February 2023 Healthy Kids Issue

Publisher’sNote

A new year brings with it a need to reevaluate one’s life and renew goals that focus on health and wellness. This month, we have two feature articles that will help families plan toward a healthier lifestyle for kids and parents alike. It’s essential to look at the family’s health from a wellness standpoint, not just a diet that could quickly fade after a few weeks. Wellness evaluates good health by looking at all physical, mental, emotional, and social facets. So, it is not just about the number on the scale but a broader look at nutrition, exercise, stress management, social balance, and self-image. In the feature article, 7 Ways to Promote Your Child’s Healthy Lifestyle, the author gives some great advice on starting the year off on a wellness foot. One of the best habits to enforce is having a regular bedtime routine for children and teens. Getting enough sleep fosters overall health and prevents illness. It’s also crucial for children to be well-rested to perform at their best in school each day. Encourage your children to begin a bedtime routine that is consistent each night. This routine will become a healthy habit for all. Another great tip is to encourage positive social interactions. Friends and positive interactions can promote a sense of selfworth, acceptance, and a way to learn social skills. Also, one of the best ways to get your family going in the right direction toward a healthy year is to start with yourself. Parents being role models for their children can set a healthy lifestyle tone that could continue long after their childhood and teen years. It is important to model positive behaviors for our kids, such as choosing a healthier dinner option, finding time to get active each day, scheduling yearly health checkups, and interacting with others in social settings. Lead your family by example, and they, too, will see the importance of wellness in their life.

This leads to the second feature article, How to Stay Motivated on Your Health Journey. The author acknowledges that it can be challenging to keep yourself motivated when changing your fitness and health lifestyle. How many times have you decided on New Year’s resolutions to lose 10 pounds or include more fruits and veggies in your meals, only to find that after a few short months, you lack the motivation to continue with your goals? It can be challenging to make changes and successfully keep them. Maybe the key to change is not to go it alone. Find friends and family members who want similar goals and encourage each other to stick to them. Accountability can be the key to success when starting a new fitness program. It can also be a source of social and emotional wellness. Lifting each other up on the not-so-great days may be all you need to start over and keep at it.

Encourage your family to move daily, choose healthier snacks, and build strong friendships. Moving toward a healthier lifestyle begins with you and at home. From one parent to another, here’s to a healthier 2023 for you and your family.

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

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

Contributing Writers

Kristi Bush, LSW

Dr. Jordan Jensen

Gabriele Jones

Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Cheryl Maguire

Cover Photography

Keightley Garnett

Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson

Director of Sales

Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552

Ad Design Tim Welch

Web Content Manager Scott Davis

Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 329-8073 and fax is (334) 826-7303.

Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2023 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.

by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Helping Your Child Handle “Big Emotions”

How can I help my child and myself handle big emotions? The clinical term for “big emotions” is emotional dysregulation, which is the inability to control or regulate emotional responses.

The process of emotional regulation is complex and lifelong. Theoretically, we learn this skill first, the skill of relating to others second, and the ability to reason last. But, unfortunately, the skill of regulating is often not developed.

Think about the last time you lost your keys or cell phone. A family member asked, “Where did you have it last?” and you blew up. That person ap proached you with reason, but you responded without regulat ing your emotions. When dealing with difficult emotions, we must ensure regulation first, relation second, and reason third. Every time…In that order… Every time!

As we grow, emotional regulation skills develop through the rhythmic motion of play: running around the playground, swinging, kicking a ball back and forth, going across

monkey bars, bouncing, throwing, and dancing. This rhythmic cycle starts when parents begin pacing or rocking to calm their crying infant. However, parents must continue to teach and model rhythmic motion skills to teach their children emotional regulation.

In my opinion, this is where toddlers’ use of handheld devices is most detrimental to development. If the child is given a phone to “help him calm down,” instead of being held and rocked or encouraged to engage in rhythmic motion, he is not learning how to naturally self-soothe. Instead, your child is learning to distract himself from difficult emotions. As parents, we all need to intentionally incorporate rhythmic movement into our daily lives: running, walking, dancing, etc. We need to say to children, “I am really angry about something that happened at work today, so I am going for a walk to help my brain and body calm down.” Parents must model that

they are not overwhelmed by their big emotions. As children grow older, they will imitate what we model.

We model the skills of relating by showing empathy. The best way to relate through empathy is by telling stories. In younger children, we talk about what just happened. For example, “You grabbed the cookie, and I would not let you have it, so you started to cry.” We relate to older children, teenagers, and adults by talking about a time we went through the same thing. Do not “one up” the other person just to say, “me too”. Remember, it is alright for them to feel big emotions! They will continue to experience them throughout their life. They just need to know that they are seen, heard, and understood. We attempt to reason only after ensuring regulation and relation have successfully occurred. The step of reason usually occurs minutes, hours, or sometimes even days after the emotional dysregulation occurs. If we wait until our children can reason, their brains are optimized for the learning process.

Truthfully, the most common error I observe is that parents model emotional dysregulation. Therefore, your children’s ability to manage difficult emotions is directly related to YOUR ability to manage their uncomfortable feelings. Before reacting, make sure you are regulated, have spent some time compassionately relating to yourself or another person, and are fully able to reason.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

Illustration by Tim Bowers

Created

Illustration by Tim Bowers

MOMIX: Alice

On February 16, travel down the rabbit hole MOMIX-style, with Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. As Alice’s body grows and shrinks and grows again, Pendleton’s dancers extend themselves by means of props, ropes and other dancers. The Alice story is full of imagery and absurd logic—before there was surrealism there was Alice—an invitation to invent, to let imagination run and play outside. As with every MOMIX production, you never quite know what you are going to get. Audiences will be taken on a journey that is both magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric and much more. As Alice falls down the rabbit hole and experiences every kind of transformation, so will you. Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College St. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/momix-alice/

Campfire Cooking Desserts

On February 25, join this fun, casual cooking class that explores tips, tricks, and recipes for cooking over an open fire. Campfire

Cooking II builds on Campfire Cooking I but taking the first class is not required. Cyndi Czerkawski (In The Garden instructor) takes a farm-to-table approach to campfire cooking using fresh, local ingredients. Whether you are experienced or you are new to open fire techniques, you are bound to get something new out of this class, not to mention the great food and fun! Pre-registration is required. Campfire Cooking is $20 per person. Anyone under the age of 19 must be accompanied by an adult. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street. Visit our website: https://aub.ie/ campfirecooking.

Auburn Gymnastics Meet

Join the top ranked Auburn Gymnastics Team for an evening of competition on the bars, beam, vault and the floor. Auburn kicked off the year with a 197.350 at the inaugural Super 16 in Las Vegas this past Saturday. The score was a program-best season opening mark as the Tigers finished third behind No. 1 Oklahoma (197.925), No. 4 Michigan (197.400), then-No. 10 UCLA (197.275). Get your tickets for February 10 against LSU and February 24 against Georgia. Neville Arena, Auburn Campus, 250 Beard-Eaves Court. www.aburntigers.com/sports/womens-gymnastics

Mardi Gras Parade in Downtown Auburn: February 18

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 yellowgold coat striped with black, the tiger paces the plains of Auburn with grace. In 1808, author and poet William Blake told the tale by saying, “Tiger, tiger, burning bright in the forests of the night. What immortal hand or eye dare frame thy fearful symmetry? How powerful our God must be to fashion such a creature”. 3:00pm.

www.krewedetigris.com/parade

Daddy Daughter Dances with Auburn and Opelika Parks and Rec

February 10-11

Auburn’s 33rd Annual Daddy

Daughter Date Night: Auburn Junior High School Fieldhouse Gym, 405 S. Dean Road. This year’s theme is “Magic In The Air” and will feature a teal and gold color scheme with peacock feathers and glitter accents. There will be food, music, dancing, a photo op and a chance to visit with special guests. www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

Opelika’s Daddy Daughter Dance: Opelika SportsPlex, 1001 Sportsplex Parkway. $30 per couple/$10 additional daughter. Registration required by Feb 5. www.opelika-al.gov

CSO- Can This Be Love?

This a good question to ask, especially just after Valentine’s Day. We may not have a conclusive answer, but we do have a lot of evidence for your consideration. On February 17, we’ll explore romantic love, love of family, doomed love, love for all the wrong reasons, sacrificial love, and just about every kind of love there is. You’ll have to draw your own conclusions. www.rivercenter.org/event/cso-can-this-be-love/ RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga.

Sweethearts Day at The Montgomery Zoo

Moms bring your sons, dads bring your daughters to a wild day of adventure and fun at the Zoo and Museum, February 11. Purchase a regular daytime adult admission, and receive one FREE child admission. What a great way to spend the day with your special loved one. Admission includes

-- Entry to the Zoo and Mann Museum

-- Entry Waters of the World, open daily 10am - 3pm

-- Entry to Parakeet Cove, Petting Zoo, and Reptile Facility

-- Participate in Pygmy Hippo Day activities (10am - 2pm).

Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery. www.montgomeryzoo.com/

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War Eagle Run Fest on Toomer’s Corner

On your mark... get set... go! Register for the second annual War Eagle Run Fest on February 26, 2023! This new half marathon begins at Toomer’s Corner and ends in Jordan-Hare Stadium. There will be a half marathon, 5K, and kids’ 1-mile run option. Half Marathon runners will start at the iconic Toomer’s Corner, run past the Auburn University President’s House, see the Duggar Concourse, Quad Drive, Haley Concourse, and Thach Concourse before running by the Outdoor training pool on Wire Road. After running a lap on the Hutsell-Rosen Track and seeing the Intramural Playing Fields and Football Practice Fields, runners will pass the Coliseum and Auburn Arena before turning into Jordan-Hare Stadium to #flydownthefield and finish on the 50-yard line. 5K runners will stage near Toomer’s Corner and start on Thach Concourse. The 5K course will take runners past the Intramural Playing Fields, Football Practice Fields, and the Coliseum before turning into Jordan-Hare Stadium to #flydownthefield and finish on the 50-yard line. Kids’ Mile- Limited to kids 13 years of age and younger, the War Eagle Kids Mile will start near Jordan-Hare Stadium and let kids #flydownthefield and finish on the 50-yard line. www.wareaglerunfest.com

Mother Son Gala

Mom and Sons date night goes formal on February 10-11! Ticket includes a meal, corsage, boutonniere and entertainment. $30 per couple/$10 each additional son. Registration required by Feb 3. Covington Recreation Center, Opelika Parks and Rec. 213 Carver Ave. www. opelika-al.gov

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Phones... A Pain in the Neck

Everyone is doing this. You see it in the waiting room as you walk past the other treatment rooms, and you probably start doing it yourself while you’re waiting to see the doctor. It makes the chiropractor cringe to look at, even though they probably are guilty of this, too (including myself). You probably have already guessed it. It is the great postural sin of looking down at your phone.

Each of us has been told or has caught ourselves in this poor posture peering downward, playing on our phone. Even high-profile successes fall victim to these devices.

For example, Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl Champion, confessed during his recent Wall Street Journal interview that he spends too much time on social media. “That endless Instagram scroll just sucks up minutes and hours of my day,” Brady stated, “Too many times I get lost, and I look up, and now I’m late for something.” Yes, phones can be a nice distraction, but as time passes, it slowly leads to problems.

The research on phone usage and neck issues is weighed in the theme of inactiv-

ity. Looking down to check the time on your phone or sitting on the couch while sending a quick text are not by themselves detrimental to your neck health, but if one holds this poor posture excessively, around 10 hours per week, according to the literature, that is another step down the path of future neck complications.

Unfortunately, these short phone sessions are easy to miss and start adding up. As we see young children playing on electronic tablets more regularly, free from pain at the moment, it is essential to remember that this infamous “Text-Neck” syndrome is a progressive condition. There has been a drastic increase in neck pain amongst children, but it is interesting to note that the older children get, the higher the risk of regularly dealing with neck pain, headaches, and sleep problems. If never addressed and poor postural inactivity continues for years, more complex issues, such as bone degeneration or structural abnormalities, can negatively affect their health.

Fortunately, all of us can act today to combat this. First, the single best thing one can do and replace the bad habits with good habits. Holding your phone up to eye level is a quick, effective step to take the stress off your neck. Second, be active! Keep a timer on your phone to track how often you’re on it. Every 15 minutes, put it down, walk around or get something done without it. Lastly, but still important, keep a chiropractor in your health toolbox. Everyone falls short of perfection when maintaining healthy phone management. Because this is often a structural issue that can affect normal function, regularly getting checked assures that a structural imbalance doesn’t take root and your body can continue to function optimally. Wow! That is a positive note to end on. Things are starting to look up already…

Dr. Jordan Jensen earned his Bachleor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Auburn University in 2013 and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2018. Following graduation, Dr. Jensen was accepted into the International Chiropractic Association’s Diplomate of Craniocervical Procedures postgraduate program, where his research encompasses Chiropractic’s application of advanced imaging and patient outcomes.

Autauga County Schools

ACS Announces Teachers of the Year

Auburn City Schools has selected this year’s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year!

ACS is proud to have Jenna Chapman, from J.F. Drake Middle

School, representing the Elementary level and Auburn High School’s Emily Murray representing the Secondary level! These two outstanding educators will go on to compete with other educators from Alabama State Board of Education’s District 2, with hopes of making the Sweet 16 and beyond at the state level of the competition.

St. Michael Catholic School Performs the Nativity Play

Students at St. Michael Catholic School performed a Nativity play, sharing the Good News that at Christmas, Jesus Christ was born to save mankind. The youngest students made up our angel choir, first and second grade were the people and animals in the manger scene, and third grade narrated the play.

Auburn student

Auburn Classical Academy created our very own Christmas Tree display! Each student created an ornament to adorn the tree with. Pictured are Kindergarten

McWane Center Brings Science to LSA 4th Graders

Thanks to the McWane Science Center for bringing “McWane on the Move” to Mrs. Schnarr’s fourth grade classes! Circuits, electrons and the process of creating electricity were all put into action today in some super cool experiments. Thanks so much to Norman for making the drive down and spending time with our fourth graders!

Auburn High School hosted William Stelt’s scholarship signing as he has committed to further his education and play Golf at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)! In his junior season, Stelt was the low medalist in several tournaments helping the Auburn High School boys’ golf team ultimately finish their 2022 season as State Runner Up. Pictured with William: Ryan Stelt, Carla Stelt, Sadie Stelt, Zoe Stelt, and Coach Chad Jordan

Autauga County Schools

OHS Senior Signs with Auburn

Congratulations to Opelika High School Senior Brenton Williams on signing a football scholarship to Auburn University!

Christmas Parade

St. Michael Catholic School had a blast at the Downtown Auburn Christmas Parade! Students, siblings, parents, and teachers all formed our walking group, and we are looking forward to it next year as well!

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

Auburn Classical Academy’s sixth grade class created ‘Wisdom Literature Scrolls’ as one of their Christian Studies projects. Each student chose a Bible verse and then wrote on the scroll what wisdom they learned from the verse! We are proud of what each student observed in their Bible learnings!

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2023

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Autauga County Schools

Auburn High School Robotics Team Wins Design Award

Auburn High Engineering students competed in the Patriot Pride VEX Robotics Competition at Pike Road Elementary School with Team 36830D winning the Design Award! Five Auburn High School teams

St. Michael Catholic Receives School Donation

Thanks to the generous donation of Betsy Judkins, St. Michael Catholic School students are able to enjoy a full class set of ukuleles (and tuners) from Spicer’s Music. Thank you, Mrs. Judkins, for the gift of music in our school!

Performs Holiday Concert

Even with temperatures in the low 70s, Yarbrough Elementary School fourth and fifth graders performed their “Winter on the Mountain” program for guests! In a show created and directed by YES music teacher Tracey Oprandy, students played recorders and sang winter-themed songs, including a rendition of “Here Comes the Snow,” complete with confetti cannon snow to cap off the performance. Music sparks students’ creativity, encouraging vivid imagination, enhancing

LSA Jazz Band

Performs for the Kiwanis Club

Lee-Scott Academy jazz band was invited by the Kiwanis Club of Opelika to play and spread some Christmas cheer! Thanks so much to the club for the invite. We hope to be back with this great organization in the future.

Students at Auburn Classical Celebrate the Holiday Season

Auburn Classical Academy spends the last day before Christmas Break celebrating! Each class holds a Christmas party with delicious foods and fun games. Students also spend time viewing a meaningful Christmas movie, such as “Charlie Brown Christmas” or “Little House on the Prairie’s A Merry Ingalls Christmas”. We want to remind each student before the break what the true meaning of Christmas is.

Send school news

to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

Lee-Scott Academy Students Raise Money for Missions

Mrs. Royston’s first grade class has been working hard to earn money for the Spanish III & IV students going to Panama and taking water filters. They’ve been working hard to complete various projects and chores to raise money to go toward a water filter! Mrs. Royston’s class raised enough money to purchase FIVE water filters! This opportunity allowed first graders to put our school Bible verse into action and serve others... even as far as Panama! Our entire school is joining in to make sure as many filters as possible go to Panama with Mrs. Zellner’s class over Spring Break. They could use your help too! Contact Mrs. Zellner at szellner@lee-scott.org to see how you can help support a water filter or a student attending the trip.

“...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

OHS Serves Up Bulldog Brew

Opelika High School now serves “Bulldog Brew” iced coffee to students and staff. We partnered with OHS Senior Seb Parker to design labels and posters to introduce the new item on the menu. In Marketing Career Pathway courses at OHS, students are able to gain real world experiences that can lead to business related careers. Thank you to Seb for a job well done!

Autauga County Schools Congrats to Lee-Scott Academy Athletes

Congratulations to our Warriors named to the 2022 ASWA All-State AISA teams!

George Meyers

- First Team AllState Offense

Dalan Bush

- First Team AllState Defense

Pete Lanier First Team

All-State Defense

Andrew Hahn - First-Team All-State Athlete

Jake White - First Team All-State Athlete

Matthew Rolader - Second Team All-State Offense

Quinn Denson - Second Team All-State Defense

Buster Daniel - 2022 ASWA All-State Coach of the Year

- Excellence Award (Team 36832K)

All four teams representing ACS (Teams 36832E, 36832J, 36832K, and 36832S) advanced to the final round and displayed great teamwork skills!

ACS December Recognitions

The December Auburn City Schools Board of Education meeting included an agenda full of recognitions, including State Champion student-athletes and celebrating Dr. J. Terry Jenkins and his retirement from Board service!

Sarah Tole (8th grader) and Max Hardin (senior) were recognized for their State Championships in Cross-Country. Tole is Auburn High School CrossCountry program’s youngest individual State Champion with a 5K time of 18:02 at the state meet at Oakville Indian Mounds Park and Education Center on Nov. 5, 2022. Hardin won the 2022 7A Cross-Country State Championship in a new course record time of 14:46 for 5K. He currently holds one of the top 25 times in the nation this season. On Nov. 26, Max competed in the Foot Locker South Regional XC Championships in Charlotte, NC, and finished 5th overall. The top 10 finishers then represented the South region at the Foot Locker National XC Championships in San Diego, CA, on Dec. 10. Hardin came in 20th out of 40 runners representing the four nationwide regions. Layne Tucker (senior) won an individual State Championship on Dec. 2, 2022. He led the Auburn High School boys’ swimming team with 37 points while getting first place in the 100-meter breaststroke and second place in the 200-meter Individual medley. Tucker will continue his education and swimming career at the Virginia Military Institute.

