Auburn-Opelika Parents April 2015 by KeepSharing

April2015

Volume 6 Number 2

Columns

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

Living With Children John Rosemond

Nurturing Good Communicators

Solving the Child Care Conundrum

10 ways to help your child become a well-rounded communicator!

Consider your options through different lenses to find the best solution for your family.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

34 Our detailed listing of Lee County child care centers will help you narrow down your search!

Centsibly Southern Chic...Fashion Advice for finding the perfect pair of jeans to fit your body.

On The Cover Jake (age 6) and Jase (born Dec. 1, 2014) Hall are the sons of Jonathan and Monica Hall of Auburn. Jake is in kindergarten at Auburn Early Education Center and spends his afternoons at Growing Room Child Development Center after school, where his baby brother, Jase, also attends. Jake enjoys riding horses, swimming, and going to his grandparents. Jake loves being a big brother and is an awesome helper. Jase enjoys snuggling and watching everything his big brother does.

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 48

Family Calendar 56

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote Next time you are eating out with your family, take a look around. Almost every table will have at least one (if not all) the meal-goers either texting on their phones, surfing the internet or playing games on their tablets. I am also betting your family, like mine, is often one of those disconnected, yet web-connected families! My family is guilty for sure! With an IPad for each of the four kids, and two or three phones between us all, we are constantly connected to Facebook, iMessages, emails, video games and Pinterest. Being connected to the electronic world has become the norm and has made face-to-face communication almost obsolete. What used to come natural and expected (especially living in the South) was teaching children to be polite and respectful to others, while we interact and communicate with them. Now I have noticed first hand that being well-mannered and knowing what to do in social settings is becoming a lost art form. Do our kids know how to order their meals in a restaurant? Or, can they answer the home phone and respectfully address the caller? How about starting a conversation with peers that is interesting, includes open-ended questions for others to join in and involves more than just the latest teen drama or video game release? It seems like a very simple task for us, but what about our kids? In our feature article, 10 Ways to Nurture a Well-Rounded Communicator, the author gives a few great tips on how to help our children practice communication skills in their daily interactions. For example, next time you sit down to a dinner at Niffer’s Place, encourage your kids to put their devices aside, read the menu together, respectfully make eye contact with the waiter, and then place their order. Just think of what a small teachable moment like this can do for their interpersonal skills with others and their self-confidence. Don’t forget, you just modeled the art form of face-to-face communication too, which is a very important component to teaching our children. This year, my oldest daughter joined the Junior Cotillion program in Lee County where the students spent one Sunday a month learning etiquette, such as responding to invitations, how to introduce yourself to others, setting a proper dinner table, and how to eat a meal, while connecting with others. It was a great learning experience for her and her peers and a much needed eye-opening experience for me. Being able to know how to appropriately behave in everyday interactions like dinner with friends, meeting and greeting people, and correspond politely with others, can be taken for granted in today’s tech world. As a bonus, these 6th graders also learned how to dance the Waltz and the Cha-Cha! Talk about putting the texting away! There were no LOLs shared, but actual Laughing Out Loud, as they formed a special friendship bond and learned from each other. I’m not suggesting we go cold-turkey and turn off cell phones, shut down email accounts and never Facetime again. Maybe start slow by having ‘Turn off Tuesday Dinners’ where the family engages over a weeknight meal, where listening and manners are rediscovered. Or, ‘Face-to-Face Fridays’ where your family finds a local event, leaves the tablets at home and interacts with the community. Check out the April calendar for some great family outings like Auburn’s CityFest and Opelika’s First Fridays. From one parent to another, here’s to disconnecting (one step at a time) and reconnecting to the family and community!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Rian Anglin, M.D. Beth Fornauf Laura Handey Christa Melnyk Hines Carolyn Jabs Dave Ramsey John Rosemond 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.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

on rse, nity. nity ss.

Thursday, April 2nd

Saturday, April 4th

com

thly Road

in d. zine t the ment

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Interpersonal Snot Wiping Behavior Q:

We are having a problem with our 32-month-old son. He picks his nose--most often in a public setting--and then proceeds to wipe it on other family members. It’s disgusting. We have tried ignoring his behavior and mildly smacking his hand away when he tries to wipe it on us. Neither approach is working. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Psychologists are not trained to deal with this sort of thing. That’s bad news because I am a psychologist. Lucky for you, however, I am also a grandfather, and grandparents know how to handle stuff (pun intended) like this. As I have said many times, most notably in my book Making the “Terrible” Twos Terrific!, consequences do not work reliably with toddlers. First, their attention span is simply too short. As such, they are not likely to remember what happened the last time they misbehaved in a certain way, so they do it again...and they get punished again, and they do it again, and so on. A toddler and a parent can go round this mulberry bush forever. Second, their impulses rule.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Impulse usually overrides the “Don’t do that!” message. Third, they seem to take perverse delight in doing things that people make a big deal over. You have obviously been making a big deal over him wiping snot on other people. You swat his hand away, you probably jump around and yell and run around looking for something to wipe it off with, all the while complaining in a loud, agitated voice. The fact that he can get an adult so worked up is just too much fun! So, he does it again. No, ignoring this isn’t going to work. You didn’t ignore it anyway. You simply reduced the number of times you paid attention to it in relation to the number of times it happened. So, instead of getting all worked up every time he wiped snot on someone, you got worked up one out of four times he wiped snot on someone. (By the way, if you want to get fancy, psychologists would refer to it as “interpersonal snot wiping behavior”). One out of four is enough to keep ISWB going. One out of ten will do it, in fact. Whenever parents tell me they’ve ignored something, I know they’re

not telling the truth. They ignored it “some” is more like it. Let’s face it: This is not malicious behavior, nor does it constitute a real and present public health menace. His snot has not caused anyone to become ill, much less precipitated a world-wide epidemic. It has caused you consternation. You think it’s disgusting, which is subjective. In all honesty, given my vast experience with toddler behavior, this is not serious. Furthermore, I seriously doubt that he will be smearing snot on people two years from now, and that time line is pessimistic. One year is more like it. One thing’s for sure: If you continue to swat, scream, and run around like a headless chicken when ISWB occurs, it will continue to occur, and probably get worse. Pin a handkerchief to his clothing so that it hangs in front of his shirt. Tell him that it’s for wiping snot from his nose and show him how to use it. Then, when you see him picking his nose, ask him, “Where do you put stuff from your nose?” Help him understand the concept of using a handkerchief. And if he smears it on you anyway, then simply take his handkerchief and wipe it off, with dignity. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Sponsored by Wells Fargo

Join us for Auburn's Annual

Easter Egg Hunt WHERE: Kiesel Park WHEN: April 4th*

s ty, avsly ple s-

AGES r & younge

10:30 a.m.

7 9 4â&#x20AC;&#x201D;56a.m. 11:00 a.m. 10 1m2. AGES

AGES

10:4

11:15 a.

*Rain Date: April 5th at 2:00 p.m.

ree to the public; for more information call 501-2930.

s g e e,

f n

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Auburn CityFest 2015

Get ready for one of Auburn’s favorite spring traditions! Join Auburn Parks and Recreation for Auburn CityFest 2015 on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park. Enjoy live music, food, arts & crafts, fine arts vendors, children’s activities, special appearances, and much more! This FREE outdoor festival is held RAIN or SHINE on the last Saturday of each April. There’s more fun than we could ever list here, so be sure to check us out online at auburncityfest.com. Mark your calendars – we’ll see you there! FREE to the public.

Great Flashlight Egg Hunt

Hunt for eggs in the dark! Join Opelika Parks and Recreation, Thursday, April 2nd, 7:00 p.m., at Moore Stadium, Opelika. Bring your flashlight and a basket. Look for a special prize and ‘rock eggs’! Ages 3rd-5th grade welcome.

Underwater Egg Hunt

April 3rd, egg hunters of all abilities will have the opportunity to collect weighted eggs from the bottom of the pool and receive treats for their efforts! The Underwater Egg Hunt will occur in varying depths of water to allow participation by all swimming levels. The eggs are recycled back into the pool after being retrieved by the youth for a never-ending supply of eggs. Free to SportsPlex members; $4/guest. Ages 6-10 years welcome. Opelika SportsPlex Pool, 6-8 p.m.

34th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored by Wells Fargo

Search for over 35,000 eggs over a four-acre area, Saturday, April 4th at 10 a.m. at Kiesel Park. Free to the public! New this year, egg hunt start times will be staggered by age group. 3 & Under Hunt @ 10:30 a.m. 4 – 6 Hunt @ 10:45 a.m. 7 – 9 Hunt @ 11 a.m. 10 – 12 Hunt @ 11:15 a.m. Allow time for traffic and parking. In case of rain, join us Easter Sunday at 2 p.m.

Easter On the Square

Children 2nd grade and younger can enjoy a variety of Easter arts and crafts, Saturday, April 4th in historic downtown Opelika! Easter Egg-tivities begin at 10 a.m. Come ride the Easter Express, create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece or make a bonnet to wear in the Easter parade. There will be cotton candy, face painting, lemonade and visits with the Easter Bunny! 10:45 a.m.: The Ultimate Parade, led by the Easter Bunny and the Easter Chicken. All participants must be accompanied by an adult. 11 a.m.: Super Spectacular Egg Hunt-Children 2nd grade and younger should bring your basket and hunt more than 25,000 eggs! Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Russell Marine In-Water Boat Show

Be sure to save the date and attend Russell Marines annual InWater Boat Show at The Ridge Marina on Lake Martin Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26! You will not want to miss the festivities or the opportunity to see and demo the 2015 boat and personal watercraft models for yourself! With more than 50 boats in the water available for demos and another 50 boats on display, there is something to interest every lake lover. www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com. 6

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

C a.m P t

Th Do fa

com

ng es

y, w p.

Easter Weekend at Callaway Gardens

Easter Egg Hunts: Saturday, April 4, Noon-5 p.m. Grab your basket and come to Robin Lake Beach, where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll stage an epic hunt for candy and prize eggs for all ages. Hunts take place by age group and the Easter Bunny will be on hand to pose for pictures. There will also be face painting as well as a DJ providing entertainment throughout the event. Egg hunts are free with admission to Callaway Gardens. Hunts will begin at 1 p.m. and are divided by the following age categories: Toddlers to 3-year-olds; Dedicated sections for 4- to 5-year-olds; 6 to 8-year-olds; 9- to 11-year-olds; 12 to 18-year-olds and Parents/Seniors. Easter Sunrise Service: Sunday, April 5, 7 a.m. Begin Easter Sunday with a non-denominational sunrise service led by Chris Patton, Christian author and president of Mike Patton Auto Group, overlooking Robin Lake under the Ski Pavilion. Admission is free prior to 8 a.m. Guests should enter through the Beach gate on U.S. Hwy. 27 and proceed to the parking lot on the opposite side of the entrance.. Please note that this service is traditionally broadcast live on 93.3 The JOY FM for one hour and therefore starts and ends promptly at the stated time. The morning temperatures can be chilly. Be sure to dress for the weather. And, the service is often standing-room only. Some guests come prepared with portable chairs.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is Atlanta's annual celebration of the blooming of its native dogwood trees. For more than 75 years, the Dogwood arts festival has filled Midtown Atlanta's Piedmont Park with live music, arts and crafts, food booths and family-friendly activities. A juried art competition recognizes artistic achievement in such categories as sculpture, painting, jewelry and photography. The Kid's Village features arts and crafts, face painting, rock climbing and huge inflatables that are sure to please kids of all ages. Another highlight of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is the U.S. Disc Dog Southern Nationals, a world-class competition starring the top Frisbee dogs in the nation. Musical entertainment at the Dogwood arts festival ranges from bluegrass and country to rock and soul. Food options include funnel cakes, kettle corn, gyros and more. Admission is free.

d ry

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

K April 17-19: Football A-Day Weekend

Friday: Track & Field all day; 6 p.m. Baseball vs. Ole Miss, 7:30 p.m. Softball vs. Alabama. Saturday: Track & Field all day; 11 a.m. Football Gates open, 1 p.m. A-Day Game, 3 p.m. Baseball vs. Ole Miss, 5 p.m. Softball vs. Alabama, 5 p.m. Toomer’s Corner Block Party. Sunday: 10:30 a.m. A-Day Brunch, 1 p.m. Baseball vs. Ole Miss, 1 p.m. Softball vs Alabama. Tickets www.auburn.edu, (855) 282-2010 or (334) 844-4040.

11th Annual Auburn CityFest Juried Art Preview Exhibition & Reception

Join the Auburn CityFest Committee, Auburn Arts Association and the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau as we honor the artists participating in the 11th Annual Juried Art Show, April 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Enjoy a sneak preview of the works that will be on display during Auburn CityFest 2015 at the Historic Nunn-Winston House on the grounds of Kiesel Park. Artists from across the Southeast are invited to submit works for this competition. Jurors will present more than $1,000 in awards. FREE to the public. The Auburn Arts Association will accept submissions for the show through mid-April. Download an application at auburncityfest.com and submit your piece today! Contact: Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • 501-2963 • auburncityfest.com.

4th Annual Finish on the Fifty Running Festival

Starts at Toomer’s Corner and ends on Jordan Hare 50 yard line. April 25. Registration online. Event begins at 6:30 a.m. www.runauburn.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

co les ou pla is for 10 gr me do

bo sp By an bo the ing av inf at sig int are ch ha as cli se

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

The Truth About Your Child’s Fever

It’s 3 a.m. and strange noises are coming from your child’s room. He is restless and whimpering. You drag yourself out of bed and head into his room. You place your hand on his forehead and he is quite hot. You scoop him up and head for the thermometer. 103 degrees! Good grief! What does this mean? What do you do now? Fever is the body’s natural response to infection. By generating heat and elevating the body temperature, the body is attempting to rid itself of a pathogen, typically a virus or a bacteria. Many times these infections are benign and do not require a trip the doctor. As a parent, identifying signs associated with fever that require intervention can be quite difficult. Here are some tips for when to call or visit your child’s doctor. If your child’s fever may have been caused by heat exposure such as an outdoor sports practice in a warm climate or in a hot vehicle, then you should seek emergency care right away. Elevat-

ed temperature caused by heat exposure can be very dangerous for your child. In an infant less than 3 months of age, any fever more than 100.4 could be caused by a serious infection. The best evidence suggests that infants in this age range are more likely than their older counterparts to have a serious bacterial infection so always err on the side of caution in this age range. Fever more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit or that lasts longer than 2-3 days should be evaluated by a medical professional. If your child has a seizure, trouble breathing, appears dehydrated or shows other worrisome signs, contacting your doctor is important. The latest research suggests that allowing a child to run a low grade fever, if they are otherwise well appearing, may help them to recover more quickly from a viral infection. Here are some tips to treat fever without medication. Keep the child’s environment cool and allow him or her to wear loose fitting, light-weight clothing.

