Auburn Opelika Parents February 2014 by KeepSharing

February2014 22

Volume 4 Number 12

Columns

Publisher’s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children John Rosemond

10 Indoor Activities for Winter

Discover creative ways to pass the days when it’s cold outside!

Understanding Teen and Tween ‘Tudes

Find advice for dealing with five common teen attitude problems.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

2939

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

The Splendor of Tweens

Learn 15 ways to savor the sweetness of your almost-teen.

Does My Child Have ADHD? Dr. Polly Dunn offers insight on how to know for sure.

On The Cover Victoria Fang is the 2014 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County, and she is the daughter of Xing Fang and Zhonglan Zhang. Attending Auburn High School, Victoria is a senior in the International Baccalaureate program. She does competitive cheerleading at Premier Spirit Academy, plays clarinet in Lakeview Baptist Church’s orchestra, and volunteers at the public library. For her undergraduate studies, Victoria plans to pursue biomedical engineering. A special thanks to the Bridges family of Auburn, for such a beautiful backdrop.

The FlyLady Marla Cilley

Parenting on the Plains Polly Dunn, Ph.D.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 9

School Bits 32

Family Calendar 40

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote Our family is knocking on that inevitable ‘tween’ door, just hoping that no one answers. Just when we thought we had a few more years, that latest knock resulted in a hesitant, yet slowly opened door. Just enough of an opening to see that behind that door was a slumped, foot stomping, eye-rolling preteen that took the place of my daughter. For that split second, our house had transformed from one with only children and toddlers ruling the roost, to one with another species entirely, ruled by a princess…in Tween-dom. I am so not ready for this phase of raising my children. Can’t we just skip this one all together and get to the packing them up and wishing them well as they head off to college, careers and families of their own? While thinking this would be best for everyone, all of a sudden, that green-eyed monster runs across the room, grabs me, plants a big kiss on my cheek and about squeezes the life out of me, saying, “Thanks for all you do for me! I love you, Mom!” Then, I take it all back. I don’t want to wish this time away. Let’s just buckle up and ride out this season no matter the hills, curves and bumps in the road! In this month’s feature article, Tween and Teen ‘Tudes: 5 We Could Live Without, the author describes characteristics that we may have seen in our children and gives great advice on how to handle those moments. For example, in my own situation, with the eye-rolling, she reminds us not to take the behavior personally, but to use it as a cue to talk out what is going on. Another one, which I am sure many have experienced, are the mood swings that come with this age. When faced with this, it is best to let everyone cool off and remind ourselves that it is probably the growth spurt and hormonal changes taking place. With all the not so pleasant mood swings and attitudes flying, it is nice to also focus on the positive side of having this age group in your home. Michele Ranard reminds us to see the fun side in her article, The Splendor of Tweens: 15 Ways to Savor the Sweetness of Your Almost-Teen. Finally, we can relate to their world through Facebook, texting and even movie and book choices. No more cartoons and picture books taking us hostage! How about the difference in your travel planning? Our family used to have to leave the house at midnight, so that the kids could sleep all the way to Disney World. Now, we can travel less rigidly and not worry about having to slow down for that impending red light up ahead. Because you know once you slow and stop, the baby will surely wake and then add another two hours to the road trip! Let’s try to see all that we have gained at this stage of our tween’s life...new ways to communicate, interact and grow together are ahead. So, I guess having tweens and teens is not all stressful. In fact, it is just another stage in the life of our ever changing family and home. Don’t fear the knock on the door and what changes may be in store, just take a breath, slowly open that door, and embrace this new chapter with a giant hug, encouraging words and letting them know you are there through it all. Because too soon, they will be off on their own and we will wonder where the time went.

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Marla Cilley Polly Dunn, Ph.D. Richard Freeman, M.D. Malia Jacobson Kerrie McLoughlin Dave Ramsey Michele Ranard, M.Ed. John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

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

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

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

on rse, nity. nity ss.

com

thly Road

in d. zine t the ment

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Try Solving One Discipline Problem at a Time Q: My 11-year-old son cuts corners on everything. If he does a chore, he’ll leave the cleaning products behind. If his bed is hard to make he hides the sheet in the closet and throws the blanket over the bed. Concerning his schoolwork, he doesn’t bother studying for tests (figuring he gets A’s anyway). We’re now seeing this in his soccer practices, where he’s started literally cutting corners. How can we get a handle on this bad habit? A: Because it’s not “blatant,” as in blatant disrespect or disobedience, this sort of problem can be difficult to get a handle on. Today’s parents believe in “parenting technology”—that for every behavior problem, there’s a solution. The fact is that parents cannot solve all of the possible problems a child may develop. They can’t solve any of those problems, in fact. It doesn’t matter what the problem is, parents can only put pressure, in the form of consequences of one sort or another, on a child in hope that the pressure will motivate the child to solve it.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

Some children give in to the pressure, some don’t. Sometimes, a child doesn’t solve a problem until he’s in a state of crisis because of it, and the crisis in question may not occur until he’s well into adulthood. When parents use consequences in the mistaken belief that there is a magic consequence that will solve the problem in question, they miss the point and are possibly setting themselves up to fail. The purpose of consequences is simply to demonstrate that in the real world, “bad” behavior causes bad things to happen, sooner or later. Hopefully, the child will “get it,” and solve the problem. If, however, the child doesn’t solve the problem, that doesn’t necessarily mean the consequence was not the right one to use. That belief often causes parents to try one consequence after another in a rather chaotic attempt to find the one that will turn the proverbial wheel. Perhaps the consequence in question was insufficient—it didn’t apply enough pressure. On the other hand, it may well be that the consequence was sufficient, but the child wasn’t “ready.”

Having delivered the necessary disclaimer, my recommendation is that you focus on one problem area and one only. Don’t bite off more than you can chew by attempting to solve the chore, school, and soccer problems in one fell swoop. Start with chores. Make a list of the specific things he does to cut corners where chores are concerned. Suspend a privilege or package of privileges until he’s solved the “cutting corners when he does chores” problem and has had no relapses for a month. Mind you, his “rehabilitation” may take four weeks; then again, it may take four months or four years. Be ready to hang in there and continue imposing the consequence(s) until he gets it. And be ready to accept that you are not the appointed agents of change concerning this problem. The appointed agent of change may not enter his life until he’s 45 years old. We’ve all seen that happen, haven’t we? Here’s what I call the “Hang in There Principle”: If a child does wrong things, and the child’s parents do right things, and the child keeps on doing wrong things, then the child’s parents should simply keep on doing the right things. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t t-

es.

it dy

e g

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

(

Ariccia’s Valentine’s Day Dinner

University Theatre presents “9 to 5, The Musical”

Friday, February 14 & Saturday, February 15 Ariccia, inside Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center, will offer a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. Guests can dine from a special Valentine's Day menu featuring Cream of White Asparagus soup, Roasted Beet Salad, Cioppino, & rotisserie chicken, or couples can choose from our sharing menu featuring oysters, spinach & goat cheese ravioli, a rack of lamb or a mixed grill platter. Following dinner guests will indulge in a decadent chocolate bar, complete with a chocolate fountain. Pricing varies based on menu selection Please contact Ariccia at (334) 844-5140 or visit www.auhcc.com.

Violet, Doralee and Judy all work for the worst boss in the world: the arrogant and lecherous Franklin Hart. When the three co-workers decide they’ve had enough, they kidnap Hart and run the office on their own terms. Based on the hit 1980 movie, “9 to 5” is a hilarious, toe-tapping version of every working stiff’s fantasy. February 20-23, 25-28, March 1-2 at Auburn Telfair Peet Theatre www. auburnuniversitytheatre.org.

d F Su

Jerome Myers to Teach Doll-Making at Art Club

Art clubs during the school year are for all ages. Start time is 1:30 p.m., and the meet up is an open studio format, meaning you can use the full time allotted or leave when you finish your project. Jerome Myers was inspired by the hope of the young people in the neighborhoods of New York City. In this session, students will create dolls for themselves, or for others. Arts Clubs are funded in part by a City of Auburn K-12 Arts Education Outreach Grant. February 9th, Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

ad b

Animal Enrichment Day at the Montgomery Zoo

From zoo animals to our pets at home and even including us, we all need enrichment. A chance to smell a new scent, taste a new flavor, play a new game or figure out a challenging puzzle or game. The result is to stimulate behaviors resembling those for that species in the wild. It is a lot of trial and error, but it is always fun. Join the animals for fun and learning, February 22, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

F a

Dinosaur Train Live Coming to Atlanta

In this incredible live experience, kids will be transported on a journey back to the Mesozoic when dinosaurs roamed the earth...and rode in trains! As only The Jim Henson Company can do, the popular PBS Kids television show will be brought to life through spectacular interactive multi-media, music and puppetry. Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, Don, giant Laura, teeny Tiny, and all of their friends and family will all be there in this exciting, original, musical story created just for the stage where our audience is always a part of the show. We join our Pteranodon family on a new adventure, with the Conductor along for the ride to always keep things on track, and a "live" human Paleontologist character to check in along the way. Set with lush animation styled vegetation, large rear projection video screens creating motion driven backgrounds and a full sized replica of the Dinosaur Train, and using combinations of hybrid walk-around/puppeteered costume characters, forced perspective techniques for our larger dinosaur friends, and several additional types of puppetry (i.e. shadow, mech, and blacklight) for special effects, our super stars and their adventures will truly seem larger than life. Feb. 22, at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, in Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

25th Annual Winter Wonderland for Dads and Daughters

Tickets are on sale now at Harris Center (425 Perry St.) for the 25th Annual Winter Wonderland event for dads and their daughters (ages 12 and under), to be held February 6th, 7th, and 8th at Clarion Inn & Suites. Tickets are $30/couple, $5/additional child. www.Auburnalabama.org/parks.

ou e y. or

c an ve

Dandy Dads Dinner Dance

Join us for an evening of dining, dancing, and fun during this special night out for fathers and daughters of all ages. Special entertainment by OZZ. Saturday, February 15, 6-8 p.m. Opelika Sportsplex. Admission is $30 per couple. $5 for each additional daughter. Includes meal, corsage/ boutonniere, activities, and entertainment.

