Contents July 2013 Volume 4 Number 5
Features 26 Bust a Mood!
Discover what particular situations cause bad moods in your children and three strategies for helping them put on a happy face.
30 Double the Birthday Fun
Pairing parties with siblings and friends is a growing trend. Learn how to pull it off on your child’s next birthday and discover some great dual party themes.
32 2013 Birthday Party Planner
Find everything you need to plan your child’s next birthday party in our extensive local guide!
Columns
40 Summer Safety Slip-Ups
2 From One Parent to Another
While summertime brings lots of fun, it also brings an increased risk for childhood accidents. Learn common mistakes parents make and how to avoid them.
Kendra Sumner
4 Living With Children John Rosemond, Ph.D.
10 Kids Health
On The Cover
Wes Stubblefield, M.D.
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Departments 6 Bits and Pieces
A Page in a Book
12 School Bits
Paige Gardner Smith
25 Dave Says
42 Family Calendar
Dave Ramsey
28 Get This!
48 Parent Previews
Paige Gardner Smith
29 The FlyLady Marla Cilley
47 Parenting on the Plains Polly Dunn, Ph.D.
Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
Catherine Greenleaf is the two-year-old daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Greenleaf. She attends Parkway Preschool. Catherine enjoys playing with her brothers, Charlie and Davis, painting, playing dress up, and riding her pink tricycle. A special thanks to GiGi’s Cupcakes for the sweet birthday cupcakes!
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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 Marla Cilley Polly Dunn, Ph.D. Sandra Gordon Malia Jacobson Dave Ramsey Michele Ranard, M.Ed. 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 2013 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 2013
From One Parent to Another... Which party event are you planning? A first year ‘one’derland, a sweet-sixteen candyland or maybe an over-the-hill surprise blowout. Will it be the party of the year, a small family affair or multiple days of celebrating with party hopping from one location to the next? Are you thinking cupcakes and ice cream or catering and buffets? What about the entertainment? Does your party vision call for a DJ, water slide, petting zoo or magician? How about the location? Would an outdoor park, rented space, or your own backyard provide the layout and accommodations you need for the party plans? Whew...even thinking about the upcoming party event can be exhausting and stressful. But if you are like me, you have multiple events to plan throughout the year from birthdays to graduations and even retirements. No matter the occasion, it seems the party to-do list could go on forever. Don’t worry...that is where we come in! Each July, Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine features ‘all things party’ in the annual Birthday Party Planner issue. The goal is to be your ‘goto’ guide for all the year’s event planning while finding the perfect theme, best location, unique entertainers and even that special gift. July is also my youngest son Porter’s birthday. This year, he will be turning four years old, and because he has three older siblings (and they take after their mom), they have all joined in to make sure this year’s party is the best yet! After much deliberation, they have come up with a party that includes the tallest cake ever, real Nick Jr. characters, a band from the Disney Channel, fast roller coasters and presents that will take all weekend to open! They must think money grows on that dogwood tree out back. I must admit, it does sound like a blast and I just might have to include one of those ideas on my planning list! With ideas like those, parties can become expensive. Thinking ahead, setting a budget and researching all the options are your best bet to making this year’s event run smoothly. Some ideas I am having to consider are choosing a location that not only has great fun included, but also supplies built-in entertainment, some of the party decorations, and even a staff that can help with set up and clean up. Another idea is to have two parties at once. In the feature article, Double Up On Birthday Fun, Malia Jacabson suggests having a joint party for family or friends who may share the same birthday month, graduation or accomplishment. She suggests if the party honorees are happy to share the spotlight, then go for it. It is a good way to cut some costs while being able to make it bigger and more fun for all. The key is to make sure each birthday child feels special by having two cakes and that extra recognition with separate ‘Happy Birthday’ songs. I have pulled this plan off in the past with my boys. Last year, we rented a pavilion at The Forest Ecology Preserve (which by the way includes the party host, reptile entertainment and a playground). It was the perfect party for a boy...snakes, lizards, spiders, the woods and nature. In the end, the boys had ‘the best party ever’ and I made sure it included two cakes, two songs, and two birthday boys who felt special on their big day. Maybe a combined party would work for your family, too. To help you get started on your upcoming big day and to see what the Auburn/Opelika area has to offer for all your party needs, check out the 2013 Birthday Party Planner on page 32! If it is a cake designer, balloon artist, trackless train or sno-cone machine you need...we’ve got you covered! Hold on to this month’s issue throughout the year and your next event will be a breeze to celebrate. From one parent to another, happy planning and happy birthday to you all!
Kendra
Kendra Sumner, Publisher
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Living With Children
By John Rosemond
A Plea to Return to Traditional Parenting If my parents told me once, they told me at least one hundred times, “Don’t talk to anyone about their religious or political beliefs.” They meant, of course, that those topics are likely to generate tension and angry conflict. As such, they were not the stuff of polite social conversation. Notwithstanding the fact that I find religion and politics to be the two most interesting of all conversational topics, a third caution should be added to the list: parenting. In other words, don’t talk to anyone about how they are raising their children. Numerous people from all over the country have told me of parenting disagreements that led to the breakup of even close friendships. I’ve long ago lost count of the parents and grandparents who’ve told me sad tales of how such conflicts have caused alienations within extended families. Teachers and administrators constantly convey stories of parents who take their children’s sides whenever academic
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
or disciplinary issues arise at school. Most significant, disagreements between husband and wife over how to raise children, especially over when and how to discipline them, have become a major cause of divorce, ranking right up there with conflicts over sex and money. This trend has been exacerbated by the growing popularity of radical parenting philosophies like attachment parenting, advocates of which promote extended breast-feeding and parent-child co-sleeping. As a prime example, the divorce of former child actress Mayim Bialik, author of Beyond the Sling, a best-seller on attachment parenting, is currently in the works. Actually, that came as no surprise. Reading her book, I got the distinct impression that she and her husband did not see eye-to-eye where their kids were concerned. Whether it’s a matter of complaints by men of playing second fiddle to the kids or complaints by women of husbands who come home from work and undermine their attempts to keep the kids under control, it’s obvious that marriage, once entered into for the purpose of having children, is now threatened by children. Fifty-plus years ago, there was general consensus on how children should be
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raised. That consensus has been shattered. I submit that the shattering began when parents began relying on advice from experts who themselves did not agree on even the most fundamental of parenting matters. I am acutely aware, for example, that a significant number of mental health professionals do not appreciate (a mild way of putting it) my traditionalist perspective. But even if I was taken out of the equation, agreement in the mental health community would still be lacking. The larger problem, however, is that when the parenting traditions of a culture begin disintegrating and are replaced by parenting anarchy, the very survival of the culture is threatened. Until relatively recently, parents were trying to raise children such that America was sustained and strengthened. Today’s parents, by and large, have tunnel vision. Their parenting is all about the child or children. The needs of the forest are ignored in all the fuss over the supposed “needs” of the individual trees. And no one can agree over what the trees need in the first place. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his web site at www.rosemond.com.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013 kumon.com 1-800-ABC-MATH
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Sportsplex Tri for Kids Ages 2-15
The First annual Sportsplex Tri for Kids & Small Fry Tri will be held on August 3rd! The Small Fry Tri: Open to children ages 2-5. Children will run, bike (can bring their own bike, tricycle or scooter with helmet) and then run to the finish through the splash park! Parents and siblings are encouraged to help the children complete the course. This is not a competitive event as all children will receive a t-shirt and medal. The Tri For Kids: Open to ages 6-15 years with the following brackets: ages 6-8 50y swim/2 mile bike/500 yard run; ages 9-11 100y swim/4 mile bike/1 mile run; ages 12-15 150y swim/6 mile bike/2 mile run. To register or for more information, sportsplextriforkids@gmail.com or find us on Facebook!
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City of Auburn's Annual 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day with the entire Auburn Community on the evening of Thursday, July 4. Sponsored by Briggs and Stratton, enjoy great food, live music from The Answer, free goodies courtesy of Briggs and Stratton, and THE best fireworks display in the entire area! This free celebration will be held behind the home side of Duck Samford Football Stadium. Grab your picnic basket, blanket, and family and join us for a fabulous night of entertainment and a chance to show your patriotic spirit! Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Purchase an all American picnic style dinner of barbecue with all of the fixings, enjoy tasty ice cream treats, and enjoy free balloon animals for the kids! Live music begins at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:00 p.m. The parking lot off of Airport Road between the Bo Cavin fields and the new Duck Samford Fields will be closed to the public during the event to accommodate our fireworks shoot site. The parking lot off East University Drive (across from McAlister’s) will be open to the public for parking. In case of rain, join us for the fireworks only on Friday, July 5 at 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks.
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Opelika Annual Freedom Celebration
Prepare to be amazed at dark with the area's largest and most impressive Fireworks Show on July 4th. Sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, you can enjoy the special musical entertainment provided by MUSE! This night of fun and excitement begins at 6:30 p.m. with giant inflatable games, activities for the kids, musical entertainment, skydivers (7:30 p.m.), 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 near the tennis courts. 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 plate that Buddy Blue lands on will receive a prize!
Wetumpka's River and Blues Music & Art Show
Join the City of Wetumpka, July 20th, for a day of music, arts, kids’ zones, barbecue competitions and much more! Bring the whole family to Gold Star Park, downtown Wetumpka for free family fun! Event begins at 2 p.m. with music on the main stage and Cookin on the Coosa contest. Stay and play until 10 p.m. www.riverandblues.net.
Alabama Sounds of Summer
See the world’s best musicians in motion! Featuring Spirit of Atlanta (GA), Bluestars (WI), The Academy (AZ), Jersey Surf (NJ), Mandarins, Pioneer (WI). Presented by Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. Thursday, July 25, 8:00 p.m. Opelika Bulldog Stadium, 1700 Lafayette Blvd., Opelika. For tickets call 317-275-1212 or www.DCI.org. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Auburn Parks and Recreation Summer Movie Line-Up
Enjoy a free outdoor movie with your friends and family at Duck Samford Park – Field 1 on select Friday evenings this summer. In addition, Samford Pool will host Float-N-Movies on select Fridays. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic (no alcohol or glass containers) and relax with the whole family. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase on-site. Movies will begin 15 minutes after sunset or approximately 8:30 p.m. Join us for the 2013 Outdoor Movie Series featuring: Friday, July 12- Apollo 13; Friday, Aug. 9- Back to the Future, and Friday, Aug. 16- Honey I Shrunk the Kids. In addition to the Outdoor Movie Series, Samford Pool will host three Float-N-Movies this summer. Gates open each evening at 8:15 p.m., followed by the movie at 8:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own floats and arrive early to find the perfect viewing spot in the pool. Please note, capacity is limited and attendees will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis. Admission is $2/person or FREE for 2013 Splash Pass holders. Friday, June 21-Pirates of the Caribbean, Friday, July 19-Finding Nemo & Friday, Aug. 23- Jaws.
Distinguished Young Woman Participants Prep for Upcoming Event
2014 Distinguished Young Woman participants had an evening of prep for the event that will be held July 20 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center located at Auburn High School. The participants were given tips on interviewing skills and stage appearance. Members of the board provided the instruction and made themselves available for any questions. The event was held Tuesday evening June 4 at Saugahatchee Country Club. Pictured are some of the participants for the 2014 DYW of Lee County, formerly known as Junior Miss.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Junior Miss Boot Camp Participants to Perform at DYW Program
Calling all 3rd-10th grade girls for the Junior Miss Boot Camp! Participants will learn a dance routine which they will perform on stage at the Auburn Performing Arts Center during the Distinguished Young Women of Lee County program on July 20. The registration fee of $50 covers rehearsal time, a t-shirt for each participant and 2 tickets to the DYW program. Rehearsals will be Tuesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 18 at Nix Dance Studio from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. There will also be a rehearsal Friday evening, July 19 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center. For more info, lee@distinguishedyw.org.
The Distinguished Young Women of Lee County 2013
The Distinguished Young Women of Lee County program for the Class of 2014 will be on July 20 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. We have twelve 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 $5500 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 2014. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online at http://distinguishedyw.org/programs/state_n_local_programs/alabama/local_programs/lee/.
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Free Fabulous Fridays at Callaway Gardens
Enjoy sweet sounds of Summer with live music from a variety of bands every Friday night through Aug. 30, on Robin Lake Beach from 4-9 p.m. Stop by the Robin Lake Beach Pavilion & Beach Bar for food and drink specials all night long. For a complete schedule of performances, www.callawaygardens.com. Admission to Robin Lake Beach is free beginning at 4 p.m. except for July 4th weekend and Labor Day events.
Happy Birthday, America from Lake Martin
Going to spend July 4th on the lake? Check out these events: 10 a.m. Boat Parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children's Harbor, Lake Martin. 5:30 p.m. Concert at The Amp, Lake Martin. Sid Phelps, Red Mountain, and Nationwide Coverage with special guest Eat a Peach. $15 tickets. 9:00 p.m. Fireworks Over Lake Martin. Kowaliga Bay area. 9 p.m. Also, July 5th, 9 p.m. Firework Show at Blue Creek, Lake Martin. www.lakemartin.com.
