June2019
Volume 10 Number 4
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Columns 4
Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW
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Kids Health Watch
sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn
Common Sense Media Six surprising apps kids can use for chatting.
Family Relocating?
Discover 9 ways to make this transition easier on your kids.
26 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media
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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
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Dave Says Dave Ramsey
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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
Newcomers Guide
Our top picks to help your family connect with our community.
Dad’s Rock
The value of supportive dads and father figures.
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Get This!
Gerry Paige Smith
Departments On The Cover Laura Leigh Chesser began working for the City of Opelika as a part-time tumbling coach while she studied Public Relations at Auburn University. She has now been serving as the Public Relations Coordinator for Opelika Parks and Recreation since 2011. Daniel Chesser, also an Auburn University graduate, has been with Auburn City Schools as the Public Relations Specialist since 2014. Together they have two children, Scarlett (2) and Winston (2 months). The Chessers enjoy visiting community parks and playgrounds, attending a myriad of family-friendly events, and partaking in unique dining experiences at locally-owned restaurants. Between the two cities there is always something they can do as a family.
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Bits and Pieces 10
Teacher of the Month 12
School Bits 44
Family Calendar 52
Movie Reviews 1
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Publisher’sNote As kids are finishing up the school year, many families take the summer break to transition their family into a new town. Whether it is a job relocation or moving closer to extended family, this time of year brings a lot of change for some families. As some of our neighbors and friends are moving away, others will be relocating here to begin a new chapter in their lives. Seeing the need, Auburn Opelika Parents has named June our Family Newcomers Issue. In doing so, we’d like to be the first to welcome you to Auburn, Opelika and the surrounding Lee County area! Your family has chosen one of the best communities to put down roots and experience new adventures. Let Auburn Opelika Parents be your go-to-guide to all things happening and trending in our area. Included in our 2019 Family Newcomers Guide are the best places to start as you are settling into your new home and into this growing community. Any move to a new town comes with a long list of things to do to get settled…find a new house, enroll the kids in school, find an orthodontist and visit churches. The list could go on and on. In this month’s issue, we hope to help relieve the stress by giving you resources to get started. The Auburn and Opelika area is constantly changing and developing, and we want to introduce you to this community by including helpful articles, local information and ads for area businesses. This month’s feature article, Nine Tips to Make Relocation Easier on Your Kids, offers great advice to make this transitional period smoother for the whole family. One tip suggested is to get acquainted with the neighborhood. Take a walk and meet your neighbors. Maybe plan a pool day at Auburn or Opelika Parks and Recreation. The kids can get a break from the moving in, as well as make a few new friends before school starts this fall. Wondering about some great outdoor spaces to explore? You have come to the right place! Our green spaces for recreation and family play are vast and offer differing experiences at each location. Going to a new school can be one of the biggest challenges for children in a move. Once you know your school zoning (we have those resources listed too), visit the school, meet teachers and administration, and take a tour of the building. Another integration that might be at the top of your family’s list is a place to connect. Our area has many churches to consider. Plan to visit a few and find one that clicks best with what you are looking for in a home church. How about places to grow? Our guide lists local pediatric and family physicians and dentists, as well as childcare options and afterschool care. There is something for every family’s needs and we’ve included some of the best our area has to offer. Also, don’t forget to take a look at the calendar of events! Pick an upcoming community event, like Sundown Concerts in the Park or SummerNight 2019, and enjoy meeting new people while getting to explore downtown Auburn and Opelika. You’ll soon feel like East Alabama is home!
Kendra
kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source
Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Sonia Martin, LMSW Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, MD Cover Photography Lauren Beesley Photography www.lbeesleyphoto.com
President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2019 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW
Fill Their Bucket My 17-year-old twins and I have recently been watching old episodes of Survivor. It’s big fun. I now have a pretty good understanding of how to make a fire with or without flint, I know how to skin a rabbit – a skill which will remain completely under utilized in my life – and I know how to align myself with individuals who will claim to care, yet turn around and blind side me at the next tribal council. Some great teachable moments we have been having around here as the school year winds down. We could have been prepping for ACT’s in the fall, but in my sage parenting decision making, we have opted to watch people run around an island eating scorpions to abate their hunger. I am clearly winning at parenting. There was an episode recently wherein all of the contestants had to fill a bucket (that was riddled with holes) with water, traverse over numerous obstacles while attempting to plug said holes, and eventually dump whatever remaining water was in the bucket into a container, which when full, would signal victory.
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
Since I can’t seem to even watch a television show without evaluating and clinically diagnosing people in situations, I offer you the following observation: Fill your child’s bucket. Fill it often. Fill it much. Fill it when you don’t want to fill it. Fill it when they don’t deserve it. Fill their bucket. One of the very best ways that I have found to remain relationally engaged with my nest full of teenage boys is to intentionally find ways to serve and love them well. Yes, I offer them a home full of warmth and pop tarts. Yes, I provide the new pair of baseball cleats each season, the braces that straighten the teeth and the cast when they fall off a golf cart and break their arm. I do all of that. But what I’m talking about is going beyond our “have to’s” and intentionally finding ways to “get to” love them well. Allow me to illustrate. Sometimes I will (gasp) clean their room for them, without following that up with a lecture on how many dishes I found under the bed. Sometimes if I am out running errands, I will periodically drop off a favorite snack or milkshake at the school office. I might have their favorite smoothie
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ready for them when they walk in the door from baseball practice with an encouraging note. Whatever it is, in whatever way works for you and your family, find ways to pour some water into that bucket. This world has a way of poking more and more holes into the life of your child. They are navigating innumerable obstacles as they grow and learn and lead. Let us be the ones pouring into them regardless of how much we think they deserve it. Because, if I may, that’s where we tend to go a bit off the rails. We tend to think that we should withhold that water unless they act or behave in a way that is acceptable to us, when in all actuality – a child who is struggling needs a cup of water way more than a child who is feasting at the table. So, go grab a hose and start pouring. Survivors ready? Go! Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of whom were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent.
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10th Annual Day in Clay
Hosted by the Dean Road Ceramics Studio on June 22 from 1-4 PM. We encourage the whole family to visit our fullyequipped studio, enjoy beverages and snacks as well as watch demonstrations by studio members during this open house. Visitors who want to have the experience of working in clay can pay $10 per person and select either an adult or kids project to create. All projects are led by Dean Road Ceramic Studio instructors and will be taught at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Reserve your spot by Thursday, June 20! We hope that your entire family will join us at the Dean Road Ceramic Studio for food, fun and clay. Since your handmade clay creation must have time to dry and be fired, please plan to pick up your work between July 30 – August 3. ccleckler@auburnalabama.org
Summer Swing Concert in the Park
This 13-week concert series in Monkey Park offers a wide variety of musical entertainment including Gospel, Soul, Jazz, R&B, Oldies, Country, Big Band Swing, Folk and Community Band music. The Opelika Band Boosters prepare hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15-7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. Center State Bank of Opelika will provide complimentary lemonade during the concerts. The Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage train with long, rich history is back on the tracks for complimentary rides. Bring the family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. Tuesdays, 7 PM. www.opelikaparks.com
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Author Talks and Summer Serendipity with Carmen Agra Deedy On June 25th, join us for an author event with acclaimed author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy. Author of 11 books for children including “The Library Dragon” and “Martina the Beautiful Cockroach”, Carmen has been writing for children for over two decades. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the U.S. as a refugee in 1964. She grew up in Decatur, Georgia, where she lives today. Auburn Public Library, 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. www.auburnalabama.org
Friday Night Movies on the Beach
Join us every Friday night at Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens for a movie under the stars! Movies begin at dusk, typically around 8:30 p.m. Free with Gardens Admission or Membership OR entry after 5 p.m. $10 per Adult, $5 per Child (ages 6-12). June 15: “Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle”. www.callawaygardens.com
Science on Saturdays: Raptors
Raptors are birds of prey with sharp beaks and powerful talons! At this program, representatives from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will visit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to show you some of these incredible birds, up-close and in-person. The program will include a variety of live raptors, most native to Alabama, and you learn all about their habitat, natural history, and the challenges facing these majestic creatures. The Southeastern Raptor Center rehabilitates hundreds of injured, ill, and orphaned raptors annually. The Center also houses a number of raptors that are non-releasable including those that will be present at the program. June 29, 10 AM. preserve@auburn.edu
Alexander City Jazz Fest
The lineup is set for the 29th annual Alexander City Jazz Fest! Friday night, June 14 at Strand Park features The Bank Walkers, Sam Bruchfield & The Scoundrels and headlining Friday night’s festivities is Willie Sugarcapps! Saturday night, June 15, at The Amp will open with Nikki & the Phantom Callers, who will be followed by Empire Strikes Brass. Headlining Saturday night and closing out the 29th installment of Jazz Fest is Honey Island Swamp Band. This two-day music festival is free to attend and presented by Russell Lands On Lake Martin. www.alexcityjazzfest.com
Super Saturdays at the LaGrange Art Museum
Drop in anytime, June 15, from 1:00 – 4:00 to spend an enlightening afternoon at the Museum. Families, neighbors and friends—groups of all kinds—can join us for a tour of the current exhibit and then explore their creative side with an activity in the Center for Creative Learning classrooms. Spend the afternoon or just drop in and experience the arts at a comfortable pace for you and your family. The program is designed to educate families about the current exhibitions and acquaint them with the world of visual art. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org
Touch-a-Truck 2019
On June 1, vehicles of all types will line the street of downtown Opelika at this fun family event. Kids of all ages can come and explore military vehicles, race cars, dump trucks, and more. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to touch and go inside the vehicles. Auburn University’s mascot, Aubie, will even be there to hang out and take pictures. Downtown Opelika, 9 AM – Noon. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/TouchTruck. Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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Active Auburn Family Fitness Day
Samford Pool, Auburn. Join us Saturday, June 8 at Samford Pool as we celebrate National Family Health and Fitness Day. Family Health and Fitness Day is celebrated the second Saturday in June each year. This special day promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy. We will offer FREE admission to Samford Pool, along with water games and inflatables for the whole family to enjoy. Families are encouraged to come out and spend their day at the pool or go out and enjoy one of our parks in Auburn. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. activeauburn@auburnalabama.org
Day in the Life: Fire Academy
Pick-up and drop-off is at the OFD Training Grounds (Talladega St). Explore the trucks, try on the uniform and hold the hoses. Prepare to get wet. Lunch and t-shirt are provided. All participants register by June 3. June 11, 8:30 AM-2 PM, ages: 6-12. $10/child ($11 Non-Resident). www.opelikaparks.com
SummerNight Downtown Art Walk
The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is an arts festival that transforms downtown Auburn into its very own arts district, featuring the work of local and regional artists, live musicians, street performers, great food and children's activities. Make sure to bring your children too as they have an opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, as well as enjoy other attractions that change each year! This year's SummerNight Downtown Art Walk will kick off with a starting line party and parade beginning at Pebble Hill! Individuals, local organizations and local groups are invited and can show off their creative side with costumes and participate in this exciting new addition to SummerNight! June 7, Downtown Auburn, 5-10 PM. www.auburnsummernight.org
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn
Safety on Wheels With summer upon us, our children will have more time to exercise and play outside. While this is a very good thing, there are also certain risks that come with an increase in physical activity. Injuries while using wheeled equipment including bicycles, skateboards, scooters and in-line skates contribute to a large amount of injuries and ER visits. There are ways to keep your children as safe as possible while riding the equipment mentioned above. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce injuries while using the above mentioned equipment.
Bicycle Safety
• A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit. • Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many injuries happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you. Set the example: Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
• When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard. • A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head and covers the forehead, not tipped forward or backwards. The strap should be securely fastened with about 2 fingers able to fit between chin and strap. The helmet should be snug on the head, but not overly tight. Skin should move with the helmet when moved side to side. If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit. • Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike without training wheels until he or she is ready. Consider the child’s coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster (foot) brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes. Consider a balance bike with no pedals for young children to learn riding skills. • Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitted bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new one. Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to “grow into.” Oversized bikes are especially dangerous.
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Skateboard, Scooter, In-Line Skating
• All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear protective gear; helmets are particularly important for preventing and minimizing head injuries. Riders should wear helmets that meet ASTM or other approved safety standards, and that are specifically designed to reduce the effects of skating hazards. • While in-line skating or using Heelys, only skate on designated paths or rinks and not in the street. • Most injuries occur due to falls. Inexperienced riders should only ride as fast as they can comfortably slow down, and they should practice falling on grass or other soft surfaces. Protective wrist, elbow and knee pads should be worn. • Riders should never skate alone. Children under the age of eight should be closely supervised at all times. Dr. Katie Wolter is board certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the American Medical Association. She is passionate about breastfeeding medicine and is currently working on becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is also a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Wolter is married to her husband, Jeremy, and has four sons.
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Kasey Shepherd Richland Elementary School
I have been teaching kindergarten at Richland Elementary School for three years. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, and I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to stay in Auburn and fulfill my dream profession. I had several amazing teachers in elementary school who sparked my interest in teaching and teaching in the early childhood setting. I absolutely loved kindergarten when I was a child, and my teacher, Mrs. Brewer, was such an inspiration that I strive each day to encourage my students to love to learn, read, and write just like she did with me. It is my hope that I am this person to my students 20-25 years down the road. The best part about teaching is that I get to come into contact with so many amazing students and share in their educational journey. As a kindergarten teacher, I really get to set the tone and jumpstart their love of learning. This is a huge responsibility, but it is also a great honor. It is so special to watch my students grow during the year and then for the years that follow. We as teachers have the chance each and every day to come to work and shape the minds of our future generation, all while having fun! In my classroom, you will see us painting, creating, dancing, singing, reading, researching, discovering, writing and illustrating books, building 100 cup towers and more! My goal each day is to make learning fun and memorable all while inspiring those children that will be our leaders one day.
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
Another great part about teaching that really stands out is the community of teachers, staff, and administration in our school. We could not do what we do each day without our Richland family. Our staff is so supportive of each other and always there to lend a helping hand. I have a blast each day working alongside these amazing teachers. Go Champions! I truly love being a teacher, and could not imagine myself doing anything else. It is such an honor to receive this award, and I am very grateful for those who recognized me.
Kasey Shepherd
Ms. Shepherd is the consummate kindergarten teacher. Her classroom is print rich, very inviting, and has a wealth of student work displayed. She has an outstanding rapport with her students and supports them in differentiated ways to help them be successful. Students in her classroom are always engaged in individual and collaborative learning opportunities. We are so fortunate to have her as a Richland Champion!
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Mr. Johnson, Principal at Richland
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Wrights Mill Road Students Create New Inventions
Autauga County Schools
Get ready “Shark Tank”–Wrights Mill Road has some amazing inventors. Great job EAGLES on coming up with creative & useful invention prototypes.
East Samford Students Place in Special Olympics Events
East Samford School is happy to report that two of our student-ahtletes placed in their events at the recent Special Olympics Track and Field ceremony! Trenton won 1st place in 25 meter wheelchair race and 1st place in the softball throw! Ghada also brought home 1st place in the softball throw and 3rd place in 50 meter run!
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The Auburn Mountain Bike Team placed 2nd in Division 1 at NICA Race #5, “Feud at the Furnace State Championship” recently in McCalla! These hard-working athletes from ACS also finished 2nd in the AICA League this season! #handsupnoiseup For more information visit: alabamamtb.org. To see athlete results visit: https://www.alabamamtb.org/2019results If you or someone you know is interested in mountain biking, come join us for CAMP Super Sunday rides this summer starting June 2nd at Chewacla State Park (meet at 2nd parking lot at 2:00 p.m.). All ages and abilities are welcome. No experience necessary. Bring your bike, helmet, and water.
Pick and Ogletree Robotics Teams Compete in World Championship
Robotics Teams from Ogletree and Pick Competed in the 2019 VEX Robotics World Championship in Kentucky! This event brings together top robotics teams (880 teams total), from elementary to the collegiate level, together under one roof to celebrate their accomplishments and compete against the best teams from around the world. The competition our students competed in is the VEX IQ Challenge, which is presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, and provides elementary through middle school students with open-ended robotics and research project challenges that enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills through hands-on, student-centered learning.
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Pick ES Holds Muffins for Mom
What a beautiful morning as we had our PES Moms come for “Muffins with Mom” ! We talked about those “Lollipop moments” and enjoyed a Goosechase on the iPads together. Thank you PES Moms for all you do to care for our PES Leaders! Happy Mother’s Day!
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Richland Elementary Receives Safe Schools Initiative Award
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Attorney General Steve Marshall presented Richland Elementary with the District 2 2018 Safe Schools Initiative Award of Excellence! Nearly 100 schools competed for this award and only 10 of these recognitions were awarded statewide. Thank you to Steve Marshall and the local dignitaries that came by to support RES and Auburn City Schools!
Dean Road Kindergartners Visit Montgomery Zoo Dean Road Kindergartners enjoyed adventures at the Montgomery Zoo recently! Special memories were made with sweet friends!
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Auburn HS Student Receives Recognitions
Joseph Abram was recognized for extraordinary behavior through the Character In Action Program. Judge Fellows had the honor of mentoring Joseph and we’re very proud to report that Joseph recently received the following recognitions at the AHS Sr. Awards Day Ceremony: • College Board Scholarships • Bee with a Purpose • Eye of the Tiger Scholarship • James A. Roberts Memorial Scholarship • Disabled American Veterans Scholarship • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Auburn Alumnae Chapter - EMBODI Program. Additionally, he was awarded a Resolution for the State of Alabama (HR 93) for his service to the residents of Lee County. Way to go, Joseph! 13
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Autauga County Schools
Lee-Scott Fishing Team Competes at Regional Qualifier
Auburn Classical Academy Science Olympiad Team Excels at Competition
Congratulations to the Lee-Scott Fishing Team for their 11th place finish at the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation High School Regional Qualifier on Smith Lake recently! It was a tough weekend for the team with the weather, but the team of Ethan Donald and Hagan Marlin reeled in 10.65 lbs for a 6th place finish. Hagan also reeled in the 2nd largest fish in the tournament weighing in at 3.88 lbs. The team of Jacob Baker and Ryan Crawford finished in 11th place with 10.1 lbs. Other team members participating included Grayden Ketchum, Riley Ketchum, and Caleb Shepherd. Great job!