Mardi Gras in Mobile

For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, brilliant-colored floats and crowds of parade goers for Mardi Gras in Mobile. February 14-March 4. For parade routes, balls, and more, visit www. cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

be e e ist

on of r

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

“Cliff Notes” for Flu & Flu Shots The flu is caused by a virus and spreads when people cough, sneeze or talk. The droplets can infect others up to six feet away. The droplets can then be acquired by being inhaled into the lungs or by settling on the nose, or mouth. The flu virus can be picked up by touching a surface or object which has the flu virus on it such as shopping carts, door handles or other peoples’ hands. Good hand washing with plain soap and water is very helpful as well as disinfecting frequently touched objects. Also, alcohol based hand sanitizers are helpful. A person with flu is contagious beginning about one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after they become ill. Therefore, a person with the flu virus infection, but not yet sick, can infect other adults or infants and children. Also, it is possible to be infected with the flu virus, and yet, have no symptoms. These individuals can also spread the flu to unsuspecting persons. How can I protect myself and my children from the flu? The CDC recommends flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. There are many flu viruses, but the vaccines are made to protect against the three or four main strains that medical research indicates will be most likely to cause illness during the flu season. If you get the vaccine it can prevent the flu or minimize your illness if, indeed, you still get the flu. Try to get the flu vaccine each year as soon as it is available.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

However, it is never too late to get the vaccine. The flu viruses are actually present year round but the disease is usually seen most often in late fall and winter. Basically, the flu vaccine will protect you during the flu season, therefore, it is important to boost your immunity by getting a flu shot every year since your antibody levels decline with time. Also, some persons may not have as good a response to the flu vaccine as others so the yearly flu shot can certainly give your immune system the “heads up”. What about the nose spray (Flumist) vaccine? This is a weakened live virus vaccine used in healthy patients aged two years to 50 years. This vaccine cannot give you the flu. It is not used for pregnant women or patients with underlying and chronic medical problems. Only healthy patients should receive the mist. Otherwise, the flu shot, (killed virus) vaccine is used. Will the flu shot give me the flu? No. It is a killed virus vaccine and cannot infect you. Some people have the flu virus infection and are not yet showing signs of illness. Sometime they get a flu shot and, just by chance, they come “down with the flu” after getting a flu shot during the time they were already infected, but not yet sick. Are there any actual drugs available to treat the flu? Yes. The drugs are Tamiflu and Relenza, which should be taken within 48 hours of onset, as soon as flu is diagnosed or suspected, even if a flu test is negative. The

nose swab flu test may be negative for a day or so after a person is clinically ill with flu. Generally, antiviral drugs are used for persons who are elderly, have serious underlying medicals problems such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, etc. Also, it is indicated for young children, less than two years of age and pregnant women. What are the complications of the flu? The most common complications are pneumonia, other infections of the respiratory system and lung failure, which usually requires a mechanical ventilator. There have been several deaths in Lee County this year due to the flu. The flu is a serious disease and should not be taken lightly. There are persons who have never had a flu shot and have not had the flu for many years and then suddenly they get the flu. All of the ”cases” I know of like this have resulted in serious illness. Bottom line – Don’t put your life at risk or the lives of your children and others. Get your flu vaccination now. Note: In Lee County and elsewhere in the state, a large number of deaths have been in the age group of 20s to 40s. Dr. Richard Freeman completed medical school in 1973 and started in private practice in 1975 in Opelika, before practicing in Auburn. Dr. Freeman has served as Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer for the Medical Association for the State of Alabama, was a member of the Medicaid DUR Board, member of the Medicaid Pharmacy and Therapeutic Board and is on the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Alabama. He is married to Sherry Spann Freeman and they have two children and six grandchildren.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

enho s

? o-

or ur

Autauga County Pick Schools Elementary Students Enjoy Candy Cane CafĂŠ

Students earned a fun treat in the library when they completed an extra reading challenge. They had hot chocolate by the fire, games, and a snowball fight.

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

Auburn High School Students Chosen to Attend Honor Band

Congratulations to the AHS students chosen to attend the Troy University 2014 Southeastern United States Honor Band Clinic: Seth Almond, Trombone; Sooyean Back, Clarinet; Will Brunson, Tuba; James Burch, Percussion; Philip Carter, French Horn; LeAnna Flowers, Percussion; Gatson Gary, Trumpet; Cameron Holt, Trombone; Emily Jordan, Clarinet; Yewon Lee, Flute; Katie Norak, Flute; Chaliyeen Oh, Flute; Judy Oh, Flute; EmilyAnne Rouse, Tuba; Caroline Smith, Clarinet.

Richland Elementary School Super FUNd Run

Richland Elementary School Super FUNd Run exceeded our goal and raised $20,708.17 for Richland Elementary School. Congrats to the school and to the top fundraising student, Hannah Hoch, 1st grader, who raised $771.16. As her reward, she will be featured as one of the upcoming Cover Models for Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine. Look for her soon!

he n

d ing

te ms a.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools at Auburn Junior High 8th Graders

T s

Write Diary for Language Arts

Ms. Cerio’s 8th Grade Language Arts Class at Auburn Jr. High had an assignment to read “The Diary of Anne Frank”. The students then had to write a diary from a different character’s perspective using the characterization techniques they learned in class.

OHS Students Awarded at Trumbauer State Theatre Competition

Opelika High School took 45 theatre students to the 73rd Annual Walter Trumbauer State Theatre Festival hosted by Troy University December 5-7. The students qualified for the State Festival by competing at the district level and earning a superior rating. Three Opelika High School students won state awards. Seniors Mary Grace Sasser and Demond Moore won 2nd Place in the Duet Musical Dramatic-Varsity Division and Junior Auburn Terry won "All Star Cast Member" for her performance in the OHS One Act play "Here's to Your Health". The Opelika High School Theatre program is under the direction of Mr. Revel Gholston. Pictured: Opelika High Theatre Society Trumbauer State winners: Mary Grace Sasser, Demond Moore and Auburn Terry.

Pi a i c

E C a

s F

cre

th $8

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Pick Elementary Art Featured at Public Library

Third graders at Pick Elementary have been studying about space: foreground, middle ground, and background. In order to tie into the study of the human body, which the students were studying in science, they drew the American Gothic people by Grant Wood. They used crayon and colored pencil to color their compositions. Pictured, Ella, from Miss Brannon's class, did a very good job creating space on her page in her composition, and she showed good craftsmanship as she colored her art work.

Local Girls Support Make-A-Wish Foundation

Ellie Rodning (7), Lucy Hudson (10), Carson Ward (8), Gabby Walden (8) and Julianna Walden (4), worked very hard to put on a Christmas-themed art show to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Together, the girls made and hand painted ornaments, bracelets, and created original artworks which were all sold at a Holiday open house, where the girls served as hostesses, showing their work and serving drinks and refreshments to their guests. The girls raised a grand total of $800, all of which was donated to the MakeA-Wish Foundation!

Know what to do in case of suspected concussion.

A concussion

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

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: l Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY l Should be urgently assessed medically l Should not be left alone l Should not drive a motor vehicle

CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Academy Named Apple Distinguished School

Lee-Scott Academy is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2013-2015. Technology has been used to enhance learning in LeeScott Academy classrooms for a number of years, but the iConnect initiative has taken us to a whole new level as our students are using these tools to connect, discover and explore our world. When our Board of Trustees paved the way in April of 2012 for our students to be on the leading edge of 21st Century learning with their approval of the “iConnect to Excellence” technology initiative, students in grades seven through twelve began the 2012 school year with iPad 2s in hand as we launched our 1:1 BYOD iPad program. This year, our 1:1 BYOD iPad program has expanded to include sixth grade. But all LSA students are on a new journey in their academic lives as the use of iPads, iPods, and MacBook Air laptops has been introduced into all classrooms across campus. The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments. The selection of Lee-Scott Academy as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success as an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment. “At Lee-Scott Academy we are working diligently to make our teaching methodology relevant in today’s world. I am pleased that Apple has recognized our efforts, ” says Don Roberts, Head of School.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

he s r ed

2 1 am ts of ed

d p, on

ent

Richland Elementary Cloverbud's Pajama Drive

Recently, Richland Elementary School Cloverbud Members collected 51 sets of pajamas to be donated to children in need. Additionally, Scholastic will be donating a book to go with each set of pajamas.

Auburn Parks and Recreation Recognized by Special Olympics Alabama

Auburn Parks and Recreation received the 2013 Outstanding Program Award from Special Olympics Alabama at an awards ceremony in November. The awards committee cited Auburn Parks and Recreationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support of Lee County Special Olympics through their quality, yearround training for athletes as one of the reasons for recognizing the program. Dana Stewart, Special Programs Coordinator for Auburn Parks and Recreation and Lee County Special Olympics Co-Director, received the 2013 Outstanding Coach-Professional Award for her dedication and commitment to the athletes of Lee County. Currently, Stewart coaches athletes in basketball, bowling, flag football, track & field, and volleyball. Pictured from left to right are Alison Hall, Community and Special Programs Director for Auburn Parks and Recreation and Lee County Special Olympics Co-Director; Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Jr.; and Dana Stewart, Special Programs Coordinator for Auburn Parks and Recreation and Lee County Special Olympics Co-Director, with their awards at the Tuesday, Dec. 17 Auburn City Council meeting. Lee County Special Olympics competes in basketball, bowling, flag football, golf, powerlifting, gymnastics, swimming, track & field, and volleyball. Lee County athletes clinched their second state title at the State Volleyball Tournament in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 6. Other regional qualifying competitions include the Aquatics Sectional Meet on March 7, 2014; State Basketball Tournament March 13 & 14, 2014; Lee County Bowling Tournament March 13 & 14, 2014; and the Lee County Track & Field Games April 3, 2014. Athletes qualifying at regional competitions will go on to compete at the 2014 State of Alabama Special Olympics Games May 16 - 18, 2014 at Troy University.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga CountyFang Schools Victoria Represents Lee County in DYW State Program

A send-off party hosted by the Distinguished Young Women of Lee County Committee honoring Victoria Fang was given at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Trey Wages on January 5. Fang was greeted and wished well by committee members, family, friends and fellow 2014 DYW of Lee County participants. Fang represented Lee County at the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program in Montgomery, January 10-18 competing for over $40,000 in cash-tuition scholarships and over $1,000,000 in college scholarships. The 50 participants in the state program competed in the areas of scholarship, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. Fang, a senior at Auburn High School, played a piano solo for the talent portion of the program. Fang is pictured with her sister, Nancy, and parents Xing Fang and Zhonglan Zhang.

Lee-Scott Academy Grandparents’ Day

On Friday, December 13th, Lee-Scott Academy held its annual Grandparents’ Day program. Pre-K through 3rd grade students performed at 8:30 a.m. followed by 4th through 6th graders at 10:00 a.m. The gymnasium was packed with proud grandparents. The program was directed by Lee-Scott's elementary choral director, Mrs. Ginger Key.

0000067769-01

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

D RAMA

www.riverviewcamp.com

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.

AND

Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

C RAFTS • C HORUS

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

AND

FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

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

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Irish Dancers Win Big in Atlanta

Celtic Traditions dancers attended two competitions in Atlanta, GA the weekend of November 16th and 17th. Eighteen dancers from the studio participated, and brought home a total of 93 awards, with 14 first places, 24 second places, and 28 third places! Congratulations to all that attended. Pictured, left, are Sophie and Becca McDow and Darcy Shepard, pictured, right.