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Target Free Second Tuesdays at Imagine It! Atlanta's Hands On Children's Museum
Through a sponsorship by Target, admission is free for all visitors to Atlanta’s Imagine It! Children’s Museum who come during these special hours. The free tickets will be available at the Museum starting at 1 p.m. during each Target Free Second Tuesday, and the Museum will close at 7 p.m. The free tickets are issued on a first come first served basis as Museum capacity permits. Once the Museum reaches capacity, tickets are only issued as capacity in the Museum becomes available. Reservations are not accepted. Mark your calendars: July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn
Advice for Hiring Sitters/Nannies
As parents, we know that we need a break every now and again. However, leaving your children in the care of someone else can be unsettling to frightening based on their age, the number of children, their medical problems and your comfort with the caregiver(s). I think, with a little planning, you might become a little more at ease with “me time”. Obviously, the person that you choose to leave your children with is vitally important to ensuring the health and safety of all involved. This person should be relatively well-known to the family, so that you have some personal experience with their maturity level and decision making processes. If not, then references are always a good idea. Many times, your child’s daycare may have a list of those interested in after hours care (and they have had a background check if they are DHR licensed). Finally, age is important, both in maturity and access to a vehicle. These are decisions best left to the parents. Next, I think that it’s important to have household rules communicated, or even written down. When we hired a nanny for our daughter, we made a contract with certain stipulations. Although this may seem overbearing, I believe that situations such as friends coming to visit (either of the children or the caregiver), nonessential travel, use
of cooking equipment, punishment, meal times, and bedtimes are best observed when explicitly defined. After all, our children are our most precious possessions and we might need to be a bit overbearing at times. Children with medical issues or children with special healthcare needs will need a caregiver with even more experience and maturity. At the minimum, all families should have all contact information listed for local family, trusted neighbors, physician/dentist, in addition to your own contact information. Any allergies should be clearly communicated to all parties involved and a first-aid kit should be available and updated. And, for those with life-threatening allergic reactions or other serious medical conditions (asthma, diabetes), the parents should instruct the caregiver on the use of rescue medications (injectable epinephrine, inhaled albuterol, and glucagon). In addition, I would consider a medical information bracelet. Any and all medications to be administered should be very clearly defined. Finally, it would be wise to recommend that all of your babysitters/nannies complete a CPR course. Of note, East Alabama Medical Center has in the past offered a “Safe Sitter” course for 11-13 year olds that teaches basic information about caregiver responsibilities, handling emergencies and other topics. If you are leaving your children for
more than a few hours, you should ensure that you have updated wills and permission for a non-parent to consent to medical care. This is an important investment for you and your children and I would consult a qualified lawyer with experience in wills, trusts and estates. Also, you should consider instructing the caregiver on the operation of your automobile and ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate for the situation. Hopefully, this gives you some ideas to begin a family discussion about what happens when you (the parents) are not at home. And, it might help you talk to your children about respect for those in charge and help them take some charge of their medical conditions and enhance their knowledge about medications, etc.
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 2013
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I June 2013
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Trinity Senior Awarded DAR Award
Anna Rae Kenny, a senior at Trinity Christian School, has been awarded with the DAR award. This award (The Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award) recognizes those who “possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.� We are very proud of Anna Rae, for we know that she is a wonderful recipient of this award, truly having all of these characteristics. We wish for her many blessings in her future that is ahead of her.
Lee-Scott Academy HOBY Leadership Ambassadors
Lee-Scott Academy's Dalton Williams and Morgan Davis were named 2012-2013 Hugh O'Brien Youth (HOBY) Leadership Ambassadors. Dalton and Morgan represented LSA at the HOBY Leadership Conference in Troy.
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The Future Looks Bright at Dean Road Elementary
On May 17 over 30 parents and community members presented information about their careers to the students at Dean Road Elementary at the annual Career Day. Students learned about jobs from various career clusters ranging from community service, to the medical field, to business/professional, military careers and the areas of sports, arts, and entertainment. The campus was filled with farmers, police officers, veterinarians, coaches, photographers, pilots, landscapers, real estate agents, and much more. Pictured are fifth graders, Maddie Foster, Edgar Martinez and Harper McGowan, experimenting with the equipment of the journalist, Jennifer Adams, from the journalism department at Auburn University.
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Wacoochee Elementary Sixth Grade Math Champs
On April 27, the Wacoochee Elementary Math Team competed at the 2013 Phenix City Math Tournament. The Sixth Grade Math Team won 3rd Place Overall and 3rd Place in Ciphering. The Sixth Grade Math Team winners are: Pictured from L-R: Front Row: Mrs. Rowan, Marc Taliaferro, Jacob Navarro, Nathan Woodland (Captain), Jacob Powell, Mrs. Hudson; Second Row: Tommy Paxton, Isaac Mitchell, Hunter Pate, William Blaedow, Jace Grant (Captain).
Auburn HS Student Throws Top Javelin Distance
Auburn High javelin thrower Justin Carter (middle left) poses for a photo at the 2013 Chicagoland Throwers Challenge with former Olympic throwers (from left to right) Craig Kinsley (2012 Olympics), Tom Pukstys (1992 and 1996 Olympics) and Cyrus Hostetler (2012 Olympics). Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Opelika Middle School Students Qualify for DUKE Talent Identification Program
In the 2012-13 7th Grade Duke University Talent Identification Program, Opelika Middle School had 58 students qualify to take the college level ACT or SAT. The students who qualified are: Alexandra Aycock, Alexander Baker, Cori Baldwin, Bronna Barnett, Briana Beavers, Blake Bell, Melvin Billingsley, Arron Black, Tiffany Boutdy, Cole Brown, Hank Brown, Keiasha Bulger, Cameron Caswell, Emery Crawford, Geoffrey Crisler, Austin Crowley, Witt Daffin, Claire Dagostin, Luke Davis, Imani Debrow, Edward Faust, Nolan Goodman, Abrea Green, Elana Heldreth, Ismael Hernandez, Alexandria Howard, Jonathan Hudgins, Wilson Hudson, Shelby Johnson, Rekiya Jones, Taylor Jones, Lydia King, Mitchell Kittle, Collin Kucik, Chandler Lawrence, Reggie Lowe, Jada Luckey, Braden McKay, Madison Moreman, Brittan Morgan, Chris Noveron-Nunez, Trey Owens, Madelyn Pierce, Turner Powers, Jamias Presley, Gage Pridgen, Drayton Pruitt, Avery Rajan, Samuel Ryden, Lynkeria Scott, Alexis Smith, Braeden Smith, Karmen Stepp, Kati Thomas, Elsa Valencia, Murphy Waller, Alecia Williams and LaCarlvious Williams. According to the 7th Grade Duke University Talent Identification Program, a Duke Scholar is an academically gifted student who has shown exceptional potential on their ARMT+ (Alabama Reading and Math) test scores. In order to be eligible as a Duke Scholar a student must be a current 7th grader and score 95% or higher on their ARMT+ in either math or reading. Qualifying as a Duke Scholar provides students with the opportunity to take the college level SAT or ACT as a seventh grade student. Fifteen students took the assessment and three of those students have been invited to the State Recognition Ceremony at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The state ceremony will be held on May 19 and celebrates the outstanding achievement of the 7th Grade Talent Search Participants who met the scoring criteria. Opelika Middle School is proud to announce that the following students met or exceeded the scores needed to be invited to the State Recognition Ceremony: Colin Kucik, Avery Rajan and Braeden Smith. The Duke Tip program at Opelika Middle School is coordinated by OMS Counselor Emily Finck. Congratulations OMS students! Avery Rajan, Braeden Smith and Colin Kucik were invited to the DUKE Tip State Recognition Ceremony at the University of Alabama on May 19.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Rehab Service Holds Out of School Bash for Kids
May 24th offered beautiful sunny skies for the Opelika Children’s Rehabilitation Service (CRS) as we celebrated the end of the school year with an Out of School Bash for children with special health care needs and their families from Lee, Tallapoosa, Macon, Chambers, Randolph, Russell and Montgomery Counties. Hostesses for this event were CRS’ Youth Consultant, Miracle Woods and Opelika Parent Consultant, Sharon Henderson. Volunteers from the Montgomery CRS, Opelika Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS) and the Opelika Achievement Center were instrumental in making this event a success. This event featured music and dancing provided by DJ Catalyst; Balloon Art by Dewayne Reynolds (Dr. Magic); a petting zoo by Jubilee Farms; face art by Sweet Cheeks; and an appearance by McGruff, the Crime Dog, courtesy of the Opelika Police Department. Highlighting the event were special guest appearances by Auburn University mascot, Aubie, and the University of Alabama mascot, Big Al. The children, their families, vendors, and staff from all three agencies were able to dance and interact with Aubie and Big Al. Flip Flop Photos was on hand to provide professional photos of anyone wanting pictures with Aubie and/or Big AL. Big Earl brought his shiny, yellow dump truck for the children to explore. Opelika Police Department provided a police car and the Opelika Fire Department provided their EMS rescue truck. There were hot dogs, chips, popcorn, cupcakes, juice, water and cotton candy. Robert Frozen Delights brought the Ice Cream Truck. Games, prizes, and food were courtesy of CRS and VRS staff, the Opelika Achievement Center, Yogurt Mountain, Lee Nail and Spa, Irish Bred Pub, Storybook Farm, Alabama Artificial Limb and Orthopedic Service, Quality Care Nursing Service, Chick-fil-a, Flowers Bakery, Harvey’s Orthopedic Service, Earl Thomas (Photographer), Thompson’s Carriers and the Opelika Sportsplex. A representative from the Sportsplex presented information about summer safety techniques. The Out of School Bash was a success and plans are already underway for next year. Big Kudos and an even bigger Thank You to everyone that made this day special for the children and families that are served by CRS!
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2320 MOORES MILL ROAD, SUITE. 250 AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Ivanah Hourizene Ja’Quavious Holloway JaBrien Taylor JaCarius Gullatte Jack McKay Jackson Mathis Jackson Ruff Jacob Evans Jacob Kent Jacob Machen Jacsiri Lopez Jaden Hayes Jaden Jackson Jaden McKelvey Jai’A Burton Jake Weldon Jamarcus Lynch James Enos James Hayes James Ward Jamie Collins Jr. Jamie Reyes Jamiya Maxwell Jasmine Morgan Jasmine Stokes Jason Rodenbach Jasper Banks Jasper Rogers Jayda Wilson Jayla Fears Jayla Moore Jayna Raines Jeffery Bazzell Jeremiah Arenas Jeremiah Stribling Jeremy Sorrells Jermandrenique Blue Jerry Ambrocio Joanna Sorrells John Christopher Waters John Hendricks Rhyne John Reynolds Hare Johnny Mendoza Jonathan Mackey
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Jonathon Raines Jordan Devoes Jordyn Morris Jose Sanchez Joshua Fowler Joshua Rudd Joshue Saenz Josiah Hawkins Juan Montoya Julian Fitzpatrick Julie Hall Justin Williams Kaden Zimdahl Kadyn Culligan Kaitlyn Stapler Kalebb Hayes Kaliah Cowan Kamari Scott Kancherla Williams Kannon Fetner Karissa McCoy Kate Campbell Kate Jones Katelynn Vick Kathleen Bess McClain Kayden Cochran Kayden Moody Kayden Scott Kayla Stribling Kaylee Byrd Kaylee Park Kaylei Tucker Kelly Harman Kendall Durr Kendarius Bailey Kennady Fetner Kensley Carter Kerwin Bravo Kevin Jimenez Vidal Kim Harman Kinzlee Foster Kolbri Crowell Kolton Kirby Kourtney Dowdell
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Makenzie Lee Malakiy Dix Malekai Calloway Malik Benford Malik Exum Mar’Quasia Harris Marcus Sanchez Marcus Wynn Margaret Rodman Maria Riveria Mark Bullock Marques Raines Marshall Anderson Mary Elizabeth Hadley Mason Kinard Mason Spratlin Matthew Mottern Mattie Dunnam Mattie Grace Mullins Maya Henry McAuley Parker Meagan Kirby Megan Giles Megan Harman Melissa Ixmay Melony McCall Memshalyah Weaver Meredith McClain Michael Holloway Michaela Knowles Michaela Malik Miranda Correia Morgan Collins Moriah Henry Nadia Carter Nathan Foster Noah Houston Nora Ramsey Chandler NyAsia Chambers Olivia Tidwell Owen Vaughan Paige Spraggins Parks Myers Paul Storrs
Takious McGhee Perri Hovey Takira Lockhart Peyton Mathis Tanner Woolley Peyton Williams Taylor Fields Pierce Griffith Taylor Johnson Preston Hunt Thomas Young Qua’Shawn Harvey Timothy Jackson Jr. Quaniyah Byrd Toby Forbus Rachel Morales Trace Berry Raegan Brooks Tre Redden Rebecca Turochy Reem Abdelaziz Hamid Trendon Bordenave Trevor Jernigan, Jr Reese Hansell Tristan Tatum Riley Johnson Troy Futral Robert Pack Tyler Brock Taylor Rose Robinson Tyler Bullock Rosemary Parker Tyler Coleman Rumi Heredia Tyler Rasnick Ryan Henry Zapp Tyler Ruff Ryan Littleton Tyler Williams Ryder Lowery Vernicia Evans Rylan Lowery Victoria Redden Rylee George Wheeler Garrett Sabrina Dart Whit Young Sam Turley William Barron Samantha Reyes William Marshall Sarah Perez William Pack Sarah Ruff William Zuanich Sawyer Mathis Wilson Foster Semaj Cowan Wyatt Myers Serena Enos Xavi Daniel Ramirez Seth Garcia ZaCameron Hayes Shamiya Fears Zacyon Fulton Sharonda Durr Zaniyah Bailey Shelby Chandler Zephaniah Stuart Shelby Hawkins Zion DuBose Shelby Smith Zonnon Pinkston Shicari Cook Zy’Keria Moody Silas Turley Zykeriah McGhee Sophie Walls Stacy Presley Stella Curtis Stuart Keesee Summer McKelvey Sydnee Elizabeth Seaborn
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Opelika City Schools Hosts Retirement Tea
The Opelika City Schools Board of Education hosted a retirement tea on May 21 to honor school employees who retired from the system during the last year. Honorees were presented with an engraved tray from Board President, Mr. O. D. Alsobrook. Pictured (l-r) front row: Glenna Weaver, Charlotte Yarbrough, Linda Boyd, Dot Pugh, Pam Morris, and Judy Bein. Pictured (l-r) back row: Billy Mitchell, Marsha Teel, Sandra Bell, Jean Heath, Debra Marshall, Ruth Meadows, Carolyn McCurdy, Nancy Truitt, and Bill McManus. Retirees not pictured included: Wes Catrair, Roxanne Daughtry, David Dorsey, Dewey Gibson, Mary Jackson, Deborah Lindsey, Ken Matchen, Shirley Miles and Bernice Watts. Congratulations!
