Auburn Opelika Parents August 2015 by KeepSharing

August2015

Volume 6 Number 6

31 Columns

Publisher’s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children John Rosemond

High School’s Final Year

Growing Up Online

A thorough look at supporting your college-bound child.

Combatting “the new peer pressure” in the digital age.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book

Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

The Love of Learning After School Activities Learn four ways to help them truly enjoy school.

Enrich your child’s life after the school day is done!

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Get This!

On The Cover Harsh (age 10) is the son of Jeetu and Darshana Patel of Opelika. He spends his evenings at Kumon in Auburn and swimming at the Sportsplex and Aquatic Center. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as golfing, tubing, and football. Two years in a row Harsh has achieved a “masters in multiplication facts” award at Morris Avenue School. He loves spending time with his family and friends and is a caring, loving young boy. A special thanks to Kumon Math & Reading Center of Auburn/Opelika for a perfect backdrop for our Back-to-School edition.

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 42

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote The day I have been dreading for the last six years has finally arrived, and I think I may just actually die! My denial is quickly becoming reality and there is nothing I can do to stop it. This August, when the doors of the schoolhouse open and that first class bell rings, I will be met with the very real fact that my last little baby will be headed into Kindergarten! I mean, didn’t he just learn to walk and talk yesterday? What happened to those toddler and preschool years? What will I do without a little one at home with me during the school day? With that first school day approaching, I know what some of us moms will be doing…can you say, break out the streamers, balloons and party hats? Yes, that is normally me on that early morning in August, as each of my sleepyeyed, sun-tanned kids walk out the door to embark on another school year. Admittedly, I am wishing for more days of relaxing by the lake with no schedule or homework to bother us, however, the structure that fall brings with it is always welcomed. That is, until this year! My last, little school-bound kid is the most anxious and unexcited about the entire concept of going to school and the process of learning. He has fought the idea of having to sit in a classroom and learn to read and write, most of all, because that means having to be away from me. To say that he is a home body and mama’s boy, frankly, is an understatement! His fear about starting school (and mine as well) is that he may not like school at all, and in turn, will feel the same way about the learning and education process as a whole. Let’s face it, the overall goal is for our Kindergartners and elementary school students to love to learn! It’s these first educational experiences that build the foundation of a lifelong learner excited about and engaged in the process, through grade school and into college and careers. In this month’s feature article, For the Love of Learning: 4 Ways to Teach Your Child to Enjoy School, there are some great tips such as: Be Positive and Proactive and Give Without Strings. The author suggests that parents speak about the school, teachers and the all the exciting activities going on each day in a positive an supportive way. Let’s face it…aside from being parents, one of the most challenging jobs on the planet is being a teacher! Not only are they placed in a room with more kids than the space allows, but they are given the daily task of teaching those children, while juggling 100 different things all at once. So, children seeing that their parents are supportive will go a long way and help to foster their overall love for learning! One of the ways I have chosen to do this is by doing what the author calls ‘Give Without Strings’. Sign up to be the room parent, volunteer for field trips, send in extra supplies, show up to school events and fund raisers, be present and helpful when you can…showing support. As parents, we all have strengths and talents that can be shared at the school. Finding our fit will go a long way, not only for the school, but for our kids. So, through my tears, as I watch my last baby walk into his Kindergarten class, my only goal for the year is that he will LOVE school. If he can love school, more than half the battle will be won. My hope is that he will wake up each day excited about what new adventures await him, rush into class to find his new best friends and his amazing teacher, embrace learning new ideas while finding the fun in it, and look forward to the next day so he can do it all again! From one parent to another, let’s begin this love of all things learning, which starts at home through our support of our teachers and schools. It’s going to be another great year!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Christina Katz Diane Turner Maller Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Ellen Royal, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

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

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

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

The Teenage Brain I’ve spoken at several conferences in the last year or so where presenters were opining on the subject of the teenage brain. Their thesis was that features of the so-called “teenage brain” are largely responsible for the self-centered, irrational, moody, rebellious behavior now associated with adolescence. In my estimation, the studies that purport to “prove” such a thesis are badly done. Besides, the thesis is contradicted by present evidence, the historical record, and teens in other cultures—specifically, cultures that we Americans refer to as “third world.” There is no compelling evidence to the effect that the teen brain is any different today than it was in the 1950s, when the brilliantly intuitive Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, proposed (on the basis of much observational evidence) that teens as young as twelve were very capable of rational, logical thought. Nor is there compelling evidence that the teen brain is any different today than it was in the 1830s,

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

when Alexis de Toqueville praised the trustworthiness, dependability, and work ethic of American teens in his masterwork Democracy in America. Today, there are plenty of young American teenagers who are responsible, truthful, trustworthy, hardworking, obedient, and respectful. I count my five teenage grandchildren among them (and I hold my grandkids to high standards). If the thesis is to be believed, then teens who fit the above description do not have normal teen brains. It is, therefore, the odd brain that produces proper behavior. In third-world cultures, teens do not have the luxury of acting spoiled and entitled. Therefore, they do not. They are hard-working, responsible, trustworthy, and so on. I have seen the teens in question. I have spent time with them. They are charming. An acquaintance of mine who recently spent a good amount of time teaching school in Nigeria, reported to

me that discipline in junior high and high school is not an issue. Those teens who act like the world should revolve around them and cater to their every whim, who overflow with disdain for adults are products of their upbringing (a nod to the occasional child who is raised right and goes wrong). It is, I realize, comforting for their parents to think that the behavior in question has nothing to do with them, that it’s a matter of neurons that haven’t yet wired and lobes that do not yet have enough blood vessels, but the longer these parents stick their heads in those warm sands, the more remote becomes the opportunity to turn things around. Taking responsibility for something and self-blame are horses of two entirely different colors. The former is empowering; the latter is paralyzing. Besides, no matter the age of the person in question, his or her brain can be re-trained. It may be close to impossible to teach a 13-year-old dog new tricks, but it is far from impossible to do so with a 13-year-old human. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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Summer Outdoor Movie Series featuring “Big Hero 6”

Movies are free and open to the public! Join us on select Saturdays, August 1 at 7:30 p.m. (or 15 minutes after sunset). at Duck Samford Park field 8. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic (no alcohol or glass containers). Follow the City of Auburn on Facebook at facebook.com/CityofAuburnAL for the latest weather updates and venue changes! www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Cool Off This Summer: Ice Skate!

Columbus Ice Rink is offering ‘Cheap Skate’ nights. Tuesday and Thursdays, the public can ice skate from 5-7 p.m., with a $3 admission and FREE skate rental. Skating session is subject to change, so check website for time/details or call 706-225-4500. www.columbusicerink.org.

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop

‘Chalkboard Door Hanger’: August 1 On the first Saturday of each month, Home Depot’s FREE Kids Workshops offer fun and useful projects. The workshops are great for 5- to 12-yearolds, and they teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety and at the same time they help to instill a sense of accomplishment. If your little builder is under 5, that’s fine, too, but you’ll need to provide a little more supervision. We see parents getting into the fun, too, no matter the age of the participants. The workshops create quality, one-on-one fun time between you and your children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. Come make a chalkboard door hanger at Home Depot, Opelika. 9 a.m. – 12 noon. www.homedepot.com/workshops.

Luke Bryan: Kick the Dust Up Tour Float-N-Movie featuring “Muppets Most Wanted”

Enjoy float-n-movie, ‘Muppets Most Wanted’, on August 13, at Samford Pool. Bring a pool float and find your favorite spot to catch a flick at the pool. Concessions will be open throughout the evening. Movie begins at 8:30 p.m., doors open at 8:15. Admission is $2/ person or FREE with a 2015 Splash Pass. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Country superstar Luke Bryan is bringing the Kick The Dust Up Tour to Atlanta's Philips Arena for TWO SHOWS on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22! Joining the "That's My Kind Of Night" singer will be special guests Randy Houser and Dustin Lynch. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, Philips Arena Box Office, by phone (800-745-3000) and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts Membership Drive: August 24-28

The fall Membership Drive will be August 25 through August 28. New or returning members get 10% off annual memberships. Membership is a vital part of the mechanics of JCSM. Every little bit helps with support for the exhibitions and the 200-plus free education programs offered each year. Come check out our programs and renew in person, or renew online, www.jcsm.auburn.edu. At Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University, we believe that art changes lives. By becoming a member of JCSM, you not only reaffirm your commitment to the cultural life of our community but you also provide essential support for our quality exhibitions and programs. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

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August 28-30: Rick & Bubba Outdoor Expo at the BJCC, Birmingham

The Rick and Bubba Outdoor Expo is a weekend experience designed for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The B.J.C.C. will be a destination August 28 - 30th for all things hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors! Come see and enjoy the top outdoor retailers and organizations in the country, nearly 200 exhibitors, autograph and photo sessions with outdoor personalities, and more all under one roof! Hundreds of booths featuring outdoor retailers, Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and more, Seminars and interactive activities for the whole family, Celebrity Guests like: Pro Anglers, Hunters, Door Prizes and more! Tickets are $10 for adults (13 and Older). Kids 12 and under are admitted free! Hours are: Friday August 28: 5 – 9 p.m.; Saturday August 29: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday August 30: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. www.rickandbubbaoutdoorexpo.com.

Summer Swing Concert ‘Back to School Bash’ with Route 66

Tuesday, August 4, the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department hosts a free outdoor concert at 7:00 p.m., featuring the ‘Back-to-School Bash’, at Municipal Park in Opelika. The Opelika Band Boosters will prepare hamburgers and hotdogs in the park for a nominal fee from 6:15-7:30 p.m. These are ideal for a family picnic. Charter Bank of Opelika will provide complimentary lemonade during the concerts. Kona Ice will have shaved ice for sale at each concert as well. The Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage train with a long, rich history, has been restored and is back on the tracks for complimentary train rides. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department at 334-705-5560 or e-mail lchesser@opelika-al.gov.

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K 2015 Sales Tax Holiday

Alabama will hold its tenth annual sales tax holiday, beginning Friday, August 7 at 12:01 a.m. and ending Sunday, August 9 at 12 midnight, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers and clothing free of state sales tax. Local sales tax may apply. School supplies, school art supplies and school instructional material, sales price of $50 or less per item (noncommercial purchases). • Binders • Blackboard Chalk • Book Bags • Calculators • Cellophane Tape • Compasses • Composition Books • Crayons • Erasers • Folders (expandable, pocket, plastic & manila) • Glue, paste, and paste sticks • Highlighters • Index Cards • Index Card Boxes • Legal Pads • Lunch Boxes • Markers • Notebooks • Paper (loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper) • Pencil Boxes & Other School Supply Boxes • Pencil Sharpeners • Pencils • Pens • Protractors • Rulers • Scissors • Writing Tablets • Clay & Glazes • Paints (Acrylic, Tempora & Oil) • Paintbrushes for artwork • Sketch and Drawing Pads • Watercolors • Reference Maps and Globes • Required Textbooks on an official school book list with a sales price of more than $30 and less than $50. Clothing - $100 or Less, per article of clothing: • Belts • Boots • Caps • Coats • Diapers • Dresses • Gloves • Gym Suits • Hats • Hosiery • Jackets • Jeans • Neckties • Pajamas • Pants • Raincoats • Robes • Sandals • Scarves • School Uniforms • Shirts • Shoes • Shorts • Socks • Sneakers • Underwear. Computers, computer software, and school computer supplies - A single purchase with a sales price of $750 or Less. (Computer parts and devices not sold as part of a package with the CPU, will not qualify for the exemption.) • Computer Storage Media; diskettes, compact disks • Handheld electronic schedulers, except devices that are cellular phones • Personal digital assistants, except devices that are cellular phones • Computer Printers • Printer Supplies for Computers (printer paper, printer ink).

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

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Lawn Mower Safety We are enjoying our time outdoors and the green lawns. However, our grass needs mowing about one time per week this time of year. This requires a mower--namely our teenage son--to help out with the lawn maintenance. As parents, we are concerned about our children’s safety. Lawn mowers can be dangerous machines if not used properly. Here are some tips taken from the AAP Policy statement Lawn Mower Injuries to Children, published June 2001, to help you and your kids stay safe. First: According to the AAP, the child should be at least 12 years old to learn how to operate a lawn mower safely. He or she should also show good judgement and maturity as well as being physically strong enough to handle the task. The AAP also recommends that they be 16 years old to operate a riding lawn mower. Small children should not ride with an adult on the riding mower while it is in operation. Take time to go over the proper operation of the mower with your child. Certain safety features are essential such as a handle that controls the blades and stops the mower if released for walk behind mowers. On riding mowers, use a model that will not operate unless an adult sized person is seated on the mower.

Second: Prepare the yard before mowing. The blades of a mower can send objects flying, so clear the yard of toys, rocks and limbs that might get run over. Also be sure all children are supervised and away from the area to be mowed. Do not mow during bad weather or when there is not enough daylight to properly see. Do not cut wet grass or use the mower in the rain. Check the lawn mower to be sure the protective guards, shields and grass catcher are all in place and working. For gas mowers, be sure to fuel up when the engine is cool. Third: While mowing the lawn, wear the proper shoes for the job. These should be closed toe shoes with good traction. Long pants are preferred as well as safety glasses with side shields to prevent flying objects from injuring the mower. Hearing protection is also important as the noise of the motor can damage hearing over time. Do not mow in reverse- the mower will not function as well and there is risk of slipping and being injured by the blades as you pull backwards. For riding mowers, be very careful to check for children or pets if you must mow in reverse. Mowing on a steep slope is also dangerous. For walk behind mowers, mow across the face of the slope, not up and down to

avoid slipping under the mower. For riding mowers, it’s the opposite--mow up and down a slope to avoid tipping over. Be alert for children coming into the area while operating the lawn mower. Kids just seem to be attracted to the mower and want to run around near it. The person mowing may not be able to hear them approach. It is recommended that an adult other than the mower be present to supervise children while the lawn mower is in operation. Finally: Make sure the mower is off and blades stopped before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the discharge chute. Never leave the mower running when you walk away from it. For riding mowers, use caution crossing gravel paths and streets. Be sure the blades have stopped moving so as not to send gravel or other objects flying. Enjoy the rest of summer and be safe around lawn mowers.

Dr. Ellen Royal attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for her medical degree and graduated in 1994. She returned to Alabama the summer of 1998 to join the pediatric practice of Dr. Richard M. Freeman. Dr. Royal is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Royal is married to Dr. Kevin Royal who practices Internal Medicine in Opelika and they have three children.