Irish Dancers Headed to World Championships

Four dancers from Celtic Traditions attended the Oireachtas (pronounced "O-rock-tus"), the Southern U.S. Irish Dance Championships. The three-day competition was held in Washington, D.C. December 6th-8th. It is the qualifying event for the North American Championships (to be held in Montreal 2014) as well as the World Championships (to be held in London 2014). The dancers that represented Alabama were Lucie Arnaud, Olivia Medina, Zoe Holmes, and Emily Petrenas-Mann. Lucie Arnaud placed 15th out of 114 dancers, and Zoe Holmes placed 12th out of 104 dancers. These placements qualified them for both the North American Championships and the World Championships. Well done to all four dancers for your hard work and dedication! Pictured far left, Lucie Arnaud; middle photo Emily Petrenas-Mann, instructor Amanda Poole, and Zoe Holmes; right photo Olivia Medina.

ng m

in ss o

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

•

Planting the

SEEDS of LEARNING! Technology program for ages 1 & up

AND

Solid Rubber Playground Surface reduces injuries

C RAFTS • C HORUS

Healthy menu with fresh fruit and whole grain foods

AND

D RAMA

•

Our Character Education program teaches values Sign Language for all ages Lower Child:Teacher ratios Video monitoring in all classrooms Infant curriculum customized for your baby Infants through School-Age | Care available from 6:30am to 6:30pm Transportation available to most Auburn schools

644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL | 334.501.2044

www.growingroomusa.com An independently owned and operated location of the Growing Room Franchising System

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

CountyCompetes Schools Local Autauga Young Lady For Miss Pre-Teen Montgomery/Birmingham Title

Kayla Brockwell of Auburn was recently selected to participate in the 2014 Miss Pre-Teen Montgomery/Birmingham pageant competition that will take place on Sunday February 9, 2014. Kayla learned of her acceptance into this year's competition when the pageant announced their selections following interviewing in the local Montgomery/Birmingham area. Kayla submitted an application and took part in an interview session that was conducted by this year's Montgomery/ Birmingham Pageant Coordinator. Kayla will be competing, for her share of thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts that will be distributed to contestants. Kayla will be competing in the Miss Pre-Teen division, one of four divisions that will have young ladies ages of 7 and 19 competing in modeling routines, which include casual wear and formal wear. Most important, Kayla will display her personality and interviewing skills while interviewing with this year's Montgomery/Birmingham judging panel. Personality is the number one aspect that each contestant is judged on during all phases of competition. If Kayla were to win the title of Miss Pre-Teen Montgomery/Birmingham, she would represent Montgomery/Birmingham and the surrounding communities at the National Competition that will take place in Orlando, Florida. Over $30,000 in prizes and awards will be presented at the National Competition while each winner enjoys this expense paid trip of five nights and six days in Orlando, Florida. Community businesses, organizations, and private individuals will assist Kayla in participating in this year's competition by becoming an official sponsor to her. Through sponsorship, each contestant receives all the necessary training, rehearsals, and financial support which will allow Kayla to become a very confident and well-prepared contestant in this year's Montgomery/Birmingham Pageant. Any business, organization, or private individual who may be interested in becoming a sponsor to Kayla may contact the Miss Pre-Teen Montgomery/Birmingham pageant coordinator, at 1-877-403-6678.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

M (l

lad c ev

Wacoochee Elementary Spelling Bee Winners

Wacoochee Elementary School students in grades 3-6 participated in the 3rd annual spelling bee. The 2013-2014 winners were (L-R): third place winner Jacob Johnson from Mrs. Oliver’s 3rd grade class, runner-up Renekia Williams-Mercer from Mrs. Erlandson’s 6th grade class, and first place winner Andrew Brasfield from Mrs. Graydon’s 5th grade class. Congratulations to all of our participants and to our winners!

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

ce le

ves

Smiths Station Princesses in Pajamas

Miss Smiths Station's Outstanding Teen, Katie Zeigler (left) and Miss Smiths Station, Keleigh Edwards (right) recently hosted a Princess in Pajama party. Katie and Keleigh were able to promote their platforms by encouraging volunteerism and character building traits. Each girl helped contribute to the local food bank by bringing a canned food item. These young ladies enjoyed a night of food, fun, and service for their community. All proceeds from the Princess in Pajama event benefited the Children's Miracle Network Hospital.

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

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

Aaron Baker Perez Aaron Goins Adam Al’Riyami Addie Sanders Adyson Morgan AJ Carpenter Akeila Driver Aleah Bartlett Alexander Goins Alexis Holloway Alexis Shephard Alicea Rainwater Allissa Pugh Ally Corbitt Ambria Johnson Ambriah McCurdy Amelia McCay Anderson Cummins Andrew Goins Anna Elmore Anthony Driver Jr Anthony Garcia Anthony Holloway Ariana O’Neill Arrissa Pugh

Arya Adhikari Autumn Bracknell Autumn Bullard Avery Sanders Avery Smith Benjamin Heyler Brandon Denson Braxton Johnson Brayden Brooks Breniya Wade Brennan Smith Brielle Garner Bristol Swader Brooke Schmear Brooklyn Bracknell Bryant Sasser Caden Blair Caden Ricks Caleb Ames Caleb Matmanivong Cameron Mothershed Camp Hendrix Camryn Sanders Cate Cleveland Chan-Hee Park

Chan-Hyuk Park Chan-Young Park Chloe Arnett Christian Madzer Christopher Pinckard Cierra Lynch Clyshawn Baker Cody Heyler Cole Arnett Cooper Tignor Corey Griffin Cortavious Knight Courtney Bolt Crystal Gillespie Culver Murphree DaKoda Baker Molina Darcie Driggers Dawson Holley Dazsha Copeland Dekota Bolan Destiny Henderson Deveatrius Pugh Deyven B. Tomas Drayden Harris Dusten Holmes

Dylan Green Eddie Warren Elijah Jenkins Ella Kate Smith Emily Ray Ethan Tu Eve Lancaster Ford Chastain Ford Ponder Gabrielle Johnson Garrett Earle Garrett Nestor Hannah Brooks Harper Hendrix Hudson Eldred Hunter Bracknell Ian Brackett Iden White Isabella Studdard Jabraylen Thomas Jackson Bryan Jackson Neighbors Jacorey Hunter Jada Jones Jaiden Garner Jalyrica Murph Jamarrion Richardson James Wei Jania Pierson Jasmine Heptinstall Jason Woods Jayden Johnson Jeffery Casteel Jeremiah Pierson Jeriah Hamilton

Jeyla Morgan Johnny Mendoza Jomarious Burton Jonah Denson Jonah Studdard Jonathan Holloway Joselyn Leiva Joshua L. Tolbert Jr Julia Karaca Jung Vin Seo Justin Patterson Kai Garner Kaleb Pirtle Kaleb Shockley KaMya Grant Kamyiah Farrow Katie McClain Kay Williams Kayden Aadil Kelsey McNeil Kevin Karaca KhaLeah Gartrell Khalia Core Khamar Woody Kiley Brooks Kimberly Mendoza Kimora Avery Kolleen Whang Kyleigh White La’Miracle Driver Landon Smith LaVarious Fergerson Liam Travis Lily White Lorelei McClendon

Lucas Pinckard Luke Sanders Lyric Chillous Mac Lancaster Macon Grace Hardison Madison Gulsby Madison Phillips MaKaylah Dutton Makilah Pendleton Makiya Denson Makiya Randolph Malik Miles Mallory Formby Marcayla Reese Markell Wagner Matt Durham Matthew Rainwater Melakhye Simmons Meredith Eloise Godwin Meredith Pinckard Mijuael Farrow Milan Garner Morgan Carter Morgan Nestor Myles Foreman NaJavvean Dunn Nevaeh Ramsy Ni’Yonna Caldwell Nicholas Holloway Nicholas Miller Nicholas Pendleton Nicolas A. Dowdell Nolen Smith Olivia Durham Olivia Kahn

QuaShawn Satterwhite Rachel Donley Raegan Brooks Sara Beth Kahn Savannah Luse Sekwondria Dansby Shakyera Gunn Shaniya Dunn Shaniya Jackson Shelby Smith Skyler Luse Sophie Bartlett Suyeon Shin Sydney Garner Sydney Smith Taylor Lewis Taylor Neighbors Taylor Norris Titus Studdard Toccara Jones Tomaya Johnson Tommy Pike, Jr. Trenton Weatherholtz Tristan Greenhaw Tucker McLaughlin Tyquavious Wagner Valeria Nieto-Hernandez William Holloway Willishia Pugh Wynn Cleveland Xavier O’Neill Young Ho Seo Zamora Pendleton

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

County Schools Auburn Junior High’s Autauga Auburn High Teacher of the Year School’s Teacher Congratulations to Ms. Karin Fuller on being voted of the Year Auburn Junior High School's Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to Ms. Beth Antoine on being voted Auburn High School's Teacher of the Year. This is a special honor for a well-deserving teacher.

Ms. Fuller is in her seventh year as a ninth grade Biology teacher at AJHS. She is involved in the BEST Robotics Club, Hal Moore Leadership Academy, and AJHS Leadership Team, as well as many other committees and activities on our campus. A special honor for a well-deserving teacher.

Richland Elementary’s Teacher of the Year Congratulations to Ms. Marie King Richland's Teacher of the Year ! We are so proud of you and the great job you do!

4 F

Colonial Week at Pick Elementary School

The 5th grade students at Pick Elementary School studied the Colonial American time period as a History Unit. While learning all about the people, land, and culture of that time period, they ended the study with a day of Colonial dress, dancing, and food festivities. Some of the events including learning to cross stitch, playing unique to the time games, and trying some interesting food and drinks.

Cary Woods Elementary Celebrated Thanksgiving

Students in Mrs. Handley’s first grade class learned about the Pilgrims and Indians. Each student created their very own vest and dress filled with beautiful fall colors. During the Thanksgiving Feast, which included sharing with family and friends, a program was presented. The Thanksgiving Alphabet was read by the students which included the history of the Thanksgiving traditions and also what each student was thankful for.

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

pi E

Wrights Mill Road Elementary News

4th grader at Wrights Mill Road Joseph Freeman sharing his painting he did in the afterschool programs Art Club.

3rd Grader at Wrights Mill Road Olivia D. is enjoying her Chill Yogurt on WMRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chill night!

Wrights Mill Road broadcaster say good-bye to their viewers. 5th graders pictured are Lucy A., Jayne F., Nate F., Everett D., James H., Shina P., Hannah P., and Amanda B. 19

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

AutaugaBus County Schools Perfect Safety Inspection in Lee County

Lee County Transportation Department consist of 124 Drivers, 5 Technicians, 1 Shop Manager, 1 Shop Foreman/Technician, 2 Shop Assistants, 1 Shop Secretary and 1 Transportation Director who operate 151 school buses. Last year, the bus fleet traveled over 1.1 million miles and received a perfect DOT/Alabama SDE Inspection review this past summer. This is the first time in at least 24 years that Lee County has received this Superior Safety Recognition Review. Unlike many States, this Inspection process requires that every bus be inspected rather than a random selection

of buses. From the Director: “This achievement was reached due to pre-trip inspections performed by the dedicated drivers and a wonderful Transportation “Team” who looks out for each other and the safety of children. We have been exercising the theme, “Good to Great” for the past 4 years, and we have reached it! Lee County is one of the top comprehensive Technician Teams in the State. Thanks Transportation Team!”

A Le BL 2 RI te an BL e

c d d

Hope 4 the Homeless

BHS Student Council is very excited to be teaming up with Divine Intervention Ministry to help give HOPE TO THE HUNGRY. We are asking BHS students to bring in specific food items needed to prepare meals for the homeless & needy of Valley, Beulah, Opelika & Columbus.

p l a

w tea cu al t

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Lee-Scott Academy Recognized as AISA Blue Ribbon School

The Alabama Independent School Association is pleased to announce that Lee-Scott Academy has attained the AISA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL designation for the 2013 - 2014 school year. An AISA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL exemplifies excellence in teaching, student performance, school life, and school and community interaction. A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL award winner is an excellent school involved in an on-going process of school improvement. The AISA has been steadfast in its efforts since 1970 to maintain an organization of independently operated non-public schools that are rich in diversity, committed to academic excellence, and deeply concerned about the growth and development of children and youth. The association’s goal is to provide quality educational opportunities for those parents choosing an alternative to public education. The AISA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL program is sponsored by the AISA to recognize member schools with outstanding educational programs. Lee-Scott Academy has attained a high level of excellence in the areas of student and teacher performance, plant and facilities, student life, and community involvement and is a very worthy recipient of the AISA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL award.

BSOFN!