Awards Day at Yarbrough Elementary School
Students at Yarbrough Elementary were presented awards for All A's, A/B Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance and much more!
Bonnie's Kids Says Good-bye to Graduates
Bonnie's Kids host a graduation ceremony and say good-bye to its students who will be moving on to Kindergarten this upcoming fall. Good luck and make us proud!
Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Congratulations to Trinity’s Graduates
Trinity Christian School congratulates all of our graduates of the Class of 2013. The following students have worked very hard throughout their high school career and will prosper in their future as they take the lessons taught throughout their time at Trinity with them into the world. We congratulate these students on their accomplishment: Madeleine Busch, Chloe Colquitt, Madeline Harrington, Anna Rae Kenny, Anna Latham, Mason Miller, Brittany Nowell, Elizabeth Patton, Anne Spooner, McKenzie Warmouth, and Micah Weissinger.
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Opelika High School Student Signs Track Scholarship
OHS Senior Shakiel Parker signed a track scholarship with Troy University. Pictured with Parker are (l-r): Coach Jennifer Neighbors, Parker, Hattie Parker (mother) Back row (l-r): OHS Athletic Director, Brian Blackmon, Coach Jimmy Johnson, and Coach Ben McIntosh.
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OMS 10th Annual Egg Drop
Sixth grade students on the Champs Team at Opelika Middle School recently participated in the 10th Annual Egg Drop. Students were asked to develop a container for an egg that would protect it from cracking when dropped from various heights. In preparation for the event, students watched two video clips of NASA landing space probes: Spirit in 2004 and Curiosity in August of 2012. During science class, the students compared and contrasted the two space landings and discussed the advances made in technology. The students then went through the steps of the scientific method and reviewed how to use it to complete their individual projects at home. If the project did not work the first time, they revised it and tried again. During the Egg Drop, each student’s container was dropped from an Opelika Power Services bucket truck beginning at 20 feet. If the eggs did not break upon impact from the first drop, they were dropped from 40 feet and then 60 feet. Twenty-two students had containers that protected the eggs from breaking. Pictured with Zach Vollor (left) and Wesley Ballard (right) of Opelika Power Services are: (First Row, kneeling): Salvador Vera, Mason Noblitt, Parker King, Zach Tolley, Parker Shive. (Second Row): Keirston Gamble, Levi McLeod, Wilson Awbrey, Taylor Rosenthal, Bailey Carlisle, Zariyah Greathouse. (Third Row): Isaiah McKissic, Quay Barnett, Trint Vaughns, CiCi Strickland, Cecilia Hoffpauir, Bella Perolin, Kimbrielle Watts, Mrs. Melissa Cherry, OMS Science Teacher. (Fourth Row): Hoony Oh, Colten Dunson, A.J. Smiley, and Collin Patterson.
Beauregard High School 2013 Graduates
BHS teachers, staff, and families are excited to announce their 2012-13 Senior graduating class. We are proud of you and wish you much success for your future.
Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Wacoochee Students Receive CIA Awards
Three sixth graders at Wacoochee Elementary received the Character in Action Award from Judge Mike Fellows for their service to their fellow students and their school. Pictured are (l-r) Chad Strickland, Tommy Paxton, Jacob Powell, and their school counselor, Mrs. Maria Reutebuch. Congratulations and thank you for making WES proud!
Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.
Auburn University Basketball Team Lends a Hand at Dean Road School
The Auburn University Men’s Basketball team came to Dean Road Elementary School recently as a community service project. Coaches and team members read to many of the classrooms while others helped teachers with small tasks. Head Coach Tony Barbee read to Mrs. Donaldson’s first grade class and visited his son’s class while at Dean Road. Pictured is Coach Barbee with Ms. Newman’s second grade class. His son, Andrew, stands to the right of his Dad.
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Cheers for Auburn!
It was a week filled with learning new cheers, chants, stunts and team spirit as this year's Auburn Cheerleaders attended summer camp. Go Auburn!
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Trinity’s Latin Class Holds Toga Day
Trinity Christian School’s Latin Class, taught by Mrs. Sara Ingram, held Toga Day on April 14. This day was created to give the students a day in which they can peer into the time period of which they are studying, as well as see how God’s word is translated into other languages. For Toga Day, the students were required to dress up and recite Matthew 5 in Latin. Everyone had a wonderful time as they learned in a creative manner, and to reward their accomplishment, Chik fil-a was provided afterwards. The seventh grade class enjoyed not only dressing up to fit the occasion but growing their knowledge of God’s Word in another language.
Opelika High School Student Signs Basketball Scholarship
OHS Senior Destiny Savage signed a basketball scholarship to Alabama Southern Community College in Monroeville, AL. Savage is pictured with her mother Priscilla Piner (left) and her sister Chikela Morgan (right). Also pictured are: Coach Melissa Bennett, Head Girls' Basketball Coach Devin Booth, and Athletic Director Brian Blackmon.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Opelika High School Student Signs Track Scholarship
OHS Senior Briahnna Mathews signed a track scholarship to the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Pictured seated (l-r): Amber Mathews (sister), Briahnna Mathews, Cydney Mathews (mother). Pictured back row (l-r): Brian Blackmon, OHS Athletic Director, Jamaal Barnes-coach, Eric Mathews (father), and Coach Jimmy Johnson.
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Trike-a-thon Held for School for Special Needs Students
Milestones Learning Center recently hosted a trike-a-thon at their childcare facility to benefit Valley Haven School for special needs students. The 3's, 4's and Pre-K participated in this fun-filled event and they were able to raise $1200 for this worthy cause.
Opelika High School Track Scholarship Recipient
OHS Senior James Ray Thrash signed a track scholarship to Samford University. Pictured with Thrash are (l-r): Coach Jennifer Neighbors and Coach Ben McIntosh. Back row: OHS Athletic Director, Brian Blackmon, Coach Jimmy Johnson and OHS Principal Farrell Seymore.
Where Learning Begins
From the moment you enter our million dollar, state-of-the-art facility, you realize that Milestones Learning Center is more than a daycare. Established in 2007, we are proud to offer our award-winning services to the children and families of the Auburn/Opelika area. As a private academically focused program that specializes in early childhood education, we cater to those families that want the best for their child. We offer year round educational programs for full and part-time childcare for children six weeks to Pre-Kindergarten. In addition we provide a full menu of enrichment classes onsite which saves our parents valuable time. Come by today and tour our facility and see the Milestones difference.
1811 E. Glenn Ave. • 334.887.4391 • www.milestoneslc.com Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Trinity Students Visit D.C.
From March 25-29, Trinity’s Junior and Senior classes took the bi-annual trip to Washington D.C. Every moment of their time was occupied on this trip from walking Arlington Cemetery, touring our nation’s capital, studying the architecture of various buildings, and exploring the many Smithsonian museums. A great time was had by all and each student returns with new knowledge.
Dean Road Elementary Choir Performs “Willie Wonka”
The Dean Road Elementary School Choir recently presented Willy Wonka as their spring musical. Over 80 students participated in the play. Many of these boys and girls auditioned for speaking parts, dance, and singing parts. Scenery for the play was created by Dean Road art teacher, Mrs. Alicia Hames. Choir teachers, Mrs. Libbi Holden, Mrs. Lauren Tyson, Ms. Khiari McAlpin, and Ms. Tevia Holliday, were all very helpful in producing such a great show. In addition, fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Leann White, directed the speaking parts. The choir was rewarded with a pizza and ice cream party to conclude choir activities for the 2012-2013 school year. Pictured: Isabel Herbert as Willie Wonka, Nate Feehan as Mr. Salt, and Morgan Jones as Veruca Salt.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
T Trinity Student Named Semi-Finalist in National Merit Contest
Trinity Christian School’s very own Catherine Patton has been accepted as a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Contest. This means that she will represent the state of Alabama and has scored above a 203, being among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants. Catherine will be entering her senior year at the start of this fall semester. Trinity is incredibly proud of her accomplishment, and we wish her much success as she awaits the final verdict to come in September. Congratulations Catherine!
Summer Splash at AEEC
Each year, the Kindergartners at AEEC look forward to a day of water fun! It is a day to celebrate a year of learning and growing and looking forward to being 1st graders soon. The students traveled around to multiple stations that included waterslides, bounce houses, sprinkler jumping, water balloons, obstacle courses and sweet popsicle treats! What a great way to say good bye to the best year ever to welcome summer 2013!
AHS Teacher Honored as Best in her Field
Auburn High’s Sonya Hutchinson holds the award she received for being named the East Alabama Career Tech Teacher of the Year. Hutchinson is in the business management and administration department at AHS. She teaches 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade courses called management principles, business technology applications, and advanced business and technology applications.
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Trinity’s Elementary Spelling Bee Winners
Trinity Christian School held their elementary spelling bee in April of this year. Each year, we prepare our younger students for the actual “Bee” that is to come upon entering the fifth grade. This year’s winners are as follows: First Grade- Matthew Jeong, Second Grade Danica Reddock, Third Grade- Georgia Duncan, and Fourth Grade- Margarette Anne Gunter. Congratulations to all of our winners. We look forward to the years of “Bees” to come!
Summer Campers Get a Surprise Visit
The AU Raptor Center brought their birds to present to the summer campers at Camp K at Auburn Junior High School. One of the crowd favorites was the owl.
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AUMC Preschool Graduation
Congrats to all our little graduates at Auburn UMC Preschool! Happy Summer! Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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Trinity Christian School’s Tennis Season Ends
Trinity Christian School tennis has come to a close for the 2012-2013 season. Having our largest team this year, we closed the season with large amount of wins as well as our share of a few losses. Our competitors this year ranged from Hope Christian, Evangel, Glenwood, and even our very own Trinity All-Stars. We will miss our graduating senior, Micah Weissinger, and hope to see her playing tennis in the future. Good job to all of this year’s players. We look forward to another great year!
Career Day at Dean Road Elementary School
Stacy Williams Jordan with Prudential Real Estate, excites the 5th graders of Dean Road at Career Day.
Tumbling Camp Teaches Basic Tumbling Skills
Premier Spirit Academy held Kid’s tumbling camp for 3 & 4 year old, Youth tumbling camp for 5 & 6 year old and Tumbling Camp for 7 years old and up. Kids and Youth campers worked on basic tumbling skills and made GREAT improvement. Older tumbling camp worked on basic tumbling skills and back hand springs. All the campers worked hard and learned a lot. Pictured are the Youth tumbling campers!
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Technology program for ages 1 & up Infants through School-Age
Solid Rubber Playground Surface reduces injuries
Care available from 6:30a.m. to 6:30p.m.
Our Character Education program teaches values
Transportation available to most Auburn schools
Healthy menu with fresh fruit and whole grain foods Sign Language for all ages Lower Child:Teacher ratios Video monitoring in all classrooms Infant curriculum customized for your baby
Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
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www.growingroomusa.com An independently owned and operated location of the Growing Room Franchising System
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
A Page in a Book
by Paige Gardner Smith
Imaginative Answers for Kids Children are simply the best at coming up with the answers they want, getting the results they desire using nothing but their imaginations. Their imaginative powers are unbounded by the conventions and boundaries that tend to hamper our free-thinking as we age. A child’s unlimited optimism in the face of obstacles shows in their artwork, their play and even in their responses to questions. Ask any three-year-old how they would to get to a far-away place like China, and their imagination is likely to produce an answer as simple as “I’d just go”. The following titles highlight the power of imagination to transport us, to find our answers and to get us where we want to be.
