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N O S I G N - U P F E E S , C A N C E L AT I O N F E E S , CL ASS FEES OR HIDDEN C HARGES. J U S T O N E L O W M O N T H LY / Y E A R LY PAY M E N T .
There’s something for everybody, at a price for anybody. Cal James Sr. Weight Room • Charter Foundation Adult Activity Center • EAMC Cardiovascular Area Group Fitness Room • Gymnasium with Large Stage • Indoor Aquatics Center • Indoor Cycling Studio Indoor Walking Track • Outdoor Amphitheater • Outdoor Children’s Playground • Outdoor Walking Trail Personal Training • Pickleball Facility with 12 Covered, Individually Fenced Courts • Splash Park Steam Rooms • Three Meeting Rooms with AV Equipment • Tot Watch • Tumble Tree Disc Golf Course Two Racquetball Courts • W James Samford Soccer Complex • Youth Game Room 10 01 S P O R T S P L E X P K W Y
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Volume 13 Number 1
Columns 4
Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA
Kids Say the Wisest Things
Communicating with your teen.
What Type of Camp Will Your Child Like?
Choose based on their personality.
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Kids Health Watch sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic
26 Tweens, Teens and
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Kristi Bush, LSW
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Dave Says Dave Ramsey
Summer Camp Guide
Find the perfect camp for your child in our extensive listing.
Why Summer Camp is Great for Parents
Enjoy your time while they’re away.
Departments 6
Bits and Pieces
On The Cover Hadley is the daughter of Bert and Holly Hudson. She’s a fourth grade student at Wrights Mill Road Elementary. Hadley loves her family, hanging out with her big sister, Lucy, and all her coaches and teammates at Xtreme Athletics Auburn, where she is a level six competitive gymnast. Hadley says when she grows up she hopes to own a gym and be a gymnastics coach.
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Family Calendar
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Publisher’sNote As the weather warms and slowly brings in spring, our thoughts tend to linger toward the upcoming summer months. It’s time to start planning summer days that will be filled with family vacations, lounging by the pool, and evenings under the stars roasting hotdogs and s’mores. Summer is also a great time for our children to explore new interests and make new friends at camps. Will this be the year your little one becomes more independent and gives sleepover camp a try? Or, will this be the summer where their growing interest in science takes off? How about a week of ballet lessons or theatre acting, ending with the star studded performance of a lifetime? Any of these camps sounds like a summer filled with fun, learning, friendships, and memories. The hard part is deciding which camp will fit your camper’s interests and your family’s needs. In this year’s annual Summer Camp Guide, you’ll discover numerous local, state and national camps. Each one offers unique experiences, themed programming and something to fit all campers, whether they are beginners or camping pros. Deciding the perfect fit is the tough part, yet the most important step to a successful summer for your campers. To help with the process, check out this month’s feature, What Type of Camp Will Your Child Like? The author suggests different questions to ask yourself and to discuss with your children and teens. One of the best questions to consider is if a day camp or overnight camp would be the best option. This is a great way to narrow down the camps and quickly plan where to start your research. Each child, and their readiness for a sleep away camp, varies depending on how independent he or she is. One camper may be ready as early as first grade, while another may not be ready to commit to a week or longer away from home until he is in middle or high school. Another narrowing down question to ask is would your camper prefer to be indoors or outside in nature. If your answer is outdoors and they are ready for a day camp, maybe try Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, right here in Auburn. It is a camp full of fun, exploration and tons of learning. A thought to consider is if your athlete prefers a high level of activities like a soccer camp or would rather focus on independent art projects at the museum or an acting class with Auburn Area Community Theater. Thinking these questions through and talking them out will make the process easier and the end result a successful summer. Don’t let this summer sneak up on you without having planned some fun, family outings and camps for your little ones. Making every minute count this summer is a great starting goal. Summer is a time to kick back and enjoy those laid back summer days and nights. It’s also an important time to keep kids learning, exploring, and growing. From one parent to another, remember that early bird planners make for happy, little summer campers.
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 Kristi Bush, LSW Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Dr. Jordan Jensen Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Cheryl Maguire Dave Ramsey
Cover Photography Keightley Garnett Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com
President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com
Kendra kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com
Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
Auburn Opelika
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Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 329-8073 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2022 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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by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA
“Who Made Communication So Hard?” (Part 3: Teens) A wise and heartbroken teen asked, “Who made communication so hard?” She said this after having a difficult week attempting to advocate for herself. As parents of children over the age of 11, our most important role is to model effective and appropriate communication. To do this well, we have to be quiet, be self-aware, accept responsibility when we fail, ask for forgiveness, and model what we want to see. Talk less and listen more. Let’s be honest, children between the ages of 11 and 18 can be ridiculous. At times, they are overly impulsive, selfish, and talk without thinking. Most of this is because their brains and bodies are hijacked by hormones. Despite their irrationality, it is vital for parents to listen without interrupting. Believe it or not, simply listening to their foolish complaints and outlandish opinions does not equate to agreeing with them. When we al-
Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
low teens to talk without correction, they are often able to hear the childishness in their own words and amend their own thinking. This is something I see over and over again. It is interesting to see their facial expressions when they realize what they are saying! If you want your children to listen, you must be a listener. Model what you want to see. Become fully selfaware. Are you full of fear? Do you treat everyone fairly? Do you always tell the truth? Are you always kind? The old saying, “behavior is caught not taught” is true. You have to model what you want to see. To do this, you have to be fully honest with yourself about your own behavior. Take time to truly reflect. You may want to ask your spouse or a close friend how you come across to others. Make sure you are modeling what you want to see. Ask for forgiveness. Sadly, we all make huge mistakes with the people we love
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most. We yell when we should remain calm, we punish when we should give grace, we interrupt when we should be listening. You will fail during at least one interaction with your child. When you do, sincerely apologize. Use this interaction to demonstrate how you should have responded. Model what you want to see. At this stage of development, children tend to withdraw emotionally from their parents. It is natural for them to begin subconsciously valuing the opinions/advice of friends and other adults. I know it is hard, but it is vital for parents to resist the urge to drown out these voices by becoming louder. You do not want your child to become an argumentative, angry, loud, critical, and frustrated person, so do not model that behavior. Instead, pray for your children’s friends to teach them to be effective communicators. Pray for your children to gain wisdom from every adult. Children learn valuable lessons from both good and bad examples. If possible, surround your child with adults who are modeling what you want to see. Despite what the situation looks like, do not lose hope. Always remind yourself that you are not your teenage self. Your child will also mature past these years.
Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.
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Spring Break Camp at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center
Spring Break Camps at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center are a great way for your children to spend their spring break outdoors, immersed in nature, exercise, and fresh air… and a bit of education, too! Campers will join our naturalists for three days of nature-based learning experiences and adventure in the forests of the Preserve. We offer two weeks to coincide with both Auburn and Opelika spring breaks (Auburn City Schools- March 7-9 and Opelika City Schools- March 14-16). Snacks will be provided; children should bring their lunch and a refillable water bottle each day. Registration is $150 ($120 for members) for 3 days of camp. Visit our website to learn more: https:// aub.ie/springbreakcamp.
Bark in the Park
Calling all dog lovers! Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Lee County Humane Society will host Bark in the Park, an event celebrating responsible dog ownership, held at Kiesel Park in Auburn on March 19 from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. This FREE community event is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. Visit a variety of educational booths, shop with local pet vendors and enjoy door prizes and dog-friendly activities all morning. Looking to expand your canine family? Rescue dogs will be available for adoption as well! Join us for a morning of doggone good fun at the park! Do you have a dog-related business and would like to be a vendor? Contact Sarah Cook at scook@auburnalabama.org or visit auburnalabama.org/parks for an application.
Full STEAM Ahead Spring Break Camp
Join Opelika Public Library for a Spring Break Camp full of learning. During Opelika’s spring break, March 14-18, the library will be hosting special events focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. 2:00 PM each day for ages 2nd-5th grade. tcooper@opelika-al.gov
Down To Earth Campaign Kick Off
Down to Earth is a collaborative communications campaign designed to be a voice for agricultural stakeholders in Alabama to promote the sustainable, conservation-minded practices farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are already doing. Held March 31, 4:00-6:30 PM at the Pike Road Agriculture, Recreation and Performing Center, the event includes family-friendly farm-related activities and displays, food and media competitions, giveaways and so much more! Sponsored by Alabama Agribusiness Council, Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama. Location 6281 Trotman Road, Pike Road. www.downtoearthal.com
An Evening with Kenny G
The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University presents Kenny G, March 29, 7:30 PM. A phenomenally successful instrumentalist whose recordings routinely made the pop, R&B, and jazz charts during the 1980s and ’90s, Kenny G‘s sound became a staple on adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio stations. He’s a fine player with an attractive sound (influenced a bit by Grover Washington, Jr.) who often caresses melodies, putting a lot of emotion into his solos. Because he does not improvise much (sticking mostly to predictable melody statements), his music largely falls outside of jazz. However, because he is listed at the top of “contemporary jazz” charts and is identified with jazz in the minds of the mass public, he is classified as jazz. www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
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Empty Bowls 2022
The City of Auburn's Dean Road Ceramics Studio and the City of Opelika's Denson Drive Recreation Center will host the 9th annual Auburn-Opelika Empty Bowls on Saturday, April 9, from 10 AM - 2 PM at the Denson Drive Recreation Center. This event will include soup, entertainment and raffle prizes. Tickets are $10. Every ticket purchased is a direct donation to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Each ticketholder gets their choice of a handmade bowl created by local artists and a soup lunch. Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger that was initially created by The Imagine Render Group in 1991. Local and regional potters, craftspeople and educators work to create hundreds of handcrafted bowls for each Empty Bowls event. Guests are then invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests can keep their bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in our communities. For more information, please contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at edombrowski@auburnalabama.org, or call (334) 501-2944. www.auburnalabama.org/empty-bowls
Film on Second Sunday at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
A screening of “Sisters with Transistors” (2020), a documentary by Lisa Rovner. SISTERS WITH TRANSISTORS is the remarkable untold story of electronic music’s female pioneers, composers who embraced machines and their liberating technologies to utterly transform how we produce and listen to music today. The film maps a new history of electronic music through the visionary women whose radical experimentations with machines redefined the boundaries of music. March 13, JCSM. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Hairspray! Comes to Columbus
You Can’t Stop the Beat! Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-Winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16 year old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s”, “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat”, Hairspray is “fresh, winning and deliriously tuneful”. (The New York Times). This all-new touring production will reunite Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack 0’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring Hairspray to a new generation of theater audiences. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus, Ga. www.rivercenter.org
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic
Hidden Traumas What do people think when they hear the word “trauma?” Most lean towards something very stressful going on in their lives, notably something emotional, psychological, or a life-or-death event. In the moment, it can be devastating, but it could also be hidden in some respects. A friend and I were hiking up in the Smoky Mountains along the Appalachian Trail about ten years back. Two days in, an unexpected blizzard hit the region, and I ended up getting hypothermia and nearly dying. Fortunately, my friend helped me get to a shelter and treated me accordingly. It was one of those moments in life to be thankful for fellow healthcare professionals. After a few days of rest and warming up, I started feeling fine again, and we headed home, cutting the trip short. About five years following the event, my same friend was getting married, and I was asked to say a few words at the reception. I told his bride about the event, expressing my appreciation for such a reliable friend, but choked up in tears about halfway through, remembering the extreme weather and how scared I was. I hadn’t felt that way about it once before then. In our office, many of the practice members come in with complaints from pain
in different areas to headaches, anxiety, and more and are not sure of the cause or source. What is interesting is we initially ask each new practice member about past traumas, one of the more common instigators of physical problems, and they often fail to mention a car crash, a slip or fall, and even a blow to the head until later into the care plan. “I didn’t feel any pain then” or “The pain eventually went away” are both common dismissals of a possible problem. Your pain is important, but it is not always a reliable indicator of an early problem. A neck MRI study by Nakashima reported that of 1211 asymptomatic individuals, ages 20-70, 87.6% presented with a disc bulge with more findings, including spinal cord compression, found as age increased. A low-back MRI study by Jensen reported that of 98 asymptomatic subjects, ages 2080, 52% had a disc bulge at one level minimum and 27% had a protrusion. Several reviews further confirms that abnormalities often exist in the absence of pain, especially in a history of past trauma. What should the focus be on then? How do we know if there is a hidden problem stressing our spine or another part of our body? Chiropractors are trained to evaluate physical imbalances that can
affect the body in multiple ways. For example, our office evaluates each member with static electromyography (sEMG) regularly to detect neural imbalances, same as NASA uses with their astronauts. Each active member additionally has a leg check performed each visit to see if there is evidence of functional muscular imbalance. These are a couple ways to look for those hidden body stressors. Not every problem is solely a chiropractic solution. Sometimes, it may just be a piece to the puzzle, but it has measures that can be weighed to show if a positive change is happening in the body with treatment. Because we don’t always catch traumas in our lives, having a chiropractor in your healthcare plan is certainly worthwhile.
Dr. Jordan Jensen earned his Bachleor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Auburn University in 2013 and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2018. Following graduation, Dr. Jensen was accepted into the International Chiropractic Association’s Diplomate of Craniocervical Procedures postgraduate program, where his research encompasses Chiropractic’s application of advanced imaging and patient outcomes.
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Deborah Robinson Monte Atkins REALTOR® Associate Broker 434.250.8830 REALTOR® 334.444.3679
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Julie Newman Beverly Jennings Grant Robinson Tori Beth Thompson Associate Broker Associate Broker REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® REALTOR® 334.444.9727 337.759.0382 334.524.0422 334.703.5461
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Carrie King Principal Broker REALTOR® 334.329.5055
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310 Samford Village Court, Suite 100, Auburn, AL9 | www.thehomelink.com | 334.329.5055 www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents
Autauga County Schools
NASA Specialist Speaks to Ogletree Elementary Students
Fourth-graders at Ogletree Elementary explored the science behind rocket launches with insight from Jarrod Bales, an Education and Outreach Specialist for NASA! Stationed out of Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral in Florida, Bales travels the country speaking to K-12 students through the Launch Services Education Program. This program engages students in NASA's mission and improves the quality of STEM education while also providing activities that support the growth of NASA's and the Nation's workforce. Ultimately, the Launch Services Program sends unscrewed rockets into space to observe Earth, visit other planets, and explore the universe. Deployed crafts range from weather satellites and telescopes to the Mars Rovers. After learning more about rocket launches, the students built miniature paper rockets! Thank you to Jarrod for spending time with our students and providing them with an insider's perspective on space exploration.
East Samford School Coach Named U.S. Youth Soccer National Administrator of the Year
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East Samford School’s Jenny Ferguson was named the 2021 U.S. Youth Soccer National Administrator of the Year! The selection process for this honor began in November 2021, with Coach Ferguson first representing the state of Alabama and then the region (1 of 4 in the nation). Recently in Kansas City, she was recognized at the annual U.S. Youth Soccer Gala for her dedication to the sport of soccer by way of service. In addition to her work within athletics, Ferguson is currently a Navigator teacher at ESS and is in her 15th year with Auburn City Schools. ACS is proud of Coach Ferguson for representing our community on a national stage!
Children’s Book Author Visits Auburn City Schools
Opelika City Schools Superintendent Announces Retirement
After more than 36 years in education and 15 years as Superintendent of the Opelika City Schools, Dr. Mark Neighbors has announced his retirement. “When I came to Opelika over thirty years ago, I knew it was different and special. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to work in a community that supports education with such commitment and dedication. I have worked hard to embody our mission of educating every child, every day”, stated Neighbors. “While I will miss working with our teachers, staff, administrators, and students, I look forward to retirement and spending time with my family. It has been an honor serving the children of Opelika and I hope my efforts have been helpful in moving our community forward.” Neighbors moved to Opelika in 1991 as Principal of Opelika Middle School. He served in that position until 2001 when he was named Assistant Superintendent. He served as Assistant Superintendent until 2007 when he was hired as Superintendent of the Opelika City Schools. Neighbors will continue to serve as Superintendent until the end of the school year. Details and a timeline for the Superintendent search will be announced soon.
Children's book author, Carmen Agra Deedy, spent two days visiting and telling stories to third graders across Auburn City Schools! While at Wrights Mill Road Elementary, Deedy recounted a humorous tale from her childhood as a Cuban refugee growing up in Decatur, Ga. This particular story pertained to a new family moving into her neighborhood and how she befriended them through acting out a version of the popular TV series starring Lloyd Bridges, Sea Hunt. Students laughed and applauded Deedy's reenactment as they witnessed the power of storytelling. Carmen Agra Deedy is the author of twelve books for children, including The Library Dragon, The Cheshire Cheese Cat, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, and 14 Cows for America, a New York Times Bestseller. Her personal stories first appeared on NPR's All Things Considered, and she is also the host of the four-time Emmy-winning children's program, Love That Book! ACS thanks Carmen for spending time in our schools! Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
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Board of Education Honors OCS Teachers of the Year
Congratulations to the 2021-22 OCS Teachers of the Year! The OCS Board of Education honored them at the monthly meeting. Pictured (l-r): Meagan Gamble - Southview Primary School, Jessica Battle - Morris Avenue Intermediate School and OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year, Kristen Massey - Northside Intermediate School, Tanishya McTyre - Carver Primary School, Oneika Smith - Opelika High School, and Chad Cunningham - Opelika Middle School and OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year. Not pictured: Amber Fulford - Jeter Primary School and Lakisha Smith - West Forest Intermediate School.
Ashley Hilyer named to 2022 AHSAA Student Leadership Group
Ashley Hilyer, a junior at Opelika High School, has been named to the 2022 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Student Leadership Group. She is the first candidate selected from Opelika High School. “It’s a great honor. I was so excited to learn that I would be a part of this group. I look forward to representing Opelika High School and our community,” stated Hilyer. The AHSAA Student Leadership Group is comprised of student athletes representing eight districts. Sixteen members are chosen each year. Dr. Farrell Seymore, OHS Principal commented, “Opelika High School is honored to have Ashley Hilyer as a representative on the AHSAA Student Leadership Council. She is a dedicated student and wonderful ambassador for Opelika High School.” Hilyer is a member of the soccer, golf, and flag football teams. She is also involved in SGA, National Honor Society, FBLA, FCA, Skills USA, CyberPatriots, and the OHS Video Production Team. She looks forward to being a part of the leadership group and hopes to use what she learns to positively impact others.
Chemistry at Trinity Christian School
Our 7th grade General Science students are studying the building blocks of life in their chemistry unit. They are unveiling the beauty of creation and how all things point to a divine order.
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Summer Camp JUNE 6-10 & JUNE 13-17 Advanced Courses | Leadership Training | Community Building Grades 7th-9th | Cost: $430 All Campers must reside overnight for the week they attend
COURSE SAMPLING 3D Printing • ACT Prep • Cyberpatriots Basic Cyber Program • Underwater Robotics Robotics • Creative Chemistry: Workshops of Chaos • Industrial Design Python Basics • Geology – Digging Deeper through Minecraft • Rocketry • And Many More
Register NOW at www.asms.net! Limited spots available!
1255 DAUPHIN ST. • MOBILE, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • WWW.ASMS.NET • ADMISSIONS@ASMS.NET 11
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Autauga County Schools AHS Earns State Championship Auburn HS Senior is 2nd Runner Up in Wrestling in Distinguished Young Woman of Erin Clarkson, a 10th grader at Alabama Competition Auburn High School, earned an
individual State Championship in the 102-pound division of wrestling! The tournament took place at Thompson High School over the weekend, and within the first 15 seconds of the match, Erin found herself on her back from a quick hip toss from a Daphne High School competitor. Because of her extensive gymnastics background, she was able to bridge off her back and continue moving until the legal move became an illegal one, causing a 1-point penalty and stopping the match. Back in referee position, Erin continued to fight to her feet to get the escape point, making the match 5-2, but ultimately took her opponent down with a score of 5-4. The Daphne wrestler reached back to capture Erin's head. Still, Erin was ready and quickly secured the half-nelson, flipping the opponent to her back, and three seconds later, the State Championship defining slap of the mat, signifying the pin!
Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
High school senior girls from across Alabama joined together for the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program held January 21-22 in Montgomery. Participants competed for college scholarships (over $32,000) and the opportunity to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of AL for 2022. Anslee Tatum (right), high school senior at Auburn High School, represented Lee County as the 2022 participant in the competition and competed in all categories and for the talent portion sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Anslee was awarded overall talent interview winner and 2nd runner up in the state program. Total scholarship awards at AL DYW for Miss Tatum was $2200. The 64th Distinguished Young Women National Finals will be held in Mobile in June 2022 with 50 representatives from across the country, competing for cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America. Our local Lee County 2021 winner, Mary Helen Miller (left), won the statewide competition and awarded the 2022 winner with the Alabama DYW medallion.
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Girl Scouts Give Back to Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes makes it possible to ship a package of Girl Scout cookies to our brave military men and women overseas, returning from deployment, veterans, first responders, and local nonprofits. Through the Cookie Program, the girls are taught five basic skills that are essential to leadership, success, and life: goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. In addition to the five skills, through Hometown Heroes, girls learn how to give back to those who give so much. To show our appreciation, Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) has declared January 28-30, Hometown Heroes Weekend. In 2021, our troops collectively sold 7,440 packages in Hometown Heroes weekend. Girl Scouts will be collecting Hometown Heroes donations until March 6. Donations are made in $4.00 increments with a Girl Scout online, with her order card, or at a cookie booth. Girls love helping others and Hometown Heroes does just this. Help us recognize the sacrifices of all of those serving our communities fearlessly and give them a taste of home.
Lee-Scott Academy Student Receives DAR Good Citizens Award
Auburn HS Student Sings at AU Gymnastics Meet
Ella Grace Tippins, an 11th grader at Auburn High School, sang the National Anthem at the Auburn University Gymnastics meet recently! Back in October 2021, the opportunity to showcase her talent was made possible through the marketing department of AU Athletics and some assistance from Ella Grace’s vocal coach. Ella Grace is also a part of the Varsity Singers at Auburn High (she plays Mother Goose in their current production). ACS is proud of Ella Grace for representing the school system with her gift!
The Light Horse Harry Lee Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution awarded senior Maddie Spoor with their annual Good Citizen Award. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.
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S Autauga County Schools Chambers County Schools 2022 SOLV Energy PowerUp Challenge
Chambers County School District announces the PowerUp! Challenge! This educational initiative is a partnership brought to you by SOLV Energy, Heart of America and sei. The LaFayette Senior class of 50 students are invited to participate in the 6 week PowerUp! Challenge which starts on February 4th. Representatives from SOLV Energy and Heart of America will arrive from San Diego, California and Minnetonka, Minnesota on Wednesday, February 2nd. The SOLV Energy & Heart of America reps will tour the schools across the district with Superintendent Chambley on Thursday, February 3rd. LaFayette High School auditorium will host the PowerUp! Challenge assembly on Friday, Feb. 4th at 9 a.m. Guest speaker Devon Mackey with SOLV Energy will discuss his career path along with an overview of the Challenge presented to the students. Judges for the PowerUp! Challenge will represent a wide range of leaders across Chambers County. CCSD Board President, Mr. Jeffrey Finch will chair the committee of judges. Joining Mr. Finch will be LaFayette City Mayor, Mr. Kenneth Vines, Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Director, Ms. Carrie Royster, and Camp Marannook Director, Mr. Taylor Teel. LHS Principal, Mr. Nick Davis will serve as the committee’s administrative contact and Ms. Ambreka Chappell, a science teacher at LHS will be coordinating the project initiative with her senior students. Dr. Travis Smith with UNITE, Inc. will be sponsoring PowerUp! sweatshirts for all of the participating seniors in the Challenge along with additional Good Energy swag provided by SOLV Energy. The student entries for the PowerUp! Challenge are due on March 18th. Judges will then review and score the entries submitted for competition during the week of March 28th – April 1st. Winners will be announced for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place tentatively set for April 4th. Scholarship awards range from $1500 to $500 for winners along with Goal Zero solar products. Superintendent, Casey Chambley is thrilled to see that the Chambers County School District is the first one in the state of Alabama to partner with SOLV Energy for the 2022 PowerUP! Challenge. SOLV Energy Representative, Ms. Jennifer Hershman and Heart of America, Ms. Jill Hardy Heath will be making their first visit to Alabama from their home offices in San Diego and Minnetonka to launch this initiative. The PowerUp! Challenge encourages students to dive deeper into their relationship with energy and share conservation strategies that could be implemented in their own communities. Chambley noted this is a great way to expand project-based learning opportunities for our students!
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St. Michael Catholic Parish to Open New School, Announces Principal
Rev. Michael Farmer, pastor of St. Michael Catholic Parish in Auburn, is happy to announce that the parish will initiate its first ever Catholic school in Auburn and the Lee County Area. “After seven months of study and conversation with members of St. Michael and others, as well as an extensive feasibility study, support for a Catholic school was great,” Farmer stated. Therefore, in consultation with the Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile, which Auburn is in, a new school will begin in August of 2022, offering in its first year a full day kindergarten, first, and second grade with one class of 15-20 students per grade. Further expansion will take place based on enrollment. The first ever principal will be Deborah A. Brooks of St. Michael Parish, currently principal at Pick Elementary School in Auburn. “I am truly humbled and honored to serve the St. Michael Catholic Parish [and local] community in this new role,” said Brooks. “I look forward to seeing our students witness the “footprints of God” in their daily lives.” For the first couple of years, the church school will use the present facilities of St. Michael Parish located at 1100 N College Street. However, plans are underway for the establishment of a new school campus on a 51-acre property on Cox Rd, purchased by St. Michael in 2021. The school will be accredited by Cognia and provide the fullness of Catholic identity and the Church’s excellent heritage of Catholic education. As a former graduate of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Birmingham, Brooks personally experienced the tremendous impact a Catholic school education can provide. “It will be our goal to provide religious instruction, spiritual formation, and moral guidance to our students anchored on the Gospel teachings and values which revolve around a profound love for God, a deep respect for people, and unselfish service to the community and the environment.” Enrollment will begin in March 2022. More information will be made available through the St. Michael Parish Website: stmichaelsauburn.com. St. Michael Catholic School is a ministry of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish and the Archdiocese of Mobile. 15
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Autauga County Schools Lee-Scott Academy Students DRES Teacher Honored as Max Credit Selected to All-State and Union Life Changer Award Recipient Dean Road Elementary School's All-District Bands Valerie Bennett was honored
Congratulations to Bryson Moon, Aisha Roughton, and Jazriene Revalde for being selected to the Alabama All-State Band and to James Bagley for being selected to the All-District Band.
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as a Max Credit Union Life Changer Award Recipient at the Auburn University Men's Basketball game against Kentucky on Saturday, January 22, in Auburn Arena! Mrs. Bennett has been a part of the Dean Road family for the past six years (four years as a 2nd-grade teacher and two years as a Title I tutor). She is a very creative and compassionate teacher who always has her student's best interests at heart. Her big heart also leads her to volunteer to help whoever, whenever, and wherever needed. Mrs. Bennett's students love being in her class, and their younger siblings always request to have her as their teacher! She is also known around the school as the "Recycle Queen" with her efforts to pick up paper and other recyclables before taking them to the recycle bin. ACS is proud of Mrs. Bennett's recognition from Max Credit Union!
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FIND YOUR FUN. FIND YOUR Y. Day and Overnight Summer Camp Options
At Y summer camp, your kids will make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day.
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Camp Grandview, Camp Chandler, and Summer Goodtimes Day Camp
FIND YOUR Y AT YMCA of Greater Montgomery ENROLL TODAY www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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Auburn Classical Academy Spelling Bee
Auburn Classical Academy recently held their school-wide Spelling Bee for 1st through 8th grades. Pictured are the top three winners! Hannah Pittman - 1st place, Luke Pittman 2nd place, Ella Miller - 3rd place.
Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.
Studying Sociology at Trinity Christian School
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
PROVERBS 22:6
Call 334-745-2464 to schedule a tour. kmarrs@tcsopelika.org | tcsopelika.org A C LAS S I CAL AN D C H R I STIAN ACAD E MY
Our Worldview class is reviewing Sociology and what establishes a healthy society. Students discuss the divine institutions of family, church, and state studying the distinct role each plays in order for society to function the way it was designed by our Creator. For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. Romans 1:20
Jackson Washburn, TCS Class of ’21
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Autauga County Schools Inspire Academy Students Tour Various Industries
Inspire Academy Principal, Dr. Tyler Nelson is pleased to share that he along with Chambers County Career Coach Laura Anglin led a group of students from Inspire Academy conducting industry tours across the county on Thursday, February 10th. Students learned firsthand what specific needs industry employers are searching for during their visit. Students were hosted at the AJIN USA Corporation by Human Resources General Manager, David Wilkerson, and CCDA Project Manager Ansley Emfinger. AJIN USA provides a digitalized workplace environment that enables it to operate as an innovative automotive parts manufacturer. Students toured the facility and viewed the finalized products which were displayed in the company’s main lobby. These vehicle parts are used for both Hyundai and Kia production lines. The students were also hosted at another stop on their tour at John Soules Foods, Incorporation. John Soules plant office manager, Cori Cook serves as their host on tour. Students were also supported by representatives from the Chambers County Development Authority with Janet McMillan and Andie Roberts, assisting on their tours. John Soules Foods was established in 1975 as one of the USA’s leading manufacturers of ready to cook beef and chicken products. The company recently expanded into Chambers County with a new facility capable of producing over 200 million pounds of fully cooked beef and chicken products annually. While on-site, students were able to observe chicken production procedures in action at the John Soules Foods plant. Finally, the students' last stop called for a visit to Southern Union State Community College to visit the Center for Integrated Manufacturing in Opelika. The Inspire Academy students were hosted by SUSCC Career Coach, Shawn Mitchell provided a tour for the students of the school's various programs and what opportunities were available to them. Chambers County School District Superintendent, Casey Chambley noted that the district’s work developing business partnerships are aimed at supporting our students in achieving work-based learning opportunities that will provide them with meaningful careers after graduation.
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Inspire Academy Receives Donation of Engines for Agriculture Construction Program
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Auburn City Schools Celebrate Career Tech Education Month
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Inspire Academy Principal, Dr. Tyler Nelson is pleased to share that Briggs and Stratton Corporation out of Auburn has recently made a generous donation of 20 new engines to the school’s Agriculture Construction program. Each of the engines individually is valued at approximately $1,400.00 apiece. The total value of the donation amounts to approximately $28,000.00 of equipment to Inspire Academy. The number of engines will allow for all of the students in the Agriculture Construction courses to be able to work on an engine individually rather than having to team up in pairs due to equipment shortages. The donation of the newer engines will allow for the Inspire Academy students to gain practical hands on experience on the most current small-engine technologies being utilized in the market today. The partnership outreach by Briggs and Stratton in coordination with Chambers County School District will afford the students at Inspire Academy great advantages in mastering their curriculum demands. Dr. Nelson, added that this type of support from Briggs and Stratton helps our students achieve practical pathways to meaningful employment opportunities after graduation. Chambers County School District Superintendent, Casey Chambley, noted that these types of business partnerships for schools in the district allow for our students to learn exactly what the needs of industry employers look like.
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ACS CTE Director Dr. Silvia Scaife met with the ACS CTE Advisory Board, which consists of various local leaders in industry, to kick off the month-long celebration of Career and Technical Education in Alabama (Feb. 1-28)! Alabama educators work diligently to inspire every young person to achieve their best in school to ensure a lifetime of success in the future. Career and technical education engages students in the classroom and helps them not only understand but apply academic content, which is essential to graduating students who are effective in the workplace and keeping the U.S. economically competitive. Auburn City Schools offers 15 different CTE programs across three campuses, with more than 2,000 students in the 70 different courses working toward certified credentials in their respective fields. Internships within the community had an economic impact of more than $1.5 Million in 2020-2021 alone. A proclamation from Auburn Mayor Ron Anders was read aloud to the group before they heard directly from students about their experience taking Career Tech courses at Auburn High School. Following the meeting, members of the Advisory Committee were guided on a tour of the 15 program offerings. The mission of the CTE program is to properly prepare students for graduation before they transition to engaged citizens in the community.
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Autauga County Schools A Day in 63 BC at 101st Day at Lee-Scott Academy Auburn Classical Academy
Auburn Classical Academy recently held a Spirit Day called "A Day in 63BC!" For this Spirit Day, students dressed as a Roman, Greek, or Hebrew that they are learning about this school year. Several students dressed as Spartan soldiers, Athenian Philosophers, Greek gods and goddesses, and Biblical individuals!
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w Day 101 was filled with Cruella and Dalmatians for our PK4 students! They had a fun day creating dog ears, counting to 101, having a scavenger hunt to find 101 chocolate kisses, and eating a 101 snack.
Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.
National Signing Day at Auburn HS
The Auburn High School Athletic Department hosted National Signing Day with 21 student-athletes signing their letter of intent to further their education at the next level. Congratulations to the signees, their families, coaches, teachers, counselors and administrators! ACS is proud of all these young men and women! • Volleyball: Lillie Casey - Springhill College, Delaney Sisson - Spartanburg Methodist College. • Football: Marsalis Carter - Ventura College, Bakari Dailey - Alabama State University, Kez Dooley - Point University, Camden Etheredge - Auburn University PWO, Brad Harper - Jacksonville State University, Jamias Pitts - Fort Pierce Athletic Academy, Nasir Pogue - Troy University, Carson Yancy - West Georgia. • Women’s Basketball: Carleigh Andrews - Charleston Southern. • Women’s Soccer: Aubrey Sarkowski - University of North Alabama, Kensley Simmons - University of Louisiana-Lafayette. • Softball: Kate Thornell - Wallace Community College. • Baseball: Todd Clay - Pensacola State College, Pat McGlon - Southern Union State Community College, Ryan Olson - Auburn University, Evan Pope - Southern Union State Community College, Griffin Stewart - Southern Union State Community College, Brendan Wall - University of Alabama at Birmingham, Walker Zapp - Air Force Academy.
Physical Science at Auburn Classical Academy
Wyatt Myers, Jack Eagan, and Anderson England, Auburn Classical Academy 8th grade Physical Science students, are shown conducting an experiment to study speed and acceleration. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
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Southview Primary Teacher Receives $200 for Winning AEA’s Be A Champion and Read Decorating Contest
The Alabama Education Association is pleased to announce Samantha Knowles, a second-grade teacher at Southview Primary, is the district 9 winner of the 2021 Be A Champion and Read Decorating Contest. As the winner, Knowles receives $200 that can be used in her classroom. “I am very passionate about reading and igniting the fire in my kids,” Knowles said. “Every morning my students saw me painting Aubie and Big AL for the bulletin board and as I worked on the decorations they would ask to see what I added, and through that they got really excited about the contest.” Knowles plans to buy new books for her classroom library with the $200, and her students will be able to pick the books purchased for the classroom. AEA President Dr. Susan Williams Brown said, “AEA is dedicated to promoting a love of reading for all Alabama students, and our Be A Champion and Read Contest is a terrific way to motivate students to read. I congratulate Samantha Knowles for winning the decorating contest and engaging her students in reading, because we know reading is the foundation of all learning. I am excited Ms. Knowles is going to use the prize money to buy books for her students.” AEA’s Be A Champion and Read decorating contest ran in conjunction with the Be A Champion and Read student reading contest. To qualify to win the decorating contest, educators across Alabama submitted photos of decorated bulletin boards, walls, or doors that promoted the Be A Champion and Read Contest in their school. One winner was selected from each in-service center district. Pictured L-R: Izaak Standridge, AEA UniServ Director; Dr. Mary Salmon, Southview Primary Principal; Dr. Susan Williams Brown, AEA President; Samantha Knowles, winner; Lola White, Opelika Education Association President.
St. Michael Valentine’s Day Program
Our brave PK 3 students at St. Michael Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten had their very first program in February. We're so proud of their hard work preparing for their program.
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I Autauga County Schools Trinity Christian School Students Pick ES Coach Honored as Max Selected for District Honor Credit Union Life and All-State Bands Changer Award Congratulations to these students from Trinity’s band program who Recipient recently completed the rigorous audition for District Honor Band and
Pick Elementary School’s Coach Kim Rager was honored as a Max Credit Union Life Changer Award Recipient at the Auburn University Gymnastics meet Friday, January 21, in Auburn Arena! Coach Rager has served as a physical education assistant at PES for the last three years and works with many ACS elementary students as a lacrosse coach. The students and staff at PES love her for her high energy, passion for health/wellness, and her morning rituals that ignite enthusiasm for learning. It is not unusual to find Coach Rager in the hallways in the morning sharing a riddle, encouraging students to do their best, playing a quick game of Red Light, Green Light, or being a mentor to students who need an encouraging word. PES appreciates her positive contributions to their total school program. ACS is proud of Coach Rager's recognition from Max Credit Union!
All-State Band and were selected for those honors!
Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.
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• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • 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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Inspire Academy Racing Team Competes in Columbus Grand Prix
Students from Inspire Academy in LaFayette travelled to Columbus, Georgia on Saturday, February 12th to compete in the Columbus Grand Prix racing event. The Columbus Grand Prix was hosted by the “Sports Council of Columbus” at the Columbus Civic Center Complex. The Inspire Academy racing team competed throughout the day with multiple schools with hundreds of participants from across both Alabama and Georgia. The day concluded with a race day awards program that saw the Inspire Academy racing team take home their share of hardware awards. The students from Inspire Academy compete as The Piedmont Motorsports Racing Team comprised of students from across the Chambers County School District. All of the students take classes at Inspire Academy participating in the engineering and manufacturing programs. The team coaches are Mr. Seth Stehouwer and Mr. Tim Blanks that serve as teachers at Inspire Academy as well as assistant coach Brandi Burrows. Competitions included areas for Greenpower USA F24 electric car endurance racing, High School Advanced Custom Class Racing, and Middle School Intermediate Stock Class Racing. The High School Advanced Custom Class Race called for the team to make significant modifications to a stock car kit with custom parts designed to improve both performance and efficiency. The Middle School Intermediate Stock Class Race saw the Inspire Academy students race a stock kit car donated by Honda Manufacturing. The younger racing team members are learning about the fundamentals of electric cars, racecar setup details, and tips to helps determine the best possible outcome for their car. These include driving skills, car maintenance, and efficiency tips for successful competition in their class. Both of the teams competed in two race heats for their respective Advanced or Intermediate divisions. The High School team won 1st place for the Endurance race with their Car #222 travelling a distance of 35 miles. The team finished in 2nd place overall for the entire competition. High School team members are (Captain) Connor Green, Jason Robinson, Michael Jones, Garrett Burrows, Harley Gosdin, Aaron Foster, Gabriel Gilbert, and Akasha Henderson. The Middle School team also
captured 1st place for the Endurance race with their Car #223 travelling a distance of 36 miles. Middle School team members are (Captain) Anna Suchowalec, Cameron Kennedy, Timothy (Bryce) McDonald, Landon Smith, Lance Wright, Jayden Green, Arianna Strickland, Rowan Jordan, and Chelsea Clark. The racing teams set up pit crew stops on what became pit road on the main infield for the racing track. All drivers went through the driver safety training meeting and cars were scrutinized closely for modifications to ensure compliance. Each car used a transponder to track the number of laps travelled during each of the four racing heats that were hosted for competition. Inspire Academy Principal, Dr. Tyler Nelson noted the racing team is a great activity for students participating in the school’s engineering program. The next race for the Piedmont Motorsports Racing team from Inspire Academy will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2022 on the campus of Inspire Academy in LaFayette. Start time is set for 8 a.m. and the race day awards ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. C.S.T. Guests are welcome and admission is free on race day! Pictured: Harley Gosdin (Standing) and Garrett Burrows prepare for the start of a race. 23
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Autauga County Schools Lee-Scott Basketball Players Present Jerseys to Deserving Teachers
Senior basketball players continued the tradition of “My Jersey .. Your Impact” on campus, recognizing a member of the faculty and staff for the impact they have had on their life as a student-athlete. They presented a hand-written note and their game day jersey to these deserving teachers on campus. This year players recognized Mrs. Karen Bryant, Miss Camryn Croley, Mrs. Christy Garner, Dr. Heather Hardin, Mrs. Amory Reeves, Coach Franklin Smith, and Mrs. Susan Zellner. Thank you to our faculty and staff for the difference you make each day in the lives of our students! *The “My Jersey .. Your Impact” has become a nationwide movement in high schools to recognize the impact of faculty and staff in students’ lives.
Senior Night for Trinity Hoops We are proud of this group and all they’ve accomplished!
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Auburn City Schools Band Students Selected for All-State Bands
ACS Band Students traveled to Wetumpka to audition for the 2022 All-State Bands! Congratulations to 35 Auburn High School, 20 Auburn Junior High School, and 5 East Samford School band members who have earned the opportunity to represent Auburn City Schools in the District Honor Band and/or All-State this year (please note - students that made All State/unassigned/alternate have also made the District Honor Band). AJHS, All-State Band: Annie Yang – 1st Chair Flute; Luke Chynoweth – 1st Chair Oboe; Austin Taylor – 1st Chair Alto Sax; Ethan Fligel -1st Chair Tenor Sax; Andrew Hamner – 1st Chair Bari Sax; Cricket Hayes – 1st Chair Trumpet; Ellie Richards – 1st Chair Horn; Harrison Meyer – 1st Chair Trombone; Jake Podemski – 1st Chair Euphonium; Eliana Foradori – 1st Chair Tuba; Grace Ge – Flute; Anna Sims – Clarinet; Joshua Kim – Clairnet; Hallie Herring – Clarinet; Trey Doyle – Euphonium; Bosung Choi – Tuba. District VI All-District Band: Jane Chen – Oboe (All-State Alternate); Harrison Powell – Tenor Saxophone; Samantha Trejo – Trumpet (All-State Alternate); Cooper Beasley – Tuba (All-State Alternate). East Samford School, All-State: Yeasung Choi; Ethan Sze; Dean Richards. District: Bailey Cunningham; Carly Weddington. Auburn HS, All-State, Red Band: Ansley Abernathy; Charlotte Brown, Jacob Jordan, Pierce Meinert, Nicole Seale-Esposito. White Band: Carter Clifton; Forrest Morse; Zamari Sims; Misha Temesgen; Emily Tillman. Blue Band: Kara Choi; Michaela Gardunia; Nicholas Glennon; John Israel; Braiden Vondenberger. Unassigned: Jackson Alexander; Grace Greer; Martin Lin; Hwain Mun; Wilson Slocumb; Daniel Troy; Ricky Whorms; Will Wirth. Alternates: Carson Clifton; Sydney Hamilton; Olivia Walker; Hudson Williams. District Honor Band: Emma Blersch; Stillman Brown; Cooper Holt; Jonah Jeck; Minejong Kim; Austin Kintz-Roberts; Brendyn Royal; Sarah Sewell.
S Auburn Classical Student Places 3rd in County Spelling Bee
In the Made to Create Art and Bible Club at Lee-Scott Academy, the girls painted butterflies in the style of artist Lauren Duncan to remind us that we are made perfectly and we are a work of art like the butterfly.
Congratulations to Auburn Classical Academy 8th grade student, Hannah Pittman! She placed 3rd in the Lee County Spelling Bee. The school is proud the time and effort she took to be prepared for the bee. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
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Entomology at Auburn Classical Academy
Auburn Classical Academy's 4th grade class is learning all about entomology! During one of their labs, they focused on grasshopper dissection to learn about the anatomy of this insect. They then were able to look at different parts under a microscope.
St. Michael Students Send Gifts to Needy
Before Christmas break St. Michael students gathered donations, sorted them, and boxed them up to send out to other children who were in need.
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Auburn Classical Studies Microorganisms
Auburn Classical Academy's 5th grade class has been observing several different microorganisms under the microscope. Pictured are Mary Louise Walker and Jeb Kelly learning about tiny organisms found in samples of local pond water extractions!
The Little Prince by BalletX Saturday, March 26 ³ 7:30 p.m.
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What’s Your Favorite Memory? We all have them! Favorite memories. Certain times in our lives that bring us joy when we remember. Moments that live rent free in our heads. They can lift us up when we are feeling down, or make good days even better. It is hard for me to pick one favorite memory. Mine are a culmination of being raised on Lake Martin. To me, it is the most beautiful lake in the world. A little piece of heaven. I remember never ending summer days floating aimlessly for hours in front of the house. Paddling for five minutes to get to the perfect spot, only to have the waves push me back down into our little slough…and then doing it all over again. For hours. Summer after summer. Friends always coming over, most of whom I taught to ski. So many days and nights spent cruising the lake, either trolling for fish, hanging with family, or riding around with friends. Waking up early on Saturdays to a beautiful, sunny day, and on the boat by 8 a.m. Returning around 8 p.m. tired and sunburned, and ready to do it all again Sunday. Some of my most favorite memories that hold an incredibly special place in my heart are skiing after my dad would get home from work. At 5:30 I would be standing at the door with boat keys in hand and we would take off. This was Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
about the time that summer started to turn into fall, and while it was still warm, all of the vacationers had left to go to other homes. The water would be like glass. Not a ripple or wave. It was heaven. I would ski until the sun went down. Just me, the water, and sunsets. I will never forget those days. Why do I share this with you? Because when I speak with students at schools or in small groups, I always ask them, “What is your favorite memory?” I then ask them to share. Now the sharing with groups usually stops around 8th grade…which I always respect. But I can say that, in the eight years of asking this question, NO ONE has ever started the story of their favorite memory with, “When I had my phone…” Or, “When I had my computer…” Their memories ALWAYS include being with someone they love and enjoy spending time with. And what they were doing together. No phones. No computers. And THIS is how we are meant to be. It is how we are made. For face to face connec26
tions. Together. Sharing space, time and creating memories. Sometimes kids just have to be reminded that, while they THINK the phone is what is going bring them joy, their REAL joy comes from spending time with the people they love. If you will notice, there was not a phone anywhere in my favorite memories. Not because there weren’t phones then (thank goodness), but because my happy place, my joy, came from what I was doing, where I was and, most importantly, who I was with. Ask your kids about their favorite memory tonight. You just might be surprised. While they are revisiting their memories, do the same for yourself. Allow it to bring you a bit of joy. Sharing mine with you sure has brought me joy. May we all take our eyes away from technology as often as possible, be in the moment, and make memories!
Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.
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Auburn Choral Company Dominates Capital City Classic in Montgomery
The Auburn HS Varsity Singers won Overall Grand Champions of the Capital City Classic competition in Montgomery! - First place Large Mixed Division - Best soloist - Macy Johnson - Best instrumental - AHS Show Choir Band - Best Show Design - Highest Visual Score - Highest Vocal Score Elan earned Women’s Division Champions! - Best soloist - Serena Orantes - Best Show design - Highest Visual Score - Highest Vocal Score. The Men at Work took first place in their division! Auburn City Schools is proud of everyone involved in these productions!
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When I was younger, I only had one choice for summer camp—the town camp. The town camp was a traditional all-day camp with a heavy emphasis on sports. I was more of a bookworm than an athlete so this type of camp was not a good match for my personality.
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I remember coming home every day whining to my mom, “It was so hot and all we did was play (fill in a sport). Do I have to go to camp tomorrow?” By the end of the summer I’m sure my mom wished there were other options for me. Now there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming to figure out what type of camp would be a good fit for your child. Hopefully, the following descriptions will help you to match your child with the correct camp so you hear your child tell you, “Camp was so much fun today,” instead of what my poor mother dealt with daily.
Is this a good fit for your child? If your child loves a
specific sport and would like to improve their skills, this would be a great option. It could even be a way for your child to try a sport when they might not otherwise have exposure to it.
Art/Musical Theater
Specialty art or musical theater camps focus solely on the arts. Musical theater camps typically showcase a production such as “Beauty and the Beast,” whereas in an art camp a child would use a variety of art mediums like painting or drawing. These types of camps are located in public schools or private organizations. In the public school setting the drama teacher usually runs the camp, and it isn’t widely advertised but it is available for anyone to participate. Check with your local art museum and theaters for camp offerings.
Traditional Day
A traditional day camp is usually 6-8 hours (half-day options may be available) and offers a variety of activities such as sports, swimming, art, and music. These camps are located at YMCAs, public schools, or private settings.
Is this a good fit for your child? Most of the activities are outside so if your child loves the outdoors and playing sports or team building activities then this would be a good type of camp for them. Since there are a variety of activities this would also be a good fit for a child who likes to try different things.
Is this a good fit for your child? If your child is creative and prefers the indoors, then these types of camps would be worth looking into. It may be a good way to introduce the arts to your child since most of these camps are time-limited for one week.
Sports
Educational Camps
Specialty sports camps usually involve one sport, such as baseball or soccer, that the child plays anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Depending on where you live there may even be an option for tennis, golf, surfing, or sailing camp. This type of camp is typically owned by private organizations. Some towns may have town operated sports camps.
An educational camp focuses on learning a new skill or subject matter. Since it is camp, and not school, these types of camps tend to be hands-on with an emphasis on fun. These camps are located at public schools, museums, and colleges.
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Is this a good fit for your child? If your child is curious and always asking questions about how/why things work, this may be a good match for them. If a child is interested in learning a new skill such as computer programming or speaking Spanish, some educational camps offer that as well.
Sleepaway
Overnight camp is when your child lives at the camp for either a week or longer period. There are Boy/Girl Scout camps and private residential camps. These camps tend to offer options such as sailing, boating, archery, horseback riding, and other activities that may not be available close to your home.
Is this a good fit for your child?
An overnight camp gives your child the chance to meet other kids from different states and countries. There is also more time to do activities and foster independence compared to traditional day camps.
Travel
There are two types of travel camps. One type is when your child goes on day trips and the other type, sometimes referred to as “teen tours”, is when your child travels with a group for an extended period (usually a few weeks or a month). This type of camp is with religious or private organizations.
Is this a good fit for your child?
Some of these camps travel to places by plane so it would give your child the chance to travel to a place that you might not have gone to as a family. If your child enjoys experiencing new destinations, then this would be a great fit for them.
How Can I Find These Camps?
A great place to start is by referring to the Summer Camp Guide immediately following this article. Also, ask friends and family where they sent their child to camp and if it was a positive experience for them. Finally, private camps usually offer an open house during the year to allow your child to visit before signing up. Happy Camping! AOP
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.
Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
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Auburn University Kreher Preserve & Nature Center ad on page 7
2222 North College Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Spring Break Camp at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center is a great way for your children to spend their spring break outdoors, immersed in nature, exercise, and fresh air... and a bit of education, too! Campers will join our naturalists for three days of nature-based learning experiences and adventure in the forests of the Nature Center. This year, Summer Ecology Camps will explore Our Wonderful Woods. We will be adventuring into the forest and learning about all the amazing plants and animals that live there, and the systems that keep forests healthy! Each week is designed for a different age group, with the two Explorers weeks designed for mixed ages. Choose one or more weeks of camp for your child(ren) when you register. Summer Adventure Camp brings students on three day-trips to some of the incredible natural and historic wonders that Alabama has to offer. From the highest peak in the state to the depths of first recorded caverns in the United States, Alabama is waiting to be explored! Dates: Spring Break: “March Madness”- March 7-9 for Auburn City Schools or March 14-16 for Opelika City Schools. Summer Adventure Camp July 18-20- (grades 5th-8th). Archeology, geology, history, wildlife, forestry, kayaking, caving, swimming and more! Summer Camps: Camp Discovery, Grades 3rd-4th: May 31-June 3. Young Naturalist, Grades 1st-2nd: June 6-10, Explorers I, Grades 1st-7th: June 13-17, Explorers II, Grades 1st-7th: June 27-July 1, Junior Rangers, Grades 5th-7th: June 20-24. Ages: 1st-7th grade 334-502-4553 preserve@auburn.edu www.auburn.edu/preserve
Auburn University Science Matters and SCORE Camps
Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn, Al 36849 Science Matters is a summer enrichment program for elementary students in rising grades 1-8. Each
thematic course features hands-on STEM activities instructed by certified teachers. Courses available include Chemistry Magic, Space Exploration, Natural Disasters, Under the Sea, Curves Ahead and more! SCORE Camps is hosted by The Southeastern Center for Robotics Education and targeted toward grades 2nd-12th. Camp themes include Markerspace Camp, Flight Dynamics with Drones, VEX IQ Competition Camp, VRC Team Camp and more! Dates: Science Matters: June 13-17, June 21-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-22. SCORE Camps: Date to be announced Ages: 1st-8th grade and 2nd-12th grade 334-844-5769 www.aub.ie/ScienceMatters www.scoreau.org
Auburn University Summer Sports Camps
Auburn Campus , Auburn, Al 36849 Offering summer camp programs in most athletic sports including football, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, swim, golf and more. Dates: May-August Ages: Elementary-High School www.auburntigers.com
Auburn University Summer Youth Programs Auburn Campus , Auburn, Al 36849 Hosting many themed camps on campus including 21st Century and Construction to Vet Camp and Forestry. Something for every interest. Dates: May-July Ages: Elementary - High School
334-844-5100 auyouth@auburn.edu www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/
Fine Arts Camps Alabama Dance Theatre ad on page 33
1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, Al 36104 Our five week session features morning to early afternoon classes for the dancer that is interested in continuing their training year round. Summer is the perfect time to hone technique and artistry. Dates: June 6-July 8 Ages: 3-professional level 334-625-2590 ADTDance1@gmail.com www.alabamadancetheatre.com
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Auburn Area Community Theatre ad on page 13
222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 STILL Moving Forward!! 2022 Summer Camps: Summer Intensive 1 June 6-10, Musical Theater Camp June 13-17 , “Play” in the Woods Mini Camp June 27-29 , Summer “Play” July 25-29, Summer Intensive 2 August 1-5. Dates:June 6-10, June 13-17, June 27-29, July 25-29 and August 1-5. Ages: 3-18
334-246-1084 info@auburnact.org www.auburnact.org
Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 12, 17, 35
425 Perry Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Art for Young Children: Pre-school children will explore a variety of age appropriate art materials including but not limited to clay, paint and fabric. We are an ART workshop with emphasis on art appreciation and the process of creating art. Students create original art pieces incorporating the elements of art in a variety of age-appropriate lessons using age appropriate materials. An exhibition of the children’s artwork is held at the end of each session. Visual Arts Workshop: Campers will explore different mediums with learning about artists, history, moments and culture. This is an ART workshop with emphasis on aesthetics and the process of creating art. We will inspire your child to experiment and try new techniques. An exhibition of the children’s artwork is held at the end of each session. Dates: Visual Arts: June 20-24, July 11-15 and July 25-29. Art for Young Children: June 28-30, 1 and July 19-21 Ages: 4-12 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks
First Baptist Church Fine Arts Academy ad on page 3
301 South 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 Providing music lessons in Opelika/Auburn where Christ is honored and students are challenged and inspired to develop their God-given talents for
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Local Day and Overnight Camps Auburn First Baptist Church Child Development Center ad on page 29
128 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 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. Dates: May-August; 7:00am to 5:30pm Monday Friday. Ages: Kindergarten-rising 6th grade 334-821-8125 afbcdc@gmail.com www.auburnfbc. org
Auburn Parks and Recreation Therapeutics Camp ad on page 12, 17, 35
the glory and service of God. Private and group lessons in piano, voice, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion. Highly qualified teachers. Lessons available Monday-Friday, 9:00am-9:00pm (in 30 minute increments). Spring, Summer and Fall semester sessions. Dates: Ongoing Spring and Summer Ages: All ages 334-745-5715 www.fbcopelika.com/fine-arts-academy
Tiger Twirlers ad on page 19
Max Fitness Center, 189 E. University Drive, Auburn, Al 36832 Offering baton twirling lessons taught by Mrs. Gail Hammet, former Auburn High School and Auburn University majorette. Call today to register for lessons. Dates: Summer Lessons and ongoing lessons Ages: All ages 601-630-6995
Ballet Academy
1703 Westend Court , Opelika, Al 36801 Summer Camp, Summer Drop In and Summer Intensive Dates: TBA Ages: Preschool and up 334-737-5551 balletacademyopelika@gmail.com www.myballetacademy.net
Make Your Move Performing Arts
1220 Fox Run Ave, Ste 212, Opelika, Al 36801 Summer dance classes offered including ballet, jazz, lyrical, acro and more. Dates: June-August Ages: Preschool-adult 334-705-0205 www.makeyourmovedance.com
Nix Ballet Studio
850 Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830 6 week Summer Fun Dance Camps! Enroll Now! VIP (very important princess class) 3-4yr olds, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical / Contemporary, and Turns, Leaps, & Technique. Dates: June-July Ages: 3 and up 334-877-7250 www.nixdancestudios.com
Rising Starz
2140 E University Dr Ste H, Auburn, Al 36830 Offering classes in all types of dance technique and fine arts including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, tumbling, baton, musical theatre, acro and more. Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
Dates: June-August Ages: Preschool-adult 334-209-1464 www.risingstarzstudios.com
Spicer’s Band Camps
2140 E. University Dr. Suite K, Auburn, Al 36830 Camps are designed to provide students of various ages the rock n’ roll summer of a lifetime. All levels of our Rocks Camps give students the ability to learn and test their music skills in a real band and give an exciting performance at the completion of the camp. Similar to our store slogan, these camps are “Not Your Average Music Camps.” Dates: June-July Ages: 3 and up 334-329-7529 www.spicersmusic.com
Summer Showoffs
Parkway Baptist Church, Auburn, Al 36830 A music day camp that uses music and performance to build confidence and character. We help students develop their talents on stage! Dates: June 27-July 1 and July 11-15 Ages: 1st-12th grade 205 470-4945 www.summershowoffs.com
The Art Studio
Auburn, Al 36830 Summer Art Camps offers students a unique experience with a wide variety of mediums in fine art, learning about artists from around the world, art concepts and innovative techniques. Space is limited so you are encouraged to register early. Dates: June-August Ages: Rising 1st grade and up 334-332-5275 www.theartstudioauburn.com
The Opelika Theatre Company: O-Acts
1103 Glenn Street, Opelika, Al 36801 To offer a creative learning experience for people of all ages to explore, create, indulge, and engage their artistic talents in all areas of the performing arts, from musical theatre, self-expression, dance, creative movement, puppetry, art, music, role playing, set design, writing, sound and lighting. Dates: Ongoing Ages: 3-adult 334-663-4480 www.opelikatheatrecompany.com
Variations Dance Studio
323 Airport Road, Suite F, Auburn, Al 36830 Summer Camps, Summer Intensive, Drop In Classes and more. Dates: June-July Ages: 18 months and up 334-275-5013 Info@VariationsStudio.com www.variationsauburn.com
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425 Perry Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Therapeutics Camp: Open to people with special needs, ages 15+. Camp meets at Drake Middle School, Monday-Thursday, 8am-4pm, June 6-July 28. We do not have camp on June 20th or the week of July 4-8. We do all types of fun camp activities including swimming, bowling, and field trips. Register at the Harris Center 425 Perry Street. Dates: Arts for Young Children: Session 1: June 29-July 1, 10am-12 noon Session 2: July 20-22, 10am-12 noon Visual Art Workshop for Children: Session 1: June 21-25, 9am-12 noon Session 2: July 12-16, 9am12 noon Session 3: July 26-30, 9am-12 noon Ages: 4-12 334-332-1680 www.auburnalabama.org/parks
Growing Room Child Development Center ad on page 21
644 North Dean Road and 1755 Thomason Drive, Auburn/Opelika, Al 36830/36801 Our summer curriculum continues to include educational concepts such as literacy, math, science, and character education. Children enjoy warm nutritious meals and the safest play possible on our state of the art playgrounds. Give your child the best summer ever at the Growing Room! Both our Auburn and Opelika locations are open Monday-Friday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm. Dates: Year round; Monday-Friday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Ages: birth through grade school 334-501-2044/334-748-9020. lsmith@grauburn.com www.growingroomusa.com
Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on Inside Front Cover
1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801 TBA; Be on the lookout for updates on camps to be offered such as sports, arts, fitness, day camps and much more! Dates: June-July TBA Ages: 5-and up 334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com
Auburn Day School
1199 S Donahue Drive, Suite E, Auburn, Al 36832 STEM Detective, Cooking, Decoding, Fairytales and more. Dates: May 31-July 29 Ages: 2-Elementary School www.auburndayschool.com
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Kumon Math and Reading Center
1550 Opelika Road, Suite 36 , Auburn, Al 36830 This summer, put your child on the path to a lifetime of learning. With the school year fresh in your child’s mind, summer is the perfect time to join Kumon. Dates: year round Ages: students 334-501-8566 www.kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al
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2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Al 36110 Make summer vacation a wildlife adventure that you will never forget. Join kids of similar ages and interests for a fun-packed, educational experience themed around the animals of our planet. See daily live animal presentations; get up close and personal with some of the Educational animals at the Montgomery Zoo; enjoy scavenger hunts; craft time; classroom time; playtime, splash time, and games at our playground; train, pedal boat, and sky lift rides; participate in animal encounters with the giraffes, river otters, parakeets and our collection of petting zoo animals; see behind the scene tours and visits with our zookeepers and other staff members. Dates: June-July Ages: 5-12 334-240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com
YES Class
2138 Moores Mill Road Ste. B, Auburn, Al 36830 Offering programs in math, reading and writing. Our programs are designed to improve more than just grades and test scores. Dates: Year round Ages: school age 334-329-8191 / 334-209-5077 yesclassauburn@ gmail.com www.yesclass.com
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Regional Day and Overnight Camps Adventures in Math and Science:
Alabama School of Math and Science ad on page 11
1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Al 36604 ASMS Summer Programs are: Hands-on: Build, solve, explore, create, and more! Always Interactive! Never Boring. Experiential: Discover
what it’s like to be an ASMS student! Collaborative: Make friends and engage with motivated peers! Student-driven: Choose your courses and activities to explore what interests you the most! Developmental: Grow as a leader in STEM to be at the top of your field one day! Fun: Make special memories to last a lifetime! What do we offer? STEM Leadership Academy: Rising 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders, CyberPatriots Cyber Camp: Rising 6th through 12th Graders, Online Virtual Programs and STEAM Camp for Kids: Grades K - 3rd & 4th - 6th. Dates: June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-23, June 27-30, July 11-14. Ages: Elementary-High School 251-441-2100 www.asms.net
Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 22
757 County Road 614, Mentone, al 35984 We’ve planned carefully everything you’re looking for in a perfect camp setting. Located just off Desoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama and nestled in a bend of beautiful Little River. We are a Christian environment promoting Adventure, Inspiration, Character, and Confidence-Building. You’ll be amazed at what you can do! Dates: May-July Ages: Ages 6-16 800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com
YMCA Camp Chandler ad on page 16
1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, Al 36092 One of the largest camps in the south with over 1,000 acres of lake front property. Conveniently located 25 miles from Montgomery, AL on beautiful Lake Jordan. Whether you are looking for individual, small group, or camp-wide fun, we definitely have something for you! Campers are grouped according to age and gender. They live in cabins with up to 13 other campers and at least 2 counselors. Friendships grow as they live, share meals, laugh, and play together during a full week of fun! Campers are given the opportunity to participate in more than 20 different activities like horseback riding, skiing, archery, sailing, the high ropes course, and more. Dates: June 6-July 31 Ages: Age 5-15 334-229-0035 www.campchandler.org
Activ8 Summer Camps
Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, 31907 You will find quality programs that promote leadership and youth development through enrichment activities, unique experiences, and opportunities to develop relationships with adults and peers. Dates: Spring Break/May-August Ages: 4-18 706-507-8070 www.columbus.augusoft.net/index. cfm?method=templates.CustomTemplatePreview& ContentID=208
Alabama Museum of Natural History
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Al 35487 Work side-by-side with scientists in the field of archeology and paleontology. Enjoy the natural wonders of Alabama while having fun and forging friendships. Dates: June-August 205-348-7550 almnh@ua.edu www.almnh.ua.edu/
Alabama School of Fine Art
1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, Al 35203 We have camps for creative writers, young app designers and computer scientists, budding visual artists and the next great musicians. ASFA also offers 3-week math intensives in pre-algebra or Algebra 1 for those looking to get ahead in math or brush up their skills before the next school year. Dates: June-July Ages: 2nd-9th grade 205-252-9241 jlittle@asfa.k12.al.us www.asfa.k12.al.us
Alabama Wildlife FederationExpedition Lanark Day Camp
3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, Al 36054 Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, and build character. Dates: May-August Ages: 5-15 1.800.822.9453 awf@alabamawildlife.org www.alabamawildlife.org
Camp Alamisco
1771 Camp Alamisco Road, Dadeville, Al 36853 At Camp Alamisco, you see Jesus in nature, in the staff, and in all the activities we do. Come and be a part of a group who believes that Je-
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Camp Winnataska
sus is the One who has shown the “Crazy Love” for each of us and we can be with Him for all eternity. Purpose is to provide high quality Christian camping and retreat facilities. We are a year round camp and we are open to church and school groups as well as corporate functions. We are located on 55 acres on beautiful Lake Martin near Dadeville Alabama. Dates: June-July Ages: families and school age
260 Winnataska Drive, Pell City, Al 35128 Offering a wide variety of quality programs for boys and girls. Each camp session will provide campers the opportunity to experience aspects of outdoor life such as swimming, canoeing, arts, crafts, nature study, sports, archery, ropes course, hiking and camping, and horseback riding full week sessions and mini-camp Dates: June 1-July 25 Ages: 6-15
256-825-9482 www.campalamisco.org/
205-6406741 www.winnataska.org
Camp ASCCA
5278 Camp ASCCA Dr, Jackson’s Gap, Al 36861 A nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions, Camp ASCCA is open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more. Dates:May-August
256-825-9226 info@campascca.org www.campascca.org
Camp Cosby
2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, Al 35014 At Camp Cosby, boys and girls have the opportunity to build self esteem, grow, learn, and challenge themselves. Campers also learn to develop values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Pool, lake adventures, horses, trials, team building, zip line, and much more! Specialty camps include bmx camps, wakeboarding and ski camps, and wrangler. Dates: June-July Ages: 6-16 1-800-85COSBY cosby@ymcabham.org www.campcosby.org
Camp Juliette Low
Camp Woodmont
381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, Ga 30731 Your summer camp experience provides cabin living, moderate summer daytime temperatures, cool evenings around the campfire, creative counselors, new friends, talent/skit nights, and a close family-like atmosphere. Dates: May 25-July 25 Ages: 6-14 423-472-6070 www.campwoodmont.com
McWane Science Center
campfire, and play games on the game field. They explore a huge maze, ride the cable car and crazy swing and are challenged by various rope and climbing activities. And there is a one-of-a-kind Bible Time with skits and drama. Dates: June-July Ages: 1st-9th Grade 334-864-7504 www.marannook.org
Camp Skyline Ranch
4888 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, Al 35984 A summer camp for girls, Skyline offers one and two week sessions where campers make new friends, honor old traditions, and strengthen their faith. Camp Skyline accepts girls of good character Dates: June 1-July 25 Ages: 6-16 1 (800) 448-9279 www.campskyline.com
321 Camp Juliette Low Rd, Cloudland, Ga 30731 a private, non-profit summer camp for girls ages 7 to 17, accredited by the American Camp Association. CJL provides campers with fun and exciting ways to become more confident and competent, individually and in groups, through one-week and two-week outdoor residential programs. Dates: June-July
Camp Victory
Camp Lookout Mountain for Boys
334-898-7948 www.campvictoryal.org
706-862-2169 www.cjl.org
277 Co Rd 632, Mentone, Al 35984 A traditional summer camp. Our program includes: water sports (swimming, diving, canoeing, and our famous zip line), horseback riding, rifle marksmanship, archery, tennis, arts and crafts, even flyfishing with much more...all under the supervision of excellent staff Dates: June-July Ages: 7-15 504-861-1534 LookoutMountainCamp@gmail.com www.lookoutmountaincamp.com
Camp Marannook
P.O. Box 581, LaFayette, Al 36862 From sunrise to after sunset, every camp day is packed with fun. Campers will swim, shoot archery, make crafts, eat s’mores around the Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
363 Victory Circle, Samson, Al 36477 Activities include Bible Classes, Singing, Missionary Presentations, Volleyball, Riflery, Horseback Riding, Ping-Pong, Swimming Pool, Tetherball, Good Food, Archery, Mini Golf, Canoeing, Basketball, Foosball, Crafts, Carpet ball, Outdoor Education, Boating, Fishing, Tournaments, Low Ropes Challenge Course and Climbing Wall. Dates: June 1-July 25 Ages: 3rd-12th grade
Camp Walkabout
171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Camp Walkabout is the no-experience-necessary avenue to all things outdoors. Campers will climb the world renowned Tennessee wall sandstone one day, explore the amazing underground world of a cave the next and paddleboard the mighty Tennessee River Gorge another. Camp Walkabout optimizes every day to find new adventures, leadership opportunities and friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Walkabout truly is the most fun a camper can have in the summer! Dates: June-July Ages: 5 and up 423- 757-2616 badams@baylorschool.org www.baylorschool.org/summer
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200 19th Street North, Birmingham, Al 35203 Hands-on educational programming with themes such as MiniMeteorologists, Dino Discoveries, Super Hero Science, Science of Harry Potter, Rumble in the Jungle, Animation Station, Chemical Concoctions, Robotics and more! Camps are ½ day or full day. Dates: Spring Break/June -August Ages: Rising 1st-7th grade 205-714-8300 www.mcwane.org
The Bedford School “Squirrel Hollow Camp” 5665 Milam Road, Fairburn, Ga 30123 Serves children with academic needs due to learning difficulties. Campers participate in an individualized academic program as well as recreational activities (swimming, team games, Challenge Course elements and a variety of other games and activities). Academic instruction in the areas of reading, reading comprehension, math, auditory discrimination and writing skills through a variety of structured, multi-sensory techniques and materials. Dates: June 21-July 2, July 5-16 Ages: 6-14 770-774-8001 www.thebedfordschool.org
Valley View Equestrian Camp for Girls
606 Valley View Ranch Rd, Cloudland, Ga 30731 Valley View Ranch has been to help each rancher have the full opportunity of horsemanship through instruction, time in the saddle on trails, and the care and responsibility of having her own horse, all atop beautiful Lookout Mountain. Dates: June-July Ages: 8-17 706-862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com
Sports Camps Auburn Academy of Martial Arts
323 Airport Road, Suite J, Auburn, Al 36830 Offering a complete system of martial arts Dates: June-July Ages: Preschool and up 334-502-7221 www.auburnacademy.com
www.auburnopelikaparents.com
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Auburn Fencing
229 South 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 Camps are for beginner and intermediate level fencers. Dates: June 1-5, June 8-11 and July 13-17 Ages: 8-15
334-203-1989 administration@auburnfencing.com www.auburnfencing.com
Auburn Mixed Martial Arts
2515 East Glenn Avenue, 205, Auburn, Al 36830 Combination of martial arts instruction, life skills, self defense skills, team work, fitness and lots of fun. Dates: June-July Ages: Preschool-adults 334-887-0818 info@auburnmma.com www.auburnmma.com
Auburn Thunder
Auburn, Al 36830 Elite soccer club for boys and girls Ages: 9-18 www.auburnthundersoccer.com
H & G Horse Quarters
943 Lee Road 57, Auburn, Al 36830 Come learn how to ride, make new friends and enjoy horses! Dates: Spring Break, May-Aug 334-887-0026 www.hghorsequarters.com
Moore’s Mill Club Junior Summer Golf Camps
1958 Fairway Drive, Auburn, Al 36830 Come join us for lots of fun and great instruction at Moore’s Mill Club for one of our 3 day summer golf camps! We will cover all aspects of the game. Dates: Junior Day Camps June-August Ages: Boys & Girls: K-6th grade (players will be grouped by age and ability) 865-300-0452 andrewpratt@mooresmillclub.com www.andrewprattgolf.com/summer-junior-golf-camps
Premier Spirit Academy
923 Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830 Call about Summer Camps. Ages: Preschool and up 334-821-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com
Sports Academy
3716 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Baseball and Softball Skills Clinic Ages: All baseball and softball players of any skill level, ages 7-12 334-749-4040 or 334-559-4575 www.sportsacademyauburn.com
SportsPlex Kids Triathlon & Small Fry Tri
1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801 Please see our website for all the race details and registration information. Dates: August 6. Ages: 6-15 Kids; 5 years Small Fry sportsplextriforkids@gmail.com www.sportsplextriforkids.com/
World Championship Taekwondo
300 N Dean Rd, #6, Auburn, Al 36830 Combining traditional and modern teaching techniques and principles to fit all ages and all physical levels - we focus on character development in young children, teens, and adults. Dates: Summer TBA Ages: Preschool to adult
2022
334-329-7117 wctauburn@gmail.com www.martialartsauburn.com
Xtreme Athletics
3732 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Our focus is to develop happy, healthy, responsible and respectful kids through gymnastics and cheer. Dates: June-July Ages: Preschool and up 334-759-7030 www.xtremeathleticsauburn.com AOP
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Most parents know that kids benefit tremendously from going to summer camp. But have you ever thought about how sending your kids to camp can benefit you - the parent? Based on my own experiences as a seasoned parent of summer campers, as well as conversations with other parents, I can assure you that camp is great for you too.
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Parents are used to always putting their kids first. From the moment they wake up in the morning until the time they go to bed at night, our children are constantly on our minds. What do they need? What can we do for them? Imagine what happens when they go off to summer camp and the house is suddenly quiet. Here’s what happens: slowly, but surely, you begin to relax in a whole different way. Suddenly, you can hear your own thoughts, and that’ll give you the mental space to reflect on what YOU would like to do - to put yourself first for once. Use that mental space to do things you’ve been wanting and meaning to do all year. Perhaps there’s a hobby you’d like to pursue. While the kids are at camp, you have the time to take that yoga or painting class, and you get to choose - all by yourself - whether you’d like to do it after work or on the weekend. Get together with some friends you haven’t seen for a while. If they have kids at camp, too, chances are that they’re available and eager to spend some time with you. Go on a romantic date or two with your partner. The possibilities are endless. Being able to focus on yourself, your partner, and other people in your life who mean a lot to you is no small matter. As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to remember to cultivate. Sending your kids to summer camp may bring out your more playful side that you haven’t shown for a while.
Another great thing about sending your kids to summer camp is that it’ll give them an opportunity to develop and reach important developmental milestones without you being there every step of the way. They’ll become more independent, more mature, and much better at solving problems on their own. Trust me: Every time my now-teenage son came home from camp, I could tell that he’d grown in leaps and bounds. Seeing how your kids grow also makes you trust them more: you realize that they’re able to develop new skills and take care of themselves even when they’re not under your watchful eye. Ultimately, summer camp is great preparation for the day that all parents will face: the day when their kids move out and they become empty-nesters. You will miss them - a lot - and they’ll miss you too. But, if you’ve done your job well and you have developed deep and meaningful relationships with them, your kids will always come back home to visit. Just like they will always come back home after a trip to summer camp. AOP
Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College.
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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases Marry Me
Theaters
Rating PG-13
Overall B
Violence A-
Sex B
Profanity B-
Alcohol/Drugs B-
Global superstar Kat Valdez is planning to marry her celebrity boyfriend in front of an audience of 20 million people – until she sees a video clip seconds before the ceremony that shows him cheating on her. Heartbroken but determined to “change the narrative” she proposes to a random guy in the crowd. Despite its ludicrous premise, this is a sweet rom-com with little sexual content, aside from suggestive dance moves and revealing costumes. The movie is suitable for most teens and has messges about hope, kindness, and self respect. Photo ©Universal Pictures
Death on the Nile
Theaters
Rating PG-13
Overall B-
Violence C+
Sex B-
Profanity B+
Alcohol/Drugs B
Glamorous Linnet Doyle and her husband Simon are being stalked on their honeymoon by Jacqueline de Bellefort, Linnet’s erstwhile friend and Simon’s former fiancée. When passion bursts into murder on a luxury cruise down the Nile, it’s fortunate that Hercule Poirot is one of the party. The sanitized violence is not unexpected given the genre, but the very steamy kissing and fondling are a surprise. Suitable for adult and teen mystery fans, this is a very loose adaptation of the novel on which it’s based and might displease hardcore Agatha Christie fans looking for a script that hews closer to the book. Photo © 20th Century Studios
Blacklight
Theaters
Rating
Overall
Violence
Sex
Profanity
Alcohol/Drugs
PG-13
D
C-
A
C
C
In this cookie cutter Liam Neeson movie, he stars as Travis Block, a government operative responsible for getting a deep-cover agent out of prison. In the process, he discovers a deadly conspiracy within the government – but exposing it will come at a cost. With painfully flat characters, excruciatingly bad dialogue, and Australian filming locations that look nothing like Washington D.C., this is one of Neeson’s worst films. Negative content is lighter than other movies in the genre, but it’s still not worth watching. Photo © Open Road Films
The Sky Is Everywhere
Apple TV+
Rating PG-13
Overall B-
Violence A
Sex B-
Profanity C+
Alcohol/Drugs D+
Reeling after her sister’s unexpected death, Lennie is unable to play her clarinet and spends her time grieving in Bailey’s closet and writing letters on tree trunks. She unexpectedly becomes involved with two guys: Toby, Bailey’s ex-boyfriend, and Joe, a fellow musician in the school band. Now she has to choose between moving forward or holding on to the past. This movie’s take on grief is distinctive thanks to vivid sets and scenes of magical realism which sometimes work and often don’t. The story’s messages about family and love are nonetheless valuable. Photo ©Apple TV+
Tall Girl 2
Netflix
Rating TV-PG
Overall B-
Violence A
Sex A
Profanity B
Alcohol/Drugs A
Finally comfortable with her height, Jodi has found the confidence to win the lead in the school play. Under these pressures, new insecurities emerge, which threaten her relationships. Formulaic, trite, and clearly filmed on a low budget, this production has little negative content, but not much else to recommend it. Sadly, the valuable storylines on self-doubt and anxiety – that will benefit young viewers - are overwhelmed by layers of unnecessary side plots. Photo ©Netflix Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
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FamilyCalendar Saturday, February 26
Mardi Gras Parade The Krewe De Tigris Mardi Gras Parade will be held in downtown Auburn at 3 p.m. Don’t miss this entertainment district event! www.krewedetigris.com. Celtic Woman: Postcards from Ireland The most successful all-female Irish group in history returns with an 83-city North American tour in 2022 and a stopover in Montgomery. Montgomery Performing Arts Center. www.mpaconline.org. Russell Forest Run Fee for participants only. Russell Crossroads—Check website or call for details. Benefit for the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation. 7:45 a.m. Alexander City. www.russellforestrun.com. Zumbathon 2022 Mardi Gras Party Auburn Parks and Rec. 90 Minutes of dancing designed to get you in shape! Boykin Community Center gym from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Come dressed in your Mardi Gras colors and be ready to dance (and sweat)! FREE and open to the public. Children ages 8 and older are welcome with parent participation. Register at www.auburnalabama. org/parks.
Sunday, February 27
Anais Mitchell + Bonny Light Horseman Singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, is joined by Bonny Light Horseman, a folk supergroup trio. The Gogue Performing Arts Center. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu
Monday, February 28
Syncopated Ladies 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. Syncopated Ladies is an all-female Tap company that is widely known for viral videos, the most successful being their tribute to Prince and their cover of Beyoncé’s Formation. www. eastalabamaarts.org. Open Auditions for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Also Feb. 29 and March 1. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. No previous experience necessary! 4 women and 2 men are needed for an awardwinning comedy. Every character has some beautiful moments on-stage. Set, props, and other volunteers are also welcome to come to auditions. www.auburnalabama.org/parks
Wednesday, March 2
Blue Man Group RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy— the men are still blue but the rest is all new! www.rivercenter.org
OLLI at Auburn Brown Bag Lunch and Learn with Vincent Hall Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts at Pebble Hill. 11:30 AM. Screen the documentary White Schools, Black Children with the local filmmaker who spent years researching the Rosenwald schools and interviewing former students, teachers, and historians about the impact and legacy of these schools built in Black communities throughout the South in the early 20th century.
Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
March 2-May 29: Read Across the Preserve Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. Join the KPNC and the Auburn Public Library as we celebrate “National Read Across America Day”. At the KPNC, enjoy stories every 20 minutes at many locations around the Nature Center. Visitors will also get to hunt for each page of our “story walk,” a book whose pages are along a short walk in the woods.
Friday, March 4
Creative Cubs Jule Collins Smith Museum. 9:30-10:30 AM. Featuring storytime and art making for ages 3-5 years. Register at jcsm.auburn.edu. Astronomy Night Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center staff and the Auburn Astronomical Society at Kiesel Park for a short astronomy program, educational space movie, powerful telescopes, and snacks. Bring a flashlight and dress warmly. Not recommended for children under 6. Admission is $5 ($4 for members). www.auburn.edu/preserve Sundilla presents Nicholas Edward Williams in Concert Pebble Hill. Sundilla will welcome a true traveling troubadour to town when Nicholas Edward Williams plays. Showtime at Pebble Hill is 7:30, and advance tickets are available for just $15 at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and online. Admission at the door will be $20. www.sundillamusic.com
Saturday, March 5
An Evening with Michelle Malone The Sound Wall. 7 PM. About Michelle Malone “Raucous and jubilant - Malone alternates between soulful ballads and rowdy, riffy blasters.” Rolling Stone. “Malone emerges, not as an ingenue, but as the definition of the Atlanta rock sound--Southern, blues-touched, guitar-driven, but still about the song.” www.thesoundwallopelika.com
Sunday, March 6
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Following an extended 50th anniversary tour, the ensemble grew to a six-piece in 2018 for the first time since their early jug band days. www.mpaconline.com
Monday, March 7
Spring Break Camp (Auburn City Schools) at Kreher Preserve and Nature Center Also March 8 and 9. The theme for 2022 Spring Break Camp is “KPNC: March Madness” and will look at various animals in the natural world and how they would match up against each other based on survival characteristics. wp.auburn.edu/preserve
Tuesday, March 8
Discovery Hike 3:30 p.m. at Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. This event is for all ages. Family Discovery Hikes are monthly guided hikes through the Kreher forest. Discovery Hikes are free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain – check Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Facebook. www.facebook. com/aupreserve
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Wednesday, March 9
Jake Blout Little House at Standard Deluxe. Please welcome Jake Blout at the little house at Standard Deluxe at 7 PM. Gates/Dinner opens at 5 PM. with “pay what you like” supper from Wilton’s Catering. Tickets are $20. www.standarddeluxe.com
Thursday, March 10
Woman 2 Woman Covington Rec Center. Join Opelika Parks and Recreation for a roundtable discussion with different speakers on health, finance, and motherhood/ womanhood. 6:00 PM. $15 per session. Light supper, fun atmosphere and Q & A session. www. opelika-al.gov Teaching with Collections Jule Collins Smith Museum. 6 PM. Mimi Hellman, professor and associate department chair of Art History, Skidmore College. Register at jcsm.auburn.edu Nature Walk Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Nature Walks are for adults only and offered the second Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Groups meet at the pavilion. www.auburn.edu/ preserve
Friday, March 11
Casting Crowns: The Healer Tour Columbus Civic Center. Compassion Presents: Casting Crowns with We are Messengers and Johnathan Traylor. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov
Saturday, March 12
WWE Road to Wrestlemania Columbus Civic Center. WWE is back! Don’t miss out on the Road to WrestleMania. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov
Sunday, March 13
Film on Second Sunday Jule Collins Smith Museum. 1:30 PM. A screening of “Sisters with Transistors” (2020), a documentary about the remarkable story of electronic music’s female pioneers, composers who embraced machines and their liberating technologies to utterly transform how we produce and listen to music today. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Violins Du Roy with Jeremy Denk, Piano Gogue Performing Arts Center. Founded in 1984, the group continues under music director Jonathan Cohen to explore the nearly boundless repertoire of music for chamber orchestra in performances matched as closely as possible to the period of each work’s composition. www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu Paul Thorn Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The son of a preacher man, an accomplished painter, former professional boxer and seasoned skydiver, Paul has opened up for Sting, Huey Lewis and the News, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Toby Keith and Jeff Beck. www.mpaonline.org
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FamilyCalendar Monday, March 14
Spring Break Camp (Opelika City Schools) Also March 15 & 16. Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. The theme for 2022 Spring Break Camp is “KPNC: March Madness” and will look at various animals in the natural world and how they would match up against each other based on survival characteristics. wp.auburn.edu/preserve
Thursday, March 17
Third Thursday Poetry at Pebble Hill Hosted by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Pebble Hill, a reading by the Southern Humanities Review Spring Sessions, featuring Sanjera Sathian and Heather Christle. www.facebook.cmdcah
Friday, March 18
Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez 7:30 PM. Classical piano prodigy Alfredo Rodríguez and street percussionist Pedrito Martinez, two of Cuba’s most exciting and innovative artists, have joined forces to form the Cuban jazz supergroup, the Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martinez Duo. www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu Sundilla Presents Wes Collins in Concert Pebble Hill. Sundilla welcomes Wes Farrell to Auburn Showtime at Pebble Hill is 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and online. Admission at the door is $20. www.sundillamusic.com
Saturday, March 19
Tails and Trails Fun Run Join Active Auburn as we kick-off the 10th annual Bark in the Park with our 2nd annual Tails and Trails 3K for you and your furriest friends. Grab your running shoes and your perfect running “pawtner” for a dog gone good time! 8:00 a.m. at Kiesel Park followed by Bark in the Park at 9 a.m. Visit auburnalabama.org/parks/register to register. (334) 501-2940. Bark in the Park
Kiesel Park. 9:00 AM2:00 PM. This FREE community event is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. Educational booths, local pet vendors, door prizes and dog-friendly activities. Rescue dogs will be available for adoption!
Monday, March 21
Bob Dylan Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Just announced! An evening with Bob Dylan live. www.mpaconline.org
Thursday, March 24
Artist Talk with Tommy Coleman Jule Collins Smith Museum. Aaron Levi Garvey, Janet L. Nolan Director of Curatorial Affairs, speaks with interdisciplinary artist, Tommy Coleman. www.jcsm.auburn.edu The Oak Ridge Boys Montgomery Performing Arts Center. 7 PM. www.mpaonline.org
Friday, March 25
Morgan Geer Little House at Standard Deluxe. Gates/Dinner opens at 5 PM with “pay what you like” supper from Wilton’s Catering. Tickets are $12 presale and $15 at the gate (if available). For more information on the event and tickets visit https:// standarddeluxe.com.
Saturday, March 26
BalletX: The Little Prince Gogue Performing Arts Center. 7:30 PM. BalletX produces original choreography that expands the vocabulary of classical dance for all audiences. www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu March Madness Columbus Civic Center. Medallion and Hood Entertainment presents Kodiak Black & Friends, Big Boogie, Rocko, Tay Money and more. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov CSO: Beethoven Eroica Symphony RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Dominic Cheli, piano. Celebrate two masterpieces by Beethoven: his greatest piano concerto “The Emperor” performed by award-winning Dominic Cheli, and the heroic symphony that changed music forever.
Sunday, March 27
Glory of Easter Concert Auburn United Methodist Church’s Music Ministry presents The Glory of Easter featuring the acclaimed AUMC Chancel Choir accompanied by a full professional orchestra. 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM. Free of charge. www.aumc.net
Tuesday, March 29
An Evening with Kenny G Gogue Performing Arts Center. 7:30 PM. Kenny G is a phenomenally successful instrumentalist whose recordings routinely made the pop, R&B, and jazz charts during the 1980s and ’90s, Kenny G‘s sound became a staple on adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio stations. www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu
Wednesday, March 30
Mnozil Brass: Gold The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org
Thursday, March 31
Saturday, April 2
Inaugural Global Community Day Festival Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Join us for an outdoor festival celebrating cultures with international food, music, and local vendors. Sponsored by Outreach Global. www.jcsm.auburn.edu 2nd Annual Garden Party
The Sound Wall. The Sound Wall Garden Party is an annual, outdoor event under the lanterns at Opelika’s Premiere Listening Room. Come in your best garden chic attire and enjoy food prepared by Chef Chris Wilton. Enjoy a taste of Opelika Songwriters Festival with artists Paul McDonald & Meaghan Farrell. www.thesoundwallopelika.com Piano Battle Gogue Performing Arts Center. Join us at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center as we enjoy internationally accomplished pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis in Piano Battle! The duo will go headto-head on stage, enchanting us with a variety of classical pieces. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu
Monday, April 4
Becoming the Beloved Community Also April 5. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. A collaboration with the Auburn University School of Communication and Journalism, the Alabama Mobile Institute, and the Henry Luce Foundation. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Tuesday, April 5
Harlem Globetrotters: Spread Game Tour Columbus Civic Center. Get ready for world class basketball showmanship and full-court fun. Don’t miss seeing the team the whole family will cheer for. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov
Thursday, April 7
Downtown Auburn Sip and Shop Sip and Shop is taking place in downtown Auburn starting at 3 PM. Join the retail merchants for exclusive discounts and extended shopping hours. Come out to enjoy a fun night while sipping on drinks! www.downtownauburnonline.com
Saturday, April 9
Empty Bowls 2022 Denson Drive Rec Center. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Soup, entertainment and raffle prizes. Tickets are $10. Each ticketholder gets their choice of a handmade bowl created by local artists and a soup lunch. www.auburnalabama.org/empty-bowls
CSO Carnival the Animals RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 7 PM. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Ballet will perform Carnival of the Animals, a humorous musical suite appropriate for all ages, composed by Camille Saint-Saens.
Breakfast with the Bunny 8 AM - 11 AM at Kiesel Park. $5 per person. Activities include a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, balloon animals, face painting, a petting zoo and egg hunt! Breakfast is buffet-style. For children age 3 and under. Tickets go on sale on Monday, March 7, at auburnalabama.org/easter-egg-hunt. No walk-ups accepted on the day of the event.
Friday, April 1
Sunday, April 10
Creative Cubs Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 9:30 AM. Featuring storytime and art making for ages 3-5 years. Register at www.jcsm.auburn.edu
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Film on Second Sunday Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Screening of “What You Gonna Do When the World’s on Fire?”, the story of a community of black people in the
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FamilyCalendar American South during the summer 2017, when a string of brutal killings of black men sent shockwaves throughout the country. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Thursday, April 14
Flashlight Egg Hunt Moore Stadium. 7:30 PM. Ages 3rd-5th graders. Free event to the public. Bring your flashlights and Easter baskets for an evening of egg hunting in the dark. www.opelika-al.gov
Friday, April 15
Underwater Egg Hunt Opelika SportsPlex Pool. 6:00 PM. Ages 6-12 years. Free for members. $4 per guest. Register by April 11. www.opelika-al.gov Cops on Top Auburn Kroger and Tiger Town Kroger. Come by your local Kroger stores and visit our law enforcement. They’ll be on the roof raising money for Special Olympics Lee County!
Saturday, April 16
Easter on the Square Downtown Opelika Square. 10 AM. 2nd grade and younger. Free and open to the public. More info to come. www.opelika-al.gov Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Auburn Parks and Recreation Kiesel Park. Eggs will be stuffed with small prizes as well as coupons to local restaurants and entertainment venues. If a child finds a golden egg while hunting, they will take home a prize basket containing gift cards and Easter goodies. www. auburnalabama.org/parks
Wednesday, April 20
Ronald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org
Friday, April 22
11th Annual Bo Bikes Bama Weekend Also April 23. Auburn Arena. Choose from a 20-mile and a 60-mile route, or register to “ride from home” if you are unable to attend in person. All registrations will include a Nike t-shirt, sticker, wristband, and commemorative bike plate. www.bobikesbama.com
Saturday, April 23
The Righteous Brothers: Bill Medley and Bucky Heard Gogue Performing Arts Center. For this tour, Bill Medley teams with Alabama native and Auburn University alum Bucky Heard. A gutsy rock and roll singer with incredible vocal range, Heard has shared the stage with legends like Andy Williams and Glen Campbell, and is the perfect fit for The Righteous Brothers’ live performances. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu
Sunday, April 24
Lauren Patten Gogue Performing Arts Center. Breakout star of the new Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill for which she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu
Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
Tuesday, April 26
An Officer and a Gentleman Also April 27. Rivercenter for the Performing Arts. Enjoy a breathtaking production that celebrates triumph over adversity and includes one of the most iconic and romantic endings ever portrayed on screen. www.rivercenter.org
Wednesday, April 27
An American in Paris Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 7:30 - 10 p.m. at The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. “An American in Paris,” transports the audience to postwar Paris, where romance is in the air and youthful optimism reigns. www.eastalabmaarts.org
Thursday, April 28
17th Annual Auburn CityFest Juried Art Preview Exhibition & Reception Enjoy a Preview Reception held at the Historic Nunn-Winton House on the ground of Kiesel Park, refreshments will be provided. Artists from across the Southeast are invited to submit works for this competition. FREE to the public. edombrowski@auburnalabama.org
Friday, April 29
Lee County Relay for Life Lee County Courthouse Square. NOW is the time to form a team and start raising money to support local programs and national research efforts to find a cure for cancer. To register a team, donate and learn more: www.relayforlife.org/leeal.
Saturday, April 30
Auburn CityFest Kiesel Park. Auburn’s largest free outdoor festival. Live music, arts & crafts, fine arts vendors, children’s activities, food and more! CityFest is FREE to the public and is a rain or shine event. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. www.auburncityfest.com Opelika Main Street On Tap Downtown Opelika. 1-6 PM. Located along Opelika’s 1st Avenue, On Tap will feature over 30 craft breweries from across the country. www. opelikamainstreet.org
Library Events
Auburn Public Library Story Time Birth-5 year olds. Tuesdays-Thursdays & Saturdays, 9:30 AM, and 1:00 PM. Early literacy story time for our guests and their favorite grown-ups. Program will be held in person in the Picture Books section of the Auburn Public Library Youth Room. This event is free and open to the public. Auburn Public Library Puppet Show Fridays, 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Puppet shows will be held in person in the Picture Books section of the Youth Room and virtually via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public. Opelika Public Library Yoga Story Time Fridays, 10 AM, Ages 0-5 and their siblings are welcome to join Ms. Janie for Yoga Story Time! Stories, movement, games, and fun! Opelika Public Library Music and Movement Family Story Time Mondays, 6:00-7:00 PM. Opelika Public Library Brick Builders Tuesdays, 3:30 PM.
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Opelika Public Library Baby & Me Story Time Wednesdays, 9:30 AM. Opelika Public Library Action Center Wednesdays, 10 AM. The action center is a time and place for preschoolers to discover the world with fun activities. If your little one needs to move and groove the action center is a great place to be.
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Jr. Robot Crew Thursdays, 3:30 PM. Students in grades 2-5 are invited to learn to control and talk to robots! Opelika Public Library. library@opelika-al.gov Storytime at the Garden Saturdays, 10 AM. Join Opelika Public Library staff and O-Grows staff for storytime and a craft in the green house at O-Grows (behind Southside Center for the Arts on Glenn Street library@opelika-al.gov. Family Movie Matinee Auburn Public Library, March 7-8. Peter Rabbit (2018), rated PG, 100 minutes. Please contact us if you need adaptive assistance to make the program more accessible. libraryevents@auburnalabama.org or call 334-501-3296.
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Spring Break Monday Movie March 14, 10 AM. Come enjoy popcorn and a movie on the first day of Opelika’s spring break. Movie to be announced.
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Full STEAM Ahead Opelika Public Library. During Opelika’s spring break, March 14-18, the library will be hosting special events focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. 2:00 PM. 2nd-5th grades. tcooper@opelika-al.gov
Performances
The Color Purple Feb. 25-March 12. Springer Opera House. With a joyous Tony-Award winning musical score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope and the healing power of love. www.springeroperahouse.org. Little Shop of Horrors Mar. 3-April 3. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net Hairspray Mar. 16-17. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org Walkin the Line: A Tribute to Johnny Cash Mar. 18-23. Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org Company Mar. 31-April 10. Virginia Samford Theatre. Company is a 1970 musical comedy which revolves around Robert (a single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, let alone marriage), the five married couples who are his best friends, and his three girlfriends. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org Freedom Rider April 8-24. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. In May 1961, four young students join others aboard a southbound bus in Washington, D.C., to challenge segregated spaces in interstate travel. They ended up changing themselves and the nation forever. www.asf.net
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Calendar Until the Flood April 14-May 1. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith explores the social uprising in Ferguson, Missouri following the shooting of teenager Michael Brown. Pulling from her extensive interviews with Missouri residents, Orlandersmith crafts a stunning theatrical experience that must be seen. www.asf.net
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Auburn University Gymnastics March 4, April 1-2. Auburn University Men’s Basketball March 5.
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If you have thirty minutes or more to listen, ask Antonio what he dreams of being in ten years. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.
Auburn University Golf March 6-8, April 4-5. Columbus River Dragons March 4-6, 18-20, 23, April 9-10. Columbus Rapids March 3, 10, 31.
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Ongoing Market Days on Broadway Saturdays, 9 AM - Noon. Columbus, GA. Featuring over 200 regional vendors selling everything from homemade bread and pastries to homegrown products, including local and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, crafts, and eclectic gifts and clothing. www.uptowncolumbusga.com Friday Night Concert Series Uptown Columbus. You’ll hear jazz, rock, reggae, gospel, and more. A full block along Broadway is shut down for pedestrian use. FREE and open to all ages. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, outside food and beverages allowed—glass containers and outside alcoholic beverages prohibited. www.alwaysuptown.com Saturdays at the Garden O Grows Farmers Market Come out to O Grows Farmer’s Market every Saturday this fall from 9 a.m. - noon! Local growers, bakers, craftsmen/women, artisans, community members, neighbors, gardeners, workshops, educational activities, and more! O Grows is a communityuniversity partnership with the mission to meet the food needs of all residents. www.ogrows.org
1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org
Works on Paper Feb. 14-March 11. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. An open exhibition featuring a variety of art materials by regional artists.
2022
Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! 43
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Where Should My Child Park His Money? Q.
Our son is 13, and he has been doing some part-time work for a friend of the family. He makes $40 to $60 a week, and he would like to begin investing the majority of what he earns. Do you have a suggestion?
A. Well, here’s the thing. At this point in
his life, the goal of this investment isn’t wealth. Number one, it’s not a lot of money. Number two, well, it’s not a lot of money. The goal is to create knowledge, reward his interest in the subject and teach him how to handle his finances as an adult. I’ve got no problem with you helping him open checking or savings accounts at a local bank or credit union. There are lots of good lessons to be learned in reconciling a bank statement, and the value of spending, saving and giving. Then, you could get with a good financial pro, one with the heart of a teacher, and let him open a mutual fund for $50 a month with
Auburn Opelika Parents I March 2022
you as the custodian. He could learn about compound interest, how to calculate the value of his shares and other things, and all that would be a good learning exercise. We did these things with our kids. But keep in mind that over the course of a year—and when you’re 13, that’s an eternity— there’s not going to be a lot of action on the investing side of things. It could be kind of boring for him at times. But he’s better off to learn now that good things don’t always come with flashing lights and whistles. Slow and steady wins the race!
It’s Always a We Thing Q. My husband recently approached me
with an idea for our money. He wants us to set up an account where we both put 10 percent of our income for discretionary
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spending. My husband makes more money than I do, and because of this, he says it is fair that he would be able to spend more than I would. How do you feel about this?
A. I’m sure deep down he’s a
decent guy and he loves you very much. But he’s looking at this all wrong. Right now, he’s being pretty immature and selfish about the situation. Let’s look at this from another angle. There are lots of families where only one person works outside the home and generates an income. Would it be fair, then, to say only the person making money is allowed a little cash to spend for fun once in a while? When two people are married, they are pronounced “as one.” That means even if you only have one person with an income, it becomes our income. If you have kids, they become our kids. Marriage is not a me thing, it’s a we thing. Always.
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FLU & PNEUMONIA
FACTS
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