Auburn Opelika Parents February 2020 by KeepSharing

February2020 464

Volume 10 Number 12

Columns 4

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Kids Health Watch

Therapeutic Parenting

In a society of constant influencers, find out why you are still your teen’s biggest one!

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Food Journey

One month of trying a healthier diet can change the way you (and your kids) think about food.

28 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

39 92

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This!

Happy Healthy Kids

Eight reasons to promote outdoor play for your children.

Healthy Kids Guide

Local resources to keep kids fit and healthy...mind and body.

Gerry Paige Smith

Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

On The Cover Sarah Clayton Harris, “Sadie”, is the two-year-old daughter of Chris and Libba Harris. She loves cooking, reading, playing outside, and

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 12

School Bits 44

playing workouts at Daddy’s gym,

Family Calendar

All in Crossfit. Sadie also keeps

busy helping to care for her new

Movie Reviews

little brother, Sam.

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Publisher’sNote Just in time for our New Year’s resolutions focusing on our family’s health, we bring you the 2020 Healthy Kids Issue! Each year, taking a moment to think about the overall wellness of your family is a great idea, especially when considering new goals. Whether your evaluation reveals a need to prepare healthier meals, encourage more physical exercise, or plan more family time outdoors, we’ve got you covered. Living a healthy lifestyle is an important component to your family’s growth and functionality. For dinner, do you normally swing into a drive-thru for a quick solution to meal time? Do your kids seem to be living in a virtual reality of gaming or does your family end their evenings on the couch binge watching Netflix? How often do you grab your athletic shoes and head outside for a neighborhood stroll or bike ride? If the answers to these questions leave you feeling like your family could use a little shaking up in meal prep and activity level, then you are in great company! With the new year in full swing, and resolutions made, I have realized how much time my kids are spending gaming, texting and binge internet surfing. Not to mention my limited evening time to meal prep and encourage a more nutritious dinner plan on school nights. In our feature article, 10 Things I Learned from Eating Healthy Foods, the author suggests some tips to consider when your goal is to bring in healthier meal options this winter. She suggests that planning and prep is key. For me, cutting up the veggies that will be included in the stir fry is a time saver on Monday night. I can quickly grab the prepped items and it’s ready in time for my dancers to eat before heading to their ballet classes. Another tip is that your kids may actually eat some of the healthier options that, as parents, we choose for ourselves. As with most things, kids are looking to the adults as their role models and eager to follow suit when they see a positive result happening. An example of this with my children is that I decided I needed more water throughout my week. So, I replaced what was available for me to drink, carried my water with me and sipped it throughout the day. In turn, I noticed they started doing the same thing. Something as small as this can make a huge difference in your family’s overall wellness. If increasing your activity level is on your list of goals, then check out our guide this month for some great local parks. Just an afternoon exploring the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center or playing on the many levels of fun at Hickory Dickory Park may be just the start your family needs to get more active. Have you thought of joining a fitness center? Take a tour of the Opelika SportsPlex and discover the many resources they have for all ages, including an indoor pool, basketball courts and workout equipment. Taking a small step is all it takes to start your family toward getting more active. Improved family health is a great goal for the new year. Encouraging a more active lifestyle and choosing to plan healthier meals may be the best family choices you make all year!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

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 Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Mark Gregston Cheryl Maguire Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Jan Pierce Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, MD Cover Photography Lauren Beesley Photography www.lbeesleyphoto.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (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: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2020 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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Air Play by Acrobuffos Friday, May 8

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

You Are Their Biggest Influencer I am part of that in-between generation that was the last to grow up without cell phones or internet, yet young and hip enough to still intelligently navigate such devices (or at least that’s what we tell ourselves). Which brings me to this: Instagram. Or, as the cool kids call it – The IG. I have only recently started navigating “the gram,” and though I would like to tell you with great certainty that I am not at all easily influenced by marketing or media, it turns out that I am ever so slowly being influenced by the influencers. I won’t tell you how many new lip glosses I have purchased recently (3), how many Sherpa pull-overs I now own that I didn’t know I needed (2), nor will I tell you that I bought a steam mop that promises to cover up the mounds of infield dirt that end up in my kitchen – all because I was influenced. I would say the same can be said for our kids. Yes, they have mountains of social media they comb through to find

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

the latest styles and trends, yes they have television and 782 channels of content that tells them what to do, how to act, and where to go. But I think it is so important to never forget that you, as the parent, have the greatest platform to be the greatest influencer in their developing little lives. They may not look to you for fashion, they may not look to you for makeup tips, but they are certainly looking to you (whether you know it or not) for things like character, morality, goodness, and how to be a decent human. We influence them every day with how we act, how we engage (or don’t engage) with them, and we set a standard for what we hold dear. This also happens more subtly with things like our body language and tone, rate, rhythm and volume of speech. How many times have we found ourselves yelling at our kids to, “Just calm down!!” as we ourselves are far from calm. We have to understand the power that we hold and begin to realize – especially in those inevitable difficult moments – that how we react

and respond is going to greatly influence how they react and respond. So set yourself right first, adjust your angle, change up the lighting that you want to bring into the situation and model a different, more suitable, response for your child. And remember, though you may not have 428,000 followers, never forget you have one – or two – or six little followers underfoot who are watching your every story and notating every direct message you communicate to them. So give yourself a little blue checkmark because you are the real deal. I hope you find that to be a good reminder. I would say more but I have to go order some skincare that promises to make me look 86 years younger. (The 24-year-old influencer who swears by it looks incredibly young and youthful, so I am positive it will have the exact same effect on my middle age wrinkles.) Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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Zumbathon 2020 Mardi Gras Party!

Let’s dance! It’s time to move your body Auburn! 90 – Minutes of fun-filled dancing designed to get you in shape! Awesome instructors who can get you dancing and will take turns leading in various styles and levels of Zumba moves! We will kick off with our Mardi Gras-themed “Best Dressed Dancer” costume contest at 8:45 AM and Zumba will begin at 9 AM, so come dressed in purple, green, and gold and be ready to dance (and sweat)! This event is FREE and open to the public. Children ages 8 and older are welcome with parent participation. Boykin Community Center gymnasium from 8:45 – 10:30 a.m. activeauburn@auburnalabama.org

Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience

Sponsored by Auburn-Opelika Tourism; The Talons Group. The Gogue Performing Arts Center welcomes Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience to the stage on February 21. A signature blend of American roots music, New Orleans funk, reggae, world and blues, Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience is a massively entertaining live show that incorporates all that is great about Louisiana’s diverse musical heritage. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Broadway’s Rent 20th Anniversary Tour

More than two decades since its original premiere, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love. RENT won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Now, the celebrated masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. This performance contains adult content and themes. February 18-19 at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. For tickets, www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Read Across the Preserve

Join the Kreher Preserver and Nature Center and the Auburn Public Library, March 2, as we partner to celebrate “National Read Across America Day” with the National Education Center. National Read Across America Day coincides with Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) birthday and across the country, we celebrate by bringing together kids, teens, and books! At the KPNC, enjoy stories every 20 minutes at many locations around the Nature Center including the Nature Playground’s tree house, the campfire, the waterfall deck, Azalea Place, and among the trees on our trails. Visitors will also get to hunt for each page of our “story walk,” a book whose pages are along a short walk in the woods. Read Across the Preserve is free – donations are welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

Valentine’s Day Hike

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center in Auburn. Celebrate the love of nature with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day by enjoying a hike through the trails of the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. Along the hike we will have several spots for you and your loved ones to enjoy the scenery. This self-led hike will cover around a mile of the preserve’s lovely trails and takes around an hour to walk through. Hiking can begin at 9:00 AM and will be available throughout the day until sunset. No admission fee but donations are welcome. Fall in love with the Kreher Preserve all over again! Enjoy the hike alone or with a loved one! No reservations are needed, just come out and enjoy! FREE to the public. preserve@auburn.edu www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Drum Tao 2020

On February 3, Opelika welcomes DRUM TAO 2020 on their North American tour through the US and Canada. The internationally acclaimed percussion artists of TAO bring to North America their newest production, Drum TAO, with modern, high-energy performances showcasing the ancient art of Japanese drumming. Worldwide audiences have been transfixed with TAO’s highly physical, large-scale drumming, contemporary costumes, precise choreography, and innovative visuals. Expect the walls and floor of OCPA to be vibrating from the effect of the large-scale Japanese drums on stage, so you will be able to enjoy this energetic and unforgettable production as though you’re sitting in your favorite massage chair. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org

Auburn Area Community Theater Young Performers Presents High School Musical, Jr.

Join us February 28-29, March 2, 5-7 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Disney Channel’s smash-hit movie musical comes to life at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center in “High School Musical, Jr.“ Troy, Gabriella and the talented students of East High sing and dance their way through issues of love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extra-curricular activities. $10/Adults, $8/Students and Seniors. Tickets can be purchased at www.auburnact.org.

Cirque Du Soleil: Axel in Columbus

Spectacular skating, breathtaking acrobatics, live music and stunning graphics - It’s waiting for you in an all new ice spectacle: Cirque du Soleil AXEL. Join Axel and his adrenaline-fueled crew on an exhilarating adventure as his passion for music and graphic arts takes you on an electrifying journey. Get ready for amazing music, stunning projections, and mind-blowing acrobatic skating performances in Cirque du Soleil AXEL. February 20-23. Columbus Civic Center. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov

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Mardi Gras Parade 2020

The Krewe De Tigris Mardi Gras Parade will be February 22, in downtown Auburn at 2 PM. Krewe Krawl will also be taking place during the Mardi Gras parade from 10 AM to 11 PM. The Krewe Krawl offers special discounts from downtown merchants to people who purchase a wristband. Krewe de Tigris was born of myth and magic. For over 5,000 years, the tiger has represented power, passion and a fierce spirit. Magnificent in a yellow-gold coat striped with black, the tiger paces the plains of Auburn with grace. The spirit of our Krewe exists in the dreams of a people who share a love of place and a sense of history. To the tigers who prowl as Krewe de Tigris. If you are interested in being in the parade, fill out the application on their website, or email krewedetigris@gmail. com. www.krewedetigris.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

Winter Animal Enrichment Day at the Zoo

Join the Montgomery Zoo Saturday, February 15, 10 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 PM, for Animal Enrichment Day. Tour the Zoo during our enrichment event and observe how animals respond to an assortment of new creative and behavior-stimulating enrichment items. More than 15 species will take part in the semi-annual event, including the tigers, elephants, chimpanzees, and jaguars. Presented in the form of special toys, unique scents, puzzles, boxed goodies or food treats, the enrichment items provide Zoo animals with both mental and physical exercise. Enrichment keeps them active and engaged while reproducing their natural behaviors. Placing different stimuli in the animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; environment allows animals to use their five basic senses while they exercise. The Zoo consults with national animal enrichment databases developed by government agencies and other zoos for assistance in selecting enrichment items. Montgomery Zoo provides enrichment to its animals on a daily basis, but this often takes place out of view from the public; Animal Enrichment Day allows the Zoo to share a daily activity with our guests and present it on a grander scale. For more information, please contact: (334) 625-4900 or email zooinfo@montgomeryal.gov.

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Opelika’s Daddy Daughter Dance 2020

The Dandy Dad's Dinner Dance will take place in Opelika on Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th at the Opelika Sportsplex for girls age 12 and younger! Costs $30 per couple and $10 for each additional daughter. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. Registration is required by Feb. 9th. If any tickets are available after the registration deadline, registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50/couple. www.opelikasportsplex.com

31st Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night

Join us to celebrate 31 years of DaddyDaughter Date Night fun. Our theme is "Mad Hatter". You won't want to miss this event! All dance nights will be held at the Clarion Inn & Suites on S. College Street. Daughters, dads, granddads, and uncles are invited to dance the night away and enjoy refreshments, door prizes, dance contests, keepsake photos, and an evening of memories. Special guests will also be in attendance! Tickets are $35 plus online fees for the first father/ daughter pair, and $5 for each additional daughter brought that evening. 2020 event dates: Thursday, February 6th, 5:30-8:30 PM; Friday, February 7th, FULL; Saturday, February 8th, FULL; Friday, February 14th, 6:30-9 PM; Saturday, February 15th, 6:30-9 PM. Ticket holders are reminded that tickets are only valid for the night they were purchased. Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold or given to another family. All ticket sales for the event are final. Visit www. auburnalabama.org/parks to purchase your tickets.

2020 Mother Son Blue Jean Ball

Moms and sons won’t feel left out…you can have a date night too! Join Opelika Parks and Recreation for the annual Mother Son Blue Jean Ball on Friday, February 14 & Saturday, February 15, 6:00-8:00 PM. The location will be at the Covington Rec Center in Opelika. $30/couple + $10/each additional son. Included is a meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. Must pre-register by February 10. If any tickets are available after the registration deadline, registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50 per couple. www. opelikasportsplex.com

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

How Much Juice is Too Much? One of the most common questions I and my partners get asked at well child visits is, “How much juice should my child drink per day?” As parents, we want to ensure that our children are receiving adequate nutrition. There has been a change regarding juice consumption recommendations in recent years. Whereas previously juice was recommended to increase the intake of specific vitamins and also to alleviate constipation, we now know that the benefits are minimal and the negative aspects, including but not exclusive to increased caloric intake, can be detrimental. Whole fruits and vegetables are much preferred sources of vitamins and minerals and are also great sources of fiber and protein which juice does not contain. Although juice is marketed as a healthy choice, in many cases it is more harmful than good. The recommendations regarding juice consumption for each age group is explored below. For infants 6 months of age or younger, they should not be fed anything other than breastmilk and/or infant formula. There is no need for juice intake at this age and it can actually lead to a decrease in breast milk/formula consumption which can lead to malnutrition. Ideally, juice should not be given to infants

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

under 12 months of age. They should receive their vitamin and mineral intake via fruits and vegetables. If it is offered, it should be given in a cup, not a bottle and the baby should not be able to “sip” on the juice throughout the day since that will lead to constant exposure of their teeth to sugar which can cause dental caries. After 12 months of age, occasional juice consumption can help supplement vitamin and mineral intake. However, whole fruits and vegetables are still the preferred vehicle for these things. If a child does have juice at this age, daily consumption should not exceed 4 ounces. Also, in cases of vomiting or diarrhea, juice does not serve as a good oral replacement fluid for electrolyte losses. It can actually worsen the diarrhea and/or cause electrolyte abnormalities resulting in serious negative health outcomes. For early school-aged children, the recommendations remain similar to those in infancy and toddler years. The consumption of whole fruit and vegetables still remain the preferred method to obtain needed vitamins and minerals along with protein and fiber. Juice

should be consumed in very small quantities. Juice is very easily consumed and tastes good therefore many children drink more than they need and therefore consume more calories than are needed to sustain healthy growth and development. Also, as mentioned before, the risk of dental caries increases greatly in children who are exposed to large amounts of juice throughout the day. For older school-aged children ages 7-18, recommendations are to keep juice consumption to less than 8 ounces per day. It is always preferred that consumption is limited to 100% juice to limit carbohydrate intake. Juice with pulp can offer some fiber but it pales in comparison to eating whole fruit or vegetables. And, as always, physical activity is another essential component to remaining healthy and to a certain degree can offset consumption of excess calories.

Dr. Katie Wolter is board certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the American Medical Association. She is passionate about breastfeeding medicine and is currently working on becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is also a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Wolter is married to her husband, Jeremy, and has four sons. She loves to spend her free time outdoors with her family and friends.

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OPELIKA PARKS AND RECREATION PRESENTS THE 2020

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February 14-15

6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Opeika SportsPlex

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$30/ Couple $10/ Additional Daughter Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. Registration required by Feb. 9th. If any tickets are available after the registration deadline registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50. 11

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn HS Robotics Team Wins Tournament, Advances to State

Creekside ES Hosts Breakfast for First Responders

Auburn High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Robotics team won the Tournament of Champions, the Robot Skills, and the Excellence Award at the Anniston Tower Takeover, advancing to the State Competition!

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Creekside Elementary hosted a First Responder Appreciation Breakfast for our area agencies! These men and women all work together to keep our schools safe, and this was a way to express our gratitude right before the holiday season. We love seeing the smiles on the faces of our students as they are greeted during arrival by these first responders with high fives and word of encouragement!

AEEC Students Perform Holiday Shows

Second Grade Presents "Jingle Jammin' Through the Genres": Auburn Early Education Center Holiday Shows 2019 were a hit!