[Big Smile On Face Now]

334.705.8655 www.bracesbyallen.com

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

Lee County School System’s Secondary Teacher of the Year

Beulah High School is proud to announce that Mrs. Jessica O’Neal was recently selected as the Lee County School system wide secondary teacher of the year. Mrs. O’Neal teaches eighth grade pre-algebra and is currently in her sixth year teaching mathematics at Beulah. Mrs. O’Neal also serves as the school-wide chairperson for both the RTI (Response to Instruction) committee and the CIP team for school improvement. Mrs. O’Neal attained her Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at LaGrange College in 2010. She and her husband, Josh have one daughter named Adler. Pictured is Lee County Schools Superintendent Dr. “Mac” McCoy presenting an engraved silver tray honoring Beulah High School’s Mrs. Jessica O’Neal as the Lee County Schools Secondary teacher of the year. Beulah High School Principal Joey Biddle and Assistant Principal David Owen look on. 21

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

1. Gra it s car set use pe we ch cou din at

2. ten pa sta she or cou cle go kid ev be

3. or dra po mo the the

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

1. Have a carpet picnic or tea party. Grab a blanket to lay on the floor (makes it seem like a real picnic plus you save the carpet or floor!). If you have a play tea set, that would work perfectly. If not, just use small cups and plates. We like to have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that we cut into small pieces or make chocolate chip cookies just for the tea party. You could have the carpet picnic for lunch or dinner for something different and also do a tea party on the same day! 2. Build a fort or set up an indoor tent. Fort-building is a blast! Find some parent-approved sheets and blankets and start scouting out the perfect spot. Drape sheets over a large table for a simple fort or get crazy using chairs, other furniture, couch cushions and more. For easier clean-up, of course, the indoor tent is a good choice and is just as much fun. The kids feel all hidden and cozy and may even want to sleep in there for naptime or bedtime. 3. Draw pictures, create crafts, write or tell stories. This is the perfect time to drag out the craft box full of pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, markers, glitter, glue and more. Older kids might want to make up their own story, illustrate it and – voilá – they have their very own book!

4. Write out plays to act out later or have a talent show. The kids might want to write up a play of their own creation or something mimicking a movie. They’ll have fun coming up with costumes and props and running their lines. They can open up the box office to “sell” tickets, set up the theatre and put on their play for you and your video recorder! 5. Throw a dance party. Sometimes it’s just easy and fun to turn on some music and get goofy. Dance around the house to any kind of music at all. Go up and down the radio dial looking for new songs to move to, or use music you already have loaded onto a computer or iPod set to “shuffle.” 6. Play “store”. Have the kids make their own play money or buy some at a dollar store. Each child can make their own store, and they buy items from each other. Items can include toys they no longer want, trading cards, pictures they have drawn, anything. 7. Set up a cardboard box village. Grocery and other stores often have lots of leftover boxes in all shapes and sizes. Grab a bunch and you have an afternoon of entertainment for the kids. They can decorate the boxes however they like then

set them up as homes or stores or let their imagination run wild! 8. Play hide-and-seek. Simple, but it always works. Kids just love hide-and-seek and can play one-on-one or in teams or one-on-everybody-else. There’s even reverse hide-and-seek, where everybody else hides and one person goes to find them all. The first person found is the next “it”. 9. Bake away the boredom. Whip up a batch of sugar cookie dough and when it’s time to roll those babies out, you know the kids will come runnin’! Cut them out in all shapes and sizes, bake them and later the kids will enjoy frosting and decorating their own creations to take pictures of and eat. 10. Play school. Another classic, but kids always love this one. They can all sit at the dining room table or drag smaller tables out to make desks. The kids take turns playing the teacher, and assignments are given using old worksheets or workbooks or just simply by having the kids draw something for the teacher. If all else fails, put on one of your exercise DVDs and attempt to work out with the kids in the room. They will get a good laugh and you all might get some exercise indoors! AOP Kerrie McLoughlin writes about all things kid at TheKerrieShow.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

A Page in a Book by Gerry Paige Smith

Finding Beauty in the Night Most children struggle at some point with fear or discomfort in the dark. It’s entirely natural to feel some anxiety when one of our primary senses, which serves us so well in the light, is dimmed by the dark. And when a child’s imagination begins to fill in the dark blanks, sometimes the results can be scary. But, like the dreams that take flight when our eyes close tight, the night has its own lovely secrets to share with the child who is ready to explore them. The following books shine a light on the wonders of the night and celebrate the beautiful things that can happen when the sun goes down for the evening.

Please Bring Balloons

by Lindsay Ward (Penguin / Dial) When young Emma visits her favorite carousel, she spies a note tucked under the saddle of the great white polar bear. It simply asks her to bring a balloon. So, she does. On her next visit she finds a note that simply says, “Please bring more.” And, bring them, she does! As darkness falls, Emma comes with many, many balloons to tie to the carousel bear’s saddle. And gently, the balloons lift the Bear – and Emma – into the night sky. Their airborne adventure takes them up into the darkness, where they revel against starry skies, among gentle snows and upon quiet icebergs. When morning comes, Emma isn’t sure the adventure was real, but a clue on the carousel just may indicate that dreams could come true. Celebrating the wonders of a winter night with colorful intensity, “Please Bring Balloons” is a beautiful bedtime read to put sleepy minds on a dreamy path to the magical possibilities of the night.

Steam Train, Dream Train

by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle) When the night reaches full dark, a powerful train steams into Night Falls station where a menagerie of animals will load it with prize cargo. A polar bear and penguin load the freezer car full of ice cream. Turtles creep aboard as they move their (fast asleep) fast cars onto the train’s auto rack. The train’s cars are all taking on special cargo as the animal crew preps for the evening journey. Lushly illustrated, the moonlit clouds mimic the clouds of steam billowing from the train, and the train’s headlight flashes like the northern star in the night. For every child who loves trains and for every reader who’s ever heard a train’s whistle in the dark, this title is a rich, rhythmic reminder that wonderful things are still happening in the world long after the sun has set.

The Insomniacs

by Karina Wolf, Illustrated by The Brothers Hilts (Penguin / G. P Putnam’s Sons) When Mrs. Insomniac takes a new job that relocates the whole family half-way around the world and across twelve time zones, they all quickly discover that their nights and days are all mixed up. Mother, Father and little Mika can’t fall asleep at night. And their days are miserable as work and school suffer when everyone is too tired to be their best. When all insomnia remedies fail, the family strikes off into the night to seek advice from anyone they find. What they discover is a whole world of life that thrives in the dark! Nocturnal creatures - from angel sharks to aardvarks, from bats to bandicoots – reveal that some types are best suited to the night-life. The newly nocturnal family takes up work and hobbies that are best pursued in the dark (Mika even takes night classes) as they find a way to take back the night and make use of the mysterious and marvelous dark!

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

res an

co the co gra co

the to Io tha ge ge

kid the He bu fam no mo the I’ve sta

e xt

Q. Do you have any advice for teaching

responsibility and generosity to adult children and grandkids when it comes to money?

A. I think there are three key factors when it comes to teaching children of any age about these concepts—humility, gratitude and contentment. In my mind, humility is where gratitude comes from, and gratitude leads to contentment. I’m generous to my adult children, but they have no sense of entitlement. That’s due to their personal humility. They don’t feel that I owe them anything, and they already know that anyone who cops an entitlement attitude gets cut off. You’re no longer qualified for my generosity when you lose your gratitude. You’ve got to spend time talking to kids about these things. Otherwise, you run the risk of them counting on the income. Here’s an example. We coach some family businesses at my company, and the best family businesses are the ones that teach non-employee family members who receive money from the business—dividends from the profits—never to live on those dividends. I’ve seen lots of cases where someone will start living on the business they don’t work in,

and they immediately start feeling entitled to the money. The same principle applies in your situation. If someone starts saying, “Well, since mom and dad are paying for our daycare, we can use that money we would have spent to buy a car.” That means they’ve started counting on mom and dad’s generosity to live, and that’s a form of entitlement mentality. None of our kids receive any kind of financial help from us at all, unless they’re already carrying their weight in their own lives. That’s not being cold. It’s teaching responsibility and self-reliance. Now it would be different if one of them developed a serious medical issue or something like that. But the whole idea that mommy and daddy have lots of money, and I can just get some from them? That doesn’t fly in our family. You have to teach them character and giving in order for them to be valid recipients. Plus, it’s all about the kids’ attitude. But you’ve got to talk about it often and communicate the value system out loud. The gifting and generosity are contingent upon the humility that leads to gratitude that leads to contentment.

Q. My wife and I are working the Baby Steps, and we have our budget in place. Sometimes the budget gets busted because of home improvements and various other things. I think we should take money from our emergency fund when this happens, but she says it should come out of our restaurant and fun money. What do you think? A. I hate to break this to you, but overspending is not an emergency. If you budget a set amount in one category and you go over that amount, you’ve got to have something you reduce or cut out completely to stay within your budget for the month. You’d be surprised at what some people call an “emergency.” But here’s the deal: If something happens on a pretty regular basis, it’s a predictable event. That means you need to budget a larger amount for home improvements or whatever the problem area may be. Overall, on a month-to-month basis, if you find you have $200 budgeted for car repairs and the repair turns out to be $250, I’d rather you cut back on eating out to make up the difference. That’s the way my wife and I did it back in the day. We never touched the emergency fund for anything except big, unexpected, scary stuff.

y of dip

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

bo the are ton me the

sit as tw ma All

ho kn ca kn pe

the at str bu ou sit on log wa

Psychologist G. Stanley Hall famously described the teenage years as a “storm.” But the teen tempest is foreshadowed by some early storm warnings during the tween years: unsettling new behaviors like blatant eye-rolling, public back-talk, and peer worship. These wearing attitudes darken the horizon like threatening clouds during early adolescence—and make parents want to run for cover. What makes previously pleasant children turn mouthy and defiant after age 8? It’s not bad parenting, says Alyson Shafer, psychotherapist and author of Ain’t Misbehavin’. But these behaviors are a form of revolt. “Rebellion only exists in relationships where people are in a superior/inferior relationship. Eventually the person in the inferior position rises up, and that’s what we see with tweens disrespecting their parents.” If storm clouds are brewing at your house, don’t batten down the hatches. Take Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

these steps to tame unruly tween ‘tudes, starting today.

The slouch & shirk

Exaggerated eye-rolls, slouching, shirking parents’ gaze—non-verbal rebellion is a tweenage specialty. “This is a natural developmental time to push against authority, even about something as simple as posture,” notes Schafer. “Slouching and slumping are a way of defying society’s rule to ‘sit up straight’ even if you parents never asked you to.”

How to help:

Recognize that it’s not (always) about you: “Parents can take their child’s attitude personally, when the behavior is more of a general statement about all authority,” says Schafer. Treat an eye-roll or a slumped stance as an invitation to uncover what’s genuinely bothering your child. 26

The slick lip

From a mumbled “Yeah, right,” to a sassy showdown over chores or homework, back talk peppers tween language. What’s really going on when kids talk back? According to Schafer, tweens don’t consider mouthing off to be back talk—they think they’re defending themselves. “Tweens are telling parents ‘if you can talk to me that way, then I can do the same to you!’”

How to help:

Back talk shouldn’t be ignored, because it signals an underlying problem (even a minor, fleeting one like frustration over a missed soccer goal or a bad grade). But shooting back more angry words only fuels the fire. Responding with, “I can see you’re upset right now. Let’s take some time to cool off. Do you want to spend time alone, or would you like me to stay with you?” gives www.auburnopelikaparents.com

both parties a chance to step away from the problem and regroup. Once tempers are diffused, raise the issue in a neutral tone and work toward resolution, recommends Suzanne Roberts, a licensed family therapist.

Prevent these trying scenes in the first place by setting parameters for the outing before leaving the house. Decide in advance how much money will be spent, how long you’ll stay, and what constitutes acceptable behavior for the trip.

child’s life, but lately, there’s a new focal point: peers. These days, your child is dressing, talking, and acting more and more like her pack of tween pals. Worse, she seems to prefer their company to yours. What gives?

The mall meltdown

The mood swing

How to help:

You’re waiting to pay for a purchase, sitting down at a restaurant, or leaving a school function when it happens: Your tween unleashes a defiant diatribe that makes heads turn (and your stomach drop). All eyes are on you—what now? Public parental humiliation is a timehonored tween tactic, because tweens know that parents may be more likely to cave in the glare of the spotlight. “I don’t know any parent who hasn’t had this happen to them,” says Roberts.