Encourage your child to drink cool liquids or eat popsicles. If you are concerned that your child is becoming dehydrated, consider using an electrolyte solution for rehydration. Place your child in a luke warm bath and allow him to relax for a bit. Getting plenty of rest is also an important step to allow the body to heal. Sometimes medications like ibuprofen and acetominophen may be used to help lower a child’s temperature. If your child seems irritable or uncomfortable or has a history of febrile seizure, giving medications may be helpful. Avoid aspirin containing products. Fever is the body’s natural response to infection and is typically not something to fear. Use these tips to help you decide when to seek care for your child’s fever and when to use supportive care measures or medication. If you are unsure, contact your child’s doctor. Dr. Rian Anglin, a board certified pediatrician, was raised nearby in Valley, AL. She attended Auburn University were she graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Molecular Biology. Despite her strong allegiance to Auburn, Dr. Anglin graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2007 with her MD. Her passions in practice include promoting early childhood literacy, reducing toxic stress in childhood, and improving the practice of pediatric medicine through office based research. Dr. Anglin is married to her high school sweetheart, Paul. She is delighted to reside in Auburn with her husband and their two sons.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Ogletree Elementary Celebrates Black History Month During our annual observance of Black History Month, Fredna Grimmett, retired Ogletree teacher, shared what the world would be like without the accomplishments of black people. Pictured, Fredna Grimmett addresses the audience on why we celebrate Black History Month.

Junior League of Lee County Supports Auburn High School Special Olympics

Ms. Schiffer's class at Auburn High wants to say, "Thank you!" to the Junior League of Lee County for providing funds for special Olympics t-shirts and a new sensory station for their classroom! We appreciate the support!

1 Ji B B

Nu 2n S B

Wacoochee 6th Graders Visit Infantry Museum

Wacoochee 6th Grade Students visited the Infantry Museum in Columbus, GA. Tristan Carlisle had the opportunity to get his pic snapped with several of our servicemen!

Career Expo Held at Coliseum

The East Alabama Workforce Investment Network hosted an open house for the expo for all media, parents, teachers, students and community leaders to provide an overview of the career opportunities available in the 11 career clusters. Students learned about all kinds of industries including Hospitality & Tourism Management, Architecture, Communication & Information Technologies, Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics as well as Energy & Utilities Management. 8th graders from Auburn Junior High as they visited the Career Discovery 2015 Career Expo at BeardEaves Memorial Coliseum. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

C El T e

an 3 J

Pageant Winners Visit Yarbrough Elementary

Yarbrough Elementary hosted two guest speakers for their Club Friday: Miss Tiara Baker, Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Glamorous Miss Alabama 2015 and Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U.S. Miss America, Miss Summer Parker (CACC 2010). Both pageant winners spoke during the first-ever student led leadership rally at YES as well as to the group of young ladies in the "Pretty In Pink" club about being Proactive and pursuing their dreams. They learned to begin with the end in mind by setting goals they want to achieve in life. They also stressed the importance of putting First Things First in life to be able to reach the goals you have set for yourself.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Opelika High Theatre Society presents “The Phantom of the Opera”

Opelika High Theatre Society presents “The Phantom of the Opera” April 24, 25, 26 and May 1, 2, 3. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students at the door, Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 LaFayette Parkway, Opelika. For more information, call 334-745-9715.

2015 Elementary Science Olympiad

Congratulations to Pick Elementary School for their wins at this year’s State Science Olympiad tournament. Out of 23 events, Pick Elementary School placed 3rd and 4th place overall. They also finished in the top 10 out of 19 of those events. Pictured are the top 1st-3rd individual and team wins/categories: 1st Place: Leaf and Tree Finder- Parker Sumner, Jimin Kang; 1st Place: Tennis Ball Catapult- Gabe Beasley, Joshua Fain; 1st Place: Grasp a GraphBen Bigham; 2nd Place: Mystery Boxes- Joseph McElroy, Adil Merchant; 2nd Place: Large Number Estimation- Eli Musselwhite, Daniel Lee; 2nd Place: Wildlife Safari- Jacob Windsor, Gabriel Siepmann; 2nd Place: Straw Egg Drop- Bradley Bobga, Gavin Bray; 3rd Place: Mystery BoxesCharlie Burton, Elisa Kim; 3rd Place: Making an Using a Key- Max Numeroff, Bradley Bobga; 3rd Place: Weather or Not- Joseph McElroy, Jack Riles; 3rd Place: Cool It- Eli Musselwhite, Suyeon Oh.

o st or

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga Dean Road Elementary SchoolCounty HostsSchools Jump Rope for Heart Event

February, by a federal declaration, is American Heart Month - A perfect fit for a month that has celebrated the 14th with bright red “Hearts” for decades! Unfortunately the need for such a declaration is not a sweet Valentine story. The purpose in celebrating American Heart Month is to bring awareness of our nation’s number one “Killer”, heart disease. The message is so important and vital to our citizens because medical researchers know that 80 percent of heart disease is preventable! When Dean Road Elementary School was approached by the American Heart Association to participate in “Jump Rope For Heart” their principal, Dr. Jackie Greenwood, emphatically said “Yes”. Dr. Greenwood wanted the students at Dean Road to experience “giving” to others along with learning some basic facts about heart disease. She handed this project over to the physical education program run by Chad Jordan and Tina Turnham. The American Heart Association provides educational material which was taught over a two week period during the students’ PE class. Topics discussed were the importance of exercise, a healthy diet, proper hydration and eliminating bad habits such as smoking. Children expressed their concerns for family members who suffered with heart disease and watched a documentary of a child whose heart defect was successfully treated through surgery. The American Heart Association used a clever story, of several small rubber ducks, highlighting healthy habits and lifestyle changes to improve their heart health. Each duck had a distinctive look and name representing these health habits. The ducks were incorporated into the fundraiser as incentive prizes for money raised by the students. Fast forward two weeks later where students up and down the halls of Dean Road were sporting lanyards with collections of miniature rubber ducks attached on key chains. There was “Splatter”, “Scribble”, the “Ninja” and “Ms. Cool” duck. Ducks were found in classrooms, on the playground and swimming in the media center. In the process of all the Duck “mania” at Dean Road School over $8,000.00 dollars was raised and donated to the American Heart Association. Brittany Sowell, the representative from the American Heart Association stated “on average a school raises approximately $2,000.00”. Dean Road School raised more money than any other schools in our district! The American Heart Association was ecstatic and Dean Road School was very proud of all the students and families that so generously gave money to help in the fight against heart disease. Pictured is Mrs. Turnham with students.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

al, h

n s

g ok s

ng r”, nd ol

es r f

Beulah High School Miss Onyx Pageant

Congratulations to “School Breakfast: Before & After” Art Contest Winners!

The Beulah High School Junior Varsity Cheerleaders sponsored the Miss Onyx Pageant on Sunday afternoon, March 8 in the Jerry L. Southwell Gymnasium. Congratulations to all the contestants and to the winners listed: 7th Grade Beauty: Sarah Wadkins;

District Overall Winner: Mary Jack Gordon-OES

8th Grade Beauty: Kensley Kirby; 9th Grade Beauty: Eriona Huguley; Miss Junior High: Savanna Martin; Junior High Miss Congeniality: Kamryn Carroll; 10th Grade Beauty: Abby Brumfield; 11th grade Beauty: Jenna Johnson; 12th grade Beauty: Amanda Todd; Miss Senior High: Jasmine Patton; Senior High Miss Congeniality: Marissa Elio; Miss Onyx: Chandler Parton.

District Winners: Jillian BrelandWMR, Shamar Parker- DRES, Curtis McMillian-AJHS, Riley Hill- OES, Della Wright- DRES, Emmy Rowland-YES, Ayla Thrash- DRES, Lizzy Lovell- RES, Makayla Fischer- RES, and Charlsie Long- RES.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga CountytoSchools Not Too Young Make a Difference

With a vision in her heart and talent at her fingertips, Khaci Spence, an 11 year old, 5th grader, at Morris Avenue Intermediate School in Opelika, is devoted to making a difference. She has taken her passion for arts and crafts and devised a solution to fill a need among her furry friends. This all began during a visit at an animal hospital. She noticed that the encaged puppies had only each other and their tails to keep themselves entertained. Khaci left that day feeling sad and somewhat hopeless. A few weeks later, Khaci and her mom were in a craft store, passing the paracord, when she shouted, “Mom I can make and sell dog collars to help raise money to purchase toys for animals in shelters.” Monday thru Friday Khaci commits her time to excelling in her academics and gymnastics, but the weekend is dedicated to making customized dog collars. Khaci launched her manufacturing business, Khaci’s Accessories from the family room in her home in 2013, and has donated toys and dog collars to Pet Palace Boutique in Opelika, For Paws Boutique in Auburn, Dogpatch Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Salem, and Wise Dog Shelter in Tuskegee. You might see Khaci and her family, mom and dad, Lafrederick and Kheri Spence, baby brother, LJ and diva dog, Kandi, customizing dog collars for dog lovers at weekend community festivals. When you see Khaci, ask her how you can make a difference or send an inquiry to kheri.spence@gmail.com.

Lee-Scott Academy Math Teams Place in District Competition

Lee-Scott Academy's Middle School Math Team placed 3rd in the District Competition. The High School Team placed 2nd.

Space Still Available for Rising 5th - 8th grade students!

Space in the 2015 Academy is still available for students in rising grades 5 8. Four different science-themed weeks remain for students in rising grades 5 - 6 and two special courses offered through the Biodiversity Learning Center are available for rising 7th and 8th graders. All programs operate between 8am - 4pm daily. Prices range from $180 $230 per week/child. Multiple week discounts are available. Courses fill on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to register today!

www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters

For more information or to download a registration form visit our website or contact Kristen Bond at kristen.bond@auburn.edu or by phone at 334-844-5769. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

2015 Dates

Science Matters is a summer enrichment program sponsored by the College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University for students in rising grades 1 - 8. The program offers youngsters a supercharged science experience. Kids will explore the world of science through real experiments, technology and art projects, and hands-on activities. Kids that show a high interest or aptitude in science, math, or technology-related subjects will be right at home as they design and build, dabble in the art of chemistry, “become a flight specialist”, see amazing critters and more!

June 1-5

June 15-19*

June 22-26

July 6-10

July 13-17*

July 27-31

* 7th7 8th grade course is offered www.auburnopelikaparents.com

fr C fr

Na a

ue s

ke er

Beulah Anglers to Compete in National Championship

The Costa Bassmaster High School Southern Open was on Saturday Feb 14th at Lake Martin. There were over 200 boats in the competition. The top 20 boats from this competition will be moving on to the National Championship. Trevor Brown and Dustin Johnston from the Beulah Bass team finished 14th with a weight of 9.14. This finish secures them a spot to fish in the National Championship. Beulah High School had 4 other anglers that also competed in this tournament. Corey Whaley, Dylan Gilley, Dylan Strawder and Joseph Moody.

East Alabama High School Bass Trail

Congrats to (L to R) Jimmy Bracht and Brady Morgan for winning at Lake Harding! Also proud of the two other Auburn boats that finished in the top 5! Congrats to the top five boats from Lake Harding: 1. Morgan/Bracht- 9.87 lbs- AHS; 2. Nease/Hayworth- 9.30 lbs- AHS; 3. Marshall/Holloway- 8.94 lbs- Harris County High School; 4. Knotts/ Parrish- 8.05 lbs- Central High School; 5. Parks/Lindsay- 6.13 lbs- AHS.

Auburn Anglers Qualify for National Championship

Auburn High School had three of our Auburn Competitive Angler teams qualify for the BASS High School National Championship. (Left to right) 10th graders Lucas Lindsay and Logan Parks placed 6th out of 203 boats. AHS's boats were all in the top 10. Only 15 boats from our state will qualify and ACS will have three teams.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Read Across America at Morris Avenue Intermediate

Students in Mrs. Boswell's class dressed up like their favorite character to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday in March. Students learned fun facts about Dr. Seuss and listened to guest readers. Pictured are students holding the book their character represents.

Dean Road and Wrights Mill Road Elementary Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Day Together

To celebrate Read Across America and. Dr. Seuss’s birthday, WMR 5th graders visited DRES 1st graders. They ate a picnic lunch together and shared their favorite stories and books. A wonderful time was had by all who participated. Before visiting they corresponded with their book buddy via letters and will continue to write to their new friend. Pictured are Christopher Valeri and Jonathan Parten enjoying a book together.

Auburn High School Winter Guard Takes Second Place at Competition

Congratulations to the AHS Winter Guard for taking second place in their division at the Fountain City Rhythm and Spin competition in Prattville.

Pick Elementary Teacher Appreciation Week a Huge Success

st an o th I s

Thank you to all wonderful teachers and staff at Pick Elementary School for all their hard work, dedication and love that they give each day to their students! During the teacher appreciation week, the Pick Elementary PTO members organized a week filled appreciation. PES staff were treated to breakfast, snacks, a BBQ lunch sponsored by Country’s BBQ on Opelika Road, Auburn. Students also showed appreciation with flowers, cards and hugs. The week would not have been a success without the following support and donations from: Country’s BBQ, McAlister's Deli, Chick-fil- A on Magnolia, GiGi's Cupcakes, Cakes by Tania, D Square Donuts, Edible Arrangements, GooGoo Car Wash and Wrapsody for their donations.

tra N

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Read Across America at Southview Primary

Southview Primary students celebrate Read Across America from left to right: Kyle Epperson, Kaitlyn Brown, Saylor Tyner, Zyon Henderson.

Lee-Scott Academy Students Participate in Read Across America

Lee-Scott Academy students celebrated Read Across America Day on March 2. Elementary students enjoyed having special guests read stories throughout the day.

Auburn High School Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tennis Wins Invitational AHS Girls' Varsity Tennis won the Auburn Invitational at Yarbrough Tennis Center 4 - 0!

Please send your school news and photos to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FREE!

d n

Lee-Scott Student Travels to Antarctica

On Christmas Day, Lee-Scott Academy senior, Alexis DiBenedetto, left Auburn for a 14-day journey to explore Antarctica with 66 other students from across the world through the "Students On Ice" program, a non-profit organization that strives to enlighten youth by offering them opportunities to travel to the northernmost and southernmost parts of the planet. "It's my goal to go to all seven continents," said DiBenedetto. It's a goal she has almost accomplished before even donning her high school cap and gown. Starting the summer after her ninth grade year, DiBenedetto launched what would become an international traveling tradition by applying to go on a three-week student trip to Australia with National Geographic, where she learned about photography, geology, climate and geography. The next summer, she went to Paris for two weeks with National Geographic and then to China for three weeks the summer after that. "I want to see as much of the world as possible," DiBenedetto said. She plans to attend Ole Miss and earn a degree in elementary education. While becoming a teacher appears to be a priority of hers, DiBenedetto also has her mind set on other dreams. "One of my all-time dreams would be to lead a student exhibition, but right now I'm planning to go to school to be an elementary school teacher," she said. "If I could have my choice, I'd love to teach in a third-world country." 17

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

P Ca

Autauga County Schools

Science Olympiad Team from Pick Elementary Wins First Place at State Event Congrats to Parker Sumner and Jimin Kang, from Pick Elementary School for their first place win at the Alabama State Science Olympiad 2015. The event was held February, 21 on Auburn University’s campus, where students competed in various science related activities and competitions. The winning duo won first place in the ‘Leaf and Tree Finder’ competitions. They were able to identify trees, their leaves and seedlings from examples they were presented with.