Auburn Jr. High Student Advances to International Art Contest

Assistant Police Chief Reads to Dean Road Students

Mrs. Keyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class at Dean Road Elementary School loved listening to a story read by Assistant Police Chief Cedric Anderson! Thank you for taking time to visit Dean Road! Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

8th grade AJHS student Leah Lethander won the National Peace Poster contest and is now moving on to the international competition! For more than three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring a very special art contest in schools and youth groups. Creating peace posters gives students everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity. 12

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Colonial Times at Morris Avenue Intermediate School

In December, fifth graders at Morris Avenue Intermediate School in Opelika celebrated Colonial Day by traveling back in time using Google Expeditions for a tour of historic Jamestown and early school houses and solving puzzles in a Jamestown Escape Room activity. Students also had the opportunity to make wigs and snack on treats enjoyed by children during Colonial times.

History Comes to Life at Ogletree Elementary

Check out our fantastic living wax museum courtesy of our 5th graders at Ogletree Elementary! They researched important figures, prepared papers, memorized presentations, and then acted them for each other and their families. Well done Allstars!

OHS Students Participate in Alabama Bicentennial High School Honor Marching Band

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Opelika High School students Seth Carpenter, Will Fuller, Tae Johnson, and Jadon Tolbert were chosen to represent Alabama in the Alabama Bicentennial High School Honor Marching Band that performed at the State Capital during the Bicentennial festivities in Montgomery. Mr. Mike McGlynn was asked by the State to be the Director of Percussion for the Bicentennial High School Marching Band. The band consisted of 200 students from every county in Alabama. We are extremely proud of these OHS students and of Mr. McGlynn!

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LSA Cheerleader Performs in London New Year’s Day Parade Lee-Scott Academy student Payton Huguley performed in the London New Year’s Day parade as a UCA All American cheerleader! She was chosen for this honor and to participate during cheer camp in the summer of 2019.

Autauga County Schools

Creekside H.A.W.K.S. Behavior Celebration

Alabama Bicentennial Book Tasting at WMR

There is no better way to celebrate your 200th birthday than with a Bicentennial Book Tasting! Every Wrights Mill Road student "tasted" a variety of books featuring Alabama authors, history, and culture from our state. The dessert course was even sweeter with Alabama musician biographies and listening to song selections. Students added some great new titles to their lists and can check out these state stories for future reading. Thank you, Mrs. Goolsby, for this FACES grant that helped our EAGLES celebrate Alabama's Bicentennial.

Students who displayed H.A.W.K.S. behavior during the second quarter attended a black light celebration party recently! Dancing, relay games, and snowball fights were all part of the fun!

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Chambers Academy Holds Basketball Tournament for Cystic Fibrosis

Chambers Academy hosted a Cystic Fibrosis Christmas Basketball Tournament December 27 and 28. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of CA’s own Peyton Lamb. Peyton is a senior at Chambers Academy who has attended CA since kindergarten. She is a LaFayette resident and the daughter of Bryan and Kris Lamb. Peyton is an outstanding student with an overall 3.89 GPA. She has participated as a varsity cheerleader, an active member of CA’s SGA, and been honored as a member of the school’s BETA Club. Additionally, Peyton was awarded second place in the AISA’s Statewide technology team contest last spring held in Montgomery. Peyton was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was just 3 years old. She has endured numerous surgeries and hospitalizations because of her CF. CF is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits one’s ability to breathe over time. Sometimes she must use antibiotics and breathing treatments to help treat her lungs and if that’s not enough she has been admitted to the hospital for care. Peyton is treated at the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham as has been the case since her diagnosis. Her family and sister, Leslie are very active in raising awareness and funding for the CF Foundation in hopes that a cure for CF will be found one day. Four girl’s teams and four boy’s teams played semifinal games on Friday night. Championship games in both divisions as well as consolation games for third place were held on Saturday, with the girl’s tournament semifinal matchup of LaGrange Academy versus Autauga Academy. The boy’s semifinals began with LaGrange Academy taking on Lowndes Academy. The nightcap of the semifinal action saw cross country rivals battle with Springwood’s Lady Wildcats from Lanett taking on the home team from Chambers Academy. The boy’s teams from Springwood and Chambers capped off the evening’s hardwood action with their semifinal game. Chambers Academy defeated Lowndes Academy in the finals 54 to 46. Over $1600 was raised to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on behalf of the tournament. Pictured, right, is senior, Peyton Lamb from the Chambers Academy Class of 2020. Anyone interested in making a donation to support this benefit can do so by contacting Chambers Academy’s Athletic Director, Jason Allen at 334-497-1399 or CA’s Headmaster, David Owen at 334-740-4667. Donations can be mailed to: Chambers Academy – 15048 US Highway 431 – LaFayette, AL 36862. 15

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn City Schools Thankful for Law Enforcement

Partnering organizations across the country showed support for law enforcement officers while promoting National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.). ACS would like to thank all the officers that keep our community safe on a daily basis in and out of our schools! Law Enforcement Officers of every rank and file have chosen a profession that puts their life on the line every day, and have answered a call to public service that is demanding and often underappreciated.

Coding at Ogletree Elementary

Auburn High Computer Science students visited Ogletree Elementary to code using robots in celebration National Computer Science Education Week! Computer Science Education Week (#CSEdWeek) is an annual program dedicated to inspiring K-12 students to take interest in computer science that was originally conceived by the Computing in the Core coalition. Code.orgÂŽ organizes CSEdWeek as a grassroots campaign supported by 350 partners and 100,000 educators worldwide.

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Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

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Pancake Party at Trinity Christian School The upper school Christmas Pancake party was a blast Trinity Christian School!

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Police Officers Read to Wrights Mill Road Classes

The Auburn Police Department spread holiday cheer through reading books to each classroom at Wrights Mill Road. Our students loved hearing their wonderful stories and talking with these heroes about their work to keep our city safe. Thank you for serving the EAGLES and the city of Auburn!

AHS Swim Teams Finish 2nd and 3rd at State Championship

The Auburn High Swim Teams performed well at the 2019 AHSAA State Championship Swim Meet recently! The girls finished 2nd (State Runner-Up) and the boys finished 3rd.

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn Thunder Teams End Season as Tournament Finalists

The Auburn Thunder 05/06 Girls Played in the Gatlinburg Season Finale Tournament. On Saturday the team won 3-0 against Dalton (Ga.) and 1-0 against Knoxville (Tenn.). On Sunday they won 1-0 against Asheville (NC), and lost in the final 0-1 against Athens (Tenn.). The team ended the season as the Finalist in their age division. The Auburn Thunder '05 Boys also played in the Gatlinburg Season Finale Tournament, and on Saturday the team defeated PSA Lanus 4-0 and All-In FC Tennessee 5-0. On Sunday the team defeated the Ashville Shield with a 7-0 win and then lost 0-1 to the Alliance in the final. The team was pleased to end their season as a finalist in this tournament. Pictured, girls, front row (L-R) Meredith Martin, Kai Freeman, Melissa Smith, Addison Yates, Claire Nappier, Brantley Clegg. Middle Row (L-R) Elizabeth Thurow, Avery Augsburger, Anna Kate Havron. Back Row (L-R) Ali Bankston, Eli Rodning, Saneya Guitierrez, Kaitlyn Yates, Chloe Price, Savannah Hathaway, Sarah Kate Sanderson, Caroline Hennesy, Mally Nappier and Coach Mac Matthews. Back row (L-R) Pictured, boys, Dylan Pegues, Gabe Farrow, Manny Situmorang, Destiny Zekeri, Tucker Roberts, Will Adams, Grayson Scharf, Colin Flanagan, Jeremiah McDade, Coach Meghan Kemp. Front row (L-R) Zach Hayes, Dylan Kariuki, Ethan Park, Michael Donaldson, Cooper Fain.

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• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

award-winning, n a n o t u o s is m Don’t mp for your ca d re te n ce ts ri Ch mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama

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• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

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Auburn HS Cross-Country Team Wins State Championship

The Cross-Country team's accomplishment was a 3-peat for Class 7A AHSAA State Championships! Auburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team was built on its five seniors that placed among the top seven competitors in the State Meet (Samantha Rogers, Harper McGowan, Hallie Stewart, Sarah Parnell and Gracie Booher).

Pick Elementary Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to our 23 Homeroom Spelling Bee Winners! These students represented their homeroom very well in the Pick Elementary School Spelling Bee. Congratulations to Fletcher for being our School winner and to David for being the runner-up! We are so proud of our Pick Leaders!

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Dean Road Students Attend Library Ribbon Cutting

Four second grade classes from Dean Road attended the ribbon cutting for Auburn Public Libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoor classroom!

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Autauga County Schools

Focusing on Joy at Creekside ES

Creekside students continued the tradition of closing out the calendar year with a school-wide sing-a-long. We also had some guests host The Big Idea Show to teach us more about JOY. We learned that joy is "finding a way to be happy even when things don't go your way." Our students were challenged to focus on sharing joy with others over the Winter Break. We are so thankful for every child and adult who makes Creekside such a joyous place each day!

LSA Class Provides Christmas Treats for Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama

The 5th period Character Counts class at Lee-Scott Academy chose the Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama for their “Do Good December” project for the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. They provided cookies and a large coloring sheet for the participants, a coffee mug with candy and a Chickfil-A gift card for the staff, and delivered the donations gathered from the 11th and 12th graders in the upper school.

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Opelika City Schools Recognized for School Safety

Congratulations to Opelika High School and Opelika Middle School for receiving the Attorney General's 2019 Certificate of Building a Culture of School Safety! Pictured are Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS

Principal and Mrs. Kelli Fischer-OHS Assistant Principal and Mr. Keith York-OMS Principal and Mr. Matthew KendrickOMS Assistant Principal with the certificates from Attorney General Steve Marshall.

Parents Night Out at Cary Woods! What’s more fun than board games, Legos, puzzles, memory games, pizza, popcorn and a movie with your friends, high school kids and teachers?

Allen Orthodontics is pleased to be moving to Moores Mill in Spring 2019. is move will improve our patient experience by accommodating our expanding orthodontic services and technology, greatly increasing space for treatment and allowing easy parking and access to our oﬃce for all of our patients. Allen Orthodontics is thrilled to be joining a great mix of signature businesses that will be steps away from our new location.

Fun Rewards for Reading at Pick ES

Pick Elementary school students who completed the Reading challenge enjoyed The Candy Cane Cafe during PE recently! Students ice skated, had a snowball fight, enjoyed some hot chocolate and an obstacle course. Get ready, leaders, for the next challenge in January! 21

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OMS Students with Special Needs Perform at AMEA Conference in Montgomery

Autauga County Schools

Opelika Middle School has a newly-formed ensemble of special needs drummers call the “OMS Revolution”. They were invited to perform at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference (AMEA) in Montgomery as a part of the Alabama Special Needs All-Star Ensemble. The “Revolution” is a group of twenty students with special needs at Opelika Middle School who meet weekly to play music on drums designed by Remo for students with special needs. “This is a great outlet for these kids to be outside of the regular classroom to have fun and enjoy playing the drums,” stated Mike McGlynn, OMS and OHS Percussion Director. “We are very excited to have been asked to perform with other students with special needs from across the state at the AMEA Conference.” Mrs. Leigh Moore, Special Needs Instructor at OMS agrees, “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and we are extremely proud of them.” The students began practicing on the drums in August.

WMR Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to our Wrights Mill Road Spelling Bee winner, Cash, and our alternative, Jackson. We are so P-R-O-U-D (PROUD) of these EAGLES!

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Trinity Christian Students Hold Christmas Concert Congratulations grammar school music classes, Trinity Trebles, and Trinity Singers, for a great Christmas concert performance at Trinity Christian School.

OMS Inducts New Members to National Junior Honor Society

Congratulations to the newest members of the National Junior Honor Society at Opelika Middle School. The group of 8th grade students were inducted to the group in December 2019.

Auburn Early Education Center Pep Rally

At AEECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s November pep rally we recognized our students of the month, support staff and AEEC Book Bingo participants. We also welcomed a guest visitor from South Korea, Heeju Seong, who showed us how to play a Korean drum called the Janggu. Our December word for the month was introduced, joy. We spent the rest of the month and year choosing joy each day.

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn Career Tech Students of Semester

The ACS Career Tech Education (CTE) Department honored the fall CTE Students of the Semester at Auburn High School, Auburn Junior High School and East Samford School! The following students were recognized: Grayson Fain - Education & Training; Emma Davis – Aquaculture; John Hixon - Environmental Sciences; Russell Jacoway – BMA; John Boles – Machining; Lee Hancock - Advertising Design; Ryan Koerper – JROTC; Ryan Weng - Building Construction; Malia Holstick - Television Production; Ryan Hays – Finance; Matthew Clegg - PLTW Engineering; Cara Herring - Health Science; Lucy Adams - Food, Wellness & Dietetics; Spencer Riggins - Information Technology; Alex Campbell Hospitality and Tourism; Hayden Gross - Work-Based Learning; Naeim Mahjouri - PLTW Engineering (AJHS); Satvika Kodali - PLTW Gateway (ESS). The overall fall student of the semester was Hayden Gross! Hayden works as a student intern at the Auburn University Regional Airport. All students were treated to a breakfast and given gifts from the program partners at Tiger Mochas, Barberitos, Cellairis, and Goo-Goo Car Wash.

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Opelika MS New Honor Society Members

Congratulations to the newly-inducted members of the National Junior Honor Society at Opelika Middle School!

LSA Students Deliver Christmas Donations to Azalea Place Residents

9th and 10th grade students completed their service project by dropping off donations and visiting with the residents of Azalea Place, wishing them a Merry Christmas from LeeScott Academy!

Morris Avenue Uses Soccer to Learn About Alabama Counties

Fourth graders at Morris Avenue Intermediate in Opelika concluded their Soccer unit with an Indoor Soccer Championship which featured the two top teams out of the grade. Each student within the unit was put on a team who then selected an Alabama county to research and eventually adopt as their team name. Each student was able to take away not only the skills of the game of soccer but also expand their knowledge about the county in which they researched and the state in which they live. Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

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Chambers Academy Students Compete in AISA District Math Contest

The Chambers Academy Math Team travelled on Tuesday, January 14th to compete in the AISA District Math contest hosted in Auburn. Students in the 6th through 8th grades competed in the Middle School Math competition and students in grades 9-12 competed in the High School contest. This annual competition is held each winter amongst academic math teams from each AISA school. Six schools were represented in this contest. The High School teams competed taking a 90-minute mathematics examination with teams earning points for the problems answered correctly by their top five contestants. High School participants were only permitted to utilize calculators allowed for the ACT College Entrance Tests. Middle School participants also competed taking a 90-minute examination without the access to a calculator. Following the written competition, teams competed in the Ciphering Contest with three-minute toss up problems projected on the screen with individual students attempting to solve them for accuracy as quickly as possible. Pictured in the team photo are CA’s Varsity Math Team members: (Seated left to right) Meleah Tigner, Morgan Newman, Abbie Morgan, Kendall Talbot, Mattie Reese, Lauren Fuller, Kinslee Hester, and Brandalon Rombokas. (Standing left to right) Luke Tarver, Cade Tarver, Jacob Oliver, Isaac Gardner, Dean Sheffield, Kole Baker, and Easton Janowiecki. Junior, Cade Tarver was CA’s top scorer in the Math Team Competition for the High School Team and Kol Baker led the Middle School Team as the Rebels top scorer. Upper school math teacher, Regenia Barninger serves as the sponsor for CA’s math team. The AISA math team competition will serve our students well on their standardized testing and ACT college placement exams taken this coming spring.

Creekside ES Spelling Bee Winner

Congratulations to Dalton for winning the CES Spelling Bee! We know he will represent our school well in the upcoming county competition. Congratulations to all of the classroom winners who participated.

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Autauga County Schools

TCS Students Hold 200th Birthday Party

Seventh grade Alabama History students at Trinity Christian School celebrate the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bicentennial at a 200th birthday party!

STEM Fun at Lee-Scott Academy

Lee-Scott Academy fifth grade students worked in teams to build and test beam bridges during STEM class recently!

Please send school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

St. Michael Catholic PreK and Kindergarten Christmas Parade

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St. Michael Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten celebrated the end of the year with a Christmas parade after they sang songs, made cards for the police, and did an activity in Spanish class.

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AHS Students Build Playhouse for Auction

The Building Construction students at Auburn High School built one of the three playhouses the Professional Women in Building Council of the Lee County Home Builders auctioned off just recently! Part of the proceeds will go to fund Construction Career Scholarships for students in Lee County. Thank you to Lowe's Home Improvement for the donations to make this project happen!