The Auburn High School Flag Football team won the 2022 AHSAA State Championship game with a 26-6 victory over Oxford in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Nov. 30, 2022. In their second year as an AHSAA-sanctioned sport, the Tigers secured a State Championship, capping off an impressive 16-1 season.

Dr. J. Terry Jenkins began his career in the field of education as a teacher in 1969. In 1974 he served as an elementary principal and in 1976 he became principal at West Point High School. He was first appointed as superintendent in 1979, a position he held for more than 30 years in West Point City Schools, Floyd County Schools, Troup County Schools, and in Auburn City Schools from 2000-2012. Dr. Jenkins also served as the CEO of the Georgia School Superintendents Association and was instrumental in reorganizing the Alabama School Superintendents Association before an appointment to the ACS Board of Education in 2016. With admiration and appreciation, his more than 50 years of service in public education and retirement from Board service were recognized among family, friends, and colleagues at last night’s meeting.

St. Michael Catholic Enjoys Learning About Gingerbread Men

Mrs. Brown’s kindergarten class completed an entire study on gingerbread men! After a week of reading and writing assignments, students used math skills to correctly mix a batch of gingerbread dough. They baked the dough (watching to ensure no Gingerbread Men ran away), and decorated and enjoyed the delicious treats!

AJHS Named Alabama’s Asst Principal of the Year

Auburn Junior High School’s very own Mallory Kincaid has been named the 2023 Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASP)! Mrs. Kincaid is in her fourth year as Assistant Principal at Auburn Junior High School and has 16 years of experience working in public education. The announcement of this honor was a surprise as she was joined by family, coworkers, and dignitaries from Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and AASP. Mrs. Kincaid received this honor for demonstrating exceptional leadership, earning the respect of students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large while setting high expectations for school staff and students. The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. CLAS is an umbrella

tcsopelika.org

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Since 1978, we have encouraged students to glorify God through studying the Truth of His Word and exploring the splendor of His creation.

Autauga County Schools

AHS Student Signs with Auburn Football

Auburn High School hosted Bradyn Joiner’s scholarship signing as he has committed to further his education and play football at Auburn University! Joiner, a four-star recruit, stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 330 pounds. He possesses the skill set to play on both sides of the ball. He played most of his snaps on the defense at Auburn High School but is projected

Lee-Scott Academy’s AR Celebration

Students who met their AR goals by the end of the second quarter were rewarded with a special treat...popcorn and a movie! Enjoying popcorn with friends while watching “The Star” gets us in the Christmas spirit. Each AR Celebration gets bigger and bigger all leading up to the big end of the year celebration! Way to go on reading in the second quarter and first semester, Lower School!

First Grade St. Michael Catholic Students Take Flight

First grade students at St. Michael Catholic School got their wings by traveling on “Archangel Airlines.” Mrs. Milana helped students create a passport, fill their suitcases with “wants” and “needs” with the hopes of making it through TSA, and showing them the boarding process as they took flight to see how other countries celebrate Christmas!

Auburn City School Prepares for Second Semester

While the hallways may be quiet, educators are busy preparing classrooms for the second semester of the school year! On this day of professional learning, teachers and staff recalibrate to prepare for the welcome and return of students. From reviewing lesson plans to preparing for upcoming events, ACS educators are diligently working toward the successful third and fourth quarters of 2022-2023. ACS welcomed our teachers back today, and we look forward to seeing more than 9,400 smiling faces learning in the classrooms tomorrow.

Jeter Primary Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Ecameron Dowdell, 2022-23 Jeter Primary School Teacher of the Year & OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year!

Autauga County Schools

Congrats to OHS Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Brenda Howell, 202223 Opelika High School Teacher of the Year and OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year!

‘This Old Gingerbread House’

Cary Woods Elementary School students performed “This Old Gingerbread House” for their winter program! In a show directed by CWES music teacher Dr. Rob Lyda, students sang and danced to songs about how they are sorry for eating Hansel and Gretel’s gingerbread house. Still, by the end of the show, they lend a helping hand to rebuild because everyone deserves a home. In addition to singing, public speaking and listening skills were put into action by CWES students during the performance as they have been practicing this show since October. ACS celebrates music education with various performances in grades K-12 throughout the school year!

Congrats to the Opelika High and Middle School Choirs on an amazing Christmas concert! We love you all and are so proud of every one of you!

LSA Performed Annual Christmas Program

Lee-Scott Academy’s annual Christmas Programs on Grandparents’ Day were absolutely astounding! From the actors to the soloists to all of the choreography to the beautiful sets... it was a beautiful storytelling of the greatest gift of this Christmas season.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

8, 2022! All three players were nominated by the football coaching staff at Auburn High School and won the following awards:

- Clyde Pittman, a senior Quarterback, won Offensive MVP

- Mark Toland, a senior defensive end, won Defensive MVP.

- Towns McGough, a junior kicker, won Special Teams MVP.

At the banquet Mark Toland also received the “McDonalds Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year” for the 2022 season and Towns McGough received the “Wallace Davis Special Teams Player of the Year” award. AHS Head Football Coach Keith Etheredge received the “PMB Broadcasting Outstanding Coach of the Year Award.” Scott Goolsby accepted the award on his behalf because Etheredge is currently in Mobile coaching the Alabama team in the Alabama-Mississippi All Star Game. Approximately 30 schools were represented at the banquet from around East Alabama and West Georgia.

Opelika Learning Center “Let’s Go Pro”

Special guests visited Opelika Learning Center to talk with students about a variety of careers and opportunities. On December 8, the Boys and Girls Club of East Alabama brought the UPS Road-Code Workshop to OLC so the students could participate in a virtual reality driving simulation. The students that participated in the program will receive a discount on their auto insurance. Robbie Frazier was a special guest on December 9. Mr. Frazier is an Opelika native and owns his own trucking business, Frazier Landworks. He spoke to a group of middle and high school students about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and most importantly, choosing your circle wisely if you want to succeed. Thank you to each of our community partners for coming and sharing their resources with our students!

sang and danced to snow-themed songs, including “It’s Snowtime” and “Snow Buddies.” In addition to singing, movement was instrumental to this performance as learning, creativity, and intelligence don’t just come from the brain alone but from the entire body. Movement combinations increase memory, order, and sequencing skills for our students!

Northside Intermediate Names Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Vivian Mozeikas, 2022-23 Northside Intermediate School Teacher of the Year!

Ogletree Elementary Competes in Robotics Tournament

Four Robotics teams from Ogletree Elementary School participated in the Patriot Pride VEX Robotics Competition at Pike Road Elementary! All four teams did a fantastic job with Team 737A winning the “Teamwork Champions” award and advancing to the Alabama State Championship in February.

Congrats to Bethany Barnes of West Forest Intermediate

Congratulations to Bethany Barnes, 2022-23 West Forest Intermediate School Teacher of the Year!

Opelika Middle School Names Their Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Emily Sanders, 2022-23 Opelika Middle School Teacher of the Year!

LSA Kindergarten Students Board the Polar Express

Kindergarten took an important trip in their pajamas! Tickets to ride the Polar Express were delivered and kindergarteners enjoyed a movie day to celebrate Christmas! At LSA, it’s a magical place to be young.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

OHS Swimmers Take State

Congratulations to Sarah Bush on winning the State Championship in the 50 yard freestyle event at the AHSAA Swimming & Diving Meet held at Auburn University Bush also was the State Runner-Up in the 100 yard freestyle event. Congratulations also to the relay team of Sarah Bush, Mylee Bordeaux, Grace Nelson, and Presley Mullins for winning the State Championship in the 200 yard freestyle relay! We are proud of you!

ACS Art Students Compete in State Visual Art Exhibit

Twenty pieces of art by Auburn City Schools students are being sent to compete in the 2023 State Superintendent’s Visual Art Exhibit (SSVAE)! In the first quarter of each year, ACS participates in the SSVAE with the mission of showcasing and celebrating our students’ amazing artistic abilities. This is a statewide competition that typically has approximately 800 submissions from more than 40 school systems in Alabama.

Pictured Art Student Artist: Vivian Williams, Grade Level: 7

Title: “Asymmetry with Notan Pattern”

Art Teacher: Stephanie Christman East Samford School

Is Your Child Talking to a Stranger Online (Part 2)

Last month we discussed the reality that your child may be talking to a predator online. This month I want to teach you the behavior signs you may see in your child and also what to look for when checking their devices.

First, let’s discuss the behavior signs. Internet Safety 101 does a wonderful job with the following list. Pay attention if your child becomes secretive about online activities, obsessive about being online, angry when they can’t get online, receives phone calls from people you do not know, or makes calls to numbers you do not recognize. Also, if they begin receiving gifts, mail, or packages from someone you do not know, withdraw from family and friends, change screens or turn off the computer when an adult enters a room, and/or download pornography online.

Clearly, some of these behaviors can be labeled “normal” or “typical” teen behavior. What is important to note is when some of these behaviors escalate. For instance, take note if you have a rule in your home that you do random device checks, and your child/teen begins to give you pushback. It is also great to start open conversations about why they do not want you to check their devices.

Predators will target youth through games. They may establish a relationship with your child by promising to buy them things, either within the game or physical items, to send to your home. If your child begins receiving items at home that you have not purchased, this is time to have a very serious conversation, as it means the predator now has your address and access to your home.

What should you look for online when doing your random device checks?

Predators will often tell their target they are the same age so their target will trust them. They almost always want to chat privately with your child. If they “meet” your child during a game, they will ask your child to move to a private chat through another app. Please teach your child NEVER to leave the app they are on to chat with someone in a private message on another app. Predators will try to get personal info from your child through subtle comments.