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Autauga County Schools

Letter from the Superintendent of Auburn City Schools

Summer break is nearing an end with a new year on the horizon for Auburn City Schools. The first day of class is Thursday, August 6 and we have been working actively to prepare for the students’ return. As superintendent of ACS I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all those who work hard to ensure the successes of this school system. That thank you extends to the parents and guardians, community members, school employees and students that form the strong partnerships to obtain these achievements. ACS continues to excel academically and athletically, whether it is earning multiple AHSAA 7A Classification State Championships or having students and employees represent Auburn at the city, state and national level. The lists of accolades and recognitions are countless. Over the summer principals, teachers, administrators and support staff have been sharpening their skill-sets with professional development opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of educating kids. I would like to welcome students and their families to what is going to be another productive school year for Auburn City Schools. The City of Auburn offers a unique atmosphere for maintaining a strong foundation of public education and committing their efforts to ACS as our municipality progresses. Site-work is underway for the new Auburn High School campus and excitement swells, as construction will begin in September. Major innovations are in the planning stages for the secondary schools in the current phase of the ACS Facilities 2024 plan. Many thanks are offered to our City officials, Board of Education members and the citizens for assisting the system in funding this phase. Back-to-school and contact information can be found at www.auburnschools.org or by calling your student’s school front office. Here is to making 2015-2016 a successful year! Sincerely, Karen T. DeLano, Ed.D. Superintendent, Auburn City Schools

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Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

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1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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

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Auburn City Schools Back-to-School Information

Auburn Junior High School Schedule Pickup: Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 – 11:30 AM - 9th Grade; Thursday, July 30, 8:30 – 11:30 AM - 8th Grade. Orientation sessions will be held in the AJHS Auditorium. All AJHS students and parents are encouraged to attend one session. Laptop User Agreements and payment will also be accepted at each of these sessions: July 14th @11:30 AM, July 16th @5:30 PM, July 21st @5:30 PM, July 28th @5:30 PM, July 30th @11:30 AM. Auburn High School Schedule Pickup: 10th Grade pickup has already passed - contact the school. Thursday, July 30, 8:30 – 11:30 AM - 11th Grade; Friday, July 31, 8:30 – 11:30 AM - 12th Grade. “Drop-In & Meet your Teacher” day is Wednesday, August 5th, 1 to 3 PM. Elementary Meet Your Teacher: Tuesday, August 4, 4 - 6 PM for Grades K - 2; 5 - 7 PM for Grades 3 - 5. Middle School Open House: Tuesday, August 4, 9 – 10:30 AM Lions, Cheetahs, Roaring Tigers; 10:30 AM – Noon Leopards, Pumas, Cougars and Bobcats; 1 – 2:30 PM Cosmic Cats, Panthers, Jaguars. Schedules are given out the first day of classes. Drake Middle School (DMS) Open House: Tuesday, August 4, 9 – 10:30 AM for Lions, Cheetahs, Roaring Tigers; 10:30 AM – Noon for Leopards, Pumas, Cougars and Bobcats; 1 – 2:30 PM for Cosmic Cats, Panthers, Jaguars. Schedules are given out the first day of classes on August 6th. Auburn Early Education Center: School days begin at 7:45 AM and students are dismissed at 2:35 PM. Meet your teacher at Little HAPIE Tree is August 4th, from 4 to 6 PM for K-2 and Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree students. Curriculum/Parent Night is August 18: 6 – 6:30 PM will be Kindergarten and First Grade Classrooms; 6:45 – 7:15 PM will be Second Grade Classrooms (Kindergarten and first grade Sessions will be repeated at this time). Cary Woods Elementary School: All students K-2 will need to purchase a planner ($5) from PTO. All students will need a backpack and please refrain from personalizing/monogramming the supplies. For full supply list visit the CWES website at www.auburnschools.org. Dean Road Elementary: 8/04 Meet the Teacher Night 4 to 6 PM. 8/24 Curriculum Night for Kindergarten is 5 - 6 PM. Curriculum Night for 1st grade is 6 - 7 PM. 8/25 Curriculum Night for 2nd grade is 5 to 6 PM. 9/03 Boy Scout Sign Up Night for WMR/DRE is 6 – 7 PM. at WMR. Richland Elementary: “Meet Your Teacher” night is Tuesday August 4, from 4 - 6 PM for grades K – 2. Curriculum night will be Tuesday, Aug. 25th at 5 PM for Kindergarten, 6 PM for 1st Graders and 7 PM for 2nd Graders. Ogletree Elementary: “Meet your Teacher” night is Tuesday August 4, from 5 – 7 PM for grades 3 – 5. Pick Elementary: “Meet your Teacher” night is Tuesday August 4, from 5 – 7 PM for grades 3 – 5. Parents, please read through the 2015-2016 student handbook on the Pick Elementary website. A signature page will be made available to you at Meet Your Teacher. All families are required to have a signature page of the PES student handbook and the ACS Pupil Progression Plan on file for this academic year. Yarbrough Elementary: “Meet your Teacher” night is Tuesday August 4, from 5 – 7 PM for grades 3 – 5. Curriculum Nights: Aug. 17th: 3rd Grade at 5:30 PM and 4th grade at 6:30 PM. Aug. 18th: 5th Grade at 5:30 PM. Wrights Mill Road Elementary: 08/04 Meet-the-Teacher Night 5:00-7:00; 08/17 Curriculum Night for 3rd Grade 5:00-6:00; Curriculum Night for 5th Grade 6:00-7:00; 08/18 Curriculum Night for 4th Grade 5:00-6:00; 09/03 Boy Scout sign-up for WMR & DRES will be in the multi-purpose room at WMR from 6 to 7 PM.

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County Schoolsof Opelika City Schools Letter from Autauga the Superintendent

Welcome back! As you may know, our teachers spend their first few days of the school year in professional development sessions. This allows them to work together to be well prepared for the new school year. However, we have found that it is extremely valuable to have our teachers collaborate throughout the year窶馬ot just prior to the start of school each year. Allowing teachers time to meet together to discuss standards, assignments and assessments helps to ensure that our curriculum implementation is as consistent as possible across all classrooms. Common planning in our elementary schools and middle school occurs during the school day and has been productive over the years. At OHS, we are proud to be able to offer many different electives, career tech courses, Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes as well as a wide range of athletics. However, this also makes scheduling difficult. Between a complex schedule and many extra-curricular activities, there is not a time for our high school core subject teachers to collaborate with others in their department. This year we are implementing a late start time five days during the school year. On these days, buses will run as scheduled for those needing transportation, and breakfast will be served as always. Students riding the bus will be under the supervision of teachers of non-core subjects (electives). Those students not needing transportation will be able to report to school at 10:00 a.m. There will be an abbreviated schedule on those days so that no classes will be missed. We are excited about this opportunity for our teachers to plan together to ultimately better meet the needs of our students. Last year we saw tremendous growth in our Career Tech area, and we continue to increase our class offerings. We have added a culinary program at OHS while continuing to increase student enrollment in our health sciences and engineering fields. Increased student interest in Project Lead the Way at OMS has resulted in the hiring of a new teacher in that area. We are also continuing to increase the relevance and rigor in our middle school technology electives. Elementary schools are also seeing the increased interest in these higher order, hands on, problem solving curriculums as we expand the Project Lead the Way program to all of Carver and West Forest. We also added AP classes at OHS and more than doubled the number of students enrolled in those classes. Our students are working hard to achieve. As a matter of fact, the Opelika City Schools achieved a graduation rate of 92% for all students (grades 9-12) for the district for the Class of 2014. We are proud of our students and our teachers for their hard work and dedication and look forward to a great school year! Mark Neighbors Superintendent, Opelika City Schools

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Opelika City Schools Back-to-School Information

Students enrolling in the Opelika City Schools system may register any time between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Who can register: To be enrolled in kindergarten this fall, a child must be five (5) years old on or before September 2 of the year the child will be entering school. To be enrolled in first grade, a child must be six (6) years old on or before September 2 of the year the child will be entering school. All children who attend Opelika City Schools must live within the city limits of Opelika. Student transfers: Students transferring to the Opelika City Schools from other school systems need to first officially withdraw from their prior school system and request that transcripts be sent to the Opelika City Schools system, or bring an official withdrawal form from the prior school and we will send for transcripts. WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER: Birth Certificate, State of Alabama Blue Certificate of Immunization, Child’s Social Security Card, Two current proofs of residency (gas, water, and electric bills accepted), Photo identification of parent or legal guardian (driver’s license, non-driver id, military id, etc.) to determine custodial relationship of child, Custodial Documentation (if applicable), Proof of Grade. Students transferring from one elementary school zone to another within the Opelika City Schools jurisdiction must first withdraw from the school he or she is leaving before enrolling in the new school. All fees and paperwork must be completed and cleared before any records can be transferred from one school to another within the system. Meal Prices, Primary, Intermediate and OMS: Breakfast $ 1.00, Lunch $ 1.75. High School: Breakfast $1.00, Lunch $2.00. Visitors (all schools): Breakfast $1.75, Lunch, $3.25. Bus schedules will be available at each school and can be picked up on the first day of classes. School supply lists are available on the website www.opelikaschools.org, at each school and at most local retailers. School Day Hours: Primary Schools - 7:40 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Intermediate Schools - 7:45 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. Opelika Middle School - 7:50 a.m. – 3:24 p.m. Opelika High School - 7:55 a.m. – 3:25 p.m. Opelika Learning Center - 7:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Board of Education Offices - 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. For the 2015-16 school year, Opelika High School will have delayed start times on the following dates: 9/15/15, 11/17/15, 1/19/16, 2/16/16, and 3/15/16. Buses will run at normal times for those students needing transportation. Otherwise, students may report to school at 10:00 a.m. on the above dates. OHS Freshman Orientation is July 30, 2015 The Opelika City Schools will communicate information regarding school activities and announcements regarding inclement weather on the website www.opelikaschools.org, the Facebook page, Twitter, the OCS app and through the local media. School delays and/ or cancellations will also be communicated through School Messenger, an automated messaging system. If your contact information changes during the year, please make sure to update the contact information at your child’s school. August 4, 2015 Meet your Teacher (K-5th Grade only), 7:30-10:00 a.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m. Schedule pick-up for OMS: 10:00 a.m. 6th grade/1:00 p.m. 7th and 8th grade. If a school day is missed due to bad weather, students will attend school February 15 or April 8. Open House Dates: Opelika High School - August 10, 6:00 p.m. Morris Avenue Intermediate School - August 11, 5:30 p.m. (3rd grade only), August 13 5:30 p.m. (4th and 5th grade). Northside Intermediate School - August 17, 6:00 p.m. Opelika Middle School - August 18, 6:00 p.m. Carver Primary School - August 20, 6:00 p.m. Jeter Primary School - August 24, 5:30 p.m.-1st grade, 6:00 p.m.-2nd grade; 6:30 p.m.-Kindergarten. Southview Primary School - August 25, 5:30 p.m.-Kindergarten, 6:00 p.m.1st grade; 6:30 p.m.-2nd grade. Opelika Learning Center - August 27, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. West Forest Intermediate School September 17, 6:00 p.m.

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Autauga County Schools

OHS Senior Selected as Cheerleader at Alabama A&M University

OHS Senior Africa Gaddis was recently selected as a cheerleader at Alabama A&M University for the upcoming year. Joining Gaddis for a recognition ceremony were (front row l-r): Paula Gaddis-mother and Steven Gaddis-father. Back row (l-r): Ashley Pickers-Assistant Cheerleading Coach, Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Sandra Gaddisgrandmother, Ayanna Gaddis-sister, Larry Gaddis-grandfather, Brandy Edwards-OHS Head Cheerleading Coach, and Beverly Belcher-Assistant Cheerleading Coach.

Local Students Win Big with Variations Dance Studio

Variations Dance Studio wins two National titles in Panama City, Florida! The dancers won big by being selected as the top routines for both the 11yrs and under and the 12yrs and up categories in the June Platinum National Dance Competition. Congratulations ladies for your exciting accomplishments!

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OHS Cheerleaders Win Multiple Awards at UCA Cheer Camp

The Opelika High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders attended UCA Cheer Camp June 21-24 at Auburn University. Both squads received superior ribbons and spirit sticks each night of camp and won the Most Spirit Award the second night of camp. The OHS Varsity placed first in game day cheer and were named overall camp champs. The squad placed second in gameday sideline and extreme routine. Jasmine Bell won a leadership pin. All-American cheerleaders included; Jasmine Bell, Tamia O'Neal and Payton Powers, who also received UCA staff applications. "Ope" and "Lika", the bulldog mascots, received superior ribbons and spirit sticks and were named All-Americans. “Ope” and “Lika” won superior trophies the last day of camp. Opelika High School Junior Varsity placed first in extreme routine, game day cheer and were named overall camp champs. They placed second in game day sideline. Bailey Carlisle, Rachel Hamilton, Whitley Jones, Jamiya McDougald, Madison Rush, and Kalyn Yountz, were named All-American cheerleaders. Bailey Carlisle won the jump off and Carlia Boyd received a leadership pin award. The Opelika program as a whole won the most prestigious award at camp, the Leadership Award, which is voted on by all attending cheerleaders and staff. Pictured: Opelika High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders at UCA Cheer Camp.

DARE Camp for Auburn 6th Graders

Auburn Junior High rising 6th graders participated in DARE Camp, which is hosted and coordinated each summer by the Auburn Police Department and the awesome Resource Officers that work within ACS! Each day was filled with activities such as swimming, games and APD even put on a SWAT demonstration. At lunch there were guest speakers from the community, including recent guest Auburn University Softball Coach Clint Myers as well as ACS Athletic Director, Clay McCall. Myers shared the importance of family and surrounding yourself with good influences while McCall presented and discussed all the possibilities for students to participate in extracurricular activities as they grow in ACS. Both were impactful messages that will help students when it comes to making the right choices in life. The week also offers the opportunity for local law enforcement to connect with kids in the community and build mentor-based relationships that contribute to making Auburn a great community! Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

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MacBooks Distributed to Auburn City Schools Teachers

Under the leadership of ACS Director of Technology, Dr. Connie Bain, MacBooks are being distributed to teachers this week. Earlier in the summer, tech coordinators system-wide attended "MacBook Monday" sessions with Dr. Bain to learn about the Apple platform. This offered the opportunity for the untrained to become trained and ensure a smooth transition for ACS teachers with their devices as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

Auburn High School Nutrition Program Wins Award

Auburn High School's Nutrition Program won a "Best Practices for Alabama" award from the Alabama Department of Education for "Best Creative Utilization of Commodities" during State Promotion of School Lunch and School Breakfast Week this past Spring. The CNP staff at AHS demonstrated their menu development to earn this honor.

7 on 7

Opelika, Alabama.....The 2015 Southeastern 7on7 Champion! Congratulations on winning a really competitive tournament!

Auburn Speed Wiffle Ball

Coach Winegarden and his Tigers held a "Speed Wiffle Ball" tournament to wrap up this week of practice! Speed Wiffle Ball is basically wiffle ball on caffeine. The guys split off into teams with names such as "Family," "Hardwork" and "Trust." The assistant football coaches acted as team captains and all-time pitchers for their respective teams. The rules do not require a team to wait on the other team to move forward with the game and when 3 outs are made there is a mad dash to change over from fielding to hitting. This was a great break from practice for the guys while also keeping them active on this hot summer morning. AHS Principal, Dr. Pignato and ACS Athletic Director, Clay McCall joined the tournament as celebrity guest players, and Team Trust was crowned World Champs of the Speed Wiffle Ball tournament by Winegarden!

Auburn Jr. HS Student Named State Merit Winner in Scientist Challenge

Discovery Education and 3M have announced that Noel Lange, a student at Auburn Junior High School, has been named one of 35 state merit winners in the 2015 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her use of scientific thinking and imagination to dream up a solution to an everyday problem that could ultimately reshape the way we live our lives. Lange came up with the development of a Non-Woven Cotton Filter Capable of Reducing Sulfur Dioxide in Indoor Air. For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including photos and bios of the 10 finalists and a list of the state merit winners, please visit www.youngscientistchallenge.com. 15

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn HS Football Right Around the Corner

AHS is excited to kick off a new football season under the Friday night lights of Duck Samford! ACS Director of Football Operations and AHS Head Coach, Adam Winegarden, is testing out the GAME DAY FLAGS on campus today! Winegarden said the plan is to have the flags up on Game Day Fridays this fall to pump the school and the community up about Auburn High School Football!

Auburn HS Anglers Win 2nd Place Anglers of the Year

On the Alabama BASS Nation High School FB Page, 2nd Place AOY Anglers of the Year was Awarded to the Auburn Angler Team of Lucas Lindsay & Logan Parks who celebrate with the family from the Alabama BASS Nation High School State Championship at Lake Eufaula. What an accomplishment for these two Auburn High 10th graders who fought hard for the top spot all season long. They will represent Auburn Anglers next month at the Costa Bassmasters High School National Championship on Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tennessee July 22nd-25th 2015.

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Auburn City Schools DARE Camp

This summer's week-long DARE Camp hosted special guest speakers AHS Head Baseball Coach Matt Cimo and NFL Linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and former Auburn University Tiger Will Herring! Cimo made the comparison of life to a hearty bowl of soup and striving to keep your bowl full (a well-rounded life) with healthy ingredients to nourish a positive lifestyle. Herring expressed the value of hard work and that everyone has unique gifts they should put into practice and be proud of. Thank you to the Auburn Police Department and the School Resource Officers for putting this week on for the rising 6th graders of Auburn City Schools. DARE Camp guest speaker was Auburn University Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head Basketball Coach Terri WilliamsFlournoy! Coach Flo discussed family and friendship while encouraging the kids to treat others with respect. Coach Flo just finished her third season on the Plains and this marks the second year in a row that she was a guest speaker at the ACS DARE Camp!