ACS Teacher of the Year Nominees

The 2020-2021 Alabama Teacher of the Year competition at the local level was very competitive, as usual, and has now produced an elementary and secondary Teacher of the Year to represent Auburn City Schools within District 2 as the next step toward becoming the overall Teacher of the year! With more than 1,000 educators employed by ACS, we are proud of Ogletree Elementary's Kathryn Knorr and Auburn High School's Jessica Bowlin for being the top scoring teachers in Auburn, and wish them the best of luck as they go on to compete at the next level.

T r i n i T y

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

TradiTion For over thirty-five years, Trinity has been committed to a biblical Christian world-view, and

Ugly Sweaters at Trinity

Ugly Christmas sweaters were a hit at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faculty and staff Christmas party Trinity Christian School.

its classical educational philosophy has been proven through thousands of years of learning experience.

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Be a Role Model:

2) Start good habits early. The secret to healthy media use is to establish time limits and stick to them. Start when your kids are young by setting screen limits that work for your family’s needs and schedule. And don’t just talk the talk -- walk the walk!

Find a Healthy Balance with Media & Technology

3) Use media together.

We’ve all seen that dad yakking away on his cell phone at the playground while his 3-year-old resorts to increasingly desperate measures to get his attention. We’ve also been that parent. We answer emails, update Facebook, take a conference call, and try to get in that one last text. The thing is, kids notice -- and they’re not happy about it. Lots of studies address the impact of screen time on kids, and guidelines show how much is appropriate at what age. But researchers are just beginning to look into the effect that parents’ screen use has on kids. A Boston Medical Center study of how families at a restaurant interacted with each other when they used cell phones demonstrated that caregivers who were “highly absorbed” in their devices responded harshly to their kids’ bids for attention. And in her book The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, Catherine Steiner-Adair found that kids often feel they have to compete with devices for their parents’ attention. Most importantly, kids learn their screen habits from us. It might be easier if someone just gave parents a recommended daily time limit so we’d know when to stop. In the meantime, we’ll need to find balance. But there’s a huge motivator to change our behavior: The little girl on the play structure, the boy learning to skateboard, the twins playing dress-up. They’re watching us, watching our phones.

Whenever you can, watch, play, and listen with your kids. Ask them what they think of the content. Share your values, and help kids relate what they learn in the media to events and other activities in which they’re involved. With

older kids, you can draw them out by sharing stuff from your Facebook and Instagram accounts.

4) Keep distractions to a minimum.

5 Ways to Find a Healthy Balance of Media and Technology

You probably tell your kids to turn their phones off during homework time. Get rid of the stuff that distracts you, too. Hide your apps so they don’t display, set your phone to “do not disturb,” or shut down your devices during important family time.

1) Be a role model. When kids are around, set an example by using media the way you want them to use it. Keep mobile devices away from the dinner table (learn about our Device-Free Dinner initiative), turn the TV off when it’s not being watched, and use a DVR to record shows to watch later. Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

5) Turn off work. Many parents feel they need to be constantly accessible to their jobs. But that’s stressful, frustrating, and not realistic. Set boundaries for work time and family time. 28

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A Page in a Book The Cat’s Out of the (Book) Bag One of the most popular domesticated animals in the world, cats are often the first pet to capture a child’s imagination and love. Simultaneously affectionate and mysterious, cats deliver benefits to kids that help them grow in unexpected ways. Sharing your home with a cat can reduce the likelihood of a child developing allergies and asthma. Cats are also ideal teachers of socialization, showing children how to ‘read’ physical cues that indicate a welcome interaction or signal a need for space. Soothing or playful, loving or aloof, cats have a vibrant footprint in our shared environment. For the cat-curious, the following titles feature felines, front and center, with their own stories to tell.

Vincent Comes Home

by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley (Roaring Brook / Macmillan) As a cargo ship crisscrosses the ocean, visiting exotic ports of call, Vincent the cat moves with ease among the sailors, an unofficial member of the crew. His days filled with fresh fish, seagull chases, and the camaraderie of ship’s complement, Vincent enjoys the life of a sea-borne vagabond. But as he hears the crew talking with anticipation about returning home, Vincent begins to wonder what ‘home’ is. When the ship docks in its home port, Vincent disembarks for the first time, looking for home. Wandering through an unfamiliar world, a chance meeting suggests that Vincent has had a home all along. With crisp illustrations that celebrate the adventure of travel paired with the comfort of family, Vincent Comes Home earns its residence on every child’s bookshelf.

by Kathi Appelt, Illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan (Atheneum / Simon & Schuster) A bowl of goldfish tantalizes Max, who has a plan to attack the tempting target. With laser-like focus, he makes his stealthy approach. But, wait! The flick of a lizard’s tail on the window screen pulls Max off task as he claws his way toward a new goal. Before he can return to the fish mission, Max must navigate a houseful of swishy, flickering, dangling distractions. A catnip mouse, an errant shoestring, a basket of socks, all send Max into attack mode while the fishbowl falls down his list of priorities. Or does it? Young cat fans will share the anticipation of the bundled crouch that signals feline jump prep and delight in keeping score with Max as he chalks up his hunting ‘wins’ in a household filled with moving goals.

I Hate My Cats (A Love Story)

by Davide Cali and Anna Pirolli (Chronicle Kids) Purring at artichokes, speaking to pigeons, sticking her whole head into shoes, Ginger is the weird cat. The other feline in the house, Fred, enjoys a lazier life. He naps in every corner, his waking hours punctuated by the power of invisibility when playful (or when a vacuum is near). Together, their signature moves and moods can add up to a real challenge for the human in the house. Capturing the charisma that is unique to cats, Pirolli’s illustrations perfectly render the entertaining emotional exchange our cats share with us and style they stamp into our households. An ideal gift for cat fans of every age, I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) is an absolutely charming homage to the peculiar behaviors and eccentricities that endear our feline friends to us, even at their most maddening. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Keep Your Dignity, Not the Cars

Q. My wife and I will both turn 30 next month. We have two young children, and we make a little over $85,000 combined. The problem is we have about $70,000 in debt. Some of it is credit card debt, but nearly $50,000 is in two car loans. Her mom and dad have offered to let us move in with them, so we can save up money and start getting a better handle on our finances, but we’re not sure how we feel about this. What’s your advice? A. You’ve got a ridiculous amount of money wrapped up in those cars. I’d sell the stupid things, get into a couple of little beaters, and start living on a budget and paying down debt. In your situation, the only scenario where I’d even consider taking the in-laws

up on their offer is one where the stay is for a very short, agreed-upon period of time. They’d have to be absolutely wonderful people, too, and everyone involved would need to know their boundaries. But you guys can get out of debt pretty fast if you’ll just lose the cars. You could even save a little money on the side while you were paying down debt, and buy a better car as soon as the debt was gone. You might love your cars so much that you’re unwilling to make the sacrifice. Not me. I’d rather keep my dignity intact, and work my way out of the mess I created!

Who Will Be Liable for My Parents’ Debt?

Q. My parents are getting up there in years, and they aren’t really prepared for

when they pass away. They can’t afford life insurance at this point, and they also have a lot of debt. When they die, who will be liable for their debt?

A. Any outstanding debt your parents have upon passing will likely go against their estate. If they have a positive net worth—meaning they owned more than they owed—there will be money left over after the debts are paid, and this could go toward an inheritance. If they have a negative net worth, which means they owed more than they owned, everything could be sold off to cover as much of the debt as possible. Regardless, you would only be held liable for any of their debt if you were a co-signer on the loans. I’d also suggest getting their permission to buy burial policies on them. If they won’t agree to this, you might have to save up money for their final expenses yourself. In most areas, $10,000 to $15,000 is enough to cover basic burial costs for two people.

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Most of my life I have been a healthy weight, yet never a healthy eater. When I ate healthily, it was an eye-opening experience. For one month I cut out all sugar and only ate a limited amount of carbohydrates. I drank only water, protein shakes, and almond milk. Here are a few things I learned:

1. My Kids Eat What I Eat

One of the most surprising aspects of changing my eating was how my kids wanted to eat all the healthy food I was eating. I assumed they wouldn’t want to try these meals. Yet when they saw me trying new foods they asked if they could try it as well. I didn’t know they liked some of the food, yet they were excited to eat it. Normally, I would give them store-bought chicken nuggets, but I learned they love plain boneless grilled chicken breast and they didn’t even ask for ketchup or anything else to put on it.

2. I Do Like Healthy Foods And So Do My Kids

I am a picky eater which means I rarely try new foods, especially healthy ones. Without realizing it, I was passing on the same poor habits to my children. I would only offer limited options of food which I knew they liked. I was surprised by how many healthy foods my children and I liked, but never tried. Since I don’t like turkey deli meat I assumed I wouldn’t like ground turkey, but I loved it. I even liked turkey burgers better than a hamburger. My daughter and I liked almond milk better than milk. Changing my eating habits forced me to go outside of my comfort zone and in the process, the whole family benefited from it.

3. Mindless Eating

By changing my eating habits, I paid attention to everything I ate. I never knew how many times I ate a slice of cheese while making my child’s lunch or finished their meal just because it was there and not because I was hungry. During the time frame of a month, I attended two different parties and found myself instinctively grabbing for food because it looked good to eat. I became aware of the mindless eating me and my family did.

4. Eating Healthy Can Be Cost-Effective

Before I started my new eating plan I 33

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went grocery shopping to prepare for it and my bill was $300. I almost passed out since I never spent that much money, due to the fact I use coupons and shop sales. At this point, I was wondering if eating healthy would be “worth it”. Part of my problem during the first shopping trip is that I bought everything on the list and didn’t plan properly. I also couldn’t stock up on sale items (healthy food does go on sale too). I learned that I can purchase chicken on-sale and freeze it. Or stock up on oatmeal when it is on sale and use a coupon. For one month I did not eat at a restaurant or fast food which saved me tons of money.

5. Too Many Carbohydrates And Dairy

Before this program I ate whole wheat pasta, but a lot of it. I also ate a large portion of cheese and other dairy products. I didn’t realize my portion sizes were too large. I was surprised to learn that I didn’t miss the cheese I used to put on my sandwich/burger or sprinkle on my pasta. The food tasted just as good without the cheese.

6. Hunger Should Not Be Your Guide

I always thought if you are hungry you should eat. I also would feed my children

the minute they felt hungry. The first two days of this program I was starving. I did some research and learned that it is normal to feel hungry when you change your diet, so I learned to accept this hungry feeling. After I adjusted to my new meal plan, I did feel hunger sometimes, but I learned to feel comfortable with this feeling instead of instantly eating, and to also have my children wait until the next meal instead of mindlessly snacking.

7. Correct Portions Are Small

I was surprised to learn most of the portions I ate were too large. Over time I felt full from the smaller portions. I learned by adding vegetables to a sandwich or a meal that it will help you to feel more full.

8. Measuring Makes It Tastier

Before this program, when I made oatmeal or other meals, I would guess how much water or oatmeal to put in and it usually never tasted good. By taking the time to measure everything food tasted better.

9. Planning Is Necessary For Successes I don’t like to cook or plan my meals so this was difficult for me, but I found

it necessary to be successful on this program. I would plan the meals and bring a grocery list of all items with me. By planning ahead I didn’t feel the need to order fast food or grab a quick snack.

10. Sugar Is In Everything

While I was on this program, I read the labels of everything (something I never did before) and I was shocked at how much sugar is in almost everything from ketchup to milk.

What I learned...

For me this was challenging, but I completed it because I made a commitment to myself. This experience changed the way I view food and eating in general. I still eat healthy foods, but l sometimes eat sugar and other “non-clean” items in limited amounts. The best benefit of changing my eating habits was realizing my kids were willing to eat healthy too. I think often we as parents don’t appreciate how much our actions impact our kids. Why not give it a try for your sake...and theirs? AOP Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessing and Your Teen Magazine.

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

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners! AARON KING AARON GONZALEZ ABBYGAIL DIX ABIGAIL KING ABIGAIL RATHEL ABRAN GONZALEZ ADALYN GRIFFITH ADAM CLAYTON ADA-REE PETTY ADDISON BLANKENSHIP ADDISYN BLEIGH ADELE SNOW ADELINE CLARK ADELINE CRAWFORD ADELINE GOODWIN ADELINE GRAY ADELYNN MCCLELLAN ADOLFO CARBAJAL VEGA AIDEN CONWAY AIDEN LANE ALAINA WHITE ALAYNA ENDICOTT ALEXANDER KING ALGERNON COLEMAN(IV) ALINA CHOI ALIYAH GAFFNEY ALLISON CACERES ALONNA TOLES ALYSON COLE ALYSSA RUFF AMARI PORTER AMBERLY HAMBY AMY ZHOU ANDREW BARNETT ANDREW BOWDEN ANDREW LEYVA ANDREW SMITH ANDREW SCHOFIELD ANERI PATEL ANGEL MARTINEZ ANGELA VASILAS ANGELIA MONROE ANN COLEMAN ANNA HAMBY

ANNALEE ADAMS ANNALEIGH VINSON ANNE DANIEL FULFORD ANNISTEN TRAMEL ANSLEY BLAIR ANTHONY HERNANDEZ ANTONIO TURNER ARIANA SMITH ARIANNA WALKER ARNETAS JAMES ASHA MCNULTY ASHLEY CACERES ASHLYN ENDICOTT ASHTYN DANIELS AUBREE ROSS AUBREI FINLEY AUBREY TYSON AUBREY WILLIAMS AUBRI HINKLE AUBRIE DENNIS AUDREY TODD AUSTIN MORGAN AUTUMN HAMBY AVA COINER AVA NEUFFER AVA STILES AVERY JACKSON AVERY NELSON AYDEN STEWART AZARIAHA SIMPSON BAILEY HOPPA BANKS BRADHAM BARON PICKERING BARRETT SASSER BECK BRADHAM BENJAMIN DARNELL BENJAMIN REAMS BENTLEY PARKER BLADON BROWN BLAIR MOSELEY BLAKE COOLEY BLAKE STEWART BLAKELEY MOSELEY BLANTON CALLEN

BRADFORD DENNIS BRADLEY COBB BRADY DUNCAN BRANDON DENSON BRANDON HERNANDEZ BRAXTON HOFFMAN BRENNAN CORE BRENNAN FINCHER BRODY HAWKINS BROOKLYN KING BRYAN COLLINS BRYAN SAENZ BRYNDLE POH CALEB CAUSLAND CALIYHA HEARD CAMERON MANNING CAMERON WEAVER CAMERON WILLIAMS CAMILLE ABRAMS CAMPBELL JONES CARLEIGH WARD CAROLINE BELCHER CAROLINE SMITH CARTER BROOKS CARTER FESON CARTER TAYLOR CASSIDY POWELL CATE PELHAM CATHERINE GROCE CHAPMAN JONES CHARLEIGH GOGGINS CHARLES FLEITAS CHARLES LEDBETTER CHARLES THOMAS SKINNER CHARLIE THOMASTON CHARLOTTE WEAVER CHARLYCE SIMMONS CHELSEA GODFREY CHRISTIAN BAILEY CHRISTIANA MCCULLOUGH CHRISTOPHER MCCULLOUGH CHRISTOPHER SANCHEZ CHYNA MATTHEWS CINDY HERNANDEZ

CLARA JOHNSON CLARA HAYES JOHNSON COLEMAN GREEN COLEMAN HENRY COLEMAN ROBINSON COLESON ALLEN COLLYN NOLES COLTON HAWKINS COLTON HOLLOWAY COLTON POH CONNER LAY CONNER LIU COOPER DUNN COOPER TAYLOR CORBIN NOLES CYNTHIA ALCANTAR DAI`QUAN CARWELL DAISY MCNEILL DAMIEN TEMPLETON DAMONTREZ RIVERS DANIEL PELHAM DANIEL SU DANYALE HINKLE DAVID GREEN DAVID HOLDERFIELD DAVID SCHEIRER DAWSON HOLLOWAY DAWSON WHITEHEAD DAYANARA VAZQUEZ DAYLAN EVANS DAYLEN PARETTE DEANDRE HAGINS DEJAVION HAGINS DEMARCUS TOLBERT DEMI DAVIS DENISE OLIVER DESTINY SMITH DESTINY TRANA DEVIN PARKER DEYJAH HAGINS DILLION DUPREE DONYE HARRIS DUVIEL PINTO DYLAN TURNER