In early April, Auburn Classical Academy's Science Olympiad team competed against 30 other teams and placed 11th overall! Out of 18 events, ACA placed in the Top 10 in 9 of those events. These students put in so much work, on top of their school work, and their school couldn't be more proud of them for their success and the way they conducted themselves.
2320 MOORES MILL ROAD, SUITE. 250 AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099
Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners! CARLSON, JR., JONATHAN CASTILLO, REGINA DAVIDSON, WILLIAM EATON, HO"AND GREEN, DAVID R GREEN, COLEMAN HARDNETT, JULIUS HENDERSON, MCKENZIE HENDERSON, PAYTON JACKSLAND, CHLOE JACKSLAND, ETHAN KARACA, JULIA KARACA, KEVIN MANGIAFICO, ADAM RANDALL, KALEY RUFFIN, RYAN RUFFIN, RYLEIGH SANDERS, CHRISTIAN SCOTT, TUCKER TEMPLETON, DAMIEN TEMPLETON, MAKAYLA THOMAS, JORDYN THOMASTON, CHARLIE THOMASTON, KENZIE VIRTUE, EVERETTE VIRTUE, HALDEN VIRTUE, JAMES WHITE, ROBERT P YOUNG, WESLEY AMES, CALEB AMES, EMMA GRACE AMES, KATIE A BEASON, RYLEE BRADFORD, CARTER BRYAN, BRINTEE BRYAN, EASTON CARTER, KENSIEY COFIELD, ALLY G COFIEID, AVERY CORBITT, JACKSON COUNTS, ANNA COUNTS, JOHN B COUNTS, MERRILL
CREMASCHI, ANDREA DANIEL, WHITLEY DAVIS, ELEANOR DAVIS, ISAAC EARLES, EMMA CLAIRE ERDMANIS, ISABELLA GRIFFIN ILL, FRED L HARRIS, RALEIGH ANNA HUSSEY, BRANTLEY KITE, CANDICE KITE, CHRISTIAN MCCUTCHEN, WILSON MEADOR, ANN F MEADOR, THOMAS MESSER, WILLOW MIRANDA, AVA MIRANDA, BREE MORGAN, ADELIA PARMER, AVERY PARMER, ETHAN ROBINSON, DELILAH SHIFLETT, SUSAN STRONG, ETHAN THOMPSON, MAKAYTA WHATLEY, CHARMA (ISABELLA) WHITE, IDEN WHITE, KYLEIGH WHITE, TERRY AMASON, NATALIE GREENE, JA KALIN HENDRICKS, MARKYLIN HIGGINS, JERRY (TRENT) JOHNSON, DAKARI POWELL, CASSIDY POWELL, COURTNEY L POWELL, PRESTON ROGERS, ELIJAH RUFF, SARAH D SANDERS, BRODY R SMITH, BORIS STALLINGS, SHAWN WELDON, ELIJAH BOSWELL, SALLY
CANNON, JAMARI COLLINS, JACOB CRAYTON, KYLAN CREEL, MERCY CREEL, RHEMA GROSS, ALLIE HARLING, JACOB HUNT, HANNAH HUNT, MARLEY MCCOLLUM, ASHETON T RICHARDSON, ANNA CLAIRE SHARPE, SWAYZE SPAIN, HUDSON WEBB, ANNA BELLE WEBB, LILLIANNA WEBB, STERLING ADAMS, ANNABE BALLARD, BENJAMIN FREEMAN, KAILEY HARRIS, JACKSON HARRIS, TIMOTHY HYDE, GRAYSON HYDE, HUNTER HYDE, KENDALL OWEN V, ALLEN E JENKINS, OMARION PERSONS, LAUREN PREWETT, ELLIE BAUM, ELI BAUM, ISAAC CARLETON, ANNISTYN CARSWELL, KARSON CRAIG, PEYTON CRAIG, PIPER FARROW, LUCAS FELKEY, TRISTAN POPE, MADISON SCOTT, ZAYDEN SIMPSON, MAKAJ D SIMPSON, MKINZIE TOMES, ELIZA TREMBLAY, LYDIA TRUETT, GRADY
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
WILLIAMSON, REILLY WILLIAMSON, WESLEY ANDREWS, ALISSA BANKS, KENS'EY DUNN, LILLIAN C DUNN, RAMER GEIGER ILL, DANIEL L GREEN, BENNETT GREEN, JACKSON GREEN, WILLIAM GRUBBS, SADIE HALL, JASMINE HARDY, MURDOCH HOSKINS, HOOVER HUNT, CONNER PREWETT JR, RUSSELL SMITH, CHARIS SMITH, PAUL SMITH, TIMOTHY STRAIN, DALLAS HUE TERRY, TYMNA TIGNOR, COOPER TIGNOR, LEVI WELDON, KAITLYN WILDER, WILLIAM WILSON, SABRINA WOODLEY, SAVANNAH ALBERT, JAYLA BAILEY, BANCROFT, GENESISKENNEDY BANCROFT, WALKER BARNES, JULIA BARNES, TESSA BLACKMON, J AVIAN CARMICHAEL, ROY CARMICHAEL, TOWNSEND COBB, MASON COFIELD, COLLINS COX, HARPER ECKSTRAND, ALYSSA GONZALEZ, HECTOR GRIGGS, KEVIN HARRISON, LILLIAN HOLLAND, WALKER HOLMES, JOHN HOLMES, MERRITT HOLMES, REECE HUNT, SAMARAH JOHNSON, JENNIFER LEMOINE, TRINITY LOCKHART, EZRA LOCKHART, IRA ORANTES, CHRISTIAN
ORANTES, GABRIEL ORANTES, SERENA OWENS, CAMERYNNE PLACE, ZANDAR SCOTT, JASON H STANLEY, LOUISE STANLEY, SALLY TREMBLE, OWEN WALKER, OLIVIA WHATLEY WILLIAM BARNETT, ANDREW BARROW, O' LAYIAH BEASLEY, GABRIELLE BEASLEY, NAOMI BENNETT, KARTER BROOKS, JALECIA CACERES, ALLISON CACERES, ASHLEY F DOLEMAN, IVANA DOWDE!L, KARTER ENRIQUEZ, KEVIN FORTSON, KAYLIEE HAYNES, DAJAVIUS HEARD, CAMILLE HEARD, DETAVIOUS HUGULEY, ZEMARION MIRANDA-OCHOA, SELENA MIRANDA-OCHOA, NICOLE PATEL, ANAYA PATEL, ANERI PIRTLE, KALEB RACHEL, JESSICA REESE, JEREMIAH SHAW, EMMITT SMARR, JORDYN WILLIAMS, KANCHERLA (KA) WITTIAMS, SHABRIA CREIGHTON, CAMERON DAVIS, HALEIGH DAVIS, MACKENZIE SIMMONS, CECILIA TIDWELL, KAMARIA WARE, E'MONIE N WARE, MESSIAH WARE, MESSIAH WENG, TING ASKEW, CORDE CHASTAIN, JEFFREY (FORD) COBLENTZ, MARGARET J CUMMINS, ANDERSON CUMMINS, BRADLEY FARR, WELLS
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FORDHAM, ELLA G FORDHAM, KATI LYNN HIXON, JOHN HOLLAND, KENNEDY HOOD, CHRISTIAN HOOD, LYSSAH JONES, JOURNEE O JONES, PRESLEY MCDONOUGH, ROBIN MCKEIVEY, JUNIPER J MCLEAN, SARAH MCLEAN, WYATT MILES, ANNISTON MILES, KATIE SANKER, ELI SELLERS, HUDSON SELLERS, WILLIAM SMITH, JADEN SMITH, RAYLAN SNYDER, KADEN SPRATLIN, MASON STOKES, LUCY TRAVIS, WILLIAM TZOU, BECKY WARD, CHARTIE WHITE, DONNIEL WILLIS, CRENSON WILLIS, HARPER WILLIS, TOLLESON ADHIKARI, ARYA BALDWIN, LUCAS BECKON, CAITLYN BROWN, BRAYLEN J AFFLECK, LANDON DUPREE, ELLIE REESE DUPREE, TANNER ENNIS, ADALINE ENNIS, AMALIE HADLEY, CATHERINE HADLEY, MARY ELIZABETH HADLEY, ROBERT HADLEY, VIRGINIA HOLLOWAY, JAIVIAN KESSLER, MEIISSA LEE, CHARLOTTE LEMKE, HARPER MATHIS, TONYA MCGILL, ATTEN MCGILL, MOTTY MCLENDON, EMMA MITCHUM, DESTINY MOON, JAMES HENRY
MOON, LUKE PERSONS, ANN T PERSONS, JOHN (TRIPP) PONDER, AVA RAFFERTY, REED G ROSS, LAUREN SAVAGE, ELIJAH SIMMONS, JOHN WHITE, DYLAN YANG, LILLIAN EZELL, DEMARCUS LOPEZ, BRITTNEY MARTINEZ, JESUS D MEADE, EMERIE MILES, ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ-ROUSE, RHEA WADE, AUBREE WHALEY, RAETAN WHITE, LOGAN YOUNG, ABIGAIL J BAUGH, JENNY K BAUGH, REID CADDEN, THOMAS CADDEN JR, DANIEL COPELAND, COLIN DANNAR, VICTOR DECOUX, CAMPBELL DECOUX, COOPER DELONEY, JACOB DUNN, COOPERS HARRIS, TRINITY HERRING, COLEMAN HERRING, ELLIS HUNT, PRESTON IVATT, CLARK IVATT, SUTTON JACKSON, BRADEY OLIVER, LUKE OLIVER, QUINTAVIOUS OLIVER, WILLIAM PROCTOR, MCKENZIE REESE, MAHAJ J SCHULZ, AVA$0.00 STONEBACK, SHAWN ABDULLAH, JAMEENAH ADAMSON, CONNER ADAMSON, PARKER ALMAGHRABI, MESHAAL ANDREWS, EASON ANDREWS, MALEY BARKER, MASON BARKER, MICHAEL
BETTENCOURT, AUBREE BLANKENSHIP, ADDISON BUCKNER, JACOB BUCKNER, JONAH CAMPBELL, ETHAN CAMPBELL, KATE CAMPBELL, SARAH COLLINS, MORGAN COX, SAVANNAH DENNIS, AUBRIE DUFFEE, CHLOE FOSTER, CARSON GOAR, KENNETH HAYES, KAYLA HENDRIX, ANN-LANGSTON HENDRIX, HARPER HENDRIX, THOMAS C HENDRIX, WITTIAM MAY, EMILIA MCLEOD, KYRIE MIXON, BROOKLYN MOODY, WILLIAM NELMS, CHARLES NELMS, JUSTIN NELMS, TIMOTHY SANDERS, ADALYN (ADDIE) SANDERS, AVERY SIMS, CATHRYN SIMS, MOLLIE STACEY, OLIVIA VI"ATORO, HENRRY YOUNG, GARNER ARRINGTON, KHYLI BARTOL, ATICUS B BROOKS, CHAYLAYA LUEKE, ANNA LEE MCAVOY, KATELY MCCANTS, MARQUES MUMMA, KIPTYN SARDINAS, ANNA BRYANT, HAYLEE BUTTS, LUKE BUTTS, NOAH CAPPS, ASA CAPPS, SAWYER CHESHIRE, JORDAN CLANTON, ADDISON CLANTON, JACOB HALLMARK, CHARLIE HALLMARK, SAVANNAH HARRIS, THOMAS HAYNES, MARY G
HENDRICKSON, ABBEY HENDRICKSON, ISLA HUFSTEDLER, BRADEN JONES, ADDYSON KIM, CHLOE KNIGHT, CADANCE LECROY, BENTLEY LECROY, CHRISTOPHER SAUCEDA, BRYAN (JORDAN) SMITH, TURNER SPORT, ROBERT STRICKLAND, WILLIAM THORNTON, PROMYSE TRAWICK, GRACE TRAWICK, PRICE VALLE, ANNA M VALLE, NOAH WYNNE, TRUITT ATTEN, DESTINEE BAILEY, ABBIGAIL BEASLEY, SIMONE DUBOIS, AARON FRATIC, HEAVEN KEY, JORDAN KEY JR, DOMINIQUE KING, ROMEO LITTLE, ASHTON LITTLE, LE MARTY MACON, JAYDEN RASHID, RAABA RAY, XAVIER SHARPE, ELIZABETH SIGGERS, ETTA SIGGERS, JAMES TERRY, VALENTINO TORRANCE, KAMIA TREADWAY, MICHAEL WOOD, PAISLEY WOODYARD, CE'DASHIA
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Career Tech Students of the Year
Auburn High School hosted the fourth annual Auburn City Career and Technical Education Awards Celebration! FUN FACT: More than 290 students earned credentials in their career field of interest this school year. Credentials provide real-world education as well as the opportunity for our students to be ahead of their competition when they graduate to a two-year/four-year institution or pursue entering the workforce. CTE Students of the Year winners: • Houlton Moates - Advertising Design (on left). • Sydney Havard - Health Sciences/Emergency Services (on right). Students eligible to win this award are our fall and spring students of the semester and program students of the year. A panel composed of members of the ACS Advisory Committee chose the winners. The Career Tech student of the Year Award has traditionally been given to one student but this year the competition was incredible and two students split the vote evenly. Each student received a $200 VISA gift card.
Carver Celebrates Being a Bicentennial School
It was such a great morning at Carver Primary School celebrating being a Bicentennial School and touring the new outdoor garden. The Carver student leaders did a fantastic job of leading guests through the new garden and outdoor classroom areas.
Pick Elementary Students Create Board Games
Students at PES designed games in Shelley Patterson’s class. This required writing directions for play, designing the game board and printing the game pieces on our 3-D printers. Students tested out their games before unveiling them to play with our PES parents! What an engaging activity with life-long lessons! PES Leaders are Life-Long Learners!
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Autauga County Schools
Chambers Academy Announces Valedictorian and Salutatorian Class of 2019
Chambers Academy is pleased to announce that Mary Tate Reese will serve as the valedictorian for the senior class of 2019 and Mikayla Martin will serve as the class Salutatorian. Mary Tate Reese is the daughter of Buster and Kerri Reese of LaFayette. “Tate” maintained an impressive 99.364 numeric GPA while completing a challenging advanced diploma academic track. Additionally, she earned a 27 composite on her ACT as well as a scholarship to further her studies at Auburn University. Tate has attended CA since kindergarten and plans to study pre-pharmacy at Auburn. Tate set the bar high working hard in both academics and extracurricular activities without sacrificing her academics. She served on CA’s varsity scholar’s bowl team as well as on the school’s annual staff, on CA’s Math Team, in the school’s BETA Club. Tate also served as the Vice-President for CA’s Student Government Association and was a nominee for the AISA’s All State Academic Team. Additionally, Tate’s leadership was evident as a member of our school’s state tournament basketball team where she earned recognition to the AISA’s Girl’s All-Star Team in February. She participated as a member of the school’s varsity basketball team and school’s varsity softball team since ninth grade. In basketball, she started as a forward for both her junior and senior seasons. In Softball, she has started in left field for the last three seasons. Tate also played varsity volleyball here at CA for three years through the end of her junior year. She has competed in a varsity sport for 8 of the last 9 seasons possible since beginning her sophomore year. Finally, her teammates chose her to serve as team captain for the basketball team in both her junior and senior seasons. Mikayla Martin is the daughter of Doug and Angela Martin also from LaFayette. Mikayla also completed a rigorous advanced diploma academic track while maintaining an outstanding 99.083 numeric GPA. She also earned a 32 composite on her ACT College Entrance Exam as well as a scholarship to Auburn University to continue her studies. Mikayla has attended CA since the ninth grade and plans to study Interior Design at Auburn. In addition to her scholastic pursuits, she accomplished much more as an integral part of the school’s varsity scholar’s bowl team. For the last four years she has competed as a leading team member on our school’s academic team. She has also served as a member of the school’s BETA Club, Math Team, and Annual Staff. Additionally, she too was a recent nominee for the AISA’s All-State Academic Team.
Chambers Academy Tech Team Wins Awards at AISA State Competition
The Chambers Academy Technology Team travelled to Montgomery on April 24 to compete in the AISA State Technology Competition. Students from 5th – 11th grade competed in the multiple divisions as part of the Technology Fair Competition held for AISA schools across the state. This annual competition is held each spring amongst academic students representing tech teams from each AISA school. The CA Technology Team consisted of twelve students that competed with project submissions within their divisions. Competition categories included Nonmultimedia Applications (Google Slides), Computer Graphics (Paint.net), Individual Programming (html), Digital Video Production (CA News), and Website Design (Peyton’s Pals). Each student presented their project and demonstrated it for judging over a five minute interview process. Junior, Peyton Lamb placed second in the state in the level three category for website design. Both Easton Janowiecki and Kent Nelson placed third in the state in the level one category for computer graphics competition. Pictured are CA’s Technology Team members: Front row L to R: Kent Nelson, Easton Janowiecki, Jacob Crowe, Peyton Lamb, Shelly Keebler, and Rebecca Howard. Back row: L to R, Tech Team Sponsor – Ms. Jaylan Reynolds, Zach Birditt, Spencer Newman, Keegen Janowiecki, Wyatt Cain, Zach Bylsma, and Gage Howard.