When checking your child’s info, be wary of anyone who has asked where your child lives, birthday, school info, neighborhood info, anything that gives away where they live, and out and go to school. Predators will also work hard to make your child feel special by telling them how beautiful, amazing, smart, etc., they are. After relationships have been

established (via grooming), predators will then ask for pictures, videos, etc. Often, these requests are followed up with threats to the child/teen and/or their friends and family if the child doesn’t want to cooperate.

What can you do? Talk to your child. Consistently. Regularly. About predators and what that behavior looks like. Talk to them until they are tired of hearing it. Then talk some more. The one thing I have learned is that as much pushback as kids give us about social media safety chats, they DO hear us. Maybe not always, but many times they do listen. And as a parent, it is our job to try our best to educate and protect them from online dangers. So keep having these talks and doing your random device checks. They are your very best first line of defense.

***Please note that if a predator has contacted your child, immediately report it to your local police. No matter how “small” you think the incident may be. There may be much bigger incidents with other children involving that predator. The police will lead you in the right direction regarding who to speak with and the appropriate follow-up.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

Over the years, I’ve had ups and downs in my health (haven’t we all?)

I read a quote from someone just last week: “You will never always be motivated. You have to learn to be disciplined.” We all know that living a healthy lifestyle is vital in preventing some diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, but maintaining that is hard.

So if you’re with me, keep reading for my tips on getting motivated so that you can stay healthy.

Picture your future self –but not too far in the future

What has always bothered me about the push for healthy living is the focus on the “future self” – an unattainable version of me that I may or may not become someday. While long-term goals are great, it has helped me picture how I want to feel – not only a year from now but also tomorrow. I often remind myself that I will only become who I want to be if I live like that person today.

Don’t Do It Alone

What are your friend and relationship habits? While there’s nothing wrong with sitting on a couch watching a show together and eating ice cream, it’s helpful to include activity in your everyday social outings. Go for a walk, take a bike ride, or even enjoy a gym class together.

Focus on What You Can Do, Not What You Can’t

If you’re trying to eat healthily but only think about the sugary, processed foods you’re saying no to, it will be tough to stay consistent. Instead, try making a list of the healthy fruits and veggies you love and put them on your grocery list. You can also do this for workouts. If you love tennis more than running, text a friend to play. If you prefer walking over weight training, carve out some time for a stroll and queue up a great podcast to listen to while you’re out.

Sleep

Sleep is one of the most overlooked health benefits. When we talk about “selfcare,” it’s easy to think more of spa days than snoozing. While there’s nothing wrong with a spa day (I would welcome one myself), sleep is necessary for my self-care. It’s a treat!

Manage Stress

If you’re anything like me, it can feel almost impossible to go work out after a long and hectic workday. Rather than forcing yourself to exercise after that workday, consider the root of the issue: stress. Set yourself up for success by creating a calming morning routine, thinking about how to make healthy boundaries with your time and coworkers, and drinking lots of water throughout the day. If those tips don’t work, consider fitting in your workout before the workday begins.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.

“One of our favorite family meals to cook is Swedish Meatballs with pasta,” shares Brittany Handley of Auburn, AL. “It is a family recipe passed down by my husband’s late father. We have tweaked it here and there, but it will always be ‘G-Pa’s Swedish Meatballs.’

Brittany and her husband Cris have been married for 15 years and have a five-yearold son, Bowen. She is a counselor at Auburn City Schools and has been in education for 16 years.

“Our family loves to cook, travel, exercise, and go on family bike rides and adventures,” she shares. “My husband does most of the cooking in our home, but I love to make casseroles and appetizers.”

The family’s love for food extends past cooking and entertaining. They also have three dachshunds named Biscuit, Grits, and Waffle, and playfully refer to their furry family members as ‘The Breakfast Club’.

“My husband and I work out together a lot,” Brittany said. “Bowen usually tries to tag along with us, but it’s more of him trying to copy us than anything. But we do love our family bike rides!”

The family enjoys being outside and traveling anywhere warm. Their most memorable trip so far would be a tie between visiting Mexico or Hawaii.

“We have plans to go on a Disney cruise and to Orange Beach, AL several times this year,” she says.

While the family loves to eat at home, they also frequent local eateries. Their favorites include Hamilton’s in Magnolia, Little Italy Pizzeria, and the Draft House.

“Bowen knows all of the waiters at these restaurants, and they all recognize him when we come in,” said Brittany. “In fact, he has become a little master pizza maker at Little Italy, thanks to his buddy Mark that works there. He also says Ms. Jackie is his favorite waitress at Hamilton’s on Magnolia.”

When it comes to eating, Bowen is a pretty picky eater. However, the family hopes he will one day love his ‘G-Pa’s Swedish Meatballs’ as much as everyone else does.

G-Pa’s Swedish Meatballs

yields 4 servings

Ingredients:

1lb. ground beef

½ c. seasoned breadcrumbs

½ onion, finely minced

1 egg

½ TBSP salt

½ TBSP pepper

2 TBSP canola oil

2 cups beef broth

2 cups milk

1 TBSP Worchester sauce

4 c. egg noodles

1 c. shredded parmesan cheese

½ c. fresh parsley, chopped

½ TBSP salt for sauce

½ TBSP pepper for sauce

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, salt and pepper, mixing until evenly combined.

2. Heat the canola oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Roll meatball mixture into golf-ball size. Place the meatballs into the pot, cooking for one minute. Flip the meatballs.

3. Add the beef broth, milk, salt, pepper, and Worchester sauce and give it a stir.

4. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add egg noodles. Stir constantly until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced to a sauce that coats the noodles (about 7-8 minutes).

5. Add the parmesan and parsley, stirring the cheese until melted. Enjoy!

Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 17 years. Together they have three incredible children – two boys, ages 16 and nine, and a sweet girl who will be two in August.

Gabriele is a full-time Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Gulf Shores.

It’s essential to keep our kids as healthy as possible to prevent illness. Maintaining good overall health in children is important, so they grow and develop appropriately. A child’s health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. My grandfather used to

say, “if you have your health, you have everything.”

If you and your child are healthy, you will have more energy, lower medical costs, and improved moods. Here are some ways to promote healthy habits within your child:

Create a Bedtime Routine and Regular Bedtime

Sleep helps the brain function properly, which improves learning. Studies show sleep deficiency increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Receiving the proper amount of sleep promotes proper growth and development, improves social interactions, and increases immunity against diseases.

NIH recommends school-age children and teens should sleep for 9-10 hours per night. Bad sleep habits will affect both your physical and emotional health. One way to ensure your child receives enough sleep is to create a scheduled bedtime based on when they need to wake up in the morning. If you maintain the same bedtime every night, it will be easier to fall asleep and create a healthy habit.

Another way to help your child receive the proper amount of sleep is to have a bedtime routine beginning a half-hour before the expected sleep time. This routine will help your child relax, leading to falling asleep more easily. Some suggested bedtime routines are reading, a warm bath, drawing, listening to soothing music, or other calming activities.

Read Food Labels

According to the CDC, childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1970. Childhood obesity has short- and long-

term effects on a child’s physical, social, and emotional health. For this reason, a child needs to maintain a healthy weight.

Reading and understanding food labels is a way for a child to determine if food is healthy. The food label will demonstrate the number of calories, sugar, and fat content and also break down the recommended daily intake percentage to help create a balanced diet. It also helps to become more aware of what you are eating since you might think a food is healthy only to learn it isn’t after reading the food label.

Exercise with Your Kids

The CDC recommends that children and teens be physically active for 60 minutes daily. Physical activity should include aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bone-strengthening activities. If you exercise with your child and select something you both view as fun, you will be more likely to do it. Some suggested family activities are walking, running, hiking, dancing, biking, and a workout class or video. Create a weekly scheduled routine to incorporate the movement into your lives, which would create a healthy habit.

Limit Screen Time

Screen time consists of watching television, playing video games, or using electronic devices. When a child is in front of a screen, they are typically sedentary and not interacting with others. A research study at UCLA found that kids with too much screen time have difficulty understanding other people’s emotions. In addition, Dr. Leonard Epstein studied the effects of limiting screen time in obese children. The findings demonstrated that the children consumed 300-1500 fewer calories when screen time was limited. Both of these research studies illustrate the importance of limiting screen time to help your child socially interact with others, eat fewer calories and be more physically active.

Encourage Social Interactions

It is essential to encourage your child to develop healthy relationships with peers and adults. Problem-solving, managing friendships, and understanding emotions are necessary for

a child’s positive mental health. These skills will also enable a child to learn more effectively in the classroom.

Discuss Physical and Emotional Safety with Kids

According to the CDC, car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in children. One study found over 600,000 children did not use the proper car seat or seat belt, which could prevent death during an accident. Other accidental deaths include drowning, fire/burns, guns, poisoning, and suffocation. To prevent injuries and death, it is important to discuss safety issues regarding all of these potentially dangerous situations. Children and teenagers may be in situations where they are offered drugs or subjected to physical or sexual abuse. Discuss with your child healthy and appropriate relationships.

Be a Healthy Role Model

Children and teens model their parent’s positive and negative behaviors. Research conducted at Duke University found kids were more likely to eat well and exercise if their parents modeled those behaviors. If you model a healthy lifestyle, your child will most likely lead one as well.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

Active Entertainment

AMF Auburn Bowl

719 Opelika Road, Auburn, Al 36830

24 interactive bowling lanes and arcade 334-887-6573www.amf.com 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 puzzles, uncover clues and unlock locks in order to solve the problem or “escape the room”.