How to help:

Too often, parents react to the shame they feel instead of the actual situation at hand. “We’re afraid of being judged by strangers,” says Roberts. Instead of getting burned in the heat of the moment, cut the outing short and remove the child from the situation. Hear your child out when everyone’s anger has mellowed, and provide a logical consequence (like “The next time you want to go to the mall, we’re not going”).

Living with a mercurial, moody tween is no picnic. One moment, your child is a sunny sweetheart. The next, a rage-filled zombie. But don’t blame your child—blame a growth spurt in the brain around 11-13 that impacts mood and behavior. With rapidly changing bodies and minds, kids lack the impulse control and emotional regulation to deal with stress adaptively, and lash out at parents instead.

How to help:

Don’t try to problem-solve when kids are at the unpleasant end of the mood spectrum. “When we’re angry, our brains are taken over by a fight-or-flight response and we can’t respond appropriately,” says Roberts. Ask your child to put a numerical value on their anger, from one to ten, and make a family rule to take a cool-down break if anyone tags their fury at five or higher.

The peer package

You used to be the epicenter of your

As painful as it may be, parents need to let out the leash a bit more with tweens, says Schafer. “Tweens will choose your company less often, so you need to find other ways to stay connected during this time.” To maintain a strong connection that will stand the test of peer power, try meeting tweens where they are: chatting, texting, sharing computer games, shopping, or simply listening. Ultimately, respect is a two-way street, and tweens who don’t feel respected are more likely to dish out disrespect themselves. If we can approach our children from a standpoint of curiosity instead of judgment and really work to uncover what’s driving their behavior, that’s so helpful,” says Roberts. “When someone feels understood, it changes the whole dynamic of the relationship.” AOP Malia Jacobson is a nationally published journalist and mom. She blogs about family health at www. thewellrestedfamily.com.

dh-

ool

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Time to Build the Robots!

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the automatons of previous centuries to robot beings that permeate our pop culture (Wall-e, Transformers, C3PO), humans have always been fascinated by the mystery and marvels of mechanical beings that mimic living creatures. And as real, life-like robotic creations continue to evolve by leaps and bounds, our kids will live in a world where robots will be part of their everyday lives. With this field of engineering growing, encouraging children’s interest in robots and robotic science through play is recommended. Cultivating an early understanding of robots and their mechanics can give your child the inventive edge in a brave new robotic world!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Robot Invasion

Gyrobot: Gyroscopic Robot Kit

(Bloco Toys)

Breaking the stiff mold for traditional robot assembly, the Robot Invasion Set from Bloco is a uniquely child-friendly collection of robot components that are super-easy for little hands to assemble. The high-density foam pieces and plastic connectors are bendable in ways that allow for stacking, rotating and flexible construction of robot projects. Additionally, the parts are slightly stretchy (fostering more challenging connections) and washable! The set include plans for 6 robots (5 can be constructed from the materials all at one time), but the easy assembly and colorful pieces will quickly inspire independent design and construction of a new and original robotic army of creations to invade and conquer your household!

(Thames and Kosmos)

With this ideal introduction to gyroscopes (used in everything from smartphones and tablets to video game controllers and space telescopes), kids can harness the power of this amazing device to build seven different motorized robots, each with unique characteristics and function! The process of assembling each robot gives budding robotic engineers handson experience and valuable scientific knowledge about how gyroscopes play an indispensable role in our modern lives. From building a gravity-defying personal vehicle to a tightrope-walker, this kit will amaze and educate kids and adults as they use the power of the gyroscope to mobilize their robotic creations!

Makedo Find & Build a Robot

Build Your Own Robo-Pup

(Makedo)

(Discovery Kids)

Makedo is an uber-cool building option that combines a builder’s imagination and resourcefulness with the kit’s connectivity supply. Using the broad range of connectors and decorative elements in the Makedo Find & Build a Robot kit, the builder is challenged to craft his robot from found items and stuff lying around the house! The ultimate fun recycling project, kids can transform boxes, broken toys, packaging, plastic bottles and more… into robot wonders using the Makedo safe-saw, lock-hinges, pins, clips and robotthemed stickers. This inexpensive, yet amazing, kit facilitates the Dr. Frankenbot in every kid as they combine their re-purposing ingenuity with Makedo resources to build a robot!

For the kid who’s on the front end of an interest in robots and robotics, the Discovery Kids Build Your Own Robo-Pup is ideal bridging technology for the beginning builder. With a slick exterior design and a minimum of pieces and parts, the bulk of the pup is already built. When the eight main components of the robot pup are assembled (with some adult supervision), it can walk, bark, as well as move its head, ears and tail. Activated by touch and sound, the Robo-Pup is a cute and compelling introduction to the possibilities of simple robotics offering the broad strokes of the science without the detail challenges of some similar robotics kits.

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

wh un cra shi ha an qu Ih we rea

1. 2. 3. =l 4. do 5. tire 6. aro

do ag cub do on ba

hig the to thin Gr we all

com ed for my ily de ma ext on of Ih

ke sm pill ers

d to s

TheFlyLady

A Flight Plan For You and Your Home. by Marla Cilley

Parents Should Do Their Best, Everything Place But Not Expect TooHas Mucha in Return We want a home that hugs us! But where do we start? This has been the underlying question that causes us to procrastinate. I have an answer. We start with shining our sink. That is the absolute first habit to establish is keeping our sinks clean and shiny. Then we declutter. That’s when the question comes up again, “Where do I start?” I have been thinking about this and sometime we put the cart before the horse. Here is the reason we have to address our clutter issues. 1. Clutter waste time 2. Clutter makes our house look messy 3. Children pull out everything; less to pull out = less mess. 4. Too many clothes makes laundry hard to do and to put away. 5. Clutter causes us to feel overwhelmed and tired. It zaps our energy. 6. We want peace in our lives and with clutter around there is no peace.

to a precious little girl. That made room for the bin of keepsakes. I picked up the bin and just poured it into the cedar chest. I didn’t get sidetracked by sorting this box of magazines and other papers. That was not my goal. Now the bin was empty. I was still collecting all the geek toys into one place. I took the other Rubbermaid sweater bin and pulled out all the totes and zippered bags, put them all in one bag and decluttered the ones I didn’t like. I placed that in the top of my closet with my other tote bags and purses. Now I had two bins empty. I took the declutter items to the car and put the trash in the garbage can.

Now I was ready to start sorting my geek toys into one bin, with my trusty declutter kit right beside me--Give away, Put Away and Throw away. Now the laundry basket is empty. The Rubbermaid bin is labeled and ready to roll under the bed and I have one empty one. As a result of just collecting my geek toys, I have consolidated my memorabilia, my purses and tote bags and I have one empty storage container. Everything having a place and everything in its place makes for a peaceful home. For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, see her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net. Also check out her books, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2014 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.

Back to the question of the day: Where do I start? Chicken or the egg syndrome once again; do I declutter the flat surfaces or the cubby holes. I have the answer. BOTH! Now don’t get upset! We are not going to do it all at once. I am going to walk you through this one baby step at a time. The reason your flat surfaces are piled high is because you do not have a place for the items in your hotspot. The easiest way to save time is to have a place for everything and everything in its place. Didn’t your Granny teach you that? Our problem is that we don’t know where to put anything because all of our storage places are cluttered. Here is my story...I had telephone and computer stuff in lots of places. When I needed something I spent a lot of time searching for it. I had to decide where I wanted to keep my geek toys. For me, they had to be easily accessible when I wanted something. I decided that I would keep them in a Rubbermaid sweater bin that would slide under my extra bed. But wait! My memorabilia was in one of those bins and the other one was full of tote bags and zipper bags. Here is what to I had to do. I chose my cedar chest to hold my keepsakes. It had a pillow, two sweaters, a small comforter and other memorabilia; the pillow got donated along with the two sweaters and the comforter is being washed to give 29

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

1. sig the ba

2. Ha wh pe

3. lef go bu ch

4. Wh the cla no

5. T ev ba an sie

6. an

I recall having a mini nervous breakdown the morning my tween son sat down at the island for breakfast, and I noticed his childhood nose had disappeared. He had grown a young man new nose overnight! When he left the kitchen I sobbed like a basketcase. Like I did after dropping him off on his first day of kindergarten. Parents of tweens must watch their children bid goodbye to childhood wonder and innocence every day. They may even grieve the old nose. The adolescent years can feel like unfamiliar territory for kids and adults alike, but there is plenty to celebrate about the â&#x20AC;&#x153;between years.â&#x20AC;? And letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget, not everything about the younger ones was rosy! The following lighthearted reminders are designed to keep your thoughts optimistic, your sense of humor in check, and your views about tweendom positive. Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

1. Children in the double digit years do a significantly better job vacuuming. True, there are toddlers who can Swiffer like a bandit…just sayin’. 2. Eleven-year-olds cannot legally drive. Hallelujah, they are not yet behind the wheel, meaning you may sleep semipeacefully at night for a few more years. 3. Cue the confetti—Go, Diego, Go has left the building! Sure there is a wealth of good children’s programming on the air, but there are also theme songs and quirky characters we won’t miss one bit. 4. Tweens read better than 2nd graders. What a relief you are not expected to read the literature they are assigned for English class (which is uber cool since Othello is not your idea of “downtime” after work). 5. They don’t grow out of their wardrobe every two weeks. Shelling out $20 for the band t-shirt they will wear for two years is an easier pill to swallow than the $20 onesie which fit for less than a month. 6. Physically, they are growing stronger and they know it. Glimpsing your tween’s

joy and skill on the football/soccer/baseball field invigorates your soul. 7. Tweens still crave your affection. Which is why every once in awhile when they cross the room just to bend and give you a hug, your heart grows three sizes. 8. They are developing a killer sense of humor. The hilarious YouTube they shared makes you laugh out loud and may even elevate your status to coolest cat in the office. 9. Traveling—especially in the air—is no longer an exercise in mental cruelty. Remember when the threat of an in-flight tantrum driving every passenger on board to the brink of insanity kept your anxiety sky high? Over. Plugged into an iPod or busy with Sudoku spells far less mortification. 10. The diaper bag has vanished. Sippy cups, diaper genies, and rectal thermometers are history. 11. Let’s face it, you look more put together these days. Suddenly you and your spouse dress more fashionably as a matter of their survival.

