Auburn Opelika Parents May 2015 by KeepSharing

May2015 4

Volume 6 Number 3

Columns

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children John Rosemond

Living with Children

John Rosemond discusses imaginary friends and the importance of independent play.

Let It Go!

Ten things to drop from your list of parenting worries.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book

Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Banish Boredom This Summer

2015 Guide to Summer Fun

Inspire your child to volunteer and help them have a unique and meaningful summer break.

Our listing leads you to activities and fun throughout Lee County this summer!

On The Cover Brayden is the son of Charlie and Brittany Bryant of Opelika. He is two years old and attends Bright Beginnings in Opelika. Brayden enjoys going to church, learning, playing his drums, Thomas the Train, being outside, football, basketball, and just having fun. He loves to laugh. He really enjoys spending time with his family including Grandma, cousins, aunts, uncles, and especially his Papa! 1

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 46

Family Calendar 52

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote Lately, I find myself singing the oh-so popular song, ‘Let It Go’, throughout my day. Not so much as in the ‘princess, shimmery ball gown, snow falling all around’ kind of moment, but my version, the ‘hair pulling out, yoga pants wearing, running late again, trying not to belittle myself, everyday mom’ moment. Let it go, Let it go, plays over and over in my head as I desperately try to convince myself that if my day doesn’t go exactly as planned, it won’t be the end of the world, but will all be okay. Struggling to check the ‘to-do’ items off my daily list, while making sure to be ‘in the moment’ with my family, and to not forget to take care of myself along the way, can be so overwhelming at times that I often feel like I have failed. Couple this with my Type-A personality and it can leave me exhausted and beating myself up. Yes, being a parent brings with it tons of responsibility, and unfortunately, a lot of worry. We worry about bills to pay, career goals, organizing the home, involvement at school and kid activities, and planning travel and family time. Some days, I even worry about worrying and really cannot pinpoint the exact issue that has me upset the most. These are the times I can either spend all day in the corner filled with anxiety, or I can try to let some of it go. In this month’s feature article, Let It Go! Ten Things to Stop Worrying About, the author explores a few areas in a busy parent’s life that we just need to realize are part of that busy life. Just the realization that worrying about certain things is not necessary will reduce our internal script of not being good enough or not doing our best. After reading the 10 things, two that were mentioned struck me with that ‘ah-ha’ moment. The first one is to stop worrying that ‘the unthinkable will happen’. For me, this is the classic worst-case scenario, where a disaster of epic proportions will somehow find me and my family! I play out these events in my head and it can become debilitating to the point that I can’t even enjoy family time for all the worrying. A great example was a trip to North Carolina’s coast, and to get there, we had to cross a bridge over a body of water that was about 6 miles long. I just knew our car would veer off the road, into the water, and we would all be trapped. I literally had a panic attack and it took me a day to finally relax and enjoy the beach vacation. Instead, I need not focus on the worst case scenarios, because most times it is out of my control anyway. The second thing to stop worrying about is what the author calls, ‘You sometimes want to do your own thing, minus the kids’. This is a hard one for me. Ever since my children were babies, I have felt the need to always be with them. I had to be the parent that was there and present, for whatever they needed. So much so, that I have never left my kids with a babysitter (who was not a family member) or taken an overnight trip without them. Yes, you read that right! It is overboard and can you say... control freak! However, I have recently been giving myself permission to take time to explore my interests and to recharge for my family’s benefit. Also, the key for me is to not feel guilty for it. Plus, I am betting my kids would love a night or two away from Mom and Dad, too. I can see that party now! While reading through this month’s magazine, please take a moment to read this feature article. You too might find your ‘ah-ha’ moment and an area that you can release from your list of parent worries. If you are like me, the next time you are singing ‘Let It Go! Let It Go!’, you’ll finally get to see yourself as the ice princess, dancing and carefree!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Lara Krupicka Laura Lane Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Ellen Royal, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

•

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

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

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

•

on rse, nity. nity ss.

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode

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

Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

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

0000067769-01

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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

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

www.riverviewcamp.com

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

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

D RAMA

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

AND

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

C RAFTS • C HORUS

in d. zine t the ment

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

AND

thly Road

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

com

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

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING • 3

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Imaginary Friends and Independent Play Today’s parents tend to worry about all manner of things that deserve not even second thoughts. Imaginary friends, for example. I’ve been asked many times by mothers if they should worry that their preschoolers have imaginary friends they seem to think, and in some cases even insist, are real. I’m not aware of any specific research on the subject, but I’ve long thought that imaginary friends sharpen language and social skills and probably even improve overall neurological functioning. As they are a product of imagination, they exercise creative abilities. Perhaps best of all, imaginary friends keep young children occupied and out from under foot. Celebrate them! Both of my kids had imaginary friends. Eric’s was Jackson Jonesberry. For Amy, it was Shinyarinka Sinum. They would play for hours at a time with these playmates, both of whom showed up rather suddenly and then, about a year later in each case, simply disappeared and were never spoken of again. Along these same lines, parents need not be concerned about young children who tell fantastical stories about things they claim

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

have happened to them but obviously have not—a 4-year-old who insists that he actually rode a dragon and fought and defeated an evil wizard, for example. Some parents mistakenly think these stories are lies and must be punished. No, this is not lying. By definition, lying is either harmful to other people or purposefully meant to conceal wrongdoing. A 4-year-old who insists he rode a dragon and fought a wizard is guilty of neither. Parents once asked me about their 4-year-old who told such creative tales fairly often and could not be threatened or even punished into admitting they were not the truth. Did he, they asked, have a problem distinguishing fantasy from reality? Of course he did, but this is nothing to be concerned about with a child this age who is functioning normally otherwise. He is simply highly imaginative and the imagination of a child is a thing to be treasured, especially in these digital times.

And while I’m on the subject, please, parents, do not give toddlers and preschoolers digital, screen-based devices with which to occupy themselves. There’s no evidence that these gadgets (you know their names) produce future computer geniuses and a growing body of evidence that they interfere with normal brain development. Young children need to be engaged in play that is, for the most part, self-directed and open-ended; play that involves gross- and fine-motor skills. Playing with other children (strengthens social skills) should be balanced with a certain amount of solitary play (strengthens imagination and creative thinking). That’s right! Play dates are fine, but young children also need to play by themselves. Eminent developmental psychologist Burton White (The First Three Years of Life) said he regarded the ability to play independently for at least an hour at a time on a regular basis as the best marker of good development in a 3-year-old. So if your youngster is playing in his room, chattering away as if there’s another child with him (but you know there isn’t), don’t go “check.” Just leave well enough alone. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

olh

experience

Summer Art Clubs at JCSM! Take part in FREE art making activities supported by museum memberships and a City of Auburn K-12 Arts Education Outreach Grant

State of Create—Rising 7th-12th graders Fridays beginning June 5, 1–2:30 pm

Artypants—Rising K-2nd graders

Saturdays beginning May 30, 10–11:30 am

stART!—Rising 3rd-6th graders

Saturdays beginning May 30, 12:30–2:30 pm

d; ls.

Class size is limited, so advance registration encouraged online at jcsm.auburn.edu or by calling 334.844.3486. Adults are encouraged to stay and learn with their child. Please note Art Clubs will not meet Friday, July 3 or Saturday, July 4.

jcsm.auburn.edu

n dee he

t d.

n’t

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

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners! (Wii Drawing for May 1, 2015 )

A.G Henry A’lailah Billingsley A’Lani Gordy Aaliyah Harrison Aaliyah Jones Abiageal Hutton Addyson Kimbrell Adilyn Gainey Aiden Brice Conway Ainsley King Akeelah Smith Alecia Williams Alex Martinez Alex Mendoza Alicia Peralto Aliexis Core Alijah Dorsey Alivia Johnson Allie Gross Allie Reese Thompson Allison Correia Allison Fuller Allison Lumpkin Alonna Toles Alysa Richards Alyssa Grody Amerie Redenius Amir Word Ana Lopez Analyssa McClelland Anderson Dobbs Andrea Barnett Jr. Andrew Calhoun Andrew Chase Anet Mendoza Angelina Jones Angelina Oldham Anijha Dennis