Elementary Science Olympiad Held at Auburn University

Elementary Science Olympiad teams competed at Auburn University in February. There were 25 teams total in the competition. Three of the four top 4 overall teams were ACS teams! 1st place- Ogletree Elementary School; 3rd place- Pick Elementary School; 4th placePick Elementary School. ACS is proud of the Science Olympiad teams and Science Olympiad Coaches who worked many hours to coordinate and practice to compete and place!

T r i n i T y

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

In Ac

Respect

Sch g

st w a

Visitors to Trinity Christian School are impressed by the culture of mutual respect that permeates our

school both in and out of the classroom.

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.tcsopelika.org

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Read Across America at Carver Primary

Pictured are kindergarten student Isabel Caldwell as “Cindy Lou Who” and teacher Ta Mark, dressed as "Sam I Am".

d y h.

Cary Woods 2nd Graders Host Dr. Seuss Café

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday and Read Across America Week, Mrs. Bigham, media specialist at Cary Woods Elementary School, provided an opportunity for second graders to host other classes in the Dr. Seuss Café during their Library time. The second graders (while wearing their "Daisy-Head Mayzie" hats) took other student's orders (meaning the book they would like to have read to them) while another student would read "customer" their book of choice. All the Dr. Seuss classics were on hand from "Cat in the Hat" to "Horton Hears a Who!"

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

AJHS and Drake MS to Compete at State Science Olympiad Tournament The Auburn Junior High and Drake Middle School Science Olympiad teams placed 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the regional tournament held at Auburn University on March 7. Both teams advance to the state tournament to be held on April 11 at Huntingdon College. AJHS and Drake will join Auburn High School, competing for their respective divisions. The state winner from the two divisions will advance to the National Tournament held later this year at the University of Nebraska.

Northside Intermediate School Students Read in Pajamas

On Friday, February 27, third grade students at Northside Intermediate School in Opelika participated in "Read the Most from Coast to Coast" sponsored by Renaissance Learning and Accelerated Reader. Students enjoyed wearing pajamas to school, reading books and taking Accelerated Reader tests. Nationwide 4,173,153 books were read. Pictured: Students in Mrs. Beasley's third grade class relaxing and reading in their pajamas.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Th M

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

. n

e of

Beulah High School Students Participate in Math Tournament

Students from Beulah High School participated in the Twenty-seventh Annual CVCC Mathematics Tournament on Friday, February 27. The tournament is designed to promote interest in mathematics in the Chattahoochee Valley area by recognizing the accomplishments in mathematics by high school students as well as to allow outstanding mathematics students to meet and compete with each other. There were two parts to the competition. The first part was an individual written exam consisting of topics from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus as well as probability, statistics, logic, and puzzle problems. The second part of the competition was ciphering whereby members of each team worked together to solve problems within a three minute time-frame. Individual and team awards were given. Autumn Moore and Trip Taylor were the highest scoring individuals for the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams respectively. The Junior Varsity team received second place in our division. Congratulations to all team members! Pictured are Taylor Belitz, Lora Bozeman, Morgan Pepper, Abby Brumfield, Kacee Smith, Austin Holley, Autumn Moore, and Jonathon Foster.

Multiplication Celebration at Morris Avenue

The fourth grade students at Morris Avenue participated in their annual Multiplication Celebration. Students have to master their multiplication facts 2-12 in 6 minutes or less with 100% accuracy. The winner finished in less than 3 minutes 12 seconds. Other students pictured are the classroom fastest winners.

START HERE GO ANYWHERE

Find Your Passion

auburn youth programs Develop Your Skills

For a complete listing of camps and programs, go to auburn.edu/summercamps or call 334-844-5100

Become a Leader 21

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools Opelika City Schools

Teachers of the Year

The Opelika City Schools Board of Education honored the 2014-15 Teachers of the Year at the January Board of Education meeting. Pictured front row (l-r): Mende Hunter-Northside, Lauren Mask-Southview Primary, and Ann JohnsonOpelika Middle School. Pictured back row (l-r): Grace Harris-West Forest Intermediate, Shellie Flenniken-Carver Primary, Don Shirley-Opelika High School, Angie Walters-Jeter Primary, and Amanda Boswell-Morris Avenue Intermediate. Lauren Mask was selected at the OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year and Don Shirley was selected as the OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year.

S a

Black History Program at Opelika Learning Center

Students at the Opelika Learning Center recently attended a presentation about Black History Month. The program featured Carole Bandy Carson and Novelette Seroyer. Mrs. Seroyer, a former OCS teacher and principal, presented a selection of negro spiritual music. Mrs. Carson, a local artist whose work was featured in the movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;White Waterâ&#x20AC;?, was the featured speaker. Mrs. Carson spoke about her life story and encouraged the students to make the most of their talents. The program was coordinated by Allison Whack and Cynthia Jackson. Pictured (l-r): Cynthia Jackson, Allison Whack, Carole Carson and Novelette Seroyer.

R A

Th Clu m th s b m

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

of : -

ol, e. on

Wrights Mill Road Students Use Math to Create Valentine Boxes

WelcomeThe To

4th graders at Wrights Mill Road Elementary used math skills to make beautiful and unique valentine boxes. Students had to measure specific widths and lengths, calculate the perimeter and area, as well as create a scale drawing of their boxes. A truly lovely approach to hands-on math!

SUMMER SPECTACULAR Enroll now for pre-school and school age Summer Camp! This summer the wacky world of Dr. Seuss will come alive at Growing Room! Each week we will read a different Dr. Seuss classic and the days will include fun theme based crafts, science projects, cooking activities and Wacky Water Play Fridays!

Richland Elementary Art Club Gives Back to Community Through Art

The students in the Richland Elementary Art Club created handmade “Paws for a Cause” magnets. These magnets were made by the students out of clay and were glazed in several different colors. The students will be selling them for $1.00 each and all the money made will be donated to the Lee County Humane Society.

The Growing Room kids will enjoy many exciting activities throughout the summer that are brought directly into our school such as Jump Bunch, a Magician & other special treats! Our K3 and K4 classes will enjoy field trips throughout the summer to include Dancers, Inc., Marital Arts, Bowling & More. The School Age classes will have weekly field trips to include Cyber Zone, Mini Golf , Bowling, Movies, Dancers Inc., Martial Arts, and many more, including a special surprise trip!

• •

334-501-2044 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm Ages 6 weeks to 12 years

w w w. g ro w i n g ro o m u s a . c o m

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

It's Raining at Opelika Middle School

Students in Ms. Skelton's 6th grade class were given a poncho as they entered their classroom. The lights were out, "rain drops" were falling from the ceiling, and sounds of a thunderstorm were booming through the classroom. Students then wrote a story describing their experience using adjectives, prepositional phrases, verbs and figurative language.

N Ex ca

Multi-Cultural Night at Pick Elementary

Multi-Cultural Night at Pick Elementary was a great success this year, where they celebrated art, books and cultures from around the world! Pick families had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and countries represented within the student body at PES.

Voted Best Family Restaurant Best Burgers Best Overall restaurant

AUBURN 짜 LAKE MARTIN 짜 OPELIKA Home of the hand crafted burger www.niffersplace.com Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

e ds .

8th Grade Career Expo From Agriculture to Healthcare to Energy and Utilities, 75 8th grade students explored various careers at the East Alabama Workforce Investment Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first annual Career Discovery Expo. Students spent two hours exploring careers available in our region, as regional industries and businesses highlighted and created hands-on interactions that link careers to the classroom. Career Discovery was a great opportunity for students to take the first steps in planning for their future.

Wrights Mill Road Students Make Valentine Cards for Patients

During EAGLES team time, students from Wrights Mill Road Elementary School created valentine cards to spread love to patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice centers. Team Excellence delivered their cards to the Pediatric NICU at Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital in Birmingham.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Academy Girls Basketball Team Wins State Championship

The Lee-Scott Academy Junior High Girls Basketball Team defeated Autauga Academy and Ft. Dale Academy to win the AISA AAA State Championship. Lee-Scott 34, Autauga 18 game: Leading scorers were Mary Mykal Prewett 10, Sara Young 6, and Chauntel Kriel 6. Lee-Scott 41, Ft. Dale 34 game: Leading scorers were Haley Harper 14, Chauntel Kriel 12, and Mary Mykal Prewett 10. Mary Mykal Prewett and Haley Harper were named to the AllTournament Team and Chauntel Kriel was named MVP. Pictured (L-R) Front row: Haley Harper, Alli Scott, Mary Mykal Prewett, Landon DeLamar, and Carla Ingram. Back row: Olivia Davis, Jessica Ethridge, Kenedi Cleveland, Sara Young, Lauren DiBenedetto, Mary Kathryn Lamb, Grace Horne, Chauntel Kriel and Coach Corye Ivatt.

Fro Ev

OHS Senior Taylor Carr Signs with Wallace Community College-Dothan

OHS Senior Taylor Carr signed a softball scholarship with Wallace Community College-Dothan on February 25. Pictured front row (l-r): Tonya Carr-mother, Taylor, and Joel Carr-father. Pictured back row (l-r): Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Coach Robin Roberts, Akishi Williamscousin, Coach Stephanie Brown-OHS Softball Head Coach, Coach Clair Goodson-Wallace Assistant Softball Coach, Chelsea Carr-sister, Coach Devin Booth-Asst. Athletic Director, and Coach Brian Blackmon-OHS Athletic Director.

Roy Yancey Signs with Arizona Western College

Front row (l-r): Walter Thomas, father; Roy; JoAnn Thomas, mother. Back row (l-r): Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal; Juwain Shorter, cousin; Tanisha Yancey, sister; Geanni Sexton, cousin; Coach Brian Blackmon, OHS Athletic Director.

Le N th S t

Matthew Christian Signs with Murray State University

r sc st i

Pictured front row (l-r): Mark Christian, Matthew, Michele Christian. Back row (l-r): Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal; Micah Christian, brother; Coach Brian Blackmon, OHS Athletic Director. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Stanley Smith Signs with III-Mercer University

Front row: Stephanie Smith, mother; Stanley; Stanley Smith, Jr., father. Back row: Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal; Coach Lamar Prescott; Jasmine Smith, sister; Coach Buster Daniel, and Coach Brian Blackmon, OHS Athletic Director.

Jared Gentry Signs with University of Memphis

Front row (l-r): Richard Key, father; Jared; Kalyn Gaffney (in lap), niece; Evelyn Gentry, mother. Back row (l-r): Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal, Curtis Williams, Joey Payne, Coach Kenny Prescott, Coach Brian Blackmon, OHS Athletic Director; Patrice Bryant, sister; Savannah Karl; Ambriah Bryant, niece; Justin Torbert; Coach Jimmy Johnson.

Lydell Vines Signs with Huntingdon College

Front row: Lanetta Cornett, Lydell, James Cornett. Back row: Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal and Coach Brian Blackmon, OHS Athletic Director.

Quandeski Whitlow Signs with University of South Carolina

Front row (l-r): Dewayne Whitlow, father; Quandeski; Nicole Bryant, mother. Back row (l-r): Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal; Douglas Hardnett, grandfather; Quandarrious Whitlow, brother; Cresandra Bryant, grandmother; Coach Kenny Prescott, Coach Jimmy Johnson, and Coach Brian Blackmon, OHS Athletic Director.

Lee-Scott Academy National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Lee-Scott Academy had 38 students inducted into the National Honor Society and 43 students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. The National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society seek to recognize and encourage academic achievement among senior high and junior high students. The National Honor Society recognizes students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Eligible students from grades 7th through 12th were inducted into membership during a special ceremony held in the Lee-Scott gymnasium on February 18th. 27

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

A Page in a Book The Gift of Grandparents The unique relationships between children and their grandparents add an extragenerational dimension that kids benefit from in uncountable ways. Drawing on their extra decades of life experience, grandparents share stories, activities and journeys that richly expand their grandchildren’s knowledge and understanding of the world. They share the gift of history, tradition and life lessons that come with the authority of their years. The following titles celebrate the warmth, wisdom and wonder that is revealed when kids and grandparents enjoy their own special together time!

A Walk in Paris

by Salvatore Rubbino (Candlewick) A young girl’s walk through Paris with her grandpa reveals the City of Lights in a whole new way as he shares the backstories and hidden history behind the city’s famous sites. As they pass each landmark her Grandpa shares local history and traditions that have evolved over time. Their walk through the pages also features small historical trivia sidebars to accompany her Grandpa’s narration. Illustrating the living history that our elders add to our landscape, ‘A Walk in Paris’ is a colorful journey shared between a grandparent and grandchild that brings history to life for both.

by Kelly Starling Lyons and E. B. Lewis (G.P Putnam’s Sons/Penguin) When Grandma Honey prepares her special tea cakes for her grandson Tosh, she also shares stories of how the sweet treat played a role in the lives of their enslaved ancestors long ago. Her tea cake tales carry Tosh to another place in time, sharing a history stretching back before his own memories. But over time, Grandma Honey starts to forget things. She can’t remember where she parked her car. Her sister’s once familiar phone number is forgotten. But when it’s time for tea cakes, Tosh uses her own shared stories to bring Grandma Honey’s memories back to life with a sweetness that will charm young readers again and again.

I Wanna Go Home

by Karen Kaufman Orloff, Illustrated by David Catrow (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) When his parents take a trip to Bora Bora, Alex and his siblings are sent off to spend a week with their grandparents at their retirement community. Visions of the dull time ahead loom large for Alex who immediately begins to lament the anticipated boredom through a series of letters to his parents. What develops in epistolary fashion is the discovery that Alex’s grandparents are full of surprises and fun adventures. His letters evolve from pleas for rescue to missives of adventure that have him begging to stay an extra week with his (definitely not boring) grandparents. Katrow’s illustrations benefit from hilarious visual perspectives that emphasize each new level of awesome the grandparents reveal. “I Wanna Go Home” is a laugh-out-loud primer for kids anticipating a long visit with the ‘grands’!

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

gre sp do like ac yo bu giv sin inc yo sp

de tio I ju wh tou ac

Tea Cakes for Tosh

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

ing mo ing Is sto

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ra ly e

e As d

Q. I have a problem with impulse spending. I switched to a debit card so that the money comes straight out of my checking account, but I still buy things I know I shouldn’t. Should I stop using the card? A. Debit cards are great. You can’t spend money you don’t have with them like you can with a credit card, but you’ve still got to budget carefully and give a name to every single penny of your income. Otherwise, you can still overspend. When I made the decision to get intentional with my money, I just used cash. It’s hard to spend it when you don’t have any on you. It’s a tough thing, I know, but you have to make a conscious decision to start living differ-

ently. You have to get mad at the things that steal your money a dollar or two at a time, and you have to put your foot down. Try looking at your life as a whole, not a moment at time. All the moments you’re living right now will have either a positive or negative effect on your future. I decided I wanted the greater, long-term good, so I gave up on the short-term stuff. Trust me. The greater good is worth the sacrifice. But until you make that decision for yourself, you won’t do it.

Q. In your mind, what’s the biggest thing a family can live without when it comes to getting control of your money and living on a budget?