Dream Friends
by You Byun (Nancy Paulsen / Penguin Books for Young Readers) Melody has the best dream friend ever. When she sleeps, she and her enormous white catlike friend can fly, dance and play hide-and-seek; they can do anything they imagine together. But during the day, Melody has trouble summoning her dream-friend to keep her company in her new school, where she has yet to make a friend. Using the power of her imagination, she closes her eyes and practices a dance she learned from her dream friend. When a real voice chimes in “Is that a new game?,” she opens her eyes to see another little girl who’d like to learn the dance. Supporting the idea that dreams are the inspiration for action, Dream Friends is a brilliantly illustrated window into the beautiful resource that is a child’s imagination.
Tiger in My Soup
by Kashmira Sheth, Illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbler (Peachtree) When a young boy is left in the care of his teen sister, all he wants her to do is read his book about tigers with him. But she’s got her ear-buds in, groovin’ in her own world, and doesn’t want to take the time to read with him. After all she’s only supposed to make his lunch. But when she puts his bowl of alphabet soup in front of him, he suddenly spies a tiger in his soup! The tiger steams and swirls out of his bowl and his ordinary lunch quickly becomes a fight for his life (and lunch). His battle with the tiger draws his sister’s help as spoons drop and soup gets cold. Will this play for attention get him the book time he’s seeking with his sister? For the kid whose imagination roars for recognition, Tiger in My Soup is the recipe for required reading.
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The Amazing Hamweenie
by Patty Bowman (Philomel / Penguin) Hamweenie is a cat…who is also a star waiting to be born. In his mind, he’s a famous magician-acrobat-entertainer who is destined for fame and the adulation of children worldwide. He imagines himself in the spotlight center-stage, under the big top and with his name writ large across the sky as “The Amazing Hamweenie”. But his dreams are hampered at every turn by his caregiver, a little girl who loves him with baths and costumes (balanced with treats and hugs). Convinced he is being alternately drowned and poisoned, Hamweenie bides his time looking for every opportunity to escape and find his destiny. But readers will find that his imagination is his best vehicle for escape – because his real captivity is the best life ever. This is a delightful title both for its droll humor and highly detailed artwork! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.
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Q. I’m a stay-at-home mom now, and
my husband brings home $2,600 a month. We’re trying to get out of debt, but we need more money coming in. I want to go back to work, but emotionally part of me feels like I should stay home with our 2-year-old daughter. What do you think?
A. I understand the feelings involved,
especially if you’ve spent all of your time home with your child. But don’t make the mistake of blaming the debt if you simply want to go back to work. You’re not a bad person if you have kids and you work outside the home. I have several ladies on my team who have young children, and they work 40 hours a week. Guess what? They’re excellent mothers! Anyone who says a woman can’t be a great mom because she works outside the home is full of it. On the other hand, if anyone says you’re not fulfilling yourself as a person or you’re stunting your intellectual development because you’re a stay-at-home mom, they’re full of it, too! I’d advise you and your husband to sit down, talk about this a lot, and pray about
the situation. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, because it’s none of their business. You guys are in charge of your lives and your family. That makes it your job to decide what’s best. If you want to stay at home, and you guys can make it happen financially, that’s a great thing. If you can’t right now, or you simply want to go back into the workforce, that’s fine too. It’ll help solve your debt problem. Then after you’ve got your money under control, you might find you want to come home again. The option will be there. For now, I think you should go back to work. Why? Because you want to!
Q. I live outside Houston with my wife and our 9-month-old daughter. I’ve received a job offer from a company on the other side of the city that would pay, with bonuses, $25,000 a year more than I’m currently making. This would require moving to a new house and away from our extended family. My wife wants to move because my mom can be a little overbearing. I understand how she feels, but I’m not certain I want to move or take a new job. What’s your advice?
A.
I’m not so sure this is a job change question as much as it is about the state of your relationships. I know it’s hard to keep the grandparents away when there’s a baby in the house; that kind of goes with the territory. But I can also understand how lots of unexpected visits and unsolicited advice can wear on a person. If it were me, I wouldn’t change jobs just to run from something. My advice is to try setting boundaries in your relationships with your parents instead of installing geographical boundaries. You might want to pick up a copy of Dr. Henry Cloud’s great book Boundaries. Remember, your mom may not realize she’s intruding on your lives. This book is full of insight, and it will give you both some good advice on how to manage relationships in a healthy, loving way. Like I said, I really don’t feel this is a job-move issue. I think you guys just need to establish some fair and reasonable emotional distance between yourselves and your family.
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To become a Foster Parent or learn more about Alabama MENTOR, call 1-800-582-2936 or visit www.MakeADifferenceAtHome.com Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Bust a Mood
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3 Strategies to Calm Beastly Moods by Michele Ranard, M.Ed. ”Nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around.” --Bill Watterson We all have moods. In childhood, there are those unicorn, rainbow, cotton candy, smiley ones, and there are the beastly ones. Meltdown mahem at Macy’s. Bedtime blow-ups. Tantrums over tuna. Adolescents are also famous for occasionally getting their panties in a bunch...ahem. Behind every spirited child in distress is a parent secretly wishing to be sedated. Okay, the last part may just be me, but sometimes the moods of our children shift so swiftly and fiercely from cheer to rage, we’re left dazed and confused. Kids don’t grow out of bad moods like they do shoes. So let’s explore some common ‘very bad mood’ triggers and tips for how to avoid them. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Why Terrible Horrible Moods Happen to Good Children
*Exhaustion. Hello? Sleep deprivation makes children of all ages emotionally weird and less resilient. Teens especially must get enough shut eye!
*Changes in routine. All parents get this intellectually, yet still we are caught off guard when our kids react to change with distress. “But you said we’d get ice cream right after school!” (Can you feel the power of those words like nails on a chalkboard?) WE think they must learn to go with the flow. THEY want predictable outcomes.
*Tummies growlin’. The tricky part
*Overstimulation. Too much of a
good thing can be lovely…and it can be bad. Real bad. Noise, interference, and stimulation in a child’s surroundings can cause increased irritability. And unfortunately, children often don’t realize it’s the ENVIRONMENT making them edgy and grumpy. 26
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about cranky, hungry kids? They can be extremely resistant to acknowledging their hunger. You have to do the thinking and be armed with snacks especially when away from home.
*Growing pains. Yep. Blame it on hormones. Physical and neurological growth can cause children to be moody. Let’s keep reminding each other about this one, deal? *Injustice. “Hey! Sophie got a bigger slice!” Even if Sophie didn’t get the sizeable helping, perceiving she did can trigger a nasty mood. Advertising: 334-209-0552
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Bust a Mood 1) Look to children’s literature.
Sharing a book is one way to connect with kids in a discussion of moods. Remember little Alexander from Alexander and the Horrible Very Bad Day? Poor guy can’t even get away from his bad day when he settles down for the night. He bites his tongue, and the cat deserts him! But there is someone there to bust his mood. Fortunately, he has a parent who reassures that everyone has bad days. Another title combining a silly sense of humor with grouchy feelings is Big Rabbit’s Bad Mood, by Ramona Badescu. Laughter is good medicine for monstrous bad moods.
ance in the form of quality attention for at least 20 minutes daily (ideally, more time than that). • Soak up the sunshine. Children need to build up a positive emotional memory so they can access those happy places when life isn’t going smoothly. Dr. Hanson suggests spending a few minutes at bedtime reviewing all the things that make her feel good and reminding her to savor those things.
2) Listen to the experts and their advice.
• Watch out for stress. Some moody kids have a hard time coping with stressors such as long days of childcare, overscheduling, and too-high expectations. While we can’t eliminate stress for kids, be a good model of coping. Reassure them they don’t need to worry and teach strategies to calm themselves.
• One-on-one attention. Make sure your moody child is getting plenty of nurtur-
• Seek out objectivity. Frequently it helps to ask a teacher, family friend or counselor for an opinion about your child’s moods—is there a bully at school? Is it possible you are missing something?
Authors of Mother Nurture (2002), Rick and Jan Hanson, have excellent tips for easing sour moods.
• Assess their diet. Think about whether your child is eating enough protein or too much sugar. Make sure she is offered nutritious meals, consider vitamins, and watch for symptoms of food allergies. • Take care of yourself. Don’t forget about your own needs for nurturance. Moody kids can add up to lots of stress into the home, so take good care of your relationships and your own emotional well-being.
3) Do not underestimate the power of rest.
Bad moods hate a restful slumber. Are you getting enough rest to cope with these moody children? You need your energy and stamina for these terrible, no good days! See a connection between sleepovers and your child’s bad mood? Do everything in your power to promote better sleep habits for you and your family. Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Dolls Have to Live Somewhere
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Dollhouses remain one of the most popular toys for kids as they offer a distinct setting for children to create a familiar world of their own! Pretend-play becomes more engrossing for kids when their dolls and figures inhabit rooms like those in their daily world. They begin to act out real world situations, real home life interactions as they play, developing a stronger understanding of roles, relationships and responsibilties in the family. You don’t need a realtor to find the best home for your child’s dolls; just take the following home tour to see what’s on the market and find the best fit for your child and their small friends.
by Paige Gardner Smith
Imaginarium Wooden Corner Dollhouse
Ryan’s Room Carry & Go Dollhouse
Making the best use of space makes sense for homeowners…of all sizes! Designed to nestle into any cozy corner of any room in the house, the Imaginarium dollhouse offers a broader room opening for engaging play than many other traditional “box” houses. With three living levels (and an attic), there’s plenty of room for a doll family to grow. Equipped with nine furniture items, the room sizes accommodate most “fashion” dolls in the 9” to 12” range (dolls not included). The built-in stairs are also a nice detail. Its solid wood construction is a plus for durability, especially if it relocates in various corners over time. The pastel colors and charming graphics are highlights that brighten up any previously unused corner for pretend-play!
For the dollhouse aficionado on-the-go, the Ryan’s Room Carry & Go combines sturdy construction with portability so doll play can happen anywhere! Whether the homeowner is traveling to a friend’s home, visiting a grandparent’s house or passing the night in a hotel room, this dollhouse folds up easy with its contents and goes right along. The magnetic closure keeps it together until it’s time to come out and play. The house comes with 11 accessory/furniture items and the room size works with various manufacturers’ wooden dolls (Melissa & Doug, Calico Critters, etc.) One big attraction of this dollhouse is actually its simplicity. With limited decoration and only a splash of pink, this is just the kind of toy that entertains girls AND boys for a broader circle of pretend play.
(Imaginarium)
(Ryan’s Room)
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Fisher-Price Loving Family Dollhouse
Haba Fabric Doll House
One of the most enduring dollhouse brands is the Fisher-Price Loving Family dollhouse. There are several good reasons this is a go-to choice for many dollhouse shoppers. With big rooms and plenty of Victorian details and embellishments there is always something new to discover and explore in the house. As part of a long-lived line of products there’s a broad range of additional accessories, vehicles and lots of furniture for an aspiring interior decorator to add along the way. Additionally, dolls are available in various ethnicities beyond Caucasian including Asian, Hispanic and African-American. Family groups are also extended to include grandparent/elder figures to expand realistic pretend-play. The Loving Family Dollhouse folds up for storage, but this is a house that tends to stay open for living – and playing – 24 hours!
Taking the edge off the traditional doll house, Haba offers a soft-side fabric alternative to plastic and wood. The Haba house benefits from its European aesthetics offering clean lines, simple style and functional design. It also folds up for easy portability, carrying dolls (not included) and its soft accessories include a sleeping bag, pillow and chair. The Haba dollhouse makes a fantastic “first” home for toddlers with its fabric edge, while remaining versatile enough to grow with a child as their pretend-play evolves.
(Fisher-Price)
(Haba)
Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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What’s In Your Closet?
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Our journey through life starts with our first breath and it ends with our last one. Since our birth we have packed many bags for our trip. We are born naked, but then we have to put clothes on our bodies. These clothes tell our history...from the baby shoes we took our first steps in to the dress we wore to the prom, our wedding dress to the maternity clothes we wore when we gave birth. I’ll wager that your closet recounts many of the chapters of your life. Our closets are filled to overflowing. Each time we open our closet door we have a conversation with those clothes. If the truth be known we actually wear only a few items in our closet. The rest are there to beat us up and pretend to rescue us. Our clothes have a way of making us feel bad. Just think about your wedding dress that no longer fits your body. What are
your first thoughts? How could I let this happen to me? I looked so good that day. Then I want you to think about how you starved yourself to death to fit into that dress in the first place. Those nasty conversations go on each time you walk into your closet. If it isn’t about a wedding dress it is about another favorite outfit that you paid good money for that is now too tight. It is time for us to quiet these beratings and get on with our flight without feeling guilty. There is an easy way to banish these voices from your head; get them out of your closet and only keep items of clothing that you absolutely adore and feel like a million bucks in when you wear them. Decluttering your closet is not going to kill you; in fact, it may just save your life. It is time we packed for our journey. Our closets are no longer going to stand in our way of traveling light and enjoying our trip. Most of us only wear about 10% of the clothes we have stashed in there anyway. Let’s lighten our load and get rid of those nasty voices once and for all. Out of sight, out of mind! We can do this. First we need to look at the clothes we truly love because we feel good in
them. This goes for your shoes, too. Pull those out of your closet one at a time and think about the words you hear in your head when you have them on. Now put them back in your closet and pull out something that does not give you the same feeling. If the item of clothing makes you feel bad, evokes feelings of guilt in you or you just don’t like it then put it in the “give away” box. If you have changed careers and no longer have to get dressed into suits then donate them so others can start their new jobs and look nice. Let me warn you...going through your closet is difficult because of all the stories that your clothes dredge up. This is why I only want you to spend 15 minutes at a time doing this. Do not spend hours; this will make you feel sick . Bless yourself by being kind to you. Bless others by donating those clothes that say ugly words when you enter your closet. For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, check out her website at www.FlyLady.net or her book, Sink Reflections, published by Random House, and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2013 Marla Cilley. Used by permission in this publication.