Anna McCormick Annabelle Lankford Annie Pedroza Anzlei Whatley Ar’rayah Bailey Areli Roblero Arniesha Williams Ashton Denney Ashton Keith Ashton Rogers Aubree Thomas Audrey Blersch Audrey Todd Austin Hudson Austin Stewart Autumn Dubose Ava Core Avery Fowler Avery Nelson Avery Venegas Axel Duran Ayoni Calhoun Azariaha Calloway-Simpson Bailey Beam Bailey Mays Beau Finklea Bemnet Teshome Bentley Hester Bentley Roland Brady Dickinson Brady Orr Brady Reeder Branden Lockhart Brantley Sanders Brayden Carnley Bridgett Hutton Britney Velasquez Brodie Turner

Brooklyn Lockhart Brooklyn Singleton Brooks Orr Byron Sparks Caleb Brown Caleb Johnson Calie Boatner Callie Ray Camden Bowen Camryn Gray Caria Maddox Carlos Montero Carlos Santiago Caroline Scullen Carson Garrett Carson Ward Carter Stewart Carter Wilson Catherine Graham Cayden Thomas Cedrick Williams, Jr. Celina Aleman Chariah Philpot Charlie Carter Charlie Garcia Chloe Jacksland Christian Keyes Christian Lowry Christie Heath Christina Hollis Christopher Sanchez Christopher Shewtchenko Christopher Tordeo Salino Christopher Vigil Christy Bell Claire Thomas Clete Carlson Clinton Marley

Cohen Lyles Colt Jordan Colton Poh Colton Woodall Connor Reeder Contavious J. Gullatte Conteh Warren Cooper Carlson Corbett Culpepper Courtney Brewer Courtney Pugh Cristian A Perez Cu’Darius Hale Cyler Carden D’Andre Adams D’Anthony Harper Da’Brien Trammell Dailee Plair Dakota Pugh Daleah Murph Dalton Ruth Bendinger Daltyn Atkinson Danaeshia Tucker Dane Wells Danecia Foreman Daniel Martinez Darren D. Harris, Jr. David Ayala Daylen Mills De’Shaun M. Caldwell Derrick Maddox Desirae Adams Desiree’ Penn Devon Lowry Dominic Castro Donald Harris Dulce Ayala Dusten Holmes

Dylan Landreth Dylan White Easton Hamby Edgar Martinez Eduardo Vaquero Elijah Harper Elijah Spraggins Elijah Thrift Elizabeth Cottrell Elizabeth Northrup Ella Fordham Emily Biaz Emma Hutton Emma Smith Emma Stewart Emma Voss Emmilyn Jones Eric Osonio Ethan Jacksland Ethan Robinson Everlee Peace Ezra Lockhart Felipe Perez Felix Wilson Floyd Henderson Ford Alston Gabe Gonzales Gavin Gardner Gavin Gibbs Gavin Raines Gisselle Roblero Glen Hutton Grace Morgan Grayson Kimbrell Gustavious Davidson Haili Cross Hailyn Fulford Haley Sawyer

Hampton Finklea Hannah Cottrell Harmony Ware Harper Thrower Hazel Ward Hehle Nelms Helen Jimenz Henrietta Ruddick Henry Frye Hollis Jones Horacio Gonzalez Hunter Rasnick Illari Heredia Imani Arnold Isabel Aleman Isabella Whatley Ivana Doleman Ja’Kayah Hundley Ja’Mya Porter Ja’Mya Story Ja’Xavier Dumas Jabreon Porter Jacarius Gullatte Jack McPherson Jackson Hill Jackson Webster Jacob Fuller Jacob Lee JaCorey Avery Jada Barnes Jade Jones Jaderrious Avery Jaiden Webster Jakalyn Washington Jake Gross Jake Weldon Jaliah Broughton Jalyn Lumpkin Jamarious Simpson Jamel Griffin Jr. James Tyler Page James Ward Jamilleon Ekmonds Jamiya Mills JaMorrious Broughton Jamyrio Edmonds Janai Gabriel Janaria J. Bedell Janathan Mackey Jannett Roblero Jasmine Dickerson

Jasmine Patterson Jason Stroud Jr. Javion Bush Jayda Wilson Jayden Drake Jayna Raines Jennifer Gonzalez Jeremiah Stroud Jeremy J. Dunn Jessica Ayala Jessica Roblero Jesus Martinez Jocelyn Hayes John Berry Upton John Embry Northrup John Spencer Johnathan Martinez Johnovin Strickland Jonguk Won Jordan Patterson Jordy Martinez Jose Gonzalez, Jr. Joseph Core Joshawia Davis Jr. Joshua Aleman Joshua Carswell Joshua Lee Josiah Shiver Julia J Mun Julie Hall JuShyne Holt-Kirk Ka’Leah Williams Kacie Gunn Kadynee Tidwell Kaelyn Johnson Kaelyn Webster Kaese Davis Kaidan Griffin-Beatty Kaleah Toles Kaleb Laney Kal-El Denney KaMari Knight Kamariah Finley Kamarius Griffin-Beatty Kamia Torrance Kamyiah Farrow Karsen Bruner Karsyn McCard Katelyn Strickland Katelynn Harris Kati Lynn Fordham

Kayleb Harris Kaylee Stroud Kaylei Jackson Kayleigh Duffy Keelan Banks Keerah Taylor Keiarra Morgan Kellia Menefee Kelsey Holloway Kemper Sanders Kendarius Bailey Kennedy McCard Kenneth Jones Kevin Jimenez Kevin Santiago Key’Air Davidson Kimberly Liles Kimberly Lopez Kody Atkinson Kolby Wright Kolton Fuller Krisanta Mendoza Kristel Lopez Kylon Warren Kynlea Morris Kynlee Mason Kyron Samuel La’Paisha Nunley La’Zyriah Harris Laina Rae Sawyer Lamar Bowen Lamon Grigsby Landen Toles Landon Hamby Landon Nelms Lauren Ross Lauren Sweeney LaVarious Fergerson Lee McCall Leighton Moss Leo Andrzejewski Leonna Reaves-Young Lili Aleman Lily Boyd (Lillian) Lily Otwell Linnea Redenius Londyn Gardner Lucai Pinckard Lucas Sanders Lucia Raquel A. Ruiz Lyndeen Hurley

MacKenna Patterson Mackenzie Johnson Maddie Rose Smith Madeline Giles Madelynn Dickinson Madison Melton Madison Stadler Maggie Henry MaKai Simpson Makayla Warren Makenlee Szot Malik Oliver Mallie Jarvis Mallorie McCollough Mario Knight Marley Golden Marley Hunt Marley Kovak Marlie Jordan Marquez Chambers Mary Brentley Moore Mary Jane McClelland Mary Kate Melton Mason Barker Mason Lehmkuhl Mason Simpson Matthew Mottern McKenzie Maddox Megan Buckner Megan Giles Meleah Tigner Melissa Ixmay Melody Castro Melody Chadwick Melony McCall Messiah Baker Mia Tatum Micah Truitt Michael Barker Michael Chase Dubose Michael Villarreal Jr. Michaela Knowles Mijuael Farrow Moses Pendleton Museq Ware Myriah Merrett-Smith Nathan Bean Nathan Delong Nathan Foster Nathan Ogle Nathaniel Whitlow

Nevaeh James Noah Houston Noah Hunt Noah Warren NyKeria Johnson Olivia Schwendeler Olivia Young Oscar Duran Paisley Alston Paisley Nicolaisen Parks Myer Patrica Sweeney Phileepae Holloway Randi Smith Raymi Daniel Heredia Rayna Brown Reed Jones Reese Gowan Reid Ware Remington Dean Reynolds Phillips Ric’Kyah Bibbins Ricky Harrison Ridley Myers Riley Duck Ash Riley Johnson Riley Stadler Rim Biaz Robert Martinez Roger A Perez Ruby Andrzejewski Rumi Heredia Russell Dickerson S’Keiyah Walton S’Kendiah Walton Sa’Diah Shamery SaKayla Simon Sam Ross Samantha Belcher Samuel Clemons Sashia Martinez Sawyer Harmon Selena Vaquero Semaj Cook Seojin Choi Serenity Ligon ShaKeira Smart Sharntasha Lurns ShiCari Cook Sincere Peterson Skylar Storm

Sophia Simpson Spencer Strange Stephanie Gonzalez Stephanie Mayton Suk Joon Mun Swapnil Paul Sydney Prickett Sydney Richards Syrinna Holloway Tanner Kirby Tarence Barrow Taron Doleman Tatum Lehmkuhl Taylor Harsha Tayson Gibbs Teairra Ashmon Tehlor Warren TeKaja Thomas Teott Heredia Thomas Foster Tiensae Teshome Tijah Presley ToBerius Simpson Tommy Bailey Tonya Mathis Trenise Tigner Trentin Walker Treyshun Tigner Trinity Boyd Tristan Tatum Truitt Gowan Tucker Webb Turner Stephens Tyliah Broughton Tyquavious Barnett Van Elmer Vanessa Ixmay Vicente Zavala Will Ross Will Ware Wyatt Myers Za’Riya Story Zachary Cross Zakia Thomas Zeriauna Jackson Zortavis Johhnson Zy’Keria Jackson Zy’nnya Wright

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Mother's Day at the Zoo

Celebrate Mother's Day, May 10, at the Montgomery Zoo. All moms receive FREE admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Join us and help celebrate Mother's Day. Zoo hours 9 - 5:30. www.montgomeryzoo. com or call 334-2404900. 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery.