12. You have a bit more time. Your dream of seeing Europe, taking up golf, or reading the classics? It’s possibly within the realm of possibility now. 13. There are less wrestling matches at bathtime. And when they’re sick, they may no longer have to be straightjacketed to get grape-flavored medicine down the hatch. 14. Meaningful discussions spell personal growth. Watching an age-appropriate movie with them now provides an opportunity to discuss meaningful topics—a chance for both of you to grow and connect. 15. This may be your first chance to catch your breath and reflect on their childhood. Finally there are a few minutes to scrapbook (or print hard copies of digitally stored baby photos!), leading you to fall in love with your tween all over again. AOP Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. Visit her at http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com and http://hellolovelychild.blogspot.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Ongoing:

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-7281162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival • “The Great Gatsby”. Through Feb. 16. • “Twenty Seven”. Feb. 14-Mar. 2. Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery. www.asf.net. Arctic Express Through Dec 24. Silverhill, Al. www.waleswest.com. Atlanta Ballet Jean-Christophe Maillot’s “Roméo et Juliette” presented by The Atlanta Ballet. Feb. 7-15. www.atlantaballet.com. Atlanta Botanical Gardens Garden Lights Holiday Nights. Through Jan. 4. www.atlanta.net. Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts • ”Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.” Through Dec 23. www.puppet.org. Bellingrath Gardens and Home Camellia Mini Show. Feb. 1-20. Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Mobile. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Birmingham Children’s Theatre “Little Miss Muffet and the Lost Sheep.” Jan. 28-April 26. BJCC. www.bct123.org. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Helen Keller Student Art Show of Alabama. Jan. 26-Feb. 23. www.bcri.org. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Callaway Gardens Annual Fantasy in Lights. Through Dec 30. Georgia. www.callawaygardens.com. Center for Puppetry Arts “Stan the Lovesick Snowman.” Through Feb. 2. “Weather Rocks!” Feb. - Mar. 23. Atlanta. www.atlanta.net. Centennial Olympic Park Holiday in Lights at Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta. Through Jan. 4. www.atlanta.net. Christmas at the Falls Through Dec. 22. Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden. www.cityofgadsden.com. Cloverdale Playhouse “Into the Woods”. Feb. 13-23. Cloverdale Playhouse, Montgomery. www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts Alabama Dance Theatre’s “Spring Concert”. Feb. 28 Mar. 2. Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. www.alabamadancetheatre.com. DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park Christmas Sound, Light, and Water Show. Through Jan. 1. DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park. www.desotocavernspark.com. Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Winter Invitational 2014. Jan. 7-Feb. 14. Auburn. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art • Winter Invitational 2014. Through Feb. 14.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

January/February 2014

• Commemorating 50 Years of Integration at Auburn University: Exhibit Opening. Feb. 15-23. • Ganado La Vida (Making a Living): Images of Labor in Modern Mexican Art. Through April 19. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. Macy’s Pink Pig at Lenox Square Priscilla the Pink Pig will once again carry children of all ages through a life-sized storybook filled with friends and fun beneath the signature 170-foot, 1950’s themed Pink Pig Tent. Through Jan. 5. Atlanta. www.atlanta.net. Magic Christmas in Lights Through Dec. 31. Bellingrath Gardens, Theodore. www.bellingrath.org. Mardi Gras Feb. 14 - Mar. 4. Mardi Gras in Mobile. Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts “Let It Snow!” An Indoor Winter Wonderland. Through Jan. 31. Gadsden. www.culturalarts.org. McWane Science Center Robots + Us Exhibit. Feb. 2-May 11. Birmingham. www.mcwane.org. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Montgomery Ballet www.montgomeryballet.org. Montgomery Performing Arts Montgomery Performing Arts. www.mpaconline.org. Montgomery Zoo 22nd Annual Christmas Light Festival. Dec. 19-31. The Montgomery Zoo. 5:30-9:30 p.m. www.montgomeryzoo.com. National Village Christmas Lights Through Jan. 5. National Village at Grand National, Opelika. Noccalula Falls Park Christmas at the Falls. Through Dec. 22. Gadsden. www.cityofgadsden.com. Old Alabama Town Holiday Celebration Black Heritage Tour. Feb. 1-28. www.oldalabamatown.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Roosevelt’s Little White House The Honor Tree: A Photographic Tribute to our Nation’s Soldiers. Through Dec. 30. Roosevelt’s Little White House. Warm Springs, Ga. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 706-655-5870 for more information. “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” Through Dec. 23. The Center for Puppetry Arts. Atlanta. www.puppet.org. Samford University “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.” Jan. 23-Feb. 9. Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Springer Opera House • “A Raisin in the Sun.” Jan. 23-Feb.1. • “Les Miserables”. Feb. 27-Mar. 15. Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org. “A Bluegrass Christmas Carol” Through Dec. 22. Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ CORNERSTONE Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call Josie at 257-3950. Lee County Autism Support Group meets every other month. Call Julie Brown 887-3903 or Florence Evermom 887-5005. Covenant Presbyterian Church on Shelton Mill Road in Auburn. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. Moms In Touch. Do you worry about your children? Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Moms In Touch International gathers moms together for one hour, once a week, to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and school. Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation? Please contact Julia Farrow at julia@cornerstonebuzz. org for information about our local groups. For more information about Moms In Touch International, visit www.MomsInTouch.org. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Mom’s Morning Out

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

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Gai Thi Lee Sen the Ope (Sp Car Foo The offe and awa For foo 826 GR Are from Do wit forg Clin our gro of y set tim She wom you to h

Col Jan ww Au Feb Au Me Wo Au Feb Au BCS Au Feb Au Jan Au Feb Au Jan

Ro Spe Firs 334

“Ho Lun Bal info 115 Ha Cal Dis For pre

Lun Jule ww

a/.

:30 gs nd arly

ms, @ 23 call

ally

y 12

rst or

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

Sports

Columbus Cottonmouths Jan. 26, 25, 30. Feb. 14, 15, 21, 23, 28. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Auburn Baseball Feb. 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28. Auburn Basketball Men’s: Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 1, 12, 15, 26. Women’s: Jan. 19, 30. Feb. 9, 16, 22, 23, 27. Auburn Equestrian Feb. 15. Auburn Football BCS National Championship January 6. Auburn Gymnastics Feb. 14, 21. Auburn Hockey Jan. 24-25. Columbus Ice Rink. Auburn Swimming & Diving Feb. 1. Auburn Tennis Jan. 18, 21, Feb. 1, 4.

Monday, January 20

Robert E. Lee Birthday Celebration with Guest Speaker & Birthday Cake First White House of the Confederacy, Montgomery. 334-315-7266.

Tuesday, January 21

“Honoring the Past, Charting the Future” Luncheon Ballroom at The Hotel at Auburn University. For more information please contact Janet Bryant at 334-8441150 oralumniprograms@auburn.edu. Hawk Walk Callaway Gardens, Ga. www.callawaygardens.com. Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn.www.auburn.edu/ preserve.

Wednesday, January 22 Lunch and Learn. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

January/February 2014

Hawk Walk at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Vulture Strolls Callaway Gardens, Ga. www.callawaygardens.com. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends BJCC, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com.

Thursday, January 23

Hudson Family Foundation Benefit Weekend Featuring Jeff Foxworthy and Rascal Flatts. Auburn Arena. For sponsorship and ticket information, please contact Jenny Hall at (334) 707-9007 (office) or (352) 302-7708 (cell) or by email at info@ hudsonfamilyfoundation.com. Opening Convocation/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday Celebration Talladega College. 256-761-6207. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:00-1:00 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. The Fresh Beat Band Arena at the Gwinnett Center, Atl. www.atlanta.net. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn.www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Hawk Walk at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends BJCC, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com.

Friday, January 24

Hudson Family Foundation Benefit Weekend Featuring Jeff Foxworthy and Rascal Flatts. Auburn Arena. For sponsorship and ticket information, please contact Jenny Hall at (334) 707-9007 (office) or (352) 302-7708 (cell) or by email at info@ hudsonfamilyfoundation.com. Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival Brundidge, Al. www.piddle.org. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Photography Exhibition Opens Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends BJCC, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com.

Saturday, January 25

Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. The Lee-Russell Aging Foundation’s 9th Annual Unforgettable Footsteps Mardi Gras Walk/Run Opelika Municipal Park. Maria Davis at 334-749-5264 ext. 207 or email: maria.davis@adss.alabama.gov. www.lrcog.com. Birmingham Feline Fanciers CFA Allbreed Cat Show www.birminghamfelinefanciers.com. Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival Brundidge, Al. www.piddle.org. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends BJCC, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453.

Sunday, January 26

Birmingham Feline Fanciers CFA Allbreed Cat Show www.birminghamfelinefanciers.com. Senior Bowl Mobile. www.seniorbowl.com. Dothan Eagle Bridal Extravaganza Dothan Civic Center. 334-615-3175. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. K-12 Art Club ‘Photography’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Bridal Extravaganza of Atlanta Atlanta Convention Center. www.atlanta.net. Hawk Walk at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Vulture Strolls Callaway Gardens, Ga. www.callawaygardens.com. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends BJCC, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com.

Monday, January 27

“A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org.

Tuesday, January 28

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey presents Super Circus Heroes Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.com. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Hawk Walk at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/ preserve.

Wednesday, January 29 Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey presents Super Circus Heroes Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.com. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Hawk Walk at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Vulture Strolls Callaway Gardens, Ga. www.callawaygardens.com. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey presents Super Circus Heroes Columbus Civic Center. www.columbusciviccenter.com. Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Thursday, January 30

Crater Days Wetumpka Impact Crater. www.cityofwetumpka.com. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:00-1:00 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. CSU’s Department of Theatre Presents “Stop Kiss” Columbus State University. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu. Zac Brown Band Columbus Civic Center. 7 p.m. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Hawk Walk Callaway Gardens, Ga. www.callawaygardens.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. CSU’s Department of Theatre Presents “Stop Kiss” www.theatre.columbusstate.edu. Crater Days Wetumpka Impact Crater. www.cityofwetumpka.com. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:00-1:00 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Friday, January 31

Crater Days Wetumpka Impact Crater. www.cityofwetumpka.com. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. New Year’s Eve at The Hotel at Auburn University 7 p.m. African American Leadership Conference Troy University. www.troyal.gov. CSU’s Department of Theatre Presents “Stop Kiss” www.theatre.columbusstate.edu.

Saturday, February 1

Beaker Bash 2014: Bash to the Rescue McWane Science Center. 5 p.m. www.mcwane.org. Home Depot Kids Workshop ‘Build a Race Car’ Home Depot, Opelika. 9 a.m.-12 noon. Free. www.homedepot.com. CSU’s Department of Theatre Presents “Stop Kiss” www.theatre.columbusstate.edu. African American Leadership Conference Troy University. www.troyal.gov. Shen Yun Performing Arts Show BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Crater Days Wetumpka Impact Crater. www.cityofwetumpka.com. “Bring It On: The Musical” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Super Bowl 5K and 10K Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com. 2nd Annual Auburn Polar Plunge to Benefit the Lee County Special Olympics Olgetree Village, Auburn. 10 a.m. www.active.com/ auburn-al/auburn-polar-plunge-2014. “A Raisin in the Sun” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Meet the Browns Columbus Civic Center. 7:30 p.m. www.columbusciviccenter.org.

Sunday, February 2 Family Friendly Mardi Gras Mobile Museum of Art. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. www.mobilemuseumofart.com. African American Leadership Conference Troy University. www.troyal.gov.

Tuesday, February 4 Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve

Wednesday, February 5 “River North Dance Chicago” The Opelika Center for Performing Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org. Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15-12:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

January/February 2014

Thursday, February 6 Krewe de La Dauphine Parade Dauphin Island. 1 p.m.

21st Annual Alabama Lifestyles Expo Caribe Resort, Orange Beach. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Commemorating 50 Years of Integration at Auburn: Screening of ‘Slavery by Another Name’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Valentine’s Ceramic Special Denson Rec Center, Opelika. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Fee $10. 705-5560. Daddy-Daughter Date Night 2014 ‘Winter Wonderland’ Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Clarion Inn & Suites. 5:30 p.m. Advanced Tickets required. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Superhero Day at Fudruckers at The Landings Columbus. Stop by and see Batman, Flash, Green Arrow and Superman. Kids eat for 99 cents with an adult meal. 6:30 p.m.