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

DYLAN WHITEHEAD EASTON GILMORE EDUIN DIAZ EHDISYN MARMOLEJOS ELENA FLEITAS ELIZABETH BELCHER ELIZABETH LAMBERTH ELIZABETH NORTHRUP ELIZABETH JAMES DUFFEY ELLA BROWN ELLA STEPHENS ELLIOT MACISAAC EMERSON MYERS EMERSYN SMITH EMILIE PRICE EMILY HERNANDEZ EMMA SUMNERS EMMA WILLIS EMMA KAY CLARK EMMALEE MATTISON ERIANA JACKSON ERICK SIERRA ERIN CULBERSON ESCARLETH LEYVA ESTELLA TRANA EVA MYERS EVAN BURGESS EVERLEIGH SEAWELL FAITH MOORE FAITH MOSS FAYTH GLENN FELIX WILSON FERNANDO ALCANTAR FINLEY WINGATE FRANCES SELLERS FRED CHENG FREDY IXMAY GABRIEL FEQUIERE GABRIEL OSWALD GABRIELLA IBANEZ GAEL GALDAMEZ GARRETT SAXTON GAVIN UST GENESIS MCDONALD

GIULIANA PAYNE GRACE THOMPSON GRACIE TOMIK GRADY DAVIS GRADY NOLEN GRANT MACISAAC GRAYSON GRIFFITH GRAYSON KELLY HADASSAH HAWKINS HARLEIGH KING HARPER HENRY HARRISON SMALLWOOD HAWKINS JOHNSON HAYES SPEIGNER HAZEL STEELE HENRIETTA RUDDICK HOPE ESPOSITO HUDSON FRALEY HUDSON JACKSON HUDSON SPEIGNER HUNTER GREENHAW HUNTER LAMB HUNTER MEADOWS HUNTER TYSON HUNTLEY MARSHALL HUXTON MARMOLEJOS HYUNIE KIM IAN BRACKETT IBRAHIM YARDIMCI IKER GALDAMEZ ILLARI HEREDIA ISABELLA JARVIS ISAIAH HERRING ISRAEL MOSS IZAIAH BROWN JA`KALIN GREENE JA`MARIAE KNIGHT JA`QUAVIOUS HOLLOWAY JACE MORRISON JACK JOHNSON JACKSON ALLEN JACKSON GOODWIN JACKSON RUFF JACOB BREWER JACOB MOORE JACOB NEVELS JACOB PETTY JADEN JACKSON JAIDEN WILLIAMS JAKALIA CAMMON JAKERIA COOPER JAKOB PRICE JALADY WINCHESTER JALECIA BROOKS JAMARIUS HAYNES JAMES JACKSON JAMES JENKINS

JAMIELYN CHAMBLEY JAMORI RICKS JAQUAVIOUS HOOKS JAQUELIN DIAZ AMAYA JARED LEDBETTER JAVEN DOWDELL JAYCE DOLEMAN JAYCIE BELL JAYDEN HILL JAYDEN LIGON JAYDEN PINTO JAZMIN CRUZ JEDARIAN ROBBINS JENNIFER HERNANDEZ JENSEN MCINNIS JESUS MARTINEZ JETT TATUM JIHYUN HONG JILLIAN BYRD JILLIAN MEADOWS JOHN COUNTS JOHN KOSMAS JOHN MACISAAC JOHNOVINAR STRICKLAND JONATHAN FREEMAN JORDAN DANIELS JORDEN DAVIS JORDYN WILLIAMS JORDYNN PETTUS JOSE CARBAJAL VEGA JOSEPHINE JOHNSON JOSHUA COXWELL JOSHUA DAVIS JOSHUA MANLEY JOSHUA MOSHER JOSHUE SAENZ JOY WU JU`KERIANNA TURK JUAN TRUJILLO JUDE BAILEY JUSTICE SPEAR JUSTIN KOSMAS KA`MYAH GARTRELL KADELY ROBERTSON KADEN SHORTER KADENCE STEARNS KAEDE BENNETT KAI BROOKS KAIDEN JACKSON KAILEY DOWDELL KAITLIN MADDOX KALEAH TOLES KALEB HALL KALEB WHEELER KALYN GAFFNEY KAMARIAH FINLEY KAMRYN HILDERBRAND

KANCHERLA (KA) WILLIAMS KARMA SMITH KARMYN TRUITT KARSEN BRUNER KARSON BROWN KARSYN DANIELS KARTER BENNETT KARTER DOWDELL KARTER MADDOX KASHTON MENEFEE KASHTON WEATHERHOLTZ KATELYN RANKIN KATELYN STRICKLAND KATHERYN BROOKER KAYDEN TOLBERT KAYLEE HINKLE KAYLEE SCHOFIELD KAYSAN CATRETT KEEGAN WOODALL KELLEN UST KELSON JAMES KENAY GONZALEZ KENDALL BATTLE KENLEIGH HALL KENLEY ELIZABETH SIMMONS KENNETH CLAMPITT KENNETH SPRATLIN KENSLEY FULLERTON KENSLI JOHNSON KENZIE THOMASTON KEVIAN KING KEVIN CHENG KHALEAH GARTRELL KHRISTIAN ALLEN KHYLIE PARKS KHYREN ALLEN KHYRIN ANDERSON KIM CHAU KIYAN WEBB KODY GORE KOLBY GRIMES KYLEE KINNEY KYLEIGH FONDER KYRIE NOBLES LACY LYNCH LADARIUS RAY LAIKYN BRYANT LANDEN TOLES LANDON JOHNSON LANDON THORNELL LANE BULLOCK LANE TAYLOR LAURA LEE CALLEN LAUREN AKINS LAUREN PRICE LAYTON HENDERSON LEAH FRY

LEGEND BEAVERS LEONNARDO HERNANDEZ LEWIS LAMBERTH LEXI GRACE WILSON LIAM WILLIAMS LILLIAN NOLEN LILLIAN WILLIAMS LILLY FINCHER LILLYANNA LUCK LILY LEE LOGAN BRYAN LOGAN LANE LONDON BALLARD LONDYN ROBINSON LONNIE DENSON LORENZO CHEEKSYASHARAHLA LUCAS BARNETT LUCAS HALL LUCIA ALVAREZ RUIZ LUCY HILLYER LUKE DAVIS LUKE MOON LYDIA ALLEN LYLA BROWN MA`KENZIE WILLIAMS CHAMBLIS MACI SHULT MACKENZIE SMITH MADALYN TAUNTON MADELINE GILES MADELINE MARSHALL MADELINE THROWER MADILYN HERRING MADISON DUNN MADISON MAHONE MAGGIE DEAN MAHARANI JESSIE MAKAYLA SCONIERS MAKAYLA TEMPLETON MAKAYLA THOMPSON MAKENSLY FORD MALEIGHA HOOKS MALIK FORD MARGARET DAVIS MARKUS SANCHEZ MARQUES DIX MARSHALL GREEN MARY HILLYER MARY SUMNERS MARY LAY MARY BERKLEY TATUM MARYANN KENT MASON BATTLE MASON LANE MASON SMALLWOOD MASON THOMPSON

MASON WHITLEY MATEO CONTRERAS RUIZ MAXWELL THROWER MEGAN DECKER MEGAN GILES MELISSA IXMAY MELODY DANIELS MERRILL COUNTS MESSIAH MAHONE MICAH RODRIGUEZ MICHAEL VAN HORN MIKAYLA DUBOVECKY MILES KESTER MIRIAM HANKS MOLLY MADDOX MOLLY SMITH MORGAN WATTS MYLISA HARRIS MYLONA DOBBS NAAIVAN VINSON NAOMI HANKS NATALEE MURPHY NATALIE COFFMAN NATHANIEL COFFMAN NATHANIEL WATSON NATHANIEL KING NEAL REAMS NELSON HILLYER NEVAEH BARRESI NEVAEH FRANCE NEVAEH HICKS NEVAEH SHERIDAN NICHOLAS ELMOGAHZY NICOLE ALLEN NOLAN KESTER NYKERRION COOPER OLIVIA CLAYTON OLIVIA SEALE ESPOSITO OLIVIA THOMPSON ONIAH GWYN PAISLEY SEGARS PAKARI CORE PARKER CRESAWN PAYTON WILSON PERRY STEELE PEYTON GILMORE PHILIP BELCHER PRESLEY JOHNS PRESTON POWELL RAEGAN BROOKS RAMIYAH BELL RAYMI HEREDIA REAGAN THOMAS REESE LYNCH REESE PELHAM REGINA CASTILLO REID THOMAS

REXTON RODGERS REYNALDO OSEGUERA RIAN GREENE RIDLEY MYERS RILEY HENDERSON RILEY NOLL RILEY PETERSON ROBERT BRISTER ROBERT DARNELL ROBERT "CLAY" DECKER ROSE CRUZ ROSEMARY ALLEN ROSEMARY PARKER RUBY MYERS RUMI HEREDIA RYDER STEVENSON SALEH ALTAYAR SALEM GIBSON SALLIE LAMBERTH SAMANTHA BELCHER SAMERAYAH ANGELL SAMIYAH RHODES SAMUEL GREENE SAMUEL MYERS SAMUEL SMITH SANIYA JOHNSON SANTIAGO ESCALERA SARA FRENCH SARAH HOLDERFIELD SARAH RUFF SAVANNAH LADD SCARLETT CLEMENT SEJUN PARK SENECA GREENE SEOYOUNG (OLIVIA) LIM SHABRIA WILLIAMS SHAHBAZ KNIGHT SHAKYRA HUGHLEY SHAMAR PARKER SHANIYA HOOKS SHARROD JOHNSON SHINIE KIM SKYLAR ANDERSON SKYLER GODFREY SKYLER THOMAS SLOANE PETERSEN SOFIA GAMET SOI SMALLWOOD SOPHIE SMITHERMAN STEPHEN BISHOP STEVEN MCCOY STEVEN TURNER SYDNEY SALATTO TATUM STILES TAYLOR BARROW TAYLOR MATHIS TEI KIM

THOMAS DECKER THOMAS HOWELL THOMAS JACKSON THOMLEY ODOM THOMPSON CRESAWN TIAHNA BARROW TIANNA BRITT TORRANCE JOHNSON TRENTON TOMLINSON TRENTON WEATHERHOLTZ TREVOR MCINTYRE TREY BRYAN TREY PELHAM TRINITY MOSS TRISTAN THAGGARD TUCKER ARTHUR TUCKER BROWN TYLER HANN TYLER MATHIS TYLER THOMPSON TYLER WATSON TYLER-MARK BULLOCK TYSON SHELBY ULTAN YARBROUGH ULYSSES GALDAMEZ VALENTINA ESCALERA VALERIA ESCALERA VANESSA IXMAY VANNESSA IBANEZ VICTORIA DEFOOR VIOLETA LEYVA WAYLON JOHNSON WAYLON MOODY WESLEY KATE JONES WILLAIM GORMAN WILLIAM DARNELL WILLIAM FAUSZ WILLIAM HOWELL WILLIAM MARSHALL WILLIAM MOODY WYATT HOLLAND YAREL MCMULLEN YOCELIN HERNANDEZ ZACHARY LADD ZAKYIAH COSBY ZALEIGH BREASHERS ZORIYA NOBLES ZYMERIA LIGON

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Games on the Go In a kid’s world increasingly dominated by electronic screens, it’s helpful to have portable play options to hand when there’s time to occupy. Games help children think strategically, solve problems creatively and develop social skills, such as following

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rules, playing with others and taking turns. Before they default to the lure of console or phone gaming, be prepared to point kid’s attention toward more active endeavors that can engage them in seconds. Access to active play resources can be the difference between wasted time versus time well spent. The

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

following items offer games and activities that are easy to set up and ready to go in seconds.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Table Tennis to Go

Pop-Up Soccer Goals

Love table tennis but hate the hassle of installing the table, unwinding nets and trying to find the paddles and balls? Now, you can play pingpong anytime, anywhere with just an unoccupied table! The versatile Table Tennis To Go set from Franklin Sports makes it easy to turn any table into a ping pong venue. With a sturdy retractable and expandable net that clamps securely to table edges, the scene is easily set for play. The set includes two balls and two paddles, so you only need players to swing into instant table tennis mode! The drawstring mesh bag keeps the components together, portable, and ready to bring ping-pong play to table surfaces anywhere!

For parents of budding soccer allstars, getting to the field for on-demand play can be a challenge. GoSports Pop-Up Soccer Goals offer an easy, portable solution for soccer practice anywhere. The goals don’t require assembly, but rather ‘pop’ open for immediate use, close with a twist and fold for compact flat storage. Crafted with nylon fabric and netting that can withstand even the strongest shots, the goals can be staked into grass (stakes included) or taped/ weighted for play on a hard surface. This set includes 2 foldable 4’ goals, plus 6 orange cones for agility training or marking boundaries. Ready for goal practice, goalie-less games, skills training, backyard setups and more, just bring your own ball and soccer play is ready when you are.

(Franklin Sports)

(GoSports)

HX40 Air Hockey Table

Premium Wooden Ring Toss

The most popular tabletop sport in the arcade now comes in a portable version that puts competitive air hockey right at your fingertips. Powered by an AC-12V motor, electric fans provide powerful, quiet and uniform airflow for a smooth and frictionless playing surface. Rubber pads on the table feet protect tabletops and wood floors from scratches allowing for vigorous gameplay. The goal boxes easily return the puck and have manual scorers above to keep track of who is winning the game. Measuring 40”L x 20”W x 5”H, the table weighs just 14 pounds and comes with an AC adapter, two fastaction round pucks, and two plastic strikers. Perfect for home, office, rec room, or gaming spaces.

A fast path to unplugged game play includes the GoSports Premium Wooden Ring Toss set, an update to the traditional lawn game that brings family and friends together (indoors or outdoors) for an engaging play that requires no batteries! The game is sturdily crafted using solid pine wood for the colorfully marked targets and robust rope for the four toss rings. The compact canvas carrying case ensures easy storage and portability. Featuring five scoring towers with varying point scores, game play also introduces basic math skills while fostering hand-eye coordination in younger players. A centuries-old game for solo or group play, the GoSports Premium Wooden Ring Toss (with a lifetime warranty) reboots a beloved all-ages game that’s here to stay.

(Sports Squad)

(GoSports)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

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Are you one of those parents who wonders if your child’s life schedule is too crowded? Too stressful? Do you watch him play video games by the hour and get a little nervous about the long-term effects? Do you wish she had time to “just play” rather than run from school to lessons to team practices?

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

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If you can relate to the above situations, you’re in good company. It seems today’s busy lifestyles don’t allow much time for healthy, unstructured outdoor exploration and play. As a culture, our children are paying the price in increased anxiety, poor sleep habits, and a higher degree of difficulty with attention and engagement in learning situations. Kids seem fidgety, easily bored, unable to focus. Take a deep breath. Remember how it used to be when children played freely without a lot of oversight and adult intervention. Can you recall the days when you scraped your knee and just got up and kept playing? When you could sit under a tree and inspect the intricacies of the natural world? When you could dig and build with natural objects? When it seemed there was all the time in the world to just be? Today’s children need the same healthy, authentic play experiences. They need time to explore the out of doors, time to think and dream. Time to wonder and experiment. It’s easier than you might think. Just unplug and send the kids outside. They won’t need an agenda or directions. Once they find themselves in the great outdoors, they’ll do the rest. Here are eight benefits of unstructured, outdoor play:

Authentic Play

Today’s kids are steeped in a virtual world. They’re adept at computer use, coding, programming and the like, and that’s fine. They need to understand the technological world. But they also need authentic, hands-on experiences that can’t be had in a classroom or computer lab. They need to be grounded in the real world and able to engage in real-life experiences, both socially and in their understandings. They need to do real-time observation, exploration and interaction with the real world. They need the sensory experiences of watching a bird find a worm, of tracking the tiny veins and capillaries on a leaf, of squishing the dirt and water together into mud. Kids need to play self-created games and make up their own rules apart from adult supervision. They need to learn how to try and fail and try again to make their play creations work. They need time to do these things.

Enhanced Decision-making

Children need to know how to listen and follow directions in the classroom and in sports. But they also need the opportunity to play independent of adult oversight. They need to decide to cre37

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ate something or explore something and then make their own plan. They need to cooperate with others to follow the rules to their own games. They need the freedom to adapt rules to their current situation and then evaluate whether or not their plan worked. All of these skills are strengthened when kids are allowed to play outside independently.

Active vs. Sedentary Play

We all know the statistics on the overall health of today’s kids. Too many are overweight and unfit. Too many are lethargic and uninspired. In short, many of our kids don’t move enough to be happy and healthy. But knowing isn’t the same as doing. Parents need to push through a bit of resistance and insist that our children go outside whether it’s time in their own backyard or access to a larger natural environment. While parks can offer some of the necessary ingredients to healthier play, wilder natural environments such as hiking trails or woodlands are even better. Nothing inspires kids to build forts and create their own games more than an untouched by man setting.