Pick and Sew Day
3rd Grade “Pick and Sew” Day at Pick Elementary was SO much fun! Learning while being actively engaged in the activities makes it SO meaningful! Thank you 3rd grade teachers for planning such a great day for children! Building lasting memories, one day at a time. Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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Lee-Scott Celebrates Moms Thanks to the Lee-Scott Academy PTO for a special morning on campus to celebrate our moms with poetry, pottery, prayer, and pastries! We are extra thankful for our moms who teach at LSA!
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Career Day at Carver Primary
Students at Carver Primary School had a blast dressing up for Career Day!
Character Counts at Lee-Scott
The Character Counts class, with Baby Steps, fixed up an apartment for an expectant mother, volunteered at the Food Bank of East Alabama, donated a microwave to Hattie’s Home, and gave dog toys they made to Dogs on the Plains. In addition, Officer Jon asked them to speak to 6th graders about the importance of being involved and different clubs they can join once they get in the upper school.
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OHS Senior Signs Basketball Scholarship
Congratulations to Opelika High School senior Quala Walton on signing a basketball scholarship to Chattanooga State Community College!
Lee-Scott Students Create Books
Students in Mrs. Sanders class at Lee Scott Academy wrote and illustrated books about animals and were so excited to share them today with Dr. Martin-Smith and their friends!
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Autauga County Schools
Celebrating Different Cultures at Carver Primary School
Richland Elementary Opens Outdoor Classroom
Students at Carver Primary School had a wonderful time learning about many different countries during Multicultural Day!
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The updated Richland Elementary School’s Outdoor Classroom is officially open! The RES Champions are so thankful for our friends in Auburn University’s Building Science program as well as FACES!
Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.
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Auburn Classical Academy Penmanship Contest Winners The 2019 New American Cursive Penmanship Contest Winners for Auburn Classical Academy are Noah Shabo and Millie
Rickabaugh! These 2nd graders worked really hard to show their best penmanship in a sample writing that was submitted to the contest judges.
Lee-Scott Students Receive PFL Scholarship
Congratulations to Character Counts students Garland Welsh and Riley Faison for receiving the PFL (Prepared for Life) Scholarship from the Lutzie 43 Foundation! Garland has been selected to speak at the foundation’s dinner this Thursday at Pursell Farms.
NASA Space Center Representative Visits Auburn Jr. High
Adam Willis from the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville visited Auburn Junior High last week. Willis spoke as a follow-up to the celebration of Alabama’s Contribution to the Apollo 11 Moon Landing as well as his current focus on 3-D printing rocket propulsion components. Future initiatives by NASA including returning to the moon and eventually a mission to Mars were also discussed with the students 19
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West Forest Intermediate School Celebrates Being Bicentennial
What a great afternoon at West Forest Intermediate School as student leaders toured city leaders, school administrators, parents, and guests through the new garden and outdoor classrooms constructed as a part of being a #Bicentennial School.
Please send school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.
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Opelika High School Killgore Scholarship Winners
Congratulations to seniors Adam Cason, Jacob Walker, and Caroline Hawkins on being named the 2019 Killgore Scholarship Winners for Opelika High School. Pictured with Cason, Walker, and Hawkins are Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal and Mrs. Tipi Miller-OCS Board of Education member following the Killgore Scholarship reception.
Preparing Your Child For Success
TAKE YOUR SWING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Our children enjoy a curriculum focusing on language development that includes the study of math, science, social studies, phonics, sign language, art, music, self-help skills, emotional growth and character. Ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
Grand National is offering golf clinics this summer for junior golfers, ages 7-17, taught by PGA Certified pros. The clinics will be held in three, Monday–Thursday sessions from 8:30-11:30 a.m. SESSION 1: June 10-13 · SESSION 2: June 24-27 SESSION 3: July 15-18
Video Security Healthy Meals Character Education Summer Camp Low Child:Teacher Ratios
$100 PER SESSION Lunch and a free Par 3 round are included each day.
Growing Room Auburn 334-501-2044 644 North Dean Road Auburn, AL 36830 Growing Room Opelika 334-748-9020 1755 Thomason Drive Opelika, AL 36801
» FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CALL 334.749.9042. «
THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT GRAND NATIONAL 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail · Opelika, AL 36801 facebook.com/rtjgrandnational · rtjgolf.com
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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama In Your Honor Awards Ceremony
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) hosted it’s annual In Your Honor event at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church in Montgomery recently. In Your Honor gives GSSA a chance to celebrate the achievements of its Girl Scouts and volunteers. During the ceremony, GSSA recognized Girl Scouting’s highest awards—the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and honored its outstanding volunteers. The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest recognition for achievement in Girl Scouting for girls in grades 4-5. This award recognizes Girl Scouts who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects that address important community needs. GSSA was honored to recognize 65 Juniors in the Montgomery and surrounding areas with their Bronze Award. The Girl Scout Silver Award is one of countless awards and programs in Girl Scouts where leadership takes center stage. Introduced in 1980, the Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette can earn. This year, GSSA recognized 24 dedicated young ladies with their Silver Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself but also to making the world a better place for others. This year, GSSA presented Samantha Ammeter, Montgomery; Elizabeth Schisler, Ozark; and Olivia Stanwick, Auburn; with their Gold Awards. Volunteers are the hearts and hands of Girl Scouts. GSSA takes great pride in recognizing special individuals for their years of membership, volunteer service and exceptional contributions. This year, GSSA presented the 5 Years of Service pin to Jo Close, Enterprise; Kim Cryer, Enterprise; Allison Ingram, Montgomery; Malissa Moughon, Enterprise; Malia Richmond, Enterprise; and Stacy Thames, Enterprise. GSSA also recognized Enterprise women Lisa Beebe, Launa Boynton and Modina Westerling for receiving their 10 Years of Service pin. Receiving the Leadership Development pin was Corey Conner, Fort Rucker; Kim Cryer, Enterprise; Michelle Culverhouse, Hartford; Tanja Landry, Enterprise; Jennifer Leach, Enterprise; Andrea Plant, Enterprise; Malia Richmond, Enterprise; Heather Sheltrown, Fort Rucker; and Stacy Thames, Enterprise. Lastly, GSSA honored Lisa Harden of Montgomery with the Appreciation Pin for her outstanding service as a troop leader. Pictured: Award Specialist Jeannie Napper, Gold Award Girl Scout Olivia Stanwick, and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama CEO Karlyn Edmonds.
T r i n i T y
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TradiTion For over thirty-five years, Trinity has been committed to a biblical Christian world-view, and its classical educational philosophy has been proven through thousands of years of learning experience.
A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464
www.tcsopelika.org
Come see us at our new office! thamesorthodontics.com
719 North Dean Road • Auburn Proudly serving the community for over 10 years Call us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation! 21
334-501-7000
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Autauga County Schools
DARE Essay Winners from Morris Avenue Intermediate
Congratulations to the DARE essay contest winners from Morris Avenue Intermediate School. Pictured: Antione Harvis Jr., Braedyn Williams, Eryn Steele, Cailyn Morgan, Nicole Allen and Ja’Mya Porter with School Resource Office Brian Hipp.
DARE Essay Winners from West Forest Intermediate DARE Essay Winners from Northside Intermediate School
Congratulations to the DARE essay contest winners from West Forest Intermediate School. Pictured with School Resource Officer Kyle Burdette are: Wendy Alvarez, Shayla Alcantara, Estrella Nunez, Rahkyia Harry, Ravyn Hoyett, and Jalecia Brooks.
Congratulations to the DARE essay winners from Northside Intermediate School. Pictured with School Resource Office Shayna Hodges (center) are: Destiny Armstrong, Jasmine Smith, Nevaeh Maddox, Don’Zion Chatmon, Mary Cara Montel, and Avery Massey.
Auburn HS Senior Awards Night
Auburn High School held their annual Senior Honorary & Awards Ceremony with a GRAND TOTAL of $22,989,726 and counting in scholarship money for the graduating Class of 2019! Top photo: National Merit Finalists. Bottom left photo: The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship was awarded to Andrea Blizzard (middle). Pictured bottom right: The Bee with a Purpose Foundation Scholarship was awarded to Joseph Abram, Precious Benkoye and Jordyn Beverly.
Amazing Shake Winners at Opelika Middle School Congratulations to Sara Kate Speakman and Zavier Dowdell on being the two finalists for the Amazing Shake at Opelika Middle School. Following a week long soft skill and current event competition among OMS 6th grade students, Sara Kate Speakman was named the winner and Zavier Dowdell was first runner up. Thank you to all of the community members and judges who participated in the event.
Please send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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Opelika High School Academic Scholarship Signing Day
Congratulations to the OHS Seniors who signed academic scholarships on April 25 and April 30! Left photo: Walker Beams--Southern Union State Community College; Middle photo: Gus Bell--Southern Union State Community College; Right photo: Carlia Boyd--University of Alabama Birmingham.
Chambers Academy SGA Attends Leadership Conference
The Chambers Academy SGA traveled on Monday, April 29th to Faulkner University for the AISA state conference. At this meeting, state officers were elected for next year, district representatives were selected, and State Awards were given out. CA nominated a District Representative candidate that finished runner-up to another candidate. The SGA has had a very successful year this year. They have put on programs such as the yearly Veterans Day Program, school Panacea Pageant, two Blood Drives, a Christmas toy drive for DHR, and is working on a Teacher Appreciation project. CA would like to thank our SGA members for their leadership! Front row Left to right: Hayden Hurst, Kyle Hand, Jacob Oliver and Hayden Harris. Back row: Shelby White, Kinsley Gregory, Brandolon Rombokas, Tate Reese, Mary Grayson Henderson, Gracie Thornton, Abbigail Brooks, and Lauren Fuller.
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Autauga County Schools
Chambers Academy Bike Run
On Thursday, May 2, students at Chambers Academy culminated their fundraising efforts for the annual 2019 Hike/Bike/Run Auction benefit for the Valley Haven School. The first grade class raised the largest amount in the lower school at CA and the junior class raised the largest amount in the upper school for grades 7-12. Monies raised will be used to help Valley Haven apply for matching state and federal grants. Chambers Academy students and families joined the community wide effort to support the local Hike/Bike/Run event that has taken place for the last 22 years. Valley Haven serves as a center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for children and adults from Chambers, Lee and Tallapoosa counties. Valley Haven is well known for providing support and services for people with special needs. Chambers Academy raised $608.64 to donate to Valley Haven School! CA’s students raised money in their homeroom classes as part of the “Change and Dollars Makes Sense” effort to support the May 4th Hike Bike Run in Valley. Each day over a two week period students collected monies to benefit Valley Haven School. Pictured is Junior Class President Peyton Lamb presenting a $608.64 check to Valley Haven fundraising representative Sam Bradford. CA first grade students in the front row from Norma Hyde’s class are from left to right: Klancy Phillips, Madison Bonds, Ava Williams, Harleen Patel, Maddy Howard, Cohen Hand, Emmannual Osborne, and Brenley Nelson. (Yates Lashley was absent). Some of the junior class representatives and Officers shown in the back row are from left to right: Shelly Keebler, Kinsley Gregory, Peyton Lamb, HBR representative Sam Bradford, Braxton Allen, Lizzie Keebler, Macy Harmon and CA Headmaster David Owen.
Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.
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award-winning, n a n o t u o s is m Don’t mp for your ca d re te n ce ts ri Ch mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama
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• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery
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• Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! Choose from 1- and 2-week Sessions and Mother-Daughter Weekends!
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Auburn HS Teacher Named Alabama Alternate Teacher of the Year Jacque Middleton has been named the 2019-2020 #Alabama Alternate Teacher of the year at the 2019 #ALSDE#TOTY Awards Ceremony in Montgomery! #ACS #Auburn #CelebrateAuburn #STEM #Engineering #PublicEd By the age of 11, Jacque Middleton had lived in three different cities and had already attended four different schools. She always found real comfort in her schoolwork, and no one in her family was surprised when she decided to pursue a career in teaching K-12science and STEM classes. She now teaches engineering courses at Auburn High School and sponsors local Science Olympiads, Engineering Fairs, and other innovative academic events. She promotes student success through technology. Having grown up in many different regions of the United States, she has gained a unique perspective on teaching. She has seen the true value of exposing students to engaging learning experiences.
Auburn City Schools Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to our own Liz Greathouse, ACS Elementary Teacher of the Year, who was honored at the Rotary Club Meeting alongside Jacque Middleton of Auburn High School, ACS the Secondary Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Greathouse modeled her leadership skills by speaking about teaching and her love for children! We are so proud of you Mrs. Greathouse!
Allen Orthodontics is pleased to be moving to Moores Mill in Spring 2019. î ˘is move will improve our patient experience by accommodating our expanding orthodontic services and technology, greatly increasing space for treatment and allowing easy parking and access to our oďŹƒce for all of our patients. Allen Orthodontics is thrilled to be joining a great mix of signature businesses that will be steps away from our new location.
Pick Elementary Korean Parents
Show Appreciation for Teachers!
Thank you to our Pick Elementary Korean Parents for providing a delicious lunch for Teacher Appreciation week! Everything was wonderful! Thank you for sharing a part of your beautiful culture with us! 25
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6 Surprising Apps Kids Can Use to Chat with Friends
(The browser version doesn’t offer chat.) If you’re allowing your kid to use Instagram, the best thing to do is use restrictive privacy settings to limit the number of people who can find and contact your kid. These include making the account private, preventing people from replying to your stories, and turning off comments. To do this, click on your kid’s profile image, click on the three lines at the top of the screen, click Settings at the bottom of the screen, and then tap Privacy and Security.
You may be fine with your kid doing a little online socializing. But what if they’re chatting on sites and in apps that never occurred to you to spot-check or discuss because you thought your kid was just using them for homework, playing games, or watching videos? Now, direct messaging is the rule -- not the exception -- on most platforms. And, as usual, parents seem to be the last ones to know. Here are some of the popular platforms you may not have realized kids are using to chat.
Roblox. With 90 million monthly users, Roblox is a pretty happenin’ hangout spot. The developer encourages collaboration and connection and offers chat for all members. What you can do. All chat on Roblox is filtered, and players younger than 12 have stronger filters than older players. You can turn off chat as well as other friending and messaging options to limit conversation. But you can’t lock the settings, so kids can change them back. Go to your kid’s account and click Settings, then click Privacy. The chat settings are under Contact Settings.
Animal Jam. To sign up for this virtual world, a kid only needs to enter a username and password -- no parent approval required -- and they can chat immediately after creating a login. What you can do. Though Animal Jam uses filters and human monitors to keep a lid on iffy conversations, kids can be fairly inventive in getting around them. If you want to let your kid play on Animal Jam, it’s worth going through the step of registering your email address to access its free parental controls. You get three levels of chat ranging from pre-approved phrases to open chat, but you can’t limit their chatting to friends only.
Snapchat. Yes, “chat” is in the name, but this app got popular more for its disappearing messages, cool photo filters, and Snapstreaks than its chatting. Messages in Snapchat are automatically deleted after the recipient views them, unless the sender taps on them to save them. What you can do. Just like in Instagram, you can’t turn off chat but you can limit who can contact your kids and who can view their stories, which should reduce some conversation and make your kid’s overall screen time somewhat easier to manage. Go to the profile page and click the gear icon. Scroll down to “Who can” to enable privacy settings.
Google Docs. Although teachers have been aware of the problem, using Google Docs as a covert messaging app has finally gotten popular enough to get on parents’ radar. If your kid needs to use Google Docs for homework, they only need to share the document with someone to start chatting. What you can do. Chatting in Google Docs is mostly risky because it wastes time kids should be using to do actual work. But there have been some reports of kids cyberbullying other students in Google Docs shared for group projects -- partly because it’s a place no one would think to look for that kind of behavior. In general, you want to make sure your kid is using their time wisely and not getting caught up in idle chitchat or drama. If the chatting is getting out of control, you can remove people from a shared document. To do this, click the Share button and then click Advanced at the bottom of the window. Click the X next to the name of the person you want to remove. If the document was created by someone else and you don’t control, have your kid make a copy and not share it.
Waze. Waze is a mapping app, but it relies on people as well as traffic data to help you find routes to places, avoid congestion, and, yes, chat -- and not just about the traffic. Waze connects through Facebook and allows you to see where your friends are and coordinate arrival times to your destination. Because it reveals your kid’s location -- and not all of their Facebook friends are actual buddies -- there’s a risk kids can expose their whereabouts to people who really don’t need to know. What you can do. Use Waze with your kids. That way you can see where they are, and they can see where you are (which is helpful when you’re picking them up from school, for example). Waze offers a few privacy settings, such as the ability to be “invisible” so you can’t be seen on a map (that would prevent you from seeing your kid’s location, though), and you can also turn off both public and private chats separately, so you can decide which settings are safest for your kids. Also, if your kid drives, make sure they don’t use the app while driving, and consider turning on voice command so they can interact hands-free.
Instagram. If you’re wondering why your kid is spending so much time on Instagram, maybe they’re using it to chat. Users only have to click the Send icon (it looks like a paper airplane) at the top of the app or within any message to start chatting. What you can do. You can’t block chatting in the Instagram app. Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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Moving a family is stressful and if the relocation comes with another emotional event like a death in the family, divorce or job loss, the transition hardly feels like a party. While it probably won’t be immediately obvious, with careful planning and generous discussion, your child can benefit from a move. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), “With the proper attention from parents and professional help if necessary, moving can be a positive growth experience for children, leading to increased self confidence and interpersonal skills.”