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Double Up on Birthday Fun
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Pair Parties for More Thrills and Less Work by Malia Jacobson
For a double-scoop of fun at your child’s next birthday, why not host a dual party? Combined parties for siblings, cousins, or friends with close birthdays are a growing trend, says Marnie Ann Pacino, author and illustrator of Cool Party, Mom! The Other Three Words Every Mother Loves to Hear. With kids’ parties becoming bigger, grander affairs, double parties let moms share the workload and the expense of birthday festivities. Birthday parties are a much bigger deal than they used to be, says Pacino. “Between decorations, invites, favors, acAuburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
tivities, and food, it can be exhausting and expensive. Who wouldn’t love some help running errands, cleaning up and footing the bill?” And double parties don’t just benefit parents. For kids, a combined party often means a bigger party with more guests. “A potato sack race with 20 kids is bound to produce more giggles than the same race with ten kids!” notes Pacino. Shared parties are also convenient for invitees’ parents. Kathleen Yarbro combined birthday parties for Lilly, 3, and Chloe, 1, into one celebration because the girls’ birthdays are 10 days apart—one 30
party was less hassle for everyone involved. “Most of the families we’d invite were the same for both girls,” she says. “It made more sense to invite them all at once, instead of asking them to come over two weekends in a row.” Think a double-decker party might work for your family? Here’s how to host a sweet soiree that your child (or children) will cherish for years.
Get Input
The first step to a successful double party: Ask the kids involved if it’s what they want (if kids are too young to ask, it’s Advertising: 334-209-0552
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probably a safe bet that they don’t mind sharing the spotlight). Parents shouldn’t assume that all kids necessarily want a combined party. And some children with very different temperaments—one who’s high strung, and another who’s more retiring, for example—may not make compatible party-mates. If the guests of honor are on board, give both kids equal say in planning decisions.
Theme Scheme
If the birthday kids can’t agree on a theme, don’t choose—let each child pick a theme, and use both. When Christy Ramersrus hosted a double party for her two children, Joslyn, 7, chose a pony theme, while Carson, 4, picked Thomas The Tank Engine. Instead of deciding between the two themes, the family had separate decorations and a cake for each child in different rooms of the house. The theme combination was eclectic, Ramersrus admits, but the arrangement kept her kids happy and their guests entertained.
Gift Guidelines
Buying double the birthday gifts can cause sticker shock for some guests. To
ensure that people aren’t disinclined from attending because of the burden of purchasing two gifts, consider specifying simple gifts, or setting a no-gift policy. Book exchanges, where each guest brings a book to exchange in lieu of a gift, are a popular way to skirt the gift issue.
Solo Spotlight
Even at a combined party, kids should still feel special at their birthday shindig. Two birthday cakes are a must, as well as taking turns being first during games and activities. At the Yarbro party, each girl got their own rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song and sat in a seat of honor to open gifts. Double parties can be a blast, but they’re not for everyone, Pacino notes. Sibling rivalry can be intense during certain times in a child’s development—do parents want to put up with more sibling bickering during what’s supposed to be a fun event? Solo birthday parties also give kids in large families a rare chance to be the center of attention. But for many kids, double parties mean double the fun. So set a budget, set
Double the fun with these joint party themes:
Thing 1 and Thing 2 Dora and Diego Noah’s Ark Princess and Knight Cowboy and Cowgirl Peter Pan and Tinkerbell Max and Ruby Humpty Dumpty and Little Miss Muffet Spiderman and Batman Sugar and Spice Source: Marnie Ann Pacino, author and illustrator of Cool Party, Mom! The Other Three Words Every Mother Loves to Hear.
realistic expectations, get both birthday kids involved in planning, and get ready for a double-dose of frosting-fueled birthday memories. Malia Jacobson is a freelance writer and mom of two.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Birthday Party Planner CAKES/ FINGER FOOD • Cakeapotamus
2213 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika. 559-1491. www.cakeapotamus.com. Bakery & Cake Studio! Awesome kids deserve awesome cakes designed and created just for them! Our new location is the perfect place for: tea parties, birthday parties, book club meetings, or evening cake classes for adults.
• Chill
234 West Magnolia Ave, Auburn. 502-1114. Tigertown, Opelika. 745-7714. Yogurt, custard, sorbet, smoothies, yocakes and more! www.chillyogurtcafe.com
Local Resources to Meet All Your Needs
• D Squared Donuts- 1625 E. University Drive, Auburn. 887-1112. Donuts, fritters, and special order cakes for all occasions available. New this summer, Italian Ice! www.dsquaredonuts.com.
• Great American Cookies 1627 Opelika Rd. #10 (inside the mall), Auburn, 821-4553. A special day calls for a special Cookie
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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• Dairy Queen 2019 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika. 742-9400; DQ Cakes available.
• GiGi’s Cupcakes 1888 Ogletree Road, Suite 170, Auburn. 887-2253. 132 North College Street, 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
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• Bruster’s Ice Cream 2172 E University Drive, Auburn; 8219988 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.
• Edible Arrangements 2900 East University Dr. 120, The Shoppes at Cary Creek, Auburn. 821-9600. Leader in fresh fruit bouquets and gourmet chocolate dipped fruit. Stop by and grab and go or call in a special order.
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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. • Shake’s Frozen Custard Moore’s Mill, 821-8252 and Cary Creek, 826-1241, Auburn. Frozen custard cakes, sundaes, shakes, and cones. www.shakesfrozencustard.com
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•T The Gre a sa inc wa gam wil an Mc • Sweet Malisa’s 108 South 9th Street, Opelika. 737-6565. Cakes and desserts for all occasions. • The Gourmet Tiger 231 N Dean Rd, Suite 2. 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.
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• Yogurt Mountain 2199 Tiger Town Parkway, Opelika. 745-2727. Yogurt and toppings; self-serve yogurt bar. www. yogurtmoutain.com
ENTERTAINMENT • Sweet Cheeks Face and Body Art
www.sweetcheekspainting.com. Let us help you plan the perfect party or event! We offer party packages with face painting, glitter or mica powder tattoos, body art or a combination of our services. • dRMagic www.drmagicfun.com; 887-8029. 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. • Farmer Brown’s Party Animals www.fbpartyanimals.weebly.com; 334-319-2893. Specializing in petting zoos, birthday parties, live nativity scenes and more. You can party at our place or we can come to you. • 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 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. • 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). • Sandy’s Stables 4273 Lee Road 54, Opelika 741-0020. Pony rides, trail rides, and visiting all of our different farm animals. All ages are 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 332-0833 or www.mybiggreenbus.com.
EQUIPMENT / GAME RENTALS
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• Auburn Bounce
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www.auburnbounce.com; 319-1451. Auburn family owned and operated. Offering a great selection of
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
bounce houses with all of your favorite characters. Also available are inflatable slides, water slides and concessions including: popcorn machines, sno-kones and cotton candy.
• Big Air Inflatables
www.bigairinflatables.com; 319-0046. For your next birthday, company function, church activity, family or school event, we serve the Auburn/Opelika/Columbus areas (and everything in between!) On-site setup and take down, competitive pricing & package deals! • Space Walk of Auburn 887-5437; spacewalkaub@herecomesfun.com; 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 • 4 Party Plus Rentals “Fun is Our Business”. 749-6419; www.4partyplus. com. Rentals include inflatables, slides, games, concessions, characters and more.
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! Call for details.
• 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
PARTY PLANNERS
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• 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.
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UNIQUE GIFTS KIDS/ ADULTS • Ada Kids
• Auburn Flowers and Gifts 1499 S College St, Ste F, Auburn. 502-4567. Balloon bouquets, gourmet gifts and flower arrangements.
1888 Ogletree Road, Auburn. 887-7989. A unique boutique just for kids! We specialize in children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and gifts!
• Check it Out! 239 N Gay Street, Auburn. 826-0308. Balloon bouquets, costumes, party paper products, and more.
• Sprout Children’s Boutique
• Hobby Lobby TigerTown, Opelika. 745-2730. Party supplies, invitations, crafts, and more. • Lynn’s Hallmark Inside the Mall, 887-9889. 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.
2436 East University Drive Suite 2201, Auburn. 329-7111. www.sproutauburn.com. Offering upscale consignment, handmade gifts & retail, monogramming/appliques, and more! We accept name-brand gently used children’s clothing (sizes newborn-12), children’s shoes, and maternity clothing. • Cutie Pie 2415 Moores Mill Rd # 210, Auburn. 826-1254. More than a Children’s store....unique gifts for all ages & occasions! • Fringe Kids 209 South 8th Street, Opelika. 745-4497. Upscale
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consignment clothing for kids ages infant through 14/16. • 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. • 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, newborn, girls sizes infant to 16, boys sizes infant to 18/20.
PLACES TO PARTY – ARTISTIC
Visit one of our neighborhoods today!
AutumnRidge
Decorated Model Home in Auburn $150s-$250s The Cottages at
Fieldstone
Swim Community in Opelika from the $100s+
VILLAGE at MIDTOWN
Opelika Homes from the $110s-$160s
In a Woman-Centric home, thoughtfully designed home plans have been carefully selected and custom designed to offer more storage, flexible space and better flow for ease of daily living. TM
DanRic Homes is a family business that has been building in the Auburn-Opelika area for over 20 years.
the ONLY certified WomenCentric builder in the East Alabama/West Georgia area
• Opelika Parks and Recreation-
Ceramics Birthday Parties. Denson Arts Center, Opelika; 705-5547. 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! • Bare Ware Pottery 12 Woodruff Rd, Columbus, Ga. (706) 571-0507. www.barewarepottery.com. We Do It All” Pottery and Pizza Party includes invitations, pizza, cake, soda, dishes, decorations and pottery choice for each guest. “Have Your Cake and Paint Too” is an option offering decorations, cake, invitations and choice of pottery. At the pottery--only party option, you supply food and drinks and the studio provides the paint and pottery. Adults also have the option of a Tea Party Package. Bare Ware provides fruit, petit-fours and tea while guests paint a tea-cup and saucer. Each party package is priced on a per-person basis. • 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.
Boasting an excellent home warranty department, DanRic is dedicated to providing you with a superior home building experience.
New Homes Under Construction NOW!
Visit the decorated concept home in Autumn Ridge to find out which Woman-Centric personality you are!
DanRic
Open House Thursday-Sunday
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Other Builders
Plenty of storage ? Space that grows with my family ? Real value I can see ? Unique spaces I will us e ? Upgrades I care about ? Room for all of my sh oes! ? What’s this? DanRic really gets my needs!
• Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Auburn- Rebecca Miller, 209-0171; rmiller45@ gmail.com; 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. • Perch Bead Studio 416 S. Gay Street, Auburn; 209-1378; www.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.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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 BashEvery 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.
GYMNASTICS / CHEER DANCE • Make Your Move Dance Studio
“Where Everyone’s a Star”. 116 Columbus Parkway, Opelika. Call Mandy to reserve your Ballerina Birthday at 705-0205 or visit 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 provide the food. Smiling Kids and relaxed parents! All parties on Saturday.
as a birthday gift! No experience necessary. Schedule a unique party today!
MARTIAL ARTS
• Auburn Parks and Recreation
• 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. • Auburn Academy of Martial Arts 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. 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. • Auburn Mixed Martial Arts 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
MISCELLANEOUS 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. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center- 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn. Conference rooms, children’s gallery and performance center.
• Cyber Zone
107 North 9th Street, Opelika. 737-5000. www.cyberzone334.com. Now open! New 20,000 square ft facility featuring a laser tag arena with the latest high-tech laser equipment, high energy music, lights and special effects. Private themed party rooms with a variety of party packages available. Large arcade with new retro games. Host your birthday, group events, church lock-ins, and more!
• 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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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.
• Pop’s Party Place
1379 LaFayette Parkway, LaGrange, Ga. (706) 884-0005. HUGE party space indoors for your special one. Featuring a playground, inflatables, games, arcades, and so many fun toys. Party rooms available. Now, parents can enjoy the outdoor patio! Come and see the new room...It glows. Your tweens and older will love it. Find us on Facebook! • Eastdale Mall Party Venues 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. • Frog Legs “Where Kids Come First”. 467 North Dean Road, Auburn; 887-3764 or 321-8221; www.froglegsparty. com. 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.
OUTDOORS PARKS • Opelika City Parks
For rental information call the Opelika Recreation Department 705-5560. 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. Rental 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.
Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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, and picnic shelters.
• The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum
2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery. 334-2404900.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. All guests must clean and vacate the shelter after rental time has elapsed. • 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! 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 swing set. 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. 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
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. 745-0223. Ask about “create your own personal pizza” party. Each party guest can make their own pizza from scratch.
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Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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• 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.
BSOFN!