Room for Wonder and Joy

Watching spiders spin a web. Catching grasshoppers in a jar. Hearing birds sing in the trees and seeing them drop bits of food into the open beaks of their hatchlings. Wandering a beach, picking up beautiful shells or bits of driftwood, smelling the scent of grasses on a warm summer day. We all need opportunities to absorb the wonder of nature and to experience the joy of being part of the natural world. Give your kids the chance to do these simple things. They’ll benefit immensely.

Better Classroom Performance

Improved Social Skills and Interaction

Some schools are experimenting with longer recesses and more frequent breaks in their school day and wonder of wonders, every one of them reports better behavior and engagement in the classroom. When kids are given enough time to move and play, they’re better able to focus their attention on classroom work. They feel better, they perform better. It’s not rocket science. In other studies, it’s reported that children who play more outside get a better night’s sleep. A well-rested child is better able to focus attention and “get into” lessons in class. Children who get enough chances for active play also feel more content and happy. Happier kids have lower levels of stress which produces better classroom performance.

If you’ve ever watched a group of kids play a game of softball you might see more arguing about the rules than actual play. But what you’re seeing is social skills in the making. Older kids will make the rules and try to enforce them. Quieter kids will be given chances to play, bossy kids will try to run the show. In the middle of the chaos, children will learn how the world of rules works and they’ll play a little ball too. When children are free of adult supervision, they build leadership skills and learn to work as a community. In some of the school where increased free play has been introduced with fewer rules and the attitude of “safe enough,” the children earlier seen as bullies have emerged as leaders. Why? Because they’ve been successful in more active, hands-on play and have been given the chance to expend pent-up energy in all-out activity.

Self-reliance Through Exploration

Improved Mental Health

We like it when our children are able to follow directions—when they’re “coachable,” and that is an important skill. But it’s also important for kids to learn how to operate via their own internal rules and understandings. Children benefit when they’re able to manage their own behaviors based on their convictions, when they can make a plan and follow it through. When they can try and fail and try again to accomplish a task. All of these skills can only be practiced when kids have the chance to engage in unstructured play free of adult supervision and oversight. It may be hard to break the pattern of overmanaging our kids lives, but it’s vital that we do so.

The rise in mental health problems amongst kids as young as preschool are a testament to our over-managed, over-tested and earlier to learn environment. The skills that used to be taught in first grade must now be mastered in Kindergarten. The results are children with a too hurried and too stressful world. There will always be expectations in the learning world, but for those children who enjoy more free time, more authentic outdoor fun and more opportunity to run and play and get their wiggles out, the better they’ll feel about themselves and their life. We give our children a great gift when we encourage and champion free play in the great out of doors. AOP Jan Pierce is a contributing writer.

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Active Fun & Entertainment AMF Auburn Bowl

719 Opelika Road, Auburn, Al 36830 24 Interactive bowling lanes and arcade 334-887-6573 www.amf.com

Auburn Escape Zones

1234 Commerce Drive, Auburn, Al 36830 Immerse your group in a room with a specific theme, problem and goal. You must work together as a team to solve problems, uncover clues and unlock locks in order to solve the problem or escape the room. 334-329-7088 www.auburnescapezones.com

Good Times

750 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Bowling lanes, arcade games and escape rooms. 334-539-3131 www.goodtimesbowling.com

Launch Trampoline Park

7607 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, Ga 31909 Features indoor trampoline jumps, dodge ball courts, slam dunk basketball, foam pit, kid’s courts and arcades. 706-221-8680 www.launchtrampolinepark.com

Surge Trampoline Park

2506 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Indoor trampoline park with jousting, slam dunk hoops, dodge ball courts, toddler play, arcades and more. 334-737-5599 www.surgeopelika.com

Treadstone Rock Climbing

4209 Milgen Road, Suite 7, Columbus, Ga 31906 Indoor rock wall climbing. Offering ninja fit and youth climbing programs. 706-507-7625 www.treadstoneclimbing.com

Brain Support/Therapy

Fitness Programs

RehabWorks 4 Kids

Auburn Parks and Recreation

2450 Village Professional Drive North, Opelika, Al 36801 RehabWorks’ Pediatric program, called RehabWorks 4 Kids, provides comprehensive, highquality, compassionate therapies to help each child reach his or her potential. Our pediatric rehabilitation specialists – speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists – work together to provide individualized therapy for children with a number of diagnoses and needs. Our services are provided in a colorful, family-friendly environment.

425 Perry Street , Auburn, Al 36830 Offering fitness programs in track, football, baseball/softball, tennis, martial arts, dance, basketball, soccer, swim and more!

ad on page 23

334-528-1964 www.rehabworks.eamc.org

Auburn Therapy and Learning Center

2408 E University Drive, Suite 109, Auburn, Al 36830 We empower and encourage functional daily living skills for all ages, specifically focusing on providing the highest quality treatment to improve those skills pertaining to communication, fine motor skills, sensory integration, and feeding difficulties. 334-734-5511 www.auburntlc.com

Integrated Wellness

Multi Modality approach to child and family wellness. ADHD/EFD coaching, biofeedback, nutritional consulting and education. Social skills coaching. 334-313-3773 www.integrated-wellness.net

Neurokinetic Solutions

7150 Halcyon Park Drive, Montgomery, Al 36117 A coordinated body is an organized brain. Brain pump classes and Educational Consulting offered. 334-625-0068 www.neurokineticsolutions.com

ad on page 13, 14, 38

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

Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on page 5

1001 Andrews Rd, Opelika, Al 36801 Offering multiple facilities to promote healthy lifestyles for the family. Fitness programs include fitness classes, tumbling, swim, tennis, basketball, football, softball/baseball, karate and much more! 334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

Crossfit Kids at All-In Crossfit

1747 Ogletree Road, Suite F, Auburn, Al 36830 CrossFit Kids emphasizes good movement throughout childhood and adolescence in the hopes that we can make kids more physically literate, enhance their sports performance, and decrease sports injuries. 229-886-3545www.allincrossfit.com

HealthPlus Fitness Center 1171 Gatewood Drive, Auburn, Al 36830 Kid’s Gym: Our goal is to provide a safe, friendly environment for your child to explore health and fitness through supervised play. For ages 5 to 12 years. 334-887-5666 www.healthplusfitness.com

MyGym Auburn

300 North Dean Road, Suite 5, Auburn, Al 36830 Program is designed to help children 6 weeks to 10 years develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. Offering structured weekly classes

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that incorporate music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, sports and more. Children gain strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. 334-246-0987 www.mygym/auburn.com

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830 Tumbling for Fitness: For ages 12+ Tumbling for Fitness designed for you to maintain your skills and get a great work out in! Other programs offered are cheer, tumbling, mighty movers, ninja academy and more. Zumbathon: February 9, 8:30am, Boykin Community Center. Join us for 90 minutes of fun filled dancing designed to get you in shape. 334-521-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com

Healthy Food/Nutrition Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 13, 14, 38

425 Perry Street , Auburn, Al 36830 Join us for the inaugural StrawberryFest on April 18th at Town Creek Park! Do you have fresh picked strawberries, jams, baked goods, paintings and/or crafts all with a strawberry theme? Then this event is perfect for you! We are looking for farmers, bakers and artisans that can provide the Auburn community with all types of strawberry goodies. 2020 City Market will be at Town Creek Park Saturdays from May 16th - August 29th from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.. The market will host local farmers, growers and artist to sell their produce and products. 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Dayspring Nature Shop

1011 Avenue C, Opelika, Al 36801 Providing clean products that create healthy lives. Our goal is for shoppers to come in and leave with all the items they need that fit their healthy lifestyle including food, herbs, vitamins, water, pet food, beauty products, and clothing. 334-203-1965 www.dayspringnatureshop.com

Earth Fare

1550 Opelika Road, Auburn, Al 36830 American health and wellness supermarket selling natural and organic food that the company claims to be of the highest standard in the United States and free of various artificial additives, high fructose corn syrup, hormones, and antibiotics, and it is one of the largest natural and organic food retailers in the country. 334-821-0211 www.earthfare.com

Eat Right! Happy Life!

Auburn, Al 36830 Amanda Spies, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), with a passion for helping others have happy lives by building solid habits for a lifetime. My mission is to help clients set SMART goals, educate them on nutritious eating, teach them needed skills by building permanent habits, and guide them toward success in their nutrition goals.

Opelika Farmer’s Market

411 South 10th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 Come on down and support the best locally owned farmer’s market! We have the freshest produce and the most beautiful plants around.

334-705-0010 www.facebook.com/opelikasfarmermarket

Parkway Farmer’s Market

2180 1st Avenue , Opelika, Al 36801 Full line of fresh fruits and vegetables year round. With plenty of fresh and frozen local produce and Southern favorites like fatback and okra. 334-737-2080 www.parkwayfarmersmarket.com

Outdoor Parks

3535 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus, Ga 31903 Walk down our trails to catch a glimpse of native wildlife, view our wetlands and ponds, or explore our educational and fun Discovery Trail. 706-807-8550 www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu

Ray Ward Park

Crenshaw Street , Opelika, Al 36801 Auburn’s first “poured in place” accessible playground available for children and adults with disabilities. 334-705-5150

www.opelika-al.gov

2222 North College Street, Auburn, Al 36830 20 acre track, comprising seven natural habitats, including special points of interest such as the Longleaf Pine Demonstration Forest, Wildflower Trail, Boulder Ridge, Butterfly and Vegetable Garden, Hidden Falls and the Homestead. Offering educational programs throughout the year.

334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

ad on page 7

334-502-4553 www.auburn.edu/preserve

Callaway Gardens

17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, Ga 31822 Bike nature trails, fishing, boating, swimming, treetop adventure, zipline, geocoaching and more. 844-512-3826 www.callawaygardens.com

Chewacla State Park

124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn, Al 36830 696 scenic acres offering plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation. Includes a 26 acre lake, swimming area, playground, modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and biking. 334-887-5621 www.alapark.com/cjhewacla-state-park

Covington Park

213 Carver Avenue , Opelika, Al 36801 Outdoor playground and green spaces 334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

Felton Little Park

341 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Playground, batting cages, a picnic area with grills and tables, as well as softball/baseball fields. 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Hickory Dickory Park

1399 Hickory Lane, Auburn, Al 36830 A unique, multi-level playground structure including slides, swings, towers and open play area. 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Kiesel Park

520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn, Al 36830 Auburn’s largest park, with a pavilion, a garden, a pond and walking trails up to 2 and a half miles.

Greens and Beans

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

Oxbow Meadows

Spring Villa Park

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

334-329-4922 www.greensandbeans.net

334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

334-734-4134 www.eatrighthappylife.com

2140 East University Drive, Suite D, Auburn, Al 36830 WE provide nutritiously, delicious prepared meals for children. We are passionate about serving the best for the littlest. We focus on the freshest, local ingredients when making our homemade meals.

gazebo and an antique miniature train known as the Rocky Brook Rocket.

190 Byrd Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Pavilion, playground, basketball and fenced in field. 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Municipal Park (Monkey Park)

700 5th Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 Several playground areas, a picnic shelter, a

1474 Lee Road 148, Opelika, Al 36801 325 acres of beautifully wooded land with nature trails, picnic areas and spring filled swimming.

Town Creek Park

1150 South Gay Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Kid’s playground and walking trail 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

West Ridge Park

1600 Covington Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 Baseball complex and playground equipment 334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

Parent Programs and Support Alabama Department of Public Health ad on Back Cover

201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, Al All Kids Children Health Insurance Program: A lowcost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular checkups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse services and more. Women, Infants and Children (WIC): supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last 6 months, infants and children under the age of five. 888-737-5437 www.alph.org

East Alabama Medical Center

2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Small Wonders Program: The program will help you get the care you need to have a healthy pregnancy. You must get your care from the Small Wonders Program in order for Medicaid to pay for your prenatal care and delivery. Breastfeeding Support Group: Meets each Thursday at noon in the third floor day room at East Alabama Medical Center. 334-749-0390 www.eamc.org

The Parent Assist Line (PALS)

A collaborative service of the University of Alabama Child Development Resources and the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund. Call and a parenting resource specialist will answer, listen to you, then offer helpful and supportive information. 1-800-962-3030 www.apal.ua.edu

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Pediatric Physicians Pediatric Associates of Auburn ad on page 10

2901 Corporate Park Drive, Opelika, Al 36801 Our skilled team of pediatricians offers comprehensive medical care for infants, children and adolescents. We specialize in medical care for kids, and we would love to get to know you and your family better. Our commitment is to help children reach their highest potential by working with parents to promote and maintain their child’s physical and emotional well–being from birth up to college years. 334-203-1766 www.auburnpediatric.com

Auburn Pediatric and Adult Medicine

2353 Bent Creek Rd, Suite110, Auburn, Al 36830 Provide primary care services to patients of all ages. 334-887-8707 www.auburndoc.com

Opelika Pediatrics and Family Clinic

5809 US Hwy-280, Opelika, Al 36804 Providing care for infants through adolescents 334-664-0463 www.preferredmedgroup.com/ opelika-pediatrics-and-family-clinic/

Pediatric Clinic

cally tailored to suit each patient’s lifestyle and personal preferences.

Thames Orthodontics

334-705-8655

719 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 We are specialists in providing orthodontic care for patients of all ages, and we focus entirely on creating beautiful, confident smiles that last a lifetime.

www.bracesbyallen.com

Auburn Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 33

841 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 We are a pediatric specialty practice which means our focus is entirely on children and adolescents. we specialize in diagnosis and treatment of children’s oral health needs and development. Each visit to our office includes cavity detections, monitoring of growth and development and daily prevention of decay by focusing on proper home care. 334-826-6651 www.auburnpediatricdentistry.com

East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 16

742 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 We cater to children and is dedicated to providing the best quality dental services available for your child. With each visit, we hope to teach your child the importance of dental care, along with encouraging them to keep up the good work and to stay cavity-free! 334-321-0780 www.gatergrins.com

760 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 We provide primary care health services for infants, children and adolescents. 334-749-8121 www.thepedsclinic.com

Pediatric Clinic

2401 Village Professional Dr S, Opelika, Al 36801 We provide primary care health services for infants, children and adolescents. 334-749-8121 www.thepedsclinic.com

Pediatric Dentist & Orthodontics Allen Orthodontics ad on page 21

1234 Ogletree Village Lane, Auburn, Al 36830 Dr. Hank Allen specializes in helping children, teens and adults achieve beautiful, straight smiles by providing orthodontic solutions specifi-

Liles Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 34

ad on page 27

334-501-7000 www.thamesorthodontics.com

Sprayberry Orthodontics

773 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 We can customize and orthodontic treatment plan that fits not only your teeth but your life and personality, using the latest orthodontic advances 334-821-5031 www.sprayberryortho.com

Pediatric Physicians The Children’s Hospital ad on page 49

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, Al 35233 The only medical center in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. It is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the primary site of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs. 205-638-9100

www.childrensal.org

Auburn Family Medicine

665 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 Comprehensive, compassionate and individualized medical care for the family.

2320 Moores Mill Rd, Ste 250, Auburn, Al 36830 Our office provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring and “childfriendly” environment. We focus on preventive care to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Our office serves infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs.

334-826-1111 www.auburnfamilymedicine.com

334-887-0099 www.lilessmiles.com

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Shelley Orthodontics ad on page 22

1957 East Samford Ave, Ste A, Auburn, Al 36830 From clear braces to Invisalign, we offer a wide variety of treatment options using the most up-todate orthodontic technology. Rely on the experts at our practice to create your perfect smile in an affordable and comfortable fashion. 334-521-0112 www.shelleyorthodontics.com

Auburn Medicine Assoc. of East Alabama 122 North 20th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 We care for a wide variety of medical needs for all members of the family. 334-745-4646 www.familymedicineopelika.com

323 Airport Road, Suite E. , Auburn, Al 36830 Helping individuals and their families achieve better health through chiropractic care for all ages 334-246-2252 www.auburncornerstonefamily chiropractic.com

Massey Family Chiropractic

595 Dekalb Street, Suite E, Auburn, Al 36830 Offering chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, corrective exercises, lifestyle advice and more. 334-329-7223 www.masseyfamilychiro.com AOP

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Parents on a Different Page, Same Chapter Raising teens is hard enough when parents agree on how a child should be parented. But confusion flourishes and relationships flounder when moms and dads can’t seem to get on the same parenting page. During adolescence, kids need a cohesive and focused team approach from Mom and Dad, whether the entire family is living in the same house or not. This doesn’t mean you have to change your parenting personality. I parent different than my wife. My wife’s personality is different than mine. And it works! The two styles combined provide a varied approach to our kids, who have their own personalities. There are times in our kids’ lives that my type of parenting works best, and there are times when hers does. But make no mistake—above and beyond our parenting styles, my wife and I work together for the same purpose, and that’s to raise healthy and mature kids. So how do you ensure you and your spouse are working as a team?