A. On a regular, day-to-day basis, I think maybe the biggest and best thing you can eliminate is eating out. There are always the shiny things people can do without. Sometimes people sell a fancy car or boat, and get rid of a $600-a-month payment right off the bat. But it’s really not a good idea to be eating out when you’re broke. It really adds up. I love a good restaurant, and I’ve got nothing against the industry. The problem, though, is that lots of people are struggling to pay their bills or set aside something for retirement because they’re eating out all the time. Most folks simply don’t realize how much money they throw away by heading to the drive-through for lunch or going out to dinner “once in a while.” I want people to enjoy life, and a great part of that can be going out and having a meal with your family and friends. But if you’re experiencing financial issues, the only time you should see the inside of a restaurant is if you’re working there!

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

oth the the

an wit pu ch Fo me sc ing

Dis yo in

in ac to wh he ina

In a world ever distracted by the dings of devices, children who develop a well-rounded set of communication skills will stand out in the digital-focused crowd.

sh ing ad

“We have to make a conscious effort to insist on face to face socializing because it would be so easy for kids to rely more and more on screen interactions,” says Dr. Michael Osit, a child psychologist and author of Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in the Age of Instant Everything. “As long as parents and educators continue to involve kids in face to face social groups, classroom interactions and family interactions, we can preserve their ability to function in social real time.”

“We have so many different ways to communicate that kids are going to need to be well-versed in as many as possible to be successful,” says Sarah L. Cook, co-author of The Parents’ Guide to Raising CEO Kids. Thanks to social media, today’s kids have the ability to access an extensive social network. But, missing from those online interactions are the subtle nonverbal cues that enrich our face to face interactions, like tone, voice inflection and facial expressions, which can change the entire meaning of a statement. Some experts warn that too much reliance on technology to communicate can impair a child’s ability to read nonverbal cues. According to Common Sense Media, 72 percent of kids ages 0 to 8 have used a mobile device to play games, watch videos or use apps. The amount of time that they spend with devices has tripled in the past three years, with some research suggesting that kids spend an average of 7 hours a day in front of screens. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Talk to your kids. From the time your child can talk, ask open-ended questions and listen to their answers. “What was the best part of your day? Why?” Share your thoughts, too. Not only will this practice help their speech and listening abilities, they will learn the back and forth nuances of conversation. Model appropriate social interaction. Children learn how to interact with friends, family, store employees and strangers by following your lead. “Be careful about subtle messages such as how (you) incorporate texting, emailing and social networking in interpersonal relationships,” Osit advises. For example, put your phone aside when your child is talking to you and when interacting with a cashier or restaurant server. Make eye contact and show courtesy toward the 30

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

the ba

lea to se if t ca be the on ha fid sc

se yo off po

to mo wit bu

it,

nd of

other person to help your child learn that the person standing in front of them is the greater priority at the moment.

Pass the mic. Family meetings and meals are great ways to touch base with your busy family. Cook suggests putting each member of the family in charge of a different part of the meeting. For example, one child could begin the meeting by reciting an inspiring poem or scripture while another wraps the meeting with a joke, prayer or song. Use teachable moments.

Discuss social interactions that you and your kids see on TV programs, online or in real life. For example, “When you are walking in the mall and you observe kids interacting inappropriately or disrespectfully to an adult, point it out. Ask your child what he thinks about that behavior and help him evaluate it as appropriate or inappropriate,” Osit says.

Our team’s top priority is to deliver orthodontics in a friendly, comfortable environment. We love getting to know our patients, and understand that orthodontic treatment is unique to each individual. We offer board certified orthodontic care for children and adults, traditional and ceramic braces, invisalign and payment plans.

Call us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation!

Listen. Encourage your kids to share their feelings about peers (including those they aren’t friends with), and adults, like teachers and coaches. “Parents can shape and enhance their child’s social skills on an on-going basis,” Osit says. Pick up the phone. Kids can learn to order a pizza or call the dentist to schedule an appointment for themselves. “I’ve encouraged my kids that if they want to have a playdate, they can call their friend’s parent, and I’ll be there to jump on the phone to back them up,” Cook says. “When they take on more roles that parents typically handle, that allows them to feel confident talking to adults, which is often scary for kids.” Place an order. Before the server approaches at a restaurant, help your child narrow down what to order off of the menu. Even preschoolers can politely request a glass of milk or water. Make a purchase at the store. Next time your child wants

to spend some of his allowance or gift money, have him conduct the transaction with the cashier. Be there to support him, but allow him to take the lead.

mpassionate care.

through kind, co ing healthy smiles

Build

334-501-7000 thamesorthodontics.com w

Use video technology. If you travel, call home using Skype or Facetime, or use the apps to connect with relatives. Your kids will grow more comfortable talking on a camera. You can also use birthdays, the first day of school, the holidays or just random moments to interview your kids on your video camera. Seek interactive activities.

Scouting, theater and 4-H give children many opportunities to develop presentation and leadership skills. Also, encourage your child to participate in class plays, musicals and show and tell. 31

Like anything, the more we practice our communication skills, the better they become and the less anxious we are about managing different situations. Empower your child with the skills to communicate in a variety of situations, and watch her rise to opportunities that come her way with poise and confidence. AOP

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, specializes in family communication issues. She is the mom of two boys and the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Getting a Grip on Sticks

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

If there’s a stick in the yard, you can bet a child is going to pick it up and use it. It may become a bat, a sword, a flag or any number of imagined playthings, but played with it will be. As an easy and accessible extension of the arm, sticks exert a siren’s call on kids who quickly integrate these simple tools into their world of play. The following toys and games use sticks as the base of operation for more fun activities that children can shake a stick at!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Pallina

Foam Master Pogo Stick

Designed with simplicity in mind, Pallina is a net enclosure that supports 20 bamboo sticks (coded with four colors) inserted crossways in random fashion. This criss-crossing of sticks are the temporary underpinning for a jumble of 16 colorful polished wooden balls. Players choose their colors and take turns slowly extracting their stick colors while preventing any of the balls of their chosen color from dropping. Suspense runs high as players strive to drop opponents’ balls while keeping their own color supported in the basket until the end. Combining sensitive touch and thoughtful strategy, Pallina is an elegant and eco-friendly game for a broad age-range of players.

Joining the ranks of skateboards, bikes, and scooters, the pogo stick is enjoying its own renaissance among kids who want to up their street sport ante. The Flybar Foam Master gets the jump on the competition with a foam-covered sturdy metal frame with recoil that supports users from 80 to 160 pounds. It also features secure grip handles and replaceable non-slip foot pads for the dedicated bounce master. The rubber tip base also provides great stability as kids increase their pogo skills and look toward flashier bounce tricks. Just add a cool helmet and this stick is in first gear for go!

(Hape)

(Flybar)

Majestix Juggling Sticks

Lincoln Logs Classic Edition

If your kid throws, flips, and tosses every stick he finds, consider channeling that energy toward the challenge of Majestic Juggling Sticks. Manipulated by two grips sticks, the tasseled flip stick can be balanced, tossed, spun, and rolled in a variety of flashy moves that will astound watchers. The tasseled ends of the flip stick provide both resistance to moderate speed as well as balanced weight that ensures smooth momentum through various tricks and manipulations. Free tutorials are easily found online and Jolly Llama also offers an instructional DVD. Made in the USA, Majestix Juggling Sticks are ideal for refining concentration, honing fine motor control and – in the end – adding performer to your child’s list of talents!

Invented by the son of famous architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright, retro favorite Lincoln Logs remain the go-to choice for stickstacking kids! The classic edition of this time-tested set includes 86 all-wood logs, roof slats and eaves that are ideal for constructing a frontier cabin or any structure of a child’s design. With notched sides, Lincoln Log pieces loosely interlock as they are stacked, with the simplicity of gravity holding the walls and junctures in place. The classic edition features a great tin container for log storage after hours of constructive pretend play.

(Lincoln Logs)

(Jolly Llama!)

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Special Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet & Children’s Craft Area

Seating Times: 11:00am | 1:00pm $45 Adults · $19 Children 5 & under Free

For Reservations, please call (334) 844-5140 241 S. College Street · Auburn, AL 36830 · www.auhcc.com

JOHN HIMMELFARB: TRUCKS | JANUARY 24–MAY 10, 2015 DETAIL: John Himmelfarb, Hero, 2010. Photo by: William H. Bengtson

JOHN HIMMELFARB

f y

JCSM.AUBURN.EDU/TRUCKS #JCSMTruckStop

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Is Social Media Making Your Family Miserable? You’ve probably seen headlines linking social media to depression, loneliness and other emotional problems. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a clinical report urging pediatricians to counsel families about something they called “Facebook depression.” Despite the headlines, much of the early research about how social media impacts mental health was contradictory. One study from the University of Michigan found that “life satisfaction” was lower among students who used Facebook more. Another study at the University of Wisconsin found exactly the opposite. More recent research indicates that what really matters is how people use social media. This makes sense. In general, people are happiest when they feel they can exert some control over what happens to them. Even very young children appreciate choices-the blue shirt or the red shirt, carrot sticks or apple slices. The same rule seems to apply to social media. People who stay focused on what they are able to do seem to fare better than those who become preoccupied with what others are doing. Understanding this principle can help parents make social media a more positive experience for everyone in the family, including the grown-ups. Here are some guidelines to consider: Lurk less. Several studies have concluded that people who simply scroll through information provided by others are more vulnerable to negative feelings including envy and loneliness. “Envy can proliferate on social Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

networks,” notes Hanna Krasnova, author of a study done at the Humboldt University in Germany, “and [it] becomes even more intense in the case of passive users.” Catching up with friends may generate positive feelings, but avoid lingering too long over other people’s photos and status updates. Make posts matter—to you. Instead of using posts to provoke a response from others (something that is out of your hands), shift the emphasis and use social media to chronicle experiences and ideas that you want to remember. When an update captures something that matters to you, the number of “likes” becomes less important. Research also indicates that posts about problems tend to get less feedback from other users. Perhaps that would be different if there were a “Poor baby” button on social media sites. As it is, “liking” a bad day post often feels weird--unless you’ve figured out some way to transform a problem into a message that’s funny or even uplifting. Don’t believe everything you read. Social media amplifies the very common adolescent anxiety that everyone else is having more fun. One study from Stanford found that most test subjects vastly overestimated how happy other people were, in part because they accepted social media at face value. Of course, by now, everyone has gotten the same message: What you post online never really goes away. Because most people want to be remembered for the good things that happened in their lives, that’s what goes on display. Remind yourself—and your kids-that, behind the cheery façade, other people are also having feelings of unhappiness, loneliness, jealousy and insecurity. Disconnect when necessary. Sometimes, in real life, people may have no choice about spending time with others who are unpleasant. Online, there’s more control and you’ll feel better if you use it. Unfriend people who are hostile or mean. Consider hiding posts from people who can’t help bragging about vacations, clothes, grades and good looks. Concentrate on input from people who make you think—or laugh. 34

Become a force for good. Once family members understand the “envy spiral” that can be created by social media, you and your kids can actively look for opportunities to play a positive role in the lives of other people. Be generous with your own “Likes”. Write comments that are affirmative, upbeat or encouraging. Use what you learn online to deepen offline relationships. Appreciate the limits of social media. Everyone needs a safe place where they can share the parts of life that are difficult, complicated and messy. Although some young people find emotional support through social media, many benefit when adults point them toward time-tested methods of self-discovery. Keeping a private journal (not a public blog) allows young people to sort out thoughts and feelings that aren’t fully formed. Confiding in a trusted friend, a wise mentor or even a counselor is also a way to come to terms with painful or confusing emotions. Classic novels and films can also help young people realize that they are not alone in wrestling with meaning-oflife questions that don’t necessarily show up in social media. Build a rich, off-line life. For some teenagers, social media intensifies FOMO (Fear of Missing Out.) Of course, adults know that everyone is “missing out” all the time because no one can do everything. Researchers who study happiness believe that the best antidote to such feelings is mindfulness. When a person is deeply engaged in what he or she is doing here and now, there’s less preoccupation with what others are doing. Help your children cultivate this awareness by exposing them to experiences so engrossing that they lose track of time. Experts who study social media often face a chicken-or-egg problem. Does using social media in certain ways cause negative feelings? Or do people who are already sad use social media in those ways? The answer to that question still isn’t clear. What is clear is that children who know how to find and focus their energies on what’s within their control are more likely to be happy both online and off. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2014, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ur y e

d n nnnd

ofin

en-

t e

en e

ce al gs? l

ir re

s o

All

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

las Cr yo wit su

in e ha ba be thin pe wh su me

ch by for da fin ab int tio wo fie to the

you, consider the following factors. Daycare, and nannies, and au pairs, oh my! There are a myriad of child care choices available to families today, but figuring out which option is best is no easy task. Parents of young children have a particularly difficult job, because care providers for children under two are not as prevalent as those for older children. Because babies have more needs than older children, they require a higher level of care. That translates to higher costs for care centers and parents. Deciding on the right care setting for your little one is a big decision, requiring careful thought, research and planning. Before you decide which option is best for Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Money Parents know that child care will be expensive, but few are prepared for the shock of the actual dollar amount â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even for those seeking part-time care. Looking at the total cost of child care per month can be scary. But stay calm. This is an important investment, so re-examine your family finances before making any decisions. Determine a monthly range that your family can afford. For example, if you figure you can spend around eight hundred dollars per month, are you prepared to spend nine hundred if a certain month has an extra week? Will you be able to spring 36

for incidentals such as field trips and fundraisers? Always give yourself a cushion for unexpected tuition changes, occasional nights out (and hiring a baby-sitter), or little odds and ends that arise.

Flexibility While flexibility in the work place is fairly common, especially for parents of young children, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet an option everywhere. When you decide on a child care solution you also need to take into account your work schedule. What will happen if your child gets sick? Are you able to leave work early or arrive late? Also consider schedule conflicts. Daycare centers may close on certain holidays when you have to work. A baby-sitter or nanny may get sick at the www.auburnopelikaparents.com

last minute and not be able to make it. Create a realistic back-up plan that you, your family and your employer can live with so you aren’t scrambling to handle surprises that may pop up.

Expertise No one is going to care for your child in exactly the same way you do. Even if you have family members or the most agreeable baby-sitter in the world, there are bound to be some differences. And that’s not a bad thing. Kids need to learn to adapt to different people’s personalities and preferences, while also expressing their own. Just make sure your expectations for behavior and meeting basic needs are consistent. The reality is, expertise with young children is not easy to come by. Laws vary by state regarding teacher-student ratios for children under two; as a result, many daycares don’t accept infants. When you find a person or center that feels right, ask about the experience of individuals who will interact with your child. What is their educational background? How long have they worked with kids of this age? Are they certified in infant First Aid/CPR? Parents need to weigh how important these things are to them, and determine their deal-breakers.

Health

Philosophy

Most pediatricians will tell you that the average child gets between four and eight colds per year. This doesn’t seem so bad, but when you realize that most of them will happen between late fall and early spring, and that a “cold” can last up to two weeks, it may start to feel like your child is perpetually sick. As a result, you are constantly stressing, missing work, or scrambling for last minute care. If your child is cared for in a setting with other children, chances are she’ll have a few unexpected visits to the doctor, or at best a very runny nose. While the general consensus is that the first year in a daycare-type setting is the worst for sicknesses, the ailments don’t end after that. If your child is particularly sensitive to seasonal illnesses, you may want to find a temporary one-on-one care solution, or review the sanitation procedures at the daycare. If you have a nanny, find out up front if she is comfortable caring for a sick child. You don’t want to find out on your way out the door that your baby-sitter doesn’t know how to take a temperature or is nervous about giving medicine.