Friday, February 7

O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Daddy-Daughter Date Night 2014 ‘Winter Wonderland’ Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Clarion Inn & Suites. 5:30 p.m. Advanced Tickets required. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.eventcenterdowntown.com. First Fridays “Shop Late, Eat Local” Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Saturday, February 8

10th Annual Alabama Wildlife Center’s Valentine Gala: Wild About Chocolate Rosewood Hall in SoHo Square, Homewood. www.awrc.org. Preschool Picasso Spirited Art, Auburn. 10am. www.myspiritedart.com/auburn Valentine’s Open Studio Spirited Art, Auburn. 2pm. Family class. www.myspiritedart.com/auburn M.U.G.S. Fest The Alabama River Region Art Center, Wetumpka. www.arrac.org. Cultural Crossroads Symposium Old Alabama Town, Montgomery. www.oldalabamatown.com. Art Museum: Paintings, Photography and Sculpture Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Second Saturdays at the Columbus Museum 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free Admission. edu@columbusmuseum.com. O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Daddy-Daughter Date Night 2014 ‘Winter Wonderland’ Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Clarion Inn & Suites. 5:30 p.m. Advanced Tickets required. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum. Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Talladega Wild Game Cook-off NASCAR Sprint Cup Garage, Talladega. 800-822-9453.

Sunday, February 9

Hank Williams Museum Open House Montgomery. www.thehankwillimasmuseum.net. Daddy-Daughter Create Date: Sweethearts! Spirited Art, Auburn. All Ages. www.myspiritedart.com/auburn K-12 Art Club & Docent Tour Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 1-4 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Winter Jam BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org.

Monday, February 10 Home School Week Feb. 10-14.

Tuesday, February 11

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Aquila Theatre: “Fahrenheit 451” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Imagine It! Atlanta’s Hands On Children’s Museum Target Free Second Tuesdays. Free tickets available 1-7 p.m., first come, first served as capacity allows. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org. Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/ preserve.

Thursday, February 13

A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. “Rear Window” (PG) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Love on the Harriott II Riverboat Riverfront Montgomery. 334-625-2100. Champions Shootout BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Birmingham Home and Garden Show BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. New Horizon Theatre presents “A Little Princess” West Point, Ga. www.nhct.org.

Friday, February 14

Love is in the Air: Valentine Cocktails & Gala The Montgomery Ballet. www.montgomeryballet.org. Parent’s Night Out Opelika Sportsplex. 6-9 p.m. Ages 8-12. Fee $5. Mommy & Me Create Date: Better Together Spirited Art, Auburn. All Ages. www.myspiritedart.com/auburn Midland Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: “Murder On The Love Boat” Midland, Ga. 706-505-6702. Parents Night Out Opelika SportsPlex Pool. 6-9 p.m. Ages 8-12. Fee $5. 705-5560. Love on the Harriott II Riverboat Riverfront Montgomery. 334-625-2100. An Evening with Amy Grant and Vince Gill Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com. Birmingham Home and Garden Show BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Ke BJC 4th Run Cen ww Ne We “Th The ww

18t Dau Kid Spi ww Bir ww Col ww Wh Sam 11t Pike ww “Pi ww Lov The Ne We Val Gar ww

1-7

Family Calendar Kem BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. 4th Annual Critter Crawl Run Wild…or You Can Just Crawl. Alabama Nature Center Public Weekend. Lanark Park, Millbrook. www.alabamawildlife.org/critter-crawl. New Horizon Theatre presents “A Little Princess” West Point, Ga. www.nhct.org. “The Love Songs of Elvis and Buddy” The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery. www.asf.net.

Saturday, February 15

18th Annual ‘Battle of Mobile Bay 5K Race’ Dauphin Island. Kids/Tweens: Love Painting Spirited Art, Auburn. Age 5 and up. www.myspiritedart.com/auburn Birmingham Golf & Travel Expo www.bhamgolfandtravelexpo.com. Columbiana Cowboy Day www.cityofColumbiana.com. Whitney: A Musical Tribute to Whitney Houston Samford University. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org. 11th Annual Mardi Gras Magic Ball & Gala Pike County Cattlemen’s Complex. www.colleyseniorcomplex.org. “Pinocchio” presented by The Atlanta Ballet www.atlantaballet.com. Love is in the Air: Valentine Cocktails & Gala The Montgomery Ballet. www.montgomeryballet.org. New Horizon Theatre presents “A Little Princess” West Point, Ga. www.nhct.org. Valentine’s Concert Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. 6 p.m. www.thegarrettcoiseum.com.

January/February 2014

Midland Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: “Murder On The Love Boat” Midland, Ga. 706-505-6702. Roosevelt’s Little White House Guided Tours Little White House Museum, Warm Springs, Ga. 706-655-5870. Art Museum: Paintings, Photography and Sculpture Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Teen Scene Field Trip to Cloudmont Ski Resort Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Ages 12-15 yrs. 5 a.m.-6 p.m. 501-2946. Dandy Dads Dinner Dance Sponsored by the Opelika Parks and Rec. Opelika Sportsplex. A special night out for Fathers and Daughters. Enjoy an evening of dining, dancing and fun! Limited seating. Reservations required; $30 couple; $5 each additional daughter. 705-5560. Love on the Harriott II Riverboat Riverfront Montgomery. 334-625-2100. Birmingham Home and Garden Show BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Polar Bear Splash 2014: Freezin’ For A Reason FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Take a polar dip in FDR State Park’s 25-acre Lake Franklin in February! Join in on the fun at this cool event with hot drinks and hot music around a warm lakeside fire. 706-663-4858.

Sunday, February 16

Whitney: A Musical Tribute to Whitney Houston Samford University. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org. Family Class: Kandinsky Hearths Painting Spirited Art, Auburn. www.myspiritedart.com/auburn “Pinocchio” presented by The Atlanta Ballet www.atlantaballet.com.

Love is in the Air: Valentine Cocktails & Gala The Montgomery Ballet. www.montgomeryballet.org. Roosevelt’s Little White House Guided Tours Little White House Museum, Warm Springs, Ga. 706-655-5870. Birmingham Home and Garden Show BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org.

Tuesday, February 18

ClefWorks Chamber Music Festival 2014 Montgomery. www.clefworks.org. Extraordinary Women Lecture: Gloria Steinem Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. 4 p.m. www.cla.auburn.edu. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Built to Amaze Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

Wednesday, February 19 ClefWorks Chamber Music Festival 2014 Montgomery. www.clefworks.org. Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15 - 12:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Thursday, February 20 29th Alabama Clay Conference www.alclayconference.org. Black History Month Program Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. www.bcri.org. ClefWorks Chamber Music Festival 2014 Montgomery. www.clefworks.org.

ss”

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar

January/February 2014

“Mama Won’t Fly” presented by The Hallelujah Girls Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. www.reddoortheatre.org. “California Dreamin” Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium, Alexander City. 7 p.m. A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12-1 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. “9 to 5, The Musical” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn Campus. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org.

The Bassmaster Classic BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. “9 to 5, The Musical” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn Campus. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org. “Honoring the Past, Charting the Future” Luncheon Ballroom at The Hotel at Auburn University. For information contact Janet Bryant at 334-844-1150 or alumniprograms@auburn.edu. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/ preserve.

Friday, February 21

Saturday, February 22

Apollo’s Mystic Ladies Mardi Gras Parade Daphne. 6:30 p.m. www.ESchamber.com. 29th Alabama Clay Conference www.alclayconference.org. Shelby County Cattlemen’s Rodeo 6 p.m. Shelby County Exhibition Center. ClefWorks Chamber Music Festival 2014 Montgomery. www.clefworks.org. “Mama Won’t Fly” presented by The Hallelujah Girls Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. www.reddoortheatre.org. Monster X Tour Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.thegarrettcoiseum.com. Midland Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre “Murder On The Love Boat”. Midland, Ga. 706-505-6702. iGlow For Hope 5K Fun Run & Walk Benefiting Hope Harbour. Lake Bottom Park, Columbus, Ga. 7 p.m. www.bigdogrunning.com. Demi Lovato: The Neon Lights Tour Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

Knights of Ecor Rouge Mardi Gras Parade Fairhope. 7 p.m. www.ESchamber.com. The Haven’s Mystic Mutts Mardi Gras Parade for Dogs www.havenforanimals.org. 29th Alabama Clay Conference www.alclayconference.org. Shelby County Cattlemen’s Rodeo 6 p.m. Shelby County Exhibition Center. Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade Millbrook. www.millbrookrevelers.org. 5th Annual Russell Forest Run Alexander City. www.russellforestrun.com. Southeastern Songwriters Festival Weogufka Authors and Writers Festival www.weogufkacenter.com. Arts Festival Monroe County Old Courthouse Museum and Square. ClefWorks Chamber Music Festival 2014 Montgomery. www.clefworks.org.

Animal Enrichment 2014 The Montgomery Zoo. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.montgomeryzoo.com. “Mama Won’t Fly” presented by The Hallelujah Girls Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. www.reddoortheatre.org. Kooky! Center for Puppetry Arts, Atl. www.puppet.org. Monster X Tour Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.thegarrettcoiseum.com. VIP Bed Race Uptown Columbus. www.valleyinterfaithpromise.com. Midland Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre “Murder On The Love Boat”. Midland, Ga. 706-505-6702. Art Museum: Paintings, Photography and Sculpture Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 25th Annual Love Your Heart Run and 7th Annual Crank Your Heart Ride Chewacla State Park, Auburn. www.LoveYourHeartRun.com. Girls, Glitz and Glamour Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 10 a.m.-12 noon. Ages 5-13 years. Fee $15. 705-5560. Moscow Festival Ballet: Giselle RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Dinosaur Train Live Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. The Bassmaster Classic BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. “9 to 5, The Musical” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn Campus. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

You Col (we Con The

21s An Ora 29t ww Jew Mo “M Gir Red ww Do Jule ww The BJC Bil BJC “9 Telf ww

An Jan Au Adu Art

02.

om.

Family Calendar Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Concert Nights ‘Marc Kenney’ The EventCenter Downtown, Opelika. 8 p.m.

Sunday, February 23

21st Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Antique Car Show Orange Beach Sportsplex. 29th Alabama Clay Conference www.alclayconference.org. Jewish Food Festival Montgomery. www.templebethor.net. “Mama Won’t Fly” presented by The Hallelujah Girls Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. www.reddoortheatre.org. Docent Tour and Sunday Hours Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 1-4 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. The Bassmaster Classic BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Bill Maher BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. “9 to 5, The Musical” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn Campus. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org.

Monday, February 24

Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. 501-2946. Auditions for “Don’t Tell Mother!” Adults ages 18 years and up. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. 6-9 p.m. 559-0807.

January/February 2014

Tuesday, February 25

Great Expectations Center for Puppetry Arts, Atl. www.puppet.org. Jonathan Bastiste The Opelika Center for Performing Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org. Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. 5012946. Auditions for “Don’t Tell Mother!” Adults ages 18 years and up. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. 6-9 p.m. 559-0807. Aladdin and Other Enchanted Tales RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Discovery Hike Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. “9 to 5, The Musical” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn Campus. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org.

Wednesday, February 26 Lunch and Learn Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:15-12:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. 501-2946. Imagine Dragons: Into the Night Tour Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. “9 to 5, The Musical” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn Campus. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org.

Thursday, February 27 A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12-1 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. 501-2946. UniverSoul Circus The Green Lot at Turner Field, Atl. ticketmaster.com. Nature Walk Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve. “9 to 5, The Musical” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn Campus. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org.

Friday, February 28 Maids of Jubilee Mardi Gras Parade Fairhope. 6:30 p.m. www.ESchamber.com. Annual Graphic Design Juried Exhibition Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. 501-2946. Ron White: 100 Proof VIP Experience RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. “9 to 5, The Musical” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn Campus. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org.

Please send your calendar events to kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com by the 5th of the month. It’s FREE!

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

E V ! E T A STHE DA

Thinking of Getting Married? Newly Married? Love being Married? Join us for a FREE conference with other couples who wish to make their relationship the best it can be! Choose which workshop is best for you: pre-marital, married or stepfamily. You will be compensated for completing the surveys.*

DATE: Saturday, February 15, 2014 • TIME: 8:30AM – 4:30PM (Breakfast and lunch provided.)