Watch The Criticism

Since none of us are perfect, there will always be something your spouse did, or didn’t do, that could be cause for complaints. But before you criticize your mate, ask yourself if it will help or hurt your partnership. Too often, moms and dads start seeing each other as adversaries instead of teammates. If your spouse has dropped the ball or fumbled a pass while raising your teen, you don’t have to point it out or assign blame. I can guarantee that you’ll drop the ball a few times as well! Instead, learn how to honestly express the strains and struggles you are feeling towards your spouse without pointing the finger. And if your spouse slips up and directs some blame your way, don’t counterattack. We all get carried away with our words sometimes. Instead, tackle your marital struggles and disagreements Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

with a bedrock commitment to respect and unity. You will not only improve your relationship with your spouse, you will also give your teen a powerful example to follow. My friend DeeDee Mayer says that one of the great benefits of marriage is: “To know and be known as a human being and be loved anyway.”

Agree Even If You Don’t

Moms and dads will never see eyeto-eye on every parenting issue. But you can agree to work together and speak with one voice and one message to your teens. Agree to talk through disagreements over what is important for your child. When you differ on what the parenting focus should be in your home, some sacrifice from both parents may be necessary in order to reach an agreement. But having a unified front can bring about some big results in your teens. So agree to be united in your parenting. Agree about which “hills to die on”, what’s major, what’s minor, what’s important, what’s not. And if you can’t come to an agreement, then seek counsel from someone you both look up to, and continue to respect each other, especially in front of your kids.

Focus On Your Marriage

My wife and I have been weathertested when it comes to raising teenagers. But even now, with adult kids, we still tussle over the advice we give to our kids and we still struggle to give each other the grace to make mistakes sometimes. When my twenty-five year old announced his divorce, for instance, Jan and I didn’t see eye-to-eye on what to do, or how to talk with our son. We were confused and hurting, and it took its toll on our marriage. We started drifting apart, setting up emotional foxholes and hunkering down alone. It took the grace of God to snap us out of the funk and get us back together and fo42

cused. We realized we needed each other to survive, and working through the pain by ourselves was not an option. I know this may surprise you, but your relationship with your spouse is more important than your relationship with your child. So this next piece of advice is mandatory: take time every day to give attention to your spouse. Take a break from the rest of your family to go on a date. Write him a love note. Surprise her with flowers. Go away for the weekend. Cultivate a healthy marriage. Nurture each other for a little while and you will soon see how refreshed and re-energized you feel. You’ll work better as a team, and your kids will see a powerful model of a husband and wife who are devoted to each other and are on the same page.

Be Patient

If you’ve been married for a while, you’ve likely realized by now that you can’t change your spouse. The only person you can change is you. Raising teens as a united team takes time. It’s a daily process. We need to display patience and grace with each other in order to make it work. That may require us to give up some of our opinions for the sake of unity. But let me tell you—it’s so worth it! Parents, if you are approaching the teen years with your kids, start preparing ahead of time. Begin having those conversations to ensure that you are on the same page, and that the foundations of your marriage are strong. The steps you take today will guard your marriage from the problems that can come during adolescence. And if you have teens in your home now, perhaps the best thing you can do for your teen right now is to turn your attention toward your marriage, and strengthen the parenting team. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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334.329.5055 | thehomelink.com 310 Samford Village Court, Auburn, AL 36830 Follow us @yourhomelink

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FamilyCalendar Sunday, January 26 Atlanta Jewish Life Festival Georgia Aquarium and World of Coke. Celebrate Jewish culture and community at Atlanta’s largest single day Jewish festival event! Nosh on kugel, dance the hora, decorate yourself with henna and dive into fun at the Georgia Aquarium! This family event is packed with activities for all ages including live performances, Israeli wine tastings, an artist market, games and tons of swag. Learn about the great Jewish and Israeli organizations, institutions and businesses impacting metro Atlanta and beyond. www.georgiaaquarium.org OA News Wedding Showcase 2020 The Marriott at Grand National. Join us for a fun afternoon of wedding planning, and let the pros get you to “I do” without the stress. Previously known as the “Bridal Extravaganza”, our wedding showcase is all about creating the wedding of your dreams for you and your love. From amazing caterers to event planners, entertainment, honeymoons, photographers, venues, transportation, and more, this showcase will help make your wedding day one you will never forget!

Saturday, February 1 Spring Bird Walk with the Birmingham Audubon The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center welcomes the Birmingham Audubon Society on their spring birding field trip! Join birding experts as they introduce you to the birds of the KPNC and lead guided walks through the forest to spot and listen for permanent avian residents as well as those migrating through. This is an excellent opportunity to get expert advice on what you can do in your own backyard to attract birds and create excellent bird habitat! FREE to the public! preserve@auburn.edu 8th Annual Polar Plunge Sign up, dive in, and raise money for a great cause! Brave the cold at the eighth annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 1st, 2020. Recruit sponsors to support you as you take the plunge in support of Lee County Special Olympics. Individual and group costumes are encouraged! This event is presented by Auburn Parks and Recreation and Lee County Special Olympics. Proceeds benefit Lee County Special Olympics. rmolt@auburnalabama.org Opelika Empty Bowls Fundraiser Denson Rec Center. Empty Bowls is an annual fundraiser for the Food Bank of East Alabama that is designed to raise awareness about those in our community suffering from food insecurities. Event attendees will select a handmade bowl created by local artists and fill it with soup donated from area restaurants. The bowl each patron selects is meant to be kept as a reminder of those who face hunger every day. All proceeds benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama. This year, the fundraiser will take place at the Denson Recreation Center in Opelika. In addition to bowls, it will feature a raffle, live music and pottery demonstrations. Guests can purchase bowls at the event. 334-705-5558 Astronomy Night at Kiesel Park Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center staff and the Auburn Astronomical Society at Kiesel Park for a star studded event featuring a short astronomy program, educational space movie, powerful

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

telescopes, and some out-of-this-world snacks. Remember to bring a flashlight and dress warmly. Please be aware, this program is not recommended for children under 5. Admission is $5 ($4 for members). Canceled in the event of rain or dense cloud cover. www.auburn.edu/preserve February Family Festival The Columbus Museum. Join us at the annual February Family Festival as we explore other worlds! Stop by the art-making stations, go on a gallery scavenger hunt and more! Additional crafts and activities provided by our community partners. Need to refuel for the fun? The food truck court will be set up outside the Museum! www.columbusmuseum.com Groundhog Camera Scavenger Hunt F. D. Roosevelt State Park. Team up to find groundhog answers. Hunt with your phone. Not a timed event. Pick up checklist/rules at the park office any time. Pictures must be brought to office with checklist by 4 PM Sat. Winners notified by phone at 4:00 PM to pick up prize. $5 parking. 706-663-4858. www.gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

Thursday, February 6 Sustainability Speaker Series: Dr. Katharine Hayhoe The Hotel at Auburn University. The talk is entitled “Faith, Climate Change and Our Culture in the U.S.” The event is free and open to the public. Call 334844-7777. 31st Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night Also Feb. 7, 8, 14, 15. All dance nights will be held at the Clarion Inn & Suites on S. College Street. Daughters, dads, granddads, and uncles are invited to dance the night away and enjoy refreshments, door prizes, dance contests, keepsake photos, and an evening of memories. This year’s theme is “Mad Hatter”. Tickets are $35 for a father/daughter pair and $5 for each additional daughter. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Friday, February 14

Valentine’s Day Hike Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Fall in love with the Kreher Preserve all over again at this self-led hike through some of the most beautiful scenic spots. Enjoy the hike alone or with a loved one! No reservations are needed, just come out and enjoy! FREE to the public! preserve@auburn.edu

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Valentine’s Day Dinner at Ariccia The Hotel at Auburn University. To reserve a table, call (334) 844-5140. Mother Son Blue Jean Ball Also Feb. 15. Covington Recreation Center, $30 per couple $10 per additional son. Must pre-register by 2/10. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Arbor Day Adventure Walk F. D. Roosevelt State Park. Celebrate Georgia’s Arbor Day along the trail with our Master Naturalist, Hal Massie. Bring a picnic for after the walk then head up to the park office and test your tree IQ and pick up your free tree seedling, one per family. Meet at the Group Shelter below the dam in the campground. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858. www.gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt Broken Heart Archery F. D. Roosevelt State Park. Stationary target shooting adventure to celebrate Valentine’s Day for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction and equipment. Pay and pre-register at Park Office. Walk-ins okay. Pay cash at the site. Park at Fishing Dock. Walk down to range. $12 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Saturday, February 8

Mardi Gras Block Party & Cajun Cook-Off Downtown Montgomery.

Hearts for Haddies Haddie’s Home, 1451 Andrews Road, Opelika. 3:006:00 PM. Join Haddie’s for a dessert tasting and silent auction. Please contact info@haddies.org if you are interested in being a sponsor.

Sweetheart Ride at Roosevelt Stables Also Feb. 16. F. D. Roosevelt State Park. Bring your sweetheart and enjoy a unique,2-hour winter woodland, horseback adventure. Includes wine and cheese tasting by the fire after the ride. Must preregister. Call Roosevelt Stables to register. $120 plus $5 parking. 706-628-7463.

Saturday, February 15

Homeschool in the Park: Nature Journaling F. D. Roosevelt State Park. Learn about journaling and sketching in nature. Program geared towards families who homeschool. $10 for ages 4 & up includes 30-page, unlined journal. Students under 3 may want to bring notebook or we will have extra paper. Must pre-register. & Pre-pay. Meet at enclosed Group Shelter below the dam. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858. www.gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

National Scout Day Hike F. D. Roosevelt State Park. Meet guides from Pine Mountain Trail Assoc. for a scout ceremony at the flagpole and a 4.3-mile, moderate hike along the highest point of the Pine Mountain ridge. Meet at Dowdell’s Knob Parking Lot. Dress for the weather. Bring water and a snack Geared towards ages 10 and up. $5 parking. 706-663-4858. www. gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

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Daddy Daughter Dance 2020 Also Feb. 15. The Daddy Daughter dance will be, at the Opelika SportsPlex for girls age 12 and younger. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Winter Animal Enrichment Day Montgomery Zoo. From zoo animals to our pets at home and even including us, we all need enrichment. A chance to smell a new scent. Taste a new favor. Play a new game or figure out a puzzle. Enrichment is an effort to tap into and stimulate our basic five senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing. The result is to stimulate behaviors resembling those for that species in the wild. Regular admission fee to enter zoo; however, there is no additional fee to view and participate in the Animal Enrichment Day activities. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Friday, February 7

Tuesday, February 18 From Her Innermost Self: Visionary Art of Southern Women Exhibition Opens Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com

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FamilyCalendar Thursday, February 20 LLC Alumni Breakfast with Chris Heacox Join Leadership Lee County for their Alumni Breakfast featuring Chris Heacox, executive director of the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. 8 - 10 AM. www.leadershipleecounty.org

Friday, February 21

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Fins, Feathers and Flowers at Lakepoint State Park Also Feb. 22 and 23. The program offers a variety of activities for wildlife watchers. The weekend is a cooperative effort of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) State Parks Division and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The park is located adjacent to Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge in Eufaula, Ala.

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Zumbathon 2020 Mardi Gras Party! 90 minutes of fun-filled dancing designed to get you in shape! Awesome instructors who can get you dancing and will take turns leading in various styles and levels of Zumba moves. Join us at the Boykin Community Center gymnasium from 8:45 – 10:30 AM. We will kick off with our Mardi Gras – themed “Best Dressed Dancer” costume contest at 8:45 AM

and Zumba will begin at 9 AM, so come dressed in purple, green, and gold and be ready to dance (and sweat)! This event is FREE and open to the public. Children ages 8 and older are welcome with parent participation. activeauburn@auburnalabama.org Girls, Glitz and Glamour! Covington Rec Center. 10:00 AM. All things girly! Nails, makeup, hair and lunch! Registration: 1/7-2/7. pdriver@opelika-al.gov. www.opelikasportsplex.com Mardi Gras Parade 2020 Downtown Auburn. The Krewe De Tigris Mardi Gras Parade will be held in downtown Auburn at 2 PM. Don’t miss this entertainment district event! Krewe Krawl will also be taking place during the Mardi Gras parade from 10 AM to 11 PM. The Krewe Krawl offers special discounts from downtown merchants to people who purchase a wristband. www.krewedetigris.com Parent & Child Workshop: “Night Rider” The Columbus Museum. 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Ages 8-10 and caregivers. Free. Collaborate and create as a family! Participants will go on a gallery exploration to gather inspiration before visiting the Studio to create their own work inspired by “Night Rider” by Gene Davis. Please register for the number of people in your party, including parents/ caretakers and child(ren). Questions? Email jsouth@ columbusmuseum.com.

Selma-to-Montgomery Bicycle Ride In 2020, the Montgomery Bicycle Club will commemorate the 55th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Voters Rights March. While riding the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, we encourage riders to stop and see the sights, envision the march, feel the tension, cross the bridge, follow the paths of the foot soldiers, and end in triumph.

Sunday, February 23 Lake Martin Wedding Show The Mitchell House, Dadeville. Lake Martin Wedding Show will host multiple wedding venues, caterers, photographers, florist, hair/make experts and much more. There will be two separate mock weddings during this event. 256-825-1622. Jewish Food Festival & Treasure Market Montgomery. In addition to purchasing delicious food or finding some very unique treasures, visitors have an opportunity to attend a short session to learn more about Jewish customs. This is event is free to attend and there is no charge for parking. 9 AM-2 PM. 334-262-3314.

Thursday, February 27 Lifeguard (Blended Learning) Class Also Feb. 28 and 29. Opelika SportsPlex. Want a fun and exciting job for the summer or year round? Get certified to be a professional lifeguard. This is an online/classroom based course that covers lifeguard skills, first aid and CPR. The student will complete an online based course before attending the in-person classroom session. Students can access the online

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FamilyCalendar course two weeks before the classroom session. Contact: Justin Perkins, jperkins@opelika-al.gov

Friday, February 28 55th Anniversary Bridge Crossing Jubilee Also Feb. 29 and Mar. 1. Selma. This weekend is a commemoration of the anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the Selma to Montgomery March. Activities include a pageant, a dance, women and youth conferences, a parade, festival, interfaith service and National Voting Rights Hall of Fame induction. Visit www.selmajubilee.com for more information. Cottontails Village Arts, Crafts and Gifts Show Also Feb. 29 and Mar. 1. Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center. Many of the familiar exhibitors from Christmas Village Festival switch gears to create a spring shopping experience for their customers. Oneof-a-kind Easter dresses can be found on the same aisle as handmade garden decor or gourmet candy. Original art, handcrafted soaps and unique jewelry, created by artisans from across America, fill the BJCC for this annual event. www.bjcc.org

Saturday, February 29 Auburn Chili Cook-Off The 2020 Auburn Chili Cook-Off benefiting Storybook Farm will be from 10:30 AM until 3 PM at the Pavilion at Ag Heritage Park (Big Red Barn) in Auburn. 334-502-5111. Russell Forest Run The 11th annual Russell Forest Run benefits the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. Registration at www.RussellForestRun.com. For info and race time please check the website, Facebook, or call 256-397-1019 for more details. The Russell Forest Run has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation!