This is probably the single most important aspect when choosing child care for young children. Because your child will be spending a lot of time with his caregiver, he’ll be learning a lot of behavioral and problem solving cues. You need to figure out how the caregiver’s philosophy on learning, setting limits, and maintaining schedules, matches up with your own. This can be sticky regardless of what type of care you have. Make a point to observe your child in the setting for an hour or so before committing. You can also ask his teacher or baby-sitter how they handle certain situations like tantrums and conflicts. The conversation may be awkward, but at least you’ll know if you are on the same page. Finding quality care is possible if parents do their homework. Take a good long look at each of these areas before making a commitment. But don’t stop there. Revisit these topics periodically to make sure your child care solution is meeting your child’s needs and making sense for your family. AOP Beth Fornauf is a freelance writer and mother of two.

ndor

unt

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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. Now Enrolling Summer Camp. Please contact Milissa or Kristina for more information.

Bright Beginnings Preschool and Kindergarten • Opelika First Baptist Church Director: Marsha Teel Address: 301 South 8th Street, Opelika. Phone: 364-2784 Website: www.fbcopelika.com Ages: 11 months (and walking)-Preschool, Kindergarten Hours: 8:30 am- 11:30 am; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday / Monday-Friday

Phone: 501-2044 Email: hautrey@grauburn.com Website: www.growingroomusa.com Ages: 6 weeks-12 years old Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm Give Your Child the Growing Room Experience! “On Our Block”-language based curriculum, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, nutritious meals, extracurricular programs include JumpBunch, Big Green Bus, Dance and Spanish, & before and after school care to most Auburn City Schools.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Dir Ass Ad Pho Em We Ag Ho 8:3 Ch and cur cur res ate cla dem by all lun tra cla

A.C De Ce Ad Str Pho Ag yea Ho day

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.

Pa Pr

Christian- based curriculum. Lunch bunch, Chapel, Music, Spanish, extracurricular activities and more! Bright Beginnings uses the Wee Learn Curriculum. This curriculum is developed around themes that are designed to lay a foundation for understanding God, Jesus, and the Bible, church, self, others and the natural world. It uses hands –on learning in a learning center environment: books, art, blocks, home living, nature, puzzles and manipulatives. Pre-k classes use the Letter People curriculum, in addition to the Wee Learn Curriculum. Kindergarten program uses the curriculum from My Father’s World called God’s Creation from A to Z.

Growing Room Child Development Center- Auburn Owner- Laura Smith, Director-Hollie Autrey Address: 644 North Dean Road, Auburn. 38

Little Learners Preschool Program • 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. Quarterly tuition $260. 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. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

At Da Ow Do of Da Pho Ag yea Ho eve Qu vel hom mo Au

Au Ad Pho We ear Ag Na

d st

g. nd be

Parkway Baptist Church Preschool

Director: Dawn Woodrow Assistant Director: Beth Fordham Address: 766 East University Drive, Auburn. Phone: 321-0537 Email: dawn.woodrow@parkwayauburn.org Website: www.parkwayauburn.org Ages: 6 weeks-Kindergarten program Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:30am-12:00pm & 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 developmentally appropriate, multisensory tools and strategies for our classrooms. The program follows research that demonstrates children learn more effectively by actively doing, with materials that address all styles of learning. Weekly Chapel, monthly lunch bunches, extracurricular tumbling classes, and more! A.C.H.R. Child Development Center-Darden Address: 601 S. 4th Street, Opelika. Phone: 821-8336 Ages: 3 weeks-12 years old Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-5:30pm A to Z Home Daycare- Auburn Owner: Belinda Dowdell, president of Lee County Home Daycare Association Phone: 821-3292 Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Hours: day and evening care available Quality care when you’re not there! Child Development degree. Meals and snacks provided, homework help offered, in home computer lab, monthly field trips. Located just 5 minutes from Auburn University Exit 51. Auburn University Early Learning Center Address: Auburn Campus Phone: 844-4696 Website: www.humsci.auburn.edu/hdfs/ earlylearn-main.php Ages: 3-5 year olds; half day and full day options Nationally accredited laboratory preschool is

available to any child in the community. Head teachers generally hold advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and the teaching assistants are graduate students working on advanced degrees in Human Development and Family Studies. The teaching philosophy is “learn by doing”. The facility also maintains a research mission and is designed to maximize opportunities to conduct developmental research on children and their families. Auburn City Schools After-School Programs Programs located at and all Elementary Schools Phone: 887-2100 Website: www.auburnschools.org Ages: Kindergarten -5th graders Hours: Immediately after school until 5:30pm Individualized tutoring, participation in creative activities, and interaction with peers. Tuition prices are on a sliding scale based on lunch status. Activities such as art, sports, computer, music and movement, and other clubs added throughout the year help children interact socially and physically with children of all backgrounds in their community. Tutoring allows individualized instruction tailored to student’s learning styles and levels of understanding therefore improving grades and self-esteem. Auburn Day Care Centers Director: Ethel White 4 Locations 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 lowincome, 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. 39

Math. Reading.

Confidence. Benefits that last a lifetime. Whatever your child’s age or grade level, Kumon can help him or her develop strong skills in math and reading, better study habits, and the confidence to succeed in the classroom and in life. Millions of parents and their children all around the world have experienced it firsthand. You and your child can too.

Now’s the time for Kumon.

Schedule a free placement test today! Kumon Math and Reading Center of

AUBURN - OPELIKA 1550 Opelika Road #9 Auburn, AL 36830

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Co Re Ad Pho Ag Da Pre and

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 first-come, 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.

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 Opelika Director: Marsha Teel Address: 301 South 8th Street, Opelika. Phone: 364-2784 Website: www.fbcopelika.com

enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Offering transportation from schools, homework assistance, tutoring, mentoring, games, field trips, prevention services, sports, arts, and more! BRIDGES- After School Program Address: Drake Middle School, Auburn. Phone: 749-8400 Hours: 3:15-5:30pm; Monday-Friday Full-time program of care for children ages 10-14 years sponsored by the Employers’ Child Care Alliance. Based on an innovative curriculum, participants are involved in a variety of healthy, fun, educational and interactive program elements (or clubs). Tutoring offered; snack provided. Summer Program registering now. Care A Lots Child Development Center 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

Auburn United Methodist ChurchWeekday Preschool Director: Rachael Thomas Address: 137 South Gay Street, Auburn. Phone: 826-8800, Ext. 229 Email: rachaelt@aumc.net Website: www.aumc.net Ages: 1-4 year olds Hours: Monday-Friday options; 8:30am-12 pm. 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 Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

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; Monday- Friday; Summer Camps available. Club programs and services promote and 40

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). www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Cre Ce Dir Ad Pho Em We Ag Ho “W sch lea cre dra art and Bre Aft Sco cam Fai yea doo

Fa Ad Pho Re

Fir Ad Pho

Fo Co Dir Ad Pho We Ag Ho Fou Ch Fea sum

Gil Dir Ad Pho “Ca Lyn the Fam

Go Dir Ad Pho Ag Ho Bef

;

b, , ka

cial ol s;

al-

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: Jill Harris Address: 2123 Hamilton Rd, Auburn. Phone: 887-1152 Website: www.cornerstonebuzz.org Ages: 6 weeks-4K Hours: 2-5day options; 8:00am-12:00pm Foundations Preschool is an exciting, fun-filled Christian based learning experience for children. Features include worship time, music class and summer preschool classes. Gillock Gang’s Home Child Care Director/Owner: Kay Gillock Address: Opelika, Al Phone: 703-8340 “Caring for them while serving Him”. 2008 Terri Lynn Lokoff National Child Care Teachers of the Year Award Winner National Association for Family Child Care Accredited Provider

AOP

God’s Glory Daycare Director: Jeffery McCoy Address: 1500 Bruce Avenue, Opelika. Phone: 737-0443 Ages: 6 weeks old- 6yrs Hours: 6:00am- 6:00pm Before and After School care and pickup; Sum41

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Ag Ho Slid der Tra

mer 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 Email: lrj0005@auburn.edu

The center offers an affordable tuition payment plan that is based on a “sliding scale,” dependent upon the family’s income. Holy Trinity Day School Address: 100 Church Drive; Auburn, AL 36830 Phone: 821-9838 Email: dayschool@holytrinitychurch.info Website: www.holytrinitychurch.info/school Hours/Ages: Half-day Preschool and Kindergarten Christian atmosphere; Units in math, social studies, science, art, music, literature, poetry, & field trips. Weekly chapel, Bible lessons, music and prayers. 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: 6:30am-5:45pm 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

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 8-11 · SESSION 2: June 22-25 SESSION 3: July 27-30 · $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 Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

42 RTJ841GN_JrGolfClinics2015.indd 1

www.auburnopelikaparents.com 1/16/15 10:50 AM

Kin Dir Ad Pho Ag Ho Aft and

Kin De Ad Pho Em We Ag Ho Lea sig &T &D spe you sci and noo Sch

Le Dir Ad Pho Ag Ho Fal sch full

Le Le Pre Vic Gil Pro out ref hom

Le Co Ad Pho We To wh phy tive dev are this to nes on lea ap the

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 program, and offer a drop in care and mom’s day out.

th, re.

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 reading-readiness, 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.

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

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

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

Lee County Home Providers Association/ Lee County Home Childcare Association President- Belinda Dowdell- 821-3292 Vice President and for referral information- Kay 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.

om 10:50 AM

MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Chess.indd 1

2/3/15 10:28 AM

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Milestones Learning Center 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.

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.

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 Loving and nurturing home environment where we teach ABCs and 123s! Just 5 minutes from

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

Pre La Dir Ad Pho Em We Ag Ho 8:4 Th Th Ou dev soc the to soc set me and

Pro De Dir Ad Pho Em We Ag Ho ava Ch gro and sna

St. Dir Ad Pho Em We Ag Ho 2320 MOORES MILL ROAD, SUITE. 250 AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners! (Wii Drawing for March 1st)

A’Mya Brown A’yana Carson Aaron Goins Abbey Darnell Abby Kate Carney Abigail Peinhardt Abigail Stender Adam Al-Riyami Addie Sanders Adisonn T. McConnell Aiden Barnes Aiden McCrary Aiden Templeton AJ Driver Akeila Driver Alazjah Thomas Alexander Goins Alexandria Ogletree Alicea Rainwater Alli Henderson Allison Smith Aly Jones Amanda Lee Amanda Norman Amarion Herbert Amelia McCay Ana Jones Anderson Cummins Andrew Akins Andrew Bailey Andrew Goins Aneliece Ocasio Anna Elmore Anna Israel Anne Morgan Howell Anne Riley Hefelfinger Anslee Baccus

Antasia Mitchell Anthony Davis Ariana O’Neill Asheton McCollum Aubrey Newman Aubrey Pilgrim Audrey Cotney Austin Burt Austin McConnell Austin Ware Auteviouse Love Ava Allen Ava Jones Ava Sturkie Avery Sanders Avery Smith Ayden Bellamy Beau King Benton Burnette Bill Duong Blakelee Isbill Blakely Register Boris Miles Braden Hufstedler Bradley Chase Eldred Brandon Fears Brayden Brooks Brayden Williams Brayden Youngblood Breelyn Wofford Brenden Wilson Brendyn Stender Brennan Smith Brian Eaton Brodie Cole Arnett Brookelyn Wood Brooklyn Price

Brooks Johnson Bryant Kelley Bryant Torbert Caden Blair Caleb Langford Callie Newton Cameia Askew Cameron Mothershed Cameron Torbert Camille Hurey Camron Sanford Carmen Collier Caroline Boterf Carter Barnes Carter Hefelfinger Carter J. Demyan Carter Smith Casey Kichler Catherine Hadley Cecillia Strickland Chaney Thomas Chappell Shiflett Charlie Branch Charlie Placek Charlotte Hebert Chloe Arnett Chris Morales Perez Chris Rainwater Christian Luke Christian Orantes Christina Stiltner Christopher Pinkard Christopher Sims Claire Sipes Clara Hayes Johnson Clinton Wilson Cohen Burt

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Collin Coulter Colten Tew Colton Haman Colton Nicolay Colton Ray Coltyn Mattimore Conner Adamson Cooper Tignor Cora Beth Brooks Cordrevius Wilson Curtez Vines (Malik) D’Andre Johnson D’Wayne Fears DaKoda Baker Molina Dakotah Rosier Dalen Torbert Damarious Spraddling Darcie Driggers David Pifer Davis Jackson Dawson Holley Demon Spraddling Deramus Green Jr. Desmond Lewis Detrick Brown Dezmone Edwards Dixon Craft DJ Rosier DJ Wilkerson Dominguez Jose Elaine M Lee Elijah Meadows Elijah Rogers Elisheva Farquharson Ella Kate Smith Ellis Bailey Emily Downey

Emma Eldridge Emma McLendon Emory Compton Ethan Langford Everleigh Seawell Faith Blackmon Fernando Reyes Ford Chastain Francisco Venegas Gabrielle Core Garrett Holloway Garrin Bean Gary Ingram Gianna Autrey Grace Darnell Grace Hanson Graydon Lewis Greer Long Haisley Burnette Hannah Brooks Hannah Ingram Hannah Spraddling Hannah Walls Harlee Hall Harleigh Hodgins Harlie Williams Harmony Spraddling Harper Martin Heaven Fralic Henry Strickland Holden Rapp Hudson Eldred Huntley Marshall I’Yunna Bedell Ian Callander Ireanna Marsh Isaac Baum Isaiah Jackson-Crapp J.D. Dalton Scurnopoli Ja’Kyden Dowdell Ja’Lyrica Ford Jabrion Batiste Jace Hall Jack Darnell Jack Dutton Jackson Burt Jackson Minor Jacob Wagoner JaCorian Griffin Jada Finley Jaden Hill Jaden Jackson

Jaiden Murry Jailene Willard JaKayla Moss Jalecia Brooks Jaleya Robinson Jamarcus Watts Jamarion Vaughn Jameriez Ford Jameson Seawell JaMichael Morris Jaquavious Adams Jaqueline Reyes Jaqueraius Thomas Jasmine Finley Jason Dickey Jason Howell Javion Brown Javonta Bellamy Jaya Jamya Derrico Jayden Rosier Jean Carlo Avlarez Vega Jeffrey Shiflett Jeraius Thomas Jesse Tucker Jessica Lollar Jhaka Carter Jillian Byrd Joel Tucker John Carlo Mendez John Freeman John Israel John-Elliot Willard Jordan Benson Jordan Harman Jordan Sotherland Jordan Wagoner Josh Brooks Joshua Camden Prickett Joshua Wagoner Justin (Howell) Thomas Justin Johnson Kameron Doherty Karsten Peterson Kate Ham Katelyn Downey Katherine Jackson Kathryn Steen Kayden Aadil Kendal Woody Kennady Marshall Kenzli Robsinson Keondre Underwood