Cardboard Boat Race 2015

Build your own cardboard boat and sail it across the SportsPlex Pool for some great family fun, May 30, at 10:00 a.m. Anyone can join: Families, Businesses, Schools, Groups or Churches. $15 per team/ boat. Prior to the races, boats will be judged and prizes awarded for the following categories: Most Original Design, Innovative Construction, Best Decorated, Best Team Spirit, Funniest. During the races, each event will be timed and awards given to the fastest time in each class. Classes consist of: 12 & under, 13 & older, and Family. There will also be a “Titanic Award” in each class for the most spectacular sinking. For more info, www.opelikasportsplex.com.

10th Annual Garden in the Park

Opelika's art festival, Garden in the Park, is an annual event at the Opelika Municipal Park. This year’s event will be May 9 from 9 - 3, rain or shine. See local artists, vendors and be entertained throughout the day. In addition to art vendors and on stage entertainment, check out the children activities and food vendors. The Rocky Brook Rocket runs during the event. This event is a fundraiser for Keep Opelika Beautiful. All items sold at Garden in the Park are handmade or homegrown. Admission is free, however, food for the local food bank is accepted. www. keepopelikabeautiful.com.

Splish! Splash!

Auburn City pools will open on May 23. Drake Pool is located at 653 Spencer Ave. next to Drake Middle School; 501-2958. Samford Pool is located at 465 Wrights Mill Road / 328 Samford Ave.; 501-2957. Auburn City Pool Season passes will be sold at the Dean Road Recreation Center. 334-501-2930.

Agape’s 5th Annual Run for a Mom 5k and Fun Run The 5th Annual Agape’s Run for a Mom 5k and Fun Run will be on May 9…Mother’s Day Weekend. Dedicate your run to your mom or another special woman in your life. The course will begin at the Vaughn Park Church of Christ and continue through the Vaughn Meadows community. Proceeds will help assist women facing crisis pregnancies and find forever homes for children. For more information, please contact the Agape office at info@ agapeforchildren.org or 334-272-9466. Agape is a 501c3, faithbased agency in Montgomery. Find out more about us on our Web site: www.agapeforchildren.org.

Landscape Watercolor Class

On May 20, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., local artist Cindy Mask will lead this introductory art class through the process of creating their own watercolor painting. Register for class online, www.auburn.edu/preserve; Kreher Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 North College Street, Auburn.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

p t C

f su ca te

he 3,

19th Annual Arts in the Park

Join the fun, Sunday, May 17 in and around the Bandshell at Weracoba/ Lakebottom Park, Columbus, Ga. from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. This highly advertised event includes concerts by local musicians, as well as food, children’s activities, face painting and other entertainment throughout the day. The Wildwood and Weracoba Parks were once a center for recreational activities including Sunday afternoon concerts. These parks are now an important part of the Weracoba/St. Elmo Historic District, also known as The Park District. Rain date is May 31.

10th Annual Art on the Lake at Children’s Harbor, Lake Martin

Art on the Lake, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend 2015, provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Southeast to showcase their art. Original work, including canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the sale benefitting Children’s Harbor. Located on the serene grounds of Children’s Harbor Chapel and Hank’s Cabin - against the lapping waves of Lake Martin, this year we celebrate the Art on the Lake's 10th festival year! It's free to attend, though a portion of your art purchases help support Children’s Harbor in continuing its mission to provide camp, counseling and support services to children with longterm illness or trauma induced diagnoses and their families. Saturday, May 23, 9 - 5 and Sunday, May 25, 9 - 2. www.childrensharbor.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

K 56th Annual Memorial Day Weekend and Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament

Kick off Summer 2015 with a splash! Our Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 22-25, features the 56th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament® and a host of other fun attractions at Robin Lake Beach including live music, the Callaway Gardens Farmers Market, beach activities, kids zones, great food, drink specials and much more. The Masters features the greatest athletes in water sports competing on beautiful Robin Lake. Come early and stake out your spot on the beach to soak up rays and take in all the action. The Masters’ festival-like atmosphere also includes a merchandise plaza featuring state-of-the-art water sports equipment, clothes and demo models by title sponsor Nautique®. For more information, visit www. masterswaterski.com.

Girl Scout Cookies to be Donated to First Responders

Girl Scout Cookie season may be over, but giving cookies back to our community has just begun! To show our appreciation of our first responders and their dedication to keeping our community safe, Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama is offering cases of cookies for $20, usually $42 a case, to be donated to first responders. The 2015 lineup includes favorites, such as Shortbreads, Thin Mints, Caramel deLites ®, Peanut Butter Patties ®, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Lemonades™, Thanks-A-Lots™, and a new and exciting gluten-free addition, Trios. Trios are made of peanut butter, chocolate chip, and oatmeal cookie goodness! For those who would like to donate $20 for a case of cookies to be delivered to first responders, please email cookies@girlscoutssa.org, call (800)-239-6636, or stop by a GSSA service center in Mobile or Montgomery.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

he of co dre he gro of les lon pro 2½ no lun ch co all

ing sta of pe co of of to to for lim ad als

, ® c,

e o

st 0,

rg,

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

The Face of Hunger in East Alabama Did you know that many people living here in East Alabama face the problem of food insecurity daily? Good health is of course linked to good nutrition. When children face inadequate nutrition their FUTURE health, both physical growth and mental growth is affected. This in turn causes lack of achievement in school, and as a result, a less productive life as an adult. These are long term consequences. With summer approaching and school being out for the next 2 ½ months there will be many children who no longer receive free school breakfast and lunch. Many parents will struggle to feed their children through the summer months. Our community needs to be aware of and help alleviate this rising problem. According to national statistics (Feeding America – data from 2012 government statistics) in Lee County there is a 17.5% rate of food insecurity. This translates to 24,000 people--6,400 of whom are children. This compares to a national food insecurity rate of 15.9% or 48.9 million people – 16.1 million of whom are children. Food insecurity refers to the USDA’s measure of lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. It also refers to limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods. Food insecure families may also have the challenge of choosing between

buying healthy food or paying for basic needs such as housing or medical bills. It is sobering when you look at this data and the resultant affect on lives right here in our community. There are of course government programs that help. Food stamps or SNAP benefits provide for some basic needs. According to the USDA, in 2015, 46 million people received benefits with an average of $127 per month per person. That is just $29 a week for groceries! For a family the average was $260 per household per month or $60 a week for a family to buy groceries. The National School Lunch Program feeds on average 30 million children per year free (60%) or reduced pay lunch at school. In our schools locally, free or reduced breakfast is also served. This program is only active during the school year. Charitable organizations can help to fill the gap. The Food Bank of East Alabama has many programs to assist food insecure families. There is the Community Market where qualifying families can come shop for groceries once a month. Their shelves are stocked with food donated to the Food Bank. They also serve seniors in a special program called Brown Bag for Seniors. Perishable “food drops” are mobile food pantries that go to the community in need and deliver fresh fruits and vegetables and

other foods. This helps the food bank reach those who may have transportation issues or otherwise lack the ability to go to the Community Market. The Backpack Program provides children with a bag of food to take home for the weekend or school holidays when they do not have access to school lunch. A small bag of food, packed at the food bank warehouse and delivered to the schools by volunteers, is placed in the backpacks of children on Fridays or before holidays. Children are referred to the program by teachers or counselors. You can learn more about the East Alabama Food Bank at their website: foodbankofeastalabama.com. Or if you know of an emergency need for food you can call 334-749-8844. Other ways to help include: donating your time or resources, talking about food insecurity with your family and ways to get involved, and encouraging your church, work or other organizations to help out. This is a problem that we can solve together. Dr. Ellen Royal attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for her medical degree and graduated in 1994. She returned to Alabama the summer of 1998 to join the pediatric practice of Dr. Richard M. Freeman. Dr. Royal is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Royal is married to Dr. Kevin Royal who practices Internal Medicine in Opelika and they have three children.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Mardi Gras at Beulah High

Beulah High School senior government classes celebrated Mardi Gras while learning at the same time. Their morning began with a small Mardi Gras parade around the campus. Seniors wore Mardi colors and handed out beads and Moonpies to the underclassmen. During each government class, seniors presented their research on the economic and governmental impact of Mardi food, entertainment, and costumes on the cities of Mobile and New Orleans. After their presentations they enjoyed some creole cuisine such as beignets, jambalaya, gumbo, red beans & rice, crab cakes and crawfish dips.