March Mar. 2: Read Across the Preserve Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Join the KPNC and the Auburn Public Library as we partner to celebrate “National Read Across America Day” with the National Education Center. National Read Across America Day coincides with Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) birthday and across the country, we celebrate by bringing together kids, teens, and books! At the KPNC, enjoy stories every 20 minutes at many locations around the Nature Center including the Nature Playground’s tree house, the campfire, the waterfall deck, Azalea Place, and among the trees on our trails. Visitors will also get to hunt for each page of our “story walk,” a book whose pages are along a short walk in the woods. Read Across the Preserve is free – donations are welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Mar. 2-3: Auburn Area Community Theatre Announces Open Auditions for: Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike Read from provided lines and interact with the group. Open auditions for two men and four women of any race or age for this award winning comedy by Christopher Durang. Vanya and his adopted sister, Sonia, share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Unexpectedly, their movie-star sister, Masha, owner of the house, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

leading to threats to sell the house. Also on the scene are sassy maid Cassandra, who believes she can predict the future, and a lovely young aspiring actress named Nina, whose prettiness worries the imperious Masha. At a fancy dress party everyone’s lives begin to change. Call-backs March 5 by invitation. More details and slides available at www. auburnact.org after Feb 1. Mar. 6: Forest Friends Open House & Playdate Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Forest Friends is an award-winning program offering a unique educational experience for pre-school children and their parents, incorporating hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness. Children will learn about a different topic each week of the 6-week session. Join us on the Nature Playground for the come-and-go playdate to learn more about Forest Friends, meet the Forest Friends teachers, and find out if it is a good option for your family. (334) 844-8091. Mar. 9-11 and 16-18: Spring Break Camp Kreher Preserve & Nature Center camps are a great way for your children to spend their spring break outdoors, immersed in nature, exercise, and fresh air… and a bit of education, too! Campers will join our naturalists for three days of nature-based learning experiences and adventure in the forests of the Nature Center. This year’s theme is “By the Water” and we are offering two weeks to coincide with both Auburn and Opelika spring breaks. Sessions are $150 ($120 for members) which includes all three days. Registration opens January 21. Visit our website to learn more: auburn.edu/ preserve. Mar. 16-20: Spring Break Camp Opelika Parks and Rec. Structured and fun games and activities during your break from school! pdriver@opelika-al.gov Mar. 19-21. 63rd Annual SLE PRCA Rodeo Garrett Coliseum. The Rodeo coming to town means more than just buckin’ broncos, barrel racing and burly bulls. Whether it is the parade downtown, the Stick Horse Rodeo or the Western Festival, there is something for everybody to enjoy.

Recurring Events Second Saturday at Columbus Museum Feb. 8. 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus. 10 AM - noon. Free Admission. Drop by the art cart with the kids each month to explore various mediums of art, enjoy art related stories, and participate in gallery hunts at the Museum. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. www.columbusmuseum.com Sweetheart Camera Scavenger Hunt Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29. F. D. Roosevelt State Park. Team up to find sweetheart answers. Hunt with your phone. Not a timed event. Pick up checklist/rules at the park office any time. Pictures must be brought to office with checklist by 4 PM Sat. Winners notified by phone at 4:00 PM to pick up prize. $5 parking. 706663-4858. www.gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt Family Discovery Hikes and Nature Walks Feb. 11, Mar. 10 and 12. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Join us for monthly guided hikes through the Kreher Forest. Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Nature Walks are for adults only and offer opportunities to socialize, learn, and just relax and decompress in the quiet, peaceful forest. Each month offers a different theme. Discovery Hikes and

Nature Walks are free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain. Columbus’ Market Days on Broadway Every Saturday. Columbus. 9:00 AM - noon. Held at the 1000 & 1100 blocks of Broadway. Many local and organic farmers sell produce, along with soap vendors, home goods, jewelry vendors and baked goods. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ MarketDaysOnBroadway/ Look! @ Lunchtime Every second Tuesday. Columbus Museum. 12:15 PM. A collaborative viewing exercise and dialogue centered on works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Jonathan Frederick Walz, Ph.D., Director of Curatorial Affairs & Curator of American Art, will facilitate LOOK! discussions. Each month a new object will be explored. Free. www.columbusmuseum.com Preschool Program @ Jule Collins Museum Bring your preschooler (ages 3-5) to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University for a fun and educational program designed especially for early learners. Each month, we’ll tackle a different theme and make unique connections between the art in the museum and your child’s every expanding world. Each session will also pair favorite children’s books with art works in the museum’s collection exhibitions to encourage language development as well as a hands-on component for increasing fine motor skills. Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool Jan-May. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. Auburn’s first “nature preschool” – an innovative educational strategy that allows your child to learn about, with, and through nature, embracing the great outdoors as their classroom. The 2019/2020 schools year is Woodland Wonders’ inaugural year! We are offering classes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 11:30 AM starting August 20 and concluding May 14. It is open to students aged 3 to 5 and we are accepting 12 students this year. www.auburn.edu/preserve Art Gallery Winter 2020 Exhibition: The Winter Invitational Through Feb. 14. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. An exhibition of works based on an announced theme by invited artists and craft persons. Art Gallery Spring 2020 Exhibition: New Works Feb. 19-Mar. 20. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. New works and special projects by selected area and regional artists. Philip Haas: Sculpture Breathes Life into Painting & Music Feb. 16-Mar. 1. Each day, over the course of two weeks, the event will start with various elements sculpture table, easel, musical instruments, objects - arranged throughout the Galleria. Sound, music, and video will be running concurrently. Haas will enter and fit the sculpture to his body, delivering a commentary, while the audience is encouraged to move around the sculpture. Haas, in marrying sculpture, painting, film, and architecture, has created a contemporary visual vocabulary all his own. edu@columbusmuseum.com Home Depot Kids Workshop First Saturday of each month. 9 AM-12 noon. Time to get Hands-On! The Home Depot offers

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FamilyCalendar free workshops designed for children age 5-12. All children get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement and a workshop apron. Free Korean After-School Culture and Language Classes for Students Ongoing. Sponsored by Auburn University Office of Professional and Continuing Education. Free Korean language and culture classes for students in the 3rd12th grades! Each class meets in a different location at varying times. www.auburn.edu/outreach A Little Lunch Music @ Jule Collins Museum Thursdays. Have your lunch break at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University every Thursday at 12:00 noon. Listen to music while surrounded by art. Third Thursday Poetry @ Jule Collins Museum 3rd Thursday. Looking for a little poetry in your life? Each 3rd Thursday, join Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University for an evening of poetry reading from authors. Saturday Art Club The Art Studio. Art Club that gives children an opportunity to engage in art exploration. Art projects are set up to use a variety of materials, and ideas and techniques. www.theartstudioart.com Super Saturdays @ LaGrange Art Museum Every third Saturday of the month. LaGrange Art Museum. Drop in anytime from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Take a tour of the current exhibit and then explore your creative side with an activity in the Center for Creative Learning classrooms. www. lagrangeartmuseum.org

Michael’s Kids Club Saturdays, 10 AM. They craft, you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy hands on creativity. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. www. michaels.com 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.

Library Events Caddy Stacks: Mini-Golf at Cooper Library Feb. 1. Join the library staff for a fun family day of mini golf fundraiser. The entire library will be a minigolf course. $5 per person to play all 18 holes. The last tee time is 4:00 PM. library@opelika-al.gov Recycled Teenagers Book Club Feb. 10. Monthly book club featuring lively discussions around books chosen by the library director. Books are provided. vwhite@opelika-al.gov Crown and Castles Feb. 11. Calling all princesses and knights! We will be celebrating all things medieval at this afternoon party for all ages. Drop in 3:30-5:00 PM to participate in crafts and games. library@opelika-al. gov

Anti-Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery Feb. 13. Tired of Valentine’s Day? Sick of sweetness? Think Cupid is Stupid? If you don’t fall for this overrated Hallmark holiday, then you’re in luck! Join the Opelika Public Library for a murder mystery event. Register by visiting Eventbrite and searching for Opelika Library, via the Facebook event page or call 334-705-5380. library@opelika-al.gov Animal Tales Feb. 17. On President’s day, the Opelika Public Library will have 6 special animal guests! Come meet the creatures and learn more about them. 10:00 AM is for all ages and the 2:00 PM is for grades 6-12 only. library@opelika-al.gov Full STEAM Ahead Mar. 16-20. Join the Opelika Library Staff for a full week of exciting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. Full details TBA. See website and Facebook event page for more details. Free. 1:00-2:00 PM. Middle School Mondays First and third Mondays of the month. 6th-8th graders. Different activities will be available each time. Drop in anytime between 4:00-7:00 PM. library@opelika-al.gov High School Tuesdays Second and Fourth Tuesdays of each month. Different activities will be available each time. Drop in anytime between 4:00-7:00 PM. library@opelikaal.gov Homeschool Hangout Wednesdays. 10:00-11:00 AM. Code Club at the Lewis Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your

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FamilyCalendar kids how to make website, apps and games in a fun environment. Give them much needed exposure to STEM education and let them get ahead of the crowd. Bring your own laptop if you have one, but not required. library@opelika-al.gov Saturday and Wednesday Code Club Saturdays 10:00-11:00 AM or Wednesdays 3:304:30 PM. Code Club at the Lewis Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your kids how to make website, apps and games in a fun environment. Bring your own laptop if you have one, but not required. library@opelika-al.gov Board Game Open Play Sundays 1:00-4:00 PM. From Monopoly to Betrayal at the House on the Hill to Sushi Go, Sunday is for board games. Bring your own or play on of ours. library@opelika-al.gov Baby Time Tuesdays. 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:00-10:30 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. Auburn Public Library. Babies and their favorite adults enjoy 20 minutes of stories, songs, bounces, and tickles during Baby Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages birth-24 months. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Toddler Time Wednesdays. 9:30-10:00 AM or 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. Auburn Public Library. Toddlers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Toddler Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages 18 months-3 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Preschool Time Wednesdays. 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. Preschoolers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Preschool Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! 3 – 5 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Story Time Every Monday and Friday, 10:00 AM. Perfect for preschoolers, children enjoy 20 minutes of books, songs manipulatives, and rhymes, with an emphasis on repetition for their developing minds. Story time is followed by free play. Ages 0-5 years. library@opelika-al.gov Saturday STEM Storytime Saturdays. Auburn Public Library. Preschoolers 2nd grade children and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime that is all about STEM. 10:0011:00 AM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math This storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format Please note: Some activities may involve messy fun! (334) 501-3296. Brick Builders Club Saturdays. 11 AM - 12:00 PM. Opelika Public Library. If you love creating with Lego bricks, then this is the place to be! Open to all ages, but geared towards school-aged children, library@opelika-al.gov. Gamers Society Thursdays, 4 PM. Auburn Public Library. 4:00 PM. It’s Game On at the Auburn Public Library The Programming Room will be open for Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, and video games. Gamers must bring their

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

own materials The library will provide materials for video game play. Games must be rated E, E10, or T; no rated M games. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Imagination Lab Thursdays. 3:00-4:00 PM. Opelika Public Library. The Imagination Lab is for young minds to explore and create. From magnetic circuits making sounds to programming a small robot, the lab is waiting for BRAIN power to create a spark. library@opelika-al.gov

Plays, Concerts and Other Performances The Agitators

Jan. 30-Feb. 13. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The Agitators tells of the enduring but tempestuous friendship of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. The play follows the young abolitionists after they meet in Rochester in the 1840s, full of hopes and sharing a common purpose. www.asf.net

The Pout-Pout Fish

Feb. 1. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Turn the poutiest of frowns upside down in this new musical featuring whimsical puppets and live performers in a sweeping oceanic adventure. When Mr. Fish sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, he discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout. www.rivercenter.org Drum Tao Feb. 3. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. The internationally acclaimed percussion artists of TAO bring to North America their newest production, Drum TAO, with modern, high-energy performances showcasing the ancient art of Japanese drumming, Taiko. www.eastalabamaarts.org Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group Feb. 5. Gogue Performing Arts Center. A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a conventiondefying manner that breaks down barriers. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Azalea Storytelling Festival: A Taste of Storytelling Feb. 9. LaFayette Society for Performing Arts. www.lsparts.org

And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank Feb. 9-15. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The multimedia play combines videotaped interviews of Holocaust survivors Ed Silverberg and Eva Schloss with live actors recreating scenes from their lives during World War II, including their memories of Anne Frank. Ed was Anne Frank’s first boyfriend, mentioned in the beginning of her now-famous diary. Eva Schloss was the same age as Anne Frank and lived in the same apartment building in Amsterdam. Her family also went into hiding the same day as the Frank family, and, they too were betrayed. On Eva’s 15th birthday, her family was arrested by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps. Eva and her mother survived, and after the war, her mother married Anne’s father, Otto Frank. Part oral history, part dramatic action, part direct address, part remembrance, And Then They Came for Me breaks new ground and has been acclaimed by audiences and critics in worldwide productions. www.asf.net The Beach Boys Feb. 13. Gogue Performing Arts Center. For nearly sixty years, The Beach Boys—America’s

quintessential surf band—have recorded and performed the music that has become the soundtrack to summer. Their shimmering vocal harmonies and relaxed California style have continued to delight fans across generations, bringing good vibrations to audiences the world over. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Joe Bonamassa Feb. 13. Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Bonamassa has almost singlehandedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. www.mpaconline.org/

Bring It On the Musical

Feb. 13-23. Telfair Peet Theatre. Based on the popular series of films, Bring It On The Musical transports audiences to the fierce rivalries, potent politics, and high drama of the cutthroat world of competitive high school cheerleading. With a bit of snark and a whole lot of heart, Bring It On speaks to the power of community and the ability of performance, athletic and otherwise, to bring people together. www.auburn.edu/theatre

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Feb. 14. Montgomery Performing Arts Center. www.mpaconline.org/

Swell Party

Feb. 14-17. Red Door Theatre. The year is 1932. Tobacco heir Smith Reynolds has just returned to his family’s North Carolina estate from an extended trip to New York. He brings with him a surprising souvenir: a wife! The new Mrs. Reynolds is a popular jazz singer and actress and a dozen years older than her husband. But the wedding party is flat-out ruined when the groom turns up dead. As the guests gather along the County Solicitor to reconstruct the evening’s events and try to solve the mystery, it becomes clear that the Southerners, the truth isn’t nearly as important as a good story. info@ reddoortheatre.org

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Winter Jam Tour Spectacular 2020 Feb. 16. Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center. Featuring Christian artists including Crowder, Passion, Louie Giglio, Andy Mineo, Building 429, RED, Austin French, Newsong and more. $15 at the door. www. jamtour.com

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Les Ballets Trocadero De Monte Carlo Feb. 18. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. Combining finely developed classical technique and dancing en pointe - all the while making fun of it all in hilarious parodies of the great ballets of the ages - the Trocks are the complete package. This all-male, highly tutu’d, gravity-defying, dance troupe is sought after in cities across the planet by fans who clamor to see them again and again. www.eastalabamaarts.org

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Rent 20th Anniversary Tour

Feb. 18-19. Gogue Performing Arts Center. RENT premiered in 1996 to rave reviews and became the hit Broadway musical of the year. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Cirque Du Soleil: Axel Feb. 20-23. Columbus Civic Center. Spectacular skating, breathtaking acrobatics, live music and stunning graphics—it’s waiting for you in all new ice spectacle. Join Axel and his adrenaline-fueled crew on an exhilarating adventure as his passion for music and graphic arts takes you on an electrifying journey.