Kevin Mendoza Khalia Williams Khamar Woody Khaniya Momon Kiley Brooks Kinsley Walker Kristina Honeycutt Kyle Chang Kyleigh Ray Kylia Dickey Kylon Moore La’Marques Wood La’Miracle Driver Ladereka Sanders LaDonna McElrath Landon Smith Larry Martin Laura Kate Ray Lauren Luck Lauren Wilhite Lauryn Stewart Layne Omastiak Leighlan Wilgis LeVonte Thompson Liam Pilgrim Lorelei McClendon Lydia Callander Lyla Sehnert Mac Lancaster Macon Grace Hardison Madeline Marshall Madison Wilgis Majulisia Carr MaKenzie Wynn Makilah Pendleton Malachi Burke Mallory Formby Margaret Madsen Mark HHudgins Mary Tressler Chambliss Mason Mattimore (Logan) Matthew Rainwater Maurice Spivey McKenzie Johnson McKenzie Stoneback Melanie Windham Michael Pouncey Michaela Holloway Michelle Molina Micoh Clark Miles Norman Miranda Jones

Morgan Mongrief Myles Foreman Naomi Beasley Nathaniel Ray Nicholas Miller Nicholas Pendleton Noah Brown Noah Stiltner Nolan Smith Ny’Torianna McCurdy Olivia Grace Isbill Olivia Kahn Olivia Love Oscar Strickland Parker Adamson Payton Eaton Phillip Harman Pramode Preston Phengsiri Promise Strickland Quincy Pruitt Quintrell Williams Rachel Hubbs Raegan Brooks Raegan Whitlow Reanna Whitlow Reid Omastiak (James) Rhema Creel Robert Doss Robertson Porter Dean Rylan Templeton Rylie Parker Sadie Sargent Salija Floyd Sam Stoneback Sara Beth Kahn Sarah Kennedy Smith Sarah Smith Savannah Luse Serena Orantes Serenity Shuman Shakerra Forbes Shamaya Evans ShaTerra Forbes Shawn Stoneback Silas Creel Skyla Proctor Skyler Luse Slade Sargent Sophia Morgan Sophia Sims Starke Thomas Steven Hall

Steven Oneal Smith Sungjin Choi Sydney Salatt Sydney Smith Taylor Henderson Taylor Lewis Taylor Steen Thomas Bailey Tommy Pike, Jr. Travon Matthews Tre’Shawn Coleman TreMarion Cannon TreMayne Cannon Tremell Williams Trinity Hollie Trint Britton TruShawn Boleware Tucker McLaughlin Ty Hanson Ty’Quavious Wagner TyKeria Smith Tyler (Blake) Wilhite Tyler Hufstedler Tyleria Smith Virginia Hadley Virginia Hefelfinger Warner McDonald Waylon Johnson Wesley Lewis William B. Cleveland William Buford William Harman William Howell William Jackson William Marshall Willow Wilson Xavier Allen Xavier O’Neill Yeni Morales Perez Yosef Farquharson Zach Sims Zachary Beasley III Zain Al-Riyami Zamora Pendleton Zane Place Zanique Mitchell Zari Thomas Zemarion Hughley Zoie Thomas Zykiria Posey

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Th Dir Ad Pho We Ag The fro val lov inc for tics out Em

Th Dir Ad Pho Em Ag Ho Off in c

ate

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. 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.



Volunteer



Sponsor a child 706.322.8267 valleyrescuemission.org

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 Children’s House-Auburn Montessori Director: Charlene Kam Address: 231 East Drake Avenue, Auburn. Phone: 740-6192 Website: www.auburnmontessorischool.org Ages: 3-18 year olds The Children’s House to preserve a home away from home that nurtures the love of learning, values ambition, and fosters the spirit of peace, love and kindness in every child. The curriculum includes: art, craft, culture, grace and courtesy, foreign language, field trips, gardening, gymnastics, language, mathematics, movement, music, outdoor and indoor play, practical life, Reggio Emelia Project instruction, sensorial, and science. The Fig Tree Childcare 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. 45

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool Director: Leigh Ann Strain Address: 721 E. University Dr., Auburn (inside AEEC). Phone: 887-4956 Email: lstrain@learning-tree.org Website: www.learning-tree.org/preschool/ auburn Ages: 3-5 years old / Up to 24 children served at a time Hours: 8:30am-2:20pm; Monday-Friday 1. Preschool Program- Our preschool program aims to prepare students for Kindergarten. Our lessons are based on state standards and our teachers are certified. We focus on pre-reading skills, basic math concepts, handwriting, and social skills. All lessons are geared to address individual developmental needs of those enrolled. 2. Preschool Program for Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): In addition to regular preschool services, we provide intensive services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays.

Our interventions are based on scientifically validated methods, specifically Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Each child eligible for special education services has an individualized education plan (IEP) developed upon entrance. The Living Way Ministries Address: 1100 Old Columbus Rd, Opelika. Phone: 705-8962

registration fees, no attendance requirements, and no need to call ahead â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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.

Trinity United Methodist ChurchChildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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

the tha we and ba the are and jea He ing

col and

my da

Try

try sto jea tall tryi

Fit

me cha ent

for cer bri the Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ch e

Tips for Finding the Perfect Jeans I know we all struggle with finding the right jeans. We all dread shopping for that perfect fit. We tend to run away from wearing what looks best on our bodies and venture into the realm of loose and baggy clothes instead. Well, stop right there! No matter your shape or size, jeans are the perfect staple piece for your body and your wardrobe. The best thing about jeans is you can dress them up or down. Here are a few tips when it comes to finding the right jeans for you.

Dark wash: I love a dark denim. This color will work perfect for every shape and size. Color: Color is great, but I would direct my choice of color to a jeweled tone. The darker the pant the slimmer you look. Try on: Don’t just stick with one brand, try on different styles from different stores. Some stores carry inexpensive jeans or pants made just for curvy, short, tall, or skinny women. So don’t rule out trying different brands or styles.

Fit: Focus on the fit not the sizing label, meaning there is no universal sizing chart. Different manufacturers have different sizes. So don’t fret!

Mom jeans: No mom jeans! This goes for every woman, mother or not. This will certainly age you fast. Most mom jeans bring out the worst in your body because they are high waisted, light washed and

taper-legged. This is not what you want in a jean, Ladies.

This helps you see what everyone else may or may not see.

Shoes: Wear your jeans with the right

Take care of your jeans: This is

shoes. For example, skinny pants look great with flats or boots over them. Wear heels with boot cut jeans. Whether skinny pants or straight, you can wear heels or flats. Make sure all pants are tailored for the appropriate shoe.

so important. If you find the perfect jeans be sure to take care of them. They will last longer and you will want to get as much wear as possible out of them. Also, I would not wash them a lot. This will change the look and shape of the jean. When you do wash them, do so on cold and lay out to dry.

Length: Make sure the length of your pants are perfectly fit with your height and size. They do not need to drag at your feet. Have them tailored if needed.

Distressed jeans: Certain jeans that are distressed can have bleaching on the hips, bottom, knees, etc. which can emphasize those problem areas of your body. Stay clear of those retro jeans.

Dress your jean for the occasion: Make sure you know how to wear your jeans. For a night out, find the perfect blouse, shoes, jewelry, and clutch, for the perfect evening attire. A casual day of shopping might require your favorite flats or wedges, a blouse or tee, and light scarf, depending on the weather.

Purchase jeans with a good return policy: Purchase a few pairs of jeans, but make sure you can return them if needed. Take them home and try them on. Have someone whose fashion opinion you trust and get their advice. You can also take pics (aka “selfies”). 47

Shop your local consignment store: If you are into name brand but hate to pay the cost, shop your local consignment stores. You might find the perfect fit for you, name brand or not. Enjoy shopping for your jeans. Take the time to find out what looks best on you. Don’t let the worries and stress of finding the right jeans keep you from enjoying a style that can look and feel just as good on you as any other person out there. Happy shopping and styling!

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

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Ongoing:

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-7281162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Alliance Theatre “James and the Giant Peach”. March 14-29. www.atlanta.net. Birmingham Children’s Theatre Birmingham Children’s Theatre. 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. Callaway Gardens Free Admission • Celebrate Spring. Mar. 21 - April 25. www.callawaygardens.com. Center for Puppetry Arts • The Joshua Show. March 17-22. • D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks. March 20-22. • Stellaluna. March 24-April 4. www.atlanta.net. Children’s Museum of Atlanta Super Kids Save the World Exhibit. Through May 3. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.atlantaballet.com. DeSoto Caverns Park Easter Sound, Light, and Water Show. Mar. 22 - Apr. 15. www.DeSotoCavernsPark.com. Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex. East Alabama Birth Village 3rd Monday of each month. Monarch Estates, Auburn. 6 p.m. www.birthvillageclass.com Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. Georgia Aquarium Mommy and Me Ticket Offer. Through April 2. $39.95 plus tax ticket offer: Receive an adult ticket and up to 4 children’s total tickets (ages 5 and under). www.georgiaaquarium.org Hardin Center for Cultural Arts Dinosaurs Alive! Through Aug. 3. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden. www.culturalarts.org Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

March/April 2015

Jule Collins Smith Museum • John Himmelfarb: Trucks. Through May 10. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. McWane Science Center • Mindbender Mansion. Through June 15. • Brain Awareness Week. March 24 - 28. • Week of the Young Child. April 6-12. McWane Science Center, B’ham. www.mcwane.org. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Miracle League Now recruiting for volunteer/buddies to help in this year’s season. To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. New American Shakespeare Tavern “The Taming of the Shrew”. March 27-April 4. www.atlanta.net. Newnan Theatre • “Into the Woods”. Mar. 19-29. Newnan Theatre, Ga. www.newnantheatre.org. Old Monroe County Courthouse “To Kill a Mockingbird” Theatrical Production. April 10May 16. www.monroecountymuseum.org. 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. Opelika SportsPlex Scale Back Alabama Disc Golf. March 23-29. Opelika SportsPlex. 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.discgolf.com. Pioneer Museum Pioneer Museum, Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. 30th Annual Renaissance Festival April 18 - June 7. Fairburn, Ga. www.garenfest.com. Riverside Theatre Riverside Theatre, Columbus State. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/productions The Rock Ranch Spring A Ding Ding Days. March 31 - April 10, April 2024. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.therockranch.com. Spring Fling Columbus Civic Center. April 3-12. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Springer Opera House • “Born Yesterday”. April 30-May 10. • “Why, Baby, Why”. April 16-May 25. Columbus, GA. www.springeroperahouse.org. Telfair Peet Theatre • “Red Badge of Courage”, Through Mar. 20. Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu (334) 844-4748. Virginia Samford Theatre Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups

and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd 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. Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City. 256-329-9227. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. 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 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. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Mom’s Morning Out

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

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Gai Thi Lee Sen the Ope (Sp Car Foo The offe and awa For foo 826 GR Are from Do wit forg Clin our gro of y set tim She wom you to h

Au Ma 23, Au Apr Au Ma Au Ma Au Apr Mir Ope Col Col Col Col Ma Mo Apr Tea Apr

Kid 162 ww Dis Ad Mo ww Mo Kre ww AC Goo ww Tod Aub Me me Jule ww AL Jule ww

a/.

:30 gs nd arly

ms, @ 23 call

ally

m. for

y 12

rst or

Family Calendar 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

Auburn University Baseball Mar. 20, 21, 22. April 3, 4, 5, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 29. Auburn University Gymnastics April 4. Auburn University Softball Mar. 20, 21, 22. April 2, 3, 4, 8, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26. Auburn University Tennis Mar. 26, 27, 28. April 5, 10, 12. Auburn University Track and Field April 3, 4, 17, 18. Miracle League Baseball Opelika Miracle Field. Mar. 28. April 4, 11, 18, 25. Columbus Cottonmouths Columbus Civic Center, Ga. Mar. 19, 20, 27, 28. Columbus Lions Indoor Football Columbus Civic Center, Ga. Mar 29. April 18, 25. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball April 9-13, 20-29. Team USA Handball April 3-5.

Wednesday, March 18

Kids Clothes Connection Sale 1625 E. University Dr., Auburn. 10 AM - 6 PM. www.kidsclothesconnection.com. Disney Jr Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com. Mosaic Tile Workshop Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 9:30-11:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. ACMS Recital: Elizabeth Remy Johnson Harp Trio Goodwin Music Hall, AU Campus. 7:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/music. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Membership Week: 10% off annual memberships Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

March/April 2015

Thursday, March 19

Kids Clothes Connection Sale ‘25% off day’ 1625 E. University Dr., Auburn. 10 AM - 6 PM. www.kidsclothesconnection.com. Certified Platinum Tour: Miranda Lambert with Justin Moore BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. “The Wedding Singer” Riverside Theatre, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Saunders Instrument Gift Concert RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. www.rivercenter.org. Scale Back Alabama Tai Chi at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. 58th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.slerodeo.com. Senior Recital: Jonathan Wilson, Baritone Goodwin Music Hall, AU Campus. 7:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/music. Spectrum Story Time ‘Bedtime’ Auburn Library. 7 p.m. 501-3196. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Membership Week: 10% off annual memberships Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu The Lost Bird Project: Artist Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5-6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Live Jazz Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Third Thursday Poetry Series Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 7 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Special Olympics Lee County Area Bowling Tournament 1 p.m. AMF Auburn Lanes.

Friday, March 20

First Day of Spring Kids Clothes Connection Sale ‘50% off day’ 1625 E. University Dr., Auburn. 10 AM - 6 PM. www.kidsclothesconnection.com. 37th Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show Cobb Galleria Centre. www.atlanta.net. No Shame Theatre Springer Opera House, Columbus. 10:30 p.m. www.springeroperahouse.org. “The Wedding Singer” Riverside Theatre, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Schwob School of Music Presents Sergiu, Alex, Wendy Trio Faculty Recital RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. “Camino Real” The Atlanta Ballet. www.atlantaballet.com. Dufner Dash & Bash 5K, Fun Run and Block Party Red Barn, Ag Heritage Park, Auburn Campus. www.jasondufnerfoundation.com. 43rd Annual Outdoor Art Show Fairhope. www.esartcenter.com. 63rd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Fairhope. www.eschamber.com. 58th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.slerodeo.com. Archery Shooter’s Association Fort Benning Championship www.asaarchery.com.

Membership Week: 10% off annual memberships Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm. auburn.edu D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks Center for Puppetry Arts. www.atlanta.net.