Volleyball Camp at AHS

Volleyball camp was held at Auburn High School for kids in grades 4-8! Varsity Coach Bentley Stephenson and Middle School Coach Chuck Cooper are busy teaching the fundamentals of volleyball to more than 50 girls (and two boys) such as passing, serving, blocking and spiking the ball. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

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Drake Students Visit Sea Lab

A group of 40 Drake Middle School students traveled to Dauphin Island for a day of aquaculture education. AHS Aquatic Science / Marine Biology instructor Stan Arington along with DMS Principal Sandy Resa and six other chaperones lead the day of activities such as exploring the Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and visiting the local sea marsh. The Estuarium is an exciting educational public aquarium highlighting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama: The Mobile Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. This trip to Dauphin Island was sponsored by the Chizik Foundation and Southern Disabilities Foundation.

2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County

Rushton Davis was named the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County on June 6 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, Julie and Hal Moore Center for Excellence. In addition to being named the new Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County, the Auburn High School senior won the interview, scholastic and self-expression category awards which gave her a total of $1,375 in cash scholarships. Davis performed a lyrical dance to Jason Castro’s “Hallelujah” in the talent portion of the competition. Troy University also awarded the Chancellor’s Award worth a total of $140,000 to Davis. Davis will represent Lee County in the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program in January 2016 in Montgomery. Eight senior girls from the Lee County area participated in this year’s scholarship program which evaluates the participants in the areas of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. Camden Swatts won first runner-up and the talent and fitness category awards. The Beauregard High School senior won a total of $1,000 in cash scholarships. Swatts performed a lyrical dance to Beyoncé’s “Heaven” for her talent. Second runner-up honors went to Trinity Christian School senior, Cayton Walker, who performed “Selections from Turina” by Joaquin Turina on the piano. The Spirit Award is given based on participant votes for the young woman who best exemplifies the ideals of the Distinguished Young Woman program. This year, the award was presented to Hannah Wright, who attends Auburn High School. The mistress of ceremonies was Sarah Armstrong, the 1997 Covington County’s Junior Miss. The audience was entertained by the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County, Bonnie Zhao and the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama, Phenix City native Bria Kalpen.

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Autauga County Schools

Opelika HS Philanthropy Class Donates to Local Non-Profits

Members of the OHS Philanthropy 101 Class presented $8600 to local non-profit agencies today. Thank you to the James W. Samford Foundation for sponsoring this class and to these students for making a difference in our community.

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Auburn Blue Ozone All-Stars Advance to State Tournament

Auburn Blue won the Ozone (ages 11-12) District 10 championship in Tallassee, defeating Opelika, 14-0, in the title game. They will be advancing to the state tournament in Centerville. Pictured (bottom row, from left) are: Webb Veronese, Sullivan Speaks, Sawyer Rohling, John Asheton Benefield, Will Whittenburg and Kal Whaley. Second row: Caleb Sanders, Peyton Williams, Carson Granberry, Brady Fuller, Judson Waters and Tanner Phillips. Auburn Blue is coached by (back row, from left) Dennis Veronese, Mark Fuller and Shane Sanders.

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

DARE Camp for Rising AJHS 6th Graders

Auburn Junior High rising 6th graders participated in DARE Camp, which is hosted and coordinated each summer by the Auburn Police Department and the Resource Officers that work within ACS. Each day was filled with activities such as swimming, games and APD even put on a SWAT demonstration one day for the kids. At lunch there were guest speakers from the community including Auburn University Softball Coach Clint Myers, ACS Athletic Director Clay McCall, Auburn University Women's Head Basketball Coach Terri Williams-Flournoy, NFL linebacker Will Herring and AHS Head Baseball Coach Matt Cimo. One of the days Myers (pictured left) shared the importance of family and surrounding yourself with good influences while McCall presented and discussed all the possibilities for students to participate in extra-curricular activities as they grow in Auburn City Schools. Both were impactful messages that will help students when it comes to making the right choices in life. The week also offered the opportunity for local law enforcement to connect with kids in the community and build mentor-based relationships that contribute to making Auburn a great community. Another day the special guests were AHS Head Baseball Coach Matt Cimo and NFL Linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and former Auburn University Tiger Will Herring both spoke at ACS DARE Camp. Cimo made the comparison of life to a hearty bowl of soup and striving to keep your bowl full (a well-rounded life) with healthy ingredients to nourish a positive lifestyle. Herring expressed the value of hard work and that everyone has unique gifts they should put into practice and be proud of. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

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Auburn HS Senior Offered Student Reporter Job

Rising AHS Senior, Rushton Davis, has been offered a position as a student reporter with Alabama Public Television! Davis was also recently named the 2016 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County.

Lee-Scott Academy Excellence in Education Award Winners

Lee-Scott Academy is pleased to announce the J. Smith Lanier Excellence in Education Award winners for the 2014-2015 school year. This award is in place to recognize and reward LSA employees and volunteers who have performed at an extremely high level and have distinguished themselves in our educational arena. While we have numerous employees who had outstanding years, the following five educators are among the elite and are our winners for this year. Amy Conway--Director of Instructional Technology/ Tech Teacher Jeff Hudson--Director of Bands Karla Mason--Secondary School Social Studies Teacher Leigh Ann Parker--Third Grade Teacher Brittany Spillman--Secondary School English Teacher

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Healthcare as amazing as their potential

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Autauga County Schools Auburn 13U All-Stars win

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District Tournament

The Auburn 13u All Star team won the Junior Dixie Boys District 5 Championship in Montgomery, going undefeated in the tournament and outscoring its opponents by a combined score of 37-9. Auburn also competed in the Junior Dixie Boys State Tournament i July. Pictured 1st row (L-to-R): Cam Tice, Jay Thomason, Brock Hollingsworth, Tanner O’Grady, Franklin Jackson, Caden Parker, Mailon Reese. 2nd row (L-to-R): Coach Josh Jackson, Coach Chris Chavis, Colson Rabren, Cam Chavis, Trevor Mashburn, Campbell Cleveland, Coach Mike Parker, Brock Hughes, Coach Jay Thomason.

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Please send your school news and photos each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Auburn City Schools Camp

ACS students from grades 1-12 put together a "movie-themed" musical for a public performance in the AHS Auditorium. “Building confidence and character through song and dance” is the mission of the camp, which is in its 26th year of existence. Participation at Auburn High School is at an all-time high at AHS with 150 students.

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

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners! (Wii Drawing for July 1, 2015 )

Abbigail Dicks Abby Ivery Adam Moore Jr. Aiden Hall Ailayah Clark AJ Harvis Alayiah Pope Alexander Montealvo Alexandria Barker Alexandriah Hornsby Alexia Price Alexia Schwadron Amaris Jones Ameerah Jones Andrew Fligel Andrew Lee Aneri Patel Aniyah Cunningham Annabelle Woolley Antavar Stinson Anthony Williams Ariel Almond Ariel West Arizela Ambrocio Ashanti Smith Ashton Torbert Austin Scott Austin Zhan Autumn Morris

Autumn Strickland Ava Dawson Avery Baker Ayat Trish Ayden Hansen Bailey Klapp Barrett Moore Ben Klapp Ben Rudd Bentravian Hutchinson Braden Lee Bradley Wilson Brandon Rushton Brandt Jenkins Brantley Clegg Braylen Lockhart Brent Dicks Jr. Brian Gonzalez Brittney Lopez Brock Taylor Brody Bice Brooke Fligel Brooks Dowdle Bryli Smith Bryson Harvey Caleb Ames Calyasia Brown Candice Paschal Carlos Hernandez

Caroline Taunton Carson Yawn Carter Cannon Carter McFadden Carter Porter Chase Wilson Chloe Duffee Chloe Gross Christopher Johns Clay Brewer Clinton Whiting Cordarius Heard Cory Tucker Courtney Wynn Cynthia Alcantar DaKiyah Banks Dale Hamby Daleah Finley Danarius Todd Danielle Hayes David Espinoza De’Unte Curtis DeAzia Avery Deckery Patterson Delreco Murphy Dengkeon Lee Desmond Wright Destiny Aikens Devhin Wilson

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

Devin McPherson Dylan Baskin Dylan Burgess Dylan Gross Dylan Johnson Dylan Tapley Eason Andrews Eden Dewberry Ella Kate Childs Ellie Prewett Ember-lyn Johnson Emely Bravo Emeri Roberts Emily Son Emma Childs Emma Grace Ames Emma Kate Bearden Emmalyn Griffith Emmie Dowdle Emory Merrell Ethan Fligel Ethan Neman Eva Finnegan Evelyn Boone Evelyn Palmer Fernando Alcantar Ford Ponder Fritz Michel Gabriel Beasley

Gabriel Boone Gabriella Dyes Gaines Sturges Garner Young Gavin Yawn Gloria Caridad Grace Beasley Gracie Lou Townley Graham Bearden Grand Yordy Grayson McQueen Guilmar Palacios Haley Dorn Haley Duffee Hannah Davis Harmoni Groce Haven Bonner Hayes Baker Haynes Wilson Henley Bice Holton Pratt Hudson Olive Hunter Campbell Hunter Meadows Ian Mallard Imari Starks India Floyd Isabel Schwadron Ivanah Hourizene Ivey Frazier Ja’Braveous Pendleton Ja’Lyah Dunn Jabari Dobe-El Jackson Mathis Jackson Milner Jacob Brewer Jacob Hadaway Jacoby Jefferson Jadalyn Fowler

JaKhiya Banks Jakian Wilson James Dewberry James Scott Jamie Collins Jr. Jamya Townsend Jason Rodenbach Jasper Rogers Jataevious Smith Jaxciry Lopez Jaxon Baker Jaxon Rogers Jayda Duffey Jayden Bissonnette Jayden Cannon Jayden Jefferson Jayden Tirado Huerta Jayden Williams Jaylen Wiggins Jeff Bazzell Jenny Lee Jeremiah Black Jeremy Quintanilla Jeremy Whiting Jerry Ambrocio Jesus Martinez Jillian Meadows Joel Heimen John Ambrocio John Freeze John Holt Thomas John M. Kinney Joohyeok Kim Joowon Kim Jordan Cheshire Jorge Barragan Jose Antonio Joseph Perdue Josiah Gabberd

Josie Campbell Justin Baker Justin Heimen Justin Tirado Huerta Kaden Young Kailey Dowdell Kaitlyn Raines Kaitlyn Satterwhite Kaleb Baker Kaleigh Satterwhite KaLyja Johnson Kameron Young Kamorris Dorsey Kamryn Bowser Kara Sykes Katherine Armstrong Katherine Ware Kayden Thrift Kaylee Byrd Kaylin Lee Keelah Kinsella Kelli Daniel Kelsey Strong Kendall Bryant Kennidy Rushton Kerwin Bravo Kinzlee Foster Kiptyn Mumma Kiyan Webb Koji Stokes Kyrie Tate Kyson Pannell Lacy Lynch LaDazah Finley LaNolan Billingsley LaTrell Williams Jr. Liam Sport Lillian Fario Lilyanna Cruz

Locker Langley Logan Baker Lowery Smith Lucy Finnegan Luke Langley Luke Rudd Lydia Boone M.E. Hadley Madalynn Tally Madison Bladen MaKenzie Foster Makya Boyd Malekai Calloway Maley Andrews Maliyha Levett MarCayla Reese Marely Vega Mariana Spencer Mark Bazzell Marshall Porter Mason Kinard Mason Yates Matthew Clegg Matthew Wright Maurice Payne Jr. McClain Palmer Megan Cheshire Merritt Hayes Michael Burgess III Michaela Malik Mikela Taylor Miracle McLennon Miriam Hanks Montaveus Buchannon Montrevious Poole MyKira Reese NaJavean Dunn Naomi Hanks Nate Townley

Noah Merrell Nolan Hansen Olivia Johnson Olivia Stacey Parker Palmer Penelope Freeze Peyton Cason Peyton Mathis Phillip Hadaway Quanesha Broughton Quaniyah Byrd Raleigh Anna Harris Reese Lynch Robert Bravo Roxie Richardson Ruben Duran Flores Ryan Moore Sadie Prince Sam Schwadron Sam Townley Samuel Cruz Sarena T. Naureen Savannah Corbett Savannah Cox Savannah Harper Sawyer Mathis Selah Dewberry Serenity Gabberd Shakira Ward Shaniya Tate Shawn Stallings Sherri Kate Robinson Sierra Martin Skyla Kinsella Skylah Murphy Skyler Harper Sloane Wilson Stephanie Millan Stirling Wilson

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OHTS presents “The Wizard of Oz”

Opelika High Theatre Society presents “The Wizard of Oz”: September 10 at 7:00 p.m. September 12 at 7:00 p.m. September 13 at 3:00 p.m. September 17 at 7:00 p.m. September 19 at 7:00 p.m. September 20 at 3:00 p.m. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 LaFayette Parkway. Admission $7 for adults and $5 for students at the door. For more information, call 334-745-9715.

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

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

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school both in and out of the classroom.

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

www.tcsopelika.org

Opelika HS Principal Named Secondary Principal of the Year for Alabama

Dr. Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal, was recognized as Secondary Principal of the Year for the State of Alabama at the CLAS Annual Convention in Montgomery. Pictured with Dr. Seymore is Tom Chesnutt, CLAS Legislative Coordinator. Congratulations again Dr. Seymore! We are proud of you!

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn Angers Compete in National Championship

Five Auburn Anglers travelled to Paris, Tenn., to compete in the B.A.S.S. High School National Championship. The tournament dates were July 22-25th.

Auburn HS Track Camp

The 2015 AHS Track Camp was a success! The athletes worked hard on hurdles, high jump, long jump, sprints, javelin and shot-put. They performed in a mini track meet today to end on great week of fun!

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THIS IS COMMUNITY. THIS IS YOUR MUSEUM. THIS IS AUBURN. JCSM.AUBURN.EDU

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

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Miracles really do happen! The life of Garrett Bottoms

Our son had dreams of a big future playing ball. He was committed to himself and his team. He worked very hard as a sophomore in high school to achieve a position on Varsity, starter on 2nd base and batting 3rd in the line up! Sunday, February 15, 2015 - the day after Valentine's day. The team had just finished practice. Everyone headed in their own direction. Our son, Garrett Bottoms and a teammate, Leighton Allen, each in their own vehicles were headed home to our house. They were about a half a mile away when Garrett rolled his front passenger window down and threw his Sprite bottle out, aiming to hit a sign as he passed by. He turned back to see if he hit the sign and lost control of his vehicle. Behind him, Leighton witnessed this horrific accident unfold. Garrett was ejected from the vehicle as it began to start flipping. Leighton states that Garrett went as tall as the trees and straight back down and landed flat on his feet. Leighton got out of his truck, rushed to Garrett and performed CPR (which he had just learned a week earlier in school) until Garrett made a noise then ran for help. This amazing kid was able to remain calm, rise above the situation and save his friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life! He then ran back to Garrett's side, rubbing his shoulder just to let him know he was there and help was on the way. Rescue arrived, the team fought to keep Garrett alive and got him stable to load onto a helicopter and head to Columbus. Once in Columbus, the team of medical staff fought to save our son's life. It was touch and go for a few days. My husband and I never once considered death as an option and the communities of Beauregard, Auburn, Opelika, Smiths Station, Valley, Beulah and Columbus came together to pray for and support our family. Garrett was in a medically induced coma for the first 9 days of which he spent in ICU for a total of 15 days and then transferred to the pediatric floor for the remaining 10 days as we prepared for the next step in his recovery, rehab. We arrived in Atlanta, GA, March 13 and were admitted into the inpatient facility at the Shepherd Hospital. We spent 4 weeks in the inpatient facility then he was discharged and transitioned to Shepherd Pathways outpatient rehabilitation program, where he spent 6 weeks. He participated in therapy 5 days a week for 5 hours each day. He worked in therapy to return to driving, in the driving simulator, and also worked to return to school and rise to the next grade as a Junior with his classmates. He was discharged and came home for good on May 21st! He will continue his therapy locally with occasional visits back to the Shepherd Center for several months to come. Garrett has since made great strides and remarkable progress physically, however, we have some speed bumps to endure cognitively. We are very blessed to have our child with us still today, to have escaped such a horrific accident and only to suffer manageable injuries. We have a very long way to go but a ton of support and prayers to carry us through. It has proven to be a challenging task to maintain our household while only 1 parent is working. Garrett has a GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/whatchasay25 for donations. Please follow and share our story on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanyshawbottoms or https://www.facebook.com/jcb620. Tiffany and Josh Bottoms.