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Calendar Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience Feb. 21. Gogue Center for the Performing Arts. A signature blend of American roots music, New Orleans funk, reggae, world and blues, Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience is a massively entertaining live show that incorporates all that is great about Louisiana’s diverse musical heritage. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Akeelah and The Bee

Feb. 21-Mar. 1. Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org Live Nation & RME presents Kountry Wayne, The People’s Champ Feb. 22. Montgomery Performing Arts Center. www.mpaconline.org

Kaleidoscope

Feb. 22. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. The Joyce and Henry Schwob School of Music presents Kaleidoscope, an exciting 70-minute, full spectrum musical performance featuring over 200 Schwob music students! Featuring large instrumental and vocal ensembles, chamber music, and individual performers, Kaleidoscope offers an electrifying variety of repertoire from classical to jazz, from exuberant to refined. The performance is fast-paced and continuous for a little over an hour. www.music. columbusstate.edu

Waitress

Feb. 25-26. Gogue Performing Arts Center. A hit Broadway musical based on the beloved 2007 film starring Keri Russell, “Waitress” tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town. Brought to life by a groundbreaking, all-female creative team, the Tony Award-nominated hit features original music and lyrics by seven-time Grammy Award nominee Sara Bareilles. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu The Sound Wall Presents Ally Venable Band Feb. 26. Groove to some modern-blues by the Texan group Ally Venable Band! Ally Venable’s breakout third album, Texas Honey, debuted as #2 on the Billboard Blues Charts featuring Eric Gales and Mike Zito. www.thesoundwallopelika.com

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The You & Me Tour: An Evening with Drew and Ellie Holcomb Feb. 27. Gogue Center for Performing Arts. Drew and Ellie Holcomb are a husband and wife Americana duo from Nashville. Shortly after their marriage in 2006, the couple began touring together with Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. The band has supported many national touring acts including Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Don Henley and Willie Nelson. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Miloš —Voice of the Guitar Feb. 27. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. Firmly positioned as a leading exponent of his instrument, “The hottest guitarist in the world” (Sunday Times), Miloš Karadaglić, continues to top record charts and delight audiences worldwide. www.eastalabamaarts.org

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Feb. 28-Mar. 7. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Disney Channel’s Smash hit movie musical comes to life at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center in High School Musical, Jr. Troy, Gabriella and

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the talented students of East High sing and dance their way through issues of love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extra-curricular activities. $10/Adults, $8/Students and Seniors. Tickets can be purchased at auburnact.org. Junior League Follies Feb. 28. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Presented by the Junior League of Columbus and written and directed by Jaime Donegan, this one-ofa-kind event features an elaborate theatrical revue of music, dance and skits performed by local celebrities and personalities. It promises to be an evening enjoyed by all! www.rivercenter.org Mike Like Sugar Feb. 28-Mar. 7. Columbus State University Theatre. It is Annie Desmond’s sixteenth birthday and her friends have decided to help her celebrate in style, complete with a brand new tattoo. Before her special night is over, however, Annie and her friends enter

into a life-altering pact. When Annie tries to make good on her promise to her friends, she is forced to take a good look at the world that surrounds her. She befriends Malik, who promises a bright future, and Keera, whose evangelical leanings inspire Annie in a way her young parents have not been able to do. In the end, Annie’s choices propel her onto an irreversible path in this story that combines wit, poetry, and hope. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu Lafayette Theatre Company: Sondheim’s Company, A Musical Comedy Feb. 20-29. LaFayette Society for Performing Arts. www.lsparts.org Pablo Sainz Vileggas: Americano Trio Mar. 1. Gogue Performing Arts Center. Celebrated as the soul of the Spanish guitar, virtuoso Pablo Sáinz Villegas brings passion and emotion to each of his stirring live performances. Appearing as the

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FamilyCalendar Pablo Sáinz Villegas: Americano Trio, Villegas will be accompanied by versatile bassist Pedro Giraudo and master percussionist Nacho Arimany, with songs to include anything from bossa nova to the Beatles. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Matt Haimovitz and Simone Dinnerstein Mar. 3. Gogue Performing Arts Center. These two acclaimed classical solo artists will perform as a duet on a dynamic program that includes a Beethoven cello sonata alongside a Philip Glass partita, and solo piano and cello repertoires by both composers. www. goguecenter.auburn.edu

Alabama Story

Mar. 5-22. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. It’s 1959, and the civil rights movement is starting to grip America. In Montgomery, a gentle children’s book with an apparent hidden message stirs the passions of a segregationist senator and a no-nonsense librarian. A contrasting story of childhood friends — an African-American man and a woman of white privilege who reunited in Montgomery that same year — provides private counterpoint to the public events of the play. Political foes, star-crossed lovers, and one feisty children’s author inhabit the same page to conjure a Deep South of the imagination. www.asf.net

Ruby: The Story of Ruby Bridges Mar. 6-22. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Ruby Bridges was six years old when the civil rights movement came hammering at her door — choosing her as the first African-American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. When white families pulled their children from her class, Ruby and her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Henry, forged ahead undaunted, even while protestors jeered and threatened young Ruby’s life daily when federal marshals escorted her to and from school. With seven brand new songs inspired by The Shirelles, Sam Cooke, and Smokey Robinson, this play explores a little girl’s unbeatable courage in the face of adversity as she helped lead the civil rights movement up the front steps and into the classrooms of her elementary school in New Orleans. Produced in collaboration with Montgomery Public Schools. www.asf.net U.S. Navy Bands Mar. 12. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss an incredible night of music with the U.S. Navy Bands! The premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Navy Concert Band, presents a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. They are joined by the Sea Chanters, the U.S. Navy’s official chorus, performing everything from sea chanteys and patriotic fare, to opera, Broadway and contemporary music, and the Cruisers, performing music ranging from jazz & standards, rhythm & blues, classic rock, adult contemporary and pop. www.rivercenter.org Singin’ in the Rain Mar. 12-29. Springer Opera House. The splashiest song-and-dance musical comedy in Broadway history! Based on the glossy, glamorous movie starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor, this extravagant theatre sensation includes an onstage rainstorm, dazzling costumes, jawdropping dance numbers and a string of Hollywood’s most loved musical numbers including, of course, Singin’ in the Rain. www.springeroperahouse.org CSO: Carnival of the Animals Mar. 17. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Co-produced with the Columbus Ballet, this familyfriendly educational performance features stunning dance with music from Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite and the famous Carnival of the Animals by Saint-

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

Saëns. Join us at 6:30 PM in the lobby for free activities and interactive games for children of all ages! www.rivercenter.org

& Rail, Ma Fia’s Outdoor Patio, The Depot Outdoor Stage, Zazu Gastro Pub, and Studio 319. www. opelikasongwritersfestival.com

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Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Mar. 19. Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Following an extended 50th anniversary tour, the ensemble grew to a six-piece in 2018 for the first time since their early jug band days. The group now includes Jeff Hanna (acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Jimmie Fadden (drums, harmonica), Bob Carpenter (keyboards), Jim Photoglo (bass, acoustic guitar), Ross Holmes (fiddle, mandolin), and Jaime Hanna (electric and acoustic guitar). All six members also sing, and when their voices merge, the harmonies add a powerful new component for the legendary band. www.mpaconline.org

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Mar. 29. Montgomery Performing Arts Center. www.mpaconline.org

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Sierra Hull Band Mar. 20. Gogue Performing Arts Center. A mandolin prodigy, Sierra Hull had already signed to a record label by age 13 and released her debut “Secrets” three years later. The bluegrass virtuoso’s latest album, 2016’s “Weighted Mind,” received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Folk Album and was produced by banjo master Béla Fleck, who said of Hull: “She plays the mandolin with a degree of refined elegance and freedom that few have achieved.” www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Dover Quartet and Bridget Kibbey Mar. 24. Gogue Performing Arts Center. Cherished harpist Bridget Kibbey and the world-renowned Dover Quartet unite for the first time in a celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach. Kibbey is an acclaimed soloist and chamber musician who has toured with Dawn Upshaw and Placido Domingo. The Dover Quartet is one of the most in-demand ensembles in the world, performing more than 100 engagements each year. www. goguecenter.auburn.edu

Support & Parenting Groups A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an allinclusive 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 334-728-1162 or email: momofpnk@ gmail.com. Adoption Advocates of East Alabama Feb 12th at 6:30 then first Wednesday of each month starting March 4,2020 at 6:30. Held at First Baptist Church Opelika Room 307. Call or text Lori Creel for more information at 334-750-1808. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-7058877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com.

Night’s Dream

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Mar. 26. Gogue Performing Arts Center. Wynton Marsalis leads 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today as they perform a vast repertoire ranging from original compositions to masterworks by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus and many others. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Newsboys United: Greatness of Our God Tour Mar. 27. Montgomery Performing Arts Center. www.mpaconline.org 2nd Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival Mar. 27-29. Downtown Opelika. Enjoy live musical performances by local, regional, and national songwriters in historic downtown Opelika. Rob and Jen Slocumb, a.k.a. Martha’s Trouble (a husband-and-wife folk/rock duo and owners of Opelika recording studio/event center The Sound Wall) are bringing the new festival to life. The festival will take place in Downtown Opelika at more than nine venues, including John Emerald Distillery, Sneak & Dawdle, Irish Bred Pub, Eighth

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William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Mar. 25-28. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Deep in a wondrous forest, it’s a wild night for lunatics and lovers as we dive into Shakespeare’s unforgettable vision of ludicrous longing, lively language, and lasting love. Surrender to the enchanting world of the Bard’s most beguiling comedy in ASF’s idyllic Shakespeare Garden. www.asf.net

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Auburn UMC 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. Auburn United Methodist Church. 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/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika. We offer fellowship and fun for moms of kiddos from infancy through age 15. We offer play dates, moms nights out, and special events! For more information check us out on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMOPS or email us at auburnopelikamops@gmail.com.

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FamilyCalendar Bible Study Fellowship Held at Parkway Baptist Church, Thursdays at 10 a.m., (334) 546-1386.

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.

Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first

Grandparents and Non-Parent Relatives or Friends Raising Children Support Group For grandparents or any non-parent involved in raising younger children. Meetings first Monday of every month @ Auburn United Methodist Church Annex, Room D134, 6 - 7 p.m. Various speakers and lots of support from others in your same situation. Childcare is provided. Phone Lisa @ 334-421-7163 or Debra @ 334332-9703. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780.

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Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. 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. 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). Expressions of a BraveHeart Program Opelika Sportsplex. Braveheart is a fine arts program offering art, music and dance classes to youth and young adults with moderate to severe disabilities. Contact: John Huling • jhuling@opelika-al.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:

Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/ Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www. miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. 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. MOPS of Auburn We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Auburn United Methodist Church from 9:30 - 11:30. Childcare is provided, although we ask that you make reservations if possible. Meetings are open to mothers with children ages 5 and under. www. facebook.com/mopsofauburn mopsofauburn@gmail. 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. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy. 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy meets the 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. and the next evening (Tuesday) from 6-7:30 p.m. Visit www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Email info@leecountyautism.com or call 334-740-0716.

Project Uplift Now Offers Online Training Project Uplift is a mentoring program that serves children in the Opelika/Auburn/Lee County area from ages 5-12. We pair caring adults with children in the hopes that their lives will be uplifted and deter them from delinquency. We are in need of mentors who are willing to share at least 1-2 hours a week, mentoring a child. If you are interested, we offer our training session online at https://cla.catalog.auburn. edu/courses/5698. Please call us at (334) 844-4430 or email us at puplift@auburn.edu if you have any questions. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com. Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic. Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Ms. Nystrom at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2296, Ext. 1786 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life! Therapeutic Rec: Discover Group Sept.-May. Opelika Sportplex. Discover is an opportunity for high-functioning, intellectually disabled citizens that are no longer enrolled in school. We will discover together through various activities and will travel once a month. Scheduled trips may change meeting times. There are costs associated with this program. Contact: John Huling • jhuling@opelika-al.gov Trinity UMC (Opelika) Mom’s Morning Out Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional. Trinity United Methodist Church.

Sports Auburn Basketball Jan. 25. Feb. 1, 8, 12, 22. Mar. 4. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Women’s Basketball Feb. 2, 16, 20. Mar. 1. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Gymnastics Feb. 7, 14, 28. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Baseball Feb. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29. Mar. 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17. www.auburntigers.com River Dragons Hockey, Columbus Feb. 13, 15, 28, 29. Mar. 1, 7, 20, 22, 27. www.rdragons.com

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Just Mercy

Dolittle

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: A Violence: C+ Sexual Content: AProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B “You don’t know what you into down here in Alabama. When you’re guilty from the moment you born.” So says death row inmate Walter McMillan (Jamie Foxx) to earnest young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B Jordan). An idealistic graduate of Harvard Law School, Stevenson has moved to Alabama and open the Equal Justice Initiative, a small office dedicated to helping the most vulnerable victims of the justice system. As he digs into McMillan’s case, Stevenson uncovers a web of perjury, witness intimidation, and undisclosed evidence, eventually realizing that his client is on death row for a murder he did not commit. Director Destin Daniel Cretton deserves credit for not sensationalizing this case but for providing a measured, dignified retelling of the tragic story. And Jamie Foxx’s portrayal of McMillan steals the show. Just Mercy can be a hard film to watch, with scenes that alternately filled me with hopelessness, frustration, and anger. Fortunately, the film isn’t 136 minutes of unrelieved darkness. There is hope in the scenes of community and loving support extended to those who suffer. There is hope in the determination of Stevenson and his growing staff to free the innocent and to end capital punishment. And there is hope that their efforts at legal reform will be successful. Parents considering family viewing can be assured that the PG-13 rating is appropriate. There is some swearing in the film and many viewers will be deeply disturbed by a few scenes. But the scariest moment in the movie comes at the very beginning and it’s a simple phrase on a dark screen: “Based on a true story”.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C+ Violence: BSexual Content: B Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C The story opens with Dr. Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), nursing his grief after the death of his beloved wife and living as a recluse on his estate. But then Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) falls ill and sends a tween-aged friend to extend an invitation the physician can’t refuse. Dolittle’s medical skill and his dog’s refined sense of smell lead to a diagnosis, but, alas, the only possible cure is the fruit of the Eden Tree, a semi-mythical plant which has never been proven to exist. The doctor, apprentice Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett), and most of the talking menagerie head off on their ocean voyage, unaware that there are members of the court who don’t want the queen to recover and will stop at nothing to ensure Dolittle’s failure. Sadly, Dolittle also has some unexpected content problems. Parents will be pleased that there are no swear words, sexual activity, or alcohol consumption. But they won’t be happy to see Dolittle sedated against his will so his animals can “groom” him. Forced use of a drug is a big red flag in any movie, but particularly one for kids. But the most grotesque moment in the film is when the doctor has a most unusual patient – a very cranky dragon (Frances de la Tour). With his usual acumen, Dolittle diagnoses her with an “obstruction” in her nether regions. The movie is also chock-full of moderately violent action scenes, but everything else fades into insignificance after seeing the doctor up to his elbow inside a dragon’s backside. If you’re looking for a fun family movie night, Dolittle is unlikely to fit the bill, unless your kids really love talking animals, fart jokes, and dragon posteriors, and don’t care if the plot hangs together.

Underwater

Weathering with You

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: B Profanity: D Alcohol / Drug Use: A In the depths of Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench, Tian Industries has built a massive mining complex to extract resources from the earth. Unfortunately for the crew, things have started to go wrong, beginning with a massive earthquake that destroys nearly 70% of the station. Worse yet, the damage threatens to send the nuclear reactor which powers the facility into a meltdown. A mechanical engineer, Norah Price (Kristen Stewart), must team up with the other survivors, including Captain Lucien (Vincent Cassel) and Emily Haversham (Jessica Henwick), a biologist, in order to escape the crippled complex. But out in the deep dark water, something is moving. Underwater is astoundingly unoriginal, but oddly watchable nonetheless. As far as parental concerns go, Underwater is a pretty standard PG-13 action/horror. It stands out for a lack of awkward sexual innuendo or dialogue but overcompensates in the language and violence categories. With three extreme profanities and around 18 scatological curses, the movie is getting away with a lot at the PG-13 level. The violence is more of what you’d expect, but it still isn’t wholesome family fun to watch a man’s pressure suit break and see what happens when the human body is suddenly exposed to 8 tons of pressure per square inch. I guess you could frame it as a science lesson? Maybe not. Underwater is so stereotypical it almost feels like it belongs in another movie. Movies like this set your brain firmly in the off position, rendering any complex thinking impossible for the following half hour at minimum. As such, it’s a perfect choice for teenagers looking for a quick scare.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: C+ Sexual Content: BProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C When 16 year old runaway Hodaka arrives in Tokyo, the city is soaking after months of uninterrupted rainfall. The desperate young man eventually gets hired as a gofer and live-in intern by tabloid owner Keisuke Suga. As Hodaka tramps around Tokyo in search of a good story, he stumbles across Hina, a “Sunshine Girl” whose prayers can temporarily push back the rain and let the sun shine through. But her powers come at a high price... and Hodaka will do anything to prevent her from paying it. Weathering with You is a difficult film to describe. It has beautiful, sometimes incandescent backdrops, with stunning vistas and intricate weather scenes. The raindrops alone are a triumph of animation skill. Sadly, the movie isn’t as good as it looks. The story often feels disconnected, there are some notable plot holes, and a number of things are left hanging or poorly explained. Also disappointing are the content issues in this production. Parents usually assume that animated films are clean, although it’s worth noting that the anime genre runs the gamut from family friendly through to extreme porn. Unfortunately, Weathering with You has a disappointing number of problematic issues, including over a dozen swear words, scenes of alcohol use and some non-explicit sexual content. Anyone considering this movie should also note that it is in Japanese with English subtitles. Weathering with You may have moments of peril and a downbeat storyline, but it at least provides moments of hope. Love conquers all, or at least some, and that’s the beam of sunlight shining through the clouds.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

THE ADVENTURES IN

ath & Science 2020 SUMMER CAMP SESSIONS HOSTED BY THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MATH AND SCIENCE • MOBILE, AL

JUNE 1-5, JUNE 8-12, AND JUNE 15-19 | GRADES 6-10 Register by March 1: $370 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $270 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after March 1: $395 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $295 Day Camp (includes lunch) Cost to stay the weekend between a session is an additional $195 (includes trip to water park)

COURSE SAMPLING

ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more.

Online application posted January 1, 2020 at www.asms.net. Limited spots available.

1255 DAUPHIN ST. • MOBILE, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • WWW.ASMS.NET • AIMS@ASMS.NET

Oh. Nevermind. I can hold it. - Morgan, 8th grade

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com