Here’s how to ease the transition for your children. Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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Tip #1: Discuss the move as soon as possible.
Stay positive, explaining why relocation is necessary. Discuss the perks of your new home’s location. Help your child learn about the area with resources like maps, photographs and the daily newspaper.
Tip #2: Say your good-byes.
A week or two before you move, throw a farewell party to give you and your family an opportunity to officially bid friends and neighbors adieu, exchange contact information and take pictures. Keep refreshments simple, like delivery pizza or sandwiches and refreshments. Peer groups are especially important the older your child. Host a slumber party for your child to say good-bye to close friends. Provide a keepsake pillow case for your child’s friends to doodle and autograph with fabric markers. Create a memory book for your kids or provide them with a few craft supplies to make their own. They could include pictures of their friends and memorable outings. Ask their friends, teachers, coaches, and other people they’ll miss to sign it.
Tip #3: Revisit favorite haunts. Whether a park, zoo or local eatery, take time to honor the places your family enjoyed most. Together make a list of your family’s favorite hot spots you each want to visit before departure day. Make a video journal or a photo book documenting the outings.
Tip #4: Coordinate moving day.
Ask the movers to load your children’s rooms last so their things come off the truck first at your new home. Consider hiring a sitter or enlisting a family friend to watch your kids while working with the movers. Unpack your children’s rooms first which can help ease initial anxieties by surrounding them with their personal and familiar belongings.
Tip #5: Celebrate a new chapter.
On the first night in your new house, organize a “Family Fun Night” with pizza and games to celebrate a new beginning together.Invite your child to help make choices about his new room’s decor. Return to the comfort of old routines like regular meal times and naps as soon as possible. 29
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Tip #6: Use technology... with boundaries.
Help your child use technology like Skype or Facebook’s video app to stay in touch with old friends and extended family. Keep extended family and close friends updated on how your family is settling in via email or a private blog. Discourage older children from spending too much time on social networking sites. Seeing their friends returning to life without them can be painful and reinforce a sense of loneliness.
Tip #7: Get acquainted.
Take walks around your new neighborhood. The exercise and fresh air will help relieve stress and familiarize you and your children with your new surroundings. Play outside on nice days. Chances are you and your kids will meet a few neighbors. After settling in, invite a few neighbors over for a potluck barbecue.
Tip #8: Prepare your child for a new school.
Before the first day, make an appointment for you and your child to tour his new school and meet his teacher. Shop for required school supplies and go over the school day schedule, including pickup and drop-off procedures with your child. If possible, connect your child with other children her age in the neighborhood or through an extracurricular activity before school starts. A few familiar faces can help ease the transition to a new school.
Tip #9: Integrate into your new community.
Volunteer in your neighborhood, your child’s school/daycare, your church or other community organizations. Check with your library, your child’s preschool/ daycare, your church or online to find parenting support networks in your area that fit your personality, needs and parenting philosophy. Devote at least one weekend day each month for your family to explore and discover a new restaurant, museum, park or attraction in your new community. AOP
Raised in a military family, freelance journalist, wife and mother of two, Christa Melnyk Hines has lived and traveled in Europe and across the U.S. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.
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for 26 years with qualified staff that have been at the center for over 15 years. Summer activities program for school age children; Breakfast, lunch, & snack provided (USDA Food Program), Premier Spirit Academy, field trips include swimming, bowling, parks, Callaway Gardens, Auburn University and movie theatre; art and music classes offered at the center.
334-745-6248
www.bonnieschildcare.com
Growing Room Child Development Center
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Where To Start
City of Auburn A one-stop resource to find information about the local government, the services in the city, community connections and how to find all you need as a new resident of Auburn, Al. 334-501-7260
334-821-7081
www.opelika-al.gov
Lee County Great place to find area information regarding the government, city information, schools and community resources. www.leeco.us
Where to Learn
www.auburnclassicalacademy.com
Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center
www.auburnalabama.org
City of Opelika 204 South 7th Street Opelika 36801 A one-stop resource to find information about the local government, the services in the city, community connections and how to find all you need as a new resident of Opelika, Al. 334-705-5150
dents’ intellectual growth as an integral aspect of Christian character development. Classical methods train and discipline the mind and prepare the student for the analytical thinking skills necessary for higher education. Our school emphasizes mastery learning, study skills development, and time-tested educational methods.Guided by the Gospel, we aspire to provide a traditional, classical education in partnership with parents. We seek to educate to a higher standard so that the whole person may grow in knowledge, wisdom, and virtue, centered on the love of Christ and His holy church.
ad on page 4
128 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 Transportation from Schools available; Licensed by the State of Alabama; Nationally Accredited through National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs/ Association for Early Learning Leaders (NAC); Theme-based Lesson Plans and Curriculum. The Child Development Center is a ministry of Auburn First Baptist Church in which we provide safe, loving, quality care for children in a Christian environment. We strive to provide the best in early education by providing hands-on learning so that each child may develop to his or her highest potential cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Now Enrolling Summer Camp. 334-821-8125
www.auburnfbc.org
Bonnie’s Kids Childcare Center ad on page 23
Auburn Classical Academy ad on page 15
1901-B Waverly Parkway Opelika 36801 A classical Christian school, K-8th grades, with a goal to nurture stuAuburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
2314 Enterprise Drive Opelika 36801 Conveniently located across from Tiger Town. “Where children grow.” Closed circuit monitoring; computer & dance programs; pick up from school for Beauregard, Opelika & Auburn, and Trinity Christian for after school programs, and summer camps. We are licensed for up to 200 children / DHR Licensed
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1755 Thomason Drive Opelika 36801 Now Open!!! Give Your Child the Growing Room Experience! More Informed Parents Choose Growing Room! “On Our Block”-language based curriculum, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, nutritious warm meals, superior security and an outstanding playground with safe, solid rubber surfacing. Extracurricular programs include JumpBunch & Dance. We offer before and after school care to most Opelika City Schools.
334-501-2044
www.growingroomusa.com/auburn
Growing Room Child Development Center ad on page 20
644 North Dean Road Auburn 36830 Give Your Child the Growing Room Experience! More Informed Parents Choose Growing Room! “On Our Block”-language based curriculum, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, nutritious warm meals, superior security and an outstanding playground with safe, solid rubber surfacing. Extracurricular programs include JumpBunch & Dance. We offer before and after school care to most Auburn City Schools.
334-501-2044
www.growingroomusa.com/auburn
Lakeview Preschool Adventures ad on page 17
1600 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn 36830 As a ministry of Lakeview Baptist Church, Lakeview Preschool Adventures we strive to not only teach preschoolers the basic ABC’s and 123’s; we also strive to teach them the love of Jesus and how He would want us to treat others. We do this in a loving, secure environment. The children stay active during center time, playground time, and large group time. They also have an academic time when they focus on their letters and numbers. Our desire is that each child graduating out of our program at four will not only know their letters and numbers but also know that Jesus loves them. 334-887-7094 www.lakeviewbaptist.org/preschoolministry/lakeview-preschool-adventures/
Lee-Scott Academy
ad on page 11
1601 Academy Drive Auburn 36830 Private Christian school with grades pre-k-12th; Lee-Scott Academy is a college preparatory school offering a quality education in an environment where students are protected, nurtured, and challenged with Christian principles that promote
www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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the development of the total person. The pursuit of excellence in academics is the hallmark of the Academy, complemented by opportunities to participate in programs that encourage student success. Our goal is to inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity in a school community that promotes Christian principles. 334-821-2430
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Parkway Baptist Church Preschool & Kindergarten ad on page 19
766 East University Drive Auburn 36830 Christian based preschool consisting of biblical and instructional curriculums. Instructional curriculum is Handwriting Without Tears®. The curriculum draws from years of innovation and research to provide developmentally appropriate, multisensory tools and strategies for our classrooms. The program follows research that demonstrates children learn more effectively by actively doing, with materials that address all styles of learning. Weekly Chapel, monthly lunch bunches, extracurricular tumbling classes, and more!! 334-321-0537 preschool
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Trinity Christian School
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www.lee-scott.org
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1010 India Road Opelika 36801 Trinity Christian School was established in 1978 as a private Christian school committed to providing a classical, biblical education to the young people of our community. With a starting assumption that education of children is the responsibility of parents, we seek to assist families in teaching all subjects in the light of God’s Word. Our goal is to provide a secure Christian environment of classical academic excellence. Please take a few moments to browse our site and learn about our academics, arts, sports, and other K-12 programs. Trinity offers a classical, Christian education that employs time-tested curricula and teaching methods. Our students participate in hands-on learning about God’s creation and they practice careful articulation when expressing the truth of God’s Word; all the while, they grow to appreciate great literature and Latin as well as how God weaves science and mathematics throughout His world. 334-745-2464
www.tcsopelika.org
Auburn Outreach Multicultural After-school and Summer Services 103 O.D. Smith Hall Auburn University 36832 This program will be serving K-12 students in the Auburn-Opelika area.
Amsterdam Café 410 South College Street Auburn 36830 Serving a variety of lunch and dinner options in a casual atmosphere.
Auburn University Home of the Auburn Tigers. Offering numerous undergraduate and post grad degrees.
Brick Oven Pizza Co. 2520 Enterprise Drive Opelika 36801 Casual, Italian specialty pizza, calzones, salads and more.
334-559-9023
334-844-4000
www.auburn.edu/outreach/ceoe
www.auburn.edu
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lee County 400 B Boykin Street and 1610 Toomer Street Auburn and Opelika 36830 and 36801 Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Offering transportation from schools, homework assistance, tutoring, and more! 334-745-2582
www.bgcleeco.org
Lee County Schools 2410 Society Hill Road Opelika 36804 Public K-12 grades, includes 7 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 freshmen center, 1 junior high and 4 high schools. 334-705-6000
www.lee.k12.al.us
Opelika City Schools 300 Simmons Street Opelika 36801 Public K-12 grades, includes 3 primary schools, 3 intermediate schools, 1 middle and 1 high school. 334-745-9700
www.opelikaschools.org
Opelika Extended Day Opelika City Schools Opelika 36801 Each day includes: snack, tutorial and homework time, crafts & activities, and physical play time. 334-745-9700
Southern Union State Community College 301 Lake Condy Road Opelika 36801 The college serves more than 5,000 students each semester from its campuses in Wadley, Valley and Opelika. 334-745-6437
www.suscc.edu
St. Michael Catholic Preschool 1100 North College Street Auburn 36830 334-887-5540
www.stmichaelsauburn.com
The Little HAPIE Tree Preschool Auburn Early Education Center, 721 East University Drive Auburn 36830 334-887-4958
www.learning-tree.org
334-887-2100
www.auburnschools.org
www.brickovenonline.com
Byron’s Smokehouse 436 Opelika Road Auburn 36830 An Auburn landmark, serving the best Southern barbeque around. 334-887-9981
www.byronsmokehouse.com
Chappy’s Deli Auburn 754 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 Local deli, offering full-service breakfast, lunch and dinner, with quality ingredients. 334-821-7220 GlenDean
www.cahppysdeli.com/Auburn
Chicken Salad Chick 1345 Opelika Road, A Auburn 36830 Serving Southern style chicken salad in 12 flavors made by hand daily. 334-821-7770
www.chickensaladchick.com/auburn
Fratelli’s Restorante Italiano 1445 South College Street, 200 Auburn 36830 The fist authentic Italian restaurant in Auburn! We don’t just serve food, we celebrate it! 334-209-6363
Hamilton’s 174 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn 36830 Offering an intimate and casual neighborhood atmosphere with a menu consisting of diverse contemporary American selections. 334-887-2677
www.hamiltonsonmagnolia.com
Irish Bred Pub 833 South Railroad Avenue Opelika 36801 Vision is to be the local hub of the community with vegetables locally grown, fresh beef, chicken and seafood. 334-363-2235
www.irishbredopelika.com
Laredo Mexican Grill 1832 Opelika Road Auburn 36830 Authentic Mexican cuisine in a causal, family atmosphere. Serving lunch and dinner daily.
334-826-2724 www.facebook.com/Laredo-Mexican-Grill-120714631273065/
University Daycare 2900 Waverly Parkway Opelika 36801
Little Italy Pizzeria 123 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn 36830 We strive to bring you delicious and authentic New York style pizza which you can buy by the slice or whole pie all day long.
334-887-9947
334-203-1234
www.theoaksschool.org
www.udcauburn.com
Where to Eat
334-821-6161
www.littleitalyau.com
Mandarin House Taste of Asia 3800 Pepperell Parkway Opelika 36801 Offering a wide selection of Chinese, Thai, and Sushi cuisines for both lunch and dinner. 334-745-7234
www.mandarinhouse.biz
Mike and Ed’s BBQ 307 North College Street Auburn 36830 BBQ ribs, pork, chicken, wings, chicken fingers, salads and more.
www.auburnschools.org
Auburn City Schools After-School Programs Programs located at and all Elementary Schools Individualized tutoring, participation in creative activities, and interaction with peers. Activities such as art, sports, computer, music and movement, and other clubs added throughout the year help children interact socially and physically with children of all backgrounds in their community.
334-745-0223
www.amsterdamcafeauburn.com
The Oaks School 2201 Executive Park Drive Opelika 36801
Auburn City Schools 855 East Samford Avenue Auburn 36830 Public K-12 grades, includes 9 elementary schools, 2 middle/intermediate schools, 1 junior high and 1 high school. 334-887-2100
334-826-8181
334-501-1866
Acre 210 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 The kitchen sources from on-site gardens and orchards, local farms, and the bounty provided by the Blackbelt Region, reinterpreting the rich heritage of Alabama cuisine. 334-246-3763
www.acreauburn.com
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www.mikeandedsauburn.com
Niffer’s Places 917 South Railroad Avenue Opelika 36801 Choose from a huge selection of freshly prepared appetizers, salads, burgers, kid’s menu, desserts, and more! 334-787-5989
www.niffersplace.com
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Auburn Pediatric Dentistry
Shelia C’s Burger Barn 622 Shug Jordan Parkway Auburn 36830 Handmade burgers, cheeseburgers and chicken. 334-283-5200 Burger-Barn
www.facebook.com/pg/Sheila-Cs-
Stinky’s Fish Camp 610 Shug Jordan Parkway Auburn 36830 Gulf to table, fresh ingredients, hand cut steaks and more in friendly, college town atmosphere. 855-650-3474
www.stinkysauburn.com
Tacorita 138 North College Street Auburn 36830 We make everything from tacos to enchiladas to quesadillas in-house and from scratch. 334-758-0844
www.toomersdrugs.com
Wok ‘n Roll 1703 Columbus Parkway Opelika 36801 A Chinese restaurant known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and high quality fresh ingredients. 334-745-3338
841 North Dean Road Auburn 36830 We are a pediatric specialty practice which means our focus is entirely on children and adolescents. we specialize in diagnosis and treatment of children’s oral health needs and development. Each visit to our office includes cavity detections, monitoring of growth and development and daily prevention of decay by focusing on proper home care. 334-826-6651
www.opelikawoknroll.com
East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 18
742 North Dean Road Auburn 36830 We cater to children and is dedicated to providing the best quality dental services available for your child. With each visit, we hope to teach your child the importance of dental care, along with encouraging them to keep up the good work and to stay cavity-free! 334-321-0780
www.gatergrins.com
Zazu’s Gastropub 112 South 8th Street Opelika 36801 A “fine dining” type of food in a relaxed public atmosphere. 334-203-1747
www.zazuopelika.com
Where to Grow
Liles Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 14
2320 Moores Mill Rd, Suite 250 Auburn 36830 Our office provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring and “child-friendly” environment. We focus on preventive care to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Our office serves infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs. 334-887-0099
www.lilessmiles.com
Nash Dermatology AL Department of Public Health ad on Back Cover
201 Monroe St Montgomery All Kids Children Health Insurance Program: A low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular checkups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse services and more. Women, Infants and Children (WIC): supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last 6 months, infants and children under the age of five.
888-737-5437
www.adph.org
Allen Orthodontics ad on page 25
1995 Pepperell Pkwy Ste. 2 Opelika 36801 Specializes in helping children, teens and adults achieve beautiful, straight smiles by providing orthodontic solutions specifically tailored to suit each patient’s lifestyle and personal preferences. 334-705-8655
www.bracesbyallen.com
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
ad on page 23
1935 East Glenn Ave Suite 101 Auburn 36830 Offering comprehensive care for all your skin needs for the family including cancer screening, age prevention, skin consultations and more. Also, esthetic services including facials, microneedling and waxing. 334-539-8049
www.nashdermatology.com
Pediatric Associates of Auburn ad on page 8
2901 Corporate Park Drive Opelika 36801 Our skilled team of pediatricians offers comprehensive medical care for infants, children and adolescents. We specialize in medical care for kids, and we would love to get to know you and your family better. Our commitment is to help children reach their highest potential by working with parents to promote and maintain their child’s physical and emotional well–being from birth up to college years.
334-203-1766
www.auburnpediatric.com
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1957 East Samford Ave, Suite A Auburn 36830 From clear braces to Invisalign, we offer a wide variety of treatment options using the most up-todate orthodontic technology. Rely on the experts at our practice to create your perfect smile in an affordable and comfortable fashion.