[Big Smile On Face Now]
• 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. 8215303. 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!
334.705.8655
SKATING
www.bracesbyallen.com
• The Skate Center
1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn. 821-1127. The only indoor, roller skating rink in the Auburn / Opelika area. • Columbus Ice Rink 400 Fourth Street, Columbus, Ga. (706) 2254500. www.columbusicerink.org. Put your party plans on ice! Book your next birthday celebration at the Columbus Ice Rink! Guests will enjoy the perfect party on ice, complete with activities and a private area to eat and enjoy the rest of your celebration. With a full service cleanup crew and a personal party host, Columbus Ice Rink is at your service!
SPORTS • Auburn Parks and Recreation
501-2962. walexander@auburnalabama.org; A Ball of a Birthday- Do you have a child who loves sports? For his party, enjoy fun-filled games of basketball and kickball with a referee-officiated game. Includes decorations, plates/cups, set up and clean up. 2 hour time slots: $120 with referee/$80 without.
Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
• Scutter Putters Mini Golf
1220 Fox Run Ave. USA Town Center, Opelika. 745-9393. www.scutterputtersminigolf.com; Area’s only indoor, climate controlled mini golf facility. Party room available.
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.
• 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),
• Sports Academy 3678 Pepperell Pkwy- Midway Plaza, Opelika. 7494040. “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! www.sportsacademyauburn.com AOP
39
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Ce co ph cia po dir ca ho
Summer Safety Slip-ups
Sa
els tie els wa ing Ph so Sc nia in ch
And How to PLAY IT SAFE by Sandra Gordon
No big deal, you think—so what if my child doesn’t want to wear his helmet. He can go for a bike ride without it just this once. Or you get caught up in conversation at a pool party instead of keeping an eye on your toddler. It’s no surprise that accidents happen, even when we’re trying to be careful. But because we’re outside more and the days are longer, summer can be an especially dangerous time. According to SafeKids Worldwide, there’s an 89 percent increase in children drowning in the summer months and a 45 percent surge in bike-riding deaths. Fortunately, turning your child’s summer into a safety zone is a matter of making a few precautionary tweaks. Here are some small risks you might be taking that can lead to big problems, and our top tips for avoiding them.
Safety slip-up: Tossing charcoal
after a BBQ. Cleaning out the grill and disposing of coals in a remote section of Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Pl
of co pa su yo on
• your yard or campground or at the beach may seem like a good idea because it’s far away from everyone. Trouble is, kids run all over the place in the summer and they’re often barefoot. “Charcoal can get up to 1,000 degrees F,” says John Drengenberg, the consumer safety director at Underwriters Laboratories, in Northbrook, Illinois. Even if the coals don’t look hot, they can retain their heat for hours. And it only takes a moment’s contact with a scorching coal to seriously burn a child’s delicate foot.
in different colors, such as purple, blue and red, and can easily be upturned and ingested. Another common mistake parents of young children make: “They’ll pour gasoline for the lawn mower into a smaller container, like a measuring cup, and leave that sitting around,” says Rose Ann Soloway, R.N., a clinical toxicologist at the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to being poisonous, “Kids can swallow it or breathe it into their lungs, causing aspiration pneumonitis, which can be fatal,” Soloway says.
Play it safe: Whether you’re at home,
Play it safe: Store tiki oil in its origi-
at the beach or camping, cool down hot coals before disposing of them. Douse them with a garden hose or a bucket of water after cleaning out the grill.
Safety slip-up: Keeping tiki oil with-
in your child’s reach. Toddlers and older kids are drawn to anything that looks like juice. Tiki oil, which is used more in the summer, to light tiki torches, comes 40
nal container out of your child’s sight and reach, in a locked cabinet just like you do medicine and vitamins. The same goes for gas, charcoal lighter fluid, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. These containers don’t have child-resistant caps, which a determined toddler may be able to override anyway. If you believe your child has something potentially poisonous, call the Poison Control Advertising: 334-209-0552
•
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bike helmet can reduce the risk of bicycle-related traumatic brain injury by up to 88 percent. So, of course, you’ll want to make sure everyone—you included— is protected with a properly fitted helmet whenever you ride. Keep on your older child to always wear one.
Safety slip-up: Keeping the wading
pool filled. “Young kids can drown in an inch of water or less,” says Drengenberg, so don’t think the water in your child’s baby pool is harmless.
Play it safe: “Dump the wading pool
when you’re done with it,” Drengenberg
medication on the hotel night stand. “When we’re traveling, it’s often much easier for youngsters to get into things that might be safely stored at home,” says Soloway. We stow medication and vitamins in suitcases, on night stands-places that are accessible to children, she says.
Play it safe: If you don’t have access
to a locked cabinet, store your medication and vitamins out of your child’s reach just like you would at home. Do the same at Grandpa and Grandma’s house, too, and do a safety check. Make sure any medication or vitamins they take aren’t accessible to your child.
Sandra Gordon is a journalist specializing in health and nutrition. She’s the author of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products.
• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
0000067769-01
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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?
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Play it safe: Be on helmet patrol. A
Safety slip-up: Leaving your
AND
s-
of you needs to be officially on duty and concentrating on your child. At pool parties with children present, designate a supervisor and make it clear by saying to your spouse, for example, “Okay, you’re on duty while I’m chatting with our
child ride his bike without a helmet. Studies show that kids ages 11 to 15 tend to wear helmets less often than younger ones.
C RAFTS • C HORUS
i-
Play it safe: Assign a supervisor. One
Safety slip-up: Letting your older
says. “And turn it upside down so it doesn’t catch rain water.” In fact, empty all outdoor containers of water after use, including five-gallon buckets and insulated coolers; they’re a formidable drowning hazard.
AND
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else is watching the kids. “At pool parties, many parents assume somebody else is watching. Mom assumes Dad’s watching. Dad assumes Mom’s watching and it’s easy to get distracted,” says Phyllis F. Agran, M.D., M.P.H., professor emeritus of pediatrics at the UCI School of Medicine, in Irvine, California. Even a few unsupervised minutes in the water can be deadly for a young child.
FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF
a p, se n-
Safety slip-up: Assuming someone
friends.” But don’t think it’s enough to make your older kids, who are having fun too, keep an eye on your younger ones. Make that supervisor your spouse or another adult.
B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS
e d r-
Center at 1-800-222-1222. You’ll be connected with a nurse, physician or pharmacist at a local center who is specially trained in recognizing and treating poisoning. Do this instead of heading directly to a hospital emergency room or call 911—you’ll get the fastest advice on how to handle the situation.
• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •
Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
41
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
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 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Ring of Fire. July 11-August 4. Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery. www.asf.net. Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts The Cat in the Hat. Through June 30. www. puppet.org. Barber Berry Farm Blackberry and Blueberry Picking. Through June 30. Barber Berry Farm, Millbrook. www.barberberryfarm.com. Birmingham Children’s Theater Cinderella. July 30 - August 3. 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. Callaway Gardens FSU Flying High Circus at Callaway Gardens. Through August 2. circus.fsu.edu/ DeSoto Caverns God and Country Sound, Light and Water Show. Through July 31. DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park. www.desotocavernspark.com. Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11-21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. Faulkner Dinner Theatre The Good Samaritan. Through June 22. Montgomery. 334-386-7190. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Through Aug. 17. Tamarind Touchstones 50 Years of Lithographic Prints. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. Lowndes Interpretive Center Junior Ranger Summer Camp, July 6-27. Tuskegee. Free. www.nps.gov/semo. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Montgomery Ballet
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
June/July2013
www.montgomeryballet.org. Montgomery Performing Arts Montgomery Performing Arts. www.mpaconline.org. Old Alabama Town Keeping Cool in the 19th Century. July 1-31, Montgomery. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. www.oldalabamatown.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Red Mountain Theatre 42nd Street. July 11-August 4. Birmingham. www. redmountaintheatre.org. Student Life Youth Camp Through June 30. Shocco Springs Conference Center, Talladega. www.studentlife.com.
Parents Support & Moms Groups
Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/ Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http://groups.yahoo. com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10-11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months-3 yrs. Free! 334-209-2580. Ongoing Calendar addition: Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9-11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 yrs and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ CORNERSTONE Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call Josie at 257-3950. Lee County Autism Support Group meets every other month. Call Julie Brown 887-3903 or Florence Evermom 887-5005. Covenant Presbyterian Church on Shelton Mill Road in Auburn. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. Moms In Touch. Do you worry about your children? Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Moms In Touch International gathers moms together for one hour, once a week, to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and school. Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation? Please contact Julia Farrow at julia@cornerstonebuzz.org for information about our local groups. For more information about Moms In Touch International, visit www. MomsInTouch.org. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth.net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@
42
insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.
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Mom’s Morning Out
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Auburn United Methodist Church, Children’s Day Out Program, every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each additional child. Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information. Trinity United Methodist Church (Opelika) Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45-12. $15 per child.
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 334-826-3082; 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
Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Riverwalk Stadium. June 19-23, 29-30, July 1-3, 10-14, 23-27. www.biscuitsbaseball.com.
Wednesday, June 19
69th Annual Miss Georgia Pageant 2013 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.ticketmaster.com. Radical Reptile Program Oxbow Meadows, Columbus, Ga. 10-11 a.m. or 1:302:30 p.m. Ages 6 and up. $5 per person / no charge for children ages 3 and under / 1 adult per every 10 kids gets in FREE! oxbow.columbusstate.edu oxbow. columbusstate.edu/ Summer Movies for Kids Hotel Transylvania. Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401. Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: A
Advertising: 334-209-0552
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Thursday, June 20
69th Annual Miss Georgia Pageant 2013 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.ticketmaster.com. The Package Tour: New Kids On the Block with Guests 98Degrees & Boyz II Men Philips Arena. Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. Children’s Matinees presents Puss In Boots Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.capritheatre.org. Summer Movies for Kids See June 19 for details. The Market at Ag Heritage Park Auburn University Agricultural Heritage Park. 3-6 p.m. Free. www.ag.auburn.edu/themarket/about.php. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids presents Hotel Transylvania Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401.
Friday, June 21
Float-In Movie Samford Pool, Auburn. 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own floats and arrive early to find the perfect viewing spot in the pool. Please note: space is limited. Attendees will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis until we reach capacity. $2/person or FREE with 2013 Splash pass. 501-2930. Summer Outdoor Movie Series Duck Samford Park. Free Family Movie sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. 15 minutes prior to sunset (8:30 p.m.). 69th Annual Miss Georgia Pageant 2013 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.ticketmaster.com. Radical Reptile Program Oxbow Meadows. oxbow.columbusstate.edu/ State of Create ‘Frosty in the Summertime’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 1-2:30 p.m. Open to all students 7-12 grades. Art Club sessions are free, but require preregistration. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Fantastic Fridays ‘Barry Stewart Mann - Peace Pipes & Talking Leaves: Cherokee Leaders and Lore’ Columbus Museum. 10 a.m. www.columbusmuseum. com. QuiltFest 2013 Oak Mountain Middle School, Birmingham. www.bhamquilters.com. Alabama Sports Festival State Games XXXI Birmingham.www.alagames.com. Children’s Matinees presents Puss In Boots Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.capritheatre.org. Secrets of a Kept Woman Event Center Downtown, Opelika. www.eventcenterdowntown.net. Twilight Walk FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 8-9 p.m. Bring a flashlight. Meet below Lake Delanor dam in the campground at Picnic Shelter #2. No admission fee, but there is a $5 fee for parking. 706-663-4858. Alabama Sports Festival State Games XXXI Birmingham. www.alagames.com.
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69th Annual Miss Georgia Pageant 2013 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.ticketmaster.com. 4th Annual Day in Clay Hosted by Dean Rd. Ceramic Studio. 1-4 p.m. One-day open house, we encourage the whole family to visit our fully-equipped studio, watch demonstrations by studio
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Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
members, and enjoy refreshments. Visitors looking for hands-on experience may choose to work on an adult or kids project to create for just $10/person. 501-2944. 14th Annual Denim & Diamonds Concert featuring The Band Perry Columbus Civic Center. 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit Columbus Hospice and Hospice of Alabama. D.Taylor@ columbushospice.com. Sensory Sensitive Screenings Movie Monsters University. Carmike Ritz 13 on Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus, Ga. www.autismhopecenter.com. Arty Pants ‘Wax Poetic’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 10-11:30 a.m. Open to all students k-2 grades. Art Club sessions are free, but require preregistration. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. StART! ‘Wax Poetic’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:30-2 p.m. Open to all students 3-6 grades. Art Club sessions are free, but require preregistration. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Market Days on Broadway Columbus, Ga. 9 a.m.-noon. Pick up locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, artwork, flowers, plants and handcrafted items! www.uptowncolumbusga.com. The Rock Ranch’s Sweet Corn Festival www.therockranch.com. Vizzini Farms Wine & Jazz Vizzini Farms Winery, Calera. 6-10 p.m. www.vizzinifarmswinery.com. Mainstreet Farmer’s Market Alexander City. 7:30-11:30 a.m. www.mainstreetac.org. QuiltFest 2013 See June 21 for details. Alabama Sports Festival State Games XXXI Birmingham.www.alagames.com. Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic Monster’s University Chest. 10 a.m. Free. Opelika.www. lowesbuildandgrow.com.