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn High School Students Attend HOSA Conference in California

AHS's Marion West with her fellow HOSA representatives from Alabama representing our state at the national HOSA conference in Anaheim, California!

English Summer Camp for Teachers

Auburn High School English teachers got together for their third annual English Summer Camp to evaluate the past year’s successes and challenges/plan for next year’s English students!

Celebrating 25 years! L i vi n g. L ovi n g. L e a rn i n g.

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

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

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Auburn University Quarterback Jeremy Johnson stopped by Pick Elementary to visit with a couple students!

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Auburn Quarterback Visits Pick ES

334.501.8586 • kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al * Offer valid at participating Kumon Centers only when you enroll between 9/1/15 - 10/8/15. Contact the center for promotional discount.

Softball Camp

Lauren and Boston getting ready for softball camp here in Auburn at Felton Little Park.

Auburn HS Cheerleaders Attend Cheer Camp

Auburn High School Varsity Cheerleaders working hard and enjoying cheer camp at the University of Georgia!

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A Page in a Book The Night Sky Unfolds in Books While evening cloaks the details of the world from sight, the glowing objects in the night sky offer perpetual wonders for human eyes – young and old. It’s a moving moment when our children spy the moon for the first time, small hands pointing toward something constant yet so very distant. As their awareness of the night sky grows, they begin to discern stars and the patterns they form as our small blue dot tumbles through the cosmos. Following in the footsteps of astronomers from ancient times to the present, a child’s fascination with celestial bodies can introduce them to universal knowledge and undiscovered marvels. The following titles celebrate the night sky and will have young readers looking up from the pages to find their own stories written in the stars.

Moonday

by Adam Rex (Hyperion / Disney) Gazing out of the car’s back windows on a night ride home is familiar territory for young passengers. But when one young girl spies the moon keeping pace during the drive home, her sleepy musings of a bright orb that follows her home become all too real. She awakens to find the moon looming large in her backyard, and her town is caught in a day without morning. No one in her community is fully awake, tides laps into the neighborhood, and only another night journey with her family can put the moon back where it belongs. Rex’s artistic gift with illumination comes to the fore against the dark of this extended night. Combined with his eclectic style of storytelling, “Moonday” is a sumptuous feast for both the eye and the mind. A brilliant inspiration for young stargazers, this title is likely to launch endless lunar journeys in the imagination of every young night rider.

Henry’s Stars

by David Elliot (Philomel / Penguin) Ancient astronomers looked toward the night skies’ discerning patterns among the stars and they named these constellations after animals and heroes familiar to them (which, of course, varied from culture to culture). With a nod to the history of heavenly perceptions, this title opens with a stargazing pig named Henry who begins to connect the evening stars and discovers “The Great Pig in the Sky”. With enthusiasm, he runs to his neighbors on the farm to share his revelation. But as he encourages them to look skyward, each animal sees something different. From “The Great Sheep” to “The Starry Cow” each barnyard friend sees the constellation through their own frame of reference and names it thus. As Henry leaves the animals arguing about the stars they see, his joy over his discovery is dimmed. But when he’s alone again and looks up – his own eyes confirm what he knew all along. Ideal for kids who want to make their own connections with the night sky, “Henry’s Stars” will encourage them to make their own celestial discoveries!

by Francesca Simon and Ben Cort (Scholastic) While the moon in the sky is a common sight that is shared by everyone in the world, it is not uncommon to sky watchers to feel a singular connection with it – as one person looking up at one moon. For one lonely little boy, seeing the moon through his bedroom window ignites a host of questions about what the moon sees and does. He wonders if the moon likes animals (the boy does). He asks if the moon can see the sea – and under it. The boys wants to know if the moon has friends among the constellations. While the moon smiles gently down, no answers are forthcoming. And that’s okay. Simply being a constant and familiar presence in the boy’s life, the moon provides the quiet comfort for the boy to ask the questions that spark his own imagination as he drifts off to sleep. “Hello, Moon!” is an ideal bedtime read for a full moon night! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

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Q. How do cash-back rebates work on electronics and other items?

Q. Can you explain interest-only mortgages? Are they a good idea?

A. I like this question. Most consumers don’t think about how the process works. They only care that it’s benefitting them from a financial standpoint. Let’s say you buy an item for $1,000, and you get a cash rebate for $100. Basically, you just paid $900 for that item, right? So, what the companies are trying to do is incentivize certain retailers to buy a particular product or amount of that product, yet sort of protect the sticker price in the minds of the consumers. To me, it’s really a little ridiculous. Why not simply take off the money, and price it at $900? That keeps retailers from jerking around with the margins. It purifies the process a little bit, but it adds to the hassle.

A. An interest-only mortgage is just what

it sounds like. You’re paying only the interest on the loan, and none of what you actually owe. It’s a good way to stay in debt for the rest of your life, so they’re not a good idea. Lots of people look at this product and say, “Wow, I’ll get a lower monthly payment, and then I can throw tons of cash at the principal.” Guess what, in most cases it doesn’t work out that way. Why not take out a good 15year fixed rate mortgage and put a bunch of money toward the principal? Everyone thinks they have a great idea for tricking the system. But the only system that really works is to pay off debt as quickly as you can. Interest-only mortgages are like adjustable rate mortgages and high fixed rate mortgages — they’re good things to stay away from completely!

Q. My wife and I are in our twenties. We have no debt and $50,000 in the bank. Our income is $90,000 a year, and we’re cautious to live on less than we make. Still, we can’t seem to get motivated to make a budget. How can we get inspired to do this? A. Two of the biggest motivators we have are pain and pleasure. Financially, you guys don’t have any pain. You’re killing it! So, we’re going to have to figure out something associated with pleasure. I think you need to look for something bigger than money to push you. You guys need to ask yourselves, “What are we saving for?” On a bigger scale, ask yourselves, “What can we do with this money?” It sounds to me like you both realize money can’t be the goal. And that’s a good thing. You guys are obviously smart, gifted people. I’m sure you have ideas and goals, dreams and desires. Talk about them and write them down. By doing this, you’ll be taking the first steps toward making these things reality. When you have something specific that you want money to do, it gives you a reason to make it behave.

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eady or not, prepared or not, when summer is over, your child is set to begin the final, defining and transitory, senior year of high school. Whether this is your first or third child, each collegebound high school student walks a unique path. By the beginning of your child’s senior year, you may be in the refining stages of your child’s dream or your child may be considering fast and furiously what opportunities are available. High school counselor Brooke Nova encourages parents to “start the conversations early about college and career.” Speak to several people about their careers and explore college campuses. Nova emphasizes that setting up overnight stays on college campuses “are free.”

Talk it over. You have been listening to your child’s dreams all through her childhood. You are her first advisor. Now is the time to reflect the intimate knowledge that you have gained over these precious and fleeting years. What are his talents? What is she passionate about? What will she always want to be a part of her life? What does he want to contribute? Making time for conversation and real dialogue with your child is crucial to helping her to focus her aspirations on a possible program of study. Never underestimate what is possible. Brainstorm a big list. The first list of colleges and universities should include a wide spectrum of choices from which to ultimately choose. Some of these choices should provide a stretch that challenges your child to reach further. Encourage your child to attend college presentations that are offered at the high school. Explore university websites together and separately. Your child will let you know when your presence over his or her shoulder is no longer required. You can compare notes later. Consider campus size. What size of campus will appeal the most? As my daughter, Natalie, and I learned, actually visiting the campus was the best way to get a feeling for size. On our visits, we observed the kind of people who were walking around campus. How did the large campus feel? Or, would she prefer a smaller campus? Our tour guides made impressions on us. One professor stood out. He made Natalie feel welcome when she sat in on his class and remembered her name when he saw her the next day.

Discuss distance from home.

How far away is your child comfortable living? Some students are fine going to the opposite side of the country while others prefer to stay close to home, where

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file box will be full if not bursting by the end of the year.

Support without hovering.

Your child needs your support during this process. Most students this age need help breaking down the projects and requirements into manageable bits. They need help managing deadlines and timelines. Brooke Nova, who specializes in college and career counseling, suggests parents start tracking all community service once students enter ninth grade.

Attend financial aid presentations. Many high schools have at

least one night, usually in the fall, to invite someone from a local University Financial Aid Office to speak about financial aid. In his presentations, Mike Johnson, Director of Financial Aid for Pacific University, likes to go beyond the basic information. “I also try to provide a reality check on what costs really mean.” Johnson helps parents to consider how much the tuition “sticker price” can be alleviated by factoring in the potential for financial aid in their situation.

Get a jump on senioritis.

weekend visits are possible or perhaps even to live at home that first year. My son, Thomas, demonstrated his independent nature by his choice to study a good sixhour drive away at the opposite end of our home state. Apply, apply, and apply. Early in the senior year is time to tackle the tedious work of completing college admissions applications as well as scholarship applications. This load will be lightened considerably if, as Nova suggests, the student has used the summer of junior to senior year to research scholarships and to draft samples of scholarship and admissions essays. Sarah Myers McGinty’s book, “The Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

College Application Essay” by College Board is an excellent reference to use as a guide for those intimidating essays. Make that essay shine. Parents, siblings, and friends can help with the editing process. In most cases, the final admissions or scholarship application is uploaded online. Take the time, however, to print out the various pieces and refine the wording. If ever there were a time for perfectionism, the time is when writing college and scholarship applications. Proofreading by multiple sets of eyes can add exponential value. Print hard copies of all the applications and keep them in a large accordion style file or file box. The 30

Senioritis seems to hit all of them. It’s just a matter of how far into the year it takes to kick in. Brooke Nova encourages students to finish most everything, “(applications to college, scholarships, and FAFSA), should be done by winter break.” After the first semester seniors are typically “’over high school’ so getting everything done before break really does help,” she concludes. Accept the roller coaster. During my daughter’s senior year, sometimes she accepted gentle reminders, other times, she bristled at any suggestions. As a parent, I was continually walking that tight rope between supporting and hovering. I felt the stress of meeting the application deadlines right along with her. Even so, I couldn’t write her essay for her. I was almost grateful when she shut her bedroom door in my face so she could work on it on her own. Later, when she took the envelope into her room to open privately in her own space, I held my breath, too. But the results were hers, not mine. Whatever the news, ceremonies that mark the end of high school for your child are rich with meaning and memories. You will have endured the ups and downs of a unique and remarkable senior year with your child. The events and memories of senior year will stay with both of you as you take the next step to life beyond the high school years together. AOP Diane Turner Maller is a freelance writer and mother of two college students. She recently attended the ceremonies for her daughter’s college graduation in May.

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The New Peer Pressure Has your child been nominated? Not for class president or team captain. The new way to nominate is to post something outrageous online and then “tag” friends who are expected to top the performance. Some of these so-called “nek nominations” are silly, harmless fun, but many involve alcohol, drugs or sex. And kids who don’t want to participate may find that they are teased or even bullied. Peer pressure is nothing new, of course, but new research indicates that social media can exacerbate the problem, making young people more likely to engage in risky behaviors in the hope of winning attention and approval from other teens. One study, by researchers in Belgium, confirmed that peer pressure often plays a role in sexting. Even kids who know it isn’t a good idea to exchange explicit photos may get involved because the short-term boost in popularity seems more important to adolescents than the long term damage to reputation and selfesteem. Decisions about drugs and alcohol are also heavily influenced by what happens in online friendship networks according to research done recently at the University of Southern California. Even parents who have Facebook accounts aren’t likely to see much of what goes on in social media, partly because teens are migrating to other sites such as Vine, Snapchat, Instagram and What’s App. Rather than trying to monitor everything a child does on and offline, parents need to be proactive, equipping teens with information and skills that will help them set appropriate boundaries and live up to their own ideals regardless of what their friends do. Here are some suggestions:

Assume your child is under pressure. In its annual survey of substance use, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that 45% of teens have seen social media pictures showing other teens getting drunk, passed out or using drugs. Teens don’t necessarily talk about these photos because they don’t want to get friends in trouble, but the images have an influence. The same report found that 47% of teens who had seen such photos were convinced the participants were having a terrific time. Talk often about values. Be sure your child has a clear sense of your expectations. Just as important, talk about the reasons behind the rules you make. “Because I said so” may be adequate for younger children, but your teenager deserves a deeper explanation of what kind of life you hope he or she will lead and why you think drinking, drug use and casual sex might interfere with his or her prospects. Clarify consequences. Researchers now know that the part of the brain that is able to anticipate long-term consequences doesn’t develop until late in adolescence. Social media reinforces short-term thinking with photos that show the fun of partying without the aftermath which can be unpleasant and even tragic. Parents have to compensate by making the dark side of teen sex and substance abuse equally vivid. Be sure your child understands that there can be lifelong consequences from driving drunk, being arrested while under the influence, distributing pornography and having unprotected or underage sex. Rehearse refusal. Teens are often convinced that, if they don’t do what a friend wants, they’ll lose the friendship. They will be better prepared to resist pressure if they have thought ahead about things they might say or post when they want to turn down a request. Humor helps. So does changing the subject 31

or suggesting an alternative activity. Remind your child that true friends don’t push each other into situations that are uncomfortable much less dangerous. Be willing to argue. Even when you start with the best of intentions, conversations with teenagers are likely to become confrontational. That’s OK. Researchers at the University of Virginia found that kids who had the confidence to stand up to their parents and argue their point of view were also more likely to resist peer pressure. Even when it seems that your child isn’t listening, keep calm and stay focused on the issue of the moment rather than getting distracted by attitude. Use the tools to take control. Facebooks’s untag feature is a highly effective way to eliminate posts from people who are pressuring a teen to do something stupid or dangerous. (Go to the activity log by clicking the downward arrow at the top of any FB page. Click Photos and select the problem photo. Select “Remove Tags”. ) Even better, encourage your child to activate the ability to “Review posts friends tag you in before they appear on your timeline.” (Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner and then choose “Settings.” Select Timeline and Tagging and choose “Review posts.”) Harness peer pressure for good. After analyzing over a billion status updates on Facebook, a research team from the University of California, San Diego, found that positive posts inspired positive responses. Encourage your kids to engage in good deeds and random acts of kindness. Then they can nominate friends to top those accomplishments. The power of social media often seems overwhelming, but parents have power too. Talking frankly about the kinds of online pressures kids may encounter gives them the opportunity to think ahead so that, when the time comes, they are better equipped to make decisions in the moment that they won’t regret in the future. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Raising engaged students is not only

1. Share to prepare. Tell your child what you enjoyed about school. If your spouse enjoyed school, encourage him to share stories, too. If you had a difficult time in school, share those stories with someone who is not your child. Talk to another adult about the ways you struggled, and how those struggles might color your expectations of what school will be like for your child. Get your fears and biases about school off your chest and let them go so you won’t unwittingly pass them on. Remember, your child is not you. That was then, this is now. By confronting and releasing any back-to-school skeletons in your closet, you open the doors to a positive school experience for your child today.

the responsibility of the teachers and the administrators at your school, it’s a job that starts at home with every parent. You may have anxiety, fears, or merely first-day jitters about your child going to school. But if you can muster up your courage and take a onegood-day-at-a-time approach, you will find that raising a child who loves school is easier than you might have imagined. Just follow these four simple guidelines, keep your interactions with your school’s employees constructive and upbeat, and watch the magic that occurs when your child loves learning. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

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2. Step back. Some parents have trouble trusting that a school will care about their child as much as they do. And it’s true--teachers won’t treat your child like a parent would. They will probably expect more. And they will care about your child as educational professionals, who want to challenge your child so she can realize her potential, so let them do their jobs. Smart parents know that school is not just about academics. When your child is in school, she is learning how to be a member of a community. She is learning how to socialize and enjoy playtime. He is learning how to express himself through art, music and physical activity. So take a leap of faith. Remind yourself that the folks who run schools are trained professionals. Trust them with your child’s daily education and well being. Then your child will experience every day as an adventure in learning and growing.