334-521-0112
www.shelleyortho.com
Thames Orthodontics
www.auburnpediatricdentistry.com
www.tacoritaauburn.com
Toomer’s Drugs 100 North College Street Auburn 36830 Home of the World Famous fresh squeezed lemonade. Serving sandwiches and sweets too, 334-887-3488
ad on page 41
Shelley Orthodontics
ad on page 21
719 North Dean Road Auburn 36830 We are specialists in providing orthodontic care for patients of all ages, and we focus entirely on creating beautiful, confident smiles that last a lifetime 334-501-7000
www.thamesorthodontics.com
Auburn Family Medicine 665 North Dean Road Auburn 36830 Comprehensive, compassionate, and individualized medical care for the family. 334-826-1111
www.auburnfamilymedicine.com
Auburn Medicine Associates of East Alabama 122 North 20th Street, Suite 24 Opelika 36801 We care for a wide variety of medical needs for all members of your family, including adults, children, and adolescents. 334-745-4646
www.familymedicineopelika.com
Auburn Pediatric and Adult Medicine 2353 Bent Creek Road, Suite110 Auburn 36830 We provide primary care services to patients of all ages. 334-887-8707
www.auburndoc.com
Cornerstone Family Chiropractic 323 Airport Road, Suite E Auburn 36830 We’re here to help individuals and their families achieve better health through chiropractic care for all ages. 334-246-2252 practic.com
334-664-0463 www.preferredmedgroup.com/ opelika-pediatrics-and-family-clinic/
Pediatric Clinic 760 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 We provide primary care health services for infants, children and adolescents. www.thepedsclinic.com
Pediatric Clinic 2401 Village Professional Drive S Opelika 36801 We provide primary care health services for infants, children and adolescents. 334-749-8121
www.thepedsclinic.com
Sprayberry Orthodontics 773 North Dean Road Auburn 36830 No matter your age, we can customize an orthodontic treatment plan that fits not only your teeth – but your life and personality, using the latest orthodontic advances. 334-821-5031
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Opelika Pediatrics and Family Clinic 5809 US Hwy-280 Opelika 36804 Providing care for infants through adolescents
334-749-8121
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to city-wide events and local parks to explore. Quarterly published brochures include all the fun classes and programming for everyone in your family, including your dog! Don’t miss exciting community events where you can meet neighbors and make new friends. Parks and Rec has many beautiful parks to play in, as well as, a community pool, gymnasiums and fitness centers. 334-501-2930
www.auburnalabama.org/parks/
Opelika Parks and Recreation
Auburn City Parks ad on page 9
Felton Little Park 341 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 Playground, a batting cage, a picnic area with three grills and three picnic tables, as well as three youth softball/baseball fields. Hickory Dickory Park 1399 Hickory Lane Auburn 36830 A unique, multi-level playground structure including slides, swings, towers and open play areas. Kiesel Park 520 Chadwick Lane Auburn 36830 Auburn’s largest park, with a pavilion, a garden, a pond and a walking trail with a distance of 2 1/4 miles. Martin Luther King Jr Park 190 Byrd Street Auburn 36830 Pavilion, playground, basketball goal, and a fenced-in field. Sam Harris Park 850 Foster Street Auburn 36830 Auburn’s first “poured in place” accessible playground available for children and adults with disabilities Town Creek Park 1150 South Gay Street Auburn 36830 Kid’s playground and walking trail that is 0.87 miles long, and an additional trail is being built around the pond. 334-501-2930
www.auburnalabama.org/parks
ad on page 27
1001 Andrews Road Opelika 36801 Looking for a family fitness center? Opelika has a new, SportsPlex and Aquatic Center. Fitness class, gymnasium, indoor pool and outdoor splash pad, sports fields and more. Also, there are numerous parks including the Municipal Park that features the Rocky Brook Train. Find classes for all your family members to try. Or, find a team sport to join. Don’t miss the calendar of events for local fun around town.
334-705-5560 Recreation
Opelika City Parks ad on page 27
Covington Park 213 Carver Avenue Opelika 36801 Outdoor playground
and green space Municipal Park (Monkey Park) 700 5th Avenue Opelika 36801 Several playground areas, a picnic shelter, a gazebo, and an antique miniature train known as the Rocky Brook Rocket Ray Ward Park Crenshaw Street Opelika 36804 Basketball court, multi-use fields and playground Spring Villa Park 1474 Lee Road 148 Opelika 36804 325 acres of beautifully wooded land with nature trails, picnic sites and spring filled swimming. West Ridge Park 1600 Covington Avenue Opelika 36801 Baseball complex and playground equipment.
Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 9
425 Perry Street Auburn 36830 Everything from children’s activities and team sports
www.amf.com
Auburn Escape Zones 1234 Commerce Drive Auburn 36830 Your group must work together as a team to solve puzzles, uncover clues and unlock locks in order to solve the problem or “escape the room”. www.auburnescapezones.com
Chewacla State Park 124 Shell Toomer Parkway Auburn 36830 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation; include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails. www.alapark.com/chewacla-state-park
Cyber Zone 107 North 9th Street Opelika 36801 Laser Tag, games and more. 334-737-5000
www.cyberzone334.com
Good Times 750 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 Bowling lanes, arcade games and escape rooms. 334-539-3131
www.goodtimesbowling.com
Kreher Preserve and Nature Center 2222 North College Street Auburn 36830 20 acre track, comprising seven natural habitats, including special points of interest. 334-502-4553
www.auburn,edu/preserve
Launch Trampoline Park 7607 Veterans Parkway Columbus 31909 Features indoor trampoline jumps, Dodgeball Courts, Slam Dunk Basketball, and more. 706-221-8680
www.launchtrampolinepark.com
MyGym Auburn 300 North Dean Road, Suite 5 Auburn 36830 Program is designed to help children 6 weeks to 10 years develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. 334-246-0987
www.mygym/auburn.com
Oxbow Meadows 3535 South Lumpkin Road Columbus 31903 Walk down our trails to catch a glimpse of native wildlife, view our wetlands and ponds, or to explore our educational and fun Discovery Trail. 706-807-8550
www.surgeopelika.com
Treadstone Rock Climbing 4209 Milgen Rd. Ste 7 Columbus 31906 Indoor rock wall climbing. Offering ninja fit and youth climbing programs. 706-507-7625
www.treadstoneclimbing.com
Where to Shop
Chic Soul ad on page 7
334-887-6573www.amf.com
334-887-5621
334-737-5599
www.opelika-al.gov/341/Parks-
AMF Auburn Bowl 719 Opelika Road Auburn 36830 24 interactive bowling lanes and arcade
334-329-7088
Surge Trampoline Park 2506 Pepperell Parkway Opelika 36801 Indoor trampoline park with jousting, slam dunk hoops, dodgeball courts, toddler play, arcades and more.
www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu
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Auburn 36830 Shop the #1 online curvy boutique & show off your curves! We know the power that good clothes have to make a woman feel confident. We also know the struggle of finding on-trend clothing that fits and flatters women with curves. So we created Chic Soul: an online boutique that caters to fashionable women, sizes 10-22. www.chicsoul.com
Fringe and Fringe Kids ad on page 17
125 S 8th Street Opelika 36801 Fringe Consignment Boutique is a locally owned, designer consignment boutique. From the moment you step into our store, you will realize we are not just another resale shop. We carry brands from Gap to Gucci and can help find your next outfit whether it is walking down a red carpet, into a new job, or just around town. Our local consignment storefront where you can buy, sell, and consign name brand clothes! We carry sizes 0026, maternity, shoes, accessories, formal gowns, and designer handbags. Also, Fringe Kids, inside Fringe, accepts popular, boutique branded, and designer children’s clothing for girls and boys on consignment- sizes newborn through 16. 334-705-6727 www.fringeofopelika.com
Mountain High Outfitters ad on page 18
339 South College Street Auburn 36830 Mountain High Outfitters is more than a traditional outdoor retailer. Entering any store you’ll notice a vast array of products and brands that create a compelling story for any patron. The selection of gear and footwear is just as pronounced as apparel, with products for activities like backpacking, bouldering, camping, caving, climbing, hiking, biking, yoga, skiing, trail running, slack lining, paddle boarding, fly fishing, as well as trips to the lake and beach, or even to your everyday coffee shop. MHO can outfit all your everyday lifestyle needs. 334-246-3570 www.mountainhighoutfitters.com
www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Oliver Henry 804 N. Railroad Ave Opelika 36801 Oliver Henry is a premier interiors boutique offering a curated collection of fine home furnishings, accessories, art, and gifts. 334-246-3582
www.oliver-henry.com
Serendipity 1550 Opelika Road Auburn 36830 We have a variety of gifts to meet your needs. 334-329-7475 ofAuburn
Trinity United Methodist Church 800 2nd Avenue Opelika 36801 334-745-2632
www.tumcopelika.org
Home Maintenance and Repair
Auburn Community Church Auburn 36830
www.auburncommunitychurch.com
Auburn First Baptist Church 128 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 www.auburnfbc.org
Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay Street Auburn 36830 334-826-8800
www.aumc.net
Church of the Highlands 2001 East Samford Avenue Auburn 36830 205-980-5577
www.churchofthehighlands.com
Cornerstone Church 2123 Hamilton Road Auburn 36830 334-887-1152
www.cornerstonebuzz.org
First Baptist Church of Opelika 301 South 8th Street Opelika 36801 334-745-5715
www.fbcopelika.com
First Presbyterian Church 900 2nd Avenue Opelika 36801 334-745-3421
www.firstpresopelika.org
Grace United Methodist Church 915 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 334-887-7003
All-V Roofing & Restoration ad on Inside Front Cover
Auburn 36830 We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home roofing project as if it were our own. With 8 years of industry experience, we offer a wide range of roofing expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of our clients. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
334-319-2759
www.all-vroofingandrestorationllc.com/
Auburn Home Maintenance We have an extensive list of the best reputable professionals in the area, so if the job is too big for us we can still help. Simply give us a call and let us handle it from there. 334-539-7000
www.auburnhomemaintenance.com
Turner Fence 15459 AL-51, Opelika 36801 With a wide range of fence options for your home or business, you can count on us to make the right suggestions based on your individual needs. 334-444-9008
www.turnerfences.com
Five Star Painting With our industry experience, keen eye for detail, and penchant for punctuality, you can get the precise paint job you deserve in little time and with no additional stress on you 334-212-5451
www.fivestarpainting.com/auburn
Real Estate Agents
www.graceumcaub.org
www.parkwayauburn.org
Cathy Ramey, REALTOR Coldwell Banker A&W Real Estate
www.stmichaelsauburn.com
The Oaks Church 2201 Executive Park Drive Opelika 36801 334-887-9947
www.theoaksschool.org
Trinity Lutheran Church 446 South Gay Street Auburn 36830 334-887-3901
www.tlcauburn.org
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
256-794-1014
www.tolandrealty.com
Homelink Realty ad on page 31
310 Samford Village Court Auburn 36830 With years of experience helping local buyers and sellers just like yourself, we know how to locate the finest properties and negotiate the best deals. It’s our job to know about the latest market conditions, government regulations, and upcoming developments — so that you don’t have to. As your Buyer’s Representative, we can make the process of house hunting much easier and more efficient than if you did it all yourself. We can help you get financing, guide you to local neighborhoods, help you determine your budget, and prioritize a list of essential features that you need in your next home. Selling a house on your own can be an overwhelming task. There’s advertising to plan and budget for, open houses and private showings to arrange, purchase offers to negotiate, contract contingencies to worry about, and complicated paperwork to fill out. Make it easy on yourself by putting your home in the hands of seasoned professionals. We have extensive experience marketing properties and showing them to their best advantage. www.thehomelink.com
ad on page 13
St. Michael’s Catholic Church 1100 North College Street Auburn 36830 334-887-5540
544 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 We work hard to ensure your complete satisfaction and to exceed your expectations. At Toland Realty we specialize in residential real estate sales and property management. Our sales team is comprised of positive pro-growth agents who are eager to help ensure that every deal gets done in a professional and ethical manner. Toland Realty feels that both buying and selling real estate are equally important and our mission to provide unwavering customer service is seen in both.
Jana Jagar, REALTOR Berkshire Hathaway
www.lakeviewbaptist.org
Parkway Baptist Church 766 East University Drive Auburn 36830 334-887-3782
Erin Pack, REALTOR Toland Realty
334-329-5055
Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 36830 334-887-7094
www.movetoauburn.com
ad on page 19
Where to Connect
334-887-8506
334-703-8960
www.facebook.com/Serendipity
Wrapsody 112 North College Street Auburn 36830 We strive to provide highest quality gifts, home accessories, seasonal décor, clothing, handbags, jewelry, and more. 334-887-7447 www.wrapsodyonline.com
334-734-0900
of the Year! I love the Auburn area and I love the real estate business. I feel very fortunate to share my passion for both with you! I know this area and this market - and customer service is the cornerstone of my business!
ad on page 5
2021 South College St, Suite A Auburn 36832 I am proud to be the Lee Co 2018 REALTOR OF THE YEAR and the 2017 Alabama WCR Realtor
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1810 E Glenn Ave, #130 Auburn 36830 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’s agents are some of the most knowledgeable in the area. Contact her today for all your buying and selling needs! She would be happy to serve you and answer your questions about Auburn/Opelika real estate. 334-332-9583 www.bhhspreferredauburn.com/ agent/jana-rawls-jager AOP
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A Page in a Book Introducing Young Inventors Inventiveness is one of the most remarkable traits in the very young. A child’s imagination coupled with their unflagging desire to overcome obstacles often leads to craft fanciful problem-solving plans. This ability to think beyond barriers is often because they haven’t yet experienced the world listing reasons why it can’t be done. It’s this kind of fearless thinking, a brave belief that something real can evolve from an idea, that deserves nurturing in children. The following titles celebrate famous inventors and feature how their youthful inquiry led them to create things that changed our world. Every child deserves to know that something is only impossible until someone does it.
Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World
by Elizabeth Rusch, Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez (Candlewick Press) Before he immigrated to the United States, the young Serbian student Nikola Tesla was captivated by energy. Introduced to the notion of electricity by the static sparks generated by stroking his cat’s fur, Nikola’s questions about this invisible energy evolved. From homemade water wheels to insect-powered propellers, he pondered endlessly the ways that that energy could be harnessed and delivered. As the world explored electricity and its uses, young Tesla dove deeper into ways that this energy could be generated and distributed. Facing powerful opposition from conventional thinkers, Nikola spent his life inventing new and better ways that electricity could integrate into our lives. One of the most underappreciated inventors of the modern age, this title is an inspiration to all young thinkers who may encounter naysayers on their path to invention.
Who Says Women Can’t Be Computer Programmers? The Story of Ada Lovelace
by Tanya Lee Stone, Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman (Henry Holt / Macmillan) Born to one of the world’s most famous poets and a mother trying to raise an marriageable daughter in the early nineteenth century, Ada’s destiny was pointed anywhere else but invention. Frail health didn’t keep her sharp mind from absorbing music, language, and most especially math. As her mathematical abilities expanded, Ada moved into the social circles of thinkers and inventors, including Charles Babbage, who conceived the Difference Engine, a machine that could theoretically process and solve complex math problems. As he worked with Ada on the idea, she realized that the potential for ‘coding’ expanded far beyond math, and proposed that the process could conceivably produce music, images and all the things that modern computers do today. Recognized as one of the history’s first programmers, Ada Lovelace’s story celebrates her contributions to the world’s most powerful invention - the computer.
Guitar Genius: How Les Paul Engineered the Electric Guitar
by Kim Tomsic, Illustrated by Brett Helquist (Chronicle Kids) Young Lester loved music class, but couldn’t make sense of the squiggly lines that made music on the page. When his music teachers sent a note home suggesting that he not return for lessons, Lester’s mother tore it up and told her son that he could do anything he put his mind to. Free to explore sound and music on his own terms, Les was encouraged to build and experiment with both. He learned to play the guitar and harmonica by ear, building devices that helped him perform and record along the way. Gaining bigger audiences as his talents and innovations expanded, delivering his guitar sound to the back of the room was his biggest obstacle. Combining his musical knowledge and vibration experiments, Les developed the first solid body guitar. Opening up new vistas for guitar performance and recording, Les Paul’s inventive journey is a sound story worth hearing! Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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k Paying Extra Q. I’d like to start paying a little extra each month on my car loan, so I can get out of debt faster. Would it be a good idea to write a separate check for this extra amount? A. I think that’s a great idea! You can
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include the extra check in a separate envelope with the regular payment. In addition, write “principal only” in big, bold letters on the extra envelope and on the extra check. Make sure to also include the account number in the notation line at the bottom. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be much less likely to run into problems as result of someone at the bank not paying attention. Some companies use payment booklets that have a box specifically for entering any amount you want applied directly to the principal. See if this is available to you, as well. Regardless, make
sure you keep an accurate, written record of the monthly and overall amounts you’re designating as “principal only.”
Starting the Home Buying Process Q. My husband and I are debt-free, and we have an emergency fund of six months of expenses saved. We’d like to buy a home in the $250,000 to $275,000 price range in the near future, and we plan on saving $60,000 for a down payment. It should take a little less than two years to save that much money. When should we begin the search for a good real estate agent and start the underwriting process? A. I’m really proud of you two. You’re being very intentional and goal-oriented about getting control of your finances and the home buying process. I’d advise starting a conversation with a quality mortgage company when you’re
about five or six months away from your savings goal date. There’s “pre-approval,” but there’s also something called “certified.” That’s a step beyond pre-approved, and it basically puts you in a position to make an offer when you’re ready for the purchase. So, getting certified as a buyer is very helpful. After that, sit down and talk with a few agents. Interview them, and decide on someone you like and trust. Find an experienced agent you’re comfortable with to guide you through the real estate world, and then start outlining your search and buying strategy. What I would not do is jump from agent to agent. There’s a tremendous benefit in finding someone you trust and feel good about. I’m talking about a buyer’s agent who’s going to fight for you. This means someone who will show you several different properties, keep your wants and needs foremost in their mind, and help you get the best possible buy on your new home!