The Hotel at Auburn University • 241 South College Street • Auburn, AL FREE Registration (Required) opens in January: www.AlabamaMarriage.org/elevate • Questions, call 334-844-3238 Pre-Marital Couples:

Are you currently in a relationship? Want to know how to have a lasting and successful relationship? This is the place for you! Come and learn about effective communication, intimacy and realistic relationship expectations in an interactive environment. Improve your relationship building skills and identify where it begins: WITH YOU!

Married Couples:

Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? All marriages have ups and downs and every marriage can benefit from “refreshing.” Come learn how to work through the lows and increase the number of highs in your relationship. Re-energize your marriage by reviving the friendship you used to have. Discover your love language and how to avoid the most common arguments that married couples have.

Stepfamilies:

Is your relationship as a stepparent stressful? Do you often feel torn? We know each and every stepfamily is unique. Couples in stepfamilies face different challenges and accept different responsibilities. Come join us in a relaxed environment with others who are experiencing what you are. Learn the skills to strengthen your relationships and create a happier and calmer family life. We’ll debunk the myths and discuss the realities you face. Come learn strategies for stepparenting and for strengthening your couple relationship.

We regret that child care will NOT be provided. *You have the opportunity to earn $100 as a COUPLE, or $50 per person, for filling out BOTH the pre-survey AND the 6 week follow-up survey. Payment will be mailed by check.

Auburn University • College of Human Sciences The purpose of this information is the dissemination of technical information. Funding is provided through a grant from: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services— Healthy Marriage Demonstration Grant #90FM0006. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)/presenter(s) 2014 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United 38 States Department of Health and Human Services, Administrationwww.auburnopelikaparents.com for Children and Families. Auburn Opelika Parents I February

cho Hy ma ask chi and on me eas sw be chi ma tion me to g

stro sar any op you chi you and the you tea ma hav ate vis gla

AD pe ina tho min con tion chi like tak

sym eva be to h AD mig pro ma suf

— -

ParentingOnThePlains by Dr. Polly Dunn

“Does My Child Have ADHD?” One of my specializations as a psychologist is the evaluation of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a result, many parents often ask me, “Does my child have ADHD?” and “Should they be on medicine?” For me, these are not easy questions to answer. Why? Because before I diagnose any child with ADHD and make recommendations for their treatment, there’s A LOT of information that I need to gather and analyze. As a parent and a professional, I feel strongly that a thorough evaluation is necessary before making a diagnosis of ADHD (or any disorder) and recommending treatment options. Think about this analogy. Imagine your child’s teacher suggests to you that your child might have a vision problem. Would you go online and take a vision questionnaire and then order a pair of glasses based on the results? Of course not! If you’re like me, you would be incredibly appreciative to the teacher for their concern, and then you would make an appointment with an optometrist to have your child’s vision thoroughly evaluated. IF the results from the testing showed a vision impairment, THEN you would get them glasses from a qualified professional. This same line of thinking applies to ADHD. If you or your child’s teacher suspects that he or she is having trouble with inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, then a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the nature of their difficulties before considering medication as a treatment option. There are many medications that help children with ADHD considerably, but if you’re like me, you probably only want your child to take medication if absolutely necessary. In my opinion, every child that exhibits symptoms of ADHD should get a thorough evaluation by a child psychologist before being prescribed medication. You’d hate to have your child put on medicine for ADHD when a full psychological evaluation might have revealed a learning disorder or problems with depression or anxiety. Or, like

many children with ADHD, your child might suffer from multiple conditions which might go undetected without a full assessment. A full psychological evaluation can take a lot of time and can be expensive. And unfortunately, evaluations aren’t always covered by health insurance. But when possible, here are some things that I’d recommend in an ADHD evaluation: • A thorough interview with the child, their parents, and their teachers. • A review of the child’s psychological, academic, and medical records, including confirmation of a recent exam by their physician to rule out any medical issues or hearing or vision impairments that could be contributing to their symptoms. • An intelligence test. • A test of academic achievement. • Rating scales about behavioral and emotional problems completed by the child, their parents, and their teachers. • Rating scales about ADHD symptoms completed by the parents and teachers. • A computerized test that measures inattention and impulsivity, such as a continuous performance task. • Behavioral observations of the child in the clinic and in their school environment. • Any other test or measure that appears warranted given 39

the child’s specific situation, symptoms, or test results. If you’re worried that your child may have ADHD, get in contact with your child’s pediatrician for a full physical evaluation (including vision and hearing screenings) to rule out any medical conditions. Then locate a child psychologist in your area to obtain a full psychological evaluation for your child. Some school systems even have psychologists available to assist with the evaluation. Your child’s psychologist will help select the best assessment for your child and get you on the right track to answering your question, “Does my child have ADHD?” Dr. Polly Dunn received her Ph.D. from Auburn University in 1999. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and currently serves as the Director of the Auburn University Psychological Services Center, a position she has held for over ten years. Dr. Dunn is also the founder of www.ChildPsychMom.com where she blogs about what works and what doesn’t in her hectic life as a child psychologist, wife, and mom of four.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

The Legend of Hercules

The Nut Job

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C Violence: CSexual Content: C Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Legend of Hercules PG-13 for sequences of intense combat action and violence, and for some sensuality. This origin story of Hercules, the half-man/half-god character, begins with Grecian soldiers storming the city of Argos. King Amphitryon (played by Scott Adkins) has been conquering around the known world and decides to impress his wife by taking the city. So he challenges the Argos King to a one-on-one fight. When Amphitryon wins he returns to his wife, Alcmene (played by Roxanne McKee), but as usual she is less than enthusiastic with his accomplishment. The couple disagrees on much, especially religion. While Alcmene believes in the gods, her husband does not. One night while Alcmene is praying to Hera, the goddess appears to the queen to test her and see if she will be a good mother. After she is satisfied, she tells Alcmene that Zeus will come to visit her. The child the god makes in her womb is to be named Hercules. Yet just as the unseen Zeus is leaving the bedchamber, Amphitryon enters and is jealous with rage. When the child does arrive, the angry Amphitryon decides the boy shall never be the equal of his older brother. Twenty years later finds the two siblings coming of age. King Amphitryon is still powerful and Queen Alcmene is still praying to her gods. Hercules (played by Kellan Lutz) and Hebe, the Princess of Crete, (played by Gaia Weiss), have fallen in love and hope to be married. When the pair returns to a feast that is being held to honor Crete, Amphitryon betroths Hercules’ brother Iphicles (played by Liam Garrigan) to Hebe instead. Although the lovers try to flee, they are caught and brought back to the King. Amphitryon then sends Hercules away to control a rebellion in Egypt -making secret plans to ensure the young prince does not return. This clumsily constructed film features dialogue that does not work in some places (the audience should not be laughing at a love scene). The love story does not feel authentic, and ends up within a makeshift bedroom built in a thicket. Both characters are covered by sheets, but the real show seems to be Lutz’s muscular (and of course shirtless) physique. We do see a lot of Hebe’s skin, too. The movie contains some violence as well, undoubtedly intended to attract male viewers. The 3-D effects are not great, even when the action gets fast. Some of the characters’ names make it difficult to follow the plot, plus there is not much taken from the actual stories of Hercules. The demigod does kill the Nemean Lion in the film, but none of his other acts of bravery are represented! It seems they wanted to provide a good date movie with love and action to appeal to both genders. Unfortunately, trying to please that bigger audience hurts the film and will probably end up not pleasing very many at all.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Language: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated The Nut Job PG for mild action and rude humor. You can expect plenty of “nut” jokes in this script. Thankfully, most of them don’t refer to male anatomy. There’s also loads of cartoon violence, including explosions, punching, smashing and even guns that are fired at the forest critters. But for the eight and older crowd who can keep up with the complexities of the script and the huge cast, The Nut Job is a mildly entertaining diversion. At the center of the story is Surly (voice by Will Arnett), a testy tree squirrel who lives up to his moniker. He only thinks about himself--particularly when it comes to food. He even mistreats Buddy (voice by Robert Tinkler), a scrawny rat that is the only animal willing to put up with the cantankerous rodent. The opening scenes of the story feel like something straight out of A Bug’s Life with the city park animals scrounging for enough nuts and scrapes to get them through the winter. Their leader Raccoon (voice by Liam Neeson) oversees the storage of the nuts inside a huge oak tree. When Surly refuses to help add to the stash and mistakenly sends their storage up in flames, he is banished from the park and forced to live on the mean city streets. There he’s chased by a pack of scummy sewer rats, almost run over in traffic and kicked by an irate pedestrian all within the first few minutes of landing in the city. But just when things start to look really bad, he stumbles upon a gold mine--Maury’s Nut Store. Unfortunately the establishment is owned by a mafia boss using it as a front to rob a bank. However, that doesn’t stop Surly from planning his own heist. Surly’s attempts to redeem himself and earn his way back into the good graces of his friends could have been enough storyline for this animation that is clearly aimed at a young audience. But the scriptwriters choose to add an additional plot line that turns the forest creatures against one another and makes it hard to know who to trust. All these twists make it difficult for young children to follow, and even a few adults will likely feel like they’re being subjected to a big screen version of the shell game. While the animation and 3D effects will hold your attention, at least for a while, some families may choose to wait until The Nut Job hits video store shelves.

What Parents need to know about The Legend of Hercules...

What Parents need to know about The Nut Job...

Violence: Many over-the-top sequences. Hand-to-hand combat shows soldiers killing each other. Scenes depict an underground movement fighting the establishment, with the losers dying in battle. Multiple portrayals of gladiator-type battles, including one that pits a single man against six unbeaten champions. Weapons are used to maim and kill (no blood is shown). People are crushed by stones that a character is using for weapons. Two men are branded after they are captured. A woman stabs herself to kill the person behind her. Some supernatural weapons are employed to defeat armies. A father and son battle each other. Sexual Content: It is implied a god impregnates a woman (Zeus is not seen, but she is shown in bed writhing and moaning). Two lovers are swimming together -although both are clothed, the man is shirtless. A woman’s wet clothes cling to her body. An unmarried couple, covered by sheets, kiss as they roll around together. At one point, the woman lifts up and reveals much of her body from the side. Language: No expletives noted. A woman’s virtue is asked about. Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2014

Violence: A girl punches a man in the stomach and kicks him after yelling at him. Characters are accused of stealing and cheating. An animal is hit and then smashed by a falling brick. A bird is hit by a bus. Characters are frequently smashed, hit, punched, slapped, choked and electrocuted. A character lights a stick of dynamite and an explosion follows causing lots of damage to the animals’ home. A character falls over a waterfall and appears to be dead. Characters are chased and attacked by other animals. A man attempts to shoot animals with his gun. Characters are caught in traps. Sexual Content: An animal couple kisses and cuddles briefly. Some infrequent references to bodily functions are included. Language: The script contains some rude humor and brief crude comments, particularly about male anatomy. Brief name-calling is also included. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Third timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the charm!

. take d e t c s t hr e t o r p e e do s y l l u f es of the H P V vacc ine to be HPV causes cervical cancer and many other cancers in men and women. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls at age 11-12 to prevent cancers and diseases later in life. For those not yet vaccinated, the vaccine is recommended through age 21 for boys and age 26 for girls. The ADPH encourages you to pair the first dose of the HPV vaccine with the required 6th grade vaccinations (TDAP/Meningococcal) The vaccine is available at ALL County Health Departments at little or no cost to children ages 9 to 18. Dependents up to age 26 may be covered by their parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; insurance.

Get in the loop and learn about the HP V vaccine! /CANCERCONTROL

facebook.com/ALCompCancerCoalition