Auburn-Opelika Parents August 2021 by KeepSharing

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August2021 26

Volume 12 Number 6

Columns

Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Don’t Break the Bank on Back to School

Common Sense Media

Helpful apps for children on the autism spectrum.

Tips to keep you on budget.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

29 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

5 Benefits of Multiple After School Activities Why more just might be better.

2021 After School Activities Guide

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces

On The Cover Sophia Francesca George is a 17 year old senior attending Opelika High School. She is the daughter of Chris and Angela George. Sophia loves the-

School Bits 40

Family Calendar

ater arts, making jewelry, thrift shopping and fostering animals. She is looking forward to her senior year on the volleyball team and performing in “Grease: The Musical” this fall at OHS.

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Publisher’sNote

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

What does your back-to-school list look like this year? New jeans, shoes and backpacks are surely on the top of that list. How about new planners, folders in every color, and calculators? With many students pulling up to their dining room tables and computer last fall, this school year is going to bring a different feel. Last school year was a year full of new challenges, with teachers and their classrooms learning in the virtual world. As we approach the start of another school year, most will be heading back into the classroom full time and looking forward to getting back to some sense of normalcy. This is the goal, and prayerfully, the year will start with great excitement and a focus toward a successful, in-person school year! That means it’s time to equip our children with all the right tools that will help them and their teachers hit the ground running. Back-to-school shopping can mean different things for different families. For us, we start by cleaning out the old and planning for the new replacements. This may sound easy enough, however, with multiple growing children, this can be a budget breaker. In our feature article, Don’t Break the Bank on Back to School, the author suggests some great ways to help keep the budget in focus and to buy purposefully. The best way to start is by going through their closets and your school supplies cabinet. Finding out what still fits the oldest and what can be passed down to the youngest is a task that can’t be overlooked. Recycling those shorts and shoes can help with your clothing list and overall cost. Figure out what items are a must have for August and put the ones not needed now, like winter coats, further down your to do list. Now, on to the supplies. Nothing helps with a student’s sense of success like a backpack full of every tool they will need on day one. But first, take inventory of what was stored away in May. Unused binders (or ones that are in great shape still), pencils and note cards can be gathered and put to good use this school year. Another budget friendly tip is to plan the shopping strategically. Do your research on the local stores and find the best sales. Buying shoes and jeans during a local BOGO sale will double your items and save too. Also, sign up for the rewards programs where they are offered. This year, I was able to buy four pairs of shoes and used my reward points to knock off another $15 from my total. Dressing for school success and having the necessary supplies for class will set the tone for the year. Getting students back into the classroom is a goal that we all are working hard toward. A successful student is one who is equipped with all the tools needed to start the school year off right. From one parent to another, happy school planning and we wish your family a wonderful school year!

Kendra

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Sarah Lyons Cheryl Maguire Dave Ramsey Ellen Royal, MD Cover Photography Keightley Garnett Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 329-8073 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2021 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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why God gave parents to children. The role of parents is to shape children into productive members of society. However, when we make judgements without being curious we tend to intervene and correct behaviors when they aren’t necessarily wrong. Here are some practical ways to choose curiosity first: by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

“My Parents Don’t Even Try to Understand Me!” In 1987, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince recorded a hilarious song that captures the tumultuous relationship between teenagers and their parents called, “Parents Don’t Understand”. I am quite certain that at least one poet of every generation has pinned similar lines, which leads us to the wise kid statement of the month: “My parents don’t even try to understand me”. These words are spoken by every child at least once, but typically 1,000,000 times before the age of 20. If your child has never said these words to you, wait until they are a teenager. As most of my teenage clients point out, we truly do not understand the pressures of being a teenager in the 21st century. What all children truly need is for their parents to be compassionate towards them. Compassion requires us to listen without being judgmental. Unfortunately, our intense love for our children makes this almost

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

impossible. When we are conversing with our children we want to jump in and correct every irrational thing that they say or do. Our judgement of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in that moment is counter intuitive to what they want and need from us. How do we resolve this age-old problem? We attempt to be initially curious instead of quick to judgment. The definition of curiosity is “a desire to know and learn”. Every parent wants to intimately know their children, but we hinder that possibility when we choose to form a judgment before being curious. Curiosity listens, judgment interrupts. Curiosity asks questions, judgment lectures. Curiosity attempts to understand, judgment limits the possibility of a different perspective. If we want to truly understand our children, we have to learn to bite our tongues and be curious. Biting our tongues is a good idea, but let’s be honest, sometimes our children’s thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors are foolish and require intervention. That is

1. Listen without offering your opinion. A lot of times kids will hear their own flawed logic when we give them a safe place to verbally process their thoughts and feelings. 2. Validate feelings without validating behavior. You can hold and comfort your daughter when you tell her, “No”. She needs firm boundaries, but it is okay for her to be sad about them. 3. Do not always correct or disagree with their irrational thinking in the moment. You can always initiate a conversation about why you disagree later. 4. Learn to appreciate the differences between yourself and your children. Take personality tests with your family and educate yourself on the variety of perspectives in your home. 5. If your child’s opinion is contrary to yours, consult with adults you trust to understand your child’s viewpoint. 6. Make a list of family rules that are nonnegotiable and allow for some “wiggle room” in the areas not covered by those rules. Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

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Is Your Home Lead Safe?

Most children get lead poisoning from paint in homes built before 1978. Keep paint in good repair and use a certified lead contractor to safely perform home renovations if your home was built before 1978. A blood lead test is the only way to know if your child has lead poisoning. Talk with your child’s doctor about testing, especially at the 1- and 2-year check-up, when children are at greatest risk. Lead poisoning can cause permanent learning and behavior problems. Follow these steps to stop lead poisoning:

• Practice and teach good handwashing, especially before preparing food and eating.

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• Feed your family a low-fat diet high in calcium and iron.

• Damp dust and mop, especially around windows and play areas, to remove lead dust.

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• Keep children away from areas with peeling or chipping paint.

Visit our website to learn about other sources of lead and the importance of prevention. ADPH Environmental Alabama Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Services Lead Branch 1-800-819-7644 1-833-667-1495 alabamapublichealth.gov/lead alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp 5

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11th Annual Back-2-School Bash

Nature Babies

Connect with your little one and the outdoors during Kreher Preserve & Nature Center’s oneof-a-kind Nature Babies classes. Nature Babies is part of our Forest Friends Series (https://aub.ie/ forestfriends) and is designed to encourage caregivers to take their babies out into the natural world – a world rich with sensory input. Classes are held every Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. and are free for KPNC Members. If you are not a member, you may join at https://aub.ie/members, or bring just $5 for the class. Caregivers are welcome to wear their babies, carry them, or push them in a stroller. Visit www.auburn.edu/preserve

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic is hosting the 11th Annual B2SB outdoor carnival on Saturday, August 21, 9:00 AM-noon at the Airport Plaza, Auburn. This FREE event offers rides, music, food, shopping, and fun. Local businesses set up interactive booths with games and prizes for kids of all ages. All participating businesses have donated funds to supply NEW school shoes for kids who need them in the area. Call 334.246.2252.

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August 7: Sportsplex Tri for Kids

This is an annual triathlon for kids benefitting the American Cancer Society. Participants will compete based on their age as of 12/31/21. In the summer of 2013, the Sportsplex Kids Triathlon was held alongside the Small Fry Tri for children ages 6-15. As a result of an outstanding turnout, the Sportsplex Tri for Kids was able to donate $10,000 to the American Cancer Society. The 2013 Sportsplex Kids Triathlon was awarded Innovative Program and Special Event of the Year award by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association for this outstanding feat. This year the Sportsplex Tri for Kids hopes to continue its efforts to benefit a great cause and to keep kids active!

Announcing Open Auditions for “Jack and Lil’ and the Beanstalk”

Auburn Area Community Theatre, Jan Dempsey Community Arts Centre. Please come prepared with 30 seconds only of an acapella song. Be prepared to present short lines (“sides”) for one character. There will also be a short dance and movement portion of the audition. Visit auburnact.org to sign up for a timeslot, access audition tips, our rehearsal attendance policy, and download the “sides”. Paper copies of the sides will be available at the JDAC during the auditions. Please choose just one character to read for. Auditions are open for ages 5 – 12. Auditions are August 16 and 17, 3:00-6:00 PM. Callbacks will be on Thursday, August 19th from 3 – 7 p.m. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

Auburn Football Season Opener

Auburn football takes on Akron on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 6 p.m. at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Check out the Auburn University Football Schedule for 2021: Sept. 4 - AKRON Sept. 11 - ALABAMA STATE Sept. 18 - at Penn State Sept. 25 - GEORGIA STATE Oct. 2 - at LSU Oct. 9 - GEORGIA Oct. 16 - at Arkansas Oct. 23 - Open Date Oct. 30 - OLE MISS Nov. 6 - at Texas A&M Nov. 13 - MISSISSIPPI STATE Nov. 20 - at South Carolina Nov. 27 - ALABAMA 6

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In the Garden with Cyndi at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center: Whimsical Gardens

Join us August 8 for a new series by the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. It takes place once a month and Cyndi will teach you all about the plants and how to keep a garden up. In The Garden with Cyndi is a fun, casual gardening class for adults where you get to learn tips and tricks, get your hands dirty, and get expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices. Learn how to create a backyard filled with ferns for the fairy folk, a children’s garden with a pole bean teepee or a sunflower playhouse, and a recycled art garden. Make your own dish garden with succulents. www.facebook.com/aupreserve

August 3 is Opelika's National Night Out

The Concerned Citizens of Opelika have partnered with the City of Opelika to bring the event to courthouse square this year. National Night Out is a Community-Building Campaign to raise awareness on the following topics: Public Safety, Crime Prevention, Health, Education and Youth Programs. Attendees will have the chance to interact with first responders from the Opelika Police Department, Opelika Fire Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, East Alabama Emergency Medical Services and Lee County Emergency Management Agency. Local community organizations will also provide resources and educational information. There will be free food, drinks, games, activities, live music and much more! Attendees can also help us CRAM the CRUISER. First responders will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of East Alabama. www.opelika-al.gov/869/National-Night-Out

Magical Creatures Education Program at The Montgomery Zoo

August 14, meet some of the magical animals that are featured in the movies like Harry Potter and The Hobbit at the Montgomery Zoo. You will get a chance to meet animals up close, learn about them in their habitats, and take home some special prizes for yourself. www.montgomeryzoo.com

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Girl Scout Troop 9015 Participating in Girl Scout QuestFest, a Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Girl Scouts from around the United States and Girl Guides from Canada will be working together on a unique challenge: a virtual Girl Scout-themed scavenger hunt! Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia (GSHG) is hosting the fifth annual QuestFest, a weekend of fun adventures, challenges, and entertainment from July 24-25. Girl Scouts will join the “Quest” – a scavenger hunt of epic proportion – from their own homes. Girls can join a competitive or non-competitive team, with the competitive teams vying for cash prizes. Teams will set out in search of an experience, rather than an item. Using smartphones and other devices, teams will choose from a list of challenges, and submit photos or videos via the unique QuestFest app as evidence of their accomplishments. Teams will collaborate over video conferences and group texts – what a challenge! GSHG will hold a virtual opening ceremony on Saturday, July 24 to kick off the event, and a virtual closing ceremony on Sunday, July 25 to announce the QuestFest winners, plus a special virtual concert from pop singer/songwriter Kristina Lachaga, “The Girl With the Big Pink Heart™”. Troop 9015 in Montgomery has formed a QuestFest team to earn cash to build bird feeders to donate to the nursing homes, make birthday bags for foster kids, and to donate to our local food banks! The girls will be competing against teams from across the country and even the world! Girl Scouts are invited to join GSHG in Savannah, the home of Girl Scouting, or virtually for the sixth annual QuestFest in July 2022. For more information, visit www.gsquestfest.org.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Is My Child’s Sore Throat Strep? Sore throat is a common complaint in the pediatrician’s office. The most common cause is viral infection resulting in a sore throat, low grade temperature and usually accompanied by a runny nose or cough. Strep throat usually presents with a triad of symptoms: fever between 101 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, sore red throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Children with strep throat are often more ill appearing than those with viral infection. It is important to differentiate between viral throat infection and Strep throat because antibiotics are needed to treat Strep. Group A Streptococcus is the name of the bacteria causing the infection. Strep throat infections occur most commonly in school age children. Winter and spring seasons tend to be when we see the most Strep infections, though we do see it throughout the year. Common viral causes of sore throat are Coxsackie virus, which causes Hand Foot and Mouth illness, and adenovirus, which can cause conjunctivitis or “pink eye” along with the sore throat. A variety of other viruses can cause sore throat as well. Strep throat and viral throat infections are spread through contact with the infected person’s saliva or other secretions that are

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

expelled when coughing or sneezing. This transmission is aided by kids being close together while at school or daycare centers. The rate that the infection is passed is about 35% of the time when close contact occurs between infected and non-infected people. We all know how frequently kids come into close contact with each other, so it does make it easy for the infection to spread. Signs of infection occur 2-4 days after contact with the infected person. The symptoms of Strep throat are most commonly sore throat, fever, headache, and difficulty swallowing. Kids often complain of stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting as well. When we check the throat, it is often a “beefy” red with or without pus on the tonsils. The lymph nodes in the neck are also swollen and sometimes a rash may be present. When the rash is present it often feels like running your hand over sandpaper and is called the “scarlet fever rash”. Symptoms of runny nose, cough and diarrhea are less likely to be related to a strep infection and more often a result of a virus. Diagnosing Strep can be done quickly and easily with a swab of the throat and a rapid strep test. Treatment of strep throat with antibiotics is necessary to both shorten the course of illness and to prevent complications. We use either a Penicillin type antibiotic,

such as Amoxil, or a Cephalosporin, such as Keflex, as first line treatment. In spite of using these antibiotics for many years, they are still effective in killing Strep germs the majority of the time. These antibiotics should be taken for a full 10 day course. An injection of long acting penicillin can be given as an alternative to oral medication. One penicillin shot equals 10 days of oral antibiotics. Penicillin allergic patients can be given Azithromycin or clindamycin instead. If a viral infection is suspected as the cause of the sore throat, symptom care is all that needs to be done. Antibiotics are not helpful in the treatment of viral infections. Finally, here are some tips to help avoid infections this fall and winter: wash your hands frequently and especially before meals, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet. Also make sure to get a flu vaccine! We wish you the very best health this fall. Dr. Ellen Royal attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for her medical degree and graduated in 1994. She returned to Alabama the summer of 1998 to join the pediatric practice of Dr. Richard M. Freeman. Dr. Royal is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Royal is married to Dr. Kevin Royal who practices Internal Medicine in Opelika and they have three children.

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A Back-to-School Welcome LetterAutauga from Opelika City School s Superintendent Dr. Mark D. Neighbors County Schools Over the past few weeks, I have been asked what I am looking forward to in the upcoming school year. The answer is simple: “happy and excited children and teachers.” After navigating through the school year in a pandemic, we are very hopeful that this school year will be back to normal. We will continue to monitor the local health conditions and adjust our plans as needed. There will be new faces in new positions this fall and there will also be many familiar faces in new roles this school year. We have hired lead teachers and added new resource teachers at each elementary school. This is in addition to the usual group of new teachers we hire each year. In addition, we welcome Dr. Pam Fourtenbary as our new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum. Dr. Fourtenbary previously served as the principal at West Forest Intermediate School. Ryan McDonald has been named the new principal at West Forest. As many of you are aware, Opelika City Schools has received funds from the federal government in the form through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. The grants were awarded “¬to State educational agencies for the purpose of providing local educational agencies with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the Nation.” The first round of funds was used primarily on COVID related supplies that were needed during the past school year and to help us hire additional school nurses so that we were fully staffed at each school. The second round of funds is being used to hire additional teachers that will work to close the learning gap for those students that fell behind during the pandemic. We are still waiting for additional guidance from state and federal agencies for the American Recovery Plan. Our teachers and staff did a remarkable job over the past year and we are extremely thankful. We all learned a lot, especially about technology. However, we also learned that there is no substitute for face-to-face instruction. We will continue to provide a safe and engaging learning environment for your students in the coming school year. I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of summer and we look forward to seeing your children on August 9.

Sincerely, Mark Neighbors, Superintendent Opelika City Schools

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A Back-to-School Welcome Letter from Auburn City School s Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring Autauga County Schools Dear Friends and Families, Welcome Back to School! It is with great enthusiasm that Auburn City Schools looks forward to this exciting time of year. Following an unprecedented but successful 2020-2021 school year, our team of dedicated educators eagerly anticipates the opportunity to welcome students back to class on Tuesday, August 10th. The beginning of a new school year is always a good time to set personal goals and establish effective routines. For all of us, the busy schedule of school, homework, and after-school activities will require us to be well planned. While each family will handle the change of pace differently, I share my sincere thanks for the effort you will make to support our students, as their success will require our collaboration. We are, indeed, grateful for the commitment you have made. We believe this school year promises to be one of our best yet. It is with passion, perseverance, and your partnership that we look forward to the continued level of excellence that this community is accustomed to and deserves. Celebrating our countless academic and athletic accomplishments as well as the many fine arts offerings, Auburn is an amazing place to live, work, and go to school. It is with heartfelt thanks that I share my gratitude for your commitment to the children of this community and your continued support of Auburn City Schools. Respectfully,

Cristen Herring, Superintendent Auburn City Schools

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Autauga County Schools

High Fives, Hugs, and a Tiger at Cary Woods ES

The 2021 Girls Basketball Camp

With more than 50 campers in attendance at AHS, Head Coach Courtney Pritchett, Coach Tim Meeks, and Coach Sara Lovelady worked alongside current and former AHS Lady Tigers to teach young girls the fundamentals of basketball. This camp offers the opportunity to sharpen skills such as ball handling, passing, and shooting, with each day culminating in games such as “Hotshot” and “Dribble Tag” before 3-on-3 scrimmages. The Lady Tigers finished the 2020-2021 season with a 21-6 record, an Area Championship, and a Regional Championship on their run to the Final Four in Birmingham.

The approaching sound of a mobile stereo system playing pop music was the first indicator that something fun was happening in the hallways of Cary Woods Elementary School recently. A special guest was making his rounds from classroom to classroom on a mission to encourage approximately 200 K-2 students to continue working hard toward their reading goals! Students participating in the summer session are being encouraged to become lifelong readers and sharpening their skills related to creativity, vocabulary, and listening. Thank you to the ten-time (a record for the most) UCA National Champion mascot, Aubie, as well as his team, for stopping by!

M v t ba w Th t Th

Career-Tech Learning That Works

The ACS Career Technical Education Director, Dr. Silvia Scaife, was the guest speaker at Tuesday Talk where she shared with community members at the Chamber of Commerce about the many offerings within Auburn City Schools! There are 16 different Career-Tech programs across three campuses that are allowing students to get real-world experience, industryapproved credentials, internships, and job placement post-graduation. Some examples of impact in the community include the ACS CTE Department, as a whole, being named one of the 2021 recipients of the Chamber of Commerce EAGLE Awards, our Health Science students were on duty for the system-wide vaccine distributions and the TV Production program broadcast athletics, fine arts, and other school events throughout the school year. Today’s economy demands a better-educated workforce more than ever before, and careers in this new economy require more complex knowledge and skills than the careers of the past. New industries have created a wealth of new jobs that require workers with appropriate education and training. Auburn City Schools seeks to help students meet the demands of today's and tomorrow's workforce. If you or your company are interested in becoming industry partners with our Career Technical Education programs please reach out to Dr. Scaife at sscaife@auburnschools.org

2021 Majorette Mini-Camp

Approximately 40 young girls twirled and learned from the Varsity Majorettes at the 2021 Majorette Mini-Camp at Auburn High School led by Emma Vaters! Not only is this camp a great way to start building relationships within the marching band, but the skillset translates to dance and performance of any kind. Every fall, our Majorettes bring the flair and intensity to halftime shows under the Friday night lights. ACS looks forward to seeing the up-andcoming performers on the turf of Duck Samford Stadium in the near future! Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

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Rookie Band Camp at Auburn High School

Marching Band Director Deanna Marshall and the veteran section leaders welcomed students new to Marching Band in grades 10-12. These rookie bandmembers are perfecting their stance and steps while learning signals that shape a performance. The goal is to produce a show that moves in unison to the beat of a metronome and excites crowds. This year’s theme is titled “Codename,” and we look forward to seeing AHSMB’s creative take on being a “secret agent” in the 2021-2022 school year. The Bands of Auburn City Schools (7-12 grade) perform for the annual Fall and Spring Concerts, End of the Year Concerts, Music Performance Assessment, and a myriad of other performances and appearances throughout the year, including marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago next spring.

Philanthropy 101 at OHS

Congratulations to the members of the Opelika High School Philanthropy 101 Class on the completion of the three week course. Due to the generosity of the W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation and Ms. Lucinda Cannon, the group was able to donate a total of $13,400 to the following local non-profit foundations: BigHouse Foundation, O Grows/OGrows Farmers Market, Storybook Farm, Food Bank of East Alabama, Opelika Art Haus, The Exodus Ranch, and The Miracle League of East Alabama. Pictured (l-r): Mrs. Hannah Holladaysponsor, Camille Slaughter, Jordan Nolen, Chloe Brown, Orah Preston, Fatima Santamaria, Lindsie Klepper, Bianca Brown, Emma McSpadden, Alissa Willett, Lauren Landry, Megan Nabors, Sydney Lowe, Mrs. Lucinda Cannon, Benjamin Royal, Breckin Gould, Charles Gagliano, Sabrina Hansen, Channing Torbert, Railey Jones, Conner Smith, and Mr. Don Shirley-sponsor.

1204 OGLETREE VILLAGE LANE AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

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JAVIOUS MOORE KE`ASIA PARKER MATTHEW PETERSON MORGAN PETERSON JACAIDEN RICKS JEREMIAH RICKS LANAVEIA RICKS MARY RIDDLE BRISTOL SENN MADELYN STALLWORTH-WARD JAXON STODDARD MARA TAHA A`JAYVIEN THOMAS ESTEFANY VIDAL COOPER WATTS ZACHARIA AKINS COOPER BARBER KARLIE BARNES KATHERYN BARNES SARAH BARNES CAROLINE BROOKS JOSHUA CLARDY DESTINY CORE LOGAN HARRIS BRAXTON HOFFMAN JINA JEONG YOUNWOO JUN AINSLEY KING RILEY KING ANNIE KIRK ADALEIGH LAZENBY BRYSON LAZENBY YAREL MCMULLEN COOPER MIMS ADAM POWELL AVA ROBERTS CHRISTIAN ROWSER IVY SELF KATIE SELF WINSTON SHEFFIELD MOLLIE SIMS IRIS TIBBLES WHITNEY WADSWORTH CHARLEE WYLIE

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Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Cheerleaders Attend AISA Troy University Cheer Camp Congratulations to the Lee-Scott Academy Varsity Cheerleaders who were named Camp RunnerUp Champs at the AISA - Troy University Cheer Camp. The Junior Varsity Cheerleaders finished in 3rd place. Both squads received blue ribbons for the camp routines they performed. We are so proud of these student-athletes!

Lee-Scott Academy Student Competes in Baseball World Series Tournament

Andrew Owen and his Beehive 9U Baseball Team competed in the Grand Slam World Series Tournament recently in Panama City Beach and won the tournament for their age group. What a fun summer experience for the Owen family!

AISA All-Stars: Payton Huguley, Sterling Tucker, Isabella White, Libby Williamson, and Emma Frances Zellner. UCA All-Americans: Varsity - Payton Huguley, Blair Pelham, Sterling Tucker, Isabella White, and Emma Frances Zellner. Junior Varsity - Elle Palin Gregory, Catherine Persons, Janie Belle Robertson, Lilly Robinson, and Scarlett Wood.

OHS Student Signs Track and Field Scholarship

Congratulations to Opelika High School graduate Justin Shorter on signing a track and field scholarship to Limestone University!

Springwood School Athletes Sign to Play Basketball Congratulations to two extremely talented and hardworking athletes, Tyrese Ferguson and Calvin Crabb, for signing with their colleges to play basketball! Tyrese Ferguson will play at Texas Wesleyan University Texas Wesleyan Athletics and Calvin Crab is moving to Shreveport, Louisiana to play for Centenary College of Louisiana! Congratulations guys!

Springwood High School Cheer Team

Meet your SHS Cheer 2021-22! Co-Captain Senior: Madisen Reeves; Cheer Captain Junior: Carson Champion; Co-Captain Senior: Taylen Ly. Congratulations, ladies! Your leadership will be key! Recently our Cheer Team put in the work at UCA Cheer Camp at Troy University! Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

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Auburn City Schools Teacher Training

Autauga County Schools

Teachers from across the school system trained to prepare for the learning opportunities offered in Auburn City Schools this summer! Summer Reading Camp is taking place at Cary Woods Elementary School for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade while elementary summer school and the Extended School Year (ESY) program for students with special needs is happening at Creekside Elementary. These are all efforts to equip students with the tools they need to stay on target with their educational journey through our school system. Thank you to the teachers for continuing to make a difference in children’s lives, even when school is out!

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Reshaping Education

Auburn City Schools administrators attended the 2021 CLAS Convention in Birmingham! This is the 50th anniversary of Alabama’s largest professional learning gathering for school and district administrators, and the theme this year is Emerge 2021: Reshaping Education. This three-day event features content to inspire and guide leaders in their quest to improve school and district performance. Richland Principal Jeff Johnson, CTE Director Dr. Silvia Scaife, Auburn Junior High Principal Ross Reed, Wrights Mill Road Principal Karen Mason, and East Samford Principal Dr. Duriel Barlow are all expanding their professional growth and equipping themselves with strategies to take ACS students to the next level.

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Learning by Doing at Creekside ES

Representatives from Region 9 AMSTI are working with Summer Camp students at Creekside Elementary! Science Specialists Wayne Strickland, Jerrie Mattox, and Tyaunnaka Lucy are demonstrating the value of household items when it comes to executing simple science experiments such as building a 24-inch tower out of notecards that can support the weight of a stuffed animal. Other students worked on the integrity of walls made from mud, rocks, and straw to see how many strikes from a “wrecking ball” it takes to bring the walls down. The Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative, commonly referred to as AMSTI, is the Alabama Department of Education’s initiative to improve STEM teaching statewide with an overall mission to support Alabama educators and students in learning STEM through doing STEM.

AHS Golfers Compete in AJGO Tournament

Members of the Auburn High School Girls Golf team competed in the Alabama Junior Golf Association (AJGO) tournament at Indian Pines recently. Rising 10th grader, Abby Crowe, placed 3rd in the 15-19 age division, and rising 8th grader, Hannah Halverson, placed 3rd in the 14-Under age division. Earlier this year, both Crowe and Halverson competed on the AHS team that won a fourth consecutive Sub-State title with a score of 230. ACS is proud of these student-athletes representing the school system year-round!

Training up the next generation of Christian leaders TCSOpelika.org | 334-745-2464 19

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Autauga County Schools

Workforce Development

Education Takes Flight

Auburn City Schools’ Career Technical Education Director, Dr. Silvia Scaife, was recognized by the state of Alabama as an Educator Workforce Fellow for completing the Central AlabamaWorks! Academy. Educator Workforce Academy Fellows spend a year meeting with leaders in industry and workforce development throughout the region to learn more about current and future career opportunities for students post-graduation. Central AlabamaWorks! is a non-profit organization that operates to develop workforces in 13 different counties across Central Alabama to create a collaborative atmosphere for developing strategic alliances. These partnerships impact the methods of education and training in Alabama by aligning resources with employers’ workforce needs. ACS is proud of Dr. Scaife for this prestigious accomplishment!

Bryant Tarr, with the Southeastern Raptor Center at Auburn University, introduced summer school students at Creekside Elementary School to some of his feathered friends! The students experienced an up-close look at the birds of prey that exist all around us in our community. The display ranged from a tiny Barn Owl to Aurea, the Golden Eagle that has a 7.5-foot wingspan and performs pregame flights under the moniker of “War Eagle VIII.” Aurea practices in Jordan Hare Stadium almost every day of the year to prepare for the aerial acrobatics she executes in front of 87,000+ fans on Saturdays in the fall. Not only are these birds majestic, but they bring attention to wildlife conservation throughout the country. The school visit was an extension of the Raptor Center’s educational outreach to provide informative and personalized presentations. FUN FACT: Almost 50% of the raptors rescued and rehabilitated at the Center are released back into the wild.

Pre-Season Prep

The Varsity Auburn High Tigers are gearing up for the upcoming season, which will get underway in August, by winning the 7-on-7 Championship at Auburn University recently against Pinson Valley High School! The tournament consisted of 19 teams spanning all classifications from Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. This camp was an opportunity for the AHS coaches to see their players in action on both sides of the ball, competing against other schools while also providing our student-athletes a chance to perform in front of Coach Bryan Harsin’s staff at AU.

Lee-Scott Students Volunteer at D.A.R.E.

The Auburn Police Department and School Resource Officers hosted D.A.R.E. Camp this summer for rising 6th graders across our community! Special thanks to our LSA students who volunteered at this year’s event.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

Lee-Scott Baseball Players Participate in AISA All-Star Game

Fun night in Montgomery for LSA’s junior and senior baseball players as they played in the AISA All-Star Baseball game at Patterson Field! We are so proud of these young men and their impact as student-athletes at LSA. L to R: Tate McKelvey, Junior; Jackson Harrison, Senior; Trey Dickerson, Senior; James Lyle, Senior; and John Allers, Senior.

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn D.A.R.E. Camp

Rising 6th graders across the school system participated in the 2021 D.A.R.E. Camp hosted by our School Resource Officers and Auburn Police Department! The first day was full of activities including, an introduction to J.F. Drake Middle School administrators Sarah Armstrong and Dr. Jonathan Finch. Mrs. Armstrong told students to remind their parents/guardians to register for the 2021-22 school year to receive their team placement notice at Drake. The guest speaker of the day was DMS SRO Ron Askelson. He shared his vision board with the kids as an example of how to create and present their version of the assignment when school starts in August. Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E., is a nationally recognized program that teaches school-age children the dangers of drugs and how to avoid peer pressure and situations subjecting them to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Thank you to our School Resource Officers, Auburn Police Department, Auburn Fire Department and the local retired Marines for dedicating the week to guiding our youth to make smart decisions as they leave elementary school to further their education with Auburn City Schools.

LSA Band Alumni Attend AU Marching Band Leadership and Drum Major Camp

Lee-Scott Academy students Maddie Spoor and Bryson Moon just completed the Auburn University Marching Band Leadership and Drum Major camp. Pictured are: Former LSA and now former AU drum major Trace Johnson, current LSA drum major Maddie Spoor, LSA band member Bryson Moon, and former LSA drum major and AUMB member Sam Kinsaul. We are so proud of these musicians!

2021-22 Academic Year Programs

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STEM Preschool Program auburndayschool.com 1199 South Donahue Drive, Suite E, Auburn, AL 36832

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STEM PLAY Program NEW!

(11:30 a.m. -3:00 p.m.) 2-day, 3-day and 5-day programs available, M-F, Ages 2-5 22

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All 13 Auburn City Schools Now Qualify as Project ADAM Heart-Safe Schools!

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

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During a recent Board of Education meeting, representatives from Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham presented ACS with the designation, making our school system the third in the state to earn this status. Project ADAM Heart Safe School designation is attained by schools upon successful implementation of a quality sudden cardiac arrest program of awareness, AED training, and effective emergency response to promote a Heart-Safe environment for students, visitors, and staff as outlined within the Heart-Safe School Checklist. Under the leadership of ACS Nurse Administrator Brenda Lindahl, these goals have been achieved and will continue to be maintained at each of our campuses. Project ADAM affiliates strive to assist schools and communities in establishing an emergency plan to place into action in the incidence of a sudden cardiac arrest. Lives are saved when schools are prepared not only with a documented plan but also with a cardiac response team, in addition to being well trained and practiced on how to respond in the event of a cardiac emergency. In an effort to ensure that Alabama schools are equipped and trained to use AEDs, the program has awarded more than 160 schools the title of "Heart-Safe School.”

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

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Summertime Soccer Camp

Autauga County Schools

Under the leadership of Head Coach Bill Ferguson, approximately 60 Future Tigers trained like the Auburn High Varsity Soccer teams recently! Each evening incorporated a different focus including foot skills sessions, finishing techniques, and defending. Our young soccer players got the opportunity to work directly with both girls and boys Auburn High Varsity Soccer teams. These summertime camps have several benefits such as the registration fees going back into the program hosting the camp, varsity athletes getting to work with and mentor elementary-aged children, provides a safe and educational environment for participants in the summer months, and creates a culture of relationship-building that can propel kids to become more successful during their time with ACS.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

Summer Reading Camp at Cary Woods Elementary School

The 2021 Summer Reading Camp for K-2 students has come to a close at Cary Woods Elementary School! Students who participated in this month-long program focused on sharpening their reading skills while also having some fun with activities such as a presentation from the Southeastern Raptor Center and a visit from Aubie! Thank you to the teachers and administrators for putting in the time and effort to make this educational offering possible while encouraging students to be lifelong readers.

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Summer is winding down and kids are preparing to start a new school year. This signifies an exciting new start for kids, but for parents, it can mean spending a lot of money on school supplies and new clothing for fall. Families with children in elementary school through high school plan to spend an average of $696.70 this year on back to school shopping. (National Retail Federation) That’s a lot of money, especially for parents of multiple children. How can you buy the items your kids need without breaking the bank on back to school shopping?

Here are some ways to save! Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

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Take inventory

It doesn’t make sense to purchase items you already have around the house. “We reuse items like notebooks, binders, and pencil boxes.” says Carrie Miller, mom of three. “I also save all the pencils from class parties, birthday parties and other giveaways to use the following year.” Before you start back to school shopping, take inventory of what office and school supplies you already have that are new or gently used. Go through the kids closets and remove items that are two small and make a list of what needs to be replaced. Can any items be passed down to younger siblings? Consider shopping at second hand store or consignment sales for gently used items to save on clothes, shoes, and coats. Backpacks and lunchboxes that are in good condition can be reused. Once you know what you need, make a list of what needs to be purchased and stick to it.

Do your research

It’s hard to know if you are getting a good deal on back to school supplies and clothing if you do know how much they cost to begin with. Once you know the average cost of an item it is easier to do your research and make sure you are getting a good deal. It can be easy to get caught up on saving on small items like glue and pencils, but it is wiser to focus on big ticket items which can mean more money saved. Saving $50-100 on a tablet is worth the effort of driving across town to shop compared to saving 10 cents on glue. “Shop around!” says Emily Rodriguez. “Last year I added all the items needed to my online cart at Walmart, Amazon and Target. I was surprised Target came out well under the other two. I was glad to save the money.”

Take advantage of discounts

For retailers, back to school season is the biggest money maker, second only to the Christmas shopping season. To bring in customers, they are willing to offer discounts, free shipping for online orders, price matching, in store coupons, and other deals to get you to shop in their stores. Take some time to shop around and find the best deals, sign up for email coupons and deals, and most importantly, don’t forget to use the coupons when you make your purchase. Many states, including Missouri, offer a tax free weekend in late summer. This is a great time for families to take advantage of a discount on clothing, shoes, and other items needed for school. 27

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Buy later

When you are looking at the long list of supplies that schools hand out, determine what they need right away and what can be purchased at a later time. You will be able to get school supplies at clearance prices if you simply wait until September. This is also a great time to stock up on commonly needed items for the following school year. “Purchase items in advance when possible.” says mom Fia Swartwood. “Clearance sales after school starts are a great time to stock up on paper, spiral notebooks, folders, and writing utensils.” Many families feel the need to buy their children a new fall wardrobe when school returns, but it’s perfectly reasonable to delay purchasing new clothing as temperatures are still too warm for fall and winter clothing when kids start school. This gives parents a chance to buy items over time or as needed instead of purchasing everything at once. “I shop clearance items after every season and guess on sizing for the following year.” says Katlyn Purkapile, mom of three.

Leave the kids home

As a mom of six, my biggest money saving tip for back to school shopping

is to simply leave the kids home. I arrive at the store with a list of school supplies needed. If my daughter were with me she would ask for the sparkliest unicorn notebook, which costs twice as much as the plain pink one I would pick. It’s faster and more efficient if I shop for the supplies alone. When picking out clothes, back packs, and lunchboxes, it’s reasonable to bring kids along so they can pick out something to fit their tastes. Prior to shopping, give your kids a set budget and let them pick something they like that fits within it. In order to save money you may have to put in some extra effort in research, take the time to get organized, drive to more than one store, and forgo a few items to stay within a budget. It will be worth the cost savings in the long run, especially for families shopping for multiple children.

Bonus: Packing Lunches on a Budget The cost of individually wrapped snacks and premade Lunchables can really add up. Here are some ideas to save money when you are packing school lunches this fall. • Buy items like crackers, cookies, and canned fruit in bulk and pack into individual size containers yourself. Doing this ahead of time can give you the convenience of the prepackaged items with big cost savings. • Replace disposable bags and containers with reusable items to pack sandwiches and sides. • Use leftovers. Make a little extra food for dinner and send healthy, homemade items to school for lunch. • Make your own “uncrustables” and “lunchables” rather than buying the premade version. AOP Sarah Lyons is a mom of six kids including seven year old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

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Apps for Kids on the Autism Spectrum Technology has the power to unlock learning for kids of all ages and stages. And sometimes exploring and learning on a device first is less intimidating than trying out new skills with real people. Check out these apps that help kids with communication, organization, and even social-awareness skills -- and watch the video to learn more about how to choose media and tech products for kids with learning differences.

to work on recognizing emotions, and doing a drag-and-drop exercise to create different expressions.

MyLife Meditation By encouraging kids to meditate daily and focus on kindness to others, this app offers great lessons in perseverance and compassion. Kids can

Awakee Morning Routine Planner With this time-management app, kids can set up a daily routine with multiple, timed activities, such as brushing teeth, meditating, and exercising.

First Then Visual Schedule HD With its simple, multisensory interface, this app has great potential for helping kids with developmental or learning disabilities, anxiety or attention issues, and language, hearing, or processing difficulties.

Hopster Saturday Club: Empathy Hopster Saturday Club: Empathy gives kids practice identifying emotions. Kids can choose from three activities: writing in a diary to describe how they feel that day, playing a matching game

Popplet This mind-mapping tool is especially helpful for kids who have problems with organization and visual memory. Kids can insert words, images, and their own drawings and then connect to other related Popplets to create an interactive outline of related ideas.

Proloquo2Go This extraordinary communication aid is great for kids who have basic to severe speech challenges. Kids can learn how to effectively convey wants, needs, feelings, opinions, social manners, and more.

Calm Counter Social Story and Anger Management Tool This ingenious app helps kids with special needs, social challenges, anxiety, or anger issues learn self-awareness as they begin to identify when they “need a break” and practice calming down.

large collection of Peppy Pals’ positive videos, stories, and games with themes of social and emotional learning. Kids can learn skills about identifying emotions, accepting differences, and helping friends. They’ll also see that not everyone feels the same way.

learn the practice of meditation as well as the habit of stopping to identify their emotions, taking a deep breath, and articulating their emotional needs.

Peppy Pals Sammy Helps Out Though this social-emotional skill builder is designed for young kids, older kids who struggle with social situations and empathy also might find it helpful. Best used with a parent or teacher, this app provides built-in discussion questions to help guide kids so they can take their learning offscreen.

Peppy Pals Social Skills Peppy Pals Social Skills offers one 29

Social Detective

Through video and a comprehensive, step-by-step process, kids can learn about expected vs. unexpected behaviors in a variety of everyday situations. Because the videos include real kids and the app offers practical tips, users will be able to identify with and apply what they learn.

The Social Express II

This excellent animated app boosts kids’ social-awareness skills. Kids can learn to identify how their peers are feeling, develop coping strategies, recognize the importance of eye contact, and learn a host of core social skills needed to function in daily life. www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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www.auburnopelikaparents.com

“I’m bored,” my 11-year-old daughter grumbled as she collapsed on to the couch. It was a rare unscheduled moment in her life. I cringed as I recalled what can occur when she has a spontaneous second. At the age of three, I assumed she was quietly playing with her toys only to discover the entire wall was covered with a new crayon drawn mural. We are both happier now that she is enrolled in art classes. She prefers being busy, which is why she partook in six different extracurricular activities this past spring. Her interests ranged from sign language class to swim team. Besides avoiding boredom (and messes) there are many benefits to having scheduled activities for your child. Research by NCES states that students who participated in after-school activities had better attendance, higher levels of achievement, and aspirations to higher levels of education.

Better Academic Performance

Even though my daughter was in six different clubs or sports, she received all A’s in her academic classes. By participating in extracurricular activities, a child is able to learn new skills which can be applied to the school setting. For example, my daughter was in the garden club and she used the information she learned about plants in her science class. Sports such as basketball, baseball and football use statistics, addition/subtraction, probability, and geometry which can be applied to math class. A number of research studies found students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school. Douglas Reeves studied data at Woodstock High School and found students who were in three or four extracurricular activities during the year had dramatically better grades than those who participated in no extracurricular activities. There was a study done by the College Board, which found high school extracurricular participation is correlated with higher SAT scores, SAT math by 45 points and SAT verbal scores by 53 points.

More Adaptable

If a child is participating in more than one activity, they will also experience more than one coach or teacher who will have different rules and expectations. They will have the opportunity to meet kids with a range of

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Book an Event Today at CCAuburn.com! personalities and interests. These interactions will teach a child how to be adaptable to multiple people and situations. Maddi and Deborah Khoshaba’s training guide, Resilience at Work, discussed the importance of being adaptable and how when adaptable people lose their jobs they thrive due to their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Being adaptable is a skill that can be beneficial both in the school or work setting.

sport and by interacting with their peers. They also have the opportunity to learn about teamwork by either playing a sport together or doing a group class such as a musical for drama. In my daughter’s book club at the end of their discussion of the book, they have social time. During one meeting, she didn’t read the book, but she still wanted to go to the club since she loved the social interaction with her peers.

Better Social Skills

Less Screen Time

Children will gain social skills both from the person in charge of the activity or 31

Common Sense Media research states that, on average, teens spend over www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

nine hours per day playing video games or watching TV. If children are participating in after school activities they will have less opportunity to be absorbed by screens.

Decreased Risk of Obesity

According to the CDC, obesity affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents for the past decade. If a child participates in a sport they will be more active which leads to better health benefits from being physically fit. Even if a child joins a club or an after school activity, rather than a sport, they will be more active than if they watched TV or played video games.

How to Balance Your Child’s Schedule

Sometimes, even for my daughter, you can have too many activities. I’m always cognizant of her energy level. If she needs to skip an activity once in a while, I let her. Or when I noticed she wasn’t enthusiastic about going to gymnastics anymore, we both decided it would be best not to sign up for the next session. Most importantly you want to make sure your child is happy and definitely not bored. AOP

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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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. 334-501-2044

www.growingroomusa.com/auburn

Growing Room Child Development Center ad on page 8

1755 Thomason Drive Opelika, 36801 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 Opelika City Schools. 334-748-9020 www.growingroomusa.com/locations/growing-room-opelika

Auburn City Schools

332 East Samford Avenue Auburn, 36830 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. 334-887-2100

Auburn United Methodist Church Discovery Club After-School Program

Art

The Art Studio

Auburn Parks and Recreation

334-332-5275

ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

Creative Kids: Drawing is a fundamental skill that should be learned by all children. The young artist will be introduced to basic drawing and painting with a fun subject while developing usual learning skills. Origami: Origami, the ancient Japanese art of folding paper, is a fascinating and creative outlet for children. Children will learn how to turn sheets of paper into birds, frogs, dogs, flowers and much more. Chinese Painting and Calligraphy for Young Artists: Chinese painting is an unique style of painting that is great fun and easy to learn. Chinese painting is a wonderful way for young artists to learn a new painting technique. Sketching with Pencil: In this fun and engaging class, students will learn how to draw, shade and create gradation with pencils. Private & Semi-Private Art Lessons: Artist and educator, Laurie Brenden offers private and semi-private art lessons in fine arts including watercolors, drawing, mixed media and much more. Kids Can Draw: Chilling with Chibis: Manga is a Japanese style of comics. One popular aspect of manga are the chibis. Chibis are the super-popular, cute, tiny people of manga. Each student will be encouraged to develop his or her own anime/manga characters and unique style of drawing. Kids Can Draw: Tiny Toons: They’re fierce, and full of attitude. Come draw some terrific tiny cartoons with Miss Laurie! Kids Can Paint: Paint Magic: Weird and Wonderful! Your child can create amazing and unique art with odd and unusual things like salt, bubble wrap and vegetables. We will learn fun techniques including stenciling, sponging, color combing and more. 334-501-2930

www.auburnschools.org

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

118 North Ross St, Suite 2 Auburn, 36830 After school Art Classes for all ages.

www.theartstudioauburn.com

AR Workshop Auburn

1214 Ogletree Village Lane Auburn, 36830 DIY studio offers wood sign classes, framed sign classes, DIY decor, pallet sign painting, farmhouse style pillow painting, kids workshops and parties, and more! 334-539-8057

www.arworkshop.com/auburn/

Before and After School Care Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center ad on page 4

128 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830 Open 7:00am - 5:30pm. Transportation from schools available. Children engage in many developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities that promote learning in language, fine & large motor skills, the arts, math, science, and socialemotional skills. Nationally Accredited through NAC and Licensed through Alabama Department of Human Resources. 334-821-8125. www.auburnfbc.org/wordpress_20150529/ministries

Growing Room Child Development Center ad on page 8

644 North Dean Road Auburn, 36830 We believe Learning Can Take You Everywhere!

137 South Gay Street Auburn, 36830 Students can be picked up at their schools and transported to the church for homework, snacks, crafts, cooking, recreational activities, devotionals and mission projects.

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585 Devall Drive Auburn, 36849 Pick-up from all Auburn city schools during the school year.

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Bonnie’s Kids

334-826-8800

www.aumc.net

Big Blue Marble

334-518-6091

bbmacademy.com/location/auburn/

2314 Enterprise Drive Opelika, 36801 Pick up from school for Beauregard, Opelika & Auburn for after school programs. 334-745-6248

www.bonnieskidschildcare.com

Creative Discovery Child Development Center

1675 Shug Jordan Parkway Auburn, 36830 “Where Discovery Leads to Learning!” After school pick up at Auburn City Schools, Lee Scott, and Indian Pines. 334-887-5730 kidscreative7@gmail.com www.creativediscoverycdc.com

Miss Deanna’s Childcare

1901 Corporate Drive Opelika, 36801 334-745-7139

1745 East University Drive Auburn, 36830

334-821-0066

After school transportation and care for Auburn City Schools.

Opelika City Schools Extended Day

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

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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trips, and other areas of enrichment for children who attend elementary schools in Opelika. 334-745-9700

www.opelika-al.gov

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County 400-B Boykin Street Auburn, 36830 334-821-6020

pharrison@bgcleeco.org

334-745-2582

ybatts@bgcleeco.org

1610 Toomer Street Opelika, 36801

An after school Youth Development program that serves youth Greater Lee County. 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 Child Care Center

1006 North Dean Road Auburn, 36830 Before and after school care and pickup available. During the school year, our school age children have a set schedule that provides a snack, active play inside or outside and quiet time for homework and relaxing. 334-203-1234

www.udcauburn.com

Dance/Baton

Offering recreational and competition classes. 334-705-0205

www.makeyourmovedance.com

Nix Dance Studios

850 Stage Road Auburn, 36830 We offer classes for ages 3 and up. Choose from Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Baton, Pointe, and Company. Since 1966, Nix Dance Studios have set the bar for excellence in dance performance. Nationally recognized artistic director, Paula Nix, has been a featured guest on The Today Show, in USA Weekly Magazine and serves as choreographer and general coordinator for the Lee County’s Junior Miss program. Our state of the art facilities are in a freestanding building designed specifically for dance. 334-887-7250

www.nixdancestudios.com

Rising Starz

2140 East University Drive Auburn, 36830 Offering ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, tumbling, baton, musical theatre and acting. 334-209-1464

www.risingstarzstudios.com

Variations Dance

323 Airport Road, Suite E Auburn, 36830 Variations Dance Studio offers a comprehensive, fun, and educational experience for dancers of all ages, including children, teens, college students, and adults. Courses offered in all levels of dance including Preballet, Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre/Broadway, Lyrical, Contemporary, Stretch, Company, Tumbling, Acro and Competition Teams.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

334-275-5013

Square Dancing: Have fun dancing with caller Larry Belcher and the Village Squares. Our dance program includes mainstream and plus square dancing, round dancing and line dancing. Both couples and singles are welcome.

Education & Enrichment

ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Alabama Dance Theatre

1018 Madison Avenue Montgomery, 36104 The Alabama Dance Theatre offers classes in classical ballet (age 3 to professional level), modern, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and tap. The goal of Alabama Dance Theatre is to maintain a high level of excellence in classical ballet training. ADT is a school recognized throughout the Southeast as a positive training ground for dancers. Fall classes start August 16. 334-625-2590

www.alabamadancetheatre.com

Ballet Academy

1703 Westend Court Opelika, 36801 The Ballet Academy specializes in classical dance training which includes Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, and Pas de Deux (partnering), as well as instruction in Modern, Contemporary, and Tap. Ballet Academy also offers an Adult/College Ballet Class, Acro, Pointe Conditioning, Pilates, and Core Conditioning which consist of strengthening the core abdominal and back muscles utilizing exercises from the Pilates and Yoga curriculum. 334-737-5551 balletacademyopelika@gmail.com www.myballetacademy.net

Celtic Traditions School of Irish Dance

2705 Fredrick Road, #3 Opelika, 36801 We spread the joy of Irish dancing through classes and performances. Classes include intricate footwork, musical timing and tune recognition, proper Irish dance technique, stage presence, flexibility, teamwork, rhythm, importance of working towards goals, and much more! 334-705-0303

www.celtic-traditions.net

Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio

1220 Fox Run Pkwy, Suite 212 Opelika, 36801 Dance classes for boys and girls of all ages including Baton, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Acrobats, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Combination classes and more.

www.variationsauburn.com

Auburn Day School ad on page 22

1199 South Donahue Drive, Ste B Auburn, 36830 Auburn Day School is a half-day, drop-in STEM preschool serving children ages 2-5 years. Offering a 2 day, 3 day and 5 day options. Rather than themes, our lessons are taught through overarching concepts, which are ideas that can apply to anyone, at any time, with any background knowledge. Our focus is on process rather than procedures. We want to help students to learn how to think, not what to think so we can help set the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our classes are designed with children’s interests and readiness in mind. Our age ranges overlap a bit to give parents and teachers some choice over which class is the best fit. www.auburndayschool.com

Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

IAMBK After School Enrichment: IAMBK is a 501 © 3 community organization that provides after-school enrichment programs for youth and families, grades k-12, in partnership with Auburn City Schools. Sessions are offered by certified and specialized instructors in a variety of areas. Limited space available. $25/month. Offering Social Therapy/Life Management, Dance, Music, Dance, Drama, Individual and Family Counseling. 334-728-0309 iambk@ymail.com www.iambkinc.org

Krehler Preserve and Nature Center ad on page 28

2222 North College Street Auburn, 36830 Tree Tots: A nature-based-play class where children are encouraged to use their senses to explore their natural environment and learn

together through play. Forest Friends: An awardwinning, exploratory program that offers a unique educational experience for preschool children and their parents, incorporating hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness. Nature Babies: part of our Forest Friends Series and is designed to encourage caregivers to take their babies out into the natural world – a world rich with sensory input. Nature provides endless ways to interact with your little one; from traversing trails together, feeling the textures of leaves, playing peek-a-boo with trees, and much more. Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool: Auburn’s first nature preschool, an innovative educational strategy that allows your child to learn about nature, for nature, and in nature, embracing the great outdoors as their classroom. Children spend their school time exploring and uncovering knowledge in an environment where curiosity and child-led discovery are encouraged. Science On Saturdays: representatives from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will visit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to show you some of these incredible birds, up-close and in-person. The program will include a variety of live raptors, most native to Alabama, and you learn all about their habitat, natural history, and the challenges facing these majestic creatures. AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles: Join the staff for a one-hour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond. Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining hands-on program with live animals. Family Discovery Hikes & Nature Walks: offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Fall Camp: Campers will join the KPNC naturalists outside, exploring our natural world and wildlife communities and discovering new adventures all around us. Nature Art Series: Local artist Heather Jackson teams up with the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to bring you this art workshop series for all ages. Each workshop has a nature theme and will explore beautiful and interesting art techniques. 334-502-4553

www.auburn.edu/preserve

AU Multilingual After School Program

351 West Thach Concourse (Haley Center) Auburn University, 36849 Offers a mix of academic and recreational multilingual study on campus, serving students in the Auburn/Opelika area. The program is to prepare the students for successful careers in the global economy by developing their language skills and cultural awareness. 334-559-9023 auafterschool@auburn.edu www.synchroeducation.com

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Auburn/Opelika

1550 Opelika Road, Suite 36 Auburn, 36830 Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. 334-501-8586

www.kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al

Mathnasium

1345 Opelika Road, #6 Auburn, 36830 Learning center for math; We help kids in grades K-12 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them. 334-329-7225

www.mathnasium.com/auburn

Score Community Robotics Competition Teams Science Center Auditorium Auburn University, 36849 The Southeastern Center of Robotics Education is an Auburn University Outreach initiative designed to help effectively develop and deliver robotics education to K-12 students and teachers. SCORE programs include professional development, camps, competitions, and much more. These programs aim to help prepare students for the high-tech workforce needs of today and tomorrow. 334-844-8125 cosam.score@auburn.edu www.scoreau.org

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Snapology Auburn

Snapology engages children ages 1-14 using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex and technology. Snapology is the premier partner for STEAM programs, offering year-round programs in schools, community facilities, homes and in our Discovery Center. Kids have so much fun in our programs that they don’t even realize they’re learning! 334-425-3735 auburn@snapology.com www.snapology.com/location/auburn

Tiger STEAM Academy

offers open tumbling classes for high school & college students 334-844-9098

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road Auburn, 36830 Offering Preschool Mighty Movers to Advanced Tumbling lessons; also tumbling for fitness and cheer basic classes. 334-821-7300

www.premierspiritacademy.com

1452 Opelika Road Auburn, 36830 Learn Computer Coding as well as Art of Writing in the Auburn-Opelika area. Through small classroom setting, we make sure that every student gets the attention and resources they need to excel in the learning.

Xtreme Athletics

334-524-0378 tigersteamacademy@gmail.com https://auching0.wixsite.com/tiger-steam

Home School

YES Class

Auburn Parks and Recreation

2138 Moores Mill Road, Suite B Auburn, 36830 Our programs are designed to improve more than just grades and test scores. We build a life-long passion for learning and a positive outlook for academics by encouraging our students to think critically, to problem solve and to develop selfdirected learning skills.

3732 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, 36801 Gymnastics and cheer programs 334-759-7030

www.xtremeathleticsauburn.com

ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

Academy of Starz Distant Work: This program will get you ready for athletics and overall health just by using the weight of your body and the power of gravity. You will build muscle, burn fat, and get an honest-to-goodness great workout for athletics and health. The program will highlight agilities, fat burner, flexibility, and more!

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Auburn, 36830 Art for Homeschoolers: These classes, under the sponsorship and support of the Auburn Arts Association, are divided into two age groups to allow for age appropriate art experiences. Group 1 | Art Explorers: Join us in learning about artists and art techniques as you explore a variety of art media and develop your own artistic style. Classes are organized around themes that highlight the basic elements of art. In the past, some of these themes have been “Loads of Landscapes,” “Fin and Feather,” “Make Yourself at Home,” and “The Shape of Things.” Group 2 | Art Adventures: This class is designed for the young artist ready to meet art challenges at the intermediate level. Students will take a step further into developing a creative style while exploring a variety of artists, styles, techniques, and media.

KidStrong Auburn

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

334-329-8191

www.yessclass.com

Fitness/Fun Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

1530 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830 KidStrong is a child development training center focused on brain, physical & character development. 334-78-1118

www.kidstrong.com/auburn

Gymnastics/Cheer/ Tumbling Opelika Parks and Recreation Power Tumbling and Trampoline ad on page 37

1102 Denson Drive Opelika, 36801 Parent and Me Tumbling, Tumbling Tots, Level 1-3 Tumbling, Cheer Prep, Trampoline and Cheer Program. 334-705-5547

www.opelikasportsplex.com

Auburn Gymnastics Academy

703 West Samford Ave Auburn, 36849 Recreational Classes Include Preschool, Progressive, and Junior Olympic Programs. AGA also Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

ad on page 28

2222 North College Street Auburn, 36830 Nature Explorers Homeschool Program: An environmental education program designed for home-schooling families which offers a unique, nature-based educational experience. Classes incorporate hands-on science with nature and environmental awareness, and each concludes with a nature hike. Classes meet on the 2nd Monday of the month for 3 months, Sep – Nov, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Each of the three classes will focus on a different topic. 334- 844-8091

www.auburn.edu/preserve

Martial Arts Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

425 Perry Street Auburn, 36830 Yoshukai Karate – Beginner Children’s Class: Karate is a martial art that emphasizes selfconfidence, self-discipline, respect, and physical fitness. This class teaches basic strikes, blocks,

and kicks. Tournament sparring and self-defense fighting are in a controlled environment. Yoshukai Karate – Advanced Children’s Class: Karate is a martial art that emphasizes self-confidence, self-discipline, respect, and physical fitness. This class teaches basic strikes, blocks, and kicks. As students progress, we teach advanced strikes, blocks, kicks, self-defense, and traditional weapons use. Tournament sparring and self-defense fighting are in a controlled environment. Yoshukai Karate – Teens: Karate is a martial art that emphasizes self-confidence, self-discipline, respect, and physical fitness. This class teaches basic strikes, blocks, and kicks. As students’ progress, we teach advanced strikes, blocks, kicks, self-defense, and traditional weapons use. Tournament sparring and self-defense fighting are in a controlled environment. Aikido: martial art used to defend against and escape from attacks such as grabs, punches, chokes. Weapons, “take-away” are also emphasized. A defensive martial art used to disarm and subdue attackers. 334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Auburn Academy of Martial Arts

323 Airport Road Auburn, 36830 Kinder Kick, Beginner, Advanced, Adults, and Homeschoolers. 334-502-7221

www.auburnacademy.com

Auburn Jiu Jitsu

758 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830 Brazilian/Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport which focuses on grappling or ground-fighting. 334-329-5218

/www.auburn-jiujitsu.com

Auburn Mixed Martial Arts

2515 East Glenn Ave Auburn, 36830 Technique taught in the martial arts of: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Kickboxing and Submission Grappling. 334-887-0818

www.auburnmma.com

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road Auburn, 36830 Ninja Academy: learn flexibility, strength, tumbling, and obstacle maneuvers. 334-821-7300

www.premierspiritacademy.com

World Championship Taekwondo

300 North Dean Road, #6 Auburn, 36830 Prepare Your Child for Success in the Classroom! A Korean form of martial arts that focuses on discipline, concentration, respect, balance and coordination. Students should expect to have fun while learning basic kicking and punching techniques, as well as, self-defense. 334-329-7117 wctauburn@gmail.com www.martialartsauburn.com

Music Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Auburn, 36830 Joy’s Music Studio: Voice Lessons: Offers group voice lessons for children and private voice lessons for children and adults. The lessons focus on proper vocal techniques (such as breathing and breath management), diction and artistic interpretation. Joy’s Music Studio: Piano Lessons: Offers private piano lessons for children and adults. The piano lessons are primarily designed for beginners with a focus on keyboard familiarity, basic skills, music reading and repertoire. Auburn University Music Project – Beginner Strings: The Auburn University Music Project program aims to provide private and beginner group lessons on orchestral string instruments to local students as well as practical hands-on training For Auburn University music and music education undergraduates. Auburn University Music Projects-Intermediate Strings: This class is for those students who have completed our Beginner Strings class, or have

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N O S I G N - U P F E E S , C A N C E L AT I O N F E E S , CL ASS FEES OR HIDDEN C HARGES. J U S T O N E L OW M O N T H LY / Y E A R LY PAY M E N T .

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There’s something for everybody, at a price for anybody. Cal James Sr. Weight Room • Charter Foundation Adult Activity Center • EAMC Cardiovascular Area Group Fitness Room • Gymnasium with Large Stage • Indoor Aquatics Center • Indoor Cycling Studio Indoor Walking Track • Outdoor Amphitheater • Outdoor Children’s Playground • Outdoor Walking Trail Personal Training • Pickleball Facility with 12 Covered, Individually Fenced Courts • Splash Park Steam Rooms • Three Meeting Rooms with AV Equipment • Tot Watch • Tumble Tree Disc Golf Course Two Racquetball Courts • W James Samford Soccer Complex • Youth Game Room

10 01 S P O R T S P L E X P K W Y

O P E L I K A , A L 3 6 8 01

334.705.5560 37

W W W. O P E L I K A S P O R T S P L E X . C O M www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

studied an orchestral string instrument for one year or more. Students in this class also receive a 30-minute, individual lesson with one of our teaching assistants. 334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

First Baptist Opelika Fine Arts Academy ad on page 13

301 South 8th Street Opelika, 36801 Providing private music lessons in Opelika/Auburn where Christ is honored and students are challenged and inspired to develop their God-given talents for the glory and service of God. Lessons are offered in the areas of piano, voice, guitar, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Our experienced instructors are highly qualified in their individual areas. 334-745-5715

www.fbcopelika.com/fine-arts-academy

Spicer’s Music

2140 East University Drive Auburn, 36830 Lessons, including but not limited to: guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, keyboard/piano, voice, harp, drums, and more. 334-329-PLAY

www.spicersmusic.com

Play and Fun Auburn Escape Zones

1234 Commerce Drive Auburn, 36830 Work together as a team to solve puzzles, uncover clues and unlock locks in order to solve the problem or “escape the room”. 334-329-7088

www.auburnescapezones.com

Auburn Lanes

719 Opelika Road Auburn, 36830 Offers traditional bowling on 24 lanes. 334-887-6573

www.amf.com/auburnlanesal

Blade and Barrel Axe

1188 Opelika Rd, Mainstreet 900 AB Auburn, 36830 9 lane axe throwing entertainment venue located in the new Midtown entertainment district. We are family friendly, children age 8 and above. 334-521-0970

www.bladeandbarrelaxe.com

CyberZone

107 North 9th Street Opelika, 36801 Interactive Entertainment Center in Downtown Opelika featuring one of the largest arcades in Alabama, Extreme laser tag, and more. 334-737-5000

www.cyberzone334.com

Gogue Performing Arts Center

130 Village View Lane Auburn University, 36849 East Alabama’s premier venue presenting professional performances in music, theatre, dance and more. 334-844-4722

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Good Times

750 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830 Eat, Play, Bowl. Offering bowling lanes, escape room, gaming and more. 334-539-3131

www.goodtimesbowling.com

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

901 South College Street Auburn, 36830 Educational programming which strives to meet the needs for our community through diverse offerings. 334-844-1484

www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

Rock n Roll Pinball

815 South Railroad Avenue Opelika, 36801 Our arcade provides 28 high-end and vintage pinball machines for your playing pleasure in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. 334-363-7625

www.rocknrollpinball.com

ad on page 37

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama ad on page 12

145 Coliseum Blvd Montgomery , 36109 Daisies, Brownies and Girl Scouts. Girls discover who they are, where their talents lie, and what they care the most about. And they take action to change the world. Through our program, the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls develop a strong sense of self, display positive values, and seek challenges. www.girlscoutssa.org

Boy Scouts of America: Chattahoochee Council

1237 1st Avenue Columbus, 31901 Provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. 706-327-2634

334-501-2930 hmanning@auburnalabama.org www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Parks and Recreation

Scouting

334-272-9164

Fall Baseball – Youth: This fall baseball league is the time to work on specific baseball fundamentals or a new position. No scoreboard, no all-stars, no tryouts. Girls Fall Softball: A fun league. No All Stars and no league standings. Ideal for players moving up to obtain experience for spring. Season will focus on fundamentals. Tennis and Fitness: For all ages and levels. Youth Recreational Soccer Leagues: Auburn Soccer Association’s Youth Recreational Leagues are designed to teach the basic skills of soccer and foster a love of the game within a format of fun. We employ small sided & full field games in order to promote player development within a child-safe environment.

www.chattahoochee-bsa.org

Special Interests Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

Fly: If you are a student in grades 8-12, then Auburn Parks and Rec has a brand new program just for you! FLY will introduce youth and teens in Auburn to civic engagement, provide information and resources for post-high school plans, and volunteer opportunities. Participants in the program may also be eligible for Teen Trips! 334-501-2940 mtoohey@auburnalabama.org www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Sports

1001 Andrews Road Opelika, 36801 Flag Football: Ages 5-7. Registration is nowAugust 14. Season is Sept.- Oct. Games played on Saturday mornings. Bulldog Youth Football: Ages 8-9. Season is Aug.Nov. Games played on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Equipment is limited and additional purchases may be required. This league is weight restricted. Midget League Football: Ages 10-12. Season is Aug.-Nov. Games played on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Equipment is limited and additional purchases may be required. This league is weight restricted. Bulldog Youth Cheerleading: $15 + $70 uniform fee. Ages 3-12. Season begins in August. Games are on Saturday mornings Softball Academy: 3rd-5th grade. 5 Weeks. Sept.Oct. Focus on skill building. 334-705-5560

www.opelikasportsplex.com

Auburn Fencing

229 S 8th Street Opelika, 36801 Super Youth Program: The youth class focuses on the development of common skills required for any sport, with the added teaching of fencing basics. 334-203-1989

ww.auburnfencing.com

Sports Academy

3765 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, 36801 Fall Instructional Baseball League: A two week training session to prepare players for the normal fall parks and recreation league. 334-749-4040

www.sportsacademyauburn.com

Theater Auburn Parks and Recreation

Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

425 Perry Road Auburn, 36830 Cheerleading: Girls will be instructed by staff 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. Auburn Youth Tackle Football: Join this full contact tackle sport. Players must provide their own equipment, which must meet NOCSAE standards. Flag Football: A modified version of football; the league will play once a week and practice a maximum of twice a week. Academy of Starz Basketball Training: Fundamental to Elite basketball training by teaching, reading and reacting principles. Excel in defense, shooting, dribbling, jumping and more. Baller, Inc. Training: Basketball training and development. Baller, Inc. Training is individualized and breaks down your child’s strengths, as well as, identifies the areas needing improvement.

ad on page 33 and Inside Back Cover

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Auburn, 36830 Auburn Area Community Theatre: Come and learn new skills, or build on previous theater experience. They are designed to inspire imagination, creativity, teach teamwork and build confidence. Students will be exposed to theater fundamentals through scene works, improv activities and more. ACT 1: Ages 5 – 7; ACT ll: Ages 9 – 11; ACT lll: 12 – 18 334-332-6834 supersugarmel@gmail.com www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Theatre Company

1103 Glenn Street Opelika, 36801 Offering a creative learning experience for people of all ages to explore, create, indulge, and engage their artistic talents in all areas of the performing arts, from musical theatre, self-expression, dance, creative movement, puppetry, art, music, role playing, set design, writing, sound and lighting. 334-663-2593

www.opelikatheatrecompany.com

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FamilyCalendar Friday, July 30

Cheers on the Corner 2021 An inaugural taste of downtown Auburn from 6 p.m to 10 p.m. Each of the stops along the way will provide you with a savory bite representative of the flavors of downtown Auburn. You will also receive a complimentary souvenir glass. Tickets and tent sponsorships available at downtownauburnonline.com. Michael Reno Harrell in Concert Outdoor concert at Pebble Hill. Showtime is 7:30 PM. A limited number of advance tickets are available for $15 at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and online. Admission at the door $22. Free coffee, tea, water, and food, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage. www.sundillamusic. com Summer Movie Series: Mary Poppins Monkey Park, Opelika. 6:30 PM Yard games and food vendors. 8:30 PM Movie. Toast of the Town 2021 Columbus Convention and Trade Center. World-class wines, fine foods, hand-crafted beers, Southern spirits and a silent auction all await you at the Grand Tasting. Meet the chefs, vintners, distillers and brewmasters. All this plus a silent auction filled with a variety of wines, trips and unique treasures. toastcolumbus.com

Saturday, July 31

Animal Enrichment Day The Montgomery Zoo. Observe various animals in the Zoo respond to an assortment of new creative and behavior-stimulating enrichment. The goal of Animal Enrichment is to safely stimulate and reproduce behaviors that are natural for each animal in the wild. www. montgomeryzoo.com Archery at the Park- World Ranger Day F. D. Roosevelt State Park, GA. Archery target shooting adventure for all ages. We provide basic instruction, equipment, and prizes. Beginners welcome. Preregistration required. Meet at archery course next to group shelter. Park at boat dock. $15 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Wild World Weekend Also August 1. Zoo Atlanta. Travel from Africa to the Americas, and from Europe to Asia and the Pacific, via special entertainment and activities for the entire family. Help us celebrate our world’s amazing wildlife and the places they call home. www.zooatlanta.org

Sunday, August 1

Three Dog Night Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org

The Sound of Music The Alabama Theatre, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com

Monday, August 2

Itty Bitty Scavenger Hunt August 2-31. Participants can pick up a worksheet for the scavenger hunt at any Auburn Parks and Recreation facility or find it on the City of Auburn website, printed in select newspapers, and on Facebook.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

To be eligible for prizes, the worksheet must have correct answers for ALL itty-bitty sites. www. facebook.com/activeauburn Fall Forest Friends Registration Opens Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Awardwinning program offering hands-on, nature-based education at the preschool level for children and their caregivers. Meets every Friday for six weeks (Sept. 17-Oct. 22). $60 per student for all 6 classes. Membership with Kreher Preserve & Nature Center required. For info, auburn. edu/preserve, email preserve@auburn.edu, or call 334-844-8091.

Tuesday, August 3

Opelika’s National Night Out Courthouse square. Brought to you by The City of Opelika & Concerned Citizens of Opelika. National Night Out is a Community-Building Campaign, to raise awareness on the following topics: Public Safety, Crime Prevention, Health, Education and Youth Programs. www.opelika-al.gov/869/NationalNight-Out

Thursday, August 5

Blippli, The Musical BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.com

Friday, August 6

Miranda Lambert Tour Ameris Bank Amp, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, August 7

SportsPlex Tri for Kids 7:30 AM. Kids’ triathlon benefitting the American Cancer Society. www.sportsplextriforkids.com True Crime Wagon Tour of Old Cahawba Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. From feuding families delivering street justice to colorful characters threatening to assassinate the President, Cahawba’s corruption will be revealed on this one hour wagon tour. http://ahc.alabama.gov/properties/cahawba/ cahawba.aspx Alabama Oak Mountain Amp, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com

Sunday, August 8

Tuesday, August 10

First Day of School for Auburn City Schools Family Discovery Hike Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Join our guides for an educational adventure as you and your children take in the many sights and sounds of the Nature Center. Discovery Hikes are for families with children ages 5 to 12 and are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. auburn.edu/ preserve

Thursday, August 12

Nature Hike Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Nature Walks are for adults only and offered the second Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. auburn.edu/ preserve Sara Evans Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org

Friday, August 13

Not Our First Goat Rodeo Featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile and guest Aoife O’Donovan—live at the Amphitheatre at the City of Auburn Lawn and Porch. The Gogue Center engagement will be one of only two East Coast performances scheduled on their upcoming nationwide tour. Tickets are available at www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Lorrie Morgan Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org Lynyrd Skynyrd Cellairis Amp, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, August 14

Magical Creatures Education Program The Montgomery Zoo. Meet some of the magical animals that are featured in the movies like Harry Potter and The Hobbit. You will get a chance to meet animals up close, learn about them in their habitats, and take home some special prizes for yourself. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Wednesday, August 18

In the Garden with Cyndi at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center A fun, casual gardening class for adults where you get to learn tips and tricks, get your hands dirty, and get expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices. Learn how to create a backyard filled with ferns for the fairy folk, a children’s garden with a pole bean teepee or a sunflower playhouse, and a recycled art garden. www.facebook.com/aupreserve

Nature Now Hosts Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour Also August 20 & 21. Uptown Columbus. This signature event occurs at the CSU Riverside Theater Complex, in the heart of downtown, near the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Alongside three days of multiple Film Blocks, festival fans also enjoy all of the interactive elements of the festival experience: music, art, parties, and more.

Monday, August 9

Friday, August 20

First Day of School for Opelika City Schools First Day of School for Lee County Schools

Columbus Kids’ Market Also August 19, 20, & 21. Columbus, Ga. www.columbuskidsmarket.com

Thursday, August 19

Buckmasters Expo 2021 Also Aug. 21 & 22. Montgomery Convention Center.

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FamilyCalendar Friday night, Easton Corbin to perform. Youth top bow tournament, see the female world record Kansas giant, antler scoring and display, dock dogs presentation and much more! www.buckmasters.com Easton Corbin Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org Alanis Morissette Ameris Bank Amp, Atlanta, www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, August 21

Nature Art Series: Butterflies Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 9:00-11:00 AM. KNPC is teaming up with Heather Jackson to bring you this art workshop series. In this series, you can engage in nature appreciation, education, and conservation through intentional creativity. www. facebook.com/aupreserve 11th Annual Back-2-School Bash Airport Plaza, Auburn. FREE event for the whole family! Rides, music, food, shopping, and fun. Local businesses set up interactive booths with games and prizes for kids of all ages. All participating businesses have donated funds to supply NEW school shoes for kids who need them in the area. Facebook. Super Saturday LaGrange Art Museum, Ga. 1:00-4:00 PM. Free family art day. Spend the day at the museum and tour the current exhibits and explore an art activity. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org Sip and Paint Workshop LaGrange Art Museum, Ga. 6:30 PM. Local artists will walk you through the painting process to create your own masterpiece. All art materials are provided. Bring a bottle of wine, a snack, a date or a friend. You must be 21 years or older with ID. Price is $30. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org Jason Aldean Cellairis Amp, Atlanta.

Sunday, August 22

Queen & King For a Day Wedding Show Columbus Convention & Trade Center. Join Columbus’s Most Interactive Wedding Show for the time of your life and plan your wedding at the same time and enter a chance to win some of our giveaways. www.chicoccasions.com Soul Festival 2021 Columbus Civic Center. www.ticketmaster.com

Tuesday, August 24

Steve Earle and The Dukes Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org

Wednesday, August 25

STEM Day- Ancient Buildings Biblical History Center, LaGrange, Ga. We are an archaeological museum exploring daily life in ancient times. Our mission is to help visitors experience the ancient Biblical world, its history and culture. $5-$15 per session. Registration required, 706-885-0363. www.biblicalhistorycenter.com

Thursday, August 26

Friends of Scouting Luncheon The Bottling Plant Event Center. Sponsored by Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America. Keynote speaker, Mr. Jeremy Gray. Funds raised at this event will provide the Scouting program

to young people in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County area. The event is free to attend. Reservations are required. Those in attendance will be asked to give a financial gift to Scouting. www.91bsa.org Kesha Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com

Friday, August 27

Sundilla, Three On a String AUUF. Admission at the door will be $25. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage. www.sundillamusic.com Delbert McClinton Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org

Saturday, August 28

The Sound Wall: Lyn Avenue 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. Lyn Avenue has performed at the 2019 CMA Music Festival, Superbowl LIVE, and many more! You don’t want to miss their rich vocals, electrifying leads, and boot stomping rhythms! www.thesoundwallopelika.com Zoo Volunteer Serve Day The Montgomery Zoo. We are picking a single day to gather volunteer groups to accomplish several tasks, including landscaping, trimming bushes, planting flowers, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping the Zoo for upcoming events. www.montgomeryzoo. com Olympic Triathlon/Duathlon Callaway Gardens. Join us for a day full of fun and adventure…swim, bike and run! It will be an action-packed weekend at Callaway and we can’t wait to share it with you! Robin Lake Circle and the paved bike trail. A VERY FAST course! www. callawaygardens.com

Friday, September 3

Labor Day Weekend featuring Hot Air Balloons Also Sept. 4 & 5. Nightly Hot Air Balloon Glow illuminating Robin Lake Beach and fireworks. Ticket holders also enjoy full access to Callaway Gardens, our 2,500 acre woodland garden property, and all its famous attractions. www.callawaygardens.com Night On the River Featuring “The Isley Brothers” Riverwalk Amp, Montgomery. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, September 4

Labor Day Weekend Also Sept. 5 & 6. Stone Mountain Park. Enjoy a day of adventure on our family-friendly attractions then stay into the evening for the Lasershow Spectacular followed by EPIC fireworks all three nights! www.stonemountainpark.com

Sunday, September 5 The Black Crowes Oak Mountain Amp, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, September 11

Nature Art Series: Tree Magic Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Local artist Heather Jackson teams up with the KPNC to bring you this art workshop series for all ages. The theme for September is reconnecting to the wonder, magic, and symbolism of trees through a memorable tree story or experience. Create a beloved tree painting using acrylic, collage, and Zentangle. www.wp.auburn.edu

Sunday, September 12

Chewacla Cha Cha 5K/10K Trail Race Chewacla State Park. Come out and run with us on the beautiful rolling trails at Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Alabama at 1245 Shell Toomer Parkway. www.alapark.com Chalk Art Festival Opelika SportsPlex parking lot, 9:00 AM- noon. All ages welcome and prizes for 1st and 2nd place in categories: 8-10yrs, 11-13yrs and 14+ years. Free to enter, but you must provide your own chalk.

Monday, September 13

Nature Explorers Home School Day Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3-class session, Sept.-Nov., designed for home-schooling families, offering a unique, nature-based educational experience. Each class concludes with a nature hike. For fees, please log on to auburn.edu/preserve.

Thursday, September 16

Zoobilation: The Wildest Party in Town Montgomery Zoo, 6 PM - 10 PM. Outside party filled with fun, adventure, dancing, music, drinks, lots of great food from some of the region’s finest eateries, and a digital auction. This year’s fundraising efforts will aid in the construction of a new Reptile House. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Friday, September 17

Del McCoury Band Join us at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center as we welcome the Del McCoury Band for a night of bluegrass entertainment! www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu Chris Stapleton’s All American Road Show Oak Mountain Amp, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com

Saturday, September 18

Hank Williams 98th Birthday Crawl Montgomery. Music all day by various artists and various venues in the downtown area. Hosted by Hank Williams Museum. www. thehankwilliamsmuseum.net

Annual Uptown Columbus Strut the Hooch Parade Columbus. A fun parade of wackiness and fun. Costumes, floats, music, costumed pets, super heroes, clowns, mascots... and MORE! Put on your “creativity hat” and get crackin’ on your costume, float, whatever, but this is a family-oriented event, so not too, too wild! Super Saturday LaGrange Art Museum, Ga. 1:00-4:00 PM. Free family art day. Spend the day at the museum and tour the current exhibits and explore an art activity. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org Sip and Paint Workshop LaGrange Art Museum, Ga. 6:30 PM. Local artists will walk you through the painting process to create your own masterpiece. All art materials are provided.

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FamilyCalendar Bring a bottle of wine, a snack, a date or a friend. You must be 21 years or older with ID. Price is $30. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org Candi Staton Join us at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center as we welcome legendary soul singer Candi Staton! www. goguecentertickets. auburn.edu

Thursday, September 23

Sundown Concert Series Also September 30. Kiesel Park. Join Auburn Parks and Recreation for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back, and enjoy the music. Food concessions will be on-site for purchase along with FREE inflatables. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Friday, September 24

Fall Family Weekend Also Sept. 25 and 26. Auburn invites parents to come to spend a weekend in Auburn with their student and experience a game-day weekend. The game for that weekend is Georgia State and it is the Homecoming Game. www.parentandfamily.auburn.edu

Library Events

Auburn Public Library Story Time Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Early literacy story time for our friends birth to 5 years old and their favorite grownups. Program will be held in person in the Picture Books section of the Auburn Public Library Youth Room. Free and open to the public. Auburn Public Library Virtual Story Time Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10:30 AM. Virtual early literacy story time for our friends birth to 5 years old and their favorite grown-ups! Virtual story times are held via Zoom, and registration is required in advance. Free and open to the public. Register here: https://zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_63KtHmIkRpWY1nPD8Pxrlw Auburn Public Library Puppet Show 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Puppet shows will be held in person in the Picture Books section of the Youth Room and virtually via Zoom. Free and open to the public. Register for a Zoom link here: https://zoom. us/webinar/register/WN__a-e86qbR1mhYZIDFybRzA Opelika Public Library Yoga Story Time Friday, August 6, 10:00 AM. Ages 0-5 and their siblings are welcome to join Ms. Janie for Yoga Story Time! Stories, movement, games, and fun!

Performances (multiple show dates) Little Mermaid Jr. July 29-August 8. Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. In 1927, this new, intimate theater presented thought-provoking new performances and soul-stirring classics. Today, the theatre remains a hub of creative and diverse entertainment. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

Disney’s Descendants: The Musical July 30-August 8. Presented by the Opelika Theatre Company. Southside Center for the Arts. Featuring the beloved characters and hit songs from the Disney films! Show times vary, 7:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM. Single ticket, $15; 4-pack $60. For tickets, www. opelikatheatrecompany.com Auburn Area Community Theatre presents End Days August 13-27. 16 year-old Rachel is having a bad year. Her father hasn’t changed out of his pajamas since 9/11. Her mother hands out pamphlets about the end of the world. Her new neighbor, a sixteen[1]year-old Elvis impersonator, has fallen for her hard. End Days shows a quirky dysfunctional family coming together under unexpected circumstances. info@auburnact.org

Shrek The Musical September 24-October 10. Springer Opera House, Columbus. Part romance, part fantasy and all heart, SHREK celebrates the values of acceptance, inner beauty and the miracle of unlikely heroes. www.springeroperahouse.org/

Sports

Montgomery Biscuits Baseball August 3-8, 17-31. September 1-5, 14-19 Auburn University Football September 4, 11, 25 Auburn University Soccer September 18

Ongoing

Summer Swing Concert Series Every Tuesday for the summer. Municipal Park, Opelika. 6:15-8:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public. Concerts start at 7 p.m. but the Opelika Band Boosters will prepare hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15-7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. July 27: James Brown Trio August 3: Back-to-School Bash www.facebook.com/cityofopelika Music for a Summer’s Eve Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Free. St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church (136 East Magnolia Ave). Local and semi-local musicians from a wide variety of genres classical music, singer-songwriters, traditional Irish music, and more - will play music from the church’s porch. Pull up a lawn chair, or just pause and listen for a while. www.saintds.org City Market Saturdays, through August, 8-11 AM. Town Creek Park, Auburn. The market will host local farmers, growers, and artists to sell their produce and products. www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket O Grows Farmer’s Market Tuesdays, 3-6 PM. 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika. O Grows is a community-university partnership with the mission to meet the food needs of all residents in a way that is economically, socially, and environmentally viable for future generations. www.ogrows.org Rising Gardens Community Market Held the 3rd Sunday of the month from 2:00-5:00 at 231 Drake Ave in Auburn. We organize community

markets to promote local farms and artisans. We believe that by providing information and access to local food our community will grow strong. Market Days on Broadway Saturdays, 9 AM - Noon. Columbus, GA. Featuring over 200 regional vendors selling everything from homemade bread and pastries to homegrown products, including local and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, crafts, and eclectic gifts and clothing. www.uptowncolumbusga.com The Summer Invitational 2021 July 28 – August 31. An Invitational Exhibition featuring mixed-media two and three-dimensional works. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Crafting America at the Jule Through Sept. 12. Featuring over 100 works in ceramics, fiber, wood, metal, glass, and more unexpected materials, Crafting America presents a diverse and inclusive story of American craft from the 1940s to today. Admission is free and museum hours are as follows: Monday Closed, Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM-4:30 PM. Extended hours on Thursday until 8:00 PM. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Outside In at the Jule Through January 2022. This collaborative exhibition pairs selections from the university’s impressive Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Audubon Collection with seasonally-changing specimens from Auburn’s Museum of Natural History. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Nature Babies August 4, 11, 18, 25. Kreher Preserve & Nature Canter. 9:00 AM. Connect with your little one and the outdoors during KPNC’s one-of-a-kind Nature Babies classes. Nature Babies is part of our Forest Friends Series (https://aub.ie/forestfriends). auburn.edu/preserve Nature Walk Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Nature Walks offer excellent opportunities to socialize Nature Walks are for adults only and offered the second Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Groups meet at the pavilion. AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles Kreher Preserver & Nature Center. Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center educators for a one-hour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond. Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining hands-on program with live animals. Admission is $5/person. Children 3 and under are free. Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt August 7, 14, 21, 28. F. D. Roosevelt State Park, GA. Start anytime. Team up for our on-site scavenger hunt. Pick up checklist/rules at the park office. Checklists must be brought to office with checklist by 4 PM. Winners notified by phone to pick up prize. Free. $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19, please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

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Bless Them, Just Don’t Enable Them Q. My husband and I are both teachers, and we’re on Baby Step 7. We’re struggling with things where our wills are concerned. Three of our four adult children aren’t being wise with their money, and my husband and I disagree on how to talk to them about it and how it may affect us re-structuring our wills. We don’t want to be judgmental, but at the same time we agree something needs to be said or done. A. Let’s say someone is working at my company, and taking my money in the form of a paycheck. Let’s also say this person isn’t doing a good job. If I don’t talk to them about their performance because I don’t want to be seen as judgmental, I’m not doing my job. I owe them the feedback necessary for them to become a good team member. Otherwise, they could just get fired one day without really knowing what

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2021

happened because I refused to “judge” them. There’s a big difference between judging people and being judgmental. But it’s unkind not to share insights or suggestions for a better way of life with those you love most. Holding back and telling yourself the way someone behaves is just the way they’re made is wrong in most instances. Overspending and not saving money aren’t character traits— they’re decisions. They’re adults now, and they’re going to do what they want. They don’t have to understand or support your ways of handling money, but you and your husband have every right to tell them they have to start behaving in certain ways if they expect to receive your money when the time comes. If they’re misbehaving, and you give them money,

you’re funding that bad behavior. That’s not love, that’s enabling. And a big pile of money isn’t going to heal the bad things— it’s only going to magnify them. Sit down with your kids, and have a loving, clear discussion about the situation. Remind them that they’re adults, and you and your husband are no longer able to tell them how they have to live. But let them know in no uncertain terms, gently but firmly, they will not receive your money if they continue to behave in ways you both consider foolish or unreasonable. Let them know they’ll always have your love, just not your money, unless they begin behaving more intelligently and maturely with their finances. You can’t make them do anything, but you can ensure they understand you two won’t be sharing your wealth with people who can’t handle it and use it wisely.

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Are Your Children Protected?