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Peruse the greeting card section around Father’s Day and you’ll find the shelves bursting with stereotypes about dads. While we may love to poke fun at his expense, we have more reasons to appreciate dear old Dad besides how handy he is with a wrench. Supportive dads and father figures positively influence a child’s development. Here’s how. Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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Emphasize education.
They also jump in during the lunch Father of three, Brett Clark joined hour to help peel open Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great those stubborn halfFor many families, dads simply aren’t in the picture Students) and All Pro Dad propint cartons of milk, either due to divorce, death or other reasons. Of course, grams at his kids’ elementary offer clean-up assisschool, four years ago. He says that doesn’t mean you can’t raise a well-adjusted child. tance, and dine with the programs give him valuable their kids. According to the 2016 Census Bureau, while the majorinsight into what’s happening “Eating lunch with ity of children live in two-parent homes, 23 percent are in his children’s school and by your son or daughter being raised by single mothers. Single moms can give extension, their lives. offers a unique insight “Growing up, I don’t recall into your kids’ friends their children the benefit of a father figure by seeking my dad - or any fathers for and what they talk male role models within their extended family, at school, that matter - attending school about, what they think or in the community. with me or knowing what I did is funny and how innoeveryday,” Clark says, whose cent their minds are,” “There are good dads and men in the public eye, too, children are Colton, 12, Carter, Clark says. who you can point to and talk about what makes them 10 and Rowen, 6. “Programs Some dads even admirable and a role model,” Limbert says. like Watch D.O.G.S. are imporstick around for recess. tant for a number of reasons. “It’s amazing how But most importantly, I believe cool the kids think it it is vital for children to see their is getting someone to push them on the swings, play tag, play basketball or football,” dad engaged in their education and life.” Clark says. Researchers agree. Kids, who see both their parents actively involved in their school life, are less likely to get into trouble for behavioral issues, perform better academically, Model healthy relationships. Emotionally secure, nurand are more likely to graduate from high school. turing dads, who help with day-to-day childcare and household Through Watch D.O.G.S., dads, stepdads, grandpas chores, don’t just neutralize assumptions about gender roles in the family. Their support enhances a mother’s overall sense of and other father figures manage an assortment of tasks from emotional well-being. Her happiness trickles down, helping the completing school security checks and greeting kids as they entire family feel more well-adjusted and resilient to stress. arrive at school to providing homework help.
What if Dad is Absent?
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who have a positive relationship with their fathers are more likely to have higher quality romantic relationships as they enter adulthood, Gillath adds. Both boys and girls, who experience positive relationships with their dads, are also less likely to engage in first-time risky behaviors like substance abuse and premature, unsafe sex.
Teach emotional management.
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Enhance empathy. Outside of their school life, Clark connects with his children through sports activities like coaching his oldest son’s baseball team, volunteering with community organizations like the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association, and by spending leisure time together. “We enjoy being outside as a family, whether that is taking bike rides, attending sporting events or enjoying community events,” Clark says. Researchers at McGill University, found that children raised by attentive, actively involved fathers exhibited higher levels of empathy as adults. “The best things dads can do is to simply be present and offer their attention and interest in their children,” Limbert says. “Obviously it would be helpful to be empathetic and supportive as well, but primarily -without complicating it - it’s all about being present and engaged.” AOP
“Secure fathers (and mothers) are likely to have secure kids. A sense of security means the person sees him or herself as worthy of being loved,” says psychologist and researcher Omri Gillath, Ph.D., University of Kansas. Research suggests that children, especially boys, Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
Boys can learn how to manage emotions like anger from their fathers while girls can gain self-confidence and the expectation that they deserve to be treated with respect. “It’s important for fathers to be okay expressing and allowing a full range of emotions from both their daughters and sons,” says parent coach Tom Limbert, author of Most Valuable Dad. “By acknowledging and allowing vulnerability, anger, sadness in yourself and in your children, you open up a supportive dialogue that will help children grow to have healthy relationships and emotional well-being.” Fathers also teach their youngsters socialization skills and self-control through rough-and-tumble play like playful wrestling, tumbling, and chasing. This kind of rough-housing, especially with their sons, encourages kids to take risks, learn how to manage back and forth interactions and recognize body language cues like when rough play should end.
Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines’ husband Jason is a fantastic dad to their two school-age sons. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital Age.
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5/20/2019 4:32:31 PM
FamilyCalendar Sunday, May 26 Drake Pool, Auburn Opening Day Inaugural Opelika Songwriters Festival Sponsored by The Sound Wall. Enjoy live musical performances this Memorial Day weekend by local, regional, and national songwriters, performing throughout historic downtown Opelika. The festival will feature 30 songwriters from across the US & Canada offering over 70 performances. www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com Art on the Lake Lake Martin. More than 40 artists from across the Southeast will be on hand to display and sell their beautiful artwork. Canvas art, pottery, jewelry, rock work and more. Come by land or boat. Kids activities. Music and concessions. 20% of artists sales go to benefit Children’s Harbor. Event occurs annually on Memorial Day weekend. www. childrensharbor.com 60th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament Callaway Gardens. Celebrate all weekend with beach activities, live music, kid zones, great food and drink specials, fireworks and so much more! The event features the best-of-thebest athletes performing thrilling stunts on sparkling Robin Lake all weekend long. The festival-like atmosphere includes a merchandise plaza featuring state-of-the-art watersports equipment, clothing, and demo models. www.masterswaterski.com
Tuesday, May 28 APRD Monthly Market Visit the Harris Center from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. to find the best produce, jams, jellies and bounty of Lee County! This event is FREE and open to the public. wmorris@auburnalabama.org
Wednesday, May 29 Summer Reading Kick Off Extravaganza! Opelika Public Library. Before or after Noon Tunes, join Cooper Library Staff in kicking off the 2019 Summer Reading Program. We’ll have hot dogs and other snacks for you to enjoy as you register for a summer of fun! 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. library@ opelika-al.gov
Friday, May 31 Callaghan in Concert at Sundilla Callaghan makes her Sundilla debut. Showtime at the AUUF in Auburn is 7:30. Advance tickets are $15 at Spicer’s Music, World Cup Coffee, and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door is $20. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer. www.facebook.com/sundilla Alabama’s Children’s Classic Bass Tournament Eufaula. 5 AM. Annual charity bass tournament to benefit Children’s of Alabama Hospital.www. alabamachildrensclassic.org Hank Williams Festival Georgiana. This tribute to native son Hank Williams includes country music, arts, crafts and food. Held
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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annually on the first Saturday in June. www.hankwilliamsfestival.com
Wednesday, June 5
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Pride on The Plains Parade Downtown Opelika. 6:30 PM. 2nd annual parade celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. www.facebook.com/prideontheplains
Summer Treats Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 3 - 4 PM. Have fun making treats with a Summer theme! www.opelikasportsplex.com
Saturday, June 1
Thursday, June 6
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Burger Wars 2019 Downtown Opelika. 11 AM - 2 PM. Burger Grilling Competition and Tasting Event. Great food, music, and fun for the whole family.
Touch-a-Truck 2019 Downtown Opelika. 9 AM - 12 noon. Vehicles of all types will line the street of downtown Opelika at this fun family event. Kids of all ages can come and explore military vehicles, race cars, dump trucks, and more. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to touch and go inside the vehicles. Auburn University’s mascot, Aubie, will even be there to hang out and take pictures. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/TouchTruck Georgia Aquarium’s Turtle Trot 5k Georgia Aquarium. The Turtle Trot will take place in downtown Atlanta and is perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike. Registration includes a collectible t-shirt, a finisher’s medal, runner’s hospitality and a sponsor fair at the end of the race. Runners receive the additional benefit of $10* off a General Admission ticket to Georgia Aquarium throughout the month of June! www.georgiaaquarium.org/events/event/turtle-trot-5k/ Annual Lion Tamers Day Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 10 AM - 1 PM. A day filled with food, fun and free swim! www.opelikasportsplex.com National Trails Day Nationally coordinated event designed to unite all muscle-powered trail activities with the goal of connecting more people to trails. www.americanhiking.org Southern Ghost Girls Tours Historical Tour and Paranormal Investigation of Talladega Public Library 7:00 PM. You will get to use all of the paranormal investigation equipment that is state of the art! Everyone gets to actually actively participate in the paranormal investigation. They have their own television show which can be seen and have over 20 years of experience in the paranormal world. You will explore the library known to have doors open by themselves, shadow figures, things moved around and books flying off the shelves! This is a family fun event but use discretion when bringing small children. www.southernghostgirls.com Pride on The Plains Festival Kiesel Park. 12-6 PM. www.facebook.com/prideontheplains
Covington Movie Club: “The Incredibles” 3:30 - 5 PM. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. $3 per child. www.opelikasportsplex.com Hike It Baby Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 PM. HikeItBaby hikes offer excellent opportunities to bond with your young children in the beauty and energy of the outdoors, and instill from the earliest ages, a wonder and awe of nature. For families with children ages 0 to 5. Hikes are free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain. www.auburn.edu/preserve
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Friday, June 7 SummerNight Downtown Art Walk Downtown Auburn. 5-10 PM. FREE arts festival that transforms downtown Auburn into its very own arts district, featuring the work of local and regional artists, live musicians, street performers, great food and children’s activities. This year’s event will kick off with a starting line party and parade beginning at Pebble Hill! www.auburnsummernight.org Girls, Glitz and Glamour 6 - 8 PM. Girls just wanna have fun! Come hang out with the girls and enjoy food, a movie and jewelry making, plus makeovers including hair, makeup and nails! And don’t forget to wear your pjs! www.opelikasportsplex.com Lemonade for S.A.M Fundraiser Benefiting Camp Smile-A-Mile Also June 8 & 9. Kids, we want you to host a lemonade stand! Proceeds will benefit Smile-A-Mile ‘s mission to provide hope, healing and love during the childhood cancer journey. Register your stand online at crowdrise.com/lemonadeforsam - click join, create an account, select create your own team, input your stand’s name and goal, edit the “story” to add when and where your stand will be. Pick up your kit from AllState Prewett Insurance Group in Olgetree Village. Sell lemonade June 7-9. You set your price! Prizes will be given to Most Creative Stand and Most Raised! Contact Tonya Prewett, Tonya@smileamile.com Author Talks: Pascha Adamo Auburn Public Library. 10:30 a.m. Come meet Pascha Adamo, author of CeCe & Roxy Books, as she leads a special storytime featuring her first two books, songs and coloring for ages 0-5 years. CeCe & Roxy Books series follows the adventures of CeCe, a young biracial girl, and the pitbull her family fosters for a soldier who is getting deployed. Books will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public.
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Alabama’s Children’s Classic Bass Tournament See May 31 for details.
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Hank Williams Festival See May 31 for details.
Denim & Diamonds Concert featuring Old Dominion Columbus Civic Center. 20th Annual event benefiting
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FamilyCalendar the Columbus Hospice and Columbus Hospice of Alabama. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov/ Discover Notasulga Day 6:30 AM-2:00 PM. Our annual Discover Notasulga Day takes place in beautiful Notasulga, Alabama. Enjoy good food, live music and a variety of vendors, car and tractor show, games, and more! Fuse Project’s 6th Annual Dragon Boat Festival Mobile. Over 1500 paddlers and 10,000 spectators will witness teams of 20 paddlers, 1 drummer, and an experienced steerer rocking the water in a 46 foot authentic Hong Kong style Dragon Boat at USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Family-friendly, alcohol free event with food trucks, fashion trucks, petting zoo, a trackless train, a gyro gym, jumpies, pony rides! $5 admission and children under the age of 3 get in FREE! www.fuseproject.org Active Auburn Family Fitness Day Samford Pool, Auburn. National Family Health and Fitness Day is celebrated the second Saturday in June each year. This special day promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy. We will offer FREE admission to Samford Pool, along with water games and inflatables for the whole family to enjoy. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. activeauburn@auburnalabama.org Inaugural Boggin’ On The Plains Also June 9. The Junkyard 100 Endurance Race will be held at Boggin’ on the Plains. Come for a weekend of riding, racing and live music! This is a small car endurance race on a dirt track with races on Saturday and Sunday (depending on the number of cars that enter) and concert on Saturday night featuring Blane Rudd and Drew Ellis. 251.979.2308 Old Dominion Columbus Civic Center. www.columbuscivic. centergeorgia.org Saturday Movie at Auburn Public Library 2:00 PM. “Black Panther”. PG-13. Popcorn will be served. www.auburnalabama.org
Sunday, June 9 Gaitlin Brothers Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org/events/
Monday, June 10 Day in the Life: Police Academy Opelika SportsPlex. Spend the morning with the members of the OPD. This camp is a great opportunity to go behind the scenes. 9:30 AM. Ages 6-11 $10/child ($11 Non-Resident). www. opelikaparks.com Recycled Teenagers Book Club Opelika Public Library. 2:00 PM. Monthly book club featuring lively discussions around books chosen by Opelika Library Director, Rosanna McGinnis. Books are provided. vwhite@opelika-al.gov
Tuesday, June 11 Day in the Life: Fire Academy 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Pick-up and drop-off is at the OFD Training Grounds (Talladega St). Explore the
trucks, try on the uniform and hold the hoses. Prepare to get wet. Lunch and t-shirt are provided. All participants register by June 3. Ages: 6-12 $10/ child ($11 Non-Resident); www.opelikaparks.com Family Discovery Hike: Berries Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 PM. Monthly guided hike through the Kreher forest. Learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain. www.auburn.edu/preserve
Wednesday, June 12 Day in the Life: Power Services Academy 9:00 AM. Join the members of the Opelika Power Services Dept. as they demonstrate their skills and invite participants to have hands on fun. www.opelikaparks.com Letters to Dad Auburn Public Library. 2:30 PM. With Father’s Day coming up, join us for a chance to write a heartfelt letter to your father. Refreshments and a variety of stationary will be provided at this opportunity to let you dad know how much he means to you. www.auburnalabama.org Kids Puppetry Workshop Auburn Public Library. 10 AM-4 PM. Ages 8-12. Discover the art of puppetry, from writing scripts and directing puppet plays to learning about movement and performing as puppeteers! At the end of the camp, you and your puppets will be the stars as you put on your very own show! The Puppetry Workshop is limited to 15 participants, so register early! Register by emailinglibraryevents@ auburnalabama.org or calling 334-501-3296. Lunch is provided by the library.
Friday, June 14 Kids Drive-in Movie: “Boss Baby” Opelika Sportsplex. Ages 4-7. 5:30 PM: Make your car, then at 6:20 PM watch the movie! $5. Boxes, supplies and refreshments provided. www.opelikasportsplex.com
– 4:00 PM. Every third Saturday of the month, join us for a tour of the current exhibit and then explore your creative side with an activity in the Center for Creative Learning classrooms. Spend the afternoon or just drop in and experience the arts at a comfortable pace for you and your family. www. lagrangeartmuseum.org
Sunday, June 16 Father’s Day at The Montgomery Zoo Free admission for dads. Join us and help celebrate Father’s Day for all the dads in the world! www.montgomeryzoo.com
Thursday, June 20 Palettes & Plants Watercolor Workshop Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 6 PM. Join local artist Lauren Duncan and learn about local plants from staff at the Kreher Ecology Preserve and then experiment with a variety of watercolor paint techniques. Each student will create a series of 3 watercolor leaf paintings. All materials are provided - bring snacks and drinks! The cost is $60. www. preserve.auburn.edu Plants & Paintbrushes Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 4-6 PM. Join local artist Lauren Duncan for this unique and exciting art workshop. Learn about some native plants from the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center’s educators and then experiment with a variety of watercolor paint techniques. Each student will create a series of 3 watercolor leaf paintings. All materials are provided - please bring snacks and drinks! The cost is $60. (334) 844-8091 •preserve@auburn.edu Covington Movie Club: “Hotel Transylvania” 3:30 - 5 PM. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. $3 per child. www.opelikasportsplex.com
Friday, June 21 Float in Movie Opelika SportsPlex. 7:00 PM. Free for SportPlex members and $5 for guests. www.opelikaparks.com
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Alexander City Jazz Fest Also June 15. For 28 years the Alexander City Jazz Fest has been a draw to music fans from all of the nation. The Festival is held annually on the second full weekend of June. www.alexcityjazzfest.com
Auburn Food & Wine Festival TwentyOne Acres, Auburn. Benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of
Saturday, June 15
Greater Lee County, 5-9 p.m. www.auburnfoodandwinefestival.com
Sip and Paint Workshop LaGrange Museum. Join us in the CCL for an evening of creativity and fun! Local artists will walk you through the painting process to create your own masterpiece. No experience necessary! All art materials are provided. Bring your own wine and snack! You must be at least 21 years of age with proper identification to consume alcohol. Painting begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. Please arrive at 6:30 to park, check-in, unwind, uncork, & get smocked! Price for the class is $30. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org
10th Annual Day in Clay Dean Road Recreation Center. 1:00-4:00 PM. Hosted by the Dean Road Ceramics Studio. During this one day open house we encourage the whole family to visit our fully-equipped studio, enjoy beverages and snacks as well as watch demonstrations by studio members. Visitors who want to have the experience of working in clay can pay $10 per person and select either an adult or kids project to create. All projects are led by Dean Road Ceramic Studio instructors and will be taught at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. If you want to make a project, stop by the Harris Center located at 425 Perry Street to reserve your spot by Thursday, June 20! ccleckler@auburnalabama.org
Super Saturdays LaGrange Art Museum. Drop in anytime from 1:00
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fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. www.stonemountainpark.com
The Temptations and the Four Tops Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The TEMPTATIONS are notable for their success with Motown Records during the 60’s and 70’s and have sold 10’s of millions of albums, making them one of the most successful groups in music history! www.mpaconline.org/events/
Summer Swing Concert in the Park: Fedoras July 2. Monkey Park, Opelika. 7 PM. Free train rides and concession sales begin at 6:15 PM. www.opelikaparks. com
Tuesday, June 25 Author Talks: Carmen Argra Deedy Auburn Public Library. 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Join us for an author event with acclaimed author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy. As the author of 11 books for children, Carmen Agra Deedy has been writing for children for over two decades. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the U.S. as a refugee in 1964. She grew up in Decatur, Georgia, where she lives today.
