Aubrun-Opelika Parents December 2014 by KeepSharing

December2014

Volume 5 Number 10

Columns

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Publisher’s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children John Rosemond

Holiday Savings Tips

Holiday Happenings

Find 12 creative and thoughtful ideas to help you manage your holiday budget.

Holiday fun abounds throughout Lee County! Our extensive guide tells you where to go.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Toddler Meltdowns in Public The do’s and don’ts of handling those embarrassing tantrums.

Social Media Tips...

Get This!

Teaching your teens to manage their online reputation is important now and for their future.

On The Cover Rachel Lee is a four year old from Auburn and lives with her parents, Hoki Lee and Youngjoo Kim, and her younger brother, Brian. Her Korean name is Chewon. Rachel attends Parkway Preschool and loves to read, play with Legos and draw. Her newest hobbies are ballet and singing. When she grows up she wants to be a singer so she can bring joy to others through music and dance.

Gerry Paige Smith

Parenting on the Plains Polly Dunn, Ph.D.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 9

School Bits 38

Family Calendar 44

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote By the time you are reading this, I have probably already eaten my Thanksgiving turkey in one bite, rushed downtown to line up for hours, dashed through a few dozen stores, and checked off many items on my Christmas list...all the while humming, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” The annual Black Friday shopping madness is a rush of adrenaline that I look forward to each year. Yes, I am one of those moms! I know what you are thinking, and I agree, that I should probably not spend my turkey day in a retail line. Or, encourage my OCD tendencies by being impulsive with my buying and spending. But, I. just. LOVE. it! Maybe it is the glittery décor, twinkling lights, holiday music or all those ‘spirits making it bright’. But, mostly for me, it is so hard to pass up the good deals and getting a head start on my long list of gifts. There have been a few years where my budget was blown in the one Friday shopping spree and other times when I returned home feeling ‘merry and bright’ because I still had some money left over. After reading this month’s feature article, 12 Holiday Savings Tips, by Sara Kendall, I began to put a plan together to help make this the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. Two of the tips mentioned suggest to create a budget and make a list…check and check. I did this with an app I found for my iPhone called Santa’s Bag. It is my favorite find of the season so far. Once downloaded, you can create your Christmas budget for each of your recipients this year. It also gives you a section to input their wish lists and then move those wishes to the purchased section, along with total cost of items. And for those of you who are math challenged like myself, the app keeps up with what you have spent and deducts it from your original budget. Santa’s Bag will keep you singing while shopping and your wallets will ‘jingle all the way’! Another practical tip is to check your closets and attic for left over supplies. While pulling out the kids’ winter coats for our early cold snap, I stumbled upon half a dozen wrapping paper rolls and a huge bag of shiny bows. It was like opening an early Christmas gift! That find will help with early wrapping of some of the Black Friday gifts, and above all, will save me some money this year. Finally, while trimming the tree, think about trimming your gift list. I enjoy giving to others as much as the next person, but when on a budget, it might be a smart decision to think of ways to reduce the list. One idea is what my group of friends and I have come up with...a sock swap. Within this group, there are almost 20 kids! That could add up quickly! Instead of buying everyone a gift, each of our children will get a festive sock and fill it with goodies, anything from dollar store items to homemade treats and cards. At our weekend party, the kids will play a game where they all sit in a circle and pass the socks around until each child ends up with a stocking full of fun! Along with all the gifts under the tree, don’t forget about the gifts of time and experiences. Get your tickets to The Nutcracker, Teddy Bear Tea Party, Holiday Light Festival and Breakfast with Santa. The best part about this time of the year is seeing the joy that exudes from my children as they experience all that glitters and glows and the memories that are being made. To help with filling your holidays, check out our 2014 Holiday Happenings Guide and the December calendar. Your family will be ‘decking the halls’ and ‘dashing through the snow’ all season long. Finally, from one parent to another, don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the ‘silent night, Holy night’, too!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Rian Anglin, M.D. Polly Dunn, Ph.D. Laura Handey Sara Kendall Judy M. Miller Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

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

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

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

A Fail-safe Plan to End Arguing Q: My 6-year-old son argues with me

about everything I tell him to do. He comes up with reason after reason why he shouldn’t have to or can’t, why it’s unfair, or why, at the least, I should help him. I think he’s got some argument disorder. Is there such a thing? In any case, it’s beginning to drive me nuts, up a wall, and over the edge. Is there a solution?

A: Yes, there is a solution, and it’s a simple one at that. Best of all, it’s failsafe, by which I mean that if you do what I tell you to do without arguing with me, you should be argument-free within a week or less. And I do not have a bridge I’d like to sell you. First, you need to accept that YOU, not your son, are the cause of these ongoing arguments. You tell him to do something; he begins to present his contrarian case; and you respond as if you are now engaged in a transaction between equals. You attempt to explain to him why he should or can or why you aren’t going to help, as if you are obligated to justify your instructions and

Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

decisions to a 6-year-old. In effect, you elevate him to peer status with you. More accurately, you descend to peer status with him. Either way, you abdicate your authority. Your son is only taking advantage of an opportunity you are presenting to him. That is his inalienable human right. You may also be providing explanations along with the instructions you give him. Explanations, which came into vogue in the 1970s, invite contentious engagement. It’s one thing to tell a child to wear long pants to church. It’s another to explain why long pants are appropriate church attire. Explanations always sound persuasive rather than authoritative. As such they provoke push-back, as in argument. When people my approximate ancientness were children, the only explanation we ever heard was “Because I said so.” We heard this because our parents gave simple instructions, sans explanations. “We want you to wear long pants to church,” they said, as opposed to “We want you to wear long pants to

church because blah blah blah.” So, lacking explanations, we asked for them. “Why?” we whined, to which our parents said the most dread four words in all of childhood. Some of them added, “Put that in your pipe and smoke it.” That simply added to the mystery. That is how to stop arguments. You simply give the instruction in as few words as possible. “It is time for you to pick up your toys,” for example. The child will then ask for an explanation. Don’t be fooled. In that context, “Why?” and “Why not?” are not requests for information. They are challenges to battle. When you answer the child with anything other than “Because I Said So,” you step straight into quicksand, and the harder you struggle, the further and faster you sink. It’s an example of parenting minimalism, defined by my online dictionary as “using a few very simple elements to achieve maximum effect.” Indeed. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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EXPERIENCE AUBURN’S ART MUSEUM SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough and the Golden Age of Painting in Europe Organized by the Speed Art Museum, Louisville, Kentucky ON VIEW THROUGH JANUARY 4, 2015 Billy Renkl: Gleanings ON VIEW THROUGH JANUARY 25, 2015 1072 Society Exhibition ON VIEW THROUGH JANUARY 25, 2015 John Himmelfarb: TRUCKS JANUARY 25– MAY 10, 2015

Discover films, performances, youth studios, artist talks, café dining, unique gifts and more at JCSM.AUBURN.EDU Regular museum admission is free courtesy of JCSM Business Partners. For the special presentation exhibition, a donation starting at $5 is recommended. © 2014 Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University. Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

WAR GYMNASTICS

SEASON TICKETS

EAGLE ON SALE NOW! 2015 GYMNASTICS HOME SCHEDULE Dec 1 Jan 23 Jan 30 Feb 13 Feb 27 Mar 27

PREVIEW MEET * free admission ARKANSAS AIR FORCE LSU GEORGIA NORTH CAROLINA

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Teddy Bear Tea

Children, parents and all teddy bears are cordially invited to Teddy Bear Teas at Piccolo. Tea, hot cocoa, sandwiches, sweets and cookies will be served while children snuggle up around the fireplace with their favorite teddy bears. These old-fashioned high teas return to Piccolo on December 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21. They will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and cost $25 per person. A life-sized teddy bear and holiday elf will be in attendance to play with children and read them holiday stories. For more information or to make reservations, call Ariccia at 334-844-5140.

Opelika Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade

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On Saturday, December 6th, beginning at 11 a.m. the time-honored Christmas Parade takes place in beautiful Historic Downtown Opelika, and includes festive floats, marching bands, beauty queens, and – who else! - Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus! Afterwards, there are plenty of specialty shops to visit and food to eat in the downtown area – and there will be other special activities “in the works” for after the parade which haven’t been announced yet!

Auburn Christmas Parade

Variations Dance presents “Nutcracker”

This holiday season, enjoy the magic and beauty of our premiere performances of “Nutcracker”, December 13-14. Follow Clara into the dream-like world of dancing snowflakes and see all the colorful treats found in the Land of Sweets! Whether it is a first-time experience or an annual holiday tradition, don’t miss your chance to reserve your seat at this beautiful holiday ballet! www/variationsstudio.com/nutcracker/.

Annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration presented by Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Join the spirit of family and community with its annual Kwanzaa program. The event kicks off December 30, with a hands-on workshop at 5:00 p.m. in the Abraham L. Woods Community Meeting Room. The community celebration is free and begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Odessa Woolfolk Gallery, highlighting one of the seven principles or "Nguzo Saba" of Kwanzaa and is celebrated and practiced on a single special day during Kwanzaa and ideally continued throughout the year. Additionally, the celebration will feature music, and youth performances. www.bcri.org. Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

Baptist Health presents Steven Curtis Chapman and Special Guests at The Montgomery Performing Arts Center

A Montgomery Family Christmas is the River Region’s premier, family-oriented entertainment event to kick-off the holiday season! World-renowned Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman will headline the event and be joined by featured artist Brandon Heath and special guest Jillian Edwards, Tuesday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. Proceeds from A Montgomery Family Christmas benefit Baptist Hospice. Baptist Hospice offers a special way of caring for people with a life-limiting illness. By focusing on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient and family, Baptist Hospice creates a secure and caring environment that emphasizes the quality of the patient’s life. Baptist Hospice is the only faith-based, notfor profit hospice in the River Region. Concert proceeds enable Baptist Hospice to provide care and accept patients regardless of their ability to pay. Since the concert’s inception, the Baptist Health Care Foundation has raised more than $200,000 to care for Baptist Hospice patients and their families.www.mpaconline.org. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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An Eclectic Christmas 2014

It was the night that saved the world. Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. In the atmosphere of an outdoor walking trail, you and your guests will be part of live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. As you make your way to Bethlehem, you will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message and news of the Messiah. Then visit the wise men as they journey in search of the New Born King. You too shall be counted. The outdoor walking tours run December 2-7. Reservations are now open, and shows are reserved in 15 minute increments. When Registering, please have a primary and secondary choice for date and time ready. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses. This venue location is The Falk Farm, 1733 Claude Road, Eclectic, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. www.aneclecticministry.org.

Clara’s Tea Party & Drosselmeyer’s Workshop presented by The East Alabama Community Ballet

Hosted this year by Rising Starz of Auburn, this event is ideal for girls and boys ages 10 and under. Clara’s Tea Party and Drosselmeyer’s Workshop gives children an opportunity to hear to the story of the Nutcracker, meet the dancers, make keepsake ornaments and other crafts, and take memorable Christmas photos. Light snacks and sweets will be provided. For adults, Clara’s Boutique, a unique collection of Christmas and Nutcracker-themed gifts, will also be open. December 5, 6 – 8 p.m. Cost is $12/person. Visit www.eacballet.com.

“The Nutcracker” Ballet

Since 1995, the East Alabama Community Ballet has brought the magic of “The Nutcracker” to the Auburn/Opelika area. This year, we present three performances of the classic Christmas ballet at Telfair Peet Theatre on the campus of Auburn University. Dates are December 12, 13, and 14. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $16.50 for adults and $11.50 for students (ages 2 years through college) and senior citizens (age 62 and older). Plan to stay after the performance to meet and greet the cast in the lobby! The Telfair Peet Theatre is located at 350 West Samford Ave in Auburn, at the intersection of Duncan and West Samford Avenues.www.eacballet.com.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Preventing the Spread of Infections This Holiday Season Ho, Ho, Ho ACHOOO! Another joyous holiday season is upon us. This season brings celebrations, cherished family time, and traditions. Unfortunately, this is also peak season for Influenza, Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, Parainfluenza, etc. These viral infections spread easily this time of year, but simple interventions can help to limit the spread. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the World Series this year. The longer I watched, the more I understood how respiratory illness spreads so easily. Images of various players were shown throughout the coverage and a good number of the time, the players were touching their faces, including their mouths, eyes, and noses. I have asked my own children more times than I can count to keep their fingers away from their faces, but despite my efforts, this behavior continues. If adults and children uniformly, unknowingly touch our faces this often, how can we prevent the spread of infection? Through vaccination, good hand washing skills, en-

couraging the use of tissues, and teaching children to properly cover their coughs. The first step in preventing Influenza is vaccination. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to give yourself and your children protection from the most common varieties of Influenza. Frequent hand washing is an excellent way to help prevent the spread of infection. To properly wash hands, first turn on the warm water and prepare the paper towels. Next, wet hands and apply soap liberally. Despite marketing by soap manufacturers, antibacterial soap is no better than standard soap at preventing the spread of infection when proper technique is used for hand washing. Rub the hands together vigorously, paying special attention to the area underneath fingernails, between fingers, and the back. Massage the soap into hands for 15-20 seconds, or about how long it takes you to sing Happy Birthday twice, or the ABC song. Afterwards, rinse the soap off thoroughly and grab the prepared paper towels. Dry hands and use the paper towels to turn off the sink.

Make hand washing a habit. Begin teaching children when they are young how to properly wash their hands. Encourage them to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, sneezing or wiping their nose or mouth, and prior to meals. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer is another option. Proper cough and sneeze technique is another component in preventing the spread of infection. Encourage your child to use a tissue when sneezing, coughing, or wiping the face. Promptly dispose of the tissue and wash hands thoroughly. Instruct your child to sneeze and cough away from others and use the elbow rather than the hands to cover the face. Using good hand washing technique, properly covered coughs and sneezes, tissues, and vaccination are great ways to prevent the spread of infection this holiday season. From our family to yours, have a safe and happy holiday season!

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Dr. Rian Anglin, a board certified pediatrician, was raised nearby in Valley, AL. She attended Auburn University were she graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Molecular Biology. Despite her strong allegiance to Auburn, Dr. Anglin graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2007 with her MD. Her passions in practice include promoting early childhood literacy, reducing toxic stress in childhood, and improving the practice of pediatric medicine through office based research. Dr. Anglin is married to her high school sweetheart, Paul. She is delighted to reside in Auburn with her husband and their two sons.

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Autauga County Schools

Richland Elementary Dads Attend All-Pro Breakfast

Richland Elementary School held their monthly All-Pro Dad breakfast recently. All-Pro Dad is the fatherhood and national non-profit organization developed by Tony Dungy, former head coach of the 2006 Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. All Pro Dad is built on the importance of being a good father. Check out all these caring fathers in ACS. The event concluded with prize drawings.

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Auburn High School Drama Students Compete at Local Festival AHS Drama students competed at the District Trumbauer Theatre Festival at Opelika High School. The list of accolades for AHS included several "Excellent" rankings and several "Superior" rankings including a ‘Top Score’ for Collin Carter in the Solo Male Contemporary Comedic category! These students will represent District IV at the State Trumbauer Festival at Troy University on December 5-6.

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Yarbrough Students Visit Desoto Caverns

As a culminating activity for the Rocks and Minerals science unit, Yarbrough Elementary School third graders visited Desoto Caverns in Childersburg. Students enjoyed panning for Gold, exploring the caves, and finding their way through a maze.

Dean Road Elementary PTO Fundraiser

Dean Road Elementary School worked hard to raise money during their annual ROCKET RUN fundraiser. The money that they raised went directly to benefit Dean Road! 25% of the money raised goes directly to the classrooms, and business sponsorships also counted towards the classroom total this year! The class in each grade that raises the most money earned a pizza party from PTO! The top raising student in each grade was able to throw a pie in his or her teacher’s face!

Pumpkin Day at Trinity Christian School

The Kindergarten class at Trinity Christian School visited Lazenby Farm in October for its annual pumpkin day! In addition to picking pumpkins, the kindergartners also enjoyed a fun hayride and were able to learn about cotton, one of the many crops grown at Lazenby Farm. 9

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Autauga County Schools

Grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day at Auburn Classical Academy

Students from Auburn Classical Academy enjoyed hosting their grandparents for lunch and a short program showcasing how much theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned. Grandparents also toured the school and viewed artwork and class projects completed by the students.

Please send your school news to: kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

Lee-Scott Academy Veterans Day Program

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LSA Elementary students celebrated Veterans Day with a program honoring our Veterans, with two very special speakers, Major Chris Wright, US Air Force and Captain Kurt Buchta, US Army.

Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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Auburn High Majorettes Win ‘Best in Class’

On September 27, The Auburn High School Marching Band participated in the Phenix City Invitational Marching Festival. Along with a Superior rating, the Auburn High Majorettes were awarded with ‘Best in Class’ for the 4A division and tied for the highest overall score given for all majorette lines that participated. Pictured from left to right: Grace Parsons, Price Beaty, Katie Etheridge, Kyra Wesche, Mary Anna Tindal, Hailey Matthews and Katie Justice. The majorette line is under the direction of Holly Mims Mullen.

Astronaut Visits K-2 Students at Auburn Early Education Center

In the midst of a space learning unit, a group of K-2 students at Auburn Early Education Center had the honor of meeting NASA Astronaut James "Jim" Voss today! Voss, a 5-time visitor of space, Auburn University grad and Cordova, Ala. native, shared his background and experiences with the kids then fielded their questions. Everything from “How long does it take to get to space?” to “How do you go to the bathroom while standing outside the shuttle in space?” was asked. Answers: 8.5 minutes and in a diaper.

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Autauga County Schools

Fairy Tales at Pick Elementary

Here is a look at the Fairy Tale Ball at Pick Elementary School where 3rd graders celebrated the completion of a literacy unit. They have been studying reading skills through fairytales and connecting social studies Map skills as well.

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Auburn City Schools PTO in Action!

Karla Roughton, Community Connection Representative for Wrights Mill Road Elementary and Heather McDonald, PTO President for Yarbrough Elementary were spotted at Kids Clothes Connection in Auburn volunteering their time to take donations of clothing and footwear for ACS students in need.

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

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

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Child Nutrition Program in Auburn City Schools Wins Award Congratulations to the Child Nutrition Program in Auburn City Schools for recently winning a 2014 USDA Best Practices Award in Leadership Development and Program Management! The program was recognized at November's ACS BOE meeting. Susan Pond, WMR teacher, and Ashley Powell, CNP Director, shared the honor with the Board and expressed their gratitude for the support from the School System. (L to R) Susan Pond, WMR teacher, Ashley Powell, CNP Director and BOE President Matt Clegg.

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

Northside Intermediate School Donates Gift Cards to Big House Foundation

Under the leadership of the Northside Intermediate School Student Council, students throughout the school recently raised money for the Big House Foundation Birthday Club. As the students donated, their names were added to leaves on the Leaves of Love tree at the school. Overall, Northside Intermediate raised over $300 to purchase Books-AMillion gift cards to be included in the birthday cards that are distributed by the Big House Foundation to foster families. The students also decorated and donated birthday cards for the children. Pictured (back row) with the Northside student council members are Susannah Steele, Big House Program Director, Karen Hickok, and Lori Shaw Northside Student Council Advisors. 13

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn Jr. High Classes Collaborate for Performance

On Friday, October 3, the 9th grade Theater and Creative Writing classes at Auburn Jr. High School did a collaborative performance. Theater students selected student-written scripts to rehearse and perform. Both the actors and the playwrights were recognized. We had a fantastic time!

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Lee-Scott Parent Pitches in World Series

Lee-Scott Academy students showed their support for LSA parent, Tim Hudson, as he pitched for the San Francisco Giants in the World Series!

Shugar Bowl

The Auburn Youth Football Association held the 2014 Shugar Bowl on Monday, Nov. 10 at Duck Samford Stadium. The Shugar Bowl is the Auburn Youth Football Association's league championship and began in 1974 to honor legendary AU Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shugar Bowl was sponsored by AuburnBank, Golden Corral, and Spratlin Construction. Special thanks to Auburn High School Athletics for providing facilities and staff for the event. Proceeds from sponsorships and gate admission support scholarships for athletes in need of assistance for the 2015 football season. The J. Smith Lanier & Company Rebels defeated the East Alabama Ear, Nose, & Throat Bulldogs by a score of 15 - 13 to claim the title. J. Smith Lanier & Company Rebels Overall Season Record 10 - 0. Players: Jackson Graham; Deonte Smith; Gabe Beasley; Will Tice; Wilson Morgason; Colton Plan; DJ Hall; Jackson Kilgore; Larico Spinks; Charlie Rogers; Ty Jones; Connor Black; Henry Allen; Patrick Finegan; Rollins Greene; Head Coach: Dennis Jones; Asst. Coach: Jake Kilgore, Steven Morgason, and Frank Plan. East Alabama Ear, Nose, & Throat Bulldogs Overall Season Record 8 - 2. Players: Issaiah Bordenave; Brooks Reid; Andrew Hahn; Spencer Randall; Michael Daniel; Brady Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell; Landon Danley; Marlin Ragland; Caden Neighbors; Dalan Bush; Ben Arrington; Bradley Pearson; Samuel Smith; Connor Stewart; Head Coach: Paul Daniel; Asst. Coaches: Stacy Danley, Lonnie Randall, and Jeff Stewart. Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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OMS Cure Dawgs Fight Cancer with Ghost Grams

The Opelika Middle School Cure Dawgs sold "Ghost Grams" during the last week of October to raise money for Relay for Life to help the fight against cancer. OMS administrators and students joined in on the fun by dressing up in costumes to help promote the sale of the Ghost Grams. The Cure Dawgs raised $325! Pictured: OMS Principal Keith York with Britany Abbett (ghost) and Jackson Craft.

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

Recyclers at Carver Primary School

The Waste Management team at Carver Primary School are in charge of picking up all recycled paper for the week on Fridays at 2:00 from each teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room. Opelika Beautiful has assisted us in recycle bins to recycle paper from each room. The team goes to each room on Fridays to pick up bins and replace the empty bins to the classrooms. We are proud of our Recycling team for making our school a better place. Pictured Left-Right: Jabeion Wright, Tyra Pitts, Jaylen Brown, and Zerik Mitchell.

T r i n i T y

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

A c c o u n tA b i l i t y Accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools, Trinity is marked by a culture of hard work and the highest standards for conduct, spiritual growth, and academic achievement.

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

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Autauga County Schools

Ogletree Elementary Veterans Day Program

Ogletree Elementary School showed their patriotism and gratitude for our nation's soldiers during their Veterans Day program. The OES choir performed for the crowd while students conducted the ceremony.

Auburn High School Senior Signs Softball Scholarship

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Auburn High School Senior Abby Spencer signed with Birmingham Southern to play softball. Congratulations Abby!

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

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Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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Drake Middle School Veterans Day Program

Drake Middle School had Major Mike Cahill come speak about the importance of the sacrifices our Veterans make for us to have our freedom here in the U.S.A. The DMS students, choir and band all made the program a success. Thank a Veteran for their service not just tomorrow, but every chance you get!

Dean Road Elementary Veterans Day Program Dean Road Elementary held a Veterans Day program. Here are the sights of K-2 students honoring our community's Veterans, which included family members such as grandfathers, fathers, step-fathers, mothers and uncles.

Aubieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Surprise Visit to Auburn Classical Academy

Students from Auburn Classical Academy enjoyed a surprise visit from Aubie during lunch one afternoon! War Eagle!

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Autauga County Schools

Cary Woods Elementary Trike Trek Fundraiser

Cary Woods Elementary had their Trike Trek event as a celebration for raising funds for their PTO! The students had a goal of $8,000 and exceeded that by donating $9,100 making a grand total of $16,000 after their school sponsors chipped in as well. The kids came together to ride trikes and cheer each other on with parents and teachers!

Yarbrough Elementary Students PTO Fundraiser

Yarbrough Elementary held their Royal Run pep rally with special guests Aubie, AU Cheerleaders and a portion of the AUMB. YES raised more than $18,000 for their PTO and the winning class that raised the most got to "slime" Mr. Forster! YES also announced their Teacher of the Year Selena Tapley!

TCS Soccer Team Celebrates Successful Season

The varsity team at Trinity Christian School has just finished up a great season! The team won the GICAA (Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association) league state tournament, and went on to compete in the NACA (National Association of Christian Athletes) tournament. Congratulations to all players! Included are the NFL (10 – 12 year old division) teams that competed in the championship. The J. Smith Lanier & Company Bears defeated the Dick’s Sporting Goods Seahawks by a score of 7 – 0 to claim the title. J. Smith Lanier & Company Bears Overall Season Record 10 - 0. Players: Killian Massey; Kam Ingram; Zach Bedwell; Kal Whaley; Aubrey Lake; Peyton Rice; Corbin Gentry; Brad Harper; Amaury Hutchinson; Creighton Williams; Jay Redfearn; Carter Davis; Tristan Pittman; Jordan Reese. Head Coach: Brandon Lake; Asst. Coach: Justin Anniuk, Kevin Harper, and Kennon Whaley. Dick’s Sporting Goods Seahawks Overall Season Record 8 - 2. Players: JonMichael Findley; Hunter Thurow; Wheeler Garrett; Logan Watkins; Quay Nelms; Brady Fuller; Griffin Stewart; Jeremiah Marshall; Harrison Long; Jay Simmons; Eli Elston; Will Shaddix; Rylan Mayberry. Head Coach: Hosea Watkins; Asst. Coaches: Rod Marshall and Andrew Palmer. Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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Autauga County Schools

Literacy Night at Richland Elementary

During Richland Elementaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent Family Literacy Night, dinner was served, then the children went into 3 rotations: Camp Fire Art, Camp Fire Movies and Flash Light Reading. The parents also got to attend three rotations of their choice as well as learn about Dibels testing from Mr. Anderson, our Reading Coach. The evening was planned and facilitated by Mrs. Deblanc, the RES Title I Instructor, along with Mr. Anderson and Administration.

Halloween at the ACS Central Office

Just to name a few characters, we have The Harlem Globetrotters, Jameis Winston, a stern Nun, Mary Poppins, The Clue group and Chef Julia Child all working the day away here in ACS.

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

Career and College Ready Day at Morris Avenue Intermediate School

Students at Morris Avenue Intermediate School celebrated Career and College Ready Day by dressing the part. Parents and community volunteers spoke to the students about entering the working world, and the education required to make dreams come true. Shown here with the students is Mr. Nino Mason, principal.

Auburn High School Cross Country Team Wins State Title Auburn High wins second straight cross country state title. Pictured are Hayden Anabtawi, Adam Ruggles, Fernando Lincoln-Velez, Paul Barlow, Ben Rolader, Seth Glidewell, Jack Rogers, Joshua Escoe and Joseph Farrow.

Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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Red Ribbon Door Decorating Contest at Opelika Middle School

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Pictured are the Opelika Middle School classes who won the red ribbon week "Love Yourself...Be Drug Free" door decorating contest. Pictured top to bottom, 6th grade Mrs. Caswell’s door, 6th grade Mrs. Hankins’ door, and 7th grade Mrs. Beaver’s door.

KNOW

what to do in case of

SUSPECTED CONCUSSION A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior. Any athlete with a suspected concussion:

n Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n Should be urgently assessed medically n Should not be left alone n Should not drive a motor vehicle

ThinkFirst _____________________________________________

Alabama

www.ChildrensAL.org/ThinkFirstPrograms In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER.

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Autauga County Schools Senator Attends Beulah High

School Veteran’s Day Program

The 6th annual Beulah High School Veteran’s Day Program was held on Thursday, November 6 in the Jerry L. Southwell Gymnasium. More than 40 veterans from the community, including family members of BHS students and BHS faculty members, were in attendance at the school-wide program. Senator Gerald Dial was among the special guests along with keynote speaker Alabama National Guard SGT Tia Reesor. The Beulah High concert band performed numerous patriotic tunes while Beulah students LaJada Moody, Ashley Remmel, Amanda Remmel and Kelcy Robinson sang tributes to America and the Armed Forces. Teacher Casey Chambley individually recognized each veteran in attendance. The veterans were honored with a brunch following the program hosted by the Beulah High faculty, staff, and the ladies of the Beulah Methodist Church UMW. Pictured, the 2014 Beulah Veteran’s Day Program audience rises for “My Country Tis of Thee.”

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Ogletree Elementary Veterans Day Program Ogletree Elementary School showed their patriotism and gratitude for our nation's soldiers during their Veterans Day program. The OES choir performed for the crowd while students conducted the ceremony.

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Rising Starz of Auburn

2140-H East University Dr. • Auburn, Al 36830 334-209-1464 • risingstarz@bellsouth.net

Rising Starz of Alexander City

139 Franklin Street • Alexander City, Al • 334-209-1464 Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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OHS Senior Signs with Samford University

OHS Senior Ben Bryant signed a cross country scholarship with Samford University on Wednesday, November 12. Pictured front row (l-r): Jeff Bryant, father; Ben Bryant, and Susan Bryant, mother. Pictured back row (l-r): Coach Brian Blackmon, OHS Athletic Director; Coach Kristin Blatt, Coach Anthony Benitez, and Mr. Kendrick Myers, OHS Assistant Principal. Bryant recently won the 6A Individual State Title.

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

Auburn Classical Academy Students Monitor Water Quality

EXCELLENCE IN

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AWA R D Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 2014

At our corporate offices in Auburn, we personalize the products, fill their orders, plan events, train our sales force, create marketing materials, design new products – everything that makes their businesses run!

Fourth Grade Students from Auburn Classical Academy count bacterial colonies after sampling and incubating water samples from a nearby stream. They will be monitoring the water quality of their school’s stream throughout the year. So far, it’s nice and clean!

We are always looking for great talent to join us – as an independent consultant, a hostess, or as part of our corporate team on a part-time or full-time basis! At Initial Outfitters, we love monograms, we love making a difference, and we are proud to call Auburn our home! Founded in Auburn in 2006, Initial Outfitters has independent consultants across America who are selling our products through home parties and building teams of women who do the same. 23

If you are looking for a fast-paced, creative environment where you can make a living while making a difference, contact us! You could be the next member of our exciting team!

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A Page in a Book The Journey: There and Back Again Every day is a journey for children. The travel to and from school, questing around the neighborhood, and journeys of the spirit and imagination are all opportunities for children to pursue adventure beyond the normal confines of home and hearth. And for most journeys, the final leg brings a traveler full circle; back to where they started. We return from our travels with a fuller appreciation for home, friends, family and all the things that we carry in our heart when we’re away. The following titles all embody the spirit of adventurous journeys, while carrying along the fondness for home that’s never far away.

Journey

by Aaron Becker (Candlewick) Faced with a distracted family and a yearning for adventure, a young girl picks up a red crayon and draws a door into another world. As she travels through the neutral and pastel colors of the alternate landscape, her vibrant red crayon creates the things she needs to venture forth. She draws a red boat that takes her to a kingdom of kind people who welcome her exploration of their world. She then draws a red balloon that wafts her among a not-so-kind army of the air. When she’s captured by the airmen, her red crayon is lost …along with her means to return home. But a flash of rich purple emerges and may solve her problems both at home and abroad. A brilliantly executed work of art and storytelling, “Journey” is a steampunk-styled flight of wordless fancy that children will revisit again and again.

Following Papa’s Song

by Gianna Marino (Viking/Penguin) In the seemingly endless ocean, Little Blue, a young blue whale, is preparing with his family for his first migration. But he’s worried about being separated from his father on the journey. Traveling thousands of miles through the deep sea, a blue whale’s home is vast and moveable. Home is where his family is. His father assures him that if he will listen, Little Blue can hear Papa’s whale song and find him should he become lost. When Little Blue is distracted on the journey and becomes lost in the deep, he will need all his listening skill to hear the song of home. Lush edge-to-edge illustrations submerge the reader in all the hues of the deep oceans as they plumb the depths with father and son. ‘Following Papa’s Song’ is a moving and beautiful reminder of the call of home that resonates through every journey.

by David Soman (Dial/Penguin) When three bears (playing where they shouldn’t) break their mother’s favorite blue seashell, they immediately run to the beach to hide. And as they huddle in the shadow of their boat, the brothers decide to undertake a quest; to sail away to find a blue shell. They query other seafaring bears for clues as their journey carries them far afield, but their search yields no blue shell. As their odyssey lengthens, their tempers grow shorter and home seems farther away than ever. It takes the stirring of a great storm to reveal the welcome calms and turn their voyage homeward. Complete with a cheeky nod to ‘Moby Dick’, this title is a reassuring testament to treasures and safe welcome found at home.

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

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Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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Q. My daughter is a freshman in college, but I didn’t save for her education. My parents said it was my job to pay for my college, and that’s what I’ve told her. She’s going to have about $12,000 in student loan debt after her first year, but how do I talk to her about not ending up with $50,000 in debt when she’s through? A. If you want her to pay for college, then, as her dad, you have to coach her on how she’s supposed to come up with the money and manage it properly. She’s already behind the eight ball because it sounds like you didn’t teach her the correlation between work and money earlier. So, you’re going to have to get real busy, real fast unless you want her to be drowning in debt when she graduates. I think you owe her a leg up at this point. Twelve thousand dollars doesn’t just magically appear in an 18-year-old’s hands. I’m perfectly okay

with kids working through college and parents cracking the whip when it comes to acting responsibly. But if you expect them to pay for it, you first have to show them how to do that. Otherwise, they’re going to hit the default button and wind up $50,000 in debt when they graduate. That’s a really bad plan! If you have some money, I think you should help her along while teaching her how to make money, save and budget. Then, maybe she’ll be prepared to pay for her last couple of years with some good, hard work!

Q. How do you sell a vehicle with a lien amount that’s higher than the actual value of the car? A. First, you have to find a way to cover the difference between the amount of the lien and what you can get for the car. Let’s look at an example.

If the car is worth $15,000, and you owe $18,000, that would leave you $3,000 in the hole. How do you get out of that car? The bank holds the title, and until you give them the payoff amount of $18,000, you’re not getting the title. The easiest and simplest way would be if you had $3,000 on hand to make up the difference. But if someone comes along and buys the car from you for $15,000, you’ve got to be able to cover the remaining $3,000, right? Barring the best-case scenario where you actually have the money, you could go to a local bank or credit union and borrow the remaining $3,000. I hate debt, but being $3,000 in the hole is a lot better than $18,000 in the hole. Then, you could turn around and pay back the $3,000 quickly. After that, you’d give the total amount owed to the bank. They would give you the title, and you sign it over to the new owner. That’s how it works!

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The holidays are always greatly anticipated and often the source of some of our happiest memories. However, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not careful, holiday spending can wreak havoc on your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget. It can empty your wallet and leave you with a pile of credit card debt ringing in the New Year with you. But, with a little planning, you can have a wonderful holiday season without missing any of the fun. Put these 12 holiday saving tips into action to save your family some money during this year. Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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Decide on a Budget

First, you need to put a figure on how much you can spend. Write down every possible expense you could incur from gifts to entertaining to travel expenses. Review this list and trim costs wherever possible.

Check the Closet

Look through your holiday leftovers from last year. You could be surprised by what you will find. Quite likely, you already have plenty of wrapping paper, bows, gift bags or décor. You might be able to cross some items off your list, resulting in saving some cash.

Go Minimalist

Work with what you already have. If you find you only have three strands of working lights, then purchase a smaller Christmas tree that will work with less lighting. Only have a few rolls of wrapping paper? Buy smaller gifts. Think about skipping or cutting back on the outdoor lights and you could see a savings on your electricity bill. Decorate with the holiday décor you have and live with what you’ve got. Sometimes, less is more.

Send E-cards

Completely eliminate paper cards and postage by sending e-cards. Not only is postage not required, but there is no charge for the cards either. There are a variety of websites for making an e-card, with many allowing you to add photos, music, or games. You can save some serious money with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Make a Shopping List

Think about all the people for which you have to buy a gift. List everyone including family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and

teachers. Allot amounts for each person. Never leave home without the list. When shopping, focus on the amount you can spend. Avoid impulse buys by sticking firmly to your list.

Trim Your Gift List You don’t have to buy something for everyone. Have a conversation with family and friends. Brainstorm ways to reduce gift giving. Draw names for a gift swap or eliminate giving gifts to extended family. Perhaps, keep it to the immediate family only.

put all your receipts, so you can regularly and easily add up the totals to see how you are doing.

Homemade Gifts Another good way to reduce spending is by making homemade gifts. There are many creative ideas online, just search homemade gifts and you will find a plethora of ideas to choose from. Gifts made from the heart are special and usually cost much less than purchased ones.

Give the Gift of You

Pay Cash Withdraw your allotted amount from an ATM. Once it’s gone, stop spending. Using cash to make your purchases will eliminate paying back hefty monthly interest charges on credit cards.

Credit Cards Not everyone can afford to cover their holiday expenses with cash only. Start by making as many purchases as you can with cash. Then, think about credit cards as short term loans. Use the card with the lowest interest rate first. Figure out a doable monthly payoff over a given number of months. Pay it back each month and don’t skip a payment.

Track Spending Sometimes, in spite of your best intentions, you can get caught up in the flurry of holiday shopping. Rushing around from store to store, getting enticed by the deals, you can completely forget about keeping up with your spending. It is critical for you to stay on track to avoid overspending. Designate a place to

By giving the gift of your time, you can save a ton of money. Give your friend a free night of babysitting, take care of your brother’s dogs while they are away on vacation, or keep your sister’s children overnight, so she and her husband can go on an overnight getaway. Design redeemable certificates on the computer or by hand for your loved ones to unwrap.

Meaning Over Glitz

It can be easy to get wrapped up in the holiday frenzy, but it’s important to remember the meaning of the season. No matter what religion you follow or holiday you celebrate, spending time with loved ones is free. There is no greater gift in the world than being with the ones you love. Start today and put your plan into action. By using these tips, you will spend less and save more. You will be ringing in the New Year with more money in your pocket and less credit card debt lingering with you in 2014. AOP

Sara Kendall is a freelance writer and mom of two daughters.

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Hosting a Clothing Swap

handbags, jewelry, scarves and unopened beauty products). This will ensure that everyone, regardless of size, can find something that fits.

2-Play hostess You’re putting together a party, so make it feel like one. Give people plenty of notice and send out actual invitations (even if they’re electronic) instead of doing wordof-mouth. Make sure you have food and drinks available. There is nothing like a bunch of girlfriends having fun with food and clothes!

Okay, we all know that Southern ladies love a good get together with our favorite gal pals. Add some food, clothes, and of course, your favorite iced tea, and you have a clothing swap party! Even those of us with the most fullystocked closets and dressers have mornings where we look through our outfits and just sigh, “I have nothing to wear.” Yet, life often keeps you too busy to shop...whether juggling kids, husband, and work or you just hate shopping in those big department stores. However, you love your friend’s styles and you need a girl’s night out, so why not combine the two? Right after Christmas is a perfect time to add fresh new pieces to your wardrobe and get rid of some old items you don’t want in your closet. A clothing swap party will accomplish both! Here’s what you need to know to make your party a success:

A huge pile of clothes on the bed, stacks of shoes in the corner, and a jumble of necklaces on the dresser aren’t doing anyone any favors. Set up different shopping areas. Use a bar or rack for hanging dresses, a table for folded t-shirts and sweaters, a peg board to hang jewelry, and a long space (like a hallway) to keep those shoes in line, with plenty of mirrors throughout. Whether you want to organize by occasion, work wear, formal, casual, color, size, or designer, just pick a format that makes sense to your friends and go with it.

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4-Set some ground rules

Include all friends, shapes and sizes... even pregnant friends who might be looking for slightly bigger sizes for their growing bellies. I would also add accessories to the mix (like gently worn shoes,

Items should be clean, dry cleaned if necessary, and in good condition, without holes, rips or stains. Items can be name brand or non-name brand, new with tags, or six months old with no tags. Make sure

Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

3-Get organized

everyone is aware that there is no price range, so it’s up to them if they want to bring items they might have paid a little more money for. The point of the party is to save money and be creative with your style. Just be ready to part with your items with no complaints.

6-Consider inviting a stylist If you can, find someone who knows how to style and piece articles of clothing together and invite them to the swap (like Yours Truly). They can help in styling certain items you might be struggling with. This can make the actual swap flow more easily. And you might want to have your friends bring specific articles of clothing they love but struggle with styling or understanding how to wear. The person in charge of the styling can help incorporate articles of clothing or accessories brought to the party with a friend’s particular style.

7-Leftovers After you have had a successful night with your gal pals, if you end up having a few clothes left over, donate them or visit your local consignment store to see if they would be interested in any of them. Take your friends with you and enjoy being creative in shopping for those pre-loved clothes. This saves you money, as well as time shopping in big department stores. Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

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

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

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Avery Baker Benny Thomas Bentley Matthews Brady Forbus Brayden Kirk Brennan Core Breyona Kirk Brianah Shewtchenko Brighton Ray Brittny Lopez Brooklyn Wilson Calyasia Brown Carley Forbus Carlos Santiago Carson Yawn Carter Porter Cassie Griffith Caylyn Smith Chapman Marlow Charles Fralic

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Auburn / Opelika 18th Annual Nutcracker Ballet

Presented by the East Alabama Community Ballet. December 12-14, Auburn University Telfair Peet Theatre. There is no more festive way to start the holiday season than by experiencing the holiday ballet classic that is The Nutcracker. Visit www. eacballet.com.

Clara’s Tea Party

December 5, 6:00-8:00pm. Rising Starz Studio, Auburn. A perfect mother/daughter or grandmother/granddaughter holiday outing! Come dressed in Tea Party Fabulous or Holiday Fancy and mingle with your favorite Nutcracker characters. A beautifully decorated holiday scene provides the perfect backdrop for unique holiday card photos! Children’s holiday craft activities are planned along with delicious tea party fare for children and adults alike. For times and tickets, www.eacballet.com.

The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center Teddy Bear Tea

Children and parents alike are invited to the annual Teddy Bear Tea at Piccolo, December 17-21, 3:00-5:00pm, to gather around the fireplace for tea sandwiches, sweets, tea and hot cocoa. A real live Teddy Bear and Holiday Elf will also be there for everyone to snuggle up to. Each child will also be presented with a special teddy bear to take home with them. For reservations, 334-844-5140, $25 per person.

Gingerbread Village Unveiling

The Hotel at Auburn University in partnership with Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

and Construction Master of Integrated Design and Construction Program presents the 2014 Auburn Gingerbread Village. Auburn masters students created the house’s frame work using high-definition LiDAR technology which was transformed by the team at the hotel into the Gingerbread Village. The unveiling will be held Friday, December 4, 5-8 pm.

Dixon the Elf’s 2nd Annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party, Cooking Class & Elf Tuck-In

The fun begins Friday, December 19-21. Real holiday elves will help children make an elf ornament to take home & hang on their tree! Our skilled culinary team will then assist the tiny chefs prepare “Grinch Greens”, mix & stuff authentic “Reindeer Ravioli” & decorate “Candy Cane Cookies”, all to be enjoyed right there with the Elves & parents. Complete the experience with an Elf “Tuck-In”! Visions of sugarplum fairies will dance in their heads after Santa’s helper reads them a favorite Christmas story & tucks them in with warm holiday wishes & a mug of hot chocolate. Party and cooking class, $50 per child. Or, Party, class, Elf tuck in, $125 per child*(Each additional child is $30), *includes one child accompanied by an adult with accommodations in our standard deluxe room. Limit 3 children per adult; (334) 821-8200 to make your reservations.

Variations Dance Studio Presents “Nutcracker”

This holiday season, enjoy the magic and beauty of our premiere performances of “Nutcracker”, December 12-14, 2014 at the Opelika Performing Arts Center. Follow Clara into a dream-like world of dancing snowflakes and see all the colorful treats found in the Land of Sweets! Whether it is a first-time experience or an annual holiday tradition, don’t miss your chance to reserve your seat at 30

this beautiful holiday ballet! Tickets available now online, www.variationsstudio.com.

Nutcracker Character Brunch

Date TBA. Families can enjoy a special meet and greet with the Sugarplum Fairy and other Nutcracker Ballet characters at Ariccia’s special holiday brunch. In between posing for photos, guests can enjoy Ariccia’s signature brunch. Menu items include a prime rib station, omelet station, dozens of hot and cold entrees, and a Kids Ice Cream Sundae Parlor. The price of the brunch is $21.95 for adults, $9.50 for kids, and free for children under five. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (334) 844-5140. Hosted by Variations Dance.

8th Annual Holiday Art Sale

The Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Parks & Recreation, and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will host the 8th Annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves, and much more! If you would like to sell your work, applications are available online at www.auburnalabama.org/arts by clicking on the special events button. Applications are also available at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free to the public. For more information, please contact the Arts Center at 501-2944. Interested in participating in the Holiday Art Sale as a vendor? Applications are available online at auburnalabama.org/parks.

19th Annual Cookie Walk

Cookies! Cookies! Cookies! For this Habitat for Humanity annual community fundraiser, the whole community gets into the holiday spirit of generosity and celebration. The Cookie Walk gets bigger and www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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better every year. Folks come from far and near to buy fresh, delicious, holiday decorated cookies at this Habitat for Humanity fund raiser, sponsored by Auburn’s WeHelp Coalition of churches. Select from an array of 30,000 home baked holiday goodies for $6.00/lb. Santa will visit for photos! See you early for best selection! All proceeds go to build a house right here in Auburn! Saturday, December 6, starting at 8:00am-1:00pm at Grace United Methodist Church by Kroger on Glenn Avenue in Auburn.

20th Annual Christmas in a Railroad Town

Friday, December 12, 6:00-9:00pm. The Historic Downtown District celebrates “Christmas in a Railroad Town” in conjunction with the Victorian Front Porch Tour. This event converts Railroad Avenue into a Christmas wonderland festival, featuring all sorts of fun activities for the whole family, along with music, hot wassail and a variety of other holiday treats. Children love the miniature train rides and the time they can spend with Santa and Mrs. Claus; and everyone loves the wagon and/or trolley rides that take folks from the historic downtown district through the Victorian Front Porch tour in an “old fashioned” way.

Annual Christmas Tree Recycling

Recycle your Christmas tree with the Opelika Tree Commission and Keep Opelika Beautiful on Saturday, December 27, from 8:00am-12:00pm. Location for drop off is 601 Avenue A, Opelika. Citizens will receive a tree seedling in exchange for the tree.

Annual Holiday Poinsettia Sale

The Junior League of Lee County is offering beautiful poinsettias to enhance the holiday décor of any business or home. By purchasing a poinsettia, you

are supporting art and literacy programs for Lee County’s Children. 6.5” Poinsettias (6-8 blooms) at $12 each & 10” Poinsettias (18-20 blooms) at $22 each in Red, Ivory, Marble, and Pink. Orders will be taken from October - November 1st, with pick up at Elk’s Lodge in Auburn on December 6-7, or for orders of 10 or more plants, we offer free delivery on November 22 and December 6. If you are interested in placing an order, please contact the Poinsettia Committee at www.juniorleagueofleecounty. com to receive information and a pre-sale form.

Auburn Christmas Parade

The entire community is invited to celebrate the season with the Auburn Chamber Christmas Parade on December 11 at 5 p.m. in downtown Auburn. The parade, sponsored by Thames Orthodontics, will include Aubie, Santa, Christmas characters, live music and lots of other Christmas favorites! Before and after the parade, from 4-9 p.m., enjoy Christmas in the Village, an open house in downtown Auburn. The event will feature pictures with Santa, a live nativity, live music and merchant specials. For float entry forms or more information, log onto www.auburnchamber.com.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

10th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration Join the Auburn Arts Association and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center for the 10th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00am and 1:00pm. The “train” will depart at 10:00 am and 1:00pm. Activities include arts & crafts, sweets & treats, holiday games, a trackless train, and much more. This event is open to children 12 and under. Children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Participants are encouraged to wear their

favorite holiday pajamas. Tickets will be available for sale Wednesday, November 5 and Thursday, November 6 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, please contact the Arts Center at 501-2963. “The Polar Express” Holiday Movie - Join Auburn Parks and Recreation on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m. in the gym at the Frank Brown Recreation Center for a FREE holiday movie featuring the animated children’s classic, “The Polar Express.” All ages are invited. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Auburn Public Safety’s Toys for Tots campaign. Daddy-Daughter Date Night 2015 Tickets on Sale ONLINE! - Tickets to Daddy-Daughter Date Night (DDDN) 2015 go on sale Monday, Dec. 8 at 8 a.m. at www.auburnalabama.org/parks. NEW THIS YEAR - all tickets will be sold online. DDDN 2015 will be held Feb. 5 - 7 at the Clarion Inn & Suites University Center on South College Street. This event SELLS OUT, so be sure to purchase your tickets early! Tickets are $35/couple and $5 for each additional child. Participants must live or work in Auburn to purchase tickets.

AUMC Christmas Market

United Methodist Women invite you to a free, community-wide arts, crafts, food, decorations and more. Saturday, December 6, from 9:00am2:00pm. For more info, contact Julia Norton, 34821-0230. Proceeds from Market will support local and world missions.

City of Opelika Christmas Parade

On December 6, festive floats showcasing local groups and business will be parading through downtown Opelika to deliver Christmas Magic to

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all! Santa and Mrs. Claus highlight the parade’s finale! Find a perfect spot downtown Opelika for seeing the magic at 10:00am.

City of Opelika Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tree lighting with Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and his wife Laura, December 13, 6:00pm, at the corner of North 8th Street and 2nd Avenue. (weather permitting).

pull right up in your car or bring your blankets for the viewing. The light display will be each night from November 22-January 4. For more information on times, please visit www.facebook.com/NationalVillage.

Opelika Parks and Recreation

Join us, December 11, at Chick-fil-A Tigertown, for a memorable evening filled with fun holiday activities and enjoy Dinner with Santa! Call (334) 741-7112 for more info.

Christmas Crafts Make and take your own Christmas crafts, on December 19, 2:00-3:00pm at the Covington Rec Center. Ages 6-10yrs. Fee: $15. Christmas Wreaths Join us at the Covington Recreation Center, Opelika for an afternoon of decorating Christmas wreaths to hand on your door for the holidays. December 2; 3:30-4:30pm. Ages: 5-12 years. $15 Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express December 4-5. 5:00-8:00pm. Municipal Park, Opelika. Ages 2nd grade and under invited. Food, hot chocolate, entertainment and train rides through holiday lights. Therapeutics Christmas Ball Celebrate the holidays and feel like a king and queen for the day dressed in your Christmas best! The event is sponsored by Opelika Parks & Recreation and EAMH-MR and will be Friday, December 12, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Avenue, Opelika. 705-5550.

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Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour

Collinwood Christmas Luminaries

Collinwood Subdivision shares the season with visitors to its annual Luminaries Tour held one night each holiday season- December 11. This wonderful drive through tour features luminaries along the route that leads to the nativity scene at the end of the tour – reminding us all that Christ is why we have Christmas! The luminaries follow a oneway route beginning on Collinwood Street at the intersection of North Tenth Street and Oakbowery Road. The tour winds through the entire Collinwood subdivision and ends on McLure Avenue.

Dinner with Santa

Make time in your busy holiday schedule to join us for this fun “santa-hunt” where we will hike the preserve, Saturday, December 13, 10:00am, looking for this elusive visitor in red. Later we will return to the amphitheater where we will gather for a cup of hot cocoa and a warm fire! New this year! We will offer holiday portraits with our special guest. The sitting fee for a 5×7 portrait is $10 and will benefit the Forest Ecology Preserve. Admission to the Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike is $3 per person. Donations of canned goods will be accepted for the East Alabama Food Bank. No pre-registration required. Cancelled in the event of rain. 334-707-6512.

Holiday Wreath Workshop

Join us Saturday, December 6, 2:00-4:00pm, at the Ham Wilson Arena inside the Louise Krehler Forest Ecology Preserve, 2222 North College Street, Auburn, for a fun morning of making beautiful wreaths or sprays with natural elements for your holiday enjoyment. Music and delicious snacks will make the morning festive. Limited to first 25. Choose wreath or spray when registering. Please specify if bringing child and age. Fee: $25 per wreath or spray. Registration is required; 502-4553.

Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings

The Auburn Preservation League (APL) is pleased to announce the 8th Annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings will be Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will feature homes and buildings in the Auburn area. Tickets for the tour are $20 and are available at Wrapsody in downtown Auburn, The Flower Store in Ogletree Village and the Auburn Chamber. Tickets will also be available at each home on the days of the tour. For more information about the tour, visit www. auburnpreservationleague.org.

National Village Christmas Lights

Bring the family for a festive, Christmas outing! Just Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

Visit an Ole World Christmas wonderland and see more than 60 turn-of-the-century Victorian homes adorned with life-size Santas, angels, toys, and other figures. Enjoy live entertainment, carolers, costumed homeowners and other festivities. December 5-9, in Opelika. Lighted driving tour December 10-14, 5:00-10pm. Walking tour December 13, 6:00-9:00pm. More information, please call 334-887-8747. Free event.

a walk through history, you will be greeted with Christmas caroling and much more festive fun. In 2008, a new tradition was started with the first “A Cotton Mill Christmas” production at Langdale Historical Theater, as local actors tell the history and stories of Valley. Exit 77 and left on US Hwy 29. www.cityofvalley.com

Christmas Wreath Workshop

December 6, 10:00am or 1:30pm, at Hills & Dales Estate. Get ready for the holidays by creating a Christmas wreath using fresh greenery and holly berries from the garden plus a beautiful holiday bow. Floral artist Helen Phillips will be on hand to guide your project from beginning to lovely completion. Bring clippers if you have them. All other supplies will be provided. $35 per person. Registration is required, 706-882-3242.

Follow The Shepherds Christmas Walks & Under The Bethlehem Star Light Show

Experience the Christmas story in a whole new way. Join a guide as you walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem, learning new insights into the Christmas story in the most unique, authentic setting surrounding areas, as well as live actors and animals. December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 24(Friday and Saturday evenings) and Christmas Eve at 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 6:40pm, 8:15pm. $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4-12. Explorations in Antiquity Center, 130 Gordon Commercial Dr., LaGrange. 706 885-0363.

LaGrange Christmas Parade

December 6, 6:00pm, as an old-fashioned celebration laced with nostalgia, culminates in the arrival of the big guy atop a bucket fire truck. LagrangeChamber.com

LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Concert

Valley / LaGrange 8th Annual Children’s Christmas Celebration

Children are invited the Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange, Ga., December 20, 10:00-11:00am, to see Santa, decorate a gingerbread house and Christmas ornaments, hear stories and songs from Robin Treadwell, visit with Santa and share in fresh cider and cookies. All children’s activities are free. Tours of the home decked out for the holidays are available at regular price. 706-882-3242.

Christmas Holidays at Hills & Dales Estate

Experience our circa 1940’s tinsel-laden Christmas tree, brilliant Poinsettias and other seasonal decorations during the holiday season. The Fuller E. Callaway family home and the visitor center will be decorated for the holidays this December, Tuesday to Saturday. Regular tour prices apply. 706-882-3242.

Christmas Village at The Historic Langdale Mill

Christmas Village and Merry-Go-Round Beginning the first weekend in December, experience the spirit of the Season in Historic Valley, Al. There’s the life size Nativity Scene in the meadow, the Madonna light-sculpture, and the Christmas Merry-Go-Round that has given over 1,000,000 FREE rides to children and adults, too. As you take 32

The Choral Society of West Georgia, led by artistic director Bettie Biggs, joins the LSO for a special Christmas performance, December 10 and 17, 7:30-9:30pm, Callaway Auditorium at LaGrange College. 706-882-0662.

‘Miracle on 34th Street’

Presented by New Horizon Community Theatre, December 4-6. www.nhct.org

Sons of LaFayette Christmas Concert

Concert with audience participation, December 6-7. Come early to get a good seat, located at First Presbyterian Church, 7:30pm. This is both an enjoyable and worshipful experience. What a great way to start the Christmas season. Tickets available, sonsoflafayette@gmail.com

Phenix City / Columbus 23rd Annual Fantasy in Lights

The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 14- December 30! Nestled amidst wooded landscape of Callaway Gardens, Fantasy In Lights is the Southeast’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show with more than eight million twinkling lights celebrating the holiday season. This spectacular show has attracted almost two million visitors since it opened in 1992. With more than a dozen larger-than-life lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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setting. Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. www.callawaygardens.com.

‘A Cantus Christmas’

December 22, 7:30pm. The 15th annual tradition tells the Christmas story with musical masterpieces and audience carols. The professional chorus Cantus Columbus presents the eleventh installment of Message of the Season—Music of the Masters in Legacy Hall. The concert features the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet and tenor Bradley Howard. www.rivercenter.org

‘ A Tuna Christmas’

Celebrate Christmas in Tuna, Texas, with its quick changes, fast-paced humor and heart-warming moments of sincere Christmas joy. Texas’ third smallest town is in the throes of its annual Christmas yard display contest, which promises to have Tuna in an uproar and have you laughing out loud. Columbus’ most popular show ever; over 35,000 served. December 11-21, Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org

Broadway Holiday

Join Uptown Columbus, December 5, 6:30pm, for a holiday tree lighting, carriage rides, a visit by the Coke Polar Bear and more! Fun for the whole family! www.uptowncolumbusga.com

Cirque Dreams: Holidaze!

Experience gingerbread men flipping mid air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires along with snow-

men, icemen and penguins, balancing, jumping and spinning in disbelief. November 29, 7:30pm. www.rivercenter.org

Columbus Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’

December 13-14. The ballet promises to instill a love of the arts in young and old alike. This familyoriented production, which features a cast of over 100 performers, with live orchestra and acclaimed guest artists, captures the magical wonder and innocence of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet as seen through a child’s eyes. www.rivercenter.org

Holiday Open House at The Columbus Museum

Dress up the kiddies and grandkiddies in their festive finest for a day filled with family fun! Kick-off the holiday season at the Museum! Enjoy punch and cookies and art activities throughout the day, December 13, 10:00am-2:00pm. www.columbusmuseum.com

Impact Christmas Bazaar

December 6, will be a day filled with food, fun, music, and shopping! Admission is $2.00 Per Person, Children 10yrs and under free. The first 50 guests gets a free gift! The Impact Center, 1600 Blanchard Blvd, Columbus.

MCoD Band Holiday Concert

Fort Benning’s Manuever Center of Excellence Band Holiday Concert is a local favorite for active duty and retired military. December 7. Free tickets distributed only in the RiverCenter Box Office, www.rivercenter.org

Port Columbus’ Victorian Christmas

Date TBA. Our Civil War-era Santa will be on hand for visits and story telling. There will also be Victorian-era entertainment and music. At the conclusion of the day, Santa will fire the original Civil War cannon from the CSS Jackson! The museum is decorated throughout with circa 1863 decorations and trees. Admission to the museum is FREE during the open house. www.portcolumbus.org

‘Santa’s Christmas Tree’ presented by Columbus State University Theatre

December 6, 10:00am. Santa’s mischievous elves forgot to get Santa’s own Christmas tree! So, Santa sends them out to find the “most beautiful one of all.” Meanwhile, all the trees on Snowy Mountain dream of being chosen as Santa’s Christmas tree and living ever after in his forest. The funny and macho Mr. Douglas, the elegant and vain Lady Spruce, and the sophisticated Sir Noble all believe they are the perfect choice. And Miss Merry, the scraggly little pine, has to agree. But when the wild Blizzard Wizard arrives to cause chaos in the forest, Miss Merry finds a way to come to the rescue! 706-507-8444.

Reindeer Run

Ho Ho Ho… Go! It’s the Annual Children’s Miracle Network Annual Reindeer Run! All kids from Pre-k to the 8th grade are encouraged to run. Event scheduled for December 13, in downtown Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com

Rivertown Christmas with Allen Levi and Friends

Fun and lighthearted, but also deeply and profoundly meaningful. Distinct references to our community and humorous anecdotes will blend

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seamlessly with the powerful story of Christmas to create a unique and inspiring celebration of Christmas in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley. December 20, 7:00pm. www.rivercenter.org

‘The Art of Christmas’

Presented by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. December 5, 7:30pm. www.rivercenter.org

The Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular

Drive into a light display set to music like none other within the Cottonwood Subdivision, 5784 Ironstone Drive, Columbus. www.lundychristmas.com

Alexander City / Lake Martin An Eclectic Christmas

A unique way to experience Christ this Season! It was the night that saved the world. Sent away because there was not room in the inn, Christmas was born in a stable. Come join us, December 4-7, to experience the true story of the first Christmas. In the atmosphere of an outdoor walking trail, you and your guests will be part of live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. As you walk through the streets on your way to Bethlehem, you will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message and news of the Messiah. Then visit the wise men as they journey in search of the New Born King. This event will take place at 1733 Claud Road Eclectic, Alabama, just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. Reservations are suggested and may be made by calling 256.794.7789. Admission is free.

Annual Hometown Christmas Parade

One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. December 1, 6:00pm. Downtown Alexander City.

Children’s Harbor Christmas Market

Over 40 vendors from all over the state sell their unique items. Great time to pick up that special Christmas Gift. 20% of vendor sales go to benefit Children’s Harbor. The Children’s Harbor Lodge, December 6, 8am-1pm. www.childrensharbor.com

Christmas at Crossroads

Christmas at Crossroads, November 28-30, is a great way to get out with the family and friends, do some shopping, take a carriage ride, check off items on your Christmas list and let the kids visit with Santa. Our Naturalist, Marianne typically has a presentation that will interest everyone. Stop by for a visit and bring the kids! Russell Crossroads at Russell Farms Road, russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Santa & Mrs. Claus and Tree Lighting

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus to downtown Alexander City, November 30, 1:00-4:00pm. Bring the kids and your camera to make your own pictures on Santa’s lap as they let him know what they’d like to find under the tree. Call 256-329-3461.

Montgomery/Selma 9th Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

Help your family keep the true meaning of Christmas in your heart from the start by attending this Community Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. This spectacular event features nativities from around the world and special music by local performers. This magnificent display is sure to warm Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

the hearts of young and old alike. December 3-7, 1:00-8:00pm . 3460 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Open to all. FREE Admission. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. www.MontgomeryNativity.com

23rd Annual Christmas Light Festival at Montgomery Zoo

Thousands of Holiday Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Stroll the many pathways or enjoy a brisk ride on the Santaland Express train ride. Visit with Santa nightly, enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and more. December 4-7, 11-14, 18-31; 5:30- 9:30pm each night. (334) 240-4900; www.montgomeryzoo.com

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents “A Christmas Carol”

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House

Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. December 1-31. www.oldalabamatown.com.

Millbrook / Wetumpka Christmas at the Alabama Nature Center

December 20-21. For the regular price of admission, ANC guests can visit with Santa, hike over 5 miles of trails, make a Christmas craft and enjoy a snack around a roaring fire. 1-800-822-9453.

Christmas Faire

The Christmas Fair showcases fine art, handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts and crafts of all kinds made by local artisans. This event is six weekends and ends on Sunday before Christmas, November 8-December 21. www.arrac.org

Christmas on the Coosa

ASF revives this family classic, November 23-December 24! The snowy London streets ring with carols that set the stage for Dickens’ magical tale of hope and redemption. Join us as the ghosts of the past, present and future reawaken Scrooge’s conscience. Visit www.asf.net for more information.

A Christmas extravaganza with arts and crafts, parade, food, quilt show, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with Santa ski-in and a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. December 13, Gold Star Park & the Courthouse Veranda, Wetumpka. www.wetumpkachamber.com.

Capitol of Dreams Christmas Parade

City of Millbrook Christmas Parade and Festival

December 7, 6:00pm. Depart from Cramton Bowl and Parade downtown from Capitol Steps to the Court Street Fountain.

Cruising with Santa

Cruise the Alabama River with Santa on the Harriott II Riverboat, Downtown Riverwalk. December 5-6, 12-13 & 19-20. (334) 625-2100.

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House

Come join us, December 1-31, as we celebrate Christmas with our Christmas Open House. www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net.

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Open House

The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. December 1, 8, & 15. 5:30-7:30pm. 1142 South Perry Street, Montgomery.

Holiday Festival

A community celebration of the holiday season. A two week long craft show and bake sale with Santa in attendance some afternoons. 10:00am-5:00pm.. www.SelmaAlabama.com

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ presented by Cloverdale Playhouse

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. December 11-21. www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

December 6. 5k Run or Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation Also 1 mile fun run (chasing an Elf) for under 8’s and 1 mile walk for those of us who want to support the Arthritis Foundation. www.jbrmontgomery.kintera.org 34

Join in the spirit of Christmas and celebrate the holiday season during the annual Christmas parade and Arts and Crafts in the park. Village Park will be filled with arts and craft vendors and concessions from local schools, December 1, 9:00am-4:00pm. The parade starts at 2 pm. www.cityofmillbrook.org

Wetumpka Tree Lighting & Progressive Nativity and Luminaria

Lighting of the Tree will be December 5, 6:00pm. Downtown Wetumpka and Gold Star Park. Luminary Night and Downtown Open House, December 2, 6:00pm. www.cityofwetumpka.com

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The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum’s North Pole Express

All aboard! Next stop - the North Pole! “All Aboard” says the conductor, as your train ride begins. Families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with a reading of The Polar Express™ and chocolate milk and cookies served on board the train. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus visit everyone on the train and each child will receive the “First Gift of Christmas”, just like in the story. Sing Christmas carols as you return to the depot. Wear your pajamas! The excursion will last approximately one hour. First class service to the North Pole! The Silver Maple and Kayenta railcars will offer first class service - hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, special dessert treat, premium gift and specialized service. Wear your pajamas! November 22-23, 28-30, December 5-7,12-14, & 19-20. For tickets, www.hodrrm.org.

Santa Claus Special at The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! November 29, December 6, 13 & 20. For tickets, please visit www.hodrrm.org. AOP www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Kids learn how to launch their possessions early in life. It usually starts with their pacifier launched via an explosive puff of air that sends parents scrambling to collect it (within five seconds –as a rule). Finding delight in both the launch and the landing, children are quick to pick up the physics of force and momentum as they later heft more toys into the air. And while it’s no fun reclaiming the kid-propelled items that occasionally make their way onto the roof of the house, fostering their enthusiasm for launching toys is worth the air time. There are hidden physic lessons as they learn about force, trajectory and mass along the way! The sky’s the limit with these toys and games that break the bonds of gravity and send playtime soaring!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Robotic UFO Helicopter

When Pigs Fly

Remote controlled air vehicles have come so far in recent years. The Robotic UFO Helicopter is super lightweight and enclosed in a semi-flexible spherical frame. This vehicle launches smoothly and follows a trajectory and altitude directed from a simple-to-use remote control. With a flight-time of about 10 minutes between battery charges, it’s an easy-to-master entry into the RC aircraft fleet. The spherical frame protecting the propeller gives the moving parts a good measure of ‘bounce-back’ protection as rookie pilots launch into occasional obstacles while their RC skills evolve. Best enjoyed by kids eight and up, the Robotic UFO Helicopter lets young pilots quickly launch their budding career as remotecontrol masters of the sky!

A hilarious twist on an old expression, ‘When Pigs Fly’ brings home the bacon for energetic game play! Players have their own collection of pigs in their pen that they must get rid of to win. Using the game’s cannons, pigs (attired with their own stylish scarves) are propelled upward in hopes that their scarf will stick in the cloud cone. And while players feverishly are launching their porcine pieces, they’re also taking turns with a spinner that may compel them to add more pigs to their pen, give pigs to another player, or other actions that may help or hinder their mission to get rid of their pigs. It’s fast, fun and definitely hogs the action in the board game closet!

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Ultra Stomp Rocket

Hot Wheels Mega Jump

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In the market space for stomp rockets, the Stomp Rocket Ultra takes the high ground with a smart, durable design that sends lightweight rockets soaring upward with ease. Including 4 foam-tipped rockets, the batteries-free set uses the force of a child’s stomp on an air pad to launch the rockets skyward. Timid steps on the launch pad quickly evolve to enthusiastic stomps that send the foam projectile far afield (and the rockets’ foam design ensures that landings are harmless and damage-free to surroundings). Exposing young minds to trajectory, projection, force and motion – this intro to rocketry is one giant step toward stellar playtime!

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There is almost no time between the moment little hands learn to roll a toy car across a table and the instant that same car becomes airborne with imagined jumps and stunts. As kids seek reputable roadway for their cars to journey farther (and higher) the Mega Jump is an ideal addition to every Hot Wheels enthusiast’s tool kit! With clamps that mount on the child’s chosen obstacle, the challenge is to propel their auto with just enough force to launch and land after a huge jump. Best with additional Hot Wheels track to maximize the run up to launch, unleash your kid’s inner ‘Dukes of Hazard’ with the Hot Wheels Mega Jump track accessory!

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

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We’ve all faced those moments.. demands, pleading, whining, raised voices, crying, screaming, and other manners of lashing out. These are examples of how toddlers misbehave, sometimes in public.

dence and mastery over their world. Developmentally this is what toddlers should be doing. However, it is during this stage that parents should be helping their young ones understand that they are still in control. Parents should also be teaching their children about what they expect in public by expecting it at home, which is the ideal training ground. What options does a parent have in handling private matters in public? What tools does a parent have at her disposal to deal with situations that can be akin to dry kindling being lit by a match and fanned by the wind? What’s a parent to do? And what should a parent avoid doing?

These moments often seem to occur when a parent is depleted or harried, and not in her best mindset. And even if a parent is, a toddler melting down in public can quickly take her to a place she’d rather not be--discomfort and embarrassment. Children in the toddler ages are in the “I want it” stage, seeking indepen-

take stock before you go. Is your child tired, hungry or uncomfortable? If the answer is “yes,” rethink. You are setting your child and you up for a less than stellar public experience. If you feel you need to go out and take your child with you, try to make sure he

Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

has had a nap or is rested, and make sure he’s had something to eat and drink.

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have the “magic” bag with you, or a large purse. Those diaper bags come in handy long after your kids are out of diapers. Diaper bags hold a myriad of wonderful items, from sippy cups and snacks to wipes and an array of toys that distract. Take advantage of the magic bag, and occasionally replenish it.

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go over expectations and practice when opportunities present themselves at home. Review what behavior you want to see in your child before going out. Ask your child to repeat what you told them, i.e. “We are getting cat food for Sassy only.” This way you both know your toddler heard and understood you.

be clear and follow through. Expectations are most effective when www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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you are consistent with your message and with its delivery. You must be clear with your follow through as well. For example, if you tell your toddler, “If you throw a fit, we will not go to the park,” and your child does have a meltdown, you do not go to the park.

remember to take DEEP breaths. Are you tired, hungry or short on patience? If you must go out be aware of how you are feeling. Remember that your emotions only serve to fuel your toddler. He can smell it, and he reacts to it. If you trigger, your toddler will also react. A child learns his self-regulation through parental regulation.

respond quickly if your child begins to meltdown. The quicker you respond the better. Toddlers have short fuses. Sometimes a child can regain his composure if you address his behavior immediately. This works well with a toddler who regularly behaves. Other times, a child may be determined to win the challenge, for whatever reason. If your child becomes more manipulative or implodes, vacate, calmly. Shopping? Leave the cart.

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

Call us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation!

DON’T

ignore your toddler. Engage him and be attuned to how he is feeling in public. Your engagement with your child can go a long way to stopping a tantrum before it even begins because he has your attention. Is your toddler calm or does he appear to be overwhelmed by his surroundings (think loud, bright big box store or a shopping mall)?

DON’T

reward your child for undesirable behavior or bribe him if he will stop. Negotiating and bribing allows your little one to savor the first sweet tastes of successful manipulation. A reward of this nature only encourages a child to misbehave again, possibly escalate.

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worry about other people surrounding you. Many of them are parents and have had similar experiences. Focus on your child and his behavior. AOP

Judy M. Miller works with pre- and adoptive parents, equipping them with new techniques and information and encouraging and empowering adoptive families through difficult times. She is the author of the international selling What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Ongoing:

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-7281162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery. www.asf.net. American Village December 2-11. A Colonial Christmas at the American Village, Montevallo. www.americanvillage.org. Auburn University Theatre Telfair B. Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu/theatre. Birmingham Children’s Theatre • “An Elf Tale.” Dec. 1-19. • “Babes in Toyland.” Dec. 2-19. www.bct123.org. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Capri Theatre “Pride.” Nov. 28 - Dec. 4. www.capritheatre.org. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. Christmas Faire Nov. 8 - Dec. 21. The Arts Center, Wetumpka. www.arrac.org. Cloverdale Playhouse “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play”. Montgomery. Dec. 11-21. www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Coastal Christmas Nov. 27 – January 1, 2015. Baldwin County, AL. www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com. DeSoto Caverns Park Christmas Sound, Light, and Water Show. Nov. 1 - Dec. 31. DeSoto Caverns Park, Childersburg. www.desotocavernspark.com. Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex. East Alabama Birth Village 3rd Monday of each month. Monarch Estates, Auburn. 6 p.m. www.birthvillageclass.com Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • Art Gallery Winter Exhibition: Holiday Small Works. Dec. 1-22. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. www. auburnalabama.org/parks. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art • Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough, and the Golden Age

Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

November/December 2014

of Painting in Europe. Oct. 19 - Jan. 4, 2015. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. McWane Science Center • “Island of the Lemurs Madagascar” IMAX. Through January 2015. Birmingham. www.mcwane.org. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Montgomery Zoo 23rd Annual Christmas Light Festival. Dec. 18-31. Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Red Door Theatre “Always…Patsy Cline”. Dec. 4-13. Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. www.reddoortheatre.org. Springer Opera House • “Della’s Diner”. Nov. 13 - 22. • Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” Dec. 4-21. Springer Opera House, Columbus. www. springeroperahouse.org. Virginia Samford Theatre Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ CORNERSTONE Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call Josie at 257-3950. Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City. 256-329-9227. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com.

Moms In Touch. Do you worry about your children? Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Moms In Touch International gathers moms together for one hour, once a week, to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and school. Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation? Please contact Julia Farrow at julia@cornerstonebuzz. org for information about our local groups. For more information about Moms In Touch International, visit www.MomsInTouch.org. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Connect: once a month and group classes twice a month. Women’s Hope Family Life Center, Auburn. Penny, 334-502-7000 or penny@womenshope.org. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Mom’s Morning Out

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

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov). Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama. For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net. GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Family Calendar Sports

Auburn University Basketball Nov. 21, Dec. 5. Auburn University Women’s Basketball Nov. 20, Dec. 2, 4. Auburn University Football Nov. 22. Auburn University Gymnastics Dec. 1. Auburn University Volleyball Nov. 26, 29. Columbus Cottonmouths Columbus Civic Center, Ga. Nov. 21, 22, 25, 28, Dec. 6, 13, 19.

Wednesday, November 26 “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net.

Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Day!

44th Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow Atmore. www.poarchcreekindians-nsn.gov. Ludy’s Christmas Lights Spectacular Opening Night www.lundychristmas.com.

Friday, November 28

Christmas At Crossroads Russell Crossroads at Russell Farms Road, Alexander City. www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com. Turkey Day Classic Alabama State University Hornets Stadium. www.bamastatesports.com. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Holiday Public Ice Skating November 28-30 at Columbus Civic Center. 4-9pm. www.columbusiceskate.com

Saturday, November 29 Fendall Hall Christmas Open House Eufaula. Cirque Dreams: Holidaze RiverCenter of the Performing Arts, Columbus. www.rivercenter.org. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. RiverCenter presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze www.rivercenter.org. Market Days on Broadway www.uptowncolumbusga.com. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop ‘How to Build a Give and Save Bank’ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. www.workshops.homedepot.com.

Sunday, November 30 Welcome to Santa and Tree Lighting 1-4 p.m. Downtown Alexander City. www.alexandercitychamber.com. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop ‘How to Build a Give and Save Bank’ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. www.workshops.homedepot.com. Holiday Skating Spectacular Columbus Civic Center. 2:45pm. $5 ticket at door. www.columbusiceskate.com

November/December 2014

Monday, December 1 Luverne Christmas Parade www.crenshawcounty.net. Annual Christmas Parade Prattville. www.prattvilleal.gov.

Tuesday, December 2

Troy Christmas Parade www.troyal.gov. Christmas in Brundidge and Parade www.brundidealabama.com. An Eclectic Christmas www.aneclecticministry.org. Christmas Wreaths Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 5-12 years. $15 fee. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mayor’s Tree Lighting Montgomery. www.funontheriver.com. ‘A Montgomery Family Christmas’ with Steven Curtis Chapman Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. 334-273-4565. AL.com Presents Sara Evans At Christmas Alabama Theatre. www.ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday, December 3 An Eclectic Christmas www.aneclecticministry.org. Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Thursday, December 4

An Eclectic Christmas www.aneclecticministry.org. 23rd Annual Christmas Light Festival Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Auburn. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Live Jazz Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Auburn. 6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo. Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express Municipal Park, Opelika. 5-8 p.m. Ages 2nd grade and under. 2014 Auburn Gingerbread Village Auburn University Hotel. 5 p.m. 844-5140. Holiday Open House at Old Alabama Town www.oldalabamatown.org. Third Day at MPAC www.mpaconline.org. ‘I Love a Piano’ Faulkner Theatre. www.faulkner.edu. Spirited Art Christmas Chick-fil-A Tigertown. (334) 741-7112.

Friday, December 5

Troy Arts Council presents Shelia Jackson Holiday Concert www.troyartscouncil.com. An Eclectic Christmas www.aneclecticministry.org. Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo. Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol www.familytheatre.org. First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.eventcenterdowntown.com. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express Municipal Park, Opelika. 5-8 p.m. Ages 2nd grade and under.

Columbus Symphony Orchestra Presents “The Art of Christmas” Uptown Columbus presents Broadway Holiday www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Harriott II: Cruising with Santa www.funinmontgomery.com. Classics 2014: “It’s a Wonderful Life” Capri Theatre. www.capritheatre.org. So You Think You Can Dance - Live Tour Alabama Theatre. www.ticketmaster.com. First Fridays ‘Shop Late, Eat Local’ Downtown Opelika. Until 8 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Saturday, December 6

Christmas at Arlington Birmingham. www.birminghamal.gov/arlington/ Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. An Eclectic Christmas www.aneclecticministry.org. City of Millbrook Christmas Parade and Festival www.cityofmillbrook.org. Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo. Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol www.familytheatre.org. City of Opelika Annual Christmas Parade 10 a.m. Opelika Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade 10 a.m. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop ‘How to Build Holiday Yard Sales’ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. www.workshops.homedepot.com. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. “The Polar Express” Holiday Open House at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Holiday Open House at Oxbow Meadows www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Astronomy Night at the CCSSC www.ccssc.edu. Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Victorian Christmas at National Civil War Naval Museum Baking Cookies with Santa Williams-Sonoma at The Shoppes at EastChase. www.theshoppesateastchase.com. MMFA Holiday Open House www.mmfa.org/events/holiday-open-house/ 8th Annual Polar Express Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. Holiday Cookie Decorating Cooper Library, Opelika. 12:30pm. Sign up at library.

Sunday, December 7

Christmas at Arlington Birmingham. www.birminghamal.gov/arlington/ Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes www.eufaulapilgrimage.com. An Eclectic Christmas www.aneclecticministry.org. Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo. City of Montgomery Christmas Parade 6 p.m. Polar Express Holiday Celebration www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com.

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Family Calendar

November/December 2014

Victorian Christmas at National Civil War Naval Museum Movie: “The Polar Express” at the National Infantry Museum www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Breakfast and/or lunch with Santa at the Rock Ranch www.therockranch.com. Ronnie Milsap at the MPAC www.mpaconline.org. Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.

Auburn Christmas Parade 5 p.m. Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol www.familytheatre.org. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Auburn. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Live Jazz Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Auburn. 6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net.

Tuesday, December 9

Home for the Holidays Homewood. www.operabirmingham.org. 23rd Annual Christmas Light Festival Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Christmas in a Railroad Town Opelika. 6-9 p.m. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour Opelika Historic District. www.opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com. Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol www.familytheatre.org. Christmas in a Railroad Town Opelika. 6-9 p.m. 23rd Annual Christmas Light Festival Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Birmingham Ballet presents the Mutt-Cracker www.bjcc.org.

WWE Smackdown Tribute to the Troops www.columbusciviccenter.org. Usher Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday, December 10

Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour Opelika Historic District. www.opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com. Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Auburn. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Thursday, December 11

Home for the Holidays Homewood. www.operabirmingham.org. 23rd Annual Christmas Light Festival Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour Opelika Historic District. opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com.

Friday, December 12

Saturday, December 13 Home for the Holidays Homewood. www.operabirmingham.org.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike The Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Alabama Wildlife Center’s Holiday Craft and Bake Sale www.awrc.org. Wreaths Across America 2014 Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. 23rd Annual Christmas Light Festival Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour Opelika Historic District. www.opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com. Victorian Styles and Etiquette in America Tuskegee. www.nps.gov/tuin. Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol www.familytheatre.org. Second Saturday at Columbus Museum Free admission. www.edu@columbusmuseum.com. Second Saturday: Family Fun Day at the Columbus Museum Ga. www.columbusmuseum.com. Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum. Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Columbus Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Rivercenter for the Performing Arts. rivercenter.org. CMN annual Reindeer Run Columbus. Story Time with Mrs Claus at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Movie: “The Polar Express” at the National Infantry Museum www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Breakfast with Santa at the Shoppes at EastChase 334-279-6046.

Celebrating 25 years! Li v i ng. Lovin g. Lear n in g.

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

w w w.grow i ngroom us a .com Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Family Calendar

November/December 2014

Carriage Rides at the Shoppes at EastChase 334-279-6046. Birmingham Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” www.bjcc.org. Brunch with Santa Birmingham Children’s Theatre. www.bct123.org. Christmas on the Coosa Wetumpka. www.wetumpkalibrary.com.

Monday, December 15

Sunday, December 14

Auditions for AACT Children’s Theatre: ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ 4-6 p.m.

23rd Annual Christmas Light Festival Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour www.opelika.org. Holiday Art Sale Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Downtown Christmas Dothan. www.thedowntowngroup.com. Victorian Christmas Landmark Park, Dothan. www.landmarkpark.com. Story Time with Mrs Claus at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Columbus Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” www.rivercenter.org/event/columbus-ballet-presentsthe-nutcracker/ Movie: “The Polar Express” at the National Infantry Museum www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Breakfast and/or lunch with Santa at the Rock Ranch www.therockranch.com. Birmingham Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” www.bjcc.org.

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops www.mpaconline.org. Auditions for AACT Children’s Theatre: ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ 4-6 p.m.

Tuesday, December 16 Wednesday, December 17 Teddy Bear Tea Piccolo, Auburn University Hotel. 3-5 p.m. 844-5140.

Thursday, December 18

Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol www.familytheatre.org. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Auburn. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Live Jazz Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Auburn. 6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Poetry: Jake Adam York Tribute Reading Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Auburn. 7 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo. Teddy Bear Tea Piccolo, Auburn University Hotel. 3-5 p.m. 844-5140. Sip, Shop & Stroll Ladies Night Out Eastdale Mall. www.eastdale-mall.com.

Do It Yourself Night with Home Depot Chick-fil-A Tigertown. (334) 741-7112.

Friday, December 19

Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol www.familytheatre.org. Dec. 19 Christmas Crafts Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 6-10 years. $15 fee. 2-3:00 p.m. Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Christmas Crafts Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 6-10 years. $15 fee. 2-3:00 p.m. Movie: “The Polar Express” at the National Infantry Museum www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Teddy Bear Tea Piccolo, Auburn University Hotel. 3-5 p.m. 844-5140. Capital of Dreams Christmas Parade Montgomery. 334-625-2100. Montgomery Ballet presents: “The Nutcracker” Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. www.montgomeryballet.com. Christmas Crafts Covington Rec. Ages 6-10. $15.

Saturday, December 20 Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol www.familytheatre.org. Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo.

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Family Calendar

November/December 2014

Rivertown Christmas Rivercenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Movie: “The Polar Express” at the National Infantry Museum www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Story Time with Mrs Claus at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Teddy Bear Tea Piccolo, Auburn University Hotel. 3-5 p.m. 844-5140. Breakfast with Santa at the Shoppes at EastChase 334-279-6046. Carriage Rides at the Shoppes at EastChase 334-279-6046. Montgomery Ballet presents: “The Nutcracker” Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. www.montgomeryballet.com. PJ Party with Santa Eastdale Mall. www.eastdale-mall.com. 2014 Raycom Media Camellia Bowl Cramton Bowl. www.espnevents.com/camellia-bowl. Cookies with Santa! Cakeapotamus, Opelika. 10am. Free. www.facebook. com/cakeapotamus

“A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Holiday Public Ice Skating December 22-23; Columbus Civic Center. 2-7pm. www.columbusiceskate.com

Monday, December 29

Tuesday, December 23

Tuesday, December 30

Sunday, December 21

Christmas Dinner Piccolo, Auburn University Hotel. 844-5140.

Christmas Lights Festival Montgomery Zoo. “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Story Time with Mrs Claus at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Teddy Bear Tea Piccolo, Auburn University Hotel. 3-5 p.m. 844-5140. Montgomery Ballet presents: “The Nutcracker” Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. www.montgomeryballet.com.

Monday, December 22 Cantus Christmas Rivercenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

“A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Fun Time/Juice with Teddy Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 5-10 years. $15 fee. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Fun Time/Juice with Teddy Covington Center, Opelika. Ages 5-10 years. $15 fee. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday, December 24 “A Christmas Carol” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Christmas Dinner Piccolo, Auburn University Hotel. 844-5140.

Thursday, December 25 Friday, December 26

Holiday Public Ice Skating December 26-28; Columbus Civic Center. 4-9pm. www.columbusiceskate.com

Saturday, December 27 Community Kwanzaa Celebration Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. www.bcri.org. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453.

Holiday Public Ice Skating December 29-January 1. Columbus Civic Center. 2-7pm. www.columbusiceskate.com

Totally Sports Covington Rec. Ages 5-12. $25.

Wednesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve at Ariccia Auburn University Hotel. 844-5120.

Looking ahead... Jan. 5 -Feb. 6. Winter Invitation 2015 Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Jan. 21-25. Ringling Bros and Barnum and Baiiey Circus Sun www.bjcc.org. Jan. 16 - Feb. 27. Admission to Callaway Gardens is free Monday-Friday. www.callawaygardens.com. Jan. 31. 3rd Annual Polar Plunge Samford Pool, Auburn. 9 a.m. Jan. 8. Nature Walks: Birds. The Forest Ecology Preserve Auburn. 8:30 a.m. Jan. 13. Discovery Hikes: Birds The Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. Jan. 17. Country Music Night featuring Doug Stone EventCenter Downtown, Opelika. Jan. 31 - Feb. 1. Hudson Family Foundation Super Bowl Weekend www.hudsonfamilyfoundation.com.

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

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www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ParentingOnThePlains by Dr. Polly Dunn

Teaching Your Teen to Manage Their Online Reputation Do you ever wonder what life would have been like if there was social media in the 80s? Think about some of your teenage memories and the intensity of that age and then imagine the pictures you could have been tagged in if social media had existed back then. I’ve thought about it often, especially since two of my four children are teenagers. I mean truthfully, when I applied to college, other than finances, all I had to worry about was my GPA, my test scores, and getting my sorority recs turned in on time. That’s it. High school students now have the added pressure of managing an online reputation. And in today’s society, that’s no easy task. Creating a good online reputation is just as important as having a good reputation in the real world. College admissions officers and potential employers can do a quick search on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, or any other social media site and find out lots more about your teen than what they shared in their formal college or job application. Sororities and fraternities can even use information from social media to make decisions during recruitment. With that knowledge, it’s important that teens learn to manage their online reputation as soon as they begin using social media. Here’s how:

move on. Need more help getting your teen to understand the importance of maintaining a good online reputation? Ask them to imagine that they had a job as a college admissions officer. Tell them they have two equally impressive applicants for one final spot. Excellent GPA and ACT scores, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters. To decide between the two, the college admissions officer searches the applicants on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google. One of the applicants has lots of pictures and activities that are consistent with their college application. The other has several selfies at parties drinking alcohol under age, uses profanity in their status updates, and frequently comments about how much they hate school. Who does your teen think will be offered admission? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

Be a good role model. Let your teen follow you on social media and then model the behavior you want them to exhibit online, just like you would in the real world. And if you make a mistake and post something you wish you hadn’t, talk to them about it and then let them see you take steps to correct it. Do you have any ideas on how to teach your teen to manage their online reputation? Share them with us at auburnopelikaparents. com. We’d love to hear from you on this important topic. Dr. Polly Dunn received her Ph.D. from Auburn University in 1999. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and currently serves as the Director of the Auburn University Psychological Services Center, a position she has held for over ten years. Dr. Dunn is also the founder of www.ChildPsychMom.com where she blogs about what works and what doesn’t in her hectic life as a child psychologist, wife, and mom of four.

Talk about it. Talk openly and honestly to your teen about what they should and shouldn’t share on social media. In everyday conversations, use real world examples of social media done right and social media gone wrong to help them along the way. Sometimes it’s hard for teens to know what is and what isn’t appropriate to share on social media. My advice is simple. Tell your teen to ask themselves if their grandmother would like their comment, status update, tweet, picture, or video. If she’d like it, and they wouldn’t be embarrassed showing it to her, then it’s probably okay to share it on social media. Follow their accounts. I know it’s a lot to manage, but routinely look at what your kids are posting on social media sites and give them feedback - the good, the bad, and the ugly. If what they’ve posted is inappropriate, discuss it, let them correct the problem, and 43

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Big Hero 6

The Hunger Games:

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: A Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Big Hero 6 PG for action and peril, some rude humor, and thematic elements. Most kids like superheroes, but unfortunately a lot of the recent Marvel Comics movies star action figures -- Captain America, Ironman, Thor, Ghost Rider, The Avengers and even Guardians of the Galaxy -- that aren’t really suited for the younger crowd. Thanks to Disney/Pixar that is changing. Big Hero 6 is the first Disney animation to feature these action heroes and, luckily for little ones, it’s far more family friendly than the live-action films. Hiro Hamada (voice of Ryan Potter) is a robotics prodigy that lives in the city of San Fransokyo. At 14, he’s already graduated from high school, but he hasn’t found a direction in life. Rather than pursuing his education, he sneaks out at night to participate in underground battle bots where he makes a little extra cash by illegally gambling on the outcome of the matches. Meanwhile his older brother Tadashi Hamada (voice of Daniel Henney) is studying at a robotics program run by Professor Robert Callaghan (voice of James Cromwell). Hoping to inspire his younger sibling, Tadashi takes Hiro to his school where he meets some of the other students: Honey Lemon (voice of Génesis Rodríguez), GoGo Tomago (voice of Jamie Chung), Wasabi (voice of Damon Wayans, Jr.) and Fred (voice of T.J. Miller). In his lab, Tadashi also shows Hiro his latest invention, Baymax (voice of Scott Adsit), an inflatable, robotic health care companion. After Tadashi is killed in a fiery explosion, Hiro discovers that something has been stolen from the school and fallen into criminal hands. With the help of Tadashi’s friends, Hiro and Baymax create a crime fighting team called Big Hero 6 to hunt down the villain. The first part of this origin movie is spent introducing the characters, including Aunt Cass (voice of Maya Rudolph) who takes care of Hiro and his brother. Similar to other storylines in this genre, the newly formed group has to discover their superpowers and create a crime-fighting persona. Luckily like Batman, there’s an obliging, obligatory butler (voice of David Shaughnessy) in this story who assists them as they perfect their skills. These sequences are definitely the more enjoyable part of the movie. (The last half turns into a typical superhero action film with fistfights, high tech weapons and moments of peril for the heroes.) Thankfully the most engaging character in the story is the roly-poly Baymax, who looks like the pudgy cousin of Bibendum the Michelin Man. He’s a gentle giant created to take care of people’s physical and emotional needs. Though Baymax lacks almost any kind of facial features, there is a lot of personality in this marshmallowy robot. And what’s better for kids than a superhero with heart.

Mockingjay Part 1 MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: D+ Sexual Content: ALanguage: A Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images and thematic material. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has lost her identity as a spitfire.It’s understandable -- considering what she has been through. After volunteering to take her younger sister’s (Willow Shields) place in the Hunger Games, she had to kill other children or be killed herself. Winning that grisly, annual competition, she was supposed to live out the rest of her years in pampered luxury. But her fiery temper got her in trouble with Panem’s President Snow (Donald Sutherland). In retaliation for her defiance, Snow called her and the other past victors of the game back into the arena for a Quarter Quell. After surviving that by openly violating Snow’s rules, Katniss has been reduced to a shell of her former self, besieged by horrendous nightmares that leave her cowering in the dark. Like the books this film is based on, this franchise has always been rife with violence, from the depiction of kids ruthlessly bludgeoning other kids, to past victors forcibly murdering past victors. For many parents the brutality has been the biggest problem with this dystopian teen tale. And this third movie is even more eerily in step with current news reports of world events. Then there is the problem of the grownups. Yes, this is yet another movie where the older generation manipulate the younger one for their own purposes. Katniss has sparked the embers of a revolution. Eager to fan the flames into a full rebellion, President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) from District 13 wants Katniss to become the face of the uprising. In the past, Katniss may have been equal to the task. But now she seems unable to conjure any emotion, at least until they take her back to District 12 to see her hometown lying in rubble. Still her fervor seems short-lived, if only because she is too emotionally exhausted to maintain her anger. This is a girl crying for help. Yet rather than being nurtured by compassionate adults, this teen becomes a mere pawn in the hands of those who want to further their own cause. The dialogue-heavy script, with a lack of action or real story advancement, makes the plot drag as well. Knowing how the novel (and presumably the film series) will end means Katniss needs to find herself before Part 2 begins. Right now she seems unable or unwilling to make her own decisions. If she is to become a force for good, Katniss will have to reignite the passion that made this hero a thorn in the side of the rose-wearing Snow.

What Parents need to know about Mockingjay Part 1...

Violence: Images of a destroyed town include smoldering ruins, along with hundreds of charred and bloody bodies lying in the streets. A character steps on a skull. Characters wearing black hoods are forced to kneel before being executed (shot in the head) in front of the other townspeople. Corpses wrapped in blankets are piled in a building. Numerous bloody and injured patients are shown inside a hospital, which is later intentionally bombed killing everyone inside. Planes are shot down. Masked soldiers shoot at a group of men and women (many of the soldiers are later killed in an explosion). Dead bodies are frequently shown strewn on the ground. Torture methods are discussed and a character is shown with signs of enduring physical abuse. A character attacks another by pushing, hitting and choking, until he is hit over the head with a large object. Sexual Content: A few moments of embracing and kissing are shown. Language: None noted.

What Parents need to know about Big Hero 6...

Violence: The movie contains moments of peril and some frightening images. A man is killed in a fiery explosion. Characters engage in handto-hand fighting and some weapon use in a superhero context. Thugs threaten a young boy who has been participating in illegal gambling. Characters careen down the road during a car chase. Some scenes may be scary for young children. Sexual Content: Brief embracing is shown. Language: The script contains mild name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: A character appears to be drunk, but he is only suffering from a low battery. A man raises a glass of champagne at the opening of a new building. Auburn Opelika Parents I December 2014

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GOAL: • Encourage participants to eat less and move more (hopefully losing at least 1 pound a week) 2015 DATES: • Free registration begins in December • Weigh-In Week: January 19-25 • Weigh-Out Week: April 6-12 • Final Event and cash prize drawings: April 24 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: • Cash prizes for winning teams!

scale back alabama

• A free, online tracker for participants (tracks nutrition and exercise) • Healthy Lifestyle Tips • Family Focus Corner - provides additional information for participants to use in helping their children be healthier

Scale Back Alabama is a FREE, statewide weight loss program designed to help Alabama’s adults (18 and older) develop and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. It’s a 10-week program starting in January and ending in April.

For more information or to sign up in December, visit SCALEBACKALABAMA.COM. Scale Back Alabama is sponsored by the Alabama Hospital Association, Alabama Department of Public Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.