Saturday, March 21

Kids Clothes Connection Sale ‘50% off day’ 1625 E. University Dr., Auburn. 9 AM - 3 PM. www.kidsclothesconnection.com. 37th Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show Cobb Galleria Centre. www.atlanta.net. Joel Osteen Georgia Dome. www.atlanta.net. Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival Conyers, Ga. www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com. “The Wedding Singer” Riverside Theatre, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga. com. Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven and Brahms RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. Spring Days Opening Season The Rock Ranch, Ga. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.therockranch.com. “Camino Real” The Atlanta Ballet. www.atlantaballet.com. Mud Mania 2015 Auburn. www.mud-mania.com. Astronomy Night Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 7 p.m. www.auburn. edu/preserve. 43rd Annual Outdoor Art Show Fairhope. www.esartcenter.com. 63rd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Fairhope. www.eschamber.com. PAWS in the Gardens Aldridge Gardens, Hoover. 58th Annual Southeastern Livestock Exposition Rodeo Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.slerodeo.com. Coosa Fest Childersburg Kiwanis Park. www.childersburg.com. Spring Farm Day Landmark Park, Dothan. www.landmarkparkdothan. com. Archery Shooter’s Association Fort Benning Championship www.asaarchery.com. Canopy Trail Oxbow Meadows. oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Volunteer Work Day Oxbow Meadows. oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Spring Beekeeping Course Oxbow Meadows. oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Spectrum Story Time ‘Bedtime’ Auburn Library. 10 a.m. 501-3196. Thunder in the Valley Air Show 2015 Columbus Airport, Ga. www.thunderinthevalleyairshow.com. D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks Center for Puppetry Arts. www.atlanta.net.

Sunday, March 22

37th Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show Cobb Galleria Centre. www.atlanta.net. 2015 Publix Georgia Marathon Centennial Olympic Park. www.atlanta.net. The Luckie 5K Centennial Olympic Park. www.atlanta.net. Science Workshop with Dr. Science Imagine It! Children’s Museum of Atlanta. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org. Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival Conyers, Ga. www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com. “Camino Real” The Atlanta Ballet. www.atlantaballet.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar 43rd Annual Outdoor Art Show Fairhope. www.esartcenter.com. 63rd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Fairhope. www.eschamber.com. Archery Shooter’s Association Fort Benning Championship www.asaarchery.com. Family Storytime Auburn Library. 4 p.m. 501-3196. Thunder in the Valley Air Show 2015 Columbus Airport, Ga. www.thunderinthevalleyairshow.com. D-Generation: An Exaltation of Larks Center for Puppetry Arts. www.atlanta.net. “The Color Purple” BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Monday, March 23

Auburn City Schools and Opelika City Schools Spring Break Spring Break Camp Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12 years. 8 a.m. 12 noon. $30 fee. Spring Break Camp Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6. $40 per day or $100 for all three days. $30 per day per additional child. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Spring Break Camp: Art and Acting Columbus Museum. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. Scale Back Alabama Disc Golf Opelika SportsPlex. 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.discgolf.com.

Tuesday, March 24

Auburn City Schools and Opelika City Schools Spring Break Spring Break Camp Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12 years. 8 a.m. 12 noon. $30 fee. Spring Break Camp Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6. $40 per day or $100 for all three days. $30 per day per additional child. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Spring Break Camp: Art and Acting Columbus Museum. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. Ariana Grande with Special Guest Rixton Phillips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Scale Back Alabama Disc Golf Opelika SportsPlex. 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.discgolf.com. Brain Awareness Week McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org.

Wednesday, March 25

Auburn City Schools and Opelika City Schools Spring Break Spring Break Camp Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12 years. 8 a.m. 12 noon. $30 fee. Spring Break Camp Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6. $40 per day or $100 for all three days. $30 per day per additional child. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Spring Break Camp: Art and Acting Columbus Museum. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. Fleetwood Mac: On with the Show Phillips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

March/April 2015

2015 Atlanta International Auto Show Georgia World Congress Center. www.atlanta.net. Scale Back Alabama Disc Golf Opelika SportsPlex. 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.discgolf.com. Brain Awareness Week McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org.

Thursday, March 26

Auburn City Schools and Opelika City Schools Spring Break Georgia First Robotics Peachtree Regional 2015 Georgia World Congress Center. www.atlanta.net. Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands Hard Rock Café, Atl. www.atlanta.net. Spring Break Camp Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12 years. 8 a.m. 12 noon. $30 fee. Spring Break Camp: Art and Acting Columbus Museum. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. “Flashdance: The Musical” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. Sisters in Science Westville, Ga. www.westville.org. Festival of Flowers Mobile. www.festivalofflowers.com/tickets. Sesquicentennial Anniversary Observance of the Battle of Fort Blakely Historic Blakely State Park, Spanish Fort. www.blakelypark.com. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Spring Break at the Library Ages 13-18 years. Auburn Library. 6:30 p.m. 501-3196. 2015 Atlanta International Auto Show Georgia World Congress Center. www.atlanta.net. Scale Back Alabama Disc Golf Opelika SportsPlex. 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.discgolf.com. Brain Awareness Week McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org.

Friday, March 27

Auburn City Schools and Opelika City Schools Spring Break Georgia First Robotics Peachtree Regional 2015 Georgia World Congress Center. www.atlanta.net. Spring Break Camp Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12 years. 8 a.m. 12 noon. $30 fee. Spring Break Blowout Covington Center, Opelika. All Ages. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free! Disney Jr Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure. BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. No Shame Theatre Springer Opera House, Columbus. 10:30 p.m. www.springeroperahouse.org. Sisters in Science Westville, Ga. www.westville.org. Festival of Flowers Mobile. www.festivalofflowers.com/tickets. Sesquicentennial Anniversary Observance of the Battle of Fort Blakely Historic Blakely State Park, Spanish Fort. www.blakelypark.com. 2015 Atlanta International Auto Show Georgia World Congress Center. www.atlanta.net. Scale Back Alabama Disc Golf Opelika SportsPlex. 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.discgolf.com. Brain Awareness Week McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org.

Saturday, March 28

Georgia First Robotics Peachtree Regional 2015 Georgia World Congress Center. www.atlanta.net.

Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo Centennial Olympic Park. www.atlanta.net. Disney Jr Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure. BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. 2nd Annual Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo Centennial Olympic Park, Atl. www.atlantasciencefestival.org. Sisters in Science Westville, Ga. www.westville.org. Easter Eggstravaganza The Rock Ranch, Ga. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.therockranch.com. Tiger Kids Tri James E. Martin Aquatics Center. www.triauburnal.com. Bark in the Park Kiesel Park, Auburn. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Festival of Flowers Mobile. www.festivalofflowers.com/tickets. Sesquicentennial Anniversary Observance of the Battle of Fort Blakely Historic Blakely State Park, Spanish Fort. www.blakelypark.com. Bellingrath Easter Egg Hunt Theodore. www.bellingrath.org. Chain Buster 12 Hour Iron Maiden Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org. Fountain City Arts Festival Prattville. www.prattvilleal.gov. Dothan Gem & Mineral Show Houston County Farm Center, Dothan. www.wiregrassrockhounds.com. Pawsfest 2015 Headland. www.charmheadland.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. Canopy Trail Oxbow Meadows. oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Spring Beekeeping Course Oxbow Meadows. oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Tiger Kids Tri and Tiger Tri Super Sprint James E. Martin Aquatics Center, AU Campus. www.triauburnal.com. 2015 Atlanta International Auto Show Georgia World Congress Center. www.atlanta.net. Scale Back Alabama Disc Golf Opelika SportsPlex. 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.discgolf.com. Cottontail Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. Brain Awareness Week McWane Science Center. www.mcwane.org. Natural Hair & Health Expo BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Sunday, March 29

Science Workshop with Dr. Science Imagine It! Children’s Museum of Atlanta. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org. Disney Jr Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure. BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Scale Back Alabama Auburn University Campus History Walk Samford Hall. 2 p.m. 334-844-8318. Festival of Flowers Mobile. www.festivalofflowers.com/tickets. Sesquicentennial Anniversary Observance of the Battle of Fort Blakely Historic Blakely State Park, Spanish Fort. www.blakelypark.com. 2nd Annual March Madness--Prattville Pops Pratt Park, Prattville. www.prattvilleal.gov. Dothan Gem & Mineral Show Houston County Farm Center, Dothan. www.wiregrassrockhounds.com.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Tig Jam ww 201 Geo Sca Ope Cot Hea ww 2nd Col ww

Cer Den Sch Zor Riv p.m Bab Aub Jun Goo aub Sar BJC

AL Jule ww Per Goo

CS Riv ww AL 12 ww Film 4p ww Jaz 5p ww Fac Jer Goo Fla Ope Lig ww

Un Ope gue Fir Upt ww Fir Op Ext org Fir Eve ww

Cot Hea ww

om.

ds!

Family Calendar Tiger Kids Tri and Tiger Tri Super Sprint James E. Martin Aquatics Center, AU Campus. www.triauburnal.com. 2015 Atlanta International Auto Show Georgia World Congress Center. www.atlanta.net. Scale Back Alabama Disc Golf Opelika SportsPlex. 5:15-6:15 p.m. www.discgolf.com. Cottontail Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt Columbus Botanical Gardens. www.columbusbotanicalgardens.com.

Tuesday, March 31

Ceramic Easter Special Denson Drive Rec, Opelika. 3:30-4:30 p.m. $10 fee. Schwob School of Music Presents Faculty Violist Zoran Jakovcic RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Junior Recital: Andrew Bullard, Piano Goodwin Music Hall, AU Campus. 7:30 p.m. www. auburn.edu/music. Sarah McLachlan BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Tuesday, April 1

A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Percussion Ensemble Concert Goodwin Band Hall. www.auburn.edu.

Wednesday, April 2

CSU Jazz Combos RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Film: “Smokey and the Bandit” 4 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Faculty Recital: Guy Harrison, Violin, with Jeremy Samolesky, Piano Goodwin Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu. Flashlight Egg Hunt Opelika SportsPlex. Light It Up Blue Day. Autism Awareness. www.leecountyautism.com.

Thursday, April 3

Underwater Egg Hunt Opelika SportsPlex Pool. 6 p.m. Free to members, $4/ guest. First Friday Artwalk Uptown Columbus. 4:30-9 p.m. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. First Fridays: Shop Local, Eat Local. Downtown Opelika Extended hours until 8 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet. org. First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.eventcenterdowntown.com.

Friday, April 4

Cottontail Express Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org.

March/April 2015

Montevallo Community Easter Egg Hunt Orr Park. www.montevallocc.com.

Thursday, April 10

Nano Days McWane Science Center, Bham. www.mcwane.org. Easter Weekend at Callaway Gardens

Day Out With Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. 50th Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. Tri-State BBQ Festival Dothan. www.tristatbbq.com. R. Kelly 8 p.m. Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Batson Blade Smithing Symposium and Knife Show Tannehll Ironworks Historical State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org. Trace Adkins Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka. www.ticketmaster.com. On the Tracks Downtown Opelika. 6 p.m. www.onthetracks.org. 79th Annual Dogwood Festival Piedmont Park, Atlanta. www.dogwood.org.

Sunday, April 6

Friday, April 11

8th Annual Oak Mountain State Park Easter Egg Hunt www.alaparek.com/oakmountain. 34th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored by Wells Fargo 11 a.m. 334-501-2930. Easter on the Square Downtown Opelika. 10 a.m. Easter Weekend at Callaway Gardens Easter Egg Hunts, 2-5 p.m. www.callawaygardens. com. MCSO Project Lifesaver Easter Egg Scramble Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga. com.

Saturday, April 5

Easter Sunday

Bellingrath Easter Sunrise Service Mobile. www.bellingrath.org. Easter Sunrise Service Callaway Gardens, Ga. 7 a.m. www.callawaygardens.com. ‘Gimme’ a Break EAMC Health Resource Center. 9 a.m. www.leecountyautism.com.

Monday, April 7

To Music…My Flight for Heaven CSU Choral Concert. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Tuesday, April 8

A Little Art Talk 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Saxophone Quartet Concert Goodwin Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu. BBC Concert Orchestra Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 6 p.m. www.eastalabamaarts.org. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Wednesday, April 9

A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Film: “Bullitt”. 4 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Concert Band Concert Lakeview Baptist Church. www.auburn.edu. Nature Walks 8:30 a.m. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Spring Plant Sale Columbus Botanical Gardens. www.columbusbotanicalgardens.com. Kenney Chesney: The Big Revival Tour 2015 BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

CSU Percussion Ensemble RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org Celtic Woman 10th Anniversary Celebration RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org Music in the Forest featuring AU Singers Kreher Forest Preserve & Nature Center. 5 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Day Out With Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. Second Saturday Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com Second Saturday Cruise Firework Show Harriott II Riverboat, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Calico Fort Arts & Crafts Fair Fort Deposit. www.calicofort.com. Central Alabama Crawfish Festival Selma. www.facebook.com/ centralalabamacrawfishfestival. Second Saturday Space Safari: Stars of the Pharaohs JSU Planetarium, Jacksonville. www.jsu.edu/epic. 55th Annual Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo Opp Channell-Lee Stadium. www.rattlesnakerodeo.com. 50th Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival Historic Lanark, Millbrook. www.alabamawildlife.org. Wilcox Area Chamber Big Fish Crappie Tournament Lake Dannelly/Miller’s Ferry Lake, Camden. www.wilcoxareachamber.org. 18th Annual LaFayette Day for Valley Haven & Hike-Bike-Run www.valleyhavenschool.org. Tri-State BBQ Festival Dothan. www.tristatbbq.com. Piney Woods Arts Festival Enterprise State Community College. www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com. Camellia Classic Open Car Show Mobile. www.bellingrath.org. Batson Blade Smithing Symposium and Knife Show Tannehll Ironworks Historical State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org 9th Annual Montevallo Arts Fest www.montevalloartscouncil.org. 6th Annual Center Point Festival of the Springs www.centerpointchamber.com. Iron Pour at Tannehill Ironworks State Historical Park McCalla. www.tannehill.org. Auburn Bike Bash Pick Elementary School, Auburn. www.bikebash.org.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Women’s Hope Medical Clinic Walk the Walk Stage Road, Auburn. 9 a.m. www.womenshope.org. Music in the Forest Series Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. 4:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve Second Saturday at The Columbus Museum Free admission. www.columbusmuseum.com. Second Saturday: Lee County Historical Society Museum Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Zoo Weekend 2015 The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomerzoo.com. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic Walk the Walk Stage Rd, Auburn. 9 a.m. www.womenshope.org. Music in the Forest Benefit Concert Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, Auburn. 4:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Theresa Caputo Live BJCC. www.bjcc.org. 79th Annual Dogwood Festival Piedmont Park, Atlanta. www.dogwood.org. Fight the Fire 5K Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Saturday, April 12

Gospel Choir Concert The City Church, Auburn. 3 p.m. www.auburn.edu. Day Out With Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. Calico Fort Arts & Crafts Fair Fort Deposit. www.calicofort.com. Central Alabama Crawfish Festival Selma. www.facebook.com/ centralalabamacrawfishfestival 55th Annual Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo Opp Channell-Lee Stadium. www.rattlesnakerodeo.com. 50th Annual Eufaula Pilgrimage www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. Piney Woods Arts Festival Enterprise State Community College. www.coffeecountyartsalliance.com. Batson Blade Smithing Symposium and Knife Show Tannehll Ironworks Historical State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org Zoo Weekend 2015 The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. K-12 Art Club 1:30 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 79th Annual Dogwood Festival Piedmont Park, Atlanta. www.dogwood.org.

Sunday, April 13

CSU Faculty Violinist and Pianist RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Woodwind Quintet and Bassoon Ensemble Concert 6 p.m. Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu. Low Brass Ensembles Concert 7:30 p.m. Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu. Pajama Time Auburn Library. 7 p.m. 501-3196. Broadway in Birmingham: Blue Man Group BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Monday, April 14

Discovery Hikes 3:30 p.m. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Broadway in Birmingham: Blue Man Group BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Monthly Educational Meeting Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. 6 p.m. www.leecountyautism.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

March/April 2015

Tuesday, April 15

A Little Art Talk 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Broadway in Birmingham: Blue Man Group BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Bob Dylan Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org.

