Auburn-Opelika Parents July 2012 by KeepSharing

ArtyPants K through 2nd grade students Saturdays 10-11:30 am May 26: Drawing June 2: Collage shapes June 9: Weaving June 16: Portraiture June 23: Mosaics July 1: Telling stories July 14: Textures July 21: Artistic Science July 28: Sculpture August 4: Painting

stART! 3rd through 6th grade students Saturdays 12:30-2 pm May 26: Drawing June 2: Collage

JCSM

June 9: Weaving

ART CLUBS Art Clubs at JCSM are an open studio that offer the opportunity to K-12 students to be creative while learning about art. The open studio format allows students to finish early, or take the entire time to finish their creations. Sessions are free, but require preregistration by calling 334.844.3486. Parents are asked to stay at the museum for the session. STATE OF CREATE AND SATURDAY ART CLUBS ARE FUNDED THROUGH A CITY OF AUBURN K-12 ARTS EDUCATION OUTREACH GRANT. Jule Collins Smith Museum Auburn University 901 South College Street Auburn, Alabama 36849

jcsm . auburn . edu

Fine Art

June 16: Portraiture June 23: Mosaics July 1: Landscapes July 14: Making & Breaking Rules July 21: Artistic Science July 28: Sculpture August 4: Painting

State of Create Teenagers Fridays, 1-2:30 pm May 25: Pewter casting June 1: Papercraft June 8: Drawing realism June 15: Portraiture June 22: Mosaics June 29: Painting July 13: Jewelry July 20: Sculpture July 27: Utilitarian designs August 3: Drawing madhouse

Contents July 2012 Volume 3 Number 5

Features 24 Make Your Summer Vacation Memories Last

Discover fun and creative activities to keep summer vacation memories alive.

30 8 Birthday Traditions Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Love to Try

Make your child feel extra special with these unique and loving ideas.

32 2012 Birthday Party Planner

Lee County abounds with great birthday resources and party venues. Our listing will help you with all the planning!

40 Strategies to Help Working Moms Create More

Columns

Family Time

2 From One Parent to Another

Find ideas for reworking chores and managing schedules to give you more quality time with the kids.

Kendra Sumner

4 Get This!

Paige Gardner Smith

5 Living With Children

On The Cover

John Rosemond, Ph.D.

Departments 6 Bits and Pieces

Kids Health

12 School Bits

Wes Stubblefield, M.D.

26 A Page in a Book

42 Family Calendar

Paige Gardner Smith

28 Dave Says

48 Parent Previews

Dave Ramsey

38 Crafting & Cooking w/ Kids Dana Moonan

39 Parenting on the Plains Polly Dunn, Ph.D.

Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com

Happy 3rd Birthday to Porter Sumner! Each year, he celebrates his milestone against the backdrop of 4th of July fireworks! Porter is an All -American boy who enjoys playing his DS games, watching Team Umizoomi, building blocks, and shadowing his siblings. He loves Auburn football, Aubie and living on The Plains!

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Auburn-Opelika Parents 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

Director of Sales Justin Sumner justin@auburnopelikaparents.com or (334) 209-0552

Contributing Writers Polly Dunn, Ph.D. Deanne Haines Justine Ickes Kerrie McLoughlin Dana Moonan Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Paige Gardner Smith Wes Stubblefield, M.D.

Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

President Jason Watson jason@auburnopelikaparents.com

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 2012 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.

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

From One Parent to Another... We all have at least one thing in common...a celebration of another birthday this year! Whether it is a milestone year with a first birthday and a sweet 16 party, or you’re finally ‘over the hill’, the celebration can be marked by memories to share for many birthdays to come. Each year, I have the joy (and stress) of planning four children’s birthday parties. I love to come up with a new theme and plan the details of the event. So far this year, we have had a Ninja-Lego Adventure, a Red, White and Two pool party, and a Unicorn party, where my princess actually rode a real live unicorn! Next came my oldest daughter who, this year turned nine, and decided it would be the big sleepover party she had been begging to have. So, after a few years of persuading her to have a pool and skating party, I could not convince her to go with a different theme. She was determined to have all her best girls over for a makeover and spend the night party. With much hesitation on my part and coaxing from my ‘very skilled negotiator’, I gave in. My biggest hurdle had always been having a dozen little girls and all their drama take over my home. Then I had a brainstorm idea that calmed my sleepover party fears...I decided to cash in my husband’s hotel points and rented two adjoining suites in an Auburn hotel! Not only did it solve the problem of keeping my home (and my sanity) in tact, but it made my daughter and her friends feel like super stars to be able to stay the night in a huge suite! The girls arrived for the “On Cloud 9” sleepover party all decked out in their best PJs, glittery makeover necessities, and girly games. The moment the doors were shut, the music came on, the bouncing on the fluffy white beds began and the pre-teen chatter and laughter filled the rooms. Every girl’s hair was teased into an up do, cheeks glowed and nails were polished to perfection, including my own. It was easy for me to get caught up in all the girl fashion and fun, too! When the hairspray fog lifted and all were tucked in for a movie, the best part of the night was seeing the priceless look on my birthday girl’s face as she was surrounded by her best friends on her birthday! It is moments like these where their memories and traditions are made and cherished from birthday to birthday each year. Moments likes these remind me to slow down and to not get so caught up in all the details of the party, the RSVP list, the cake and the gifts, when ultimately it is about being recognized on their special day and being surrounded by those who mean the most to them. In this month’s issue, Kerrie McLoughlin shares the feature article, 8 Birthday Traditions You’ll Love to Try, in which she gives some great ideas to start making birthday memories and traditions of your own. One idea suggested is a birthday letter, in which parents write down their child’s yearly growth and accomplishments to make them feel extra special and loved. She even recommends keeping a copy in a binder to have year after year. Another tradition might be to try a sleepover party, however she (and I) suggest only two or three friends instead of an entire two bedroom suite full of girls! Whew, another year behind me and all my children have successfully turned another year older. I survived the party planning, entertaining and somehow managed to swim out from under all the wrapping paper, party plates, and streamers, only to realize that the next year of milestones will soon be upon me. If you are like me, you may feel like you have used every party theme out there and have run out of unique and creative party ideas for next year. Fear not! In this issue, we have included the 2012 Birthday Guide which features Auburn/Opelika’s favorite birthday party spots, equipment rentals and entertainers, party supplies, and bakers and ice cream makers! With so many great resources, you are sure to find this year’s party theme, and ultimately, birthday memories and traditions that will not soon be forgotten. From one parent to another, here’s to wishing for a year of love, laughter and health for your family!

Kendra

Kendra Sumner, Publisher

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Babes at the Beach

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Whether you are heading to the lake’s shore, the ocean’s edge or a pretend beach in the middle of the bedroom, getting the best gear for this year’s beach excursion (real or imagined) is top of the list! From the sensible needs of sun-protection and safety gear to the must-have playthings that kids can take to the coast (or the toys that take kids to the shores of imagination), the start of summer is all about sun, surf and seashore fun – and getting whirled away to a world away by the ocean!

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by Paige Gardner Smith

Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket

Green Toys Sand Set (Green Toys)

The most basic necessity for beach play is clearly a good bucket and tools for shaping, shifting and schlepping sand around! Kids know that sand isn’t doing any good where it lies. It must be scooped and carried, smoothed when it’s rough, piled up (or dug into) when it’s flat, but most definitely it must be rearranged. Skip the flimsy imitations and try Green Toys simple bucket and tool set (including shovel, rake and mold). Sturdily designed and crafted from phthalate/ BPA-free materials recycled from curbside milk containers, this sand set is the top choice for long-lasting beach play and good green fun!

(Stearns)

For young pre-swimmers, bulky, chafing flotation devices can be a real let-down in the water. The Puddle Jumper Life Jacket features stabilizing arm pieces connecting to a chest piece for more free motion in the water, allowing children to move with more swim-like motions as a step toward learning. More comfortable than the traditional ‘neck-wrapper’ life jacket, the Puddle Jumper is also covered with a soft, slicker fabric for less chafing. Colorful designs round out the appeal to kids who can now enjoy more flexible freedom with their flotation devices in the water!

Pin Y Pon Beach Campervan

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Lil’ Nursery Tent (Pacific Play)

Sunscreen at the shore is a must, especially for the littlest ones with tender skin. But added protection from direct sun and wind is best for infants visiting the beach. The Lil Nursery Tent is a light-weight, easily assembled environment for babes at the beach that features UV treated fabric for shade and sidemesh panels that can be directed to maximize or minimize air flow through the tent. A roll-down mesh door with Velcro closure keeps toys and tots inside for sleep and quiet play. Portable with its own carry bag and easily cleaned with a damp cloth, the Lil Nursery Tent offers the extra protection from sun and wind that babies need at the beach.

(Pinypon)

You don’t have to go all the way to the seashore to have fun at the pretendplay beach! Pinypon’s Beach Campervan comes complete with everything a wee doll needs to land on the sand in style! Featuring a Pinypon doll (which changes expressions with a twist of the head), her interchangeable hair and clothes can also swap with other Pinypon dolls. The camper van is full of surprises, too, including a roof that changes into a boat with slide, a little swimming pool, camping table, surfboards and lots of accessories that make Pinypon the customizable hit toy among young girls. Everything packs up neat and handy in the campervan afterwards until the sea calls ‘Back to the beach!’

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

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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Living With Children

By John Rosemond

The Truth About Attachment Parenting The cover story in a recent Time Magazine is all about “why attachment parenting drives some mothers to extremes—and how Dr. Bill Sears became their guru.” That is the article’s subtitle. All I can say, somewhat hopefully, is “at last.” Because my next book, due out in the fall, contains a chapter on attachment parenting’s destructive propaganda, I have done considerable research of late on the subject. For those of you who are not familiar with this latest parenting trend, attachment parenting is all about parents and children sleeping together, mothers “wearing” their infants (constantly carrying them around in slings), breastfeeding these same children until they are two or three, and generally centering their lives on their kids in perpetuity. Supposedly, all this fuss over children is essential to making sure mother and child properly “bond.” According to the movement’s high priest, California pediatrician Bill Sears, proper bonding

is supposed to enhance the mother-child relationship, nurture better emotional health, and even make the child smarter and less likely to lie. That’s right! On his website, in an essay titled “11 Ways to Raise a Truthful Child,” Sears writes, “Connected children do not become habitual liars. They trust their caregivers and have such a good self-image they don’t need to lie.” In the same article, he promises parents who choose to adopt his method that they will develop the wisdom they need to make proper decisions for their children and that their children will “turn out better” than children raised otherwise. By “turn out better” Sears means a child who is more intelligent, calm, secure, socially confident, empathic, and independent than a child raised according to prevailing Western norms. Mind you, he doesn’t support this with any evidence obtained via the scientific method (an experiment involving both a control group and an experimental group) because he can’t. There is no such evidence. To be blunt, Sears is making all this up. He’s, well, let’s just say he and his mother must not have properly bonded.

In fact, no unbiased research has ever affirmed any emotional or behavioral advantage to parent-child co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding, or “baby wearing.” To cite but one example, James J. McKenna, director of the Mother-Baby Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame, says that he has yet to find any benefit to parents and children sleeping together. McKenna is widely regarded as the world’s foremost authority on infant sleep issues. The harm of attachment parenting is testified to by numerous ex-AP parents who have shared with me horror stories about the damage done to their marriages by co-sleeping and the problems they’ve had trying to get over-dependent children as old as eight out of their beds. In an Amazon consumer review of Sears’ The Attachment Parenting Book, a mother who is trying to recover from his advice with two small children says, “This book ought to come with a warning!” When all is said and done, the only person who seems to have benefitted from attachment parenting is Dr. Bill Sears. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his web site at www.rosemond.com.

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

bits & pieces Auburn and Opelika Float-In Movie Events

SportsPlex Indoor Pool: July 13, 7 p.m. Come enjoy a movie while floating with family and friends! Free for members, $5 nonmembers. 705-5560. Samford Pool: July 20, 8:15 p.m. Float and watch Shark Tale under the stars! Free admission with Splash Pass or $2/person nonpass holders.

City of Opelika's Annual Freedom Celebration July 3

This night of fun and excitement begins at 6:30 p.m. which includes giant inflatable games, activities for the kids, musical entertainment, skydivers, food and the largest fireworks display in the area. Bring the whole family, a lawn chair or blanket and relax on the grass! At the beginning of the evening, all kids are invited to put their name on a paper plate and place it on the adjacent baseball field. At 7:30 p.m. the amazing Buddy Blue and the Opelika Skydivers will bring down the Stars and Stripes and land on the baseball field. The child's paper plate that Buddy Blue lands on will receive a prize! Fireworks Show at dark. Musical entertainment provided by MUSE. This event is free to the public.

2012 Carmike Summer Kid Series

Celebrate the summer with movie and popcorn at Carmike Cinemas Wynnsong, in Auburn. Every Thursday at 10 a.m. this summer, bring the kids to see a favorite kid flick. $2 Movie Combo includes the movie, popcorn and a drink! Showing June 21 - Over the Hedge, June 28 Kung Fu Panda, July 5 - Shark Tale, July 12 - How to Train Your Dragon, July 19 - Madagascar 2, July 26 - Bee Movie, August 2 - Monsters vs Aliens, and August 9 - Megamind. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Super WHY Live: You've Got the Power

From Storybrook Village to the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center! Preschoolers have “the power” to experience Super WHY as never before when Super WHY Live: You’ve Got the Power!, the first-ever live show based on the top-rated PBS Kids TV series from Out of the Blue Enterprises, flies onto the Birmingham and on stage July 20. www.ticketmaster.com.

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Free Performance on the Green in Montgomery Bring your family and friends to enjoy a relaxing summer evening at Blount Cultural Park and watch the Montgomery Ballet's captivating and magical Performance on the Green, Friday and Saturday July 15/16 from 8-10 p.m. Admission is free to the public. For more information, contact us atinfo@ montgomeryballet.org or call our office at 334-409-0522! www.montgomeryballet.org.

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City of Auburn's Annual Fourth of July Celebration

Join the City of Auburn for the Annual Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation, on Sunday, July 4 behind the home side of Duck Samford Stadium. This free community event is open to all ages. Gates open at 6 p.m., followed by live music and children's activities at 7 p.m. The evening culminates with one of the best fireworks displays in the area at 9 p.m. Back by popular demand this year, musical entertainment will be provided by Floyd the Barber, a family-friendly band playing favorites from the '60s, '70s, '80s, and today! Be sure to bring a blanket or chairs and unwind to some of your favorite tunes from over the years. Pack a picnic or purchase food on site from Country's Barbecue. The parking lot off Airport Road, will be closed to the public during the event to accommodate a new fireworks shoot site. The parking lot on East University Drive near the old Duck Samford Fields will now be open to the public for parking. In the event of rain, the fireworks display will be held on Monday, July 5.

Florida State University Flying High Circus at Callaway Gardens

The daring acrobatic acts of the Florida State University Flying High Circus entertain guests with trapeze acts, juggling routines, balancing acts, tightwire walks and more. Every Summer since 1960, the FSU Flying High Circus has been in residence at Callaway Gardens. The Circus is composed of talented college students who train and perform in the Circus as an extracurricular activity. The top students in the Circus are invited to Summer Adventure each year to perform and to serve as camp counselors. The performance schedule is every Monday @ 3:30 p.m., Thursday @ 3:30 p.m., Friday @ 8 p.m., Saturday @ 3:30 p.m. & 8 p.m., and Sunday @ 3:30 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com.

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

bits & pieces Calling All 2nd-8th Grade Girls for the 2012 Junior Miss Boot Camp

Learn a dance routine and perform on stage at the Auburn Performing Arts Center during this year’s Distinguished Young Women of Lee County Program, August 18. Registration fee of $50 includes rehearsal time, t-shirt, and two tickets to the program. Rehearsals are August 4-11, 1:00-3:00pm, at Nix Dance Studio. For more info, 728-4777 or lee@ distinquishedyw.org. This year’s Distinguished Young Women of Lee County (formerly Junior Miss) program will be on August 18 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. We have eighteen of Lee County’s finest young ladies participating in the program this year. They will compete in the areas of scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. We expect to award over $4000 in scholarship money, as well as give the winner the opportunity to participate in the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program in Montgomery in January 2013. Tickets are $10. (Pictured is Sara Caitlin Godwin, our current DYW.)