Sunday, June 23
Alabama Sports Festival State Games XXXI Birmingham. www.alagames.com. Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic Monster’s University Chest. 2 p.m. Free. Opelika.www. lowesbuildandgrow.com.
Tuesday, June 25
Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 18 for details. Cheerleading Fun Auburn Parks and Rec. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Ages 6-10 years. Learn basic techniques such as claps, jumps, cheers, and chants. $40. stevens.heather@gmail.com. Summer Swing Concert Series Crossroads. Municipal Park, Opelika. Free. 7 p.m. 7055560. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids presents Ice Age Continental Drift Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401. Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. Open Season. 9 a.m. The Pirates! Band of Misfits. 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax.
Wednesday, June 26
Cheerleading Fun Auburn Parks and Rec. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Ages 6-10 years. Learn basic techniques such as claps, jumps, cheers, and chants. $40. stevens.heather@gmail.com. Summer Movies for Kids Ice Age Continental Drift. Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401.
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Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. The Pirates! Band of Misfits. 9 a.m. Open Season. 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax.
Thursday, June 27
Cheerleading Fun Auburn Parks and Rec. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Ages 6-10 years. Learn basic techniques such as claps, jumps, cheers, and chants. $40. stevens.heather@gmail.com. Ft. Benning Golf Scramble Ft. Benning, Ga. 706-687-1940. Children’s Matinees presents Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.capritheatre.org. Summer Movies for Kids See June 26 for details. The Market at Ag Heritage Park See June 20 for details. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids presents Ice Age Continental Drift Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401. Youth Jam Nights Spicer’s Music, Auburn. 7-9 p.m. spicersmusic.com.
Friday, June 28
Friday Night Splash Samford Pool, Auburn. 6-8 p.m. Enjoy freestyle swim, games, a cookout, music, and much more! FREE admission with Splash Pass or $2/person. 501-2957. auburnalabama.org/pools. Bill Cosby Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. State of Create ‘Group Murals’ See June 21 for details. Fantastic Fridays ‘Manga African Dance - Lokacin Wasa’ Columbus Museum. 10 a.m. www.columbusmuseum. com. 28th Annual Liberty Day Celebration Downtown Columbiana. www.cityofcolumbiana.com. Children’s Matinees presents Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs Capri Theatre, Montgomery. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.capritheatre.org. Teen Science Night McWane Science Center, Birmingham. 6-9 p.m. This event combines science experts, hands-on activities, music, food and fun to engage 8th–12th graders in emerging science trends. www.mcwane.org. Twilight Walk See June 21 for details. Fabulous Fridays Featuring Wicked Dixie. See June 21 for details.
Saturday, June 29
Teen Scene Field Trip “Let’s Go Paddling” Join Auburn Parks and Recreation for a day of adventure while kayaking the Coosa River. The course is six miles long and consists of flat water with rapids. All paddlers must be able to swim and should wear appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and footwear that will stay on during a swim. Equipment will be provided. $36; preregister, 501-2946. The Amazing Honey Bee Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. 10-11:30 a.m. $2 members/$3 non-members. www.facebook.com/auburnpreserve. Joan Rivers Symphony Hall. Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. Market Days on Broadway Columbus, Ga. 9 a.m.-noon. Pick up locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, artwork, flowers,
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Family Calendar plants and handcrafted items! www.uptowncolumbusga.com. StART! ‘Frosty in the Summertime’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12:30-2 p.m. Open to all students 3-6 grades. Art Club sessions are free, but require preregistration. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Arty Pants ‘Color Shuffle’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 10-11:30 a.m. Open to all students k-2 grades. Art Club sessions are free, but require preregistration. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Young Eagles Day Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Celebrate America at The Rock Ranch www.therockranch.com. Independence Celebration! Ft. Benning, Ga. 3-11 p.m. 706-545-3328. Mainstreet Farmer’s Market See June 22 for details. 28th Annual Liberty Day Celebration Downtown Columbiana. www.cityofcolumbiana.com. Patriotic Concert and Movie in Downtown LaGrange www.downtownlagrange.com. Red, White & Blue Picnic & Movie LaFayette Square, LaGrange. The LaGrange Community orchestra will present a patriotic musical program at 7 p.m. Best dressed picnic table contest, hot dog eating contest, magic show at 8:30 p.m., movie at 9 p.m. www.downtownlagrange.com.
Tuesday, July 2
Goofy Games Covington Center, Opelika. 3-4 p.m. Ages 6-12 years. Fee $10. 705-5560. Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus, Ga. Madagascar 3. 9 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. The Smurfs. 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Summer Swing Concert Series presents Soul Coalition of East Alabama Municipal Park, Opelika. 7 p.m. Free. www.opelika.org. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 18 for details.
Wednesday, July 3
Freedom Celebration Celebrate Independence Day with Opelika Parks and Recreation. There will be inflatable games, hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, activities for the whole family and musical entertainment. 6:30 p.m. Food and fun. 7:30 p.m. Opelika Skydivers. Dark: Ultimate Fireworks Show. (334) 705-5560. Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. The Smurfs, 9 a.m. Madagascar 3, 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Radical Reptile Program at Oxbow Meadows Columbus, Ga. 10-11 a.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m. Ages 6 and up. $5 per person / no charge for children ages 3 and under / 1 adult per every 10 kids gets in FREE! oxbow. columbusstate.edu. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids Rio. Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401.
Thursday, July 4
Star Spangled Beach Party Robin Lake Beach, Callaway Gardens. www. callawaygardens.com. Boat Parade Lake Martin. 10 a.m. Parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor. www.lakemartin.com.
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
June/July2013
Fireworks Over Lake Martin Kowaliga Bay area. 9 p.m. www.lakemartin.com. Concert at The Amp Lake Martin. Sid Phelps, Red Mountain, and Nationwide Coverage with special guest Eat a Peach. $15 tickets. Gates open 5:30 p.m. www.lakemartin.com. Independence Day Fireworks Gulf Shores. 9 p.m. www.gulfshoresal.gov. FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Grand Bay Watermelon Festival Theodore, Al.. 251-367-8646. Independence Day 1776 Reenactment and Fireworks American Village, Montevallo. www.americanvillage. org. Red, White & Brew Atlanta Aquarium. 6-10:30 p.m. www.georgiaaquarium.org Fabulous Fridays Featuring Swinging Medallions. See June 21 for details. City of Troy 4th of July Celebration www.troyal.gov. Summer Fest The Waters, Pike Road. www.pikeroad.us. Prattville Independence Day Celebration Parade 9 a.m. Entertainment all day, Fireworks at dark. www.prattvilleal.gov. Annual Fourth of July Celebration Duck Samford Stadium, Auburn. Fireworks, live music and fun. Free. 6-9 p.m. Rain date, July 5. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. 4th of July Boat Parade Lake Wedowee. 10 a.m.-noon. www.lakewedowwlife.com. The Market at Ag Heritage Park See June 20 for details. Youth Jam Nights See June 27 for details. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids See July 3 for details.
Friday, July 5
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: All American Celebration Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park. www.ticketmaster.com. Opelika Unplugged Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. Admission $5. Free for songwriters. www.eventcenterdowntown.net. First Fridays “Shop Late, Eat Local” Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. so that diners of our downtown restaurants can shop before or after they eat. www.opelikamainstreet.org. Radical Reptile Program at Oxbow Meadows See July 3 for details. FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. 10th Annual PCA Rodeo Wedowee. 256-357-4545. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Firework Show at Blue Creek Lake Martin. 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 6
FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Uptown Drum Circle Columbus, Ga. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Market Days on Broadway Columbus, Ga. 9 a.m.-noon. Pick up locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, artwork, flowers, plants and handcrafted items! www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Wildlife Walks at Oxbow Meadows oxbow.columbusstate.edu.
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10th Annual PCA Rodeo Wedowee. 256-357-4545. Home Depot’s Kids Clinics Come Out and Play with the Fun of Despicable Me 2! 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Opelika.www.workshops.homedepot. com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org. Drop In Tours Columbus Museum. 2-3 p.m. www.columbusmuseum.com.
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FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.
Monday, July 8
FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.
Tuesday, July 9
Junior Bakers Covington Center, Opelika. 3-4:30 p.m. Ages 9-12 years. Fee $15. 705-5560. Free Summer Movies at National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. ParaNorman. 9 a.m. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Imagine It! Atlanta’s Hands On Children’s Museum Target Free Second Tuesdays. Free tickets available 1-7 p.m., first come, first served as capacity allows. www. childrensmuseumatlanta.org. Summer Swing Concert Series presents Kidd Blue See July 2 for details. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 18 for details. Public Ice Skating Columbus Ice Rink. 4-9 p.m. www.columbusicerink.org.
Wednesday, July 10
Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 9 a.m. ParaNorman, 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf Orange Beach. www.TheWharfMarina.com. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids Horton Hears a Who. Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401.
Thursday, July 11
Pizza Pizzazz Covington Center, Opelika. 3-4:30 p.m. Ages 6-11 years. Fee $10. 705-5560. Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf Orange Beach. www.TheWharfMarina.com. The Market at Ag Heritage Park See June 20 for details. Youth Jam Nights See June 27 for details. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids See July 10 for details.
Friday, July 12
Fabulous Fridays Featuring Sons-N-Britches. See June 21 for details. Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf Orange Beach. www.TheWharfMarina.com. Antique Engine & Tractor Show Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org.
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World Championship Domino Tournament Andalusia. 334-222-2030. Outdoor Summer Movie Series Apollo 13, sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Duck Samford Park Field 1. 8 p.m. Free. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Fantastic Fridays’ Alphabet Soup Columbus Museum. 10 a.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. State of Create ‘Tricks of the Trade’ See June 21 for details.
Saturday, July 13
Live Owl Education Program Dean Road Rec Center, Auburn. 9-10:30 a.m. Fee $12.50. Register by July 5. owlshows@yahoo.com. Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf Orange Beach. www.TheWharfMarina.com. Antique Engine & Tractor Show Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org. Second Saturday at Riverfront Park Montgomery. 5-9 p.m. World Championship Domino Tournament Andalusia. 334-222-2030. Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum. Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Lee County Tomato Tasting Contest Join us at the first annual Lee County Tomato Tasting Contest hosted by the Lee County Historical Society and find out who grows the best tomatoes in Lee County! This contest is open to all tomato lovers and is free of charge. To enter your ‘mater bring a basket of 4-8 tomatoes (or more if small) of a single variety. Participants may enter as many varieties as they wish. Entries must be present by 10 a.m. and tasting will begin at 11 a.m. Tomatoes will be grouped according to variety (beefstake, heirloom, cherry/grape, roma/pear, etc.) and a team of County Extension Agents will facilitate the voting. All participants and guests will have the opportunity to taste the tomatoes and cast a vote. Winning baskets will be determined for each category along with the overall best tomatoes in Lee County. The Lee County Tomato Tasting Contest is offered in conjunction with the Second Saturday program at Pioneer Park. Second Saturday activities include dulcimer playing, open hearth cooking, spinning and weaving, blacksmithing and demonstrations about Native American culture. The 1850’s era village at Pioneer Park includes a log cabin, Trade Center Museum, Creek hunting camp, a doctor’s office and a barn open for visitors to tour. For more information, visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org or call Stacy Lipscomb at 334-740-4555. McWane Rocks! 15th Birthday Party Celebration Birmingham. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Travis Taylor, star of Nat Geo’s hit show, Rocket City Rednecks, will be on hand bringing his unique style of southern charm and technology with live demonstrations on the plaza that are guaranteed to excite and engage. From “rock” climbing walls, “rock” ‘n’ roll music and “rock” candy this party will definitely “rock” your world.www.mcwane.org. Paddleboard Race Kowaliga Beach, Lake Martin. www.lakemartin.com. AGCA Gun & Knife Show BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Arty Pants ‘Mask Attack’ See June 22 for details. StART! ‘Mask Attack’ See June 22 for details.
Sunday, July 14
Blue Marlin Grand Championship at The Wharf Orange Beach. www.TheWharfMarina.com. Antique Engine & Tractor Show
Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, McCalla. www.tannehill.org. AGCA Gun & Knife Show BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org.
Tuesday, July 16
Therapeutics Social Night Out Covington Center, Opelika. 6-7:30 p.m. Fee $5. 7055560. Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Despicable Me. 9 a.m. Monster House. 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Summer Swing Concert Series presents Fedoras See July 2 for details. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 18 for details.
Wednesday, July 17
Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. Monster House, 9 a.m. Despicable Me, 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Scenes & Stories of Monroeville: A To Kill a Mockingbird Workshop Old Courthouse Museum, Monroeville. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. www.tokillamockingbird.com. Radical Reptile Program at Oxbow Meadows See July 3 for details. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids Madagascar 3. Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 5010401.
Thursday, July 18
FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. The Market at Ag Heritage Park See June 20 for details. Youth Jam Nights See June 27 for details. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids See July 17 for details.
Friday, July 19
Radical Reptile Program at Oxbow Meadows See July 3 for details. FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Springer Children’s Theatre presents Honk! Jr. Springer Opera House, Columbus. springeroperahouse. org. 80th Annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island. 251-471-0025. Fantastic Fridays’ A Journey Through Musical Styles Columbus Museum. 10 a.m. columbusmuseum.com. Float-In-Movie Finding Nemo, sponsored by Auburn Parks and Rec. Samford Pool, Auburn. 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own floats and arrive early to find the perfect viewing spot in the pool. Please note: space is limited; Attendees will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis until we reach capacity. $2/person or FREE with 2013 Splash pass. 501-2930. 20th Annual World Deer Expo BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. State of Create ‘Brushy, Brushy, Brushy, and Paint’ See June 21 for details.
Saturday, July 20
Teen Scene Field Trip: Let’s Go Paddling Dean Road Rec Center, Auburn. Kayak the Coosa River. Fee $35. Register by July 11. Ages 12-15 years. mweldon@auburnalabama. Nephew Tommy and Friends Montgomery Performing Arts Center. 8-10 p.m. www. mpaconline.org.
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FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Market Days on Broadway Columbus. 9 a.m.-noon. Pick up locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, artwork, flowers, plants and handcrafted items! www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Wildlife Walks at Oxbow Meadows oxbow.columbusstate.edu. 80th Annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island. 251-471-0025. Springer Children’s Theatre presents Honk! Jr. Springer Opera House, Columbus. springeroperahouse. org. Lions Lake Martin Poker Run Lake Martin, Alexander City. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. www.russellmarine.net. Sweet Summer Night Street Dance. Tallassee 4-11 p.m. www.tallasseechamber.com. Wetumpka’s River and Blues Music & Art Show 2-10 p.m. Free. www.riverandblues.net. Animal Enrichment 2013 Montgomery Zoo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Arty Pants ‘Cut-n-Paste’ See June 22 for details. StART! ‘Cut-n-Paste’ See June 22 for details. 20th Annual World Deer Expo BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org. Alexander City SunFest Sportsplex Stadium, Alexander City. www.lakemartin.com.
Sunday, July 21
FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.www.callawaygardens.com. Fabulous Fridays featuring Good Fellas Robin Lake Beach, Callaway Gardens. Admissions is free beginning 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music begins at 7 p.m. www.callawaygardens.com. 80th Annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island. 251-471-0025. Springer Children’s Theatre presents Honk! Jr. Springer Opera House, Columbus. springeroperahouse. org. 20th Annual World Deer Expo BJCC, Birmingham. www.bjcc.org.
Monday, July 22
FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.www.callawaygardens.com.
Tuesday, July 23
Wacky Water Games Covington Center, Opelika. 3-4 p.m. Ages 6-10 years. Fee $10. 705-5560. Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. The Lion King, 9 a.m. Tangled, 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents Cinderella www.bct123.org/ Summer Swing Concert Series presents Muse See July 2 for details. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 18 for details.
Wednesday, July 24
Free Summer Kids Movies at the National Infantry Museum Columbus. Ga. Tangled, 9 a.m. The Lion King, 11 a.m. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org/imax. Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents Cinderella www.bct123.org/
Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
Family Calendar 2013 Summer Movies for Kids Happy Feet 2. Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401.
Thursday, July 25
Messy Madness Covington Center, Opelika. 3-4 p.m. All ages. Fee $10. 705-5560. FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.www.callawaygardens. com. Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents Cinderella www.bct123.org/ Youth Jam Nights See June 27 for details. The Market at Ag Heritage Park See June 20 for details. 2013 Summer Movies for Kids See July 24 for details.
Friday, July 26
Back to School Bash Covington Center, Opelika. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All ages. 705-5560. Fabulous Fridays Featuring Matt Whitten. See June 21 for details. FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.www.callawaygardens. com. The Montgomery Ballet presents Don Quixote Davis Theatre, Montgomery. 7:30 p.m. www.montgomeryballet.org. Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents Cinderella www.bct123.org/
June/July2013
Bark in the Park Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site, Wetumpka. 1-5 p.m. www.elmorehumane.com. Summerfest The Pines Golf Course, Millbrook. Free. 5:30-10:30 p.m. www.cityofmillbrook.org. Fantastic Fridays’ Puppets Have Feelings Too Columbus Museum. 10 a.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. State of Create ‘Getting Graphic’ See June 21 for details. 2013 Alabama New Small Business Marketplace Conference BJCC, Birmingham. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. www.bjcc.org.
Community & Culture Day McWane Science Center, Birmingham. 2 p.m. Celebrate diverse cultures and communities. Enjoy performances by local artist, dancers, storytellers, musicians and much more! www.mcwane.org. SunFest Concert featuring Jo Dee Messina Sportsplex, Alexander City. Tickets $12. www.lakemartin.com.
Saturday, July 27
Monday, July 29
FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents Cinderella www.bct123.org/ AMPalooza The AMP on Lake Martin. www.lmat.org. Arty Pants ‘Take a Look...It’s In a Book’ See June 22 for details. StART! ‘Take a Look...It’s In a Book’. See June 22 for details. The Montgomery Ballet presents Don Quixote See July 26 for details. National Dance Day Dance Expo and Fair. Davis Theatre Courtyard, Montgomery. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. montgomeryballet.org.
Sunday, July 28
Sound of Music Alabama Theatre. Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com. FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com. FSU Flying High Circus Callaway Gardens. www.www.callawaygardens. com.
Tuesday, July 30
Summer Swing Concert Series presents Martha’s Trouble See July 2 for details. Opelika Farmer’s Market See June 18 for details.
Wednesday, July 31
2013 Summer Movies for Kids Yogi Bear. Carmike Theater, Auburn. 10 a.m. 501-0401. Please send your calendar events to kendra @auburnopelikaparents.com by the 5th of the month. It’s FREE!
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Parenting
on the Plains by Dr. Polly Dunn
Bonding Activities with Your Tweens & Teens When our kids get older, it becomes harder and harder to connect with them. But as parents, it’s especially important for us to continue to put in the extra effort it takes to cultivate relationships with our tweens and teens. Check out my top ten ideas for engaging your teen in activities you’ll both enjoy: 1. Learn a new skill as a team. Decide together what you’d like to learn and go for it. Cooking, photography, music, and art classes are regular offerings in most communities. Or learn how to kayak, play golf, or tennis. Really feeling adventurous? Learn a foreign language together! 2. Play a game. Sure, traditional board games are great, but teens are hooked on their electronics and there are lots of fun games you can enjoy with them. For instance, play a game of ‘Words With Friends’ on your smart phones. Start a two player game on a tablet. Even see what those video games of theirs are all about. I promise, it will be fun! 3. Complete a project. If you’re like me, then you probably have a lot of projects around your house that need completing! Whether you wash the cars, paint a room, or work in the yard together, there’s a lot of satisfaction (and bonding) that comes from finishing a project together. Or pick a DIY Pinterest inspired activity or craft and work with your teen to get it completed. 4. Share your hobbies. Think about the things you like to do. Now share those interests with your kids. It could be taking them to your painting class, letting them make a scrapbook with you, or bringing them along to set up your fantasy football team. 5. Learn about their hobbies, too. Have them play some of their favorite music for you and tell you about why they like it. Watch a movie they love together. Then let them tell you about their other interests and see where you can find common ground. 6. Have them teach you. Are you lost when it comes to social media? When someone asks you to upload or download something do you even know what they are talking about? Well, guess what? Your teen knows all these things. Have them give you some tutorials. You’ll know more and be impressed with how technologically savvy they are! Visit www.AuburnOpelikaParents.com
7. Plan a trip. Get your teens help planning your next family vacation or a day trip for just the two of you. They can get involved with finding a hotel room, getting directions, scheduling activities, and learning about the place you’ll be visiting. 8. Schedule a date. Get their opinion on what they’d like to do and schedule some time together to make it happen. And don’t worry, your date doesn’t have to cost a lot! Get creative and look at what’s being offered in your community that you can both enjoy. 9. Get moving. A great way to connect with your teen is to exercise together. You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride or work out together at the gym. Participating in an organized race will also be an experience you will both enjoy, such as a 5K, color, or mud run.
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10. Volunteer. Last, but not least, volunteer your time together. From mission trips to a morning at the local food pantry, there are ample opportunities for you and your teen to help others. Look at the options in your community and decide together where you’d like to help. What do you and your teen like to do together? We’d love to hear your ideas at auburnopelikaparents.com! 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 2013
Man of Steel
Now You See Me
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: CSexual Content: B+ Language: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Man of Steel PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language. Playing the iconic characters Clark Kent and Lois Lane requires a lot of pluck even from talented actors like British-born Henry Cavill and Oscarnominated Amy Adams. But both seem up to the challenge in Director Zach Snyder’s adaptation of the Man of Steel. Snyder brings a serious and pensive Superman to the big screen. While there are moments of humor in this film, audiences never get the same endearing antics we saw in Christopher Reeves’ portrayal of the alien visitor disguised as a bumbling reporter. Discovering who he is and what his role is on his adopted planet is a somber quest for this extraterrestrial. Clark’s (Cavill) identity issues begin as a child, often leaving him brooding over his obvious differences from the other Kansas kids he attends school with. And the dissimilarities are big. Not only does he have x-ray vision and the ability to melt metal with a fiery stare, he has incredible strength that he has to control and conceal. His earthly dad (Kevin Costner) is even more anxious to keep his son’s super strengths a secret. He fears the world isn’t ready to accept an alien--even one as normal looking as Clark. While the boy slips up a few times (he pushes a sinking school bus full of children out of the river and onto the shore), he tries to obey his father’s wishes to wait, even when it comes at a great cost. But as an adult, his inclination to save others and his search for answers means he can’t stay in one place for too long. However when he finally stumbles upon an alien ship buried deep in the ice, meets a holographic version of his birth father (Russell Crowe) and gets the answers he’s been searching for, life doesn’t get easier. Now Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane (Adams) and US Military personnel (Harry Lennix, Richard Schiff, Christopher Meloni) all have questions -- especially after Earth receives a threatening communication from Krypton’s General Zod (Michael Shannon). From this point on, storytelling takes a backseat to special effects as Smallville and then New York City are demolished in an extended sequence that sees buildings, a train yard, cars and even an orbiting satellite destroyed. Fortunately the catastrophic destruction is mostly bloodless and with few other content concerns the film stays in an orbit appropriate for most teens.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: CViolence: C Sexual Content: C+ Language: CAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Now You See Me PG-13 for language, some action and sexual content. Making money magically appear is a trick all of us would like to learn. And it’s one a group of magicians, known as the Four Horseman, appear to have perfected. Before they were the Four, each of these players was a small-time, independent performer with skills in hypnosis, pick pocketing, or illusions. Then J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) all receive a mysterious invitation to form an act that eventually brings them to Las Vegas. For that show’s finale, the conjurors rob a French bank while still on stage and share the money with the entire audience. Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine), the group’s sponsor, couldn’t be happier with their success. But FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) feels differently. Forced to take the case and work with Interpol agent Alma Dray (Melanie Laurent), Dylan can’t find enough evidence to hold the performers accountable, even though the French bank vault is empty. From that moment on, the illusionists become his bane. The group also garners the attention of Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman), a reality television host who routinely debunks magicians and their tricks. While Dylan wants a quick solution to the stolen money problem, Thaddeus is happy to string along an ending in order to rake in more ratings and money. Filled with enough glitz and dazzle to compete with any Las Vegas night show, Now You See Me glamorizes white-collar crime and offers a comeuppance aimed at the financially corrupt. Like other Robin Hood tales, there’s also an open disdain for the law, and the officers who enforce it. This arrogant attitude might be tolerable if there was some kind of consequences for the characters’ actions. While a city center car chase, fiery crash and vicious fistfight make up most of the film’s physical violence, the movie also includes partially exposed breasts and a girl wearing only her underwear. The script contains a rude hand gesture, plentiful profanities and a smattering of vulgar and sexual expressions as well. With little to recommend when it comes to these characters’ criminal activities and patronizing posturing, Now You See Me is one film parents may prefer to have disappear from their teen’s must see list.
What Parents need to know about Man of Steel...
Violence: A woman is shot on screen. Characters frequently engage in fistfights and other hand-to-hand combat. A character is stabbed to death and others are engulfed in flames. Students are in peril when their bus drives over the side of a bridge and begins to sink in the river below. A woman is thrown around and pushed by aliens. Frequent destructive depictions are seen including falling building, crushed cars, demolished property and explosions. Weapons are used to attack aliens. Some frightening and grotesque images are seen. Sexual Content: A couple kisses. Some mild sexual references are included. A man grabs a woman’s buttocks while she is at work. Language: The script contains a partial sexual expletive and a handful of profanities along with a few terms of Deity. The script also includes some crude terms for male anatomy and infrequent slurs. Alcohol / Drug Use: A man drinks a beer. A woman guzzles a drink in a bar. Auburn-Opelika Parents I July 2013
What Parents need to know about Now You See Me...
Violence: A wild car chase through the downtown ends with a fiery crash that leaves one person dead. FBI officers engage in a brutal fistfight with a suspect in an apartment. One gunshot is fired. Sexual Content: Partial female breast nudity is briefly depicted. A young woman undresses to her underwear and makes sexual comments to a man. Language: The script contains nearly two-dozen profanities made up of scatological slang, vulgarities, obscenities, crude sexual innuendo and comments. There is also a rude hand gesture. Alcohol / Drug Use: A man drinks in a bar to assuage his hurt pride and disappointment. He later comments about being drunk. 48
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