Wednesday, April 16

CSU Wind Orchestra RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Third Thursday Poetry Series 7 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Opera Workshop Performance 7:30 p.m. Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Prattville Community Chorus Spring Dinner Concert Doster Center. www.prattvilleal.gov. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Thursday, April 17

CSU Faculty Organist RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. “The Guest List” Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Opera Workshop Performance 7:30 p.m. Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Prattville Community Chorus Spring Dinner Concert Doster Center. www.prattvilleal.gov. Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts Alabama National Fairgrounds, Montgomery. www.alabamafiberarts.com. Festival of Quilts 2015-The Art of Quilting Mobile Civic Center. www.azaleacityquiltersguild.com. Sweetwater 420 Fest Centennial Olympic Park, Atl. www.sweetwater420fest.com 2015 Frogtown Hollow Jam Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Friday, April 18

Montana Rep: “The Great Gatsby” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. “The Guest List” Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Football A-Day Jordan-Hare Stadium. www.auburn.edu. Day Out With Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org CASA Superhero 1K/5K RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Columbus. 706-322-8984. Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts Alabama National Fairgrounds, Montgomery. www.alabamafiberarts.com. Joy to Life Foundation Walk of Life Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.joytolife.org. Blue Eye Creek Festival Lincoln, Al. www.lincolnalabama.com. Castleberry Strawberry Festival Castleberry, Al. Facebook. French and Indian War Encampment Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park. www.fttoulousejackson.org. Wetumpka Craterfest www.wetumpkachamber.com.

Hippy’s Big Butt BBQ Bash Monroeville. www.hippyofmc.org. Ozark Crawdad & Music Festival www.ozarkalabama.us. Festival of Quilts 2015-The Art of Quilting Mobile Civic Center. www.azaleacityquiltersguild.com. 13th Annual St. Francis Episcopal Church Arts & Crafts Festival Dauphin Island. www.stfrancisdi.com/events. 34th Annual Mountain Brook Art Association Spring Art Festival www.mountainbrookartsassociation.com. Auburn Airwaves 2015: Featuring Kesha and Nelly Toomer’s Corner. 6 p.m. Spectrum Story Time ‘Dogs’ Auburn Library. 10 a.m. 501-3196. Auburn Football A-Day 2015 www.auburntigers.com. Fight for Air Climb One Ninety One Peachtree Towers, Ga. www.lung.org. Sweetwater 420 Fest Centennial Olympic Park, Atl. www.sweetwater420fest.com. Jeff Foxworthy Fox Theatre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. “The Great Gatsby” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. 2nd Annual A-Day Autism 5K Fundraiser www.leecountyautism.com.

Saturday, April 19

CSU Faculty Duo RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Symphonic Winds and Choral Concert Auburn United Methodist Church. 2:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu. Day Out With Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. French and Indian War Encampment Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park. www.fttoulousejackson.org. Montevallo Family Fun and Fitness Day Orr Park. www.montevallocc.com. Sweetwater 420 Fest Centennial Olympic Park, Atl. www.sweetwater420fest.com.

AL 12 Ear Mo Ear Dis ww Tod Aub

Sou Film Jule AL 12 Jaz 5p 150 ww Ala Ala ww Art Uni De Spa Bam Ora Au His 5:3 Pre Aub

•

Sunday, April 20

CSU Brass Ensemble RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Dave Chappelle Alabama Theatre. www.ticketmaster.com. Chicago Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org.

Monday, April 21

Curious George RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. CSU Contemporary Ensemble RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter. org. Dean’s Brass Quintet and Brass Ensemble Goodwin Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu. Spring Treats Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 6 p.m. $15 fee. Earth Day Safari 2015 Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Evening Breastfeeding and New Mom Support Group 6 p.m. Harris Center, Auburn. www.birthvillage.org. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

•

rg.

Friday, April 25

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Three Russian Masters RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Fort Benning Flea Market and & Post-Wide Yard Sale www.benningmwr.com. 150th Anniversary Battle of Selma Reenactmentwww.battleofselma.com. Grits Festival Kymulga Grist Mill Park & Covered Bridge, Childersburg. www.kymulgagristmill.com. Confederate Park Civil War Military & Civilian Life Living History Confederate Memorial Park, Marbury. www.exploresouthernhistory.com/confederatepark. Pioneer Museum - Spring Planting Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. TroyFest Troy’s Historic Downtown. www.troyfestarts.com. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. Weogufka Mule Day 2015 Weogufka. www.weogufkacenter.com.

• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

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

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

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,

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...

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!...

Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive. 1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

D RAMA

www.riverviewcamp.com

AND

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 150th Anniversary Battle of Selma Reenactment www.battleofselma.com. Alabama Writers Symposium Alabama Southern Community College, Monroeville. www.ascc.edu. Art Show at Josephine Art Center Union Springs. www.artatjosephine.com. Delta Woods & Waters Expo Spanish Fort. www.deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com. Bama Coast Cruise Orange Beach. www.bamacoastcruise.com. Auburn CityFest Juried Preview Reception Historic Nunn-Winston House at Kiesel Park, Auburn. 5:30 p.m. 334.501.2963. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Strawberry Festival The Rock Ranch. www.therockranch.com. 150th Anniversary Battle of Selma Reenactment www.battleofselma.com. Confederate Park Civil War Military & Civilian Life Living History Confederate Memorial Park, Marbury. www.exploresouthernhistory.com/confederatepark. Pioneer Museum - Spring Planting Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. Alabama Writers Symposium Alabama Southern Community College, Monroeville. www.ascc.edu. Geneva Festival on the Rivers www.genevariverfestival.com. Art Show at Josephine Art Center Union Springs. www.artatjosephine.com. Delta Woods & Waters Expo Spanish Fort. www.deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com. Bama Coast Cruise Orange Beach. www.bamacoastcruise.com. Gardendale Magnolia Festival www.magnoliafestival.org.

C RAFTS • C HORUS

rg.

Wednesday, April 23

Thursday, April 24

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com. 31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Toadlick Music Festival Dothan. www.toadlick.com. 19th Annual Sheriff’s Rodeo Chambers County Agricultural Park, LaFayette, Al. 334-864-4342.

AND

org.

A Little Art Talk 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Earth Day Safari 2015 Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Earth Day Clean Up - Talladega NF - Talladega District www.fs.usda.gov/goto/alabama/districts/talladegaRD Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Dancing Stars of East Alabama Auburn Arena. www.dancingstarsofeastalabama.com. Toadlick Music Festival Dothan. www.toadlick.com. Chambers County Sheriff’s Special Needs Rodeo Chambers County Agricultural Park, LaFayette, Al. 334-864-4342.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

Tuesday, April 22

March/April 2015

0000067769-01

. &

Family Calendar

FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING • 53

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Alabama Writers Symposium Alabama Southern Community College, Monroeville. www.ascc.edu. Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual BBQ Cook-Off www.wilcoxareachamber.org. Geneva Festival on the Rivers www.genevariverfestival.com. Art Show at Josephine Art Center Union Springs. www.artatjosephine.com. Delta Woods & Waters Expo Spanish Fort. www.deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com. Bama Coast Cruise Orange Beach. www.bamacoastcruise.com. Gardendale Magnolia Festival www.magnoliafestival.org. Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com. 31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Finish on the Fifty Toomer’s Corner to Jordan Hare 50 yard line. www.runauburn.com. Auburn CityFest 2015 Kiesel Park, Auburn. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 334.501.2963. Walk for Autism 2015 Auburn High School. www.walkforautismal.com. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Chattahoochee Challenge Half Triathalon Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Toadlick Music Festival Dothan. www.toadlick.com.

March/April 2015

19th Annual Sheriff’s Rodeo Chambers County Agricultural Park, LaFayette, Al. 334-864-4342.

Saturday, April 26

“Annelies” CSU Choral Concert RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Music in the Forest Kreher Forest Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Auburn University Community Orchestra Concert 4 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 150th Anniversary Battle of Selma Reenactment www.battleofselma.com. TroyFest Troy’s Historic Downtown. www.troyfestarts.com. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com. 31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Kevin Hart BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Sunday, April 27

Indian Music Ensemble Concert 6 p.m. Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu.

Monday, April 28

Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Tuesday, April 29

CSU Philharmonic RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. A Little Art Talk 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Campus Band Concert 7:30 p.m. Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Wednesday, April 30

CSU Jazz Ensembles RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Film: “Fruitville Station” 4 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn. edu. Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Guest Artist Recital: Vadim Serebryany, Piano 7:30 p.m. Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu. Bidding for Hope Fundraiser for Hope Harbor www.hopeharbour.org. “Chicago” Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Please send your calendar events to kendra@auburnopelikaparents. com by the 5th of the month.

Call Auburn Opelika Parents at 334-209-0552. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

rg.

du.

rg.

du.

om.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Cinderella (2015)

Frozen Fever

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rate Cinderella PG for mild thematic elements. You either have to be gusty or foolhardy to take on the retelling of a story as celebrated as Cinderella. Thankfully director Kenneth Branagh and screenwriter Chris Weitz prove they are more than capable of the task in Disney’s live action adaptation of the famous fairytale. As an actress, Lily James boasts a relatively scant resume to take on the iconic role of the little orphaned girl forced to serve her wicked stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and despicable stepsisters (Sophie McShera, Holliday Grainger). Still, James puts in a quality performance making her character as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Blanchett, as the evil stepmother Lady Tremaine, gives Disney villainesses a new low to reach for. Dressed in exquisite evening gowns, this calculating matriarch smiles in your face while stabbing you in the back. Helena Bonham Carter plays the Fairy Godmother with just enough eccentricity to make her both disarming and slightly disconcerting. And also strong are Richard Madden as the Prince, Derek Jocaobi as the King, Stellan Skarsgård as the scheming Grand Duke and Nonso Anozie as the protective Captain of the Guard. The acting and sets exceed anything you’d expect to see in a “kids” movie. And this kind-hearted and gentle Cinderella, who is just as delightful for adults, also surpasses any “princess” we’ve seen on the screen for a very long time. These elements, combined with clever CGI, positive parent/child relationships and colorful costumes, makes Branagh’s final product magical in all the right ways. The only thing that won’t come as a big surprise is the script. Branagh sticks to the well-known plot, although he finds some interesting ways to explain parts of the storyline. But that shouldn’t stop you from seeing this version because the movie offers all the comfort of revisiting a favorite childhood tale while providing updated and amazing visuals. Parent should be aware however that the live characters might make the action too intense for very young viewers. In some ways it feels even more disturbing than it did in the animation when Cinderella is bullied by her stepsisters, locked in the attic by her stepmother and left to deal with the untimely death of both her mother and father. As well, Lady Tremaine isn’t opposed to whacking people on the head when she wants to make a point. As a little girl, Cinderella had the advantage of an idyllic childhood with loving parents in a quaint pastoral home. Yet even when her circumstances change, the young woman keeps to the promise she made to her dying mother to be both courageous and kind. These two qualities aren’t ones that get a lot of attention in today’s world where most “princesses” are more concerned about keeping the spotlight shining on them. And maybe that is what makes Cinderella so refreshing. This simple country girl chooses to stay true to herself rather than stoop to the level of the rabble around her. So thank you Kenneth Branagh for being gusty enough to give us a Cinderella that is even more enchanting than the 1950 Disney original.

(An 8-minute short animated film that is running in theaters before Cinderella) MPAA Rating: G Time: 8 minutes Overall: B+ Violence: B+ Sexual Content: A Language: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Frozen Fever G. If we didn’t already know Frozen was a cultural phenomenon, it is soundly confirmed when the second “movie” in this new Disney franchise can create the buzz of well over 100 major news articles (according to the IMDB’s movie page at the time of writing). Not bad for a little ditty that’s not even 8 minutes long. Frozen Fever is what we call a “short”, or even (what is probably now considered a derogatory description) a cartoon that precedes a feature film. But this opener to Disney’s live action Cinderella is a tempest in its own tiny teapot. With the original movie grossing north of 1.2 billion, there’s certainly pent up demand from Frozen fans that want more. Make sure you have the little ones settled into their seats because the action starts fast. It’s Anna’s (voice of Kristen Bell) birthday and because Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) has missed a few of those in the past, she wants to throw the perfect party for her sister. She’s trying hard to get the cake and festivities just right, but with Kristoff and Olaf’s (voices of Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad) help things are bound to turn out a little different than she expected. However, nothing is as unexpected as Elsa’s impending sniffles, which leave her expelling miniature animated snowmen from her nostrils every time she sneezes. (Uh-huh... I was thinking the same thing...) Soon there are hundreds of the little snow boogers... er... I think Disney wants us to call them Snowgies, running around and threatening to get in the way of Elsa’s fantastic fête. Of course we all know things will eventually come together, and the kingdom of Arendelle will only be better for its new inhabitants. The mini-movie met with high approval from the audience surrounding me (especially when Elsa makes a “cold never bothered me anyway” pun), and it offers positive messages about sibling relationships and the value of friends. There is also a new song available on iTunes that’s hoping to ride the coattails of Let it Go. I also expect the Snowgies will become the minions of the Frozen franchise and will most certainly show up in the inevitable sequel -- because as is says in the old adage “the buck stops here”, when there are over a billion of them charging toward the box office, you can safely bet they won’t stop soon.

What Parents need to know about Cinderella...

What Parents need to know about Frozen Fever...

Violence: Frequent scenes of bullying are shown, along with a mother who occasionally hits her children. A girl is locked in her room for an undisclosed amount of time. Characters conspire against the king. Sexual Content: Women wear low cut dresses (typical of the time) that reveal the top of some jiggling breasts. A couple kisses. Characters are seen dancing in their undergarments. Language: Characters engage in some mean spirited name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: A brief scene at a house party shows some drinking. Auburn Opelika Parents I April 2015

Violence: The animation contains mild slapstick pratfalls with characters falling and bumping into things. Sexual Content: A mild romantic reference is made. Language: None noted. Alcohol / Drug Use: A character requests a bottle of cold medication. 56

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

THE ADVENTURES IN

Math & Science

2015 Summer Camp Sessions:

Hosted by the Alabama School of Math and Science June 8-12, June 15-19, & June 22-26 Grades 6-10

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

Solve a Crime

Prepare for the ACT Launch a Rocket

Register early and save! Register by April 6: $350 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $250 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after April 6: $375 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $275 Day Camp (includes lunch) The cost to stay the weekend between Sessions 1-2 and Sessions 2-3 is an additional $175 (includes trip to water park) Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at www.asms.net. Deadline to apply is May 15, 2015. Course Sampling ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, Alchemy of Harry Potter, CSI: Mobile, Leadership, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more. 1255 Dauphin St. • Mobile, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • www.asms.net • admissions@asms.net

r radio e h t a e aw Having e aware b u o y p can hel nging a h c y l of quick in your area. ns conditio

! n a l p a Have d! e m r o f Stay in ed! ar p e r p e B n

rmatio o f n i e r For mo .org or ph visit ad our free app. ad downlo