Rotary Club Presents Dictionaries to Wrights Mill Road Elementary

as stu

Thank you to the Auburn Rotary Club for presenting dictionaries to the 3rd grade students at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School. Students enjoyed using them during our school wide writing contest!

Auburn City Schools Proud to Have 17 Nationally Board Certified Teachers in our Classrooms

Governor Bentley officially proclaimed the week of March 8-14 as Alabama National Board Certification Teachers Week. Research shows that students taught by NBCTs gain an extra 1-2 months of learning each school year. The positive impact of having an NBCT is even greater for minority and low-income students. Celebrating our NBCTs: Beverly Adams, Dr. Shelley Aistrup, Kathy Dodgen, Celeste Dorman, Sarah Hillyer, Kim Johnson, Dr. Mark Jones, Kathryn Knorr, Christy Lessley, Betsy Logan, Kelly Pettit, Deborah Reetz, Bonnie Short, Harrow Strickland, Marcia Webb, Julie Wentworth and Phil Wilson. For more info on certification, www.nbpts.org.

Rollerblading at Ogletree Elementary

Third grade students at Ogletree Elementary participated in a rollerblading unit this spring. The students learned how to roller skate and the proper safety equipment to wear when skating. Coaches Ashley Bowers and Kristie Pinyan are featured holding a noodle as the third grade students form a limbo line and skate underneath.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

T an a Ju S

g th

h fo c

Opelika High School HOSA Wins First Place at State Competition

Opelika High School's HOSA: Future Health Professionals team competed in the State HOSA Competition in February in Montgomery. The OHS HOSA Bowl team won first place and qualified for the national competition which will be held in Anaheim, California. The HOSA Bowl team includes pictured (l-r): Adriane King, Abbey Rowe, Chazden Blackmon, and Taylor Watson. In addition, Breanna Burton placed second in the Human Growth and Development Division and Yumi Oh placed third in the Pharmacology Division. 10

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

t us. .

2 or , sty b,

ry.

Kumon Students Recognized for Success

George Abraham is an 11th grader at Auburn High School. George successfully completed the Kumon Reading Program. In addition, George was recognized as the highest-ranking 11th grade Kumon student in North America. Congratulations, George! Mikael Tameru is an 8th grader at Auburn Junior High School and a recent graduate of the Kumon Reading Program. He has also received high marks for his work in the Kumon Math program, completing level L200 and receiving the High Achiever Award. Great job! Catherine Kim, an 8th grader at Auburn Junior High School, is a recent completer of the Kumon Reading Program. Through this process, she studied and critiqued classic works of literature ranging from Shakespeare to T.S. Eliot. Way to go, Catherine!



Volunteer



Sponsor a child 706.322.8267 valleyrescuemission.org

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. 11

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools Board Raises Awareness Youth Advisory of Dangers of Underage Drinking

Prevention Services and Lee County CARES held a welcome reception for their newly instated Youth Advisory Board. This board is made of high school students who reside in Lee County and have been chosen based on their skills and the integrity they exhibit throughout the community. ACS is proud to have Erin Thompson (first from left to right on back row), Sam Bell (last from left to right on back row), Katie Jackson (second from left on front row), Rushton Davis (third from left on front row), and Abby Campbell (last from left on front row) join in Lee County CARES efforts to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of underage drinking.

Fe M

c B c

Red Cross Visits Richland Elementary

Representatives from the American Red Cross made a visit to Richland Elementary to discuss proper hygiene and combatting germs with a hand washing method that calls for singing a catchy tune! Also a spontaneous friendly game of rapid-hoops transpired between Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Wynn while the kids cheered them on.

Pi La K

START HERE GO ANYWHERE

Find Your Passion

auburn youth programs Develop Your Skills

For a complete listing of camps and programs, go to auburn.edu/summercamps or call 334-844-5100

Become a Leader Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Beauregard Elementary Raises Money for Autism Group

Faculty and staff at Beauregard Elementary School showed their support for students across Lee County who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder by paying $5 to wear jeans each day of the week of March 30-April 3, which included National Autism Awareness Day on April the 2nd. Lindsee Baubles, a Special Education Teacher who works primarily with children with Autism at Beauregard Elementary School, is shown here presenting Lennie Squiers, Director for The Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy Group, with a check raised by the faculty and staff at Beauregard Elementary School.

Auburn High School Places First at Regional Science Olympiad

), om by o

The Auburn High School Science Olympiad team placed first in the regional tournament held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham on February 14. The team advanced to the state tournament held on April 11. Members of the team include: Nancy Tao, Stephen Lee, Eris He, Mary Frances Veronese, Daniel Jung, Austin Rock, Brooke Johnson, Megha Tippur, Daniel Sonn, Joshua Kinsey, Tatham Dees, Parker Jones, Rahul Lall and Rei Zhang. Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division. Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, handson group participation. Through the Science Learning Community in Auburn City Schools, ACS students, teachers, parents, principals and other community stakeholders bond together and work to create a legacy of excellence and a dynasty of champions.â&#x20AC;? Pictured: Front Row (L-R): Parker Jones, Daniel Jung, Daniel Sonn, Rahul Lall, Jacque Middleton, and Brooke Johnson. Back Row (L-R): Joshua Kinsey, Megha Tippur, Rei Zhang, Tatham Dees, Stephen Lee, Nancy Tao, Mary Frances Veronese, Eris He, Austin Rock, Rekha Lall.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga Schools AuburnCounty HS Ambassadors Team Up with Richland Elementary Ambassadors

AHS Tiger Ambassadors teamed up with Richland Elementary School's Ambassadors recently to open car doors during student arrival at RES!

April is Autism Awareness Month in Lee County

Big Thank You to Mayor Bill Ham for once again signing a proclamation for April Autism Awareness Month for Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy.

T fu m in s $

Auburn Anglers Finish Fourth

Auburn Anglers' team members Marquis Dunlap (9th grader on the left) and Hunter Rundquist (11 grader on the right) finished fourth in the recent East Alabama High School Bass Competition.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

s fo of s

Read to a Kid Day at Wrights Mill Road Elementary

Wrights Mill Road celebrated Read To A Kid Day in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. 4th Grade teachers dressed as beach goers from “I Survived A Shark Attack”, and a group of friends became Willy Wonka and his favorite candy makers. The entire school enjoyed a fun day of dressing up as book characters, cupcakes, and picnic reading lunches. 5th graders made a special trip to our sister school to read to 1st graders at Dean Road Elementary.

2015 Ogletree Relay for Life News Report

The students and teachers at Ogletree Elementary have recently participated in three fundraisers all benefiting Lee County’s Relay for Life. They hosted a mother/daughter movie night in January, a father/son movie night in February, and Mr. Brad Hooks lived in a yurt for 5 days in March. For each of these events, money was raised through ticket sales and donations. The movie nights raised a total of $1,152, and Mr. Hooks raised $3,263 while living in the yurt! Mr. Hooks’ yurt article from OA News was even shared on news websites throughout the United States through the Associated Press. The students and staff at OES were thrilled to present a big check to Mr. Hooks, our Relay for Life leader and school counselor, for our total funds raised, $4,415! We are so proud of how the OES students, families, and staff put first things first to help raise money for such a worthy cause. The 5th grade students at Ogletree also researched and completed brochures about the many different forms of cancer. This was a great project to bring about greater cancer awareness in our community. Lee County's Relay for Life event will be held April 24, starting at noon, in Opelika's Courthouse Square. Featured in the photo are fourth grade student Allie Olemann, Ogletree counselor Brad Hooks, and third grade students Taylor Turner and Ella Thames.