Wednesday, June 26 Leon Majcen & Bryan Elijah Smith The Sound Wall. 7 PM. Come and enjoy some great music from two talented songwriters.
Friday, June 28 Friday Night Splash Auburn Samford Pool. Summer Movie Series: “Coco” Monkey Park, Opelika. 6:30 PM. Yard games and train rides. 8:30 PM Movie. www.opelikaparks.com
Saturday, June 29 Red, White and Blueberry Bash Davis Arboretum, Auburn. 11 AM - 3 PM. Auburn University’s Davis Arboretum will host its first ever Red, White and Blueberry Bash. This delicious event is sure to be fun for everyone! www.auburn.edu/cosam/arboretum Young Eagles Day Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 AM (weather permitting). All kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a Free airplane ride over Columbus! Most flights last 20 minutes. The goal is to provide a fun and educational aviation experience. 706-324-2453. Science on Saturdays: Raptors 10 AM. Raptors are birds of prey with sharp beaks and powerful talons! At this program, representatives from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will visit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to show you some of these incredible birds, up-close and in-person. preserve@auburn.edu
July Fantastic Fourth Celebration July 1-7. Stone Mountain Park. Don’t miss the 51st Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration! The Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers have voted Stone Mountain Park as the best place in Atlanta to enjoy
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Independence Day Celebration at The Wharf July 3. Orange Beach. The Wharf will be in fullfreedom mode celebrating America’s independence with flair on July 3rd! Main Street will be home to loads of children’s activities and serve as the prime vantage spot to watch the fireworks display. The palm trees will radiate red, white and blue for the occasion and Spectra the Sound and Light Spectacular shows will resume directly after the fireworks. Throw on your finest patriotic gear, amp up the spirit and come join the party. www.alwharf. com 67th Annual Freedom Celebration Presented by Opelika Parks and Recreation July 3. Opelika High School Track. 6:30 PM Fireworks. Celebrate Independence Day with inflatable games, food, musical entertainment and activities for the whole family. Grand Bay Watermelon Festival July 3-4. Enjoy a day and half of family fun, arts, crafts, entertainment, food, and rides for the young and young at heart on July 3rd, with no admission charge, from 3 to 7 PM. Only on July 4, admission is $5 per vehicle and you can enjoy all the free sliced ice-cold watermelon you can eat, arts, crafts, entertainment, food and rides from 8 AM to 4 PM. There will be a special children’s area, an Open Car Show and a “Pretty Baby” contest, too. Lots of shaded area. Indoor and portable restrooms are available. www.grandbaywatermelonfestival.org 4th of July Boat Parade July 4. Lake Martin. Patriotically-decorated boats will parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor and back. 10 a.m. 334-857-2111. www. russellmarine.net. 4th of July at The Amp July 4. Lake Martin. The Southeast’s LARGEST 4th of July Fireworks show will once again fire from The AMP on Lake Martin at 9 PM! Come claim your spot on the Grassy Lawn before 5:45, that’s when The Bank Walkers will take the stage with some great Lake Martin based music! Around 7:45 we’ll have our Hula Hoop Contest and this year the Twist Contest will be back, with prizes for the best hooper and twister! Then around 8, from Gadsden we welcome The Tyn Tymes! After the Fireworks, the Tyn Tymes will take the stage again and will play until 10:30. Come join us on the lawn at The AMP. www. theamponlakemartin.com Annual Fourth of July Celebration Sponsored by Briggs & Stratton July 4. Celebrate Independence Day with the entire Auburn Community, Auburn Parks and Recreation and Briggs and Stratton! Enjoy great food for purchase, fun music, free inflatables, free CYBER
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GAME TRUCK adventures, free goodies courtesy of Briggs and Stratton and The best fireworks display in the entire area! So grab your lawn chair, blanket and the family and join us for a fabulous night of entertainment and a chance to show your patriotic spirit! Gates open at 5 p.m. Band begins at 6 p.m.; Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The rain date is Friday, July 5. The FREE Celebration will be held behind the Home Side of the Duck Samford Football Stadium. jyjones@auburnalabama.org Arti Gras July 5-6. Alexander City. 9 AM-3 PM. See the juried work of all of our exhibitors that includes paintings, jewelry, photography, sculpture and more. On the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. www.russellcrossroads.com Recycled Teenagers Book Club July 8. Opelika Public Library. 2:00 PM. Monthly book club featuring lively discussions around books chosen by Opelika Library Director, Rosanna McGinnis. Books are provided. vwhite@opelika-al.gov Summer Swing Concert in the Park: Martha’s Trouble July 9. Monkey Park, Opelika. 7 PM. Free train rides and concession sales begin at 6:15 PM. www.opelikaparks.com Wacky Water Games July 9. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 3:00 PM. Be prepared to get soaked with bubbles, water balloons and more! www.opelikasportsplex.com Family Discovery Hikes: Reptiles July 9. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 PM. Guided hikes through the Kreher forest, offering excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Float-N-Movie July 11. Samford Pool. 8 PM. Join the Aquatics Staff for a Float-N-Movie. Enjoy a movie under the stars while relaxing and floating on a tube or lounging on the pool deck. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite inflatable from home, as none will be provided. Concessions will be available throughout the evening. FREE admission with Splash Pass or prior admission to the pool earlier that day (please get a hand stamp before leaving) or $2 per person. Movie Begins at 8:15 p.m. Movie: “Finding Dory”. (334) 501 – 2957 www.auburnalabama.org/pools
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Covington Movie Club: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” July 11. 3:30-5 PM. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. $3 per child. www.opelikasportsplex.com Heart of Waverly Barbecue & Show July 13. Standard Deluxe. Line up includes Channing Wilson, Cecil Allen Moore, Michelle Malone, Tony Brook and Lew Card. 11 AM-8:30 PM. www.standarddeluxe.com Active Auburn Fit Week July 14-20. Frank Brown Rec Center and Boykin Community Center. We are offering a FREE, week long membership for Auburn residents to try getting active at Frank Brown Recreation Center and Boykin Community Center Fitness Centers. Frank Brown’s fitness center has a cardio room, weight room, and an aerobics room for classes. The Boykin fitness center offers all new workout equipment after a complete renovation in 2018. Membership fees are usually a one-time, $25 fee; however, during Fit Week we are offering a FREE membership trial.
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Covington Movie Club: “The Grinch” July 18. 3:30-5 PM. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. $3 per child. www.opelikasportsplex.com
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Cheers On the Corner July 19. Downtown Auburn. The Downtown Auburn Merchant’s Association invites you to cool off this summer at Cheers on the Corner from 6 PM to 10 PM. Each of the stops along the way will provide you with a savory bite representative of the flavors of downtown Auburn. You will also receive a complimentary souvenir glass. Tickets available at downtownauburnonline.com.
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Goofy Games July 24. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Games, games and more games! Enjoy relays like egg drop and group games like Twister! 3:30-5:00 p.m. www.opelikasportsplex.com Auburn Area Community Theatre presents AACT-OUT! July 25. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 6 PM. Come help us celebrate our 16th season. This FREE event will include refreshments, recognition of our sponsors and volunteers, information on how to get involved, live previews of our season titles, and the option to buy season tickets, or Flex Passes! Auburn Area Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the Auburn/Opelika Community. AuburnACT.org. FREE to the Public. Summer Movie Series: “Hook” July 26. Monkey Park, Opelika 6:30 PM. Yard games and train rides. 8:30 PM movie begins. www.opelikasportsplex.com Juggling Class with Todd Key July 30. Auburn Public Library. 4 PM. Juggling is a skill that takes a lot of practice, but can be mastered with the right instruction and persistence. Learn to juggle in a class with professional juggler Todd Key. This class is limited to 12 students. Please register by emailinglibraryevents@auburnalabama.org or calling 334-501-3296.
Ongoing/Multiple Dates Friday on the Green May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28. Alexander City. Bring the kids and watch them swing or play corn hole, draw on the sidewalks, and just run around. Bring your pup on a leash. It is one of the best free summertime events around. So grab your cooler and come listen to come great music and have a great time. www.russellcrossroads.com The Alexander City Sun Festival June 6-15. Sun Festival is a week-long community event of 40+ individual events offering something for every age including children and senior activities, art, exercise, a scavenger hunt and more, all culminating in Jazz Fest weekend. Visit www. alexandercitychamber.com or follow us on Facebook at Sun Festival Alexander City for up to the minute information. Art Gone Wild: Paint-Out Week June 3-7. Zoo Atlanta. Visiting the Zoo in June? You definitely don’t want to miss seeing artists live in action during Art Gone Wild! From June 3-7, up to 40 incredible artists will be stationed throughout the Zoo
creating original works of art inspired by the animals of Zoo Atlanta. Select pieces created here at the Zoo en plein air (in the open air) during Paint-Out Week will be available for purchase during the Art Gone Wild Sale, June 15-16. www.zooatlanta.com Noon Tunes Courthouse Square, Opelika, 12 noon. www.opelikaparks.com May 29: Strawberry Whine Summer Swing Concerts in the Park Monkey Park, Opelika. 7 PM. Free train rides and concession sales begin at 6:15 PM. May 28: Crossroads June 4: Kidd Blue June 11: Bill J. Brooks, Elvis Lives! June 18: Muse June 25: Route 66 Monthly Market June 25. Auburn Parks and Recreation as we partner with our local growers to host the APRD Monthly Market on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Visit the Harris Center from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. to find the best produce, jams, jellies and bounty of Lee County! This event is FREE and open to the public. wmorris@auburnalabama.org Main Street Farmer’s Market June 8 - Oct. 26. Alexander City. 7-11 AM. Main Street Alexander City brings you the Farmer’s Market for 2019, showcasing the best that area growers have to offer, including fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, cheeses, breads and the occasional craft item. Rain or shine at the fountain on Broad Street. www.alexandercitychamber.com Michael’s Kids Club Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. They craft, you shop! Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. 10 AM - 12 Noon. June 1 - Fruit Canvas Home Depot Kids Workshop June 1 and July 6. First Saturday of every Month 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12. All children get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. www.homedepot.com Monday Madness at the Plex June 8, 10, 22, 24. Opelika Parks and Rec. Summer fun at the SportsPlex for individuals with special needs.www.opelikasportsplex.com Catfish Press Exchange Through June 16. The Catfish Press Exchange represents the collaborative efforts of thirty-seven printmakers from across the nation invited to contribute to this “exchange folio.” The exhibition of these images at the Jule Collins Smith of Fine Art is a rare opportunity to view examples of distinctive, contemporary printmaking never intended for commercial release. www.facebook.com/JCSMAuburn Florence Neal: Works On Paper Jule Collins Museum of Fine Arts, June 29 - Oct. 20. Auburn University alumna (1976) and New York based artist Florence Neal is the director and co-founder (1990) of Kentler International Drawing Space, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing to the public contemporary drawings and works on paper by emerging and under-recognized local, national and international artists, and to providing the opportunity to experiment, explore and expand the definition of art in society. She will work on site at the museum to produce a set
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of mokuhanga prints stemming from selected tree rubbing drawings made at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Children’s Art Studio May 28 (for ages 6-8 years); May 29 (for ages 9-12 years); May 30 (for ages 13+). LaGrange Art Museum. Get creative while discovering art in the museum’s studios and galleries! Explore the LAM’s collection to experiment with different materials and learn about art concepts. Develop your own art portfolio through studio activities including painting, collage, sculpting, printmaking, and drawing. $65, $60 Member. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org Saturday at Pioneer Park June 8 and July 13. Loachapoka. On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history reenactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org Second Saturday at Columbus Museum June 8 and July 13. 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus. 10 AM - noon. Free Admission. Drop by the art cart with the kids each month to explore various mediums of art, enjoy art related stories, and participate in gallery hunts at the Museum. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. www.columbusmuseum.com Megabugs April - November. Stone Mountain Park. Some colossal crawlers are taking over Stone Mountain Park! Featuring more than 70 new exhibits of larger-than-life insects, MEGABUGS! is an immersive and interactive area for ‘bugologists’ of any age to explore. In a special habitat at the park, guests will come face-to-face with a giant 15-foot Emperor Dragonfly, a 20-foot Hissing Cockroach, a 50-foot Madagascan Fire Millipede, and much more! These exhibits spotlight special features including the individual sounds and movements that make these insects unique members of the animal kingdom. www.stonemountainpark.com Friday Night Movies on the Beach Callaway Gardens. 8:30 PM. Join us every Friday night at Robin Lake Beach for a movie under the stars! Movies begin at Dusk, typically around 8:30 p.m. Fee: Free with Gardens Admission or Membership OR entry after 5 p.m. $10 per Adult, $5 per Child (ages 6-12).www.callawaygardens.com June 1: Wonder June 6: Despicable Me 3 June 15: Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle FSU Flying High Circus June 1-July 20. Callaway Gardens. Circus performances are free with admission. No ticket is required. Seating is all general admission. Every Summer since 1961, the FSU Flying High Circus has been in residence at Callaway Gardens. Comprised of talented college students who train and perform as an extracurricular activity, the circus selects its top performers for their stay at Callaway Gardens from early June to late July. During this time, they serve as Summer Family Adventure camp counselors and keep audiences on the edge of their seats with trapeze acts, highwire walks, juggling performances and much more. Saturday Summer Music Series Callaway Gardens 7:00 PM. Free with Gardens Admission or Membership OR entry after 5 p.m. $10
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FamilyCalendar per Adult, $5 per Child (ages 6-12), www.callawaygardens.com. May 26: The Regulars June 2: Goodfellas June 9: Into the Further June 16: Wicked Dixie Summer At the Rock June 8 - July 28. Stone Mountain Park. From funfilled attractions to special summer entertainment and the nightly Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision®, it’s the perfect destination for you and your family to unplug and reconnect this summer. www.stonemountainpark.com Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. 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. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome.
Library Events Summer Serendipity Join us at the Auburn Public Library at 2 p.m. for delightful surprises each week. This program is fun for the whole family. All ages welcome! www.auburnalabama.org June 11: : Southeastern Raptor Center June 18: Dr. Magical Balloons June 25: Carmen Agra Deedy, 2 & 6 PM July 2: 4th of July Craft July 9: Origami Magic Amazing Alabama Community Art Project June 7, 14, 21, 28. Opelika Public Library. 10 AM. library@opelika-al.gov. In celebration of our state’s bicentennial, we welcome 4th through 8th graders to take part in our summer long community art project. We will be highlighting every county in Alabama and creating a large wall-size piece of art to hang in the Library until the end of the year. Board Game Open Play June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15. Opelika Public Library. From Monopoly to Betrayal at the House on the Hill to Sushi Go, Monday is for board games. BYOB (that’s Bring Your Own Board game) or play one of ours. 1:00-5:00 PM. Board Game Hangout May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24. Opelika Public Library. From Monopoly to Betrayal at the House on the Hill to Sushi Go, Monday is for board games. BYOB
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(that’s Bring Your Own Board game) or play one of ours. Board Game Hangout is geared towards ages 16 and up. 5:00-7:00 PM. www.opelika.al/gov Baby Time May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25. Auburn Public Library. Babies and their favorite adults enjoy 20 minutes of stories, songs, bounces, and tickles during Baby Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages birth-24 months. Tuesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:0010:30 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Toddler Time May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26. Auburn Public Library. Toddlers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Toddler Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages 18 months-3 years. 9:3010:00 AM or 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Preschool Time May 30, June 6, 13, 20. Preschoolers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Preschool Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! 3 – 5 years. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www. auburnalabama.org/library. Story Time May 27, 31, June 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28. Opelika Public Library. Join us for an interactive and engaging preschool program that is sure to delight and entertain. They won’t even know they are learning! Meets Mondays and Fridays. library@opelika-al.gov. Summer Story Time May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28. Opelika Public Library. The story time you know and love but expanded for Summer! Every Friday in June and July we will have story times for little ones and interactive story games for school age children from Kindergarten through completed 3rd grade. Ages 0-3rd grade. This engaging program is part of our Summer Reading Program schedule and is sure to delight and entertain. 10:00 AM. library@opelika-al.gov Monday Movies Auburn Public Library. Cool off at the library this summer with an air-conditioned movie! Join us each Monday in June and July for TWO showings of some great movies. Popcorn and water! This program is free and open to the public! June 3: Lego Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles 10 AM AND The Lego Movie 2 at 2 PM and 6 PM. June 10: Ultimate Spiderman at 10 AM AND SpiderMan: Into the Spider Verse at 2 PM and 6 PM. July 15: Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury at 10 AM AND How to Train Your Dragons: The Hidden World at 2 PM and 6 PM. Summer Movie Madness June 3, 10, 17, 24. Opelika Public Library. library@ opelika-al.gov. Every Monday, join Cooper Library Children’s Staff for a free movie matinee. Movie Schedule available on Cooper Library calendar at www. cooperlibrary.com. Popcorn and lemonade provided. Saturday STEM Storytime June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Auburn Public Library. Preschoolers - 2nd grade children and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime on Saturday mornings that is all about STEM. 10:0011:00 AM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math This storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format Please note: Some activities may involve messy fun! (334) 501-3296.
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Brick Builders Club June 6, 13, 20, 27. Opelika Public Library. If you love creating with Lego bricks, then this is the place to be! Open to all ages, but geared towards schoolaged children, your creativity will take the spotlight as you build whatever you can imagine. Lego bricks provided. library@opelika-al.gov. Gamers Society
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June 13. Auburn Public Library. 4:00 PM. It’s Game On at the Auburn Public Library The Programming Room will be open for Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, and video games Gamers must bring their own materials The library will provide materials for video game play. Games must be rated E, E10, or T; no rated M games. www. auburnalabama.org/library.
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Code Club May 28, June 6, 13, 20, 27. Opelika Public Library. Code Club at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your kids how to make website, apps, and games in a fun environment. Bring your own laptop if you have one, but it is not required. Thursdays.
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Code Club, Jr. May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26. Opelika Public Library. Code Club at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your kids how to make website, apps, and games in a fun environment. Wednesdays, 3:30 PM. library@opelika-al.gov Imagination Lab May 28, June 6, 13, 20, 27. Opelika Public Library. The Imagination Lab is for young minds to explore and create. From magnetic circuits making sound to programming a small robot, the lab is waiting for BRAIN power to create a spark! Thursdays, 3:004:00 PM. library@opelika-al.gov
Performances June Buggin’ at the We Piddle Around Theater June 6. Brundidge. The June Buggin’ event is much like a June bug with a string tied to its leg and released to fly this way and that way at its own will and to the delight of the one holding the string. Each June, the Brundidge Historical Society presents June Buggin’ and the shows are as unpredictable and magical as the flight of a June bug. Those who come to the summer story shows are treated to a mixed bag of smiles, sighs, and salty tears. “Kinky Boots” June 4-5. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. With songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. www.rivercenter.org “Finding Neverland” June 19-20. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. www.rivercenter.org
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FamilyCalendar “Junie B. Jones” June 14-15. Lafayette Theatre Academy, LaFayette, Al. www.lsparts.org.
Support & Parenting Groups A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an allinclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-728-1162 or email: momofpnk@ gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-7058877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Auburn UMC Children’s Day Out Program Every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each additional child. Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information. Auburn United Methodist Church.
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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/.
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Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580.
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Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika. We offer fellowship and fun for moms of kiddos from infancy through age 15. We offer play dates, moms nights out, and special events! For more information check us out on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMOPS or email us at auburnopelikamops@gmail.com.
Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama. For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net. GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help. Grandparents and Non-Parent Relatives or Friends Raising Children Support Group For grandparents or any non-parent involved in raising younger children. Meetings first Monday of every month @ Auburn United Methodist Church Annex, Room D134, 6 - 7 p.m. Various speakers and lots of support from others in your same situation. Childcare is provided. Phone Lisa @ 334-421-7163 or Debra @ 334-332-9703. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334-257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children.
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.
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.
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.
Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www. miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com.
Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov).
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.
Bible Study Fellowship Held at Parkway Baptist Church, Thursdays at 10 a.m., (334) 546-1386.
MOPS of Auburn We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Auburn United Methodist Church from 9:30 - 11:30. Childcare is provided, although we ask that you make reservations if possible. Meetings are open to mothers with children ages 5 and under. www.facebook.com/ mopsofauburn mopsofauburn@gmail.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun
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social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy. 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy meets the 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. and the next evening (Tuesday) from 6-7:30
p.m. Visit www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Email info@leecountyautism.com or call 334-740-0716. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com. Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Ms. Shanquetta France at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2296, Ext. 1812 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life! Trinity UMC (Opelika) Mom’s Morning Out Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional. Trinity United Methodist Church.
Sports Montgomery Biscuits Baseball May 26, June 2-6. Columbus Lions June 1, 29. www.columbuslions.net
Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
When Teen Anger Burns Bright In the right context, fire is helpful. It can warm a house, cook your s’mores, even act as a signal for rescuers should you get lost in the woods somehow. But left unattended, even a small flame can easily turn into a devastating disaster, ravaging homes and causing untold damage. Dealing with angry kids without getting angry yourself is not easy. Teaching teens how to express their feelings in the right way doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. And it begins with a conscious effort to make anger constructive rather than destructive.
See Where the Fire Started
With teens, anger is usually an emotional response to not getting something wanted, or losing something once held dear. I’m not talking about anger over not getting material things, like the latest video game or a later curfew (even though these things can provoke anger). What I’m talking about is a deeper anger over unfulfilled needs and wants, which usually happens when something of true value is lost. For instance, a girl being angry because she was taken advantage of physically, so she’s lost a sense of self and self-respect in the process. Or the more common situation of a child who is angry with one, or both, biological parents for their divorce and the split-up of the family. When dealing with anger, remember that anger is just an expression of a deeper issue. Your teenagers may not even know why they are angry, but finding out what is missing or lost in their life is the key to dealing with it. When you take time to peel back the layers and get to the bottom of the anger you’re seeing, you may uncover the real source of the fire. I’ll be honest—this takes a level of patience and grace on the part of us moms and dads. It’s difficult to respond calmly when your son or daughter is shouting, or when they shut down in silence. But it never helps when parents become angry themselves. It’s extremely counter-productive, and chances are your teens’ anger will increase, not decrease. Instead, start asking questions to expose the need in your teen’s life. What’s happening at school? What’s going on at home? What’s happening with friends? Does your daughter Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
feel clumsy and ugly? Does your son feel untalented or un-gifted? Is there a habit your teen can’t break, or a relationship they want fixed? Do a little investigation in your son or daughter’s life, and find the root of the anger. If you address the need, you’re well on your way to stopping the anger.
Allowing the Fire to Burn Out
It’s never productive to simply put a stopper on anger—if you do, it will just boil up somewhere else. As long as the underlying issue remains, those emotions will show themselves somewhere. When my dad told me, “you better get rid of that bad attitude,” it was nearly impossible for me to do so. I learned to smile and say “okay” but the anger was still there … and it always came out in other areas of my life. And then there are the clichés or advice that sound wise, but turned out to be very misguided. Ever heard, “every time you get angry, just walk away”? In theory that sounds good, but that’s really a bad anger habit. If I walked away from every person that ticked me off, I wouldn’t be able to get through many conversations. And can you imagine walking away from your wife or husband in the middle of an argument? That’s a rookie mistake and it never ends well.
Don’t Allow the Fire to Rage
It is important to manage the behavioral side of a teenager’s anger while dealing with the emotional side. Teens can become very volatile, even violent at times; but physical and disrespectful outbursts cannot be allowed. A parent must draw and hold firm lines as to what behavior will and will not be tolerated. You may need to say, “if you’re angry, I’m okay with that. But if you become disrespectful, we will pause this conversation until you can calm down.” Taking a break from an unhealthy conversation is different than walking away. When you put a pause on things, you’re saying, “this is important and we need to talk about it, but right now it isn’t fruitful. Let’s take a few minutes to calm down.” The feelings your teens are suffering can seem very real to them, but it does not give them license to strike out. When tempers flare and anger starts to rise, the best thing you can do as a mom or dad is to take a step back, either emotionally, or even physically. Dealing with anger needs to happen in an environment of unconditional love. When 50
your teenage son comes through the door with furrowed brow and fire in his eyes, stop and ask him questions. “What are you thinking about when you feel this angry?” is better than asking “Why are you so angry all the time?” It changes the interaction from one of blame to one of interest. The goal should be to create an environment for solutions; one that welcomes the child, and makes sure they aren’t afraid to express their true emotions in an acceptable manner. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! But if a child can’t express and release the emotions they feel, teens will live out the anger in other, much more harmful, ways. It’s best to step in and help your teens understand acceptable ways to express their anger. Show them healthy ways to let off steam and deal with their emotions. We had a young man at Heartlight many years ago who had serious anger issues. I gave him an old golf club and told him to go out and beat on a tree when he felt like he couldn’t handle things any more. It gave him a way to dissipate his anger without hurting himself or anyone else while we worked with him to understand and process the truly awful things that had happened to him.
Don’t Ignore the Smoke
Wise parents look at anger as a warning sign. If you see anger in a place you don’t expect it, it is an indication that there is something going on that you don’t know about that needs to be dealt with. Dig until you find it. Don’t let it go, because it will keep causing behavioral trouble until the underlying issue is dealt with. Remember, you may be able to manage your teens’ behavior by giving them negative consequences, but you will never deal with the root issues that way. When you tell a child not to feel a certain way, like when you say, “quit acting so angry all the time,” they don’t see how that is possible. But when you help them address the real issue that is causing their angry behavior, it instills a sense of hope. Getting at the source of the problem and finding strategies for working through it gives them a path they can follow, and offers a way to move past their anger. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.
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Puzzles: Putting It All Together
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Puzzles are the perfect plaything to help the physical and mental growth of young children. Manipulating diverse pieces into a whole image, planned or freeform, is ideal for healthy development. From supporting both fine and gross motor control to fostering shape recognition and problem-solving skills, providing children with puzzles gives them a great start on figuring out how it all fits together. The following products sample puzzles that can help foster child development while boosting their self-esteem with a job well done.
by Gerry Paige Smith
Winding Snail and Elephant Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles
Fidget Snake Cubes (Ganawo)
With a linear twist on Rubik’s Cube manipulation, Fidget Snake Cubes feature a length of colorful interlocking triangles that fold, rotate and lock into unlimited shapes and configurations. In addition to offering children creative control of the outcomes, the ‘snakes’ satisfy little hands’ need for sensory engagement. Unlike traditional puzzle pieces that are placed and left static, the shapes that emerge from this solid state puzzle are always open to continual adjustment, improvement and change. The set includes three snake cubes in different color schemes. Open-ended, portable and full of potential for endless outcomes, Fidget Snake Cubes put the power of creative puzzle play into the littlest busy hands.
(Monilon)
Following the easily recognized shapes of a snail and elephant, Monilon’s jigsaw puzzles combine the satisfaction of picture puzzle assembly with numerical and alphabetical literacy. Young problem-solvers can choose to build the puzzle with visual cues to its shape or they can use number/letter order to guide the pieces into the proper places. Fifty-two colorful, splinter-free smooth sanded wood pieces ensure easy and safe exploration of the puzzle journey. Whether puzzling solo or with the company of a parent or playmate, this durable puzzle set provides kids with more than one way to put it all together.
Transformer Robot Cube
Pattern Blocks and Boards
From compact cube to action hero, the connected elements of the Transformer Robot Cube twist, turn and rotate to create a figure with a surprising variety of posing and movement options. Ideal for fostering fine motor skills and problem-solving, this anthropomorphic figure is also ready-made for pretend-play scenarios at any time. The bigger challenge is finding the right order of moves to return the robot to its original cube shape, but it doesn’t hinder the entertainment value while kids explore the robot play alternatives. With no scattered pieces to depend on and to keep up, the Transformer Robot Cube is an all-inclusive portable puzzle fun option. It’s a robot! It’s a cube! Get you a puzzle that can do both!
A bright alternative to interlocking puzzles, the Melissa and Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards creates a more versatile experience in symmetry, patterns and manipulatives. This boxed set features double-sided templates that provide kids with excellent guidance for puzzle building. Using 120 wooden blocks in a broad variety of shapes and colors, kids can create linear patterns, sort blocks by color, count pieces, and more. Reminiscent of tangrams and math manipulatives, the patterns offer challenging guidelines for straight-edge puzzle solving. As kids become familiar with the shapes and how they align, the blocks can become creative elements in a child’s original configurations and designs, expanding the puzzle repertoire for young builders.
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Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com
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The Sun Is Also a Star
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: B Sexual Content: BProfanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: A Is it possible to fall in love with someone in just one day? Daniel Bae (Charles Melton) certainly thinks so. Mesmerized by Natasha Kingsley (Yara Shahidi), who he has just met, he bets he can make her fall in love with him in 24 hours – or one, if time is limited. Natasha, a hard-headed realist, doesn’t believe in love, let alone instant love. But Daniel assures her that if she answers carefully selected questions, they will fall for each other. What Daniel doesn’t know is that he is racing against the clock in more ways than one: Natasha and her family are undocumented immigrants and are scheduled to be deported on the following day. Parents may well be delighted to know that The Sun Is Almost a Star is one of the cleanest teen romantic dramas to hit the big screen recently. It features minimal swearing, no drug or alcohol use, and one fistfight. Even sexual content is limited to embracing, kissing, and one make-out session where the young couple remain fully clothed. Despite the movie’s irksome cinematography and improbable plot, it’s still be an enjoyable viewing experience for fans of romantic drama, and that is entirely due to the cast. Charles Melton and Yara Shahidi have a magnetic screen presence and real chemistry, which compensates for the occasionally awkward dialogue and the moments where the acting can feel a bit studied. The young couple have such vibrant energy and such unbelievable good looks that it is almost impossible to tear one’s eyes away from the screen.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A When Tim (Justice Smith) hears from the Ryme City Police Department that his estranged father has been killed in the line of duty, he sets out for the big city to clean out his father’s apartment. Once there, he finds a strange vial full of purple gas and an amnesiac Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) snooping around. To his astonishment, Tim can understand the Pikachu and learns that he has a connection to Tim’s father. Together, they decide to get to the bottom of his father’s disappearance and begin to follow the leads on his final investigation. With the help of reporter Lucy Stevens (Kathryn Newton) and her Psyduck, Tim and Pikachu find that the investigation goes far deeper than they ever could have imagined. I’ll admit, I was kind of expecting this movie to be 90 minutes of boiled trash. Instead, it’s 104 minutes of surprisingly funny and heartfelt storytelling. Ryan Reynolds brings his usual repertoire of high-speed deadpan comedy, but at a much more child appropriate level than his similar turn in Deadpool. Much like Shrek and Toy Story, this film features good mix of comedy: there’s loads of slapstick and silly jokes for younger viewers, and plenty of wry observations (and the odd mild double entendre) for parents. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is one of the funnier family movies I’ve seen lately. Best of all, the movie keeps its runtime down so the kids don’t get bored and the adults won’t get irritated. If you’re looking for entertainment for a wide age range, you can definitely choose this Pokémon tale.
Tolkien
A Dog’s Journey
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: C Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: C Nicolas Hoult shines as John Ronald Ruel Tolkien, a troubled orphan born in South Africa, navigating the socially complex world of British private schools and the usual struggles of adolescence and early adulthood. Eventually he gathers together a cadre of likeminded friends who call themselves the “Tea Club and Barrovian Society” – a group dedicated to using art to change the world. But Tolkien’s problems aren’t over: he also finds himself infatuated with a young woman named Edith who lives in the boarding house he shares with his brother. And academics are challenging; even a man of Tolkien’s brilliance struggles to maintain his scholarship to Oxford. Come 1914, everything he knows is threatened by the outbreak of the Great War- will he be able to hold on to everything he has found in the conflict? To be honest, I’m not entirely sure if my lifelong obsession with Tolkien’s work is the reason that I enjoyed this film so much or if it is a fine movie on its own merits. But I’d argue that the film is objectively good, based on the following criteria. First, the writing manages to be entertaining without becoming comedic. Secondly, the casting is very well done. As far as parental concerns go, the primary issues with Tolkien are violence and alcohol use, neither of which should trouble teen viewers. The violence is well contextualized in WWI and is portrayed very negatively. That said, it can be intense, and some scenes are too frightening for small children. The alcohol use mostly takes the form of social drinking between schoolmates. While this isn’t commendable, it also isn’t glamorized.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: C In 2017, A Dog’s Purpose introduced us to Bailey (voiced by Josh Gad), a lovable dog whose loyalty to his beloved master Ethan (Dennis Quaid) was literally stronger than death. Reincarnated over and over again, Bailey learned that his purpose was to watch over Ethan forever. But now it’s time for the sequel, A Dog’s Journey, and soon Bailey is dying again. As Bailey slips away, Ethan gives him a new purpose – to protect and watch out for his granddaughter C.J. (Abby Ryder Fortson/Kathryn Prescott) And, boy, does C.J. need protecting. Born one month after her father’s untimely death, C.J. has spent her first two years living with grandparents Ethan and Hannah (Marg Helgenberger) and her immature, self-absorbed mother, Gloria (Betty Gilpin). Convinced that Ethan and Hannah look down on her and want to take her child, Gloria leaves in a huff and refuses to allow the doting grandparents to see C.J. again. Drowning her sorrows in copious amounts of alcohol, Gloria neglects her child and squanders the insurance money that was supposed to provide for C.J.’s future. Clearly, help is needed and this is when Bailey re-enters C.J.’s life, ready to fulfill his purpose. A Dog’s Journey is basically the cinematic equivalent of comfort food: it’s neither innovative nor interesting but it sure makes you feel better. Parents will feel good about taking older kids to this movie, thanks to its lack of profanity and sexual content. The movie feels like a Hallmark TV special, and no matter how bleak things may look, audiences know that this movie’s purpose is to deliver a sentimental, happy-ever-after ending.
Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2019
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SERIOUS PA M P E R I N G ON THE P L A I N S.
From traditional warm stone massages to red carpet ready facials, the six spas on the RTJ Spa Trail offer serious pampering. Recently opened, the Spa at Grand National in the Auburn Marriott Opelika offers three floors of spa services and fitness options. Relax in an infrared sauna or slip into a whirlpool before being pampered by spa professionals. With 20,000 square feet of spa and wellness offerings, experience innovative treatments in four diamond luxury. To learn more call 334.737.2250 or visit SpaGrandNational.com.
AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA RESORT & SPA AT GRAND NATIONAL 3700 ROBERT TRENT JONES TRAIL, OPELIKA, AL 36801 MARRIOTTGRANDNATIONAL.COM
© 2018 Marriott International, Inc.
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Alabama Ranks
#44
in HPV Vaccinations in the United States
ALABAMAPUBLICHEALTH.GOV/ORALHEALTH
ORAL HEALTH OFFICE Promoting Smiles Across a Lifetime