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3. Be positive and proactive. Try to find something to like about your school on a regular basis. If you don’t know what to like then you might not be aware enough. Have a working knowledge of the school layout. Introduce yourself to teachers on open-house days and meet the folks who work in the front office, including the principal. Make sure the teacher knows you are on her team. If you have a miscommunication or misunderstanding with a teacher or administrator, strive to work things out in a calm, pro-active manner. Don’t hang on to negative perceptions or try to create negative consensus with other parents. Confident, secure parents seek solutions not squabbles. Put yourself in the teacher or administrator’s shoes before you pick up the phone or shoot off that email. Remember, the way you would like to be treated is the way to behave, always, no matter how you feel in the heat of the moment.

4. Give without strings. If you cannot spend a lot of time at school, know that your child still benefits from seeing you there, even if it is not as often as you would like. If you like to pitch in, join the PTA or sign up to be a room parent. You will find plenty of opportunities to contribute, but do so without expectations of payoffs for your child based on your involvement. The benefits for your child come when you happily contribute, not when you use your position as an insider to create an ongoing list of how you would

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do things differently and better. Remember your role as a helper in the larger scheme of things. Be service-minded, looking for opportunities to match the school’s needs with what you have to offer. Do your best not to criticize parents who are less committed to volunteering than you, unless you wish to be judged right back. Break the school year up into three parts and try to pitch in to help or chaperone at least once each season. Don’t forget to get your spouse involved. And don’t feel guilty about not being a parenting association volunteer. Give money to financially support the programs of the 33

PTA, if you can swing it. Then go to your child’s teacher when looking for ways to contribute in proximity to your child. No matter how you choose to contribute, when you give the way you want to give, you set a great example for your kids. Parents who invest energy cheerfully and proactively in their child’s school stand out in the crowd for all the right reasons, paving the way to success in school for all their children. AOP Christina Katz has always loved school and strives to pass this passion on to her daughter. She comes from an extended family of enthusiastic learners, teachers and educators.

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Auburn/Opelika’s Parenting Resource Guide for After School Activities! Programs in Art, Dance, Gymnastics, Sports and much more...

Art Art Studio, The (ad on page 7)

118 North Ross Street, Auburn. www.michellemotleygiddens.com/studio Offering authentic art opportunities for children to grow as both skilled artists and creative individuals. All About Art- Wed. 3rd-5th grades, 3:30pm. Thurs. K-2nd grades, 3:30pm. Thurs. K-5th grades, 4:30pm. Classes begin August 11. 6wks/$145, 4wks/$110. Studio Time- Tues. 6th-8th grades, 4:30-5:30pm and Wed. 9th-12th grades, 4:30-5:30pm.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

Thurs. 4-5:30pm; $120 + $15 fee. Zentagle 101- Ages 12+; Wed. 5:30-7:30pm; $80. Zentangle 102- Ages 12+; Wed. 5:30-7:30pm; $80.

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts (ad on page 22)

901 South College Street, Auburn. 844-1484. Learn, create and explore at JCSM during the fall Saturday Art Club. The program is free for all K-12 grade students. Three stations are designed for younger students (K2nd grade), middle students (3rd-6th grade) and older students (7th-12th grade). Parents are encouraged to work with their children, or learn more about the role of art in your child’s life at the Parent’s Table. Visit www.jcsm.auburn.edu

(ad on page 3)

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Avenue Auburn. 501-2944. Act I- Ages 5-8; Tues. 4-5pm; $70. Act II- Ages 9-12; Tues. 5-6pm; $70. Act III- Ages 12-18; Thurs. 5:30-6:30pm; $70. Advanced Studio- Ages 15+; Thurs. 9-11am; $85. Artworks- Preschool Intro to Movement & ArtAges 3-5; Thurs. 9-11am; $75. Artworks- Not Just Another Art Class- Ages 18+; Mon. 9-11am; $120. Adventures in Writing: Faerie Tales- Ages 8-12; Mon. 4-5:30pm; $95. Beginning/Intermediate Painting- Ages 18+; 1-3pm; $85. Chinese Painting & Calligraphy for the Young Artist- Ages 9-15; Tues 5:10-6:10pm; $150 + $25. Creative Kids-Ages 4-6; Tues. 3-4pm; $150 + $20 fee. Drawing & Painting- Ages 6-8; Wed. 4:35-5:35pm; $150 + $20 fee. Elect Performing Arts Drama Class- Ages 10-18; Mon. 6:30-7:30pm; $15. Fantasy Drawing: Dragons- Ages 12-17; Friday 4-5:30pm; $85. Fantasy In Clay- Ages 7-12; Wed. 4-5:30pm; $100 + $15 fee. Kids Can Do: Pastels- Ages 8-12; Wed. 3:30-5pm; $85. Leaf It To Me- Ages 4-6; Thurs. 4-5pm; $60 + $10 fee. Origami- Ages 6-10; Wed. 3:30-4:30pm; $60. Pendants and Pins: Jewelry Making with Clay- Ages 12-16; Wed. 4-5:30pm; $100 + $15 fee. Sketching with Pencil- Ages 8-11; Tues. 4:05-5:05pm; $150 + $25 fee. Stage Combat Basics- Ages 10+; Sat. 1-4pm; $35. Your Fun Knitting & Crafting Projects- Ages 1st-3rd grades; Thurs. 5:30-7pm; Free. Youth Beginners Wheel Throwing- Ages 7th-12th grade; Mon. 5:30-7:230pm; $100 + $35 fee. Youth Throwing On the Potter’s Wheel- Ages 10-16; Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

sories. The classes culminate in a fashion show at the end of the year in which the children are able to model their creations.

Before/After School Care Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center (ad on page 27)

128 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn. 334-821-8125. Now registering for fall (infant - 6yrs and after-school programs up to grade 5). Open 7:00 am -5:30 pm. Transportation from schools available. Children engage in many hands-on activities that promote learning in language, fine & large motor skills, the arts, math, science, and social-emotional skills. Nationally Accredited through the Association for Early Learning Leaders (formerly NAC) and Licensed through Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Bonnie’s Kids Child Care Inc. (ad on page 40)

2314 Enterprise Drive, Opelika. 745-6248. Pick up from school for Beauregard, Opelika & Auburn for after school programs.

Growing Room Child Development Center (ad on page 24)

• Opelika Parks and Recreation Denson Drive Recreation Center; 705-5558 Cerami Kids I- Ages 6 and up. Mon, 3:30-4:30pm. $30. Cerami Kids II-Ages 6 and up. Tues, 3:30-4:30pm. $30. Cerami Kids III- Ages 6 and up. Wed, 3:30-4:30pm. $30. Cerami Kids IV- Ages 6 and up. Thurs, 3:30-4:30pm. $30. Cerami Kids V (Homeschoolers)- Ages: 6 & up. Thurs, 1-2pm. $30. Homeschool Handbuilding- Ages 9 and up. Tues. 1-2pm. $60/8wks Parent and Me Wheel- Wed. 5:30-7pm. $90/8wks Kids Sit-N-Spin Wheel Class- Ages 9 and up. Tues. 3:30-5:00pm. $60/8wks • Sew-thern Belles Sewing Studio 923-J Stage Rd, Auburn. sewthernbelles@gmail.com; 229-869-6775. A licensed “Kids Can Sew” after school program for children third grade and up. We offer a structured, fun environment where children learn while having a blast! Students learn all aspects of sewing including how to thread a sewing machine, how to read a pattern, and how to make clothing and acces-

644 North Dean Road, Auburn. 334-5012044; www.growingroomusa.com; 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday: 6 weeks-12 years old. We believe Learning Can Take You Everywhere! We offer a language based curriculum focusing on math, science & self-help skills, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, extracurricular programs include JumpBunch, Dance, Big Green Bus, & Spanish. We also prove before and after school care to most Auburn City Schools. • A to Z Home Daycare Belinda Dowdell- 821-3292 or 663-5961. Before and after school drop off/pick up service. • Auburn City Schools Extended day offers children the opportunity to have 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. For more information, please contact your child’s school.

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• Auburn Day Care Centers 410 Boykin Street, Room 14; Auburn. 821-4060. Afterschool pickup and care. • Auburn United Methodist Church Discovery Club After-School Program 137 South Gay Street; Auburn. 826-8800; www.aumc. net; Monday- Friday (after school until 6:00 p.m.) care is available to children in the K-7th grades and can be picked up at their schools and transported to the church for homework, snacks, crafts, cooking, recreational activities, devotionals and mission projects. All day sessions from 8:00am- 6:00pm are offered on days when the Auburn Public Schools are closed for staff development days. This ministry is designed to provide a Christian, homelike environment after school while parents are working. • BRIDGES After-School Program An out-of-school time program of care and supervision for children ages 10-14 sponsored by the Employers’ Child Care Alliance. Based on an innovative curriculum, participants will be involved in a variety of healthy, fun, educational and interactive program elements (or clubs). With a commitment to quality and adequate supervision, staff/student ratios will be no more than 1 to 12. Tutoring will be offered from 3:15-4:00. Snack will be provided. 3:15-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. • Child Care Network 702 Second Avenue; Opelika. 749-9631. Before and after school pick up for most Opelika City Schools. • Creative Discovery Child Development Center 1675 Shug Jordan Parkway; Auburn. 887-5730; www.creativediscoverycdc.com; Ages: 6 weeks old-12 years old; 6:30am-6:00pm; Monday.-Friday. “Where Discovery Leads to Learning!” After school pick up at Auburn City Schools, Lee Scott, and Indian Pines. kidscreative7@gmail.com • HealthPlus Fitness Center 1171 Gatewood Drive, Auburn. laura.futrell@eamc.org 887-5666 ext 209. Afterschool Rules! The place to be for homework, fitness, and fun. Pick up from Auburn Early Ed Center, Cary Woods, Yarbrough, Lee-Scott and Drake Middle School. Ages K- 8th grade. • Jacob’s Ladder Early Learning Center 1452 Opelika Rd; Auburn. 821-5100. • Learning Zone 1221 Commerce Drive; Auburn. 821-1127. After school program, drop off and pick up. • Milestones Learning Center 1811 E Glenn Ave, Auburn. Lee Sides, 887-4391; www. milestoneslc.com; 6 weeks old – Pre-K; Full time and part time available; Monday- Friday; 6:30 am- 6:00 pm, High/Scope Curriculum. Children learn through direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. Kindermusik, ABC Music and Me, Premier Tumbling, The Big Green Bus, and more! Fall registration going on now! Afterschool care and transportation available. • Miss Deanna’s Childcare 1901 Corporate Drive, Opelika and 1745 East University Drive; Auburn. 745-7139. After school transportation and care. • Opelika City Schools 745-9700. Extended Day is a program sponsored by the Opelika City Schools to provide a safe, friendly environment for children who need after school care. CARES offers tutors, homework assistance, recreation, school clubs, special activities, field trips, and other areas of enrichment for children who attend elementary schools in Opelika. Extended Day programs are available to students in grades Pre-K-8th grade.

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• The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County 400-B Boykin Street, Auburn. 821-6020; pharrison@ bgcleeco.org & 1610 Toomer Street, Opelika. 7452582; ybatts@bgcleeco.org. An after school Youth Development program that serves youth ages 6-18 in Greater Lee County during the hours of 2:30-6:30pm. Afternoons begin with a healthy snack followed by Power Hour: Making Every Minute Count in which club members spend time reading, receiving homework assistance and tutoring. The evening is filled with fun programming in five core areas including character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills; the arts, and sports, fitness, and recreation. • University Daycare, LLC Child Care Center 2454 East University Drive, Auburn. 826-7337. Before and after school care and pickup available.

Dance Auburn Parks and Recreation (ad on page 3)

Dean Road Rec Center/Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center AUSDA Friday Night Swing Dance- Ages 13+; Fri. 6-9pm; Free. Auburn Danceworks Pre-Ballet- Ages 5-6; Wed. 10-11am; $70. Dance Combo: Ballet & Tap- Ages 3-5; Thurs. 4:15-5pm. $30. IAMBK Creative DanceAges 6-10; Fri. 6-7pm. $15. iambk@ymail.com IAMBK Creative Dance IIAges 11-18; Fri. 7:15-8:15pm. $15. iambk@ ymail.com Lindy Hop Level I- Ages 13+; Mon. 7:30-8:30pm; $30. Lindy Hop Level II- Ages 13+; Mon. 6:30-7:30pm; $30. Lindy Wednesday- Ages 13+; Wed. 7-9pm; Free. Square Dance- Ages 15+; Thurs. 7-9pm. $15. Square Dance with The Village Squares- Ages 16+; Wed. 6:30-9pm; $12.50.

Auburn Pointe School of Dance (ad on page 13)

1100 S. College Street, 202. Auburn. 740-5118. www.aupointe.com Ballet, pointe, Pad de deux, modern, jazz and company. All ages welcome from preschool to adult. Home of Pointe to Him dance ensemble. Now registering for fall classes. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

East Alabama Community Ballet (ad on page 17)

www.eacballet.org Host studio for the 2015 Nutcracker rehearsals: Make Your Move Dance Studio, 1220 Fox Run Avenue Suite 212 , Opelika. Auditions open to all dancers, ages 6yrs and up, will be August 16. Rehearsals to being this fall with performances of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Auburn University’s Telfair Peet Theatre this Holiday Season.

Nix Dance Studio (ad on page 37)

850 Stage Road, Auburn. 887-7250. www.nixdancestudios.com Celebrating our 50th Anniversary! Registration and open house-Wednesday, July 22: 4:00-6:00pm or Thursday, July 23: 4:00-6:00pm. Come and select your schedule and shoe fittings. Fall classes for ages 3 years-adult. Offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/ contemporary, hip hop, baton, pointe, and company.

Variations Dance (ad on page 5)

323 Airport Road, Suite E, Auburn. 275-5013. ‘Where Dreams of Dancing Comes True.’ Offering all levels of dance including ballet, pointe, hip hop, jazz, company and more! • Celtic Traditions 2705 Frederick Road, #3, Opelika. 705-0303. www. celtic-traditions.net. We spread the joy of Irish dancing through classes and performances. Fall classes start the week of August 11th. Free trial class August 10th. Offering classes for boys and girls, ages 3+, Beginners to Championship Level. Now teaching… Ballet and Belly Dance! • Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio “Everyone’s a STAR at Make Your Move” @ USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Pkwy, Suite 212, Opelika. 705-0205. www. makeyourmovedance.com. Fall registration and classes enrolling now! Dance classes for boys and girls of all ages including baton, tap, jazz, ballet, acrobats, hip hop, contemporary, combination classes and more! Offering recreational and competition classes.

Educational Auburn Parks and Recreation (ad on page 3)

Dean Road Rec Center Joy Writers for Secondary Students- Grades 6-7; Wed. 4:40-5:45pm. $100. serena@rusticplate.com Leap for the Stars Literacy & Academic Tutoring- Ages PreK-11th grade. Mon/Wed. 5:30-7:30pm. $15. Trellis234@earthlink.net Work To Excel Job Readiness Program- Ages 12+; Tues. 6-7pm; $15. Trellis234@earthlink.net Learn Computer Programming- Ages 14+; Wed. 5:307pm; $95.

Kumon

(ad on page 25)

Flint’s Crossing, 1550 Opelika Rd, Suite 9/10, Auburn. 501-8586. www.kumon.com/auburn-opelika; Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program designed for students of all levels. A Kumon Program can be tailored for advanced students who need to be challenged, but also for students who need help catching up. The Kumon Math and Reading Center offers a program to help your child reach their potential. Offering Kumon Jr. for ages 3-5 years and Kumon for preschool through high school. FREE PLACEMENT Tests are administered by appointment. Please call to schedule your child’s testing. • Little Language www.littlelanguagellc.com. 251-610-7968. Foreign language program for children. Teaching Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, ESL, and Arabic. Now enrolling for fall classes. • Smith Group Behavioral Consulting 2006 Executive Park Dr, Suite A, Opelika. 332.9077 (cell with confidential voicemail); www.smithgroupbehavioralconsulting.com Services provided: skill assessment across all areas of development, private academic and social tutoring, skill coaching in real life situations, development of behavior intervention plans for children with chronic problematic behaviors; along with parental training and coaching, early intensive ABA intervention with children on the Autism Spectrum, weekly social skills and play groups. • Test Prep and Tutoring of Auburn 687 North Dean Road. 502-3459. Offering tutoring serves in math, reading, writing, study skills, penmanship and others as needed. Test preparation includes ACT, SAT, ASVAB, and MCAT.

Fitness Auburn Parks and Recreation (ad on page 3)

Bounce Physical Fitness Class- Ages 10+; Wed. 7-8pm; $15. trellis234@earthlink.net Couch to 5K Beginning Running- Ages 8 and up/family; Thurs. 6-7pm. $20 ind/$40 family. 329-9026. Spicy Slow Flow- Ages 12+; Thurs. 9:30-10:30am &

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7:30-8:30pm. 706-280-0163. Power Yoga- Ages 12+; Mon & Wed. 9:30-10:30am & 6:30-7:30pm. 706-280-0163. Yoga- Ages 12 +, Tues. 6:45-7:45pm.

My Gym Auburn (ad on page 46)

300 North Dean Road, #6, Auburn. 334-246-0987. www.mygym.com/auburn Classes for ages 6 weeks to 12 years including Tiny Tykes, Gymsters, Cardio Kids, All Star Sports, Zumba and more! Offering structured, age-appropriate, weekly classes that incorporate music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, sports and more. Children have loads of fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility while developing social skills, confidence and self-esteem. • HealthPlus Fitness Center 1171 Gatewood Drive, Auburn. Kid’s Gym- The goal is to provide a safe, friendly environment for your child to explore health and fitness through supervised play. Age 5-12 yrs. HealthPlus child members may participate in Kids’ Gym at no extra charge. Non-member children may join us for a small fee of $2.00 per visit. Activities include climbing wall, scooters, basketball, relays, kickball, tag games, dodgeball, jump ropes, swimming, board games and more. Laura, 887-5666 ext 209. Infant Swimming Resource- a nationally recognized survival swimming program which teaches infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 6 years using the ISR SelfRescue™ method. Ashley, 887-5666. Water Babies and Swim Lessons- swim lessons offered throughout the year. Call for classes and rates, Ashley, 887-5666. Youth Swim for Fitness- 12 session water fitness program; ages 7-17. Members and non-member rates, call Ashley, 887-5666.

Gymnastics/ Cheerleading My Gym Auburn (ad on page 46)

Premier Spirit Academy (ad on page 11)

923 B Stage Road, Auburn. 821-7300. www.premierspiritacademy.com; Register today! Lee County’s finest cheer and tumbling facility, featuring spring competition floors, air track and tumble tracks. Offering classes for boys and girls of all ages! Ask about our private lessons and a free trial class. Parent and Tot- ages 18-35 months. Parents join in on the tumbling fun with their kids. Preschool Tumbling- 3-4 years. Learn the basic tumbling skills. Tumbling Classes - Ages 7 years and up. Beginning Tumbling to Advance Tumbling. Cheer Class- Get ready for cheerleading tryouts! Improve on your jumps and cheer motions. Not a tumbling class.

Squad Lessons- Need help with team competition routines or music? Year round help. All- Stars- Become a competitive cheerleader! The Knights-All Stars practice year round and compete locally and nationally. Knights Special Needs All-Stars- This team offers special needs athletes in our area to compete in cheerleading as a sport. Ages 7 years and older. • Auburn Gymnastics Academy Earlon & Betty McWhorter Center for Women’s Athletics on Wire Road and W. Samford Avenue, Auburn University. 844.9098. • Opelika Parks and Recreation Denson Drive Recreation Center; Ben White 705-5547. Mommy and Me Tumbling-Ages 2-3yrs. Mon/Wed/ Thurs. 10am, 6pm classes. Parent must participate in helping child with activities. A great class for kids to learn coordination and have fun.

Tumble Tots- Ages 4yrs. Tues 6pm/Wed 10:30am/ Thurs.10:30am Tumbling Levels 1, 2, & 3: Ages 5 and up. Cheer Prep Tumbling Class: Ages 6th grade and up. Boys Trampoline Class- Tues 6:30pm.

Homeschool Auburn Parks and Recreation (ad on page 3)

Archaeology: Introduction To Pre-History- Ages 2nd-8th grades; Thurs. 11:15am-12:15pm; $75. Art- Ages 6-9, 8-11, 12-16; 9-11am; $60. Auburn Danceworks Preschool Ballet- Ages 3-4; Wed. 9-9:45am; $70. Chemistry Basics- Meet Matter- Ages 5th-8th grades; Wed. 12-1:30pm; $70. Composition- 3rd-5th grades; Wed. 1:30-3pm; $70.

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Lunch & Game Club- Ages 3rd-8th grades; Wed. 11am12pm; Free. Planet Earth, Rock and Minerals- Ages K-2nd grades; Fri. 11am-12pm; $60. Planet Earth, Rock and Minerals- Ages 3rd-5th grades; Wed. 12-1:30pm; $70. Reading and Handwriting- Ages K-2nd; 9-11am; $80. Spanish Basics- Ages 1st-8thgrades; Tues. 9:3010:30am; $65 + $5 fee. Intermediate Spanish- Ages 1st-8th grades; Tues. 10:30-11:30am; $65 + $5 fee. Writing Workshop- Non-Fiction- Ages 5th-8th grades; Wed. 1:30-3pm; $70.

Horseback Riding • H & G Horse Quarters 943 Lee Road 57, Auburn. 887-0026. Riding lessons registering now! www.hghorsequarters.com. H&G offers English Hunt Seat Riding Instruction to both children and adults. We emphasize safety, responsibility, and aim to meet the needs of each rider and horse combination. Our lesson program consists of competitive riders, beginner children and adults, and a strong college group. We regularly compete at one day local shows and weekend rated shows. We also have monthly sanctioned horse shows at H&G. Three arenas, complete with jumps, lights, sprinklers, and other appropriate teaching materials provide the excellent environment necessary for quality instruction. • MC Horsemanship 3180 Lee Road 137, Auburn. www.mchorsemanship.com Offering lessons in natural and classical horsemanship for beginners to experienced riders, ages 5 yrs and up. Our programs provide each student with hands-on experience, grooming, leading, saddling, horse care, riding, and much more! All money donated helps care for the rescue horses at MC Horsemanship or other rescues listed on the Adoptions page. • Sandy’s Stables 4273 Lee Road 54, Opelika. www.sandysstables.net; 741-0020. Lessons offered to ages 5 and older, 1 1/2 hours long, one lesson per week or schedule lesson to lesson. Lessons include learning to groom, tack up, and cool down a horse, and horse safety. • Silver Lining Equestrian Center 5067 Birmingham Hwy Auburn. 703-0870. www.silverliningequestriancenter.com Specializing in Eventing and Hunter/Jumpers, we offer lessons to a wide range of ages and abilities, training rides, exercise rides, transportation and coaching at shows, superior horse care, and a fun and educational family environment for riders and their horses to enjoy.

Martial Arts Auburn Parks and Recreation (ad on page 3)

Frank Brown Rec Center and Frank Brown Rec Center. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

Aikido- Ages 13+; Tues & Thurs. 6:30-8:30pm; $40/ quarter. Capoeira Beginner Class- Ages 12+; Thurs. 5-6pm; $100/12 classes. Yoshukai Karate Kids- Ages 5-12; Thurs. 6-7pm. Teaches basic strikes, locks, and kicks. Tournament sparring and self-defense fighting is in a controlled setting. $125/quarter. • Auburn Academy of Martial Arts 323 Airport Road, Auburn. 334-502-7221. www.auburnacademy.com. “Your home for the traditional Korean martial arts of TaeKwonDo and HapKiDo”. Classes registering now for all ages! Kinder Kick, Beginner, Advanced, Adults, and Homeschoolers. Fitness classes and Kettle Bell. No registration or membership fees. Ask about our family member discounts. • Auburn Mixed Martial Arts 2515 East Glenn, Commerce Park, Auburn. 703-9663. We pride ourselves in teaching realistic, but safe, fighting techniques in the martial arts of: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Kickboxing and Submission Grappling. We also teach classes in Fitness Kickboxing and Kettle Bell. For our Kids, we offer classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Judo and Wrestling. Come in for a free class! We offer a patient, safe and supportive atmosphere. All ages welcome. • Opelika Parks and Recreation Sportsplex 705-5560; www.opelikasportsplex.com Karate classes; Ages 6 and up. Tues/Thurs, 6pm. $75/12 wks.

grams, Garage Band Camp, Rehearsal space available by reservation and much more! We offer lessons on an incredible variety of instruments, including but not limited to: guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, keyboard/ piano, voice, harp, drums, ukulele, banjo, fiddle, violin, cello, harmonica, tin whistle, oboe, didgeridoo, mandolin, dulcimer, clarinet, saxophone, flute, trumpet, and french horn. Family waiting and viewing area with free wi-fi, and freshly brewed coffee. • Kindermusik at AUMC Auburn United Methodist Church. 826-8800. www. aumc.net; Register now for fall classes. MondayThursday available. Ages birth-5 years old. Village, Our Time, Imagine That! Young Child, Family Time, and Sign & Sign.

Play and Fun Cyber Zone

(ad on page 12)

107 North 9th St, Opelika. 737-5000. www.cyberzone334.com Featuring 6,000 sq ft laser tag arena with high-tech laser tag equipment, high energy music, lights and special effects. Private themed party space for parties, groups, reunions, and more. Arcade with new and retro games. New! Bounce Zone! Check on line for specials.

Music (ad on page 3)

• Spicer’s Music 2140 E. University Drive, Auburn. 329-PLAY. www.spicersmusic.com Not your average music store. Offering instruments and gear of all types, including consigned items, comprehensive lesson program for individuals, groups and bands, as well as Lessons To Go, After school pro-

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Auburn Parks and Recreation Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn University String Class- 3rd-5th grade; Thurs. 3:30-5pm; Dr. Guy Harrison, 844-8192. Auburn Youth Wind Ensemble-3rd-5th grade; Sat. 10am-noon; Abby Robinson, 334-201-4489. Mommy and Me Music- Ages 6 months-4yrs. Wed. & Thurs. 9:15-10am and 10:15-11am; $85; Laura Laurencio, 209-0102. Guitar Lessons- Ages 10 and up. $20/half hour. Jimmy Little, 334-703-4364.

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Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art (ad on page 22)

901 South College Street, Auburn. 844-1484. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Educational programming for the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art strives to meet the needs for our community through diverse offerings. Programs enhance and expand the educational experience of our exhibitions. Programs include Art Clubs, Tours, Exhibits, Talks, Films and Jazz, and more!

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• Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 502-4553; auburn.edu/preserve/ The mission is to provide programs, experiences, nature trails and natural habitats for education, study and relaxation for students and citizens of all ages while creating an atmosphere of discovery and stewardship toward our natural world. Offering programs for all ages: discovery hikes, nature walks, school programming, youth camps and workshops. Aug 3-Fall Forest Friends Playdate & Registration. 9:00am. Six weeks session begins Sept 16 and 18. Aug 11- Discovery Hike: Raptors. 3:30pm. Free. Aug 13- Nature Hike: Raptors. 8:30am. Free. Sept 11- AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles. 4:30 p.m. $5/person, 3 yrs and under free. Sept 8- Discovery Hike: Wildflowers. 3:30pm. Free. Sept 10- Nature Walk: Wildflowers. 8:30am. Free. Sept 11- Fall Family Fun Day. 10:00am-2:00pm. Free. Celebrate the fall season harvest with a scarecrow decorating contest, pumpkin carving, costume parade, and storytelling.. Sept 25- AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles. 4:30 p.m. $5/person, 3 yrs and under free. Oct 8- Nature Walk: Spiders. 8:30am. Free. Oct 13- Discovery Hike: Spiders. 3:30pm. Free. Oct 14- Elements, Art in Nature Series. 9:3011:30am. Oct 21- Elements, Art in Nature Series. 9:3011:30am Oct 24- Creepy, Wonderful Critters: Spiders! 10am12noon. $4 for members, $5 for non-members, 3 yrs and under free. Oct 28- Elements, Art in Nature Series. 9:3011:30am Oct 30- AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles. 4:30pm. 5/ person, 3 yrs and under free. • Auburn Lanes 719 Opelika Rd, Auburn. 887-6573. www.amf.com/ auburnlanesal Offers traditional bowling on 24 lanes in a recently renovated center that features new flooring, remodeled restrooms and 42-inch flatscreen monitors over the lanes. Challenge your friends to some arcade-style games and grab a bite to eat! • Scutter Putters Mini Golf 1220 Fox Run Pkwy, USA Town Center, Exit 62 Opelika. 745-9393; www.facebook.com/ScutterPuttersMiniGolf Offering the areas only indoor, 18 hole indoor mini golf. Available for family fun, parties, daycare/ school groups, reunions and much more! Huge backroom for your party and reception. Come play a round of mini golf in a safe and fun family location. Play in the dark in the black light fun on Friday and Saturday nights 8:30pm-close (ages 13 yrs and up). • The Skate Center 1221 Commerce Dr, Auburn. 821-1127. www.theskatecenterauburn.com The only roller-skating facility in the area. We are perfect for birthday parties, special events or family fun. Our family-friendly environment is designed for people of all ages. From the beginner to the experienced skater, you will have hours of fun at our center.

School Shopping Closet Hoppers (ad on page 5)

323 Airport Rd, Auburn, (inside The City Church).

334-319-2389, www.closethoppers.net. A new consignment experience. Fall/Winter sale dates: September 14-19. New moms and expecting moms exclusive shopping days.

Kids Clothes Connection (ad on page 29)

1625 East University Dr., Auburn (inside old Winn Dixie). 334-524-0606, www.kidsclothesconnection.com. Auburn and Opelika’s largest children’s and furniture consignment event. Fall/Winter sale dates: September 12-26. Open to the public. New and gently used baby, children, teen and maternity clothing. backpacks, sports gear, dance apparel and much more! • Fringe Kids 209 South 8th Street, Opelika. 745-4497. Fringe Kids carries infant through children’s size

14/16. Popular brands, as well as boutique and designer brands. Now accepting fall and winter consignment.

Scouting • Boys Scouts of America: Chattahoochee Council 1237 1st Avenue, Columbus, Ga. 706-327-2634. Provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. • Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama 145 Coliseum Blvd; Montgomery, AL; 1-800-2396636 or 334-272-9164; www.girlscoutssa.org; girls ages 5-17 years. Daisies, Brownies and Girl Scouts.

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Sports Auburn Parks and Recreation (ad on page 3)

Dean Road Recreation Center, Auburn. 501-2930. www.auburnalabama.org Cheerleading- 1st-6th grade; Girls will be instructed in basic cheerleading skills and placed on squads to cheer for the Auburn Youth Football Association football games. Squads will practice once a week and cheer at one game each week Sept-Nov. $85-$95. Fall Baseball Instructional Camp- Aug 7-12; 3 age divisions: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12; $180. Mark Fuller, www. sportsacademyauburn.com Fall Baseball- Youth- Ages 6-7, 8-9, and 10-11 years (As of April 30, 2015). This fall baseball league is the time to work on specific baseball fundamentals or a new position. Games will begin Sept. 7th; $25 + Online fees; Walk-in $35. Fall Baseball- Season will focus on fundamentals and fun. Ages 12-13 (age as of April 30, 2015). $25 + online fees; Walk-In $35. Girls Fall Softball- Season focuses on fundamentals and fun. Ages 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15 (ages as of Dec. 31, 2014). $25 + online fees; Walk-In $35. Flag Football- Ages 6 & 7 years as of July 31, 2015. Tryout info: August 20, at Margie Piper Bailey Fields located next to Wrights Mill Rd. Elementary School.