Wedding Extravaganza at Columbus Trade Center

If a wedding is in your near future, Wedding Extravaganza is the place for you to be...July 15, 12:304:30 p.m.! See a spectacular fashion show and aisle upon aisle of exhibits by the area's leading wedding professionals. From Entertainment to Fashions, Receptions to Honeymoons, you'll find it at WeddingsofGeorgia. com's Wedding Extravaganza! Many exhibitors will be offering demonstrations, samples and moneysaving show specials. $6 fee! Columbus, Georgia, (678) 548-9498.

Dr. John W. Tole is the area’s only Board-Certified Allergy and Immunology physician. We treat patients of all ages.         

Allergies/Hay Fever Sinus Infections and Drainage Asthma and Cough Food Allergies Stinging Insect Allergies Eczema and Skin Allergies Hives and Angioedema Drug Allergies And Much More

121 N. 20th St., Suite 7, Opelika  (334) 528-0078  www.EAAllergy.com Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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Auburn Foot Care Center 785 N Dean Rd # 100 (334) 466-1401 www.brettstarkdpm.com

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Kids Heal h

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Migraine Headaches

As the parent of a 10-year-old child, I understand that the complaint “My head hurts” is one of the most instinctively concerning statements that one can hear. In a pediatric practice, that particular complaint is frequently heard and is almost always caused by a process that is not life-threatening. Most often, this is a recent minor illness associated with a fever. However, the “almost always” is what scares parents the most. Migraine headaches are one particular cause of headaches in children and adolescents and this is the type of headache on which this article will focus. Headaches in children should always be taken seriously, but can be approached with a careful evaluation at home. However, these types of headaches should be evaluated by a physician: A sudden onset of the “worst headache of my life”, ones that are becoming more frequent over time, ones associated with morning vomiting or that awaken someone from sleep, ones associated with head trauma, ones associated with fever and neck stiffness, ones associated with neurologic symptoms (tingling, weakness, seizures, etc.), a stable, ongoing headache that suddenly changes to a different kind of headache, headaches that are primarily felt in the back of the head, or headaches in a medi-

cally complex child (ones with sickle cell disease, a history of a serious heart defect repair, known neurologic disease, etc.). First, it is important to know that no test (CT scans, etc.) can diagnose a migraine headache. This diagnosis is usually made by a physician (either generalist or specialist) after an extensive review of the patient’s history and a careful physical examination. Second, migraines can be diagnosed at any age. It is assumed that migraines can occur even in infancy and about half of people with migraines are diagnosed before 20 years of age. Third, migraines most commonly have a very particular clinical picture, which is the onset of a progressively worsening, throbbing headache across the front of the head or on one side that is associated with abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Sometimes, the patient will describe unusual visual symptoms (lines, blurry vision, or spots) and there is frequently a history of migraine headaches in one or more family members. Finally, these symptoms commonly resolve completely after a brief rest (sleeping), most often in a dark, quiet place (which they usually seek out). When treating migraines, we first focus on preventive, non-medication management. We generally recommend

that all patients eat regular, healthy meals, eliminate all caffeine and drink plenty of water, get regular exercise, practice stress management, get an appropriate amount and quality of sleep, and monitor for an association of their headaches with certain foods (MSG, chocolate, etc.). When a headache occurs, a quick, appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen is most helpful. Some patients are treated with prescription medications which can be used during episodes, or daily for prevention if migraines are frequent. Migraine headaches are a common cause of headaches in young people. Hopefully, armed with a bit more information, this diagnosis will be a little less perplexing and, possibly, even reassuring. Dr. Wes Stubblefield graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) with his medical degree in 2004, and then trained at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in pediatrics, finishing in 2007. He returned to Alabama in 2007 and joined Dr. Ellen Royal and Dr. Richard M. Freeman at their pediatric practice in Auburn. Dr. Stubblefield is board certified in pediatrics, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and currently serves as the local area representative for it’s Alabama Chapter. He is married to Jennifer and they have one daughter, Peyton.

www.AuburnPediatricAssociates.com Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Dean Road Elementary First Graders Celebrate Moms

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In the 2011-12 7th Grade Duke University Talent Identification Program, Opelika Middle School had 45 students qualify to take the college-level ACT or SAT. The students who qualified are: Allen Alcantara, Rachel Bailey, Devin Bell, Tanner Bennett, Tristan Black, Austen Blackmon, Austin Blaschke, Sarah Brewer, Peyton Brown, Logan Buchanan, Abbey Burns, RaKavius Chambers, Megan Cook, Jacob Davenport, Vashti Davis, Hope Harris, Samantha Herring, Brantley Hill, Braden Holloway, Adia James, Quirio Johnson, Nicholas Johnston, Olivia Leonard, Jordan Lovelace, Ryan Lux, Mikaela Moates, Kaleigh Murray, Sarah Noon, Will Overstreet, Billy Sanders, Jackson SchwantesBarreto, Emma Grace Scullen, Rachel Sharma, Keyshawn Shaw, Natalie Simpkins, Henry Smith T, Kayla Smith, Rachel Strock, Rebecca Strong, Neely Stutts, Alyson Tyson, Jessica Whatley, Georgia White, Rodney Williams and Frank Wright.

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Cary Woods Competes in Technology Competition

Congratulations to this year's Technology Club students! The students competed in the state competition and were up against 96 schools with over 750 other registered students. The Cary Woods team produced three 3rd place winners! Go Cary Woods!

Dean Road Elementary first graders recently invited their Moms to a special breakfast and program called Muffins for Moms. The boys and girls served breakfast, shared favorite things about their Mom, and made special presentations to their Moms. Pictured is a table of “happy Moms” from Mrs. Shiver’s first grade class.

Opelika Seventh-Graders Qualify for TIP Program

Opelika Chamber Introduces Lee County Young Leaders

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The purpose of Lee County Young Leaders is to bring together highly motivated student leaders from Lee County and provide them with innovative training with developing future leaders as the goal. Students participate in monthly sessions that facilitate in team building, economic development, education, government, health and human service, and public safety. If anyone would like to be a part of the endeavor by being a corporate sponsor, a session sponsor or a child sponsor, contact the Opelika Chamber of Commerce at 334-745-4861. Shown are Keanu Brackin, Victoria Fang, Mary Beth Iannzzi, Ciarra Kincey and Justin Smith from Auburn High School; Alexis Carr and Abria Grimmett from Beauregard High School; Allis Hamby and Ansleigh Yancey from Beulah High School; Michael Braxton from Loachapoka High School; Kelcie Carpenter, Anna Lazenby, Marcus Marshall, Alyssa Patel and LaRaven Walton from Opelika High School; and Lane Bush, Reid Byrd, Karsten Hood, Mallory Mills and Shy’Keya Wimberly from Smiths Station High School. Shemika Patterson from Loachapoka is not pictured. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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Auburn Classical Academy Students Perform Oscar Wilde

Auburn Classical Academy’s Drama Class recently performed an excerpt from Oscar Wilde’s Victorian satire The Importance of Being Earnest as part of their end of year Drama presentation. 5th Grader Henry Snead (pictured right) played the part of Cecily Cardew and 7th grader Margaret Tucker (pictured left) played the part of Gwendolin Fairfax. ACA’s drama teacher Mrs. Rebecca Walker-Jones said “This play is one of the wittiest in the English language and Henry and Margaret were absolutely hilarious.”

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FFA Celebrates 30 Years at Opelika High School

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization recently held its end of the year banquet to celebrate 30 years at OHS and to recognize many award winners. Many scholarships were presented and the 2012-2013 officers were installed at the conclusion of the meeting. Current FFA President Tatum Meadows (right) is pictured passing the gavel to incoming FFA President Mallory Drummond.

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Art in the Dark a HUGE Success at Dean Road Elementary

Alicia Hames and her students at Dean Road Elementary School did not disappoint again this year at the annual “Art in the Dark” art show. The halls were filled with magnificent displays of artwork of all types. And, all of the artwork could be viewed in the dark! Mrs. Hames began the special show a few years ago and it seems to get better each year. Many parents and community members enjoyed the show as well as the teachers and students. Pictured is an example of one of the pieces of artwork.

Trinity Christian Academy 2012 Senior Graduates

Congratulations to this year's 2012 Senior Class! Charles Wayne Alderman, Grant Thompson Nall, Sara Caitlin Godwin, Madison Elise Johnson, Emma Vivian Royal, Victoria Jade Williams, Isadora C. Tavares, Molly Carolyn Thrower, Mojen Lau (Valedictorian), Allison Danielle Holland, John-Stephen Herbert Ivey, Emily Jo Missildine (Salutatorian), Elliot Keler Nell, and Sarah Faythe Bretz.

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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

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

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

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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Beulah High School Receives Donated Small Engines from Briggs & Stratton

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A donation of nearly $7,000 in new small engines came to fruition after a coordinated effort between Beulah High School parent Daniel Reaves, a Briggs & Stratton employee, and Beulah High School Assistant Principal David Owen. Daniel Reaves’ son, Matthew, is an eighth grader at Beulah High School in classes with Mr. Owen’s son, Davis. Daniel proposed an idea to Mr. Owen to work with Mrs. Linda Wall, a Briggs & Stratton executive assistant, to secure the small engines donation for Beulah High School. Mr. Reaves personally delivered the donated engines to Beulah on Tuesday, April 10th. The donation includes 8 snow blower engines and 32 generator engines. Briggs & Stratton was happy to donate the excess inventory for the benefit of the students at Beulah High School. The engines were received today by Beulah High School agriscience teacher Matt Johnson and his students. Beulah students will be able to utilize the donated engines for their small engines program. Pictured with the pallets of donated engines are: Standing (left to right): Briggs & Stratton employee Daniel Reaves, Brian Lee, Daniel Adams, Connor Gillespie, Jordan Crenshaw, Vince Dauro, Ty Cobb, Brad Lowery, Jonathan Williams, Dante Henderson, Josh Shaddix, Justin Orr, Chris Meigs, Justin Rudd, Duncan VanAusdal, Beulah High School Assistant Principal David Owen, and Agriscience Teacher Matt Johnson. Kneeling (left to right): David Taylor, Karmien Stallworth, Brandon Prince, and Alex Peacock.

A Bird’s-Eye View of Wrights Mill Road Elementary

Celebrating our Civil Air Patrol program, students at Wrights Mill Road Elementary spelled out “WMR” on the field as Ms. Keith, a 5th grade teacher, got to ride in a plane and take pictures.

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Cary Woods Elementary School Kid-Friendly Food Drive

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Thanks to the students and this year's Student Council Representatives for a huge success in collecting Kid-Friendly Food for the Food Bank of East Alabama. The students had so much fun collecting food items that will benefit children in our area throughout the summer break. Items included mac and cheese, soup, peanut butter and jelly, noodles and much more!

Auburn Classical Academy Artists

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Art students from Auburn Classical Academy show off their creations ready for their end of year presentation. Art teacher Mrs. Morgan Nordyke who has a B.A in Studio Art from The University of Alabama said “We covered many concepts such as perspective, self portraits, landscapes, and grid work including experimenting with different mediums. They really enjoy getting to sketch from real life so for one assignment I took the girls downtown and they all did a drawing of Toomers Corner and College Street which turned out great!” Pictured from left to right are: Katelynn Evans, Shelby Popwell, and Madison Popwell.

Children are one of God’s Masterpieces!

Now enrolling for 2012-2013 school year • Ages 1-4 years Letter & Number Recognition • Social Interaction • Music Two, three and four day programs • Bible Stories Christ-centered • Chapel • Scripture Memory

Lakeview Preschool Adventures Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 East Glenn Ave. Auburn, AL • 334.321.4905 www.lakeviewbaptist.org

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Rotary Club Members Make Improvements to Auburn Park

The Auburn Rotary Club held its annual spring work day at Auburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hickory Dickory Park on Saturday, May 19. More than 25 club members began working at 6 a.m., spreading 100 cubic yards of new mulch in the play area and spraying a protective treatment on the playground equipment. The Club has adopted the park as one of its annual service projects and devotes a large portion of its service hours to maintaining the park for hundreds, if not thousands, of Auburn children to enjoy year-round.

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Opelika Middle School Egg Drop

Students in Melissa Cherry's 6th grade science class at Opelika Middle School participated in the annual Egg Drop during the last week of school. Students made a variety of containers to house the eggs which were then dropped from the Opelika Fire Department's ladder truck. Containers were made from materials including parachutes, peanut butter, stuffed animals, Nerf footballs and shoe-boxes. A huge thank you to firefighters David Davis, Randy Pugh and Koyt Sosebee for coming out to help with the event. Pictured are the winners of the 2012 OMS Egg Drop. Front row: Melissa Cherry, OMS Science Teacher; Randy Pugh, OFD; David Davis, OFD; Collin Kucik and Jacob Hopkins. Second Row: Ghania Warren, Mackenzie Woodley, Mallory Chisum, Maggie Tyer, Melvin Billingsly, Cashton Canady and Cullen Dudley. Top Row: Mallory Simpkins, Alex Howard, Kathryn Johnson, Elijah Smith and Koyt Sosebee, OFD.

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Lee-Scott Academy Teacher of the Year

2012 Opelika City Schools Retirees

Lee-Scott Academy is pleased to announce Congratulations to the 2012 Retirees of the Opelika City Schools. that Mrs. Deborah Hollingsworth was named Eighteen employees were honored by the Board of Education and the AISA "AAA" Elementary Teacher of fellow employees at the OCS Retirement Tea at Jeter Primary School. the Year. Mrs. Hollingsworth has taught in Honorees include: Pictured Front Row (l-r) Donna Williamson, the elementary school at LSA for fourteen OHS; Scarlett McAllister, Southview; Susan Bruce, Central Office; years. "During this time she has proven to be Diane Burton, Morris Avenue; Earscell Tate, Morris Avenue; and an exemplary teacher," says Headmaster, Dr. Willie Giles, OHS. Back Row (l-r): Dr. Ray Winegar, Central Office; Don Roberts. Her positive attitude and love of B.J. Horn, Southview; Pamela Harwell, Southview; Florene Johnson, children are reflected in the excellence that is Jeter; Dorothy Bandy, Transportation; Joyce Kelley, Carver; Barbara so readily observable in everything she does. Cutright, Central Office; Clarence Dowdell, Jr., Transportation; Carl She is a tremendous motivator. She is able to Lewis, Transportation; and Mary Ann Stoll, Morris Avenue. Not get more out of her students than they think pictured are Mary Pratt, Transportation and Bill Ward, OHS. they are capable of giving. Her students are fortunate indeed to be under her direction." Mrs. Hollingsworth is a team player and serves on several school based committees including the School Improvement Committee of which she is chairperson. She is a model teacher. To be selected as Teacher of the Year, the nominee must be a full time teacher and must submit a school schedule. A typed letter of nomination from the school's SGA, the Headmaster, a peer faculty member, and a parent must be submitted. The nominee must also provide a resume of education, teaching experience, activities and achievements.

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Opelika High School Hosts Yamaha Sounds of Summer Percussion Camp

Arts Music Shop, Yamaha Corporation and Opelika High School (OHS) recently sponsored the “Sounds of Summer” marching percussion camp at Opelika High School. The camp was for area students in Junior and Senior High School to work for two days with local percussion instructors and a world class artist sponsored by Yamaha Corporation. Jim Bailey was this year’s artist and is the education relations director for D’Addario and Co. He serves on the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) Marching Percussion Committee. Mr. Bailey has instructed many drum and bugle corps including the following: The Cavaliers, The Blue Knights, and The Blue Stars. He has also taught the Winter Guard International (WGI) groups call i2 and Phantom Regiment winter percussion ensemble. Mike McGlynn, Assistant Band Director at OHS was taught by Jim Bailey when he marched with “The Blue Stars”. At the conclusion of the two day camp, Mr. Bailey stated “The Opelika Sounds of Summer camp was a complete success. 65 students from the surrounding counties came together for two days of drumming focusing on various marching percussion techniques. I would like to send a big thanks to the directors and staff of Opelika High School and Arts Music shop for coordinating such a fantastic camp.” Local instructors for the 2012 Yamaha Sounds of Summer camp at the Opelika High School were: Brandon Beck (Auburn University Student), Shawn Geiger (Smith Station Middle School), Mike McGlynn (Opelika Middle/High School) and Mike Muncher (Benjamin Russell High School). All students received a Yamaha Sounds of Summer Book, poster, T-Shirt, and lanyard/nametag, and instruction from world renowned artist, Jim Bailey.

“Petals for Penny” a Huge Success at DRES

The Dean Road Elementary Student Council recently held a very successful plant sale called “Petals for Penny.” Students were able to purchase plants for Mother’s Day. The group worked with Lowes to carry out the project. All proceeds will go towards medical expenses for Johnny Richmond (Mr. Penny) their much loved custodian who was injured earlier this year. Pictured at the plant sale are Emory Waggoner, Stephanie Hur, Maggie Richard, and Elizabeth Lam.

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Beulah High School Teams and Cheerleaders Make a Difference

Beulah High School basketball teams and cheerleaders donated $2,000.25 to the American Cancer Society. The proceeds raised for the organization resulted from Beulahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd Annual Conquer Cancer Challenge Basketball Tournament conducted last December. The tournament featured varsity teams from Beulah, Clay County, Lafayette, Dade County, Loachapoka, and Beauregard. Coaches and students raised funds to help Conquer Cancer by soliciting sponsorships, selling basketball cut-outs, half-court shootouts during halftime, ticket raffles for prizes, and through the collection of admission proceeds. The efforts concentrated on developing community awareness and emphasizing the importance of helping others. Stephanie Foehlich, the American Cancer Society representative, said funds raised from the tournament would be dedicated to cancer research on behalf of the Coaches vs. Cancer program efforts initiated by Auburn University Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head Basketball Coach Tony Barbee. Some of the proceeds will also go toward research for acute myelogenous leukemia. Beulah High School has a 9th grade student that has been recently diagnosed with this type of leukemia and is undergoing treatment in Birmingham at this time. Plans have already been made for Beulah to host the third annual Conquer Cancer Challenge in December of 2012. Pictured, front row (seated left to right) are Ryan Simpson, Tiffany Messer, Emily Miller, Trevon Brown, Jade Hudmon, and Sydney Williams. Middle Row (standing left to right): Morgan Thomas, Madison Sanders, Sabrina Zizo, Stephanie Froehlich-American Cancer Society representative, Allison Hadaway, Alani Hodge, and Beulah Head Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Christy Barrington. Back Row (standing left to right): Beulah High School Assistant Principal & Boys Varsity Basketball Coach David Owen, Jevonta Hilton, Amber Spraggins, Jo Jo Czerniak, Josh Pouncey, Levi Fitzwater, Jenna Walker, and KC Avery.

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DAR Junior American Citizen Short Story Winners at State and Southeast Level

In the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Junior American Citizen Short Story Contest, Morris Avenue Intermediate School's Desiree Penn won First Place in the Chapter Contest, First Place in the State Contest, First Place in the Southeast Contest and Second Place in the National Contest. Miss Penn's story was about the American Revolution. In addition, Gabrielle Whack, also a student at Morris Avenue, won First Place in the Chapter Contest, First Place in the State Contest, and Second Place in the Southeast Contest. Miss Whack's story was about 9/11. The students received a cash award, the "Book of Presidents" from the local chapter and award certificates. The DAR Junior American Citizen Short Story Contest is sponsored each year by the Martha Wayles Jefferson Chapter of the Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Pictured: Jessica Battle, Morris Avenue teacher, Linda Shabo, Regent, Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter; Desiree Penn, Kathy Penton, Regent, Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter; Gabrielle Whack, Heather Clark, Morris Avenue teacher and Nino Mason, Principal, Morris Avenue.

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Dean Road 4th Graders Celebrate Famous Alabamians

Dean Road Elementary School fourth graders recently held their annual Wax Museum of Famous Alabamians. Students learned about famous Alabamians in their social studies class taught by Laura Silver. The boys and girls then each researched one particular person and prepared a visual report and an oral report to present to the student body, teachers and staff, and parents. Pictured is Dawson Jarrett dressed as and presenting her report on Zelda Fitzgerald, Queen of Jazz. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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Auburn Classical Academy Tug o’ War

Auburn Classical Academy students had an exciting field day to mark the end of the 2012 school year. Students from all grades participated in a fun-filled morning that included an egg drop catapult, slip n’ slide competition, balloon races and tug o’ war, followed by a picnic with their family members and an afternoon pool party.

Field Day Fun at Dean Road Elementary School

P.E. instructors, Chad Jordan and Tina Turnham, planned a great day of fun and activities for students at Dean Road Elementary School’s annual Field Day. Students enjoyed both team and individual events. The day included basketballs, hula hoops, scooters and much more! Pictured is second grader, India Hart, enjoying the day.

Beulah High School Teacher Donates Tablet Computer to Hospitalized Student

Last month Beulah’s administrative assistant Mr. Casey Chambley prompted an idea suggesting the school come up with a way to acquire Blade Longshore a tablet computer for his stay at Children’s Hospital. BHS assistant principal David Owen tried to get authorization for school CIS monies to be allocated to purchase a tablet that Blade could use. However, additional challenges presented themselves from making the tablet purchase quickly. However, BHS book keeper Mrs. Amy Messer shared the situation with staff resulting in BHS special education teacher Mrs. Rejene Holt approaching Mr. Owen with a donated Asus tablet transformer to give to Blade. The faculty and staff at Beulah High School are very proud of Mrs. Holt for act of generosity. We hope this tablet will benefit Blade as he continues to make a recovery and make it easier for him to connect with his friends and teachers at school. Pictured left to right are BHS administrative assistant – Casey Chambley, Mrs. Rejene Holt, and BHS assistant principal – David Owen.

The Traveling Art Exhibit

The elementary art teachers in Auburn City Schools had a grant awarded to each school’s art teacher through The Junior League of Lee County. The Traveling Art Exhibit concept was started two years ago with an Auburn City Schools system grant. The Junior League community assistance grant funded three traveling art exhibits that allowed life size panels of art to travel to all six elementary school for the students, faculty and parents to experience in a museum-like setting. This year’s breathtaking exhibit featured the art of Africa including: masks, music, textiles and clothing, and the modern art form Tingatinga. The American Indian Art exhibit revealed art from 6 American Indian regions in a larger-than-life format. This exhibit truly opened the eyes of every viewer because the history is close to home with American culture. Another exhibit featured the fascinating and eye-opening images and stories celebrating the art of Ancient Egypt, King Tut’s Tomb, hieroglyphs, and more. The teachers selected these cultures to highlight in the exhibit because of the cultures within our schools and the curriculum links. The teachers rotated the exhibits every two weeks for 8 weeks. The art teachers enjoyed exploring the exhibits with students through teacher made PowerPoint presentations on each culture, web sites and art projects. Students found that our world has much to offer and so much in common! Pictured, with one of their projects, are Dean Road Elementary fourth graders Carson Rankin, Will Sorrells, Phillip Bozeman, Hannah Brandebourg and Joshua Wurtz.

Auburn Classical Academy Student Wins Silver Medal

Auburn Classical Academy junior Thomas Snead received a Silver Medal and Maxima Cum Laude award for his score on the 2012 National Latin Exam. Ten ACA Latin students took part in the exam, joining over 148,000 students from all 50 states and 13 foreign countries including Australia, Canada, Taiwan, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and China. ACA’s director of Classical Studies Mr. Loxley Compton enthused “We at Auburn Classical Academy are very proud of Thomas. To have done so well on this internationally recognized examination is a considerable accomplishment. He has demonstrated exceptional skill in Latin and possesses quite a gift for classical languages. We look forward to his future success in whatever field of study he pursues." Of the ten ACA students who took the exams, all but two scored well above the national average and four received certificates of merit. Besides Snead's silver medal for the Latin Exam, 7th graders Jackson Aldridge, Sophie May, and Margaret Tucker all received Achievement Certificates for the Introductory Latin Exam. Pictured from left to right are: Mr. Loxley Compton and Thomas Snead. Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

DRES Presents “The Lion King”

Several students at Dean Road Elementary School recently presented their rendition of “The Lion King.” The review was written by fourth grade language arts teacher, Leann White. Mrs. White carefully intertwined some of the more familiar songs such as “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Other songs included “Hakuna Matata”, “He Lives In You”, and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.” The school choir did a great job while several small ensembles performed on some of the verses of various songs. The entire school and many parents and relatives were present for the program. Pictured are the nine actors: Edward Lam, Peter Abraham, Addie Henderson, Marlee Odom, Michelle Zhang, Sydney Chapman, Celeigh Albritton, Maggie Richard and Camryn Chapman.

Cary for the Cure

Cary Woods Elementary School was proud to represent the school in this year's Relay for Life Walk at the Southern Union track. The staff came together for a great cause. This year's team was "Peace, Love and Cancer Free"! Pictured is Dawn Stewart (team leader), Elizabeth Brannon, Holly Bigham, Emily Thompson, Jamye Smith, Anna Gautney, and Kari Cleveland.

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Kumon Math & Reading Auburn-Opelika Flintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossing across from the mall 1550 Opelika Rd. Suite 9/10, Auburn, AL 36830 334-501-8586 www.kumon.com/AUBURN-OPELIKA www.facebook.com/kumonofauburnopelika www.FACEBOOK.com/kumon of auburn

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Honey, We’re Home!

Four Activities to Make Summer Vacation Memories Last by Justine Ickes

Summer will be over soon and across the country you can hear the familiar sounds that signal the end of vacation — the sighs of exhausted parents and the groans of kids returning to school. Okay, maybe there is some relief at being back in the family nest, but, my guess is that after the long summer break most families struggle with the re-entry into a regular routine. Whether your family enjoyed a cross-country road trip, a few days with relatives, or a staycation in your backyard, chances are you and your children are experiencing post-vacation let-down. And if you’re kids are like mine, they probably still have some last-minute summertime energy to burn before Labor Day. Want to make those happy vacation memories last? Try these four fun activities:

* Create a personalized memory map.

Invite everyone in your family to

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

recall their favorite vacation moments and places. Use questions to draw out the highlights for adults and kids alike. For example: Where did you have the most fun this summer? What made this vacation special? What place would you like to visit next year? Why? Then pull out whatever craft supplies you have on hand — markers, scissors, glue, paper, rubber stamps, old magazines — and have fun creating your own map of your favorite destinations. For a greater challenge, ask your kids to imagine the city or country you visited from a different perspective, like from the air or from the sea, and then work together to draw your vacation spot from that viewpoint. For example: What would grandma’s town look like if we were flying over it? What does our backyard look like to a squirrel? How does Manhattan look from the deck of a tugboat?

* Make your own keepsake.

Every parent knows that even the coolest souvenir eventually loses its charms. So, after the vacation dust has 24

settled, set aside a night for making do-it-yourself momentos. Begin by asking each person in your family to think about a significant landmark, person or event from your summer vacation. Is your seven-year-old still talking about the rollercoaster he went on? Let him use clay, Play-Doh © or Wikki Stix© to mold a miniature replica of it. Or use pieces of colored markers and clear plastic salvaged from food containers to create vacation-themed sun catchers. If you get really inspired, Google “baked holiday ornaments” for a kid-friendly recipe that uses flour, water and salt. Then get your kids to help you whip up a batch. Come December your family will be able to enjoy unique decorations that capture the spirit of your summer fun.

* Use a real map or Google Earth to locate destinations you visited over the summer.

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about your family’s summer escapades. For example: Here’s the trail we hiked where we saw that hawk flying overhead. And remember when we got soaked on the water flume? Can you find that amusement park on the map? After you’ve pointed out some places on the map, ask your children to re-tell their favorite parts of your family’s journey. For even more fun, use your smart phone or video camera to record your children’s vacation memories and then share them with the people you visited. Or play vacation charades and act out your family’s summer adventures.

* Create a memory jar.

The beauty of memory jars is that you can dip into them whenever the mood strikes. To create one, you’ll need a clean empty jar, felt tip markers or pens and strips of paper. Next, gather your family and ask everyone to think back over the summer months. For example: What was something that surprised you on our vacation? Why? What’s something new that you learned? What was your favorite moment this summer? What’s one special vacation moment that you’ll tell your classmates about? What’s one activity you would like to do again next year? After everyone has had chance to share and reminisce, ask each person to jot down a sentence or a few key words about their memory on a strip of paper. Older children who know how to write can help their younger siblings get their ideas down on paper. Fold all the strips in half and toss them into the memory jar. Later, on those rainy fall days or chilly winter nights, you can randomly pull out some of the paper strips, read them aloud and take your family on a trip down vacation memory lane. Taking the time to savor the highlights of your family’s summer break can make those memories last until it’s time for your next vacation!

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Author Justine Ickes, a mom of two energetic vacation-loving boys, blogs about travel, culture and parenting at www.travelingmom.com and at www.cultureeveryday.com.

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A Page in a Book

by Paige Gardner Smith

Visiting Camp Whatcha-Needa-Read One of the most memorable childhood rites of passage is the experience of ‘going to camp’. The excitement of trying new things like archery, paddle-boating, rope-climbing, trail-craft… and s’mores heighten the anticipation for the camp experience. For many kids it will be their first time away from home and family, so fears of the unfamiliar can also rise up as the departure date approaches. Perfect for tucking in the sleeping bag before heading out for the big adventure, the following titles explore the dynamics of summer camp in charming ways that both prepare first-time and entertain veteran young campers!

Camp K-9

by Mary Ann Rodman, Illustrated Nancy Hayashi (Peachtree) Part of the camp experience is learning to navigate new social dynamics. The mix of children at camp is typically different from the known quantity of classmates and neighbors. Rivalries can sprout alongside new friendships blooming at camp. When Roxie heads off to Camp K-9 (with her security blanket hidden in her pup pouch) she and her fellow campers quickly discover that Lacy is the most difficult camp-mate to deal with. She’s rude, pushy and close to ruining the week for everyone. But when Roxie discovers a secret that Lacy is trying to hide – the chance to turn an enemy into a friend emerges. Camp K-9 is a sweet preparation for young campers about the challenges of making new friends and the rewards that follow when you reach out to someone struggling to make friends.

Tacky Goes to Camp

by Helen Lester, Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Summer camp in the Antarctic is still a chilly affair at best, but an intrepid group of young perfectly packed penguins are ready to enjoy everything camp has to offer. And then, there’s Tacky. Definitely marching to the beat of a different drummer, Tacky takes everything from arts & crafts to canoeing to a new level of messy chaos with his boisterous, eccentric individuality. Unlike his orderly, organized penguin counterparts, it seems that Tacky doesn’t contribute much to the camp team efforts until an unexpected campfire tale comes to life and only Tacky’s talent for trouble may save the expedition!

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever

by Marla Frazee (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) In this Caldecott Honors award-winning title from Marla Frazee, ‘A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever’ shares the story of two boys spending a week away from home with grandparents at the shore, while they attend camp during the days. The literal story of their daily adventures (day-camping and grandparent pampering) is balanced by the ‘real’ story told in the illustrations and captions. Delightful with its celebration of the simplest pleasures of spending a week with a friend, of being wonderfully spoiled by grandparents, and of getting away from home for a while, this book is a sure hit for kids heading to camp or simply spending a week away from home for summer adventure! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Public Library Activities Auburn Public Library 749 East Thach Avenue, Auburn (334) 501-3190; www.auburnalabama.org/LIBRARY/

Weekly Programs:

Baby Lapsit – Tuesdays @ 9:30 a.m. for ages Birth – 6 months; First Steps Storytime – Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m. for ages 12–24 months; Toddler Time – Wednesdays @ 10 a.m. for ages 18 months – 3 years; Preschool Story Time – Thursdays @ 10 a.m. for ages 3 – 5 years; Tween Movie Day – Every Tuesday in June and July at 2 p.m.; Rising 5th-8th grades – Join us for a family-friendly movie each week. Salmagundi© – Every Wednesday in June and July at 2 p.m.; Rising K-5th grades – Featuring a variety of entertainers each week. Teen Café – Every Thursday in June at 6:30 p.m.; Rising 8th-12th grades – Join us for fun with refreshments. Lego® Day – Every Friday in June and July – Ages 5-13 years. Legos® for Young Adults – Every Saturday in June and July for Rising 9th grade and up

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Summer Reading Programs:

Registration Through June 30 • “Dream Big—Read” for Ages 3-11. Children set a reading goal at registration and may choose a prize from our Treasure Chest for every five titles read. If the goal is met by the end of the program, children will receive a special bag of prizes! • “Own the Night” – Ages 12-18 (Rising 6th-12th grades) Participants receive a prize for every 3 titles read. Read 12 books and receive a grand prize at the end of the program.

Lewis Cooper Memorial Library 200 South 6th St., Opelika (334) 705-5380; www.opelika.org Story Time With Tim – Mondays, 10-10:20 a.m., for ages 2-4 Story Quest – Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. for ages 4 and up Cooper Fun House – Last Friday of month, 3:30 - 4:45 p.m., for grades 3rd-5th. Join the Crew as we play games, have fun and win prizes! Library Teen Thing – A positive peer group for teens to promote reading and actions to become a citizen with character. Every other Thursday, 6:30-7:45 p.m., for ages 13-17

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Dave Says...

By Dave Ramsey

Moving in With Mom Q. We’re on Baby Step 1 of your plan,

and we have $1,000 saved. We have a baby, my husband brings home about $2,000 a month, and we have $50,000 in debt, the majority of which is student loans. My mother-in-law has offered to let us move in with her for a while in order to pay off our debts more quickly and save up to buy a house. Does this sound like a good idea?

If your husband can get his income up, I’d prefer that you guys maintain your own residence. Moving in with a parent would be my last choice, if for no other reason than keeping your independence and maintaining some dignity. Plus, it’ll just be better for your marriage. But you don’t need to even think about buying a house until you first clean up the mess you’ve made. Still, if things get so tight you feel like you have to take your mother-in-law up on her offer, make it for a very limited amount of time. Write it down as an agreement too. I’d say a minimum of six months, but definitely no more than a year. During this time you guys need to get on a killer budget, knock out a bunch of debt, and pile up as much cash in savings as you can. Then, find yourselves an inexpensive place to rent for a while. Hopefully, by that time your husband’s income will have increased. But the big thing is to get stuff straight in your mind about this situation. Make sure everyone involved knows the arrangement is temporary and that you and your husband are serious about doing the hard work it’ll take to put your financial house in order. You guys shouldn’t still be living with a parent two or three years down the road!

This debt and the liens are a symptom. What we’re looking at here is a repeated pattern of lying and deception. Anyone can become scared or ashamed and make a mistake, but this has happened several times. It’s called financial infidelity for a reason. Really, it’s the same kind of lying as sexual infidelity. It hurts and makes people angry on a lot of the same levels, and that’s because it’s a broken trust. Assuming that you guys can talk things out and heal this rift in your marriage, you’re going to have to contact these credit card companies and try to settle the debts. You guys aren’t bringing home a lot, so you need to start scratching together every nickel and dime you can and make an offer to erase these debts. That will also remove the liens on your home. Many times creditors will settle a debt for pennies on the dollar. If you’re lucky, you may be able to get them to accept about 25 percent of the amount owed.

But I think you’ve got a much bigger problem here. You guys have some serious issues that need to be resolved. I’d advise going to your pastor, if you’re in a good church, or finding a reputable marriage counselor. Your wife needs to understand, loud and clear, that this kind of crap has to stop immediately! Dave is the author of The New York Times bestselling book Financial Peace. He is also the host of the nationally syndicated The Dave Ramsey Show. You can hear Dave online at www.daveramsey. com. Send your questions to askdave@ daveramsey.com. He resides with his wife Sharon and their three children, Denise, Rachel, and Daniel, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Q. Recently, I discovered that my wife secretly kept and used credit cards over the last several years. I also found out there are two liens on our home from some of this debt. She was hiding the mail from me so I wouldn’t find out. I’m angry about the dishonesty, but I want us to get the debt cleaned up. What do you suggest? Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

8 Birthday Traditions You’ll Want to Try

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Every year when I was a kid my parents would let me choose where I wanted to eat dinner out for my birthday. Another birthday tradition they kept going was to have a small party for me with family and friends, including a cookout since I have a June birthday. Kids love to feel special, and it can be a challenge to find the time to come up with ways to make a birthday a knockout. Never fear! Below are 8 ideas for birthday traditions to start with your own kids. Pick and choose a few of them Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

each year … and stick with the ones you and your birthday kid love!

1. Rise and shine. I like to wake my kids up on their birthday not with, “Get up! It’s time for school!” but with an extra long snuggle and the condensed version of the day they were born. Who doesn’t like to hear their birth story?! Adopted and foster children can be told how they were meant to be brought into the family and how special they are. 30

2. Birthday letter. Every year I type

up a birthday letter for each of my children telling them what great things they did and said and learned during the past year. I give the birthday child a copy, then save a copy in a binder and on my computer for myself because we all know kids can’t keep track of stuff. The plan is to give each of my children a copy of all their letters when they move out, which means they’ll have somewhere between 18 and 30 letters to enjoy! Advertising: 334-209-0552

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3. Birthday slideshow. With just a few clicks of your mouse you can create a special slideshow using PowerPoint or a similar computer program. Just pop in photos, size them and add cute captions. You can even add some music if you like. After your child watches it about a zillion times, save it to a CD and pop it in a special place (safe deposit box, fireproof box, etc.) so your child will always have it. 4. Photos. I try to take as many pictures as I can on birthdays and even make sure I’m included in some of them, since I’m the mom and all! Later we like to get out old photo albums and the birthday kid’s baby album. 5. Special meal. One of my kids loves the neighborhood restaurant where they sing Happy Birthday and are given a balloon to take home. Another is content heading to the local fast food indoor play area and grabbing bites of food in between trips down the slide. Make at least one meal of the birthday child’s day something out of the ordinary! 6. Special treat. We like to hit the cupcake restaurant or grab huge, frosted cookies from a local baker and share with our friends and neighbors to spread the celebration around. A cheap – and just as special – route would be to make your child’s favorite dessert at home … cookies, cake, banana splits, shakes or ice cream sundaes are always a good bet. Depending on which fruit is in season (or go frozen!), a decadent fruit smoothie made with frozen yogurt could be nice. 7. Party (doesn’t have to be on the actual birthday). If you get a few gray

hairs every time you think of planning a birthday party, don’t fret. Options include: a simple party at your place with just a few people, a bash at a park shelter or a celebration where a local children’s party place does all the work.

8. Birthday weekend sleepover with a few special friends (for kids over age 7).

Warning: this one is not for the faint of heart! I suggest a maximum of 3 friends to stay the night at your house on a Friday night around the time of your child’s birthday. Order pizza to make life easy on yourself, grab some movies from the library and have them set up their sleeping bags as far away from your bedroom as possible.

Kerrie McLoughlin is the proud and kooky mom of five. Check out their adventures at TheKerrieShow.com.

Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Birthday Party Planner CAKES/ FINGER FOOD • Chill

234 West Magnolia Ave, Auburn. 502-1114. Tigertown, Opelika. 745-7714. Yogurt, custard, sorbet, smoothies, yocakes and more! www. chillyogurtcafe.com • Bruster’s Ice Cream- 2172 E University Drive, Auburn; 821-9988 Ice cream cakes and pies are loaded with personality! In Store Tour-Bring your group for a tour of our store. Learn how Bruster’s Ice Cream got started and help us make a batch of our delicious home-made ice cream. Enjoy some ice cream and have some fun! Sundae Bar-We can bring the party to you. We offer traditional sundaes, brownie sundaes, banana splits and strawberry shortcakes. We provide the ice cream, toppings, spoons, napkins & cups. • Dairy Queen- 2019 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika. 742-9400; DQ Cakes available. • D Squared Donuts- 1625 E. University Drive, Auburn. 887-1112. Donuts, fritters, and special order cakes for all occasions available. www.dsquaredonuts.com. • GiGi’s Cupcakes- 1888 Ogletree Road, Suite 170, Auburn. 887-2253. Cupcakes for all occasions; many flavors to choose from with new items for all seasons. Special orders taken. www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/auburnalabama • Great American Cookies- 1627 Opelika Rd. #10 (inside the mall), Auburn, 821-4553. A special day calls for a special Cookie Cake. And with Great American Cookies’ wide variety of beautiful and delicious offerings, you can give the birthday boy or girl a party to remember. Simply choose your favorite design and add a custom message. Cookie party trays and cookie tins available. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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• Railroad Creamery-119 B South 8th St. Opelika, 749-0012. Summer Hours: TuesdaySaturday, 12:30-8:30 pm, Sunday 3:006:00pm. Railroad Creamery is an old-fashioned ice cream shop in Historic Downtown Opelika. Serving Blue Bell ice cream, milk shakes, sundaes, and other desert treats. We host birthday parties and other private groups. • Shake’s Frozen Custard- Moore’s Mill, 821-8252 and Cary Creek, 826-1241, Auburn. Frozen custard cakes, sundaes, shakes, and cones. shakesfrozencustard.com • TCBY- 300 North Dean Rd Ste 3, Auburn. 826-8828. Cakes, soft serve yogurt & toppings, hand scooped yogurt, beriyo smoothies, and more! Daily special and coupons online athttp://store.tcby.com/home/auburntcby • The Gourmet Tiger- 2962 Hwy 14, Auburn. 821-9222; www.gourmettiger.com. Bakery specializing in birthday cakes of all sizes and designs. Check out our gallery of cake pictures on line. • Yogurt Mountain- 2199 Tiger Town Parkway, Opelika. 745-2727. Yogurt and toppings; self-serve yogurt bar. www.yogurtmoutain.com

ENTERTAINMENT • Kona Ice

707-3650; www.facebook.com/KonaIceAuburnColumbus; Offering premium shaved ice treat for children (of all ages)! Our Party Truck will come to your location! Party music makes for a festive mood, Kona Ice for all guests, Birthday boy/girl gets a King Kona, Hit the FLAVORWAVE, party favors available, Kona character (when available). We serve the 32

following areas: Auburn, Opelika, Loachapoka, Beauregard, Salem, Smiths Station, and the following zip codes in Columbus, Ga (31904, 31909, 31906, 31901).

• Sweet Cheeks Face & Body Art

“We Make Sweet Faces Even Sweeter!” Lynnette Strickland, 334-444-2402; www.sweetcheekspainting.com Offering face painting, glitter tattoos, pregnancy belly art for birthday parties, showers, church events, reunions, fundraisers, special events and more! We use only cosmetic-grade professional face and body paints, glitters, glues and gems for your safety. From princesses to fairies to superheroes to wild animals... Sweet Cheeks has it all! To see our gallery of sweet face and party packages, check out our website!

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• dRMagic- www.drmagicfun.com; 334887-8029 or booking@drmagicfun.com . Dr. Magic will provide balloon twisting fun, magic, and face painting for all parties. We also offer a variety of costumed characters, including princesses, wizards, pirates, and, of course, clowns. • H & G Horse Quarters- Katie Grimes; 887-0026. 943 Lee Road 57, Auburn. www. hghorsequarters.com ; “Every child’s dream is to ride a pony.” Birthday party packages available on site or we can bring the party to you! Our facilities include staff for hosting and facilitating your party, the horse arena for riding, includes all riding equipment, a beautiful gazebo with tables and chairs and much more! • Jubilee Farm Pony Parties –334-750-3619 or www.jubileefarmpartyparties.com. We can bring the party to you or schedule to visit our farm for pony rides and meet all the farm animals. Advertising: 334-209-0552

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• Noah’s Ark Workshop Birthday Parties“We come to you!” Craig Rowan; 866-283-7373 www.noahsarkpartyfun.com; Party Includes: Professional Party Leader for an hour, Un-stuffed Cuddly Animals, Outfits, Stuffing, Wishing Star, Birth Certificate, Take home bag, Theme Party Planning Guide, optional Party Supplies and Party favor boxes, a FREE gift for the birthday child, and GREAT workshop FUN! • Sandy’s Stables- 4273 Lee Road 54, Opelika 741-0020. Pony rides, trail rides, and visiting all of our different farm animals. All ages welcome. • The Big Green Bus- The Big Green Bus brings the party to you! The Big Green Bus is a school bus that has been converted into a safe and fun preschool gymnastics facility. Party includes a zip-line, tumbling mats, monkey bar, rock wall, slides, tunnels, beam, bar, vault, rings, parachute games, and more! We will introduce your child to the wild and crazy world of gymnastics. We will bring an inflatable moon bounce at no extra charge. Kelly McArdle 3320833 or www.mybiggreenbus.com.

EQUIPMENT / GAME RENTALS • Auburn Event Builder

“Great Events Don’t Just Happen...They’re Built!” www.auburneventbuilder.com;

716.201.0556. Let your guests be themselves while they have a great time cutting loose and letting their real colors shine in our fantastic photo booth or with the new Bopping Heads. Perfect for Birthday Parties,Wedding Receptions, Corporate Parties, Formals, Proms and Dances, Fund-Raisers, Carnivals, Team Parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras and more! Check out the booths online and reserve for a unique party event! • 4 Party Plus Rentals- “Fun is Our Business”. 749-6419; www.4partyplus.com. Rentals include inflatables, slides, games, concessions, characters and more. • Kids In Action Inflatables- Call 742-0144 to schedule delivery of your party! We offer moonwalks, 18 foot wet/dry slide and an obstacle course. • Sherrell’s Rental Creation- Call 745-0695. Inflatable slides, bounce houses, trackless train, concessions and balloon bouquets much more. Party rentals including tables, chairs, linens, china, centerpiece décor, and more. • Space Walk of Auburn- 887-5437; spacewalkaub@herecomesfun.com; The nation’s #1 inflatable rental company! We have one of the largest rental inventories in the nation, with thousands of inflatables available for rent, and over 200 branches nation-wide committed to

helping your party or event be a huge success! Offering space walks, wet/dry slides, big obstacle courses, inflatable games, and more. Concessions available too- popcorn, cotton candy and sno cones. www.herecomesfun.com.

LIMOUSINES • Touch of Class Limousine: Montgomery 334-284-2673. Carry up to 14 passengers at a time. Can pick up kids and ride them around or take them for pizza, etc. and then back home. These limos have all the extras for a fun time red carpet, DVD for movies, a Birthday sign! • Young’s Limousine and Airport Service: Montgomery; 334-262-1634. We can carry up to 16 passengers. Wide variety of large luxury vehicles. Great for birthday parties, weddings or other special events. Call for details.

PAPER GOODS/ DECORATIONS/ INVITATIONS • Auburn Awards & Fine Papers- 127 South College Street, Auburn; 887-7768 • Auburn Flowers and Gifts- 1499 S College St, Ste F, Auburn. 502-4567. Balloon bouquets, gourmet gifts and flower arrangements.

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Voted #1 Childcare Center 2 years in a row! Technology Computer Program for ages 1 and up Science, Math and Literacy Take Home Backpacks Solid Rubber Playground Surface reduces injuries Our Character Education program teaches values Healthy menu with fresh fruit and whole grain foods ASL Sign Language Infants through K4 State of the Art Video Monitoring Lower Child:Teacher Ratios Infants through School-Age Care available from 6:30a.m. to 6:30p.m.

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Transportation to most Auburn City Schools

644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 334.501.2044

An independently owned and operated location of the Growing Room Franchising System

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

• Check it Out! -239 N Gay Street, Auburn. 826-0308. Balloon bouquets, costumes, party paper products, and more. http://www.check-itoutballoons.com/image/9.gif • Hobby Lobby- TigerTown, Opelika. 7452730. Party supplies, invitations, crafts, and more. • Lynn’s Hallmark- Inside the Mall, 8879889. Birthday invitations and unique gifts. • Party City -Tiger Town, Opelika. A one-stop party store that provides a wide selection of merchandise at everyday low prices.