334-329-7088 www.auburnescapezones.com

Cyber Zone

107 North 9th Street, Opelika, Al 36801

65 top video and redemption games, 36 vest laser tag, Atomic Rush, and Replay Zone with retro arcades and pinball, 334-737-5000 www.cyberzone334.com

Good Times

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

Surge Trampoline Park

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

Fitness Programs

Auburn’s Best After School and Summer Camps

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758 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830

Keep your kids moving in many activities: Martial Arts, Dance, Tumbling, and other out door sports. Our after school program keeps things exciting by providing a variety of exciting sports activities that

we do indoors during the after school program and outdoors when we have special camp days. 334-329-5218 www.auburnbestafterschool.com

Auburn Parks and Recreation

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425 Perry Street , Auburn, Al 36830 Mardi Gras Zumbathon 2023: Join us for Zumbathon 2023 on Saturday, February 18th at the Boykin Community Center gymnasium from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Come dressed in your Mardi Gras colors and be ready to dance (and sweat)! Auburn Parks and Recreation: Offering fitness programs in track, football, baseball/softball, tennis, martial arts, dance, basketball, soccer, swim and more! 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Parks and Recreation

ad on page 9

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

Revitalize Health Clinic

ad on Inside Front and page 43

3021 Fredrick Road, Opelika, Al 36801 (Clinic) 105 1st Street, Auburn, Al 36830 (Store) We offer far more than just your average supplement store. Nutrition and weight loss, smoothies, hormone replacement therapy, vitamin injections, meal planning and diet management, IV Nutrition Therapy, total body scans, family practice and more. 334-787-6126 www.facebook.com/AllAbout HealthAuburn/

ROAR

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2408 East University Drive, Auburn, Al 36830 ROAR’s High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) will push you beyond your limits! We have world-class coaches, innovative equipment, and a solid team environment. HIT classes, cutting edge heart rate

tracking technology, and an accountable community. ROAR Fitness proudly presents a high-class Spin Studio, Yoga Classes, and Nutrition Coaching. ROAR’s programming is scientifically based and the workout focus changes daily, keeping your body guessing while producing the most efficient results. Our community sets us apart by providing a familylike atmosphere that will be evident on your first visit. 334-734-5005 www.roarfitnessauburn.com

Crossfit Kids at All-In Crossfit

1747 Ogletree Road, Suite F, Auburn, Al 36830

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

KidStrong

1530 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830

KidStrong is a child development training center focused on brain, physical & character development for ages walking through 11 years old. KidStrong offers a science-based curriculum that is parent-focused and taught by professionals. 334-780-1118 www.kidstrong.com/auburn

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830

Ninja Academy: Young Ninja’s learn flexibility, strength, tumbling, and obstacle maneuvers. Our hour long class is perfect for highly active boys and girls who are looking for a fun recreational activity where they can learn true ninja style movements and techniques; within the confines of a safe and controlled environment. Call for more information. 334-521-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com

Healthy Food/Nutrition

Auburn Parks and Recreation Market

ad on page 23

425 Perry Street , Auburn, Al 36830

Monthly Market: Meets the 4th Tuesday of the month. Partnering with local growers to bring

you the best produce, jellies and bounty of Lee County.

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

Revitalize Health Clinic

ad on Inside Front and page 43

3021 Fredrick Road, Opelika, Al 36801 (Clinic)

105 1st Street, Auburn, Al 36830 (Store)

We offer far more than just your average supplement store. Nutrition and weight loss, smoothies, hormone replacement therapy, vitamin injections, meal planning and diet management, IV Nutrition Therapy, total body scans, family practice and more.

334-787-6126 www.facebook.com/AllAbout HealthAuburn/

Dayspring Nature Shop

1011 Avenue C, Opelika, A; 36801

Providing clean products that create healthy lives. Our goal is for our shoppers to come in and leave with all the items they need that fit their healthy lifestyle including food, herbs, vitamins, water, pet needs, beauty products and more.

334-203-1965 www,dayspringnatureshop.com

Outdoor Parks

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

ad on page 18

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 Gardens, Hidden Falls and the old Homestead.

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

Callaway Gardens

17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, Ga 31822

Bike and nature trails, fishing, boating, swimming, treetop adventure, zip line, geocoaching and much more.

844-512-3826 www.callawaygardens.com

Chewacla State Park

124 Shell Toomer Parkway , Auburn, Al 36830

696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation; include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails.

334-887-5621 www.alapark.com/chewacla-state-park

Covington Park

213 Carver Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 Outdoor playground and green space

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

Felton Little Park

341 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830

Playground, a batting cage, a picnic area with three grills and three picnic tables, as well as three youth 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 areas. 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/park

Kiesel Park

520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn, Al 36830

Auburn’s largest park, with a pavilion, a garden, a pond and a walking trail with a distance of 2 1/4 miles. 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Martin Luther King Jr Park

190 Byrd Street, Auburn, Al 36830

Pavilion, playground, basketball goal, and a 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 gazebo, and an antique miniature train known as the Rocky Brook Rocket 334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

Oxbow Meadows

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

Ray Ward Park

Crenshaw Street, Opelika, Al 36804 Basketball court, multi-use fields and playground 334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

Sam Harris Park

850 Foster Street , Auburn, Al 36830

Auburn’s first “poured in place” accessible playground available for children and adults with disabilities

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

Spring Villa Park

1474 Lee Road 148, Opelika, Al 36804

325 acres of beautifully wooded land with nature trails, picnic sites and spring filled swimming. 334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

Town Creek Park

1150 South Gay Street , Auburn, Al 36830

Kid’s playground and walking trail that is 0.87 miles long, and an additional trail is being built around the pond.

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 low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular check ups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision/dental, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse and more. Women, Infants and Children (WIC): supplemental nutritional program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and women who had a baby within the last 6 months, infants and children under the age of five.

888-737-5437 www.adph.org

East Alabama Mental

ad on Inside Back Cover

Health

2506 Lambert Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801

East Alabama Mental Health Center offers a wide range of services for children and adolescents, as well as their families, who are experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Services include outpatient counseling, medication assessment and monitoring, case management, mental health consultation, and specialized programs for unique populations. We provide services at locations in Alexander City, Dadeville, Opelika, Phenix City, and Valley.

334-742-2700 www.eamhc.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. Breastfeeding Support Group: Meets each Thursday at noon.

334-749-0390 www.eamc.org

The Parent Assist Line (PALS)

A collaborative service of The University of Alabama Children’s Trust Fund. Call and a parenting resource specialist will answer, listen to you, then offer helpful and supportive information.

800-962-3030 www.apal.us.edu

Pediatric and Family Physicians

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

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323 Airport Road, Suite A, Auburn, Al 36830

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic provides very specific care and attention through state-of-the-art technology, premiere office amenities, and attentive and involved staff members. The team at Cornerstone truly has a heart to serve others by helping you get back to the things you enjoy most in life! Whether it’s participating in recreational sports, playing with your children, or getting back your golf game, our mission is simple: to provide chiropractic care that is affordable for the whole family.

334-246-2252 www.cornerstone4health.com

Ferguson Psychology

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709 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Services offered for individuals throughout the lifespan including children, adolescents, college students, and adults. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address a wide range of issues in psychotherapy including: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), behavior problems, social skills deficits, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and general adjustment issues.

334-226-7222 www.ferguson-psychology.com

Pediatric Associates of Auburn

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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

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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

Smith Group Behavioral Consulting

ad on page 39

4505 Sandhill Road and 2B Westridge Drive, Auburn and Phenix City, Al 36830 and 36870

Supporting families and educators through behavioral consultation and direct ABA services, focused on children exhibiting behaviors consistent with autism spectrum disorder and other behavioral diagnoses. Offering services to families including behavioral consultation, skills and functional assessments, social skills training, academic tutoring and more.

334-332-9077 www.smithgroupbc.com

The Children’s Hospital

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1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, Al 35233

Children’s of Alabama is 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 Pediatric and Adult Medicine

2353 Bent Creek Rd, Suite110, Auburn, Al 36830 334-887-8707 www.auburndoc.com

Opelika Pediatrics and Family Clinic

5809 US Hwy-280, Opelika, Al 36804 334-664-0463 www.preferredmedgroup.com/ opelika-pediatrics-and-family-clinic/

Pediatric Clinic

2401 Village Professional Drive South, Opelika, Al 36801 334-749-8121 www.thepedsclinic.com

Sunshine Pediatrics

197 E University Drive Suite 2, Opelika, Al 36832 334-329-7862 www.sunshine-peds.com

Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists

Auburn Pediatric Dentistry

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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 10

742 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830

We cater to children and is dedicated to provid-

ing 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

Shelley Orthodontics

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1957 East Samford Avenue, 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

Allen Orthodontics

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 specifically tailored to suit each patient’s lifestyle and personal preferences. 334-705-8655 www.bracesbyallen.com

Auburn Opelika Dental

1610 2nd Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801

334-745-6295 www.opelikaal.dental/

Liles Pediatric Dentistry

2320 Moores Mill Rd, Suite 250, Auburn, Al 36830

Our office provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring and “child-friendly” environment.

334-887-0099 www.lilessmiles.com

Sprayberry Orthodontics

773 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830

334-821-5031 www.sprayberryortho.com AOP

Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases

Drifting at the end of college, Fielding impulsively deicdes to adopt a puppy , who he names Gonker. Fielding’s parents are initially taken aback by the rambunctious dog, but eventually succumb to his charm. When Fielding goes missing panic results. The beloved dog suffers from Addison’s disease and if he doesn’t get his next scheduled injection in three weeks, he will die. Earnest and sweet, this movie deliv ers plenty of messages about love and cooperation mixed in with photogenic pooches. The actors are thankfully better than the mediocre s cript and the dogs are the best of all. Photo ©Netflix

Women Talking

PG-13 C+ C- C- C- C

The women of a remote Mennonite colony have been drugged and raped and now their abusers are in temporaily in prison – but religious leaders are bailing them out and ordering the women to forgive them or be banished. A group of women are appointed to make a different decision: leave by their own choice or remain and fight. Despite the harrowing topic, this film lacks graphic violence. It’s still disturbing but it also contains inspiring and thought-provoking discussions about faith, hope, forgiveness, support, friendship, courage, and self -respect. Photo ©United Artists

Unwanted by her parents, Matilda is sent off to school where the fearsome headmistress, Ms. Trunchbull , does her best to make her as miserable as possible. Luckily, Matilda’s brilliant young mind has been fortified by years of reading and she also benefits from the support of her new teacher, Ms. Honey. This adaptation of the classic novel enjoys a stellar cast with remarkable child actors and a distinctive soundtrack. There are moments of peril and cruelty that will be too much for some youngsters but fans of the book will likely enjoy it Photo ©Netflix

His wife’s death has left him achingly lonely, so Otto Anderson methodically plans his own suicide – but every time he tries to kill himself one of his neighbors needs his help. Suicide attempts on the big screen will deter some viewers but this movie’s themes focus on love, kindness, neighborliness, and emotional resilience. It’s a heartwarming, inspiring story that showcases Tom Hanks at his best and he’s well matched by the other appealing characters in the story. Photo ©Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group

Desperate to help her orphaned niece recover from the loss of her parents, toy designer Gemma completes work on M3GAN, an android designed to befriend and protect her owner. What she doesn’t expect – but audiences will – is that M3GAN will develop ideas of her own, some of which are homicidal . The “rogue robot” story is familiar but here it’s told with wit and polish. There’s some blood and gore but far less than normal for a horror flick, making it suitable for teens who want to test out the genre. Photo ©Universal Pictures

Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Netflix

A Man Called Otto

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Should We Wait to Buy a House?

Q. Is it even worth it to buy a house these days? I’ve always been told buying a house is the adult thing to do and that it’s a great investment, but I can’t find anything decent and livable in my area for less than $350,000. My wife and I are debt-free, and we’re expecting our first baby in January. I was hoping to get your advice.

A. I can understand how things might feel a little hopeless in your current situation. You’re probably feeling the weight of the responsibility a new life brings to the picture. Things are getting real really fast, aren’t they? Believe me, I get it.

The truth is you may not be ready to buy a house today. And that’s okay. Having a new baby on the horizon doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a home. That little boy or girl isn’t going to

know the difference between a house and an apartment for a long time. Right now, giving your child a safe, loving environment is the most important thing.

a home for another two or three years? Home buying should always be done with patience and wisdom.

There are two or three things that make buying a home a great long-term investment versus renting your whole life:

1) Rents go up every year. If you lock in a good, fixed-rate mortgage, that payment will stay the same.

2) The value of your home will increase. When you rent, you don’t own your residence, and you won’t benefit from the value of it going up.

Now, looking down the road, is owning a house worth it? Yes. But it’s not worth doing it at the wrong time or in a stupid way. You first need to make sure the income is there. Then, you need an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses in place along with a strong down payment. So, what if you don’t buy

3) Our study of 10,000 millionaires showed that most say two things were integral parts of their ability to build wealth: Good retirement investments and a paid-off home.

A house is a great wealth-building tool, and it can also stabilize the biggest line item in your budget—housing.

FamilyCalendar

Friday,

February 3

Lift Every Voice: African-Americans & Civil War Navies Tour through Sunday, February 12, 2023 National Civil War Naval Museum, 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus The National Civil War Naval Museums views Black History Month as an opportunity to not only celebrate the artistic achievements of black culture but to raise awareness of diversity, and provide a means for conversation. The goal is to boost these powerful narratives through museum theater. Patrons will experience firsthand the power of live theater as they are actively engaged in the remarkable accounts of Horace King, John Lawson, Harriet Dallas, Robert Smalls, and Mary Louvestre as told through performances by professional actors.

www.portcolumbus.org

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Both Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich lived under the thumb of the Soviet tyrant Stalin. Both suffered persecution at the hands of the apparatchiks, and both wrote brilliant music despite them. This week, hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra play the evocative soundscapes of Prokofiev and Shostakovich. With a kaleidoscope of orchestral color, Maestro Stutzmann and the ASO bring out the power, nuance and audacity of these legends. rivercenter.org/event/atlanta-symphony-orchestra-2/

WWE Live

Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus, Ga www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov/Events-Tickets/

Events

Thursday, February 9

Nature Walk: Tree Bark 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Nature Walks offer excellent opportunities to socialize and learn, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Nature Walks are for adults only and offered the second Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Pre-registration is not required. Each month features a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. Nature Walks are free (donations are welcomed) and are cancelled in the event of rain. wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/naturewalk-9/2022-11-10/

Friday, February 10

Daddy Daughter Dance ( $30 per couple/$10 additional daughter. Registration required by Feb 5. ) and Saturday, February 11, 2023 Opelika SportsPlex, 1001 Sportsplex Parkwa www.opelika-al.gov

Mother Son Gala ($30 per couple/$10 each additional son. Registration required by Feb 3. ) and Saturday, February 11, 2023 Covington Recreation Center, Opelika Parks and Rec. 213 Carver Ave Mom and Sons date night goes formal! Ticket includes a meal, corsage, boutonniere and entertainment. www. opelika-al.gov

Saturday, February 11

Monster Truck Nitro Tour Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus, Ga www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov/Events-Tickets/ Events

Sweethearts Day at the Zoo Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery Moms bring your sons, dads bring your daughters to a wild day of adventure and fun at the Zoo and Museum. Purchase a regular daytime adult admission, and receive one FREE child admission. What a great way to spend the day with your special loved one. www.montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event

Valentine’s Day Hike through Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Kreher Preserve & Nature CenteR, 2222 North College Street 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! This event is free – no reservations are needed, just come out and enjoy! natureeducation@auburn.edu

Monday, February 13

The Simon & Garfunkel Story RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga. The internationally-acclaimed hit theater show comes to Columbus. The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings to their incredible success as one of the bestselling music groups of the 60s to their split in 1970. www.rivercenter.org/event/the-simon-garfunkel-story/

Tuesday, February 14

Family Discovery Hike: Tree Bark 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Kreher Preserve & Nature CenteR, 2222 North College Street Join our guides for an educational adventure as you and your children take in the many sights and sounds of the Nature Center. Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Discovery Hikes are for families with children ages 5 to 12 and are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Each month features a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. Discovery Hikes are free (donations are welcomed) and cancelled in the event of rain. wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/family-discoveryhike-2/2022-11-08/

Thursday, February 16

MOMIX: Alice Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Travel down the rabbit hole MOMIX-style, with Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. As Alice’s body grows and shrinks and grows again, Pendleton’s dancers extend themselves by means of props, ropes and other dancers. The Alice story is full of imagery and absurd logic—before there was surrealism there was Alice— an invitation to invent, to let imagination run and play outside. As with every MOMIX production, you never quite know what you are going to get. Audiences will be taken on a journey that is both magical, mysterious, fun, eccentric and much more. As Alice falls down the rabbit hole and experiences every kind of transformation, so will you.

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/momix-alice/

Friday, February 17

Auburn Aquatics Auburn Classic

James E. Martin Aquatics Center, 664 Biggio Drive The Auburn Recreation Swim Team is back for an-

other season of fun in 2022! The Auburn Classic is a prelim/finals meet for 11 and over. 10 and under will be timed finals.

www.facebook.com/AuburnAquatics/

Friday, February 17

Ballet Magnificat! Deliver Us Columbus Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, Ga Experience one of Ballet Magnificat!’s most popular and longest touring ballets. This riveting story will jump off the stage and into your life! Under the blazing Egyptian sun, the enslaved Jewish people cry out for a deliverer. One man, Moses, challenges Pharaoh and leads the people to freedom - a vivid prophetic picture pointing to the Easter story of what Jesus Christ did on Calvary.

www.clement-arts.org/news-events/event-calendar.html/ event/2023/02/17/ballet-magnificat-deliver-us/400874

Friday, February 17

CSO- Can This Be Love?

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga This a good question to ask, especially just after Valentine’s Day. We may not have a conclusive answer, but we do have a lot of evidence for your consideration. We’ll explore romantic love, love of family, doomed love, love for all the wrong reasons, sacrificial love, and just about every kind of love there is. You’ll have to draw your own conclusions. www.rivercenter.org/event/cso-can-this-be-love/

Friday, February 17

The Thrill of the Orchestra: A Family Matinee Concert

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Experience the thrill of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra featuring music from the Lion King, Frozen, and Star Wars. www.rivercenter.org/event/the-thrill-of-the-orchestraa-family-matinee-concert/

Saturday, February 18

Mardi Gras Zumba

8:45 AM - 10:30 AM, Boykin Gym, 400 Boykin Street, Auburn Let’s dance! It’s time to move your body, Auburn! Ninety Minutes of fun-filled dancing designed to get you in shape – check! Awesome instructors who can get you dancing and will take turns leading in various styles and levels of Zumba moves – check!

A Mardi Gras-themed costume contest - check! Join us from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. with the costume contest from 8:45-9 a.m. Come dressed in your Mardi Gras colors and be ready to dance (and sweat)! Children ages 8 and older are welcome with parent. activeauburn@auburnalabama.org

Mardi Gras Parade

3:00 PM, Downtown Auburn 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. In 1808, author and poet William Blake told the tale by saying, “Tiger, tiger, burning bright in the forests of the night. What immortal hand or eye dare frame thy fearful symmetry? How powerful our God must be to fashion such a creature”.

Blackberry Smoke: The Whippoorwill

10 Year Anniversary Tour

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their acclaimed album, The Whippoorwill. www.mpaconline.org/events/

Colors for Children’s 5K (Color Fun Run)

Auburn High School, 1701 E. Samford Ave Auburn High School, beginning on the track and expanding to the areas surrounding the school. Each participant

will be to after Children’s https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Auburn/Colorsfor Childrens

Playing Springer Ga Broadcasting, is proud storytelling this low www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ playing-for-good-presents-sean-of-the-south

Sunday, Karlous RiverCenter Columbus, up who boisterous firefighter career Standing www.rivercenter.org/event/karlous-miller-at-the-endof-the-day/

Monday, Family available Kreher Street ing or will with do with preserve@auburn.edu

Thursday, The through speare speare’s music, an when on a story after ASF www.asf.net/tempest-51

Friday, Cody Montgomery Street, is a in frontman drummer www.mpaconline.org/events/

a will Columbus, story what www.clement-arts.org/news-events/event-calendar.html/ event/2023/02/17/ballet-magnificat-deliver-us/400874 especially concluyour there Broadway, Columbus www.rivercenter.org/event/the-thrill-of-the-orchestraStreet, designed leading check! contest grace. tale of thy to Tallapoosa anniverparticipant

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

FamilyCalendar

will be given a white race shirt and color powders will be thrown throughout the race! Prizes will be given to the top finishers. There will be more fun activities after the race! The proceedings will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama. https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Auburn/ColorsforChildrens

Playing for Good Presents Sean of the South Springer Opera House, 103 Tenth Street, Columbus, Ga In conjunction with The Loft Playing for Good, PMB Broadcasting, and the McClure Family Foundation, SOH is proud to present an intimate evening of music and storytelling from Sean of the South. The proceeds of this event benefit MercyMed in their work to provide low cost medical care for people in our community. www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ playing-for-good-presents-sean-of-the-south

Sunday, February 19

Karlous Miller: At the End of the Day RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Mississippi native Karlous Miller Grew up in a large blended family including eight siblings, who all became a major influence on his edgy and boisterous comedy style. After working briefly as a firefighter in Oxford, he moved to Atlanta to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. Seen on Last Comic Standing and All Def Comedy. www.rivercenter.org/event/karlous-miller-at-the-endof-the-day/

Monday, February 20

Family Art Fun (Tickets are $5 ($4 for members) and available on our website or at the door. )

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street Combine your love of nature and art by creating a beautiful take-home piece. No matter your age or artistic level, you will enjoy this class. Each class will explore a different artistic medium. We will start with simple techniques and work our way up. We will do an instructed lesson and have time for you to play with the mediums. preserve@auburn.edu

Thursday, February 23

The Tempest through Sunday, March 12, 2023 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery Shakespeare’s final play is a story of adventure, magic, music, and forgiveness. Prospero has been exiled on an island with his daughter for more than a decade when he conjures a storm that crashes his enemies on the island in a violent shipwreck. What follows is a story that asks, “How do we forgive and move on after we have been harmed?” Rick Dildine directs, and ASF alumnus Greta Lambert stars as Prospero. www.asf.net/tempest-51

Friday, February 24

Cody Canada & The Departed Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Cody Canada & The Departed is a three-piece Americana roots-rock band based in New Braunfels, Texas. The band is comprised of frontman Cody Canada, bassist Jeremy Plato, and drummer Eric Hansen. www.mpaconline.org/events/

Mann Museum

Flashlight Tour

Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery Do you enjoy the dark? Are you ready to go on an adventure, with noth-

ing but your good senses and a flashlight? If so, then you just might be the junior explorers we are looking for to attend our Mann Museum Flashlight Tour Education Program and Family Fun Night. Peer through the darkness and discover walls lined with animal pelts of the past, see several deer species nose to nose, and if you can bear it, just around that corner may be 10 foot Polar bear just waiting to meet you. Mann Museum Flashlight Tour is an educational program and family fun night with hands-on experience, all sorts of adventure, and lots of fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, and their parents. Yes, parents, you are invited to join the fun too.

www.montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event

Saturday, February 25

Russell Forest Run (Fee for participants only)

7:45 AM Russell Crossroads, 17 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City Russell Crossroads--Check website or call for details. Benefit for the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. www.russellforestrun.com

Campfire Cooking Desserts

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street Join this fun, casual cooking class that explores tips, tricks, and recipes for cooking over an open fire. Campfire Cooking II builds on Campfire Cooking I but taking the first class is not required. Cyndi Czerkawski (In The Garden instructor) takes a farm-to-table approach to campfire cooking using fresh, local ingredients. Whether you are experienced or you are new to open fire techniques, you are bound to get something new out of this class, not to mention the great food and fun! https://aub.ie/campfirecooking

Emporium presents Mania The Abba Tribute Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery From London’s West End to Las Vegas, MANIA the ABBA tribute (Formerly ABBA MANIA) remains the world’s No. 1 touring ABBA tribute show. Formed in 1999, this production has sold out theaters and concert halls across the globe, with over 3,000 live concerts in over 30 countries, bringing the music of the beloved Swedish supergroup to 3 million people. www.mpaconline.org/events/

Sunday, February 26

The Columbus Toy & Comic Book Show Coca-Cola Space Science Center, 701 Front Avenue, Columbus, Ga Local Vendors selling collectible merchandise. Card Tournaments for Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh will be held with prizes offered. Raffle Prizes drawn every hour. Planetarium show narrated by Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan-Kenobi) + A Night Star tour. VIP Entrance 1 hour early + Extra Show in the planetarium at 11am narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange). www.ccssc.org

The Kat & Dave Show Gogue Performing Arts Center, 901 South College StreeT 16-time Grammy Award-winning musician, composer and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee are bringing their viral Instagram show on the road. Coming directly from the living room to the stage, this intimate show with the powerhouse duo will be packed with Foster’s hits from Chicago, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé and more, along with McPhee’s biggest songs from American Idol, Smash and Waitress—plus some of their personal favorites!

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/the-kat-and-daveshow/

War Eagle Run Fest

Toomer’s Corner On your mark... get set... go! Register for the second annual War Eagle Run Fest on February 26, 2023! This new half marathon begins at Toomer’s Corner and ends in Jordan-Hare Stadium. There will be a half marathon, 5K, and kids’ 1-mile run option. Half Marathon runners will start at the iconic Toomer’s Corner, run past the Auburn University President’s House, see the Duggar Concourse, Quad Drive, Haley Concourse, and Thach Concourse before running by the Outdoor training pool on Wire Road. After running a lap on the Hutsell-Rosen Track and seeing the Intramural Playing Fields and Football Practice Fields, runners will pass the Coliseum and Auburn Arena before turning into Jordan-Hare Stadium to #flydownthefield and finish on the 50-yard line. 5K runners will stage near Toomer’s Corner and start on Thach Concourse. The 5K course will take runners past the Intramural Playing Fields, Football Practice Fields, and the Coliseum before turning into Jordan-Hare Stadium to #flydownthefield and finish on the 50-yard line. Kids’ Mile- Limited to kids 13 years of age and younger, the War Eagle Kids Mile will start near Jordan-Hare Stadium and let kids #flydownthefield and finish on the 50-yard line.

www.wareaglerunfest.com

Tuesday, February 28

Hairspray through Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Gogue Performing Arts Center, 901 South College Street You can’t stop the beat! Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams—and even bigger hair—change the world? This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring Hairspray to a new generation of theater audiences.

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/hairspray/

Thursday, March 2

Zach Williams: A Hundred Highways Tour RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Backed by his massive 10-piece band, it will be a live concert experience like none other. www.rivercenter.org/event/zach-williams-a-hundredhighways-tour/

Friday, March 3

Bridge Crossing Jubilee through Sunday, March 5, 2023, Selma, Al. The weekend is a commemoration of the anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” and the Selma to Montgomery March. Join us on March 2-5, 2023 at the largest annual Civil Rights Commemoration event in the world, attended by three sitting presidents, hundreds civil rights leaders and thousands of attendees. Visit www. selmajubilee.com the event details and schedule.

Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat through Sunday, March 19, 2023 Springer Opera House, 103 Tenth Street, Columbus, Ga It’s fun to have fun, you just have to know how! From the moment his tail, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met.

www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ cat-in-the-hat

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar

Saturday, March 4

CSU Schwob School of Music Kaleidoscope

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Experience the passion of 250 talented music students in an exciting 70 minute, full spectrum musical performance. 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. www.rivercenter.org/event/csu-schwob-school-ofmusic-kaleidoscope/

Tuesday, March 7

Joe Bonamassa presented by Grand Brulot Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians today. A three-time GRAMMY-nominee, Bonamassa earned his 25th No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart, with his latest studio album Time Clocks. www.mpaconline.org/events

Thursday, March 9

Nature Walk

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Nature Walks offer excellent opportunities to socialize and learn, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Nature Walks are for adults only and offered the second Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Pre-registration is not required. Each month features a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. Nature Walks are free (donations are welcomed) and are cancelled in the event of rain. wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/naturewalk-9/2022-11-10/

Friday, March 10, 2023

The Peking Acrobats featuring The Shanghai Circus RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga This attraction has been called incredible, breathtaking, stunning and quite unbelievable! As a special treat for fans of The Peking Acrobats, this all new production now features performers from The Shanghai Circus to create a very special Chinese Acrobatic extravaganza unlike any other! www.rivercenter.org/event/the-peking-acrobats/

Saturday, March 11

Casting Crowns: The Healer Tour Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Featuring Christian music arts Casting Crowns, We Are Messengers, and Ben Fuller. www.mpaconline.org/events

Tuesday, March 14

Family Discovery Hike 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join our guides for an educational adventure as you and your children take in the many sights and sounds of the Nature Center. Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Discovery Hikes are for families with children ages 5 to 12 and are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Each month features

a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. Discovery Hikes are free (donations are welcomed) and cancelled in the event of rain. wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/family-discoveryhike-2/2022-11-08/

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street Complexions Contemporary Ballet was founded in 1994 by master choreographer Dwight Rhoden and the legendary Desmond Richardson with a singular approach to reinventing dance through a groundbreaking mix of methods, styles and cultures. Today, the company represents one of the most recognized, diverse and inclusive performing arts brands in the world. Complexions has received numerous awards including The New York Times Critics’ Choice Award. It has appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious venues for dance, including the Joyce Theater, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Bolshoi Theater and Melbourne Arts Center. The company has appeared at several major European dance festivals and toured extensively throughout six continents. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/complexions-contemporary-ballet/

Thursday, March 16

Sundilla presents The Kennedys in Concert (Admission at the door will be $25.)

450 E. Thach Avenue, Auburn It has been a while, but on Thursday, March 16

The Kennedys will make their long-awaited return to Sundilla. Advance tickets are just $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and online. Free coffee, tea, water, and food will be available, and the audience is always welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

www.facebook.com/sundilla

The Kennedy Center Represents Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street Family Series! Best-selling author Kwamee Alexander brings two of his beloved children’s books to the stage in this musical adaptation commissioned by the Kennedy Center. Find your voice in this feathery adventure. New York Times best-selling author Kwame Alexander brings two of his beloved children’s books—Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blume—to the stage in a world premiere Kennedy Center commission. Alexander teams up with his writing partner Mary Rand Hess and long-time musical collaborator Randy Preston to tell a story about being scared, being brave and believing in yourself. With special guests like Duck Ellington and Ms. Dairy Parton—plus Preston appearing as Acoustic Rooster—this musical adaptation will have children (and families) dancing in their seats.

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/acoustic-roostersbarnyard-boogie/

Friday, March 17

Guys and Dolls through Sunday, April 2, 2023 Springer Opera House, 103 Tenth Street, Columbus, Ga Winner of nine Tony Awards, this is Broadway’s all-time crown jewel musical comedy. All the big shot gamblers and bookies are in town and they’re depending on good old Nathan to set up the infamous “Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York”. www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ guys-and-dolls

Saturday, March 18

RiverBlast! Festival

National Civil War Naval Museum, Port Columbus, 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus, Ga This educational and fun event takes place on the grounds of Port Columbus annually , with live entertainment, family activities, cannon firings and civil war re-enactors. Vending opportunities are available for Saturday, March 18th - Sunday, March 19th. This annual event boasts hundreds of visitors. Patrons can expect kid’s games, black powder weapons demonstrations, cutlass drills, face painting, and much more.

www.portcolumbus.org

Sunday, March 19

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College

Street The Jazz at Lincoln Center presents a touring initiative that provides an accessible opportunity to present great jazz programming, featuring up-andcoming musicians who have been identified as rising stars by JALC. The initiative also allows for expansion of JALC’s mission “to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education and advocacy.”

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/jazz-at-lincoln-centersong-we-love/

Friday, March 24

Chad Lawson

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College

Street Pianist and composer Chad Lawson joins acclaimed violinist Judy Kang and cellist Seth Parker Woods for a performance that invites traditional and non-traditional audiences alike. Lawson is a modern-day master of reinvention—his bold interpretations of the classics, electronic loops, and atmospherics resonate with EDM fans and neoclassical traditionalists. A streaming star with tens of millions of followers, Lawson has become known as the artist creating “classical music for the Spotify generation.”

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/chad-lawson/

Saturday, March 25

10th Annual Empty Bowls

Kiesel Park, Auburn Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Recreation and Opelika Parks and Recreation. Each year, the event alternates between Auburn and Opelika. This year, Empty Bowls will be held at Kiesel Park in Auburn. This event will include soup, entertainment and buy now tables with gifts from local Auburn/ Opelika businesses. Tickets can be purchased via the MyRec website starting February 6th. Every ticket purchased is a direct donation to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Each ticket holder gets their choice of a handmade bowl created by local artists that will be filled with soup on March 25th. In case of inclement weather, Empty Bowls will be held at the Dean Road Recreation Center.

www.auburnalabama.org/parks/emptybowls

Every Mondays

Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays

10:00 AM Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays. Library@opelika-al.gov

Every First Tuesdays

Little Sprouts

Columbus Botanical Gardens, 3603 Weems Road, Ga Little Sprouts is a 30-45 minute lesson on a feature of the Garden and it’s connection to nature/science. The class is designed as an exposure experience in which there are three parts: sit and get either through a talk, piece of literature or a presentation; exploration through a hands-on experience which can look like a

game, which https://columbusbotanicalgarden.org/events/littlesprouts/ Every Opelika

4:30 Pax! Book ing! Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Walk 8:30 talk family, talk behind. Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Opelika 9:30 colors, encourage And 0-2 Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Opelika 4:30 by

FamilyCalendar

game, scavenger hunt, data collection activity; a craft which ties the two experiences together. https://columbusbotanicalgarden.org/events/littlesprouts/

Every Tuesdays

Opelika Public Library Jr. Book Club

4:30 PM Be a part of an epic journey with Peter and Pax! Bring friends and make new ones with the Jr. Book Club as we explore with games, crafts, and reading! For students in grades 2-5.

Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Wednesdays

Walk This Way Walking Club

8:30 AM Join Anita at our Story Walk Trail to walk and talk about everything from community happenings to family, to good books, and anything else you want to talk about. All ages are welcomed and no one gets left behind.

Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Wednesdays

Opelika Public Library Baby & Me Storytime

9:30 AM Get the little ones bouncing and singing with colors, numbers, and shapes! Rhymes and stories will encourage them to discover the world around them! And there is always time to crawl and play! For ages 0-2 years old.

Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Thursdays

Opelika Public Library Jr. Robot Crew

4:30 PM Jr. Robot Crew will inspire kids of all ages by teaching them the tools to imagine and invent the

future! Meet and talk with Dash and Dot through code! Dash and Dot can throw and pick up objects and the kids will teach them how! Don’t worry if you’ve never coded before, Dash and Dot are here to teach you how!

Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Fridays

Opelika Public Library Storytime

10:00 Opelika Public Library Storytime. Library@opelika-al.gov

Every First and Third Fridays

Food Truck Friday

Downtown Opelika Spend your first and third Friday of every month, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks from downtown restaurants, bars & breweries, and up to five different food truck partners each week. Enjoy your brews, bites, and beautiful downtown Opelika. Check out the Opelika Chamber of Commerce online to find out who will be parked where, and what’s on the menu!

www.facebook.com/opelika.chamber

Sports

February 1, 11, 14 & 22

Auburn University Men’s Basketball www.auburntigers.com

February 10 & 24

Auburn University Gymnastics www.auburntigers.com

February 17-19, 22 & 24-26

Auburn University Softball

www.auburntigers.com

February 18 & 25

Auburn University Equestrian

www.auburntigers.com

February 3 & 4

Auburn University Swimming and Diving www.auburntigers.com

February 5, 9, 16 & 26

Auburn University Women’s Basketball www.auburntigers.com

February 8-10 & 26-28

Auburn University Golf

www.auburntigers.com

: Tell us a little

I am the wife of a Military Veteran. We will be celebrating 17 years married in May. My husband and I lived in Italy for four years and we traveled extensively around Europe. We have two daughters, Myah (10) and Jordyn (7), and one son, Jeremiah Jr., who is nine months old.

Originally I am from Fayetteville, NC, and I moved here five years ago. My husband is from Reeltown, AL, which was why we

I have my bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration and am currently employed with PCA (Packaging Corporation of America) as a Plant Accountant.

AOP: You mentioned living in Italy; how neat! What were some of your favorite parts about living overseas?

MJ: I’m such a foodie! True Italian food is amazing. The convenience of taking a weekend trip anywhere you would like in Europe was pretty awesome. Living in Italy was a learning experience for sure - learning the culture and language was different.

AOP: You mentioned that you have been working for the Packaging Company of America for the past five years. How did you begin your career there?

MJ: I started at Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) as a temp employee through our local temp agency, Resource MFG. We had just moved here from North Carolina.

I started in Customer Service as a Customer Service Representative, and in November 2021, I moved to Accounting as a Plant Accountant.

I absolutely love the company because of the fantastic benefits and the culture PCA has cultivated. In addition, I have amazing bosses who value family, which helps when I must leave early for the kid’s events. I look forward to furthering my career here at PCA.

AOP: How do you juggle being a family of five and working outside the home? Do you have any tips for other working moms?

MJ: Well, I can’t take all the credit; I have a wonderful support system! We have a dry-erase board at home with everyone’s schedules on it. We also prepare on Sunday for the week ahead - this means all clothes for the week are picked out, and our dance and Jiu Jitsu bags are packed. It takes teamwork for sure.

AOP: Tell me about your spouse. When and where did you meet?

MJ: My husband is medically retired from the Army. He was stationed in my hometown Fayetteville, NC, and we met at Fort Bragg. We married on May 19, 2006, before he deployed to Iraq for 15 months.

AOP: Being married for 16 years is a huge accomplishment. What advice would you give to others walking into or through marriage?

MJ: I would say to communicate and don’t give up. You have to fight for each other. Put yourself in your spouse’s shoes or vice versa. Know what makes your spouse tick. I recommend a book called ‘The Five Love Languages’ by Gary Chapman.

AOP: If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

MJ: Never give up on any dreams you may have. ALWAYS believe in yourself! Be adventurous, have fun and take risks.

AOP: Being a mom often means putting everyone’s needs before your own, especially when you stay home all day. How do you take care of yourself?

MJ: Honestly, sometimes I might try to get away for a few hours and get a manicure or pedicure. Other times, I try to get the kids to bed early to enjoy a few moments of quiet time and read a book. I might even try to go grocery shopping without the kids. It doesn’t seem like much, but those few moments of peace are all I need.

AOP: What activities do you value or prioritize as a family?

MJ: Making memories! Sometimes we play Uno as a family or go 4-wheel riding with the girls. One thing we do that is super important to us is sit at the dinner table and eat as a family. No phones or TV, just the five of us sharing our day.

Mandy Johnson and her husband Jeremiah have three children and love the life they have built in Opelika. She loves reading and spending time with her family. She also enjoys taking Kickboxing classes at Auburn Mixed Martial Arts.