Skills test for 7 year olds at 5:30 and skills test for 6 year olds at 6:30 (No exceptions. Come to the correct age and time for skills testing). $25.00 + online fees; Walk-In $35. Youth Tackle Football- Ages 8 & 9 and 10-12 years as of July 31, 2015. Join this full contact tackle sport. Players must provide their own equipment, which must meet NOCSAE standards. $60 + online fees. Walk in $70. Weight restrictions apply. Physicals (mandatory to play). Physicals will be administered on Aug. 10-11 at 6 p.m. at the Frank Brown Recreation Center. Start Smart Soccer- Age 4 years; prepares children for organized soccer in a fun, non-threatening environment, while allowing children to work one-on-one with a parent. This 6 week program teaches children skills including dribbling, kicking and passing, trapping, and throw ins and agility. $45. Youth Recreational Soccer Leagues- Ryan Molt, 5012943. Designed to teach the basic skills of soccer and foster a love of the game. Team jerseys and socks are provided. Ages 4-15. $65/$75. Tennis- Auburn University Yarbrough Tennis Center, 501-2922. 3 Quick Start- Ages 6-10; Junior Tennis Teams- Ages 11-18; $32-$50. Tots Tennis & Fitness- Ages 2-3; Mon/Wed. 9-9:30am. Munchin Tennis- Ages 3-4; Mon-Thurs. 2:30-3pm. Half Volleys- Ages 5-7; Mon-Thurs. 3-4pm. Future Stars- Ages 8-10; Mon-Thurs. 4-5pm. Players- Ages 11-18; Mon-Thurs. 5-6pm. Youth Lacrosse League- www.auburnyouthlax.

com; Boys and girls Ages 6-18. boys and girls play separately. This season is designed to learn the basic skills of lacrosse and practice fundamentals in order to properly learn the game and for players to be prepared for the spring season. All players MUST have proper lacrosse gear and US Lacrosse membership in order to play. $40/ $50 walk in. Youth Wresting League- Nick Tucker, nctucker@ auburnschools.org â&#x20AC;˘ Opelika Parks and Recreation 1001 Andrews Drive, Opelika. 705-5560; www.opelikasportsplex.com High School Basketball Organized League; Bulldog Youth Football- Ages 5-9 years (before Sept. 1, 2014). Bulldog Youth Football Cheerleaders- Kindergarten-3rd grade. Practice starts late August. Midget League Football- Ages 9-12 (before Sept. 1, 2014). Midget League Football Cheerleaders- Age: 4th-7th graders. Practice starts late August. Fall Youth Swim Lessons- Levels 1-6. Ages 4-12; SportsPlex Pool. Parent & Me Swim Lesson- Sportsplex Pool. Ages 6months-2yrs. Opelika SeaDawgs Fall Swim Team- Ages 6-18 years. Pee Wee Tennis- Ages 4-5yrs. Beginner/ Intermediate Tennis1st-5th grade. High School Tennis- 9th-12th grade. â&#x20AC;˘ Sports Academy 3768 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 749-4040. www.sportsacademyauburn.com AOP

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Sales I have always said that bargain shopping can be turned into a fashion work of art. Your closet can be overflowing with clothes that not only fit well, but that also express your unique personality and style. What better way to shop and not feel like you are breaking the bank than to shop sales? We don’t hesitate shopping sales when it comes to buying new cars, groceries, furniture and kids toys. Why not invest in your personal style? Don’t let that fall by the wayside because you don’t feel like investing in yourself or feel your style is not as important. Sales are around every corner when you go shopping these days. We’re officially in the “Sale Season.” A lot of my clients have told me they dread shopping, as well as sale season. They find it stressful and can’t seem to get past that one word... SALE! Anxiety kicks in when they see clothes everywhere and they just can’t decipher what may or may not work for their style. I get it, it’s extremely overwhelming, but the good news is it doesn’t have to be, Ladies. We are fast approaching end of the season sales, and as crazy as it sounds, retailers are going ahead and

slashing prices and gearing up for fall and winter styles. While shopping sales may be overwhelming at first, it is so worth it in the long run. I have helped save my clients a ton of money on their styles, half of what they would normally spend. Since we were able to save them that amount, we were able to buy more items of clothing to complete their new style. So here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to shopping sales.

Do: Do Make a Plan - Find out when and where the sales will be. Make a list of items you would like to add to your wardrobe. Research your style... this will prepare you for all of that digging around and fighting the crowds. Do Set a Budget - When shopping sales it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending “because it’s on sale.” Preparing a list can help you keep your budget intact. Do Try Things On - Make sure you try everything on unless you KNOW that the size is true to size and will fit. Some sale items can’t be returned so ask about the store’s return policy. Do Know Prices - Know what the original retail price of items are because this will help determine if you’re getting a great deal or not. 41

Do Try Something Different - Have you been eyeing a certain trend and just aren’t sure if you can pull it off? Sales are the perfect time to try something new.

Don’t:

Don’t Settle for Less - There’s no need to make quick purchases. I always tell my clients to marinate on it. Don’t Buy Different Pieces - Rule of thumb, don’t buy pieces unless you can think of at least 2-3 different ways of wearing them with what you have hanging in your closet. Don’t Be Super Trendy - If an item is very trendy it may be hard to make wearable for the next season. Think about how or if it can be worn throughout the next season Don’t Squeeze Into It - Sale items don’t mean you should squeeze into them. If it doesn’t fit then move on. You’ll find something else, I’m sure of it. Don’t Buy It Just Because - Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Think it through...it’s all about the fit, trend and your style.

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

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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. Birmingham Children’s Theatre July 20-27, “The Gingerbread Boy”. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. www.bct123.org Birmingham Civil Rights Institute June-Sept. 13. The Roma-Photographs by Karen Graffeo. www.bcri.org. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Callaway Gardens Free Admission www.callawaygardens.com. Center for Puppetry Arts www.atlanta.net. Children’s Museum of Atlanta Once Upon a Time: Explore the World of Fairy Tales. Through July 26. 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. Columbus Museum Poetry of Earth Exhibit. Through Oct. 11. www.columbusmuseum.com. DeSoto Caverns Park 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 Imagination Nights at the Georgia Aquarium. Through August 1. 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. Jule Collins Smith Museum • Auburn Collects. Through Sept. 6. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Department of Human Resources

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

July/August 2015

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 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. Newnan Theatre Newnan Theatre, Ga. www.newnantheatre.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. Pioneer Museum Pioneer Museum, Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. Riverside Theatre Riverside Theatre, Columbus State. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/productions Springer Opera House Columbus, GA. www.springeroperahouse.org. Telfair Peet Theatre 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 Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780. Lakeview Ladies: At the Well Fall 2015 Bible Studies. “His Story, My Story”: Sundays 4pm, Tuesdays 6:30pm, and Wednesdays at 9am. “Kay Arthur’s Precept Studies”: Tuesdays 6:30pm. “Three Weeks of

Ruth”: Wednesdays 9am. www.lakeviewbaptist.org/ ladies-at-the-well 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. 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

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Family Calendar forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@ womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help.

Sports

Auburn Football September 5, Georgia Dome. Auburn Volleyball August 28, 29, September 1, 4. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball July 28-31. August 1, 7-11, 23-27.

Friday, July 24

Ernest & Celestine The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org. Band Battle Strand Park, Alexander City. 6 - 11 p.m. Winner opens for David Nail Concert. www.alexandercitychamber.com. Zelda’s Birthday Party www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net. Back to School Bash Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Free. 10 a.m. 705-5560. State of Create (rising 7th-12th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 1 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com. Fantastic Fridays at The Columbus Museum www.columbusmuseum.com. Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196. Movies On the Beach: “Annie” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Saturday, July 25

1st Annual Columbus Rodeo with Soul Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Market Days Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Farmer’s Market The Shoppes at EastChase, Montgomery. 7 a.m. - noon. www.theshoppesateastchase.com. Saturday Nights Live Sponsored by Eastdale Idol, A Kid’s Karaoke Contest Eastdale Mall, Montgomery. 5-7 p.m. www.eastdale-mall.com/events. Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1 - 2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov. Farmer’s Market Mainstreet, Alexander City. 7 - 11 a.m. www.mainstreetac.org. Sun Festival featuring David Nail in Concert & Fireworks Show Charles E. Bailey Sportsplex Football Stadium. Alexander City. www.lakemartin.com. Sun Festival BBQ Cookoff 2015 Charles E. Bailey Sportsplex. Facebook. Science on Saturdays Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 10 a.m. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Summer Outdoor Movie series featuring “Frozen” Duck Samford Park, Field 8, Auburn. 7:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Dive In Movie ‘Home’ Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

July/August 2015

Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@ charter.net. Artypants (rising K-2nd grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 10 a.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. stART! (rising 3rd-6th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm. auburn.edu. Workshop- Savor the Seasons: The Art of Canning and Preserving The Columbus Museum. 10 a.m. www.columbusmuseum. 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. Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196. Spectrum Storytime Auburn Library. 10 a.m. 501-3196. Summer Sunset Music Series: Kyle Wilson Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Uptown Columbus Pancake Run Uptown Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com. “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org. Wild West Day Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. Art in the Park 2015 FDR State Park, Ga. 2 - 5 p.m. www.gastateparks.org. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. 2nd Annual SunFest Alexander City. www.alexandercityonline.com. Lowes Build and Grow Clinic: Hawkeye’s Quinjet Opelika and Columbus.

Sunday, July 26

Family Storytime Auburn Library. 4 p.m. 501-3196. “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” Newnan Theatre Company. www.newnantheatre.org. Fifth Harmony BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Monday, July 27

Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12.noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Birmingham Black Rodeo BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Home” & “The Boxtrolls” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Tuesday, July 28

Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square, Downtown Opelika. 3 - 6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org. Summer Swing Concert ‘James Brown Trio’ Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. 334-705-5560. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. LitWits ‘Fan Fiction Fandom’ Auburn Library. 4:30 p.m. 501-3196. Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Home” & “The Boxtrolls” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Construction Bash Children’s Museum of Atlanta. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Wednesday, July 29

It Starts with Attitude Sam Glenn, Motivational Speaker. Columbus Convention and Trade Center. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Adventure Day Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12. $10. 1 p.m. 7055560. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm. auburn.edu. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga Chastain Park Amp. www.ticketmaster.com. Summer Family Film Fest IMAX: “Home” & “The Boxtrolls” National Infantry Museum, Columbus. 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. (rotation). Free! www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Construction Bash Children’s Museum of Atlanta. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Thursday, July 30

“Box Trolls” The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. On the Waterfront Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Sundown Concert Series @ Sundown Town Creek Park, Auburn. 501-2930. Teen Mask-erade Night Auburn Library. 6:30 p.m. 501-3196. Children’s Matinee: “Spongebob 2” Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org. Construction Bash Children’s Museum of Atlanta. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Friday, July 31

“Box Trolls” The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org. Wags-n-Whiskers Silent Auction Wind Creek Casino, Wetumpka. www.elmorehumane.org. Back to School Ice Cream Social Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12. $5. 1 p.m. 705-5560. State of Create (rising 7th-12th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 1 p.m. www.jcsm. auburn.edu. Lego Mania Auburn Library. 501-3196. Movies On the Beach: “Tinkerbell” and the “Legend of the Neverbeast” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. Toby Keith: Good Times & Pick Up Lines Tour Oak Mountain Amp. www.ticketmaster.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4 - 9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Construction Bash Children’s Museum of Atlanta. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org. End of Summer Bash Children’s Museum of Atlanta. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Saturday, August 1

Art in the Park FDR State Park, Ga. 2-5 p.m. 706-663-4858. Home Depot Kid’s Workshop ‘Chalkboard Door Hanger’ Home Depot, Opelika. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.homedepot.com.

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Family Calendar Shania Twain: Rock This Country Tour Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. MainStreet Alexander City Farmer’s Market 7-11 a.m. www.mainstreetac.org. Civil War Walking Tour of Old Cahawba Orrville, Al. www.cahawba.com. Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1-2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov. Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net. Artypants (rising K-2nd grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 10 a.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. stART! (rising 3rd-6th grade) Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Summer Sunset Music Series: Wicked Dixie Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Heros and Villains McWane Science Museum, Bham. www.mcwane.org. Summer Outdoor Movie Series featuring “Big Hero 6” Duck Samford Park, field 8. 7:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama. org/parks. 151st Commemorative of the Battle of Mobile Bay Dauphin Island, Al. www.dauphinisland.org/fort-gaines

Sunday, August 2

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Tuesday, August 4

Auburn Navigator Scouts Chapter Meeting Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Thach, Auburn. 6:30 p.m. Change for the Child: Parenting Seminar Pastoral Institute, Columbus, Ga. www.pilink.org/home. Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square. 3-6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org. Summer Swing Concert Series ‘Back to School Bash’ Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. 705-5560.

Wednesday, August 5 Columbus Kids Market Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church, Columbus, Ga. 706-565-5442. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Thursday, August 6

Columbus Kids Market Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church, Columbus, Ga. 706-565-5442. The Market at Ag Heritage Park AU Campus. 3-6 p.m. www.agriculture.auburn.edu. Founders Day, Mr. Bellingrath’s Birthday Bellingrath Gardens and Home. www.bellingrath.org. Reading: The Woman in the Photograph Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5-7 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Children’s Matinee: “Paddington” Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $1. www.capritheatre.org.

Friday, August 7

Columbus Kids Market Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church, Columbus, Ga. 706-565-5442. First Fridays: Shop Local, Eat Local Downtown Opelika. Extended hours until 8 p.m.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

July/August 2015

www.opelikamainstreet.org. First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.eventcenterdowntown.com Movies On the Beach: “The Boxtrolls” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. Magic 101.3 Old School Summer Block Party Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Saturday, August 8

Columbus Kids Market Consignment Sale Central Baptist Church, Columbus, Ga. 706-565-5442. Y Kids Tri 2015 YMCA, Columbus, Ga. www.ykidscolumbusga.com. Second Saturday Columbus, Ga. 10 a.m. - 12 noon. 706-748-2562. Second Saturday Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Wake Battle/Wake Board Competition Riverfront Park, Montgomery. 9 a.m. www.funinmontgomery.com. Trotline Riverfront Park, Montgomery. 6 p.m. www.funinmontgomery.com. Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive Day Montevallo, Al. www.scalnc.org. MainStreet Alexander City Farmer’s Market 7-11 a.m. www.mainstreetac.org. Magical Creatures Education Event The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Learning Museum. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Unity in the Community Festival Atmore, Al. 251-294-1358. Dothan Artifact Show www.dothanshow.com. WSFA presents Riverfront Second Saturday Riverfront Park, Montgomery. 5-9 p.m. www.funinmontgomery.com. Saturday Jam Session Old Alabama Town, Montgomery. 9 a.m. - noon. www.oldalabamatown.com. Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1-2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov.. Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net. Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Summer Sunset Music Series: Aces and 8’s Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. The Grand 2.0 Columbus. Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. First Fridays ‘Shop Late, Eat Local’ Downtown Opelika. www.aotourism.com.

Sunday, August 9

Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Monday, August 10

Auditions: ACCT Fall Jr. Show: “Dick Whittington and His Amazing Cat” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 4-6 p.m. 334-502-9326. The Art Studio Open House 118 N. Ross Street, Auburn. 4-6pm. www.michellemotleygiddens.com/studio

Tuesday, August 11

Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square. 3-6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org. Discovery Hikes ‘Raptors’ Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn. edu/preserve. Auditions: ACCT Fall Jr. Show: “Dick Whittington and His Amazing Cat” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 4-6 p.m. 334-502-9326.