PARTY PLANNERS • Sherrell’s Rental Creation-745-0695. Offering rental products including tables, chairs, linens, china, centerpiece décor, and more. • Special Arrangements- 2201 Enterprise Drive, Opelika. 737-2995; www.specialarrangements.com; Offering a wide array of products including selections in tables, chairs, fine china, custom linens, chair covers, tents, staging, dance floors and more.

UNIQUE GIFTS KIDS/ADULTS • Ada Kids

1888 Ogletree Road, Auburn. 887-7989. A unique boutique just for kids! We specialize in children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and gifts! • Cutie Pie- 2415 Moores Mill Rd # 210, Auburn. 826-1254. More than a Children’s store.... unique gifts for all ages & occasions! • Discovery Toys- Jennifer Sammons, 3321771; High quality toys, books and games from discovery toys are the perfect gift-giving ideas for any birthday child. Host a party demonstration – Earn free toys! • Fun and Fancy- 3051 Fredrick Road, Opelika; 745-2237. We can help you with gift, clothing & shoe needs from expectant mother to baby to child and beyond. • Kiddie Closet- 209 South 8th Street, Opelika. 745-4497. Specializes in upscale brand name clothing. Offering sizes newborn to 16. Shoes, baby items, maternity, toys, books, dvd’s, and more. • Kidz World- USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Avenue, Opelika. 705-8098. Where the Value Never Stops! Name brand children’s clothes at huge savings. Area’s largest selection of children’s clothing and hairbows! Premie, Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

newborn, girls sizes infant to 16, boys sizes infant to 18/20. • Mom & Tots Consignment- South 8th Street, Opelika. 745-5400. Your everything maternity and children’s store. Clothing, shoes, toys, baby gear, and much more.

YARD SIGNS • A to Z Signs, Occasional Yard Signs: 334354-5189. Displays for any occasion. Birthday, birth announcements, weddings. 6 ft. wooden signs and inflatable signs like a stork, heart, birthday cake, buzzard, palm tree and American flag. And you can fill your yard with props such as cows, smiley faces, hearts, penguins, baby bottles, buzzard, flamingo and more. www.atozsigns.org.

PLACES TO PARTY – ARTISTIC

• Party Animals

2436 E. University Drive, Auburn. 209-5009. www.partyanimalsau.biz; Private party space for 90 minutes. Party packages for 8 or more guests includes choice of art project: frames, key chains, purse, canvas, jewelry, mirror, and more. Party package includes set up, clean up, art materials, and instructional time for chosen project. Log on to website to see a gallery of art projects offered.

• Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University

901 South College Street, Auburn, 844-1484. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Offering individuals, businesses, and corporations an exciting environment in which to hold social gatherings, presentations, performances or meetings including birthday parties. Rental facilities for parties include the gardens, auditorium, cafe, grand gallery, rotunda, and terrace. • Auburn Parks and Recreation Dean Road Recreation Center- Amy Kaiser, 821-0916; amyekaiser@bellsouth.net Celebrate with Clay Birthday Party- Celebrate your child’s special day by hosting an active make-it-in-clay birthday event. The party includes 3-10 participants, including the birthday child, gathering at the Dean Road Ceramics studio for two hours to make a fun clay project using hand building techniques. You select the project from three choices-Secret Keeper Pockets, Coiled Critter Sculptures, or Fantasy Fish Dishes- and celebrants make and glaze their projects during the clay session. $20/person + $5 materials fee. Ages 7-16 yrs. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center- Rebecca Miller, 209-0171; rmiller45@gmail.com 34

Arty Party/Music Class- Celebrate a birthday or have a group play date! This is an interactive party with singing, dancing, instruments and more! Various themes are available. $100 for up to 12 guests. Ages 1-4 years. • Denson Arts Center, Opelika; 705-5547 Ceramics Birthday Parties- Looking for a fun and unique Child’s Birthday Party? Let the Ceramics Department plan your next event! Kids love it! Parents appreciate it! All children enjoy a project that can be completed at the party and taken home. Birthday child receives a special Birthday Plate! • Perch Bead Studio- 416 S. Gay Street, Auburn; 334-209-1378; perchbeadstudio.com Perch is a place to create, design and be inspired. Create your own unique jewelry for your birthday party. Tools are provided and materials are available for purchase. Children will have a fun time creating jewelry and memories together at Perch. • Uptown Art Uncorked- 2408 East University Drive, Auburn. 209-1188. 127 South 8th Street, Opelika. 741-5353. Paint a canvas masterpiece with step-by-step group instruction.

BOWLING •AMF Auburn Lanes-719 Opelika Road, Auburn; 887-6573; www.amf.com Why not have a ball on your next birthday party or special event with AMF! AMF Bowling Center entertainment packages will make your party a striking success. Kid’s Birthday Bash-Every B-day Bash package includes bowling, bowling shoes, party supplies and plenty of great food and beverages. And you can even choose a package that includes an authentic bowling pin that everyone can sign for the birthday boy or girl.

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GYMNASTICS / CHEER /DANCE • Make Your Move Dance Studio

“Where Everyone’s a Star”. 116 Columbus Parkway,

Opelika. Call Mandy to reserve your Ballerina Birthday. 705-0205 or www.makeyourmovedance.com

• Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road. Auburn. 821-7300. www. premierspiritacademy.com Be a Premier Party Animal! We know how to throw a Birthday Party!! We provide invitations for you to send out, all paper products, decorated party area, drinks for the party animals and awesome staff to run your party. Each student at the party will receive a party favor. The birthday student will receive a Party Animal Birthday shirt. You Advertising: 334-209-0552

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MARTIAL ARTS • Auburn Academy of Martial Arts

• Shane Pope’s Taekwondo Plus- 2301 Enterprise Dr Ste E, Opelika. 745-5330. We do it all for you! Paper products, cake, drinks, set up, clean up and entertainment included. 1 ½ hour parties for $175.00 per party.

MISCELLANEOUS

323 Airport Rd, Suite J in Airport Plaza, Auburn. 502-7221. www.auburnacademy.com. Party highlights include: Your child will be a Black Belt for a day! Cake is cut with a real Samurai sword! Every child breaks a board (optional), a unique take-home gift! Medals and other martial arts items are available for favors! Learning, exercise, games and fun! No experience necessary. $150.00 per party; 1 1/2 hours long, scheduled on weekends. Other Party Ideas: Host a self-defense party for your teenager; Throw a fitness party for a colleague who is “over the hill”; Kids and parents can party together for some great family time.

• Frog Legs

• Auburn Mixed Martial Arts

• Auburn Parks and Recreation- 501-2930 Boykin Community Center – 400 Boykin Street, Auburn. Gym and meeting rooms. Dean Road Recreation Center – 307 South Dean Road, Auburn. Gym, meeting areas and ceramics studio. Frank Brown Recreation Center -235 Opelika Rd, Auburn. Gym, game rooms, and other rooms for party rental.

2515 East Glenn Ave, Auburn. 887-0818. www.auburnmma.com; Black Belt Birthday Bash! Be a blackbelt Ninja for a day! Break boards, martial arts games, martial arts cake, cut your cake with a real Samurai sword and take home a Samurai sword as a birthday gift! No experience necessary. Schedule a unique party today!

“Where Kids Come First”. 467 North Dean Road, Auburn; 887-3764 or 321-8221; www. froglegsparty.com or email us at froglegsparty@att.net Party Packages: Tad Poles Package -8 guests; Tree Frogs Package -16 guests; Bull Frog Package - 24 guests. All Packages include: all paper products, spoons, forks, plates, cups, napkins, table cloths, balloons, also 1 slice of pizza per child and 1 drink per child. It also includes a party host. Additional food, loot bags and ice cream can be purchased from us. The only thing you bring in is your birthday cake.

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center- 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn. Conference rooms, children’s gallery and performance center. • Eastdale Mall- Montgomery; 334-277-7380 Build-a-Bear Workshop- www.buildabear.com. Parties start at $10 per child. At a scheduled party, each Guest makes their own stuffed animal friend! A party leader guides them through each step of the fun-filled bear-making experience. Then, if you choose, your Guests can pawsonalize their new furry friends with hundreds of outfits and accessories. They’ll walk out, hand-in-paw with a smile and a new best friend! Ice Palace- offers a very exciting alternative called Broomball. Broomball or Ice Skating is offered after regular hours at the mall from Monday thru Saturday from 9:00 p.m. until Midnight. The cost is $200 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour. Please call 334-277-2088 for more information. The Island Carousel- Tables and chairs next to the carousel is a perfect princess party location. Pay for the carousel rides; no reservations required. • Opelika Parks and Recreation Covington Recreation Center- 213 Carver Avenue, Opelika; 705-5550. Gym and meeting rooms; two playground units; picnic tables in wooded areas with grills; outdoor swimming pool.

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Denson Drive Recreation Center- 1102 Denson Drive, Opelika;705-5547. Gym and meeting rooms. Sportsplex- 1001 Andrews Road, Opelika. 705-5560. Adult activity with tables and chairs. Three 930 square foot meeting rooms that can be opened up to one 2791 square foot room; Seats 150 people. Outdoor amphitheater, gym, pool, and splash pad. • Sleep Inn & Suites- 135 Spirit Drive, Auburn. 501-7171. Indoor pool, suites, and conference rooms available for parties or sleepover fun! • USA Mini Golf- Area’s only indoor, climate controlled mini golf facility. Enjoy our creative “Road Trip Across America” course theme that educates the youngsters and makes it more fun for the adults. Play an unlimited number of rounds on our 18 hole course for one low, group rate. Party room available. We will even turn on the blacklights for a small fee – play with the putters, balls, holes, and artwork glowing in the darkness. 334- 439-4914 or sales@ usaminigolf.com

OUTDOORS PARKS •Auburn City Parks- For more information about any park, or to reserve it for a special function, please contact the Parks and Recreation department’s administrative office, 501-2930. Outdoor Pools- Samford Pool & Drake Pool. Come Party With Us!-Not only are Auburn City Pools open daily for the season, but now you can come party with us! Schedule your next birthday, wedding, anniversary, or corporate party at one of Auburn’s pools. We provide the lifeguards, you provide the guests! Include up to 50 guests for $75/hour, two-hour minimum, and an additional $25/hour for up to 80 guests. Waivers must be signed by all participants. Pool rules and regulations apply. Samford pool available on Saturdays from 6 - 8 p.m., or Drake Pool, available daily from 5 - 8 p.m. (available 6 - 8 p.m. only during swim sessions). Outside food and beverages are allowed. No adult beverages or glass containers are allowed. For more information, or to book your party, contact the Pool Manager at 501-2957. Bowden Park, 340 Bowden Drive. The facilities are a playground, an open, grassy area, and a swingset. Felton Little Park (the sand park), 341 E Glenn Ave. A playground with swings and picnic tables, as well as some baseball fields Hickory Dickory Park, 1399 Hickory Lane. A unique playground experience for children with multiple levels of play including ropes, swings, slides, climbing and more. A separate area for smaller children and age appropriate play structures. Picnic tables, restrooms and large grassy area. Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Ln. Kiesel Park is Auburn’s largest park, with a pavilion, a garden, a pond, and a 2 1/4 mile walking trail. The Nunn-Winston house is also located at this park for rental. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Martin Luther King Park, 190 Byrd Street. A pavilion with picnic tables, a playground, a basketball goal, and a fenced-in field. Moores Mill Park, 900 E University Dr. Large grassy area, a sand volleyball court, and a wooded area with picnic tables. Sam Harris Park, 850 Foster St. Playground, a pavilion, and a walking trail that is 1/6th of a mile long. Town Creek Park, 1150 S Gay St. Open grassy area and a pavilion, restrooms and a walking trail here that is 0.87 miles long. •Forest Ecology Preserve- 222 North College Street, Auburn. Jennifer Lolley, 707-6512 or jrl0006@auburn.edu Must be a member of the Preserve. Our parties are $100 for up to 20 kids- $5 for every child over 20. Party will last from 1.5- 2 hours. A trained naturalist will present a 45 minute program. A teacher/naturalist will also lead the hike (about 35 minutes) if part of the program. Six party themes to choose from: 1) Nuts for Nature, 2) Radical Reptiles, 3) Incredible Insects, 4) Frogs and Fun, 5) Art in Nature, 6) Warm for the Winter •Opelika City Parks- For rental information call the Opelika Recreation Department 7055560. Aquatics Center Pool and Splash Park- 1001 Andrews Road, Opelika. The indoor, zero entry pool and outdoor splash pad can be reserved for a party. Rent al of the pool includes a party room with table and chairs. The splash park rental includes an outdoor picnic table with an umbrella and chairs. Floral Park, 600 Floral Street- features 3 Adult Softball Fields, One Control Building with Restrooms, Open Play Field, Playground ,Family Area with horseshoes and shuffle board. Municipal Park - A beautiful city park located across the street from the Opelika Recreation Center on Denson Drive. The park contains both a shelter and a gazebo with picnic tables. A unique attraction in the park is the Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage train. The train runs seasonally and is also available for rental. Playgrounds are located throughout the site. Spring Villa, 1474 Lee Road 148. 350 acre park with an antebellum house, outdoor volley-ball courts, horseshoe pit, campground with hookups for 24 spaces, campground lodge suitable for gatherings, walking trails, day camp compound, restrooms, outside band stand, nature trails, open play area, picnic tables and grills among the wooded areas, picnic shelters. •The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum- 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery. 334-240-4900.A great place to host a birthday party. The sights and sounds of the Zoo make an exciting and exotic backdrop for any special occasion. Shelters can be reserved in advance; and are located at the front gate area or the new playground. Rental fees start as low as $50 for a three-hour rental. Picnics, outside food and beverages are allowed at all shelters; however, we do ask that you refrain from using cups with lids and/or straws, no balloons and no cooking devices of any sort. These are not allowed for the protection and safekeeping of our animals. 36

All guests must clean and vacate the shelter after rental time has elapsed.

PHOTOGRAPHERS • Picture Perfect by Candy

www.pictureperfectbycandy.com; Call Candy at 663-3343 or cavera4@bellsouth.net. Picture Perfect is a full service studio, specializing in contemporary artistic portraiture of children, tweens and teens. Other services include canvas wraps, standout mounting, custom albums and coffee table books. Unique and colorful custom framing available.

RESTAURANTS • Brick Oven Pizza- Auburn -230 North Gay Street, 502-6726. Great outdoor patio space. Tiger Town- 2520 Enterprise Dr., Opelika. 7450223. Ask about “create your own personal pizza” party. Each party guest can make their own pizza from scratch. • Burger King – Auburn-1740 South College Street, 466-8961. ‎Indoor playground with lots of slides and tables for your party. Add a kids meal which includes a drink and party favor. Opelika- 415 Second Avenue, 749-3351. Indoor playground with lots of slides and tables for your party. Add a kids meal which includes a drink and party favor. Opelika- 1400 Columbus Parkway, 741-9120. Outdoor playground. • Chick-fil-A: Village Mall-1627 Opelika Rd Ste 54, Auburn. 887-5429. Party space available inside the mall. Check with management for “The Cow” appearances. Tiger Town- 2052 Tiger Town Pkwy, Opelika. 741-7112. Indoor playground. • CiCi’s Pizza Buffet- 821-2600; 1550 Opelika Road, Suite #30, Auburn. Endless pizza buffet, salad, pasta, and dessert. • McDonald’s -You bring the kids, we’ll make the party. Super-fun for the kids, stress-free for you! We’ve got this party thing down to a science: Happy Meals, cake, decorations, party favors. Auburn- 2372 College Street, 502-8900. Outdoor playground. Ronald Drive-Across from the Mall, Auburn. 821-5303. New indoor playground. Opelika- 1104 Columbus Pkwy. 749-5648 • Shakey’s Pizza- 2487 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn. 826-0060. The perfect place for any event. Bring the kids’ friends for an easy birthday party - we do all the cooking and clean up! Party room in the back next to all the tokens, games, and prizes! Advertising: 334-209-0552

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SKATING

• The Skate Center

1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn. 821-1127. The only indoor, roller skating rink in the Auburn / Opelika area. Skate hours: Tuesday & Thursday 6:30-9:00pm, Friday 6:30-10:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm, & Sunday 2:00-5:00pm. Parties available during regular skate hours OR Private Party Package starting at $285 for 2hrs for up to 40 people. Includes skate rental, party space, invitations, paper products, drinks, pizza, skate games, bounce house and more!

SPORTS • Auburn Parks and Recreation- Recreational Birthday Party. Frank Brown Rec Center, Auburn. 501-2962. walexander@auburnalabama.org; Let the fun begin! Recreational birthday parties really keep the kids moving. We provide the place, gym, game room, decorations, plates, napkins, cups, utensils, tables, chairs, and the clean-up…you provide the birthday child, guests, food, drinks, send out invitations, and the cake! Parties should book at least two weeks in advance. Price based on a maximum of 25 participants for two hours. $80. Ages 5-12yrs. • Auburn University Kid’s Club- Auburn Athletic Dept. 844-9706. Celebrate your birthday while showing your Auburn spirit! For children with birthdays that fall during Auburn’s sports seasons, the Tiger Birthday Program is the perfect option! AU Athletics strives to accommodate birthday parties at almost all of our home sporting events*, and the deadline for all birthday reservations is one week prior to the desired game, so make sure to sign up today! Packages are available at the following sports: men’s basketball (not for the Alabama game), women’s basketball, gymnastics, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, swimming & diving, and equestrian. Party includes 10 ticket to event, 10 shakers, hot dogs and drinks, an autographed item, birthday donut cake, and name on the scoreboard. • Sports Academy- 3678 Pepperell Pkwy- Midway Plaza, Opelika. 749-4040. “Have a Ball” at your child’s birthday party this year! Our parties are easy, fun and memorable for all kids! Our energetic party coaches will organize and facilitate a variety of fast-paced and fun sports games. Age appropriate games include: relay races, tug-of-war, dodge ball, kick ball, flag football, soccer, baseball, and softball. Kids take turns in our batting cages and home run derby for prizes! Parties include 1 ½ hour party, coach to organize and facilitate the games, private party room, set up and clean up of room, supervised high-energy sports games, Sports Academy t-shirt, gift cards for the birthday child, two rounds of hitting in batting cages, sports themed plates, napkins, tablecloths, and utensils, two slices of CiCi’s Pizza / bottle of powerade or water per child, and customized party invitations. www.sportsacademyauburn.com AOP Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com

(334) 209-0552 or ads@auburnopelikaparents.com 37

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Craft ng & Cook ng with Kids

by Dana Moonan

Let the Games Begin! Summer is a great time to get together with friends and family. Try a few of these games after dinner or on a lazy afternoon. You can even ask each family member to come with one game for the group to play. Minute-to-win-it games are quick easy games that can be played with different ages and groups. These small tasks must be completed in one minute to win that game/task. You can have several games set up at once and different teams playing them. You will need one person to be the timer. The timer yells “start” and “end” at the beginning of each minute for each game. You can also use kitchen timers, phone timers/ alarms or egg timers. The team that wins the most would be the winner. Or you can have individuals play these games one by one. These are great for birthday or class parties, too. The website www.nbc. com/minute-to-win-it/how-to/ lists all the games from this popular television show, materials needed and instructions to play. The good thing about these games is that most of the supplies needed are common household objects. A few of my favorites are: Breakfast Scramble: The object of this race is to put together the front of a cereal box that has been cut into 16 even pieces. Face the Cookie: The object of this game is to move a cookie from your forehead to your mouth—using only your face. I have seen this game done- and not many can Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

do it. Many cookies will have to be eaten while playing! Candelier: The object of this game is to stack 5 cans- marked 1-5. Can #1 is on the bottom and 5 on the top, adding a paper plate between each level. Caddy Stack: This game is a little more difficult. The object is to stack 3 golf balls on top of each other.

towels together to form a rope to your desired length. The knots also make good grabbing parts so go for the knots! For an especially hot day a water balloon game is a quick way to cool down. Just fill balloons or the smaller water balloons the night before the big game. Then place them overnight in a large cooler. Open it up and your balloons are ready to go. You can find packs of 100 or more water balloons at the local dollar store for only a dollar. You can also purchase water squirters/misters for some of the younger children who may not want to throw the water balloons. These games are quick and easy and involve minimal supplies. You can even make trophies or other “prizes” for the winners from each family. Make sure to “pack” some of the ideas with you when you go to the beach, park or Grandma’s house for your family vacation.

Summer Treat

You can also play old fashioned family games. These do not go out of style and are great fun for parents and kids alike. In a three legged race, you can use a bandana to tie two people’s legs together. Line up all the team members and have them race/hop to the finish line. This is especially fun with people of different heights. A similar race is the sack race. You can do this with an old pillowcase. This would work better for smaller children. They would stand in the pillowcase and line up on the starting line. Then hop to the finish line in the sacks/pillowcases. Tug of water is also a fun group game. You can play family against family. A softer alternative to the rope is to make a tug of war rope from towels. Just knot 38

For a special homemade treat try making your own ice cream sandwich. Make or buy chocolate chip cookies. The store bought ones are a little more uniform in size and work a little better. Then smooth one scoop of ice-cream across one cookie. You may want to add more to make it thicker. Then place another cookie on top. Freeze for 3-4 hours or overnight on a cookie tray. Then pull out when ready to serve. If you are freezing these several days in advance, once frozen you can stack them in a Tupperware container with a lid for easy storage. You can also “roll” your cookie into sprinkles for an added treat before you freeze!

Dana Moonan is a former first grade teacher and current stay-at-home mom of three, Emily and Matthew, and Abby.

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Parenting

on the Plains by Dr. Polly Dunn

Confessions of an Accidental Reinforcer Whenever I get on the phone, without fail my children immediately start interrupting me. As soon as they hear the phone ring I could swear that all four of them have a problem that they think requires my help to solve. Does this ever happen to you? Surely I’m not alone here. I’ve taken to locking myself in the laundry room to talk on the phone in peace, but there’s got to be another way! Truthfully though, I know what the problem is. Whenever they interrupt me on the phone, I give them attention. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a good kind of attention. It’s “I’m on the phone, and you need to wait until I’m off!” It’s the dreaded look. It’s me saying, “This better be an emergency or else!” But it’s attention nonetheless. And giving them attention is reinforcing their behavior of interrupting me. Positive reinforcement occurs when you reward or reinforce a behavior and then that behavior increases. Giving my kids attention when they interrupt me on the phone only reinforces and increases that behavior. And the next time I’m on the phone they won’t think twice about disrupting my conversation because they know it will get them the attention they want. So, what can I do to stop reinforcing behaviors that I don’t like? First, I need to monitor my own responses. How do I react when my children do something I don’t like? Am I accidentally reinforcing behaviors that I want to decrease, not increase? Just like with my little phone interrupters, there are probably other things that I’m rewarding unintentionally. Making myself aware of those behaviors is the first step in getting a handle on the problem. Next, instead of accidentally reinforcing behaviors that I want to put an end to, I need to ignore those behaviors instead. It’s that simple. It’s even okay to set the kids down and let them know Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com

what you’re doing. It doesn’t have to be a secret that you’ve got this reinforcement thing figured out! For my problem I can say, “From now on when Mommy is on the phone, you need to wait until I am finished to ask me any questions or tell me anything unless it is an emergency (like blood or fire!).” From then on I’ll work on consistently ignoring them whenever they interrupt my conversation. After a while they’ll get the idea. Finally, we can spend some time giving our children positive attention for behaviors that we’d actually like to see increase. Offer them words of praise, hugs, a pat on the back, and your attention when they are on the right track. Behaviors like playing nicely with siblings, reading, helping out around the

house, or being kind are all examples of behaviors that parents usually want to see increase. Instead of paying attention to our kids for their poor behavior and expecting it to get better, we could all put a little more focus on their positive behavior since that’s what we’d really like to see more of anyway. 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.

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Time Out

by Deanne Haines

Every night after my children are in bed you can easily find me in my laundry room. Not because washing clothes is my favorite pastime, but it’s one tactic I’ve implemented in my quest to carve out more family time. I realized that by doing just one load of laundry a night it won’t all pile up for me in an overwhelming heap to do on the weekend. This allows me more time on the weekend to spend with my family. It may seem a bit simplistic, but it actually has made a difference. The truth is, being a working mother – inside or outside the home – is hard work. It takes a lot of planning and organizing to create a good work-life balance. If you find yourself part of this difficult balancing act called being a “working mother,” here are six strategies to help you in your personal quest for quality family time.

Six strategies for working moms to create more

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1. Lose the guilt.

Whether you choose to work or do so because it’s a financial necessity, feeling guilty about it doesn’t help. “Everyone has good intentions,” says Patty Jackson, a Family and Relationship Life Coach. “Cut yourself some slack.” That, says Jackson, is the Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

first step in making positive changes. Once you lose the guilt you can become clear on what changes you want to implement in your life in order to incorporate more family time.

2. Get creative with household tasks.

No one intends to make household tasks a priority over family time, but some 40

chores seem never-ending. As mom of two, Kelly Nommensen, points out, “My children still need clean underwear everyday and a clean bowl for their cereal every morning.” There’s no getting around that. One way to accomplish necessary tasks is to make a game out of them so your children will be more inclined to help. For example, write simple chores on individual slips of paper and put them into a bowl. You’ll be amazed Advertising: 334-209-0552

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at your children’s enthusiasm when they get to pick one out and find out which job they get to do. Shannon Carr creatively combines giving her four-year-old daughter, Megan, a bath with cleaning her bathroom. Since Megan likes to play with her bath toys by herself after getting clean, Carr takes those extra five or ten minutes to wash the sink, the mirror, and clean the toilet. In an effort to keep the rest of her house clean, Carr has turned her barely-used dining room into a playroom so there is one room that can accommodate all the toys. “I’m just trying to get as much clutter out of the house as I possibly can.” Carr recently has become what she calls a minimalist. “I’ve just started to throw stuff out. If I haven’t seen it or touched it in two months I just get rid of it.”

3. Combine calendars.

Let’s face it – our lives are run by our calendars. Between appointments, meetings, your children’s events, and school functions, most of us would be lost without our Blackberries, Outlook calendars, or appointment books. One important way to stay on top of things is to include work priorities and family events in one calendar. That way you can see at one glance what you have going on in both

your worlds and possibly avoid scheduling a work meeting at the same time as your child’s championship soccer match.

4. Schedule family date nights.

It’s important to have quality time when the entire family can be together, but that is often easier said than done. If your family is like most, everyone is busy with their own activities. Try scheduling in advance a day and time when everyone can be together. Mark it on the calendar and make sure everyone sticks to it. Date nights don’t have to cost money either. They can consist of a family bike ride, cooking a meal together, playing board games, or visiting a local park.

5. Be in the moment.

What matters most is that the time you are able to spend with your family is made up of quality time. That means being in the moment. Turn off your Blackberry. Turn off your cell phone. For those who find it hard to leave their work at the office, Jackson advises, “Make a commitment to set really clear boundaries. On that drive home be able to say, ‘I did enough.’ Once you do that you can start letting go of the work day and transitioning into the home day.”

6. Make the most of your time.

Many moms feel like there is not enough time in the day. Perhaps setting your alarm thirty minutes earlier a couple times a week is all it would take to create a little more balance. Taking time to enjoy breakfast with your family or going for a cool morning walk around the neighborhood with your son or daughter are great ways to start the day off with family time. “I’m a morning person,” says Sue Kahn. That’s a good thing since she starts work at 6:30 a.m. every day. Despite the early shift, though, she still manages to straighten her house in the morning. She even has started setting the dining room table for supper before she leaves for work. “It’s one less thing I have to do when I come home.” Kahn admits she doesn’t get everything done in a day that she’d like to, but stresses, “I guess we just kind of get through the day. And when you tuck your kids in at night, hopefully they have a smile on their face. You give them a goodnight kiss and you do it all over the next day.” Deanne Haines is a freelance writer and mother of three. She writes about the adventures of parenting in her weekly column, “Parenting in the Village” on MenomoneeFalls.Patch.com.

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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 334-728-1162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-7058877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival • A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Through May 20. Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery. www.asf.net. Birmingham Children’s Theatre Three Billy Goats Gruff. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. June 5-16. www.bct123.org. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. DeSoto Caverns God and Country Light Show. DeSoto Caverns Parks, Childersburg, Al. This special light show celebrates America’s courageous past and will be shown on every caverns tour. Through July31. 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. 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. Legally Blonde: The Musical July 12-August 5. Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.redmountaintheatre.org. McWane Science Center • Dora & Diego: Let’s Explore Exhibit The exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon’s preschool Dora series, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for children to explore as they learn and play along. May 26-Sept. 4. 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

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

June/July2012

meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. 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.

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/. 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 first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. @ Holy Trinity Episcopal in 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. 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. $10 per child.

Support Groups

Care N’ Share Group Caring for a family member or friend can be rewarding, but it is not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your grandchildren, provide care to your parents or spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn from each other, ways to cope with the everyday stresses of caring for someone you love. We will also give you tools and

resources to help you on your journey. Last Monday of each month through November. 7 a.m., or Noon CST (choose the one that works best for you). Registration preferred but not required. This program is supported by the Opelika SportsPlex, Lee-Russell Area Agency on Aging, and Hospice Advantage EAMC. 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

Burn City Rollers League June 30. July 22. Auburn Team. Columbus Civic Center, Ga. www.burncityrollers.com. Columbus Lions Semi-Pro Football June 9, 16. Columbus Civic Center, Ga. www.columbuslions.net. Columbus Roller Derby League June 30, July 22. Columbus Civic Center, Ga. www.columbusciviccenter.org. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball June 2-11, 26-30, July 4-9, 14-17, 29-31. Riverwalk Stadium, Montgomery, Al. www.biscuitsbaseball. com.

Monday, June 18

Summer Astronomy Nights at Callaway Gardens 9 p.m. Free! The astronomers from Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center will help you navigate the summer sky. The array of telescopes is fascinating, and you’ll be able to rub shoulders with true space enthusiasts. Bring a blanket or lawn chair! dutch@ccssc.org. Police Academy at the SportsPlex 9:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 6-11 yrs. Spend the morning with members of the OPD. Great opportunity to go behind the scenes. Snack is included. $10 fee. 705-5560. Free Family Film Festival Legends of the Guardians Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures.com. Dora the Explorer Live! Dora’s Pirate Adventure Riverside Theatre Complex, Columbus, Ga. 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. 705-507-8444.

Tuesday, June 19

Firefighters Academy at Denson Drive Rec. Center 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ages 6-12 yrs. Fee $20.

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Transportation is provided to training center. Experience firsthand what it takes to be a firefighter. Explore the trucks, try on the uniform and hold the hoses. Prepare to get wet! Lunch and t-shirt provided. 705-5560. Summer Swing Concert Crossroads, sponsored by Opelika Parks and Rec. Municipal Park, Opelika. Bring blankets and chairs for an evening of concerts in the park. 705-5560. Opelika Farmer’s Market The Courthouse Square. 2-5 p.m. The Market will open each Tuesday this summer, rain or shine, provides fresh regional produce, homemade ice cream, and fresh baked goods. For more information, contact Pam Powers-Smith, 745.0466. Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film ET National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 9 a.m. Dora the Explorer Live! Dora’s Pirate Adventure See June 18 for details.

Wednesday, June 20

Light and Power Academy at the SportsPlex 9:30 - 11 a.m. Ages 6-11 yrs. Fee $10. Join members of the Light and Power Department as they demonstrate their skills and invite participants to have “hands on” fun. Snack is included. 705-5560. Dora the Explorer Live! Dora’s Pirate Adventure See June 18 for details. Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film ET National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 11:15 a.m.

Thursday, June 21

Covington Movie Club Covington Rec. Center, Opelika. 3:30-5:00 p.m. Ages 6-12. $5 fee. Come and enjoy a movie and popcorn! 705-5560. Animal Enrichment Day Montgomery Zoo. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Farmers Market at Ag Heritage Park Auburn. 3-6 p.m. An open-air farmers’ market offering locally produced fruits, vegetables, honey, ornamental plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, goat milk, soaps, baked goods and more! In addition, it often features the work of local artisans, educational booths, and musical entertainment. 334.321.1603. Military Day at the Montgomery Zoo All military personnel and their immediate families receive FREE admission to the Zoo and Museum (please provide valid military identification for entry). www.montgomeryzoo.com. Lady Antebellum Oak Mountain Amphitheater, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com. Children’s Matinee Puss and Boots Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.capritheatre.org. Free Family Film Festival Legends of the Guardians Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures.com. Dora the Explorer Live! Dora’s Pirate Adventure See June 18 for details. 2012 Carmike Summer Kid Series Over the Hedge. Wynnsong Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. Celebrate the summer with movie and popcorn! Every Thursday this summer, bring the

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kids to see a favorite kid flick for $2. This includes the movie, popcorn and a drink!

Friday, June 22

Farmers Market Robin Lake Beach Dome, Callaway Gardens. 4-7 p.m. $5 admission. A variety of local and regional vendors selling fruits and vegetables, including those grown right in Callaway Gardens’ own Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden; meats and dairy products; baked goods; soaps, sauces and other specialty items; and flowers and plants. Additionally, demonstrations and children’s activities ensure a fun and interactive learning environment for all ages. www.callawaygardens.com. Rediscover the Rails: Southwest Georgia’s Tourist Train Located inside Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele, Ga. 9:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. www.SamShortline.com. Free Outdoor Movie Series Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Hugo. Bring your blankets and chairs to Duck Samford Park, Field 1, Auburn. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset (approx 8:30 p.m.). 501-2930. Animal Adventures Landmark Park, Dothan. Guest speakers teach about native and exotic animals. 10 a.m. www.landmarkpark.com. Art Club ‘Mosaics’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. Ages 7th-12th grade. 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Art Clubs are an open studio that offers the opportunity for K-12 students to be creative while learning about art. Sessions are free, but require preregistration by calling 334-844-3486. Parents are asked to stay at the museum for the session.www. jcsm.auburn.edu. Crenshaw County Rodeo Tom Harbin Farm Center, Luverne, Al. Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association sanctioned rodeo. Sponsored by the Luverne Kiwanis Club and Crenshaw County Saddle Club. 334-335-4468. Culinary Boot Camp At The Hotel at Auburn University. a hands-on weekend-long event showcasing the best of Alabama culinary products and talent. Two top dining locations – Ariccia Trattoria & Bar and Piccolo – will mix gourmet meals with educational experiences. For additional details or to reserve a place, please call Allison Duke at (334) 821-3181. Prince Adequate & the Ten Ninja Princesses 7:30 p.m. 2100 Hamilton Rd.. Columbus, Ga. 706536-8052; $5 tickets. www.familytheatre.org. 30th Annual State Games and Alabama Sports Festival Birmingham. Alabama’s largest multisport, Olympicstyle event showcases 25 sports and is open to all residents of Alabama. Kristin Chenoweth in Concert Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. Children’s Matinee Puss and Boots See June 21 for details. Dora the Explorer Live! Dora’s Pirate Adventure See June 18 for details.

Saturday, June 23

Market Days on Broadway Columbus, Ga. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. 706-596-0111.

Grab your recyclable grocery bag and head down to Broadway to pick up locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, artwork, flowers, plants and handcrafted items! 3rd Annual Day in Clay Hosted by Dean Rd. Ceramics Studio, Auburn. 1-3 p.m. One day open house to encourage families to visit the studio, watch demonstrations, and enjoy refreshments. Adult or kid projects available for $10 fee. Open to the public, but reservations required for hands on projects. 501-2930. Saturday Art Club (K-2nd grade) ‘Mosaics’. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. K-2nd graders. 10-11:30 a.m. Art Clubs are an open studio that offers the opportunity for K-12 students to be creative while learning about art. Sessions are free, but require preregistration by calling 334-844-3486. Parents are asked to stay at the museum for the session. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lowe’s Build-and-Grow Kid’s Workshops Madagascar 3 Luxury Assault Vehicle. 10-11 a.m. Free hands-on learning clinic. Opelika. A great way to give your child the opportunity to participate in these pint-sized “How-to Clinics.” These clinics are designed specifically for kids from ages 5 through 12. An adult will need to bring the child and stay with him or her for the entire length of the workshop. Norah Jones Fox Theatre, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. Saturday Art Club (3rd - 6th grade) ‘Mosaics’. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. 3rd-6th graders. 12:30-2 p.m. H & G Horse Show 943 Lee Road 57, Auburn. Visitors invited. www.hghorsequarters.com. Crenshaw County Rodeo Tom Harbin Farm Center, Luverne, Al. Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association sanctioned rodeo. Sponsored by the Luverne Kiwanis Club and Crenshaw County Saddle Club. 334-335-4468. 5th Annual East Alabama Women’s Council of Realtors Tour of Homes Auburn/Opelika area. Free and open to the public. This is a great opportunity to tour our community and see what our local real estate market has to offer. Currently 20 homes in Auburn and Opelika scheduled to be in the tour. Tour books will be available at both the Auburn & Opelika Chambers of Commerce prior to the event. 559.4005. 63rd Annual Press Thornton Future Masters Dothan Country Club.www.futuremastersgolf.com. 30th Annual State Games and Alabama Sports Festival See June 22 for details. Prince Adequate & the Ten Ninja Princesses See June 22 for details.

Sunday, June 24

5th Annual East Alabama Women’s Council of Realtors Tour of Homes See June 23 for details. 30th Annual State Games and Alabama Sports Festival See June 22 for details. 63rd Annual Press Thornton Future Masters See June 23 for details. Lowe’s Build-and-Grow Kid’s Workshops 2-3 p.m. See June 23 for details.

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Family Calendar Monday, June 25

Summer Astronomy Nights at Callaway Gardens See June 18 for details. Theraputics’ Monday Madness at the Sportsplex USA Mini Golf. 705-5560. Free Family Film Festival Yogi Bear. Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures. com. Theraputics’ Monday Madness at the Sportsplex: USA Mini Golf.705-5560. Chilton County Peach Festival Clanton, Al. Join in as Chilton County celebrates Alabama peaches. Pageants and tournaments are held throughout the week, along with the Peach Run, art exhibitions, a cooking competition and fishing tournament, live music, parades, live and silent auctions, barbecue and much more. www. chiltoncountychamber.com. 63rd Annual Press Thornton Future Masters See June 23 for details.

Tuesday, June 26

Summer Swing Concert Bill J. Brooks, Elvis Lives Concert. Sponsored by Opelika Parks and Rec. Municipal Park, Opelika. Bring blankets and chairs for an evening of concerts in the park. 705-5560. Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film The Incredibles National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 9 a.m. Chilton County Peach Festival See June 25 for details. 63rd Annual Press Thornton Future Masters See June 23 for details. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 19 for details.

Wednesday, June 27

Green Thumb Gardening Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 3-4 p.m. Ages 5-12. $12 fee. Come ready to decorate a pot to plant your new flower in! 705-5560. Chilton County Peach Festival See June 25 for details. 63rd Annual Press Thornton Future Masters See June 23 for details. Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film The Incredibles National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 11:15 a.m.

Thursday, June 28

Covington Movie Club See June 21 for details. Boy’s Night Out Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 6-9 p.m. Come hangout with the guys. Enjoy food, a movie, basketball and a video games. Ages 8-12. $15 fee. 705-5560. Farmers Market at Ag Heritage Park Auburn. 3-6 p.m. An open-air farmers’ market offering locally produced fruits, vegetables, honey, ornamental plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, goat milk, soaps, baked goods and more! In addition, it often features the work of local artisans, educational booths, and musical entertainment. 334.321.1603.

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

June/July2012

Free Family Film Festival See June 25 for details. Children’s Matinees Kung Fu Panda 2 Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www. capritheatre.org. 8th Annual Peach Jam Jubilee Clanton, Al. A family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, arts & crafts, children’s playground, fireworks and more. 4-10 p.m. www.chiltoncountychamber.com. Boy’s Night Out Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 6-9 p.m. Come hangout with the guys. Enjoy food, a movie, basketball and a video games. Ages 8-12. $15 fee. 705-5560. CPR/First-Aid Class Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by CPR South. Pre-registration is required at www.auburncpr. com. Chilton County Peach Festival See June 25 for details. 63rd Annual Press Thornton Future Masters See June 23 for details. 2012 Carmike Summer Kid Series Kung Fu Panda. See June 21 for details.

Friday, June 29

Farmers Market See June 22 for details. Free Outdoor Movie Series Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. 60th Anniversary of Singin’ in the Rain. Bring your blankets and chairs to Duck Samford Park, Field 1, Auburn. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset (approx 8:30 p.m.). 501-2930. Art Club ‘Painting’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. Ages 7th-12th grade. 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Art Clubs are an open studio that offers the opportunity for K-12 students to be creative while learning about art. Sessions are free, but require preregistration by calling 334-844-3486. Parents are asked to stay at the museum for the session. www. jcsm.auburn.edu. Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour By Cirque du Soleil. Phillips Arena, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com Friday Night Splash Auburn City Pool. 6-8 p.m. Enjoy a swim, games, cookout, music and much more! Free to Splash Pass Holders or $2 person fee. 501-2930. Easy and Effective Etiquette Tips for Today’s “Tweens” and Teens Green Island Country Club, 6501 Standing Boy Road, Columbus, Ga. Two-day camp offered by The Protocol Academy of Georgia. Your tweens and teens will learn key etiquette tips that will allow them to behave and respond with ease and sophistication in any type of social setting. Ages 8-17. www.theprotocolacademyofgeorgia.com. Children’s Matinees Kung Fu Panda 2 See June 28 for details. 8th Annual Peach Jam Jubilee See June 28 for details. Chilton County Peach Festival See June 25 for details. 63rd Annual Press Thornton Future Masters See June 23 for details. Prince Adequate & the Ten Ninja Princesses See June 22 for details.

Saturday, June 30

Market Days on Broadway See June 23 for details. Celebrate America at The Rock Ranch The Rock, Georgia! This huge family festival offers train rides, pony rides, zip lines, paddle boats, and other fun attractions. Don’t miss out on the live musical performances as well as one of the largest and most colorful fireworks displays in the state! www.therockranch.com. Young Eagles Day at Columbus Airport Free Airplane Rides for Kids! Ages 8-17 years. 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-323-0570. Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour See June 29 for details. Easy and Effective Etiquette Tips for Today’s “Tweens” and Teens See June 29 for details. Chilton County Peach Festival See June 25 for details. 63rd Annual Press Thornton Future Masters See June 23 for details. Prince Adequate & the Ten Ninja Princesses See June 22 for details. Ride to Read-Motorcycle Poker Run benefiting Jean Dean RIF Big Swamp Harley Davidson, Opelika. Help local children in need get books in their homes. Vacation Grand Prize, H-D leather jacket second place, and worst hand prize, Drawing for travel, Great music, Outback Steakhouse lunch, Bike games, Auction, Bake sale and more. To register, www.jeandeanrif. org.

Sunday, July 1

Saturday Art Club ‘Telling Stories’ (K-2nd grade) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. K-2nd graders. 10-11:30 a.m. Art Clubs are an open studio that offers the opportunity for K-12 students to be creative while learning about art. Sessions are free, but require preregistration by calling 334-844-3486. Parents are asked to stay at the museum for the session.www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Saturday Art Club ‘Landscapes’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. 3rd-6th graders. 12:30-2 p.m. Art Clubs are an open studio that offers the opportunity for K-12 students to be creative while learning about art. Sessions are free, but require preregistration by calling 334-844-3486. Parents are asked to stay at the museum for the session.www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour See June 29 for details.

Monday, July 2

Summer Astronomy Nights at Callaway Gardens See June 18 for details. Free Family Film Festival Happy Feet 2 Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures.com.

Tuesday, July 3

Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film Babe National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 9 a.m. Freedom Celebration Opelika High School Field. 6:30 p.m. Food, entertainment, and family fun! 7:30 p.m. - Buddy

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Blue and the Opelika Sky Divers. Sunset/Dark Ultimate Fireworks Show. Musical entertainment by MUSE. Free event to the public. www.opelika. org/opr. Goofy Games Covington Rec. Center. Enjoy relays, group games, board games and computerized games. Ages 6-12. 3:00-4:00 p.m. $10 fee.705-5560. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 19 for details.

Wednesday, July 4

Annual 4th of July Celebration Sponsored by Briggs & Stratton. Duck Samford Football Stadium, Auburn. 6-9 p.m. Enjoy great food, live music, free goodies, and THE best fireworks display in the entire area! Grab your picnic basket, blanket, and the family and join us for a fabulous night of entertainment and a chance to show your patriotic spirit! Gates open at 6 p.m. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. This FREE celebration will be held behind the Home Side of the stadium. Free to the public. 501-2930. Rain date July 5 with fireworks only at 9 p.m. 4th of July Music Blast and Fireworks Special Lake Martin Amphitheater. www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com. Wetumpka’s 4th of July Celebration A concert by the Wetumpka POPS Community Band at 4:00 p.m. begins the celebration. Children’s activities, food concessions and a “dance in the park” with the Sweet Youing’uns at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks over the Coosa River starts at 9:45 p.m. www.cityofwetumpka.com. Thunder on the Mountain Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham. 9 p.m. www.visitvulcan.com. Independence Day at Old Alabama Town Montgomery. Spend the holiday learning how early Alabamians of all backgrounds lived and worked in Central Alabama. Open for self-guided tours from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. www.oldalabamatown.com. Annual Boat Parade presented by Russell Marine Kowaliga Marina, Alexander City. Boats of all sizes, shapes and decoration will ‘parade’ from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, circling just past the lighthouse, then back to Kowaliga Marina. Spectators line the shoreline along the parade route to applaud their favorite. Top honors for tallest flag, largest flag, most patriotic and most creative. www.russellmarine.net. Star Spangled Beach Party Callaway Gardens, Ga. The celebration begins early (9 a.m.) and lasts into the night. Robin Lake Beach open for swimming, miniature golf, aqua island, picnics and more! Concert begins in the evening with a firework finale! www. callawaygardens.com. FSU Flying High Circus at Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film Babe National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 11:15 a.m.

Thursday, July 5 Covington Movie Club See June 21 for details.

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Farmers Market at Ag Heritage Park See June 28 for details. Free Family Film Festival Happy Feet 2 Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures.com. 2012 Carmike Summer Kid Series Shark Tale. See June 28 for details.

Friday, July 6

Farmers Market See June 22 for details. First Fridays “Shop Late, Eat Local” Downtown Opelika. On the First Friday of each month, downtown Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. so that diners of our downtown restaurants can shop before or after they eat. This is a great opportunity for those that work during retail hours to see what the Downtown shops have to offer. There will also be entertainment on street corners for everyone’s enjoyment. Opelika Unplugged Event Center, Downtown Opelika. 7 p.m. a new performance platform for songwriters and musicians. It will run the first Friday of every month beginning. Admission is free and doors to the upstairs lounge will be open at 4 p.m. with the music starting at 7 p.m. Come and see the new upstairs venue that overlooks historic downtown Opelika. www.eventcenterdowntown.net. First Friday Night Tennis Mixer Join the Auburn Community Tennis Association at the City of Auburn/Auburn University Yarbrough Tennis Center. Citizens ages 19 and up are encouraged to play. www.auburnalabama.org/tennis or 501-2920.

Saturday, July 7

Market Days on Broadway See June 23 for details. Medical Mysteries Port Columbus Civil War Naval Museum, Ga. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Learn about Civil War surgery and medicine at sea through a variety of living history, reenactment and multimedia programs. Past topics include Surgery at Sea and the autopsy of John Wilkes Booth, held on a U.S. Navy ironclad monitor for security and secrecy. www. portcolumbus.org. CPR/First-Aid, Child and Babysitting Safety Class Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by CPR South. Pre-registration is required at www. auburncpr.com.

Sunday, July 8

Second Sunday: Honey Extraction Oxbow Meadows. Columbus. 2 p.m. Watch as Jim Harris and experts from the Chattahoochee Valley Beekeepers Association collect honey from the hives at Oxbow Meadows. Participants will get a chance to help by removing the waxy coating from frames and spinning the extractor that pulls honey from the comb. Everyone will get to taste a delicious sample, and honey that is extracted will be available for purchase. $3 fee. www.oxbow. columbusstate.edu.

Monday, July 9

Summer Astronomy Nights at Callaway Gardens

See June 18 for details. Theraputics’ Monday Madness at the Sportsplex: Let’s Go Swimming. 705-5560. OLLI Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Auburn Chamber of Commerce. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Jennifer Lolley, Forest Ecology Preserve. All meetings are open to the public and are free of cost. Participants should bring their own lunch and drink.www.olliatauburn.org. Free Family Film Festival Journey 2 Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures.com. CPR/First-Aid Class Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by CPR South. Pre-registration is required at www. auburncpr.com.

Tuesday, July 10

Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film Ratatouille National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 9 a.m. Junior Bakers Covington Rec Center. Learn basic baking skills. Ages 9-12. 3:00-4:30 p.m. $15 fee. 705-5560. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 19 for details.

Wednesday, July 11

Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film Ratatouille National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 11:15 a.m. Big Time Summer Tour with Big Time Rush, Cody Simpson and Rachel Crow Oak Mountain Amphitheater, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com. NANTA Cooking Show Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Direct from South Korea, this amazing theatrical spectacular is the Iron Chef meets Stomp. Over four million people have been entertained on Broadway and around the world by five fabulous chefs that drum (with knives), juggle (with knives), and literally cook their way through a fast- paced evening of culinary delight the likes of which you have never seen. www.asf.net.

Thursday, July 12

Covington Movie Club See June 21 for details. Pizza Pizzazz Mamma Mia! Learn to prepare pizzas in three different styles! Covington Rec Center. Ages 6-11. 3:00-4:00 p.m. $10 fee. 705-5560. Free Family Film Festival Journey 2 Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures.com. Children’s Matinees: Spirit Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.capritheatre.org. Farmers Market See June 22 for details. NANTA Cooking Show See July 11 for details. 2012 Carmike Summer Kid Series How to Train Your Dragon. See June 28 for details.

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Family Calendar Friday, July 13

Like, Totally Rapunzel 7:00 p.m. 2100 Hamilton Rd.. Columbus, Ga. 706-536-8052; $5 tickets. www.familytheatre.org. Float-In Movie 7 p.m. Come enjoy a movie while floating in the SportsPlex Pool. Bring your float and your family and watch a movie with us. Free for members, $5 nonmembers. 705-5560. Art Club ‘Jewelry’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. Ages 7th-12th grade. 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Art Clubs are an open studio that offers the opportunity for K-12 students to be creative while learning about art. Sessions are free, but require preregistration by calling 334-844-3486. Parents are asked to stay at the museum for the session. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. The Sleeping Beauty Presented by The Montgomery Ballet. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www. montgomeryballet.org Free Outdoor Movie Series Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Apollo 13. Bring your blankets and chairs to Duck Samford Park, Field 1, Auburn. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset (approx 8:30 p.m). 501-2930. Rediscover the Rails: Southwest Georgia’s Tourist Train See June 22 for details. FSU Flying High Circus at Callaway Gardens See June 4 for details. Alice in Wonderland Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org/ NANTA Cooking Show See July 11 for details. Children’s Matinees: Spirit See July 12 for details.

Saturday, July 14

Market Days on Broadway See June 23 for details. Alice in Wonderland See July 13 for details. Teen Scene Field Trip “Let’s Go Paddling” Sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Venture down the Coosa River’s six mile course of rapids. Ages 12-15 yrs; Must be able to swim. Wear appropriate clothing, shoes, sunblock and bring a lunch and drink. $30 fee. Preregistration required. 501-2930. Growing /Drying Herbs 10-11:30 a.m. Join the Lee County Master Gardeners for an educational program on growing/drying herbs for culinary and medicinal purposes. Find out how to plant combinations of herbs for better success during spring, summer, and fall. Herbal soaps, herbal vinegars, a variety of herbs, and drying techniques will be shared. Free. Email: large_becky@yahoo.com. Saturday Art Club ‘Textures’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. K-2nd graders. 10-11:30 a.m. See June 23 for more details. Saturday Art Club ‘Making & Breaking Rules’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn

Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

June/July2012

University. 3rd-6th graders. 12:30-2 p.m. See June 23 for more details. Sensory Sensitive Movie: Ice Age: The Continental Drift Carmike Ritz 13, Columbus, Ga. 11 a.m. These movies are geared towards families with children on the Autism Spectrum (and others with sensory issues). Some special features will include turning on the lights about halfway, turning down the sound, and throwing out the “no noise” restriction. Families may choose to bring in their own special dietary food or purchase from the concession stand. www.mcasg.net. Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history re-enactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths are working at the forge, spinners and weavers are in the textile room, the gardeners are in the gardens, crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled, and someone is always cooking up a meal in the fireplace or outdoors. The Whistle Stop Pickers dulcimer group meets at the Museum at 1 p.m. The Museum is always open on Second Saturdays. Activities are different each month. Come join the fun, eat lunch, learn an new craft, pick a song, listen to the music. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Lowe’s Build-and-Grow Kid’s Workshops Kung Fu Panda Spinning Attack. 10-11 a.m. See June 23 for details. Miranda Lambert: On Fire Tour Oak Mountain Amphitheater, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com. Slippery, Slimy Saturday McWane Science Center, Birmingham. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. www.mcwane.org. NANTA Cooking Show See July 11 for details. The Sleeping Beauty See July 13 for details.

Sunday, July 15

Wedding Extravaganza Columbus Trade Center, Ga. See a spectacular fashion show and aisle upon aisle of exhibits by the area’s leading wedding professionals. From Entertainment to Fashions, Receptions to Honeymoons, you’ll find it at WeddingsofGeorgia.com’s Wedding Extravaganza! Many exhibitors will be offering demonstrations, samples and money-saving show specials. Plus, you will have the chance to WIN Great Gifts and Prizes. $6 fee! (678) 548-9498. Bridal Open House at The Garrett-Bullock House Columbus, Ga. Free tour with reservation, (706) 536-4054. Alice in Wonderland See July 13 for details. NANTA Cooking Show See July 11 for details. Lowe’s Build-and-Grow Kid’s Workshops Kung Fu Panda Spinning Attack. 2-3 p.m. See June 23 for details.

Monday, July 16

Summer Astronomy Nights at Callaway Gardens See June 18 for details. Alice in Wonderland See July 13 for details. Alabama Nature Center Public Weekend Millbrook. Enjoy hiking five miles of scenic ANC trails while learning about the fascinating natural history of central Alabama. www. alabamawildlife.org. OLLI Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Auburn Chamber of Commerce. 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 90th Plus Birthday Party. All meetings are open to the public and are free of cost. Participants should bring their own lunch and drink. www.olliatauburn.org. Free Family Film Festival Dolphin Tale Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures. com.

Tuesday, July 17

Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film Wall-E National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 9 a.m. Theraputics’ Social Nite Out Reservations required. 6 - 7:30 p.m. Covington Rec Center. $5. 705-5560. Alice in Wonderland See July 13 for details. Alabama Nature Center Public Weekend See July 16 for details. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 19 for details.

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Wednesday, July 18

Patriot Park IMAX Free Summer Film Wall-E National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 11:15 a.m. Alice in Wonderland See July 13 for details.

Thursday, July 19

Covington Movie Club See June 21 for details. Alice in Wonderland See July 13 for details. Farmers Market See June 22 for details. Capital City Shape Notes Concert Old Alabama Town, Montgomery. Singers sing from shape-note hymn books published in Alabama including, The Sacred Harp, and The Christian Harmony. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. www.oldalabamatown.com. Free Family Film Festival Dolphin Tale Rave Motion Theatre, Montgomery. 9:30 a.m. 7925 Vaughn Road. www.ravemotionpictures. com. Children’s Matinees: Bee Movie Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.capritheatre.org. 2012 Carmike Summer Kid Series Madagascar 2. See June 28 for details.

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Friday, July 20

Super WHY First-Ever Live Show Preschoolers’ favorite reading-powered heroes soar onto stages nationwide in this all-new live-action adventure. Fans can visit www. superwhylive.com for more information and to purchase tickets and VIP “Meet & Greet” packages. Held in Birmingham at the BJCC Concert Hall. Art Club ‘Sculpture’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. Ages 7th-12th grade. 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Art Clubs are an open studio that offers the opportunity for K-12 students to be creative while learning about art. Sessions are free, but require preregistration by calling 334-844-3486. Parents are asked to stay at the museum for the session. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Float-In Movie sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Shark Tale. Samford Pool, Auburn. Doors open at 8:15 p.m. FREE admission with Splash Pass or $2/person. 501-2930. The Montgomery Ballet presents Free Performance on the Green Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Blount Cultural Park, Montgomery. 8-10 p.m. www. montgomeryballet.org. 29th Annual World Deer Expo BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island. More than 3,000 anglers from 24 states will fish in the Gulf of Mexico for

three days for more than $400,000 in cash and prizes in 30 categories. Last year’s event made the Guinness World Records for world’s largest fishing tournament. Back to School Bash Covington Rec Center. Food and fun! Free! All ages welcome. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 705-5560. FSU Flying High Circus at Callaway Gardens See June 4 for details. Alice in Wonderland See July 13 for details. Children’s Matinees: Bee Movie See July 19 for details.

Saturday, July 21

Market Days on Broadway See June 23 for details. Saturday Art Club ‘Artistic Science’ (K-2nd grade) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. K-2nd graders. 10-11:30 a.m. See June 23 for more details. Saturday Art Club ‘Artistic Science’ (3rd-6th grade) Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University. 3rd-6th graders. 12:30-2pm. See June 23 for more details. Rediscover the Rails: Southwest Georgia’s Tourist Train See June 22 for details. Alice in Wonderland See July 13 for details. 29th Annual World Deer Expo

BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Russell Marine/Lions Club Lake Martin Charity Poker Run Alexander City. Annual charity event which draws hundreds to the shores of Lake Martin, raises thousands of dollars to benefit area charities and gives friends and family a day of fun on the lake. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. www.russellmarine. net. Sweet Summer Night XVII Tallassee Historical District. Street dance with live music. 4 p.m. - midnight. www.tallasseechamber.com. The Montgomery Ballet presents Free Performance on the Green See July 20 for details. Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo See July 20 for details.

Sunday, July 22

29th Annual World Deer Expo See July 21 for details. Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo See July 20 for details.

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

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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

Rock of Ages

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: D Violence: B Sexual Content: D Language: D+ Alcohol / Drug Use: CThe MPAA has rated Rock of Ages PG-13 for sexual content, suggestive dancing, some heavy drinking and language. While there is something nostalgic about the music from one’s youth, think again if you plan to introduce your children to the rock anthems of the ‘80s by taking them to Rock of Ages. No peppy, sanitized version here of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”. The raunchy behavior in this film is what made your parents cringe then and may leave you wincing today. After all, who aspires to have his or her daughter grow up to be a pole-dancing stripper? Yet, like a thousand girls before her, starry-eyed Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) from Tulsa, Oklahoma has big plans when she steps off the bus in downtown Los Angles. Instead she falls in love with barman Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) while waiting tables in The Bourbon Room on the famous Sunset Strip. Strapped with debt, The Bourbon’s owner, Dennis Dupree (Alec Baldwin) and his hairy assistant Lonny (Russell Brand) are making a last ditch effort to save the seamy establishment by staging a farewell performance for rock-n-roller Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise). Wearing an elaborate codpiece with a black pair of chaps that leaves his backside exposed, Stacee is about to be unceremoniously dumped by his band Arsenal. His oily business manager, Paul Gill (Paul Giamatti), however, chooses to spin it as Stacee’s start of a solo career. The real problem is the singer’s erratic behaviors and his questionable on-stage performances. What the rocker really needs is something sweet and innocent to revive his musical prowess deadened by too much liquor and sex. And Rolling Stones’ reporter Constance Sack (Malin Akerman) will do -though don’t expect any innocence from this perky blonde correspondent. Fueled by the suggestion of frequent sexual encounters and one particularly rough and tumble scene in a men’s restroom, this movie also includes heavy drinking and some strong profanities. Hearkening back to an era when the outrageous consumption of hairspray likely put a dent in the ozone layer, the tunes in this film may leave adults pining for their teen years. However, very few parents may be ready to let Rock of Ages rock their children’s world.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: B Language: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B+ The MPAA has rated Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted PG for some mild action and rude humor. Still on the lam from New York City’s Central Park Zoo, Alex the lion (voice by Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (voice by Chris Rock), Gloria the hefty hippo (voice by Jada Pickett Smith) and Melman the anxious giraffe (voice by David Schwimmer) have had enough of their folly and are ready to head back to the pampered confines of their enclosures. But direct flights from the African Serengeti, where they landed in their last adventure, don’t exist. And the only plane out -- one patched together by a passel of penguins -- has just taken off for Monte Carlo. Once there, the wily birds plan to clean house at the principality’s famous casino. After waiting weeks for their return, the four friends decide to hoof it across Africa and all the way to the luxurious gambling resort to meet up with their black and white pals. However, the large, free-roaming zoo animals cause quite a stir when the drop in at the ritzy establishment. As the guests go screaming from the game tables, the head of security summons the notorious, gun-slinging, animal control specialist Captain Chantel DuBois (voice by Frances McDormand). The Captain’s idea of control involves decapitating and mounting her preys’ heads on her office wall. The one bare spot remaining is reserved for the king of the beasts himself. With animal instincts, she loads her tranquilizer gun and sets off in search of the errant critters. Since it’s hard to hide in a crowd, Alex and the others look for a way to surreptitiously traverse the European continent. Their answer arrives in the form of a circus train. Pretending to be entertainers themselves, the foursome and their tag along pals scurry aboard just in time to avoid the Captain. But after a dismal performance at the train’s first stop, Alex recognizes the show needs an overhaul if the group ever hopes to win a contract to appear in New York. With the same humor as the two previous movies, this script combines kids jokes with adult oriented quips that include mild crude humor and brief sexual innuendos. However the bigger problem may be the frequent use of weapons -- particularly tranquilizer guns. Both animals and humans are shot at close range. And thanks to the film’s 3D effects, explosions and flying objects appear to hurl into the audience on a regular basis.

What Parents need to know about Rock of Ages...

Violence: A baboon fires a gun. A man is punched. Sexual Content: Prostitutes walk the street. Strippers, in tiny costumes, pole dance. Characters make crude comments about male and female anatomy. Man seen in bed with several women. Characters are seen in their underwear, bikinis and other revealing clothing. A man wears an elaborate codpiece and chaps that reveal his buttocks. Characters undress and engage in sexual romping. Characters repeatedly grope one another. Thrusting and other suggestive dance moves are frequently portrayed. Homosexual references. Other crude depictions and bodily functions are included. (Many more sexual issues exist for this film, but we prefer not to include the graphic details in this publication.) Language: The script includes a strong sexual expletive, a crude hand gesture, scatological slang, crude sexual language and terms of Deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: Heavy drinking is frequently portrayed in a bar setting. A brief drug depiction is shown. A man smokes a cigar.

What Parents need to know about Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted...

Violence: A woman slaps a man and shoots numerous other characters with tranquilizers. Characters are hit with objects. A character throws knives at others. A train almost hits a person. Two characters steal the Pope’s ring. Animals fight with broken bottles and other weapons. Characters are stuffed into a cannon packed with dynamite. A woman attempts to cut off an animal’s head with a handsaw. Numerous moments of cartoon violence and peril are depicted. Sexual Content: A reference is made about people who take off their clothes. Several of their scenes include some sexual innuendo. Language: Contains some name-calling and use of a profanity substitution. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2012

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