T r i n i T y

D i s T i n c T i v e s

Comprehensive Trinity offers a complete K – 12 classical, Christian education, including many enriching activities such as sports, band, choral ensemble, performing arts, and various student organizations.

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

www.tcsopelika.org

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools Teacher Retires from Auburn City

Schools after 40 Years in Education

After more than 40 year working in education (32.5 of them with ACS), Nancy Cutler is retiring from Auburn City Schools! She started in Auburn at Cary Woods Elementary School then moved over to Auburn Early Education Center before finishing her career at Richland Elementary. She was joined by family, friends and co-workers to celebrate this milestone in her life. Mrs. Cutler touched countless lives and even

h in A

passed on some of her teaching materials from decades past such as an over-sized children's book, a tape cassette and a vinyl record with current employees of RES.

stu Ta

Pre

Dean Road Students Hunt for Easter Eggs

Mrs. White's and Mrs. Lett's classes hunting Easter Eggs earlier today at Dean Road Elementary School!

Auburn HS Student Elected to HOSA State Executive Council

Auburn High School junior, Marion West, was elected to the HOSA, Health Occupation Students of America, State Executive Council for the 2015-2016 school year. Marion will travel to Anaheim, California (Disneyland) in June to represent the State of Alabama at the National HOSA Competition. She will be the first Auburn High School student to serve as a HOSA state officer. She competed against 16 students from the State of Alabama on February 27th at the State HOSA Competition at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center in Montgomery, Alabama. HOSA is an is a national career and technology student organization for students enrolled in a Health Science Program. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation and recognition to attract career-minded, qualified students to health care professions. The mission of HOSA is â&#x20AC;&#x153;to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill and leadership development of all health occupations students; therefore, helping the students to meet the needs of the health care community.â&#x20AC;? Marion is the daughter of Col. Paul and Tracie West of Auburn. For additional information on the Auburn High HOSA program, please contact Laurie Osborne at Auburn High School.

Students Use Green Screen Technology at Lee-Scott Academy

LSA 6th graders used green screens to recreate scenes from literature circles in elementary computer class. Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Drake Students Attend Sports & Science Clinic at AU

A group of Drake Middle School 6th graders attended the "Sports & Science" Clinic at Auburn University for Student-Athlete Day 2015! This clinic offered students the opportunity to learn about human movement, physical activity of the body and character development. The kids were actively engaging with Auburn University studentathletes along with the staff from AU Sports Medicine and the faculty of the School of Kinesiology.

er d e

Special Olympics Track & Field

Congratulations to Mr. Harte and his awesome students on their participation in the Lee County Special Olympics Track and Field Event in Smiths Station on Wednesday, April 1. Students participating were : Tahj Collins, Coleman Poss, Autumn Pressley, Dakota Arabie, Michael Osborne, and Kendall Stewart. They participated in the following track and field events: 25 and 50 meter assisted walk, 25 and 50 meter motorized wheelchair race, 800 meter run, 400 meter walk, 1,500 meter walk, and the javelin throw. Michael Osborne was the school representative and carried our school flag during the opening ceremony. The same students recently participated in the Special Olympics bowling tournament in Auburn. All students placed in their respective divisions: Dakota Arabie – 4th place in Division 32 ramp competition, Tahj Collins – 5th place in Division 25 non-assisted competition, Michael Osborne – 3rd place in Division 25 non-assisted competition, Coleman Poss – 3rd place in Division 31 ramp competition, Autumn Pressley – 1st place in Division 38 ramp competition and Kendall Stewart – 1st place in Division 21 nonassisted competition. A big thanks not only to Mr. Harte for his excellent work with these wonderful students, and also to Mrs. Sharon Stewart and Mrs. Gayle Askew, his para-professionals who work daily with these students. Thanks also to Coach Sharon Stewart for assisting at the Special Olympics Track & Field event.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools Named Semifinalists in Local Students National Geographic Geography Bee

Congrats to the four students who were semifinalists in the National Geographic Geography Bee! Matthew Clegg, 5th grader at Ogletree Elementary, Jonathan Parten, 5th grader at Wrights Mill Road Elementary, Leo Shen, 4th grader at Pick Elementary and Grayson Ryland, 6th grader Drake! They competed in the state National Geographic Geography Bee on March 27th in Birmingham at Samford University. There were around 120 students total in the state geo bee ranging from 4-8th – Jonathon Parten was the ACS student who went on to finals (there were 10 who made finals out of 5 preliminary groups) and placed 9th overall. Please send your school news and photos each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Auburn Jr. High Students Visit Winn-Dixie Store

Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Honda's classes visited Winn-Dixie on a field trip earlier this month. There they were treated to a tour of the store and had first-hand experiences with jobs performed there. They were all made "Future Associates" during their visit. A big thank you to WinnDixie for hosting our students and providing them with this experience!

TAKE YOUR SWING

Celebrating 25 years!

TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Li v i ng. Lovin g. Lear n in g.

Grand National is offering golf clinics this summer for junior golfers, ages 7-17, taught by PGA Certified pros. The clinics will be held in three, Monday – Thursday sessions from 8:30-11:30 a.m. SESSION 1: June 8-11 · SESSION 2: June 22-25 SESSION 3: July 27-30 · $100 PER SESSION

Caring for your children and laying a foundation for their growth and success has been our calling for the past 25 years. Our unique, caring approach is rooted in an understanding that each child is a gift and a responsibility. These precious little ones deserve our attention, security and love. Just like home. Today, our commitment to your children continues with caring and experienced teachers, a stimulating and secure environment and an atmosphere of living, loving and learning you’ll only find at Growing Room.

Lunch and a free Par 3 round are included each day. » FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CALL 334.749.9042. «

334-501-2044 | 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm | Ages 6 weeks – 12 years

THE ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL AT GRAND NATIONAL 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail · Opelika, AL 36801 facebook.com/rtjgrandnational · rtjgolf.com

w w w.grow i ngroom us a .com Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

18 RTJ841GN_JrGolfClinics2015.indd 1

www.auburnopelikaparents.com 1/16/15 10:50 AM

Auburn High Places Third at Congressional Tournament

c an t

t e als

Congratulations to Ian Shannon, Reid McGuire, Cobi Lee, and Seth Glidewell for winning the 3rd place over all Sweepstakes Award recently at the Deep South Congressional Tournament held at Montgomery Academy! In the words of our District Chair Jay Rye, "This was an unprecedented event by a new school (Auburn High School) and by a school with only four students competing." In the Senate, Ian Shannon won fifth place and Reid McGuire won sixth place. Reid also wrote and authored one of the only two pieces of legislation that were passed. His bill was to allow the U.S. to export crude oil. Seth Glidewell placed 6th in the House. Ian Shannon was awarded the Presiding Officer position. L to R: Ian Shannon, Reid McGuire, Cobi Lee, and Seth Glidewell

Auburn City Schools Assistant Superintendent Honored at Ceremony

Auburn City Schools Assistant Superintendent Cristen Herring was honored recently with the Outstanding Administrator Award at the 34th Annual Auburn University College of Education Awards Recognition Ceremony! A member of the Auburn community since 1989, Cristen Herring has been an educator for 22 years and has served in her current position of Assistant Superintendent since 2010.

Baseball Players Play Against Cancer

JV BPPAC Night against Opelika...Throwing the First Pitches, Wayne Goodman and Scott Parker for Carly Parker.

om 10:50 AM

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga CountyTrinity SchoolsHolds Annual Serve-A-Thon

In March, Trinity Christian School held its second annual Serve-athon to help members of the community. Students visited various places in the Auburn/Opelika area, such as nursing homes, the East Alabama Food Bank, Storybrook Farms, Exodus Ranch, Hosanna Home, and more to help out in different capacities. The Serve-a-thon was a wonderful time of fellowship for our faculty and students as well as a great opportunity to reach out to others in the community. Thank you to all who helped make this occasion possible!

