists the child call him by his name rather than Dad.) The orphaned boy has grown up in the quintessential home-schooled environment with field trips that are literally out of this world. Now Sherman is heading off for his first day of class at a private institution where some of the students don’t take kindly to the well-traveled know-it-all. When Sherman dares to cross paths with his classmate Penny (voice of Ariel Winter), this mean girl reacts by bullying the boy until he resorts to biting her. That brings down the wrath of the state-appointed social worker (voice of Allison Janney) who vows to have Sherman removed from Mr. Peabody’s care. To smooth things over, Mr. Peabody prepares a gourmet meal and invites Penny and her parents (voices of Stephen Colbert and Leslie Mann) to dinner. But while the dog impresses the parents with his extraordinary bartending skills, Sherman and Penny take an unsupervised excursion in the time machine. And that sets in motion a series of side trips to the Trojan War, ancient Egypt and the Italian Renaissance for a joy ride in Leonardo da Vinci’s experimental flying machine. When it comes to the father/son relationship, this movie attempts to make a break from the usual stereotypical bonding. Yet that doesn’t mean the rest of the film isn’t full of the conventions like the nasty social worker, an ineffective principal and helicopter parents. Even Sherman’s nerdy friends from school are characters we’re more than familiar with. The script does try to steer clear of a lot of other content concerns that might keep parents from buying movie tickets. This screwball peek at history pits the value of book learning against hands-on experience as it introduces famous figures from the past. It also suggests, at least in the case of childrearing, you can teach an old dog new tricks. For most young viewers this message will be totally lost. And that’s okay. Much like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, this film isn’t so much about history as it is about how entertaining history can be -- with the right narrator of course.
What Parents need to know about Veronica Mars...
Violence: A girl who has been electrocuted it seen in a bathtub. Corrupt policemen taser a man. A group of thugs attempt to scare a woman and a man is shot when he tries to help her. Characters engage in a bar fight. A truck repeatedly smashes into a car in an attempt to kill the occupants. A character is shot in the stomach. A man, who attempts to shoot another character, is tasered and sprayed in the eyes with pepper spray. Sexual Content: Characters talk about sex tapes and later one of the tapes is shown at an event. Characters made crude and suggestive hand gestures. A man offers to share his dirty pictures. Frequent crude sexual comments are made about homosexuals, pedophiles and body parts. Characters make crass and sexually suggestive comments. A couple kisses passionately and begins to undress. There are several scenes of implied sexual activity. Language: The script contains frequent crude language, profanities, slurs and scatological slang along with a strong sexual expletive and several modifications of it. Frequent crude name-calling is used. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink alcohol on numerous occasions. Characters discuss illegal drug use that led to a death. A character dies of a drug overdose.
What Parents need to know about Mr. Peabody & Sherman...
Violence: Characters are rounded up and sentenced to death by a guillotine. One man narrowly misses being beheaded. Characters cause a massive explosion by igniting methane gas in the sewer system. A child, who is humiliated and bullied at school, bites another child. A baby is abandoned in a box in an alley. Characters are thrown in a tomb with mummies. Characters are threatened with swords and engage in a battle with weapons. Characters take, pilot and crash a flying machine. Police are involved in a car crash during a chase. A character is repeatedly shot with a Taser for comedy relief. A woman is smashed by a falling stone. Other depictions of hitting and non-graphic violence are seen. Sexual Content: A character makes a joke about female anatomy. A painting with a female bosom is shown. Brief, mild sexual comments are made. Language: Some name-calling and a brief sexual double entendre. Alcohol / Drug Use: One character shows off his bartending skills by mixing up drinks for his dinner guests. Other: The script includes several “poop” jokes and other bathroom humor. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2014
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