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

Thursday, August 13

The Market at Ag Heritage Park AU Campus. 3-6 p.m. www.agriculture.auburn.edu. Art Education Paradigms Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5-6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Float-N-Movie featuring “Muppets Most Wanted” Samford Pool, Auburn. 8:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/ parks. Nature Walks ‘Raptors’ Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

Friday, August 14

Buckmasters Expo Montgomery Convention Center. www.buckmasters.com/resources/expo. Movies On the Beach: “The Avengers” (2012) Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Tim McGraw: Shotgun Rider Tour with Billy Currington & Chase Bryant Oak Mountain Amp. www.ticketmaster.com. Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Saturday, August 15

Alabama Championship Roping Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.thegarrettcoliseum.com. MainStreet Alexander City Farmer’s Market 7-11 a.m. www.mainstreetac.org. Muster on the Tallapoosa Horseshow Bend National Military Park. www.nps.gov/hobe. Buckmasters Expo Montgomery Convention Center. www.buckmasters.com/resources/expo. South Alabama Pro Rodeo Classic Dale County Ag-Plex Arena, Ozark. 334-774-9448. Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1-2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov. Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net. Elvis The Early Years Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Summer Sunset Music Series: Brandon Holden Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

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Family Calendar Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Sunday, August 16

Alabama Championship Roping Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.thegarrettcoliseum.com. Buckmasters Expo Montgomery Convention Center. www.buckmasters.com/resources/expo. South Alabama Pro Rodeo Classic Dale County Ag-Plex Arena, Ozark. 334-774-9448.Aug 16- Public Ice Skating. Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9pm. www. columbusicerink.org Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com. East Alabama Community Ballet Open Auditions for ‘The Nutcraker’ Make Your Move Dance Studio, Opelika. Ages 6-10yrs: 121:15pm, ages 11-14yrs: 1:15-2:30pm, and ages 15yrs and up: 2:30-4pm.

Monday, August 17 Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Tuesday, August 18

Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square. 3-6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org. Science Café McWane Science Center, Bham. 6-8 p.m. www.mcwane.org. Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Wednesday, August 19 A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Thursday, August 20 The Market at Ag Heritage Park AU Campus. 3-6 p.m. www.agriculture.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Third Thursday Poetry Series Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 7 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Friday, August 21

Luke Bryan: Kick the Dust Up Tour 2015 Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Comedy Night featuring James Gregory: The Funniest Man In America and Jody Fuller: The Funniest Man Bottling Plant Event Center, Opelika. 6-9 p.m. 705-5466. Alabama Stock Horse Show Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.thegarrettcoliseum.com. Sips Under the Sea Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

July/August 2015

Movies On the Beach: “MacFarland USA” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Saturday, August 22

Receiving day for Kids Clothes Connection 1625 East University Dr., Auburn. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.kidsclothesconnection.com. Alabama Stock Horse Show Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.thegarrettcoliseum.com. Chirps and Chips The Birmingham Botanical Gardens. www.awrc.org. MainStreet Alexander City Farmer’s Market 7-11 a.m. www.mainstreetac.org. Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1-2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov. Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net. Benefit the Bard Featuring Michael Bolton Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Summer Sunset Music Series: Davis Nix Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Sunday, August 23

Receiving day for Kids Clothes Connection 1625 East University Dr., Auburn.1:30-5:30pm. www. kidsclothesconnection.com Southern Bridal Show BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Rumble On Noble 11 Anniston, Al. www.rumbleonnoble.com. Spanish Language Film Series Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 2 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Alabama Restaurant Week www.alabamarestaurantweek.com. 6th Annual Birmingham Restaurant Week www.bhamrestaurantweek.com.

Monday, August 24 Receiving day for Kids Clothes Connection 1625 East University Dr., Auburn. 10am-6pm. www. kidsclothesconnection.com JCSM Membership Drive Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Tuesday, August 25

Receiving day for Kids Clothes Connection 1625 East University Dr., Auburn. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.kidsclothesconnection.com. Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market Courthouse Square. 3-6 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org. JCSM Membership Drive Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Wednesday, August 26 Receiving day for Kids Clothes Connection 1625 East University Dr., Auburn. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.kidsclothesconnection.com. Women’s Equality Day Program Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. www.nps.gov/tuai. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. JCSM Membership Drive Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Thursday, August 27 The Market at Ag Heritage Park AU Campus. 3-6 p.m. www.agriculture.auburn.edu. JCSM Membership Drive Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

Friday, August 28

Rick & Bubba Outdoor Expo BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. 17th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival Birmingham. www.sidewalkfest.com. Football, Fans, and Feathers Southeastern Raptor Center, Auburn. 4 ppm. www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor. JCSM Membership Drive Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Movies On the Beach: “Guardians of the Galaxy” Callaway Gardens. 9 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. 4th Annual Run for Wishes College Colors 5K Benefiting Make a Wish Georgia. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. End of Summer Luau Samford Pool, Auburn. 6-8 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/ parks. USA Wake Surf National Championship www.callawaygardens.com.

Saturday, August 29

12 Hours of Nite Nationals Chewacla State Park, Auburn. Rick & Bubba Outdoor Expo BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. ESI Holistic Fair and Holistic Intensive Davis Arboretum, Auburn. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 212-232-7680. 17th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival Birmingham. www.sidewalkfest.com. 4th Annual “Put A Bird On It” Montevallo Artwalk. www.montevallowarkwalk.com. MainStreet Alexander City Farmer’s Market 7-11 a.m. www.mainstreetac.org. Free Guided Tour The Museum of Alabama, Montgomery. 1-2 p.m. www.museum.alabama.gov. Restore’s Saturday Flea Market 3931 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. 7 a.m. pattymurf54@charter.net. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Summer Sunset Music Series: Neal Lucas Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Rick & Bubba Outdoor Expo BJCC. www.bjcc.org. USA Wake Surf National Championship www.callawaygardens.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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Sunday, August 30

Motley Crue: The Final Tour “All Bad Things Must Come To an End” Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Couch to 5K Challenge presented by Sole2Soul Sisters Auburn High School Track. 4pm. www.sole2soulsisters.com Rick & Bubba Outdoor Expo BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. 17th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival Birmingham. www.sidewalkfest.com. Spanish Language Film Series Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 2 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. USA Wake Surf National Championship www.callawaygardens.com.

Monday, August 31 Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.

September

1-30 Art Gallery Fall 2015 Exhibition. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 2-3 Big Top Out the Box Circus. Cobb Performing Arts Centre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. 3-13 “Wizard of Oz”. Newnan Theatre, Ga. www.newnantheatre.org. 4-6 AOHA Horse Show. Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.ticketmaster.com. 4-6 Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival. www.callawaygardens.com. 6 Lake Martin Labor Day Concert. The Amp. www.lakemartin.com. 8 Discovery Hikes ‘Wildflowers’. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. 10 Nature Walks ‘Wildflowers’. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. 11 AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. 12 AU Football vs Jacksonville State. 11 a.m. www.auburn.edu. 12 Craft Beer Fest. Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. 12-26 Fall Sale at Kids Clothes Connection. 1625 East University Dr., Auburn. www.kidsclothesconnection.com. 14-15 Auditions: AACT Fall Show “The Love Cycle”. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 334-502-9326. 19 Fall Family Fun Day. Kerher Preserve & Nature Center. Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. 20 Fall K-12 Kid’s Art Club. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 20 Ariana Grande. BJCC, B’ham. www.ticketmaster.com. 23 Rhiannon Giddens. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org. 24-26 “A Chorus Line”. Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org. 25 13th Annual Ida Cason Callaway Foundation Golf Tournament. www.callawaygardens.com. 25 Nick Jonas: Live in Concert. The Tabernacle, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. 25 Swan Lake. Alabama Theatre. www.ticketmaster.com. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Please send your calendar events to kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Most children are crazy about animals from the outset – and the toys that celebrate the wild kingdom. When you add a interactive elements to animal toys, kids go wild. Sounds and movement that mimic their living counterparts take an ordinary animal figure and turn it into an engaging plaything that adds new life to the toy box. The following items are recommended for the sights, sounds and interaction that they add to the animal kingdom of toys!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Pom Pom: My Baby Panda

Zoomer Interactive Puppy (Zoomer)

(FurReal Friends/Hasbro)

Couple the lifelike silhouette and mannerisms of an actual dog with cutting edge technology and the result is the cool interactive pet, Zoomer! Mimicking the actions of his real-life counterparts, Zoomer can sit, follow, and wag his tail as he responds to instruction in English, French and Spanish. He’s also ready to be taught tricks and with time will be rolling over, laying down, chasing his tail and more. Battery-operated Zoomer does need to be charged regularly, so parents should be prepared to help younger dog trainers with charging connections as needed. Just like with a real puppy, communicating with Zoomer is also a learning curve. Kids will need some patience as they discover the speech patterns and tricks that work best for commands, but in no time at all, Zoomer can be following directions and delighting the entire family with his canine appeal.

Lolly Musical Giraffe

Friendly Frankie: Little Live Pets Bird Cage

One of the gentlest large mammals in the animal kingdom gets the interactive treatment with the Pom Pom Panda from FurReal. Complete with her own bottle and rattle, Pom Pom Panda walks when you shake her rattle or pet her back. Nursing her with the bottle activates cooing and feeding sounds as well as gentle kicking action. The engagement opportunities continue as Pom Pom responds to speech with her own baby panda language. She is also adjustable into a variety of poses which change the effects of her movements in delightful ways. Kids will enjoy caregiver pretend play in a whole new way with this wildly adorable interactive animal baby.

(GUND)

Very young children may be startled by sudden or abrupt movements from an interactive toy, but Lolly Giraffe features just the right speed and volume to delight the littlest animal lover. As a nursery toy, Lolly is crafted with a soft body with coloration that mimics a real giraffe. When you wind her key, she quietly plays “Hush Little Baby” as her neck slowly sways side-to-side. Echoing the graceful neck movement of a real giraffe, this gently active toy is ideally engaging for young tots – offering just the right amount of soft sound and slow movement that small children will welcome and love.

(Little Live Pets)

For the fans of feathered friends, Friendly Frankie is a ready-made bird buddy as he interacts with kids from both inside and outside of his colorful home. When Frankie is happy he sings his own special song. Kids can also press a button on his chest to record their own voice which the bird buddy will play back on demand. When he’s happy at home in his cage he may chirp, tweet or swing on his bar. Frankie is also a portable pal, with feet that can gently grip little fingers like a real bird as he travels with your child to greet friends and family. The Little Live Pets Bird Cage door is open and ready to welcome a new friend!

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

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Ant-Man

Minions

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Minions PG for action and rude humor. If you are a fan of the little yellow creatures that appeared in the films Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2, then you will undoubtedly be curious to see what the screenwriters have done with these characters now that they are the stars of their own movie. There is only one word to describe it: Despicable. In part the problem lies with the premise of the story. We already know from watching the pervious animations that the munchkin-sized critters are the workforce of an evil mastermind. This prequel sets out to tell us why. However the idea of being the henchmen for the dastardly deeds of criminals is a hard thing to sell in a children’s flick, no matter how much you attempt to sugarcoat it in silly antics and slapstick comedy. It only worked in the first two films because the bad guy turned out to be a good guy. Such is not the case this time around. Beginning at the opening credits we learn the Minions evolved from single-celled minnows to their presently “advanced” bumbling state by following the fittest life form they could find. From big fish, to T-Rex, to Neanderthal, to the Pharos, to Dracula and even Napoleon, the saffron swarm has loyally served -- and accidentally destroyed, each master. And what they have learned over time is that they can only be happy if they have a bad boss to get behind. Sent to find their next leader, we meet Kevin, Bob and Stuart (voiced by Pierre Coffin). The trio eventually stumbles upon Scarlet Overkill (voice of Sandra Bullock), a villain extraordinaire with a few fancy weapons tucked under her skirt. Through another series of unplanned-yet-fortuitous events, they convince the femme fatal that they are the right team for her diabolical doings. So she whisks them off to London, England where she unveils a plot to steal the crown of Queen Elizabeth. However, when their bungling jeopardizes her plans, Scarlet sees red and the Minions are forced to face the wrath of a woman scorned. Although children may be willing to overlook the tediousness of the repetitive scenes where idiots unknowingly do something that saves the day, their parents aren’t likely to miss the ever-increasing violence in each scenario. While the screenplay attempts to put in some gags for the adults, this genius will be lost on the target audience. For the younger crowd, the constant peril, mean-spirited action and death threats will be an unpleasant surprise. And there is no charm to mitigate the depictions of killing or soften the motives of the characters involved.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: C Sexual Content: B+ Language: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Ant-Man PG-13 for sci-fi action violence. I suspect many of us comic strip newbies will approach Ant-Man in much the same way we did the Guardians of the Galaxy debut. I’ve heard of The Incredible Hulk and Captain America, but Ant-Man? Sorry. No idea. Based on what this movie teaches us about his origin story, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is another Tony Stark -- an ordinary guy whose suit makes him extraordinary. Looking much more stretchy and nimble than Iron Man’s full body cast, Scott’s Ant-Man getup gives him the ability to become teeny-weensy with the push of a button. The gimmick is a Cold War era invention of Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), who discovered he could reduce the empty space between atomic particles, thereby making objects much smaller and denser, while also increasing their strength. However, like so many Marvel Universe inventors, his creation is hijacked for military use by Howard Stark (John Slattery) and weapons dealer Mitchell Carson (Martin Donovan). But they were missing one key aspect of Pym’s secret, which prevented them from ever putting it to use. Fast forward to the present and Dr. Pym discovers his former apprentice Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) is on the brink of putting the puzzle together. It’s about this time when Scott, who has made some bad life choices, decides to break into the Pym residence. Fortunately, the thief’s creative B&E skills impress the scientist. The aging man has been looking for a new candidate to wear the incredible shrinking suit – one he hopes will conspire with him to stop Cross from putting the final touches on his version of the minimizing machine. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the Marvel Comics franchise is the interplay between characters and references to other super heroes. And those are abundant here. Even those of us who haven’t got a clue what the backstories are, can still laugh along with the gags -- and then pester our comic geek friends to fill us in after the show is over. Even better, Ant-Man reduces the objectionable content found in many action films to the point where parents may find this production suitable for ‘tweens and teens. As a role model, Scott is a poor example when he figures the only way he can get the money needed to make his child support payments is to turn to crime. Yet, by the end, his more positive choices prove he is willing to sacrifice for others. Perhaps the greatest victory for this script is its ability to transform such an implausible concept into something that seems almost logical. (The movie’s pre-release trailer did nothing to convince me this tale would be more than a laughable bomb.) With nano-technologies making headlines in reality, Ant-Man allows our imaginations to believe a shrinking suit could have a useful purpose in our weapons closet.

What Parents need to know about Minions...

Violence: Characters are in peril throughout the movie. Sometimes these depictions are slapstick, other times they are more serious as the Minions face death threats from animals, to normal humans, to villains. The violence is bloodless and portrayed in a humorous manner. Frequent depictions of guns and weapons use, bombs and explosions, hot lava, torture equipment, hand-tohand altercations, deaths and assassination attempts. Crime is glamorized. Sexual Content: A Minion mistakes a fire hydrant for a female, and tries to kiss and caress it. Later he is shown in a hot tub cuddled up with two fire hydrants. A female character wears a strapless dress that often needs adjusting. Characters are seen wearing loincloths made of leaves and one puts starfish over his breasts. When disguised as a woman, the Minions use a flip-up bra as a lookout place, and a pair of goggles is seen where the breasts should be. Bare bums are shown, on wrestlers and minions. Guards remove their clothes and dance around wearing their boxer shorts. Other mild sexual innuendo is heard. Language: Name-calling occurs. Alcohol / Drug Use: Alcohol is drunk on a plane. An authority figure drinks at a pub where some of the patrons appear drunk.

What Parents need to know about Ant-Man...

Violence: Characters frequently fistfight and punch one another – bloody injuries occasionally result. Break-and-enters, car theft, and other robberies are depicted. A character escapes from jail. Humans and animals are killed by a gun that reduces their bodies to a blob of goo. Characters are in constant peril, especially when they shrink to a miniature size. Ants bite, swarm and crawl on people, causing minor injury and major property damage. Characters die in heroic ways. Weapons use, gun threats and explosions are depicted. A child’s safety is threatened. Sexual Content: Prostitutes are briefly shown. A man is seen (from the back) using a urinal. Breast fondling is mentioned. A couple is caught kissing. Language: Mild and moderate profanities are used. A couple terms of deity are used as expletives. A sexual slang term is used. Alcohol / Drug Use: Social drinking is shown. A sleeping pill is given to some unsuspecting characters. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2015

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