Ki wa i

Lee-Scott Jr. High Girls Win Basketball State Championship

The Lee-Scott Academy Junior High Girls Basketball Team defeated Autauga Academy and Ft. Dale Academy to win the AISA AAA State Championship. Lee-Scott 34, Autauga 18: Leading scorers were Mary Mykal Prewett 10, Sara Young 6, and Chauntel Kriel 6. Lee-Scott 41, Ft. Dale 34: Leading scorers were Haley Harper 14, Chauntel Kriel 12, and Mary Mykal Prewett 10. Mary Mykal Prewett and Haley Harper were named to the All-Tournament Team and Chauntel Kriel was named MVP. Pictured (L-R) Front row: Haley Harper, Alli Scott, Mary Mykal Prewett, Landon DeLamar, and Carla Ingram. Back row: Olivia Davis, Jessica Ethridge, Kenedi Cleveland, Sara Young, Lauren DiBenedetto, Mary Kathryn Lamb, Grace Horne, Chauntel Kriel and Coach Corye Ivatt.

Local Students Succeed at Kumon

Congratulations to Arnav! Arnav (pictured, left) is a 4th grader at Ogletree Elementary School in Auburn. He was recently awarded the G x 5 Star for his excellent work in math. At Kumon, Arnav is currently studying Algebra in preparation for Calculus. Camille (pictured, middle) is a 7th grader at Lee-Scott Academy. She was recently awarded the J200 award for her program achievements in reading. At Kumon, Camille is studying Shakespeare to further her understanding of literature and enhance her critical reading and writing skills. Great work, Camille! Deena (pictured, right) is being recognized for completing the reading program at Kumon. A 7th grader at Drake Middle School, Deena completed the program in an incredible 18 months. She has recently started the math program. We look forward to her setting more achievement records. Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

s K9

s st

on s ty.

Yarbrough Student’s Poem Selected for Honorable Mention

Yarbrough Elementary fifth grader Ryan Tice submitted a poem to the Time for Kids Magazine national poetry contest and was selected for honorable mention, which is Top 8 in the country! She is currently featured on the TFK website: http://www.timeforkids.com/…/2015-tfkpoetry-contest…/225416.

, t.

Lee-Scott Students Contribute to Rescue K911

Lee-Scott Academy's 5th and 6th grade students and teachers supported Rescue K911 with donations taken at the 2015 LSA Sock Hop!

l, r

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Teachers Get Pie in the Face at Wrights Mill Road Elementary

Wrights Mill Road math teachers and administrators were "pied" in the face by winners of the Pi Day Challenge. Students could enter a competition to memorize the most digits of the famous 3.14...and these grade level winners each recited 200+ places! Celebrating Pi Day was one of the many fun mathematics learning activities taking place during March Math Madness at WMR.

Please send your school news and photos each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Trinity Christian School Students Chosen to Participate in Auburn Honor Band

Trinity Christian School had several students in both middle and high school who were chosen to participate in Auburn Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honor Band. Congratulations on this excellent accomplishment!

Learning Music at Wrights Mill Road Elementary

4th graders at Wrights Mill Road became musical masterminds during their keyboard challenge. They learned to read musical melodies and play them on the piano. Students enjoying our fine arts programs sounds like music our ears!

Yarbrough Students Act as Career Professionals

Fifth Graders at Yarbrough Elementary displayed their leadership skills by acting as professionals in various career paths for 4th graders to come in and learn about for the YES 5th Grade Career Day! The students researched a career of interest to them. They answered many questions as well as practiced interviewing in order to prepare for this day. Some were in their professional clothes and some had props to help explain more clearly their daily routines. Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

Fir im www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn City Schools Students Participate in Science and Engineering Fair

Congratulations to the Auburn City Schools students that participated in the Greater East Alabama Science and Engineering Fair on Thursday, May 19th. Everyone came home with multiple awards and top four finishes in their respective categories. Megan Lange and Rahul Lall are headed to INTEL/ ICEF, the International Fair!

ACS child nutrition managers attended Alabama School Nutrition Association conference and participated in Montgomery 5k.

Dean Road Kindergartners Visit Montgomery Zoo

Dean Road Elementary School kindergartners had a fun day at the Montgomery Zoo recently.

Trinity Christian School Seventh Grader Qualifies for State Geography Bee

Congratulations to Braden who won our schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geography bee and qualified to compete in the state level of competition of the National Geography Bee sponsored by Plum Creek. Braden came home with the top prize for Alabama, qualifying for the national bee. Congratulations to Braden on this fantastic accomplishment!

Auburn City School Managers All About Health

Richland Elementary Appreciates Central Office Thank you to Richland Elementary and the AHS Tiger Ambassadors for teaming up and showing your appreciation for the Central Office Crew!

Learning to Stay Germ-Free at Dean Road Elementary

Please send your school news and photos each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

First and second graders at Dean Road Elementary learn important tips for staying germ-free from Scrubby Bear! 23

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Auburn HighSchools School Student Wins State Poetry Championship

Congratulations to Auburn High's Elizabeth Balch-Crystal who won the State Championship in Original Poetry at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival on President’s Day. Elizabeth recited two poems of her own composition entitled “Mother” and “Ambiguity.” Congratulations to Poetry Out Loud competitor Mina Narayanan who performed in the top 5 recitations in the state as well. Fun trivia: it was the 10th anniversary of Poetry Out Loud in Alabama, and 2011 National Champion (and AHS alumnus) Youssef Biaz was there to celebrate and act as a judge of the contest.

Ch To a T ha 20 a h on of

Richland Elementary Collects Coins for Baseball Players Against Cancer

Mrs. Wynn’s IE group helped collect and count coins which were raised for Baseball Players Against Cancer. Their efforts helped RES raise the most money for Coins for Cancer.

Take a ride to the lake! kids eat free on Tuesday nights. on Saturday nights we have Dr. Magic, our balloon artist, ring toss games, and tetherball!

AUBURN ¥ LAKE MARTIN ¥ OPELIKA Home of the hand-crafted burger www.niffersplace.com Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Trinity Senior Receives Band Scholarship

The Center of Performing Arts at the University of Mobile has given Trinity Christian School senior Henry Allen (A.J.) Torbert, IV their highest scholarship to be a participant in the RAMCORPS ensemble. This group makes four tours a year and has performed every Sunday of the 20142015 school year. RAMCORPS made Trinity a tour stop in the spring of 2013, and A.J. hopes they will return to his alma mater on one of their tours while he is a member of the ensemble. A.J. plans to study music education at Mobile in the fall of 2015. Congratulations to A.J. on this excellent achievement!

SHE SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED THE SAME PRANK ON HER MOTHER THREE TIMES IN A SINGLE DAY AND REMAINS CONFIDENT SHE COULD DO IT AGAIN. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

Please send your school news and photos to: kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

Art at Dean Road Elementary

MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Prank.indd 1

4/9/15 2:08 PM

Fun in the Art Room at Dean Road Elementary School - Origami rabbits and portfolios!

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

A Page in a Book The Book of Grumpy We all have our moments when non-specific anger or frustration settles into a bad case of the grumpy. Kids are especially vulnerable to the triggers that can create a bubble of cranky that seems unresolvable. But often there’s an underlying issue that, once discovered, can help move a black mood back into the light. The following titles all feature the effects of grumpy behavior and offer some insights that may help parents and children find new ways to turn a grumpy frown upside down.

wit sch

The Grudge Keeper

by Mara Rockliff, Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler (Peachtree) At first glance, everything in the town of Bonnyripple seems bright and idyllic. But beneath the sunny exterior, an understory of old harms, grudges and noses out of joint is building to capacity. The source of the build-up is in the house of the Grudge Keeper who collects the notes and letters in which townsfolk outline their grudges against friends and neighbors. But when a windy storm blows through the Grudge Keeper’s house and airs all the townsfolks’ grievances, the people of Bonnyripple get a chance to mend fences and put their grudges behind them. Lively illustrations and clever wordplay support the positive effects of communication and forgiveness in a thought-provoking exposition of the harm caused by holding a grudge.

som the you me ma an kid

Pardon Me!

by Daniel Miyares (Simon & Schuster) Enjoying the solitude of a lonely island in the middle of the swamp, one yellow bird’s peaceful repose quickly evaporates as other residents discover his patch of dry land. The bird’s expression becomes more and more sour as his personal space is invaded by an egret, a frog and then a turtle, who all offer a “Pardon Me!’ as they jostle for room. The bird’s protests escalate until a final interloper triggers a rude outburst from the bird who starts shouting at them all to leave. But he’s so busy scolding the others away that he fails to hear an important warning about his treasured perch. Despite the “final” outcome for the crabby bird, there’s a toothsome bit of schadenfreude in the last “Pardon Me!”

The Very Cranky Bear

by Nick Bland (Orchard/Scholastic) It’s a rainy day in the jungle when the lion, moose, zebra and sheep settle into a dry cave for a friendly game of cards. But they quickly learn they are not alone as a very cranky bear, roused from his sleep, chases them back into the rain. As they discuss ways to make the bear happy, each friend offers his best attributes as possible olive branches. The lion is convinced the bear just needs a glorious mane. Splendid antlers and lovely stripes are recommended as offerings from the moose and zebra respectively. Only the plain sheep seems to have nothing fancy to contribute. But when the elegant gifts are angrily rejected by the bear, only the sheep takes time to inquire about what the bear wants most, paving the way for everyone to share the shelter during the rain. Gently suggesting that communication is a good first step toward solving a case of the grumpy, this title shares a soft solution for a very crank bear! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

as on did gra thin no in s sho ca exp tha you sam aro ce

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

h as

Q. What’s your opinion on rewarding kids with money for getting good grades in school? A. Honestly, I don’t have

a strong opinion about it one way or the other. We didn’t pay our kids for good grades, but I can’t really think of a strong argument not to pay them for success in school. You could say you shouldn’t pay them because it’s something they’re expected to do anyway, and that’s somewhat valid. But you could also make the same point where chores around the house are concerned. We paid our kids to do some chores, but really the point is not about the economic value. It’s the fact that you want your kids to associate work with money. I still meet people my age and older who haven’t made that connection. Work creates money, and that’s an important thing to teach your kids. Once they’ve created some money by

working, then you want to use those moments to teach them to save, spend and give wisely. You can do this around the subject of grades if you want. There’s probably a valid case to be made that getting an “A” takes a lot more work than getting a “C.” You’re certainly not obligated to pay them for work or grades, but if you don’t do some of this – and teach them the proper ways to handle the money they earn — you’ll miss out on a lot a fantastic teachable moments.

Q. We have two girls in competitive gymnastics, and it’s costing $12,000 to $15,000 a year at a professional gym to do all this. My wife and I both work, and we make about $115,000 a year, but virtually all of her income goes toward paying the gymnastics bill. We’re also trying to get out of debt and get better control of our money at the same time. Should we focus more on our finances right now?

A. If I were in your shoes, I’d be asking my-

self why the kids are in gymnastics. Unless you guys are trying to send them to the Olympics — and they’re actually good enough to reach that level — teaching them things like discipline and to master their bodies through physical training can be done at a local amateur level. And at a much lower cost. My son played ice hockey in local leagues for years when he was growing up. We did it as a family thing, and he had lots of fun and we all made great new friends. He even played some in high school, too, but he wasn’t NHL material. It didn’t change his life that he didn’t play on a traveling team or with pro trainers, so we had to ask ourselves, “What will it matter when he’s 30 years old?” You make good money, so that’s not really the big issue. If you guys made $50,000 or less, I’d be yelling at you. But with your income, the gymnastics thing probably isn’t going to slow you down too much when it comes to getting your financial house in order. In other words, it’s a parental thing. Ask yourself why you’re investing so heavily in this, and what the goal is when they’re adults. I think that will help you make the smart decision.

dly

st id he y

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

tra to us Bu pa Un vol ag

wh are wo

ap som ca Wh it u An ne

2. wi en

pa the gu for ca ch tim

3. lat

is e ca Bu ch the reg

ing en we you na co oc

5. re

Un ran Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an eve the ba you som ch Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Parenting: the toughest job you never trained for. The pressure we put on ourselves to get it right, whatever that means, can leave us bumping up against anxiety at every turn. But allowing our worries to intrude on our parenting can backfire. Researchers at the University of Arizona found kids of overinvolved parents had poorer coping skills and a greater sense of entitlement. The good news? We’re better parents when we worry less and let go more. Here are 10 things you can drop from your list of worries:

1. You’ll forget - a promise, a birthday,

a play date. Any time we fail to remember something our kids are counting on us for can be an occasion for guilt. But it happens. When you do forget, do your best to make it up to your child without going overboard. And ask them to help you come up with a new strategy for remembering. Then follow it.

Our team’s top priority is to deliver orthodontics in a friendly, comfortable environment. We love getting to know our patients, and understand that orthodontic treatment is unique to each individual. We offer board certified orthodontic care for children and adults, traditional and ceramic braces, invisalign and payment plans.

Call us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation!

2. You don’t spend enough time with your child (or you don’t spend enough one-on-one time). Most parents think this from time to time, unless they’re home with their kids 24/7. When that guilt springs up, it may be signaling a need for change in your schedule. Pull out the calendar and plan a special date with your child. Or look for new ways to maximize the time you do have.

3. Your child does not have the latest, greatest [fill-in-the-blank]. It

is easy to feel deficient as a parent when you can’t (or won’t) give your kids all they ask for. But consider what you do provide for your child - food, clothing, security, love. Banish the guilt by working together as a family to regularly recount all you can be grateful for.

4. Your child’s diet. Is your child grow-

ing? Is he healthy? Does he have enough energy? Then you’re probably feeding him well enough. If you’re truly concerned, track your family’s diet. Search out healthier alternatives and gradually introduce changes. We could all use a tweaking of our food habits on occasion.

mpassionate care.

through kind, co ing healthy smiles

Build

334-501-7000 thamesorthodontics.com w

5. You’ll miss your child’s game/ recital/conference/performance.

Unless this is a habitual occurrence, join the ranks of parents everywhere in your distress. It’s difficult to be multiple places at one time and chances are you’re going to miss an event. But if you’re present for your child in the everyday moments, pat yourself on the back. You’re doing well. And if you know you’ll miss the special time beforehand, have someone record it. Replay it later with your child. 29

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

6. You sometimes want to do your own thing, minus the kids. This

doesn’t mean you are a bad parent. Rather, it is a reminder that you are a human being with your own interests and needs. Taking time away from the kids isn’t a sign that you don’t love them. It’s a sign that you love them enough to want to be your best self when you’re with them by refueling in ways most suited to you. Occasionally those ways don’t include the kids.

7. Your child won’t thrive - at school, in friendships, in extracurricular activities. Each of us meets our match in one arena of life or another. Kids are no different. Remember any challenge that comes your child’s way provides an opportunity for growth. Do your best to support them. If necessary, provide extra time and resources for a season. Then demonstrate your confidence by encouraging your child to navigate on their own or with assigned helpers using the skills they have been taught. 8. That mistake you made will scar them for life. You forgot to send treats on

their birthday. You didn’t know the school gym uniform was mandatory. We all goof from time to time. And sure, your child may not forget. Instead it could end up being the source of laughs for years to come. A “remember the time” moment.

9. The unthinkable will happen. It’s hard not to see headlines about the latest tragedy and not fear for your own family. But those worries don’t serve anyone. Remind yourself to control what you can: provide a safe environment for your family and educate your child on how to stay safe in a variety of settings. Let go of the rest. 10. You’re not doing a good enough job as a parent. The fact that

you worry about this at all is a strong indicator you’re an invested parent. You are giving it your best. Trust that in spite of any failings, your child knows you are trying. Your love and concern counts for a whole lot more than you realize. Author Elizabeth Stone once said, “Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” The vulnerability of being a parent means we will always be concerned. But when we transform those worries into action, our whole family benefits. And we move further toward being the parents we hope to be. AOP Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mom of three girls who give her plenty of opportunities to practice letting go of worry.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

flir like on an wa es to

wit ac de ting wo nu vid

pre tor ch ha pic fac Re bo su ted tho

sar Sta all un fro pro bo ass thin en min som

an qu

n’t

in h

n th

n ym me .

te f

t tor

r .”

ole d

of o

Everything Parents Want to Know About Sexting (But Are Afraid to Ask)

When you were in school, kids passed flirtatious or even racy notes to people they liked. Sometimes those notes got dropped on the floor or confiscated by the teacher and, before long, everyone was gossiping between classes about what was supposed to be a private message. Now add a cellphone with a camera and Internet access to that scenario. Suddenly, the scene is set for sexting which is the newly minted word for sending or posting nude or semi-nude photos, videos and messages. While parents have been preoccupied with predators who might seduce their children online, a surprising number of teens have been volunteering to send sexual pictures of themselves to their friends. A fact sheet prepared by the Cyberbullying Research Center reports that 15% of all boys and 10% of all girls have received such photos. About 8% of all kids admitted sending sexually suggestive messages though the number is likely to be higher. Sending sexy pictures doesn’t necessarily mean teens are having more sex. Statistics indicate that more than half of all teens delay their first sexual encounter until after high school, a significant increase from ten years ago. Of the teens who send provocative pictures, most share them with a boyfriend or a girlfriend on the often mistaken assumption that they will stay private. Some think of nude pictures as a special present; others send them as joke. Only a small minority say they have sent risqué photos to someone they didn’t know in real life. Despite their claim that these photos and messages are simply for “fun”, three quarters of the teens who participated in a

survey by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy think sending provocative content “can have serious negative consequences.” Half agree that it’s common for such material to be seen by people other than the intended recipient; a third of the boys and a quarter of the girls have looked at photos that weren’t intended to be shared. Often such pictures make the rounds after a break-up when one half of a young couple wants to embarrass the other. Are these pictures homemade pornography? Or are they simply the inevitable result of high tech meeting adolescent curiosity about sex? Is distributing the pictures criminal behavior, bullying with a sexual dimension or teen foolishness? Experts—and for that matter parents—answer those questions in different ways. No matter how you feel about this new development in adolescent courtship, there are some things you should discuss with your teen. Legal Matters. Sending naked pictures of a minor— that’s anyone under 18 in most states—fits the legal description of distributing child pornography. That’s true whether the person sending the pictures is the classic dirty old man or a classmate playing a prank or someone who’s been dumped and wants revenge. Penalties vary, but a child who posts or forwards such pictures to friends risks being charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony. In the worst case scenario, a teen could be added to a state list of Registered Sex Offenders which could have lifelong consequences. Self Image. Today’s adolescents have grown up in a culture permeated with sexual images. As they start to have their own sexual feelings, it’s not surprising that they will feel confused about how to present themselves. Talk to your teen about the difference between being attractive and being provocative. One is perfectly acceptable in public; the other should be reserved for private. Then remind your child that digital photos are never private once they have been forwarded or posted. 31

Friendly Photos. Plenty of cell phones don’t take photos. Giving one of these to your teen will at least keep him or her from being the source of impulsive pictures. If your teen already has a photo phone or, for that matter, a digital camera, talk about using it responsibly. Professional photographers get signed releases before they publish another person’s photo. Friends don’t need to go legal but they should use the same mental test. Would my friend give permission to have this photo distributed? Point out that friends don’t send compromising pictures of friends. If the other person isn’t your friend, why do you have his or her picture? Why does he or she have yours? Nothing Disappears. Some kids think it’s safe to send racy photos through a service like Snapchat where everything is supposed to disappear after a few seconds. Of course, if another friend with a cell phone happens to snap a photo of the screen in those few seconds, all bets are off. Harassment Hints. Many young women and some young men wind up sending naked pictures because they are pressured by a partner. Remind both boys and girls that someone who actually cares about them won’t push them into doing things that are uncomfortable. Introduce your child to Thatsnotcool.com, a public service website that helps kids handle all kinds of online harassment including “pic pressure.” The site includes stories from young people who have made mistakes as well as edgy “calling cards” that teens can send to peers who don’t have a grip on digital boundaries. Every generation discovers sex. What parents should do is encourage kids to slow down and think about their choices. Like so many other adolescent behaviors, sending a naked picture or video is something that is likely to be done in haste and repented at leisure. By talking frankly about why it’s a bad idea, parents are more likely to protect kids from the consequences of letting hormones override common sense. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2014, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Early Starts for Theater Arts

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Whether they are acting in the starring role or creating a cast of characters in a play of their own making, the theatre is a perfect setting for children to craft stories, act out their ideas and gain confidence in the spotlight. Theatre empowers kids to imagine their own stories and present them for a welcoming audience. As they become comfortable “performing” for family and friends, kids are also cultivating self-assurance for those future moments when all eyes will be on them. The following items offer fun and creative opportunities for children to assemble their own casts, become storytellers, and shine in a production that’s all their own!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Make Your Own Moster Puppet

My First Fun Felt Masks (Creativity for Kids)

There’s no way puppet building can go wrong with Make Your Own Monster from Melissa and Doug! Drawing on a colorful collection of 30 plush elements including eyes, ears, horns and more, children can craft endless combinations to build their own vision of playful monster puppets. No scissors or glue needed, the soft monster parts easily attach and remove with Velcro. Sturdily crafted with materials that will last through years of theatrical building and performance, kids can assemble an ever-changing cast of expressive characters to perform their monster hit shows!

As one of the earliest dramatic elements in theatrical history, masks are instant trademarks of the stage. Now young children can imagine and create their own stage-worthy masks with ease. The felt mask kit from Creativity for Kids include six soft felt mask templates as well as stickers, rhinestone, yarn and self-stick adhesives that make crafting a mask easy and mess-free. The soft medium of felt also ensures comfortable wearing of the masks (which you don’t get with paper or plastic). In addition to building motor and sensory skills for the younger set, this mask-making activity debuts the craftier side of kids’ creative theater arts.

Doorway Theater

Dinosaur Puppet Set

From finger and hand puppets to marionettes and dolls, every child’s cast of characters can take the stage in style with the Doorway Theater from HABA. Creating the sense of a real show, the Doorway Theater is a theatrical drape that easily installs with telescoping tension rods in different sized doorways. The rods at the top and bottom create a taut front that can hide kids ‘backstage’ as they prep and perform their show. The 67” long façade includes a porthole for surprise appearances, a pocket window to display the name of the show or next act, and a curtain to tie-back when the show goes live! It’s true that “All the world’s a stage”…and now every doorway can be a theater!

Stage-ready right out of the box, this trio of stick puppets only needs their lines and youthful direction to come alive in the spotlight! An easy introduction to dramatic play, this Puppet on a Stick collection includes three stylized dinosaur head puppets with moveable jaws that are easily manipulated by little hands holding the stick. The soft rubberized surface on the heads enhances the puppet’s expressive sensibility while the plastic stick handles offer sturdy operation (and easy cleaning!). The stage is set for T-Rex, Ankylosaur and Triceratops to act out new stories and prehistoric scenarios straight from your child’s imagination.

(Melissa and Doug)

(Educational Insights)

(HABA)

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Space Still Available for Rising 5th - 8th grade students!

Space in the 2015 Academy is still available for students in rising grades 5 8. Four different science-themed weeks remain for students in rising grades 5 - 6 and two special courses offered through the Biodiversity Learning Center are available for rising 7th and 8th graders. All programs operate between 8am - 4pm daily. Prices range from $180 $230 per week/child. Multiple week discounts are available. Courses fill on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to register today!

www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters

For more information or to download a registration form visit our website or contact Kristen Bond at kristen.bond@auburn.edu or by phone at 334-844-5769.

2015 Dates

Science Matters is a summer enrichment program sponsored by the College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University for students in rising grades 1 - 8. The program offers youngsters a supercharged science experience. Kids will explore the world of science through real experiments, technology and art projects, and hands-on activities. Kids that show a high interest or aptitude in science, math, or technology-related subjects will be right at home as they design and build, dabble in the art of chemistry, â&#x20AC;&#x153;become a flight specialistâ&#x20AC;?, see amazing critters and more!

June 1-5

June 15-19*

June 22-26

July 6-10

July 13-17*

July 27-31

* 7th7 8th grade course is offered

he ). t

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

y daughter’s Girl Scout troop recently spent a Saturday morning stocking and organizing shelves at the local food pantry. Afterward, the girls were happy and tired in a good way. Many of them asked the food pantry’s manager how they could help out again. Children often bring a fresh perspective and creative ideas to solving problems, and they reap many positive benefits from volunteering, too. “Volunteering builds a young person’s leadership skills, broadens their worldview, develops their sense of empathy towards others, and teaches a young person that he or she really can make a difference. This kind of experiential esteem-building is incredibly powerful and builds life skills that carry over into adulthood,” says Karen Daniel, Vice President of Engagement at Youth Service America. Children who volunteer are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and more likely to volunteer as adults and engage in civic activities such as voting, according to Daniel. “Children who volunteer grow up to be adults who volunteer, so there’s great incentive to have kids start solving community issues now,” she says. What better time for your child to volunteer than in the summer when the days are long, and they complain that they’re bored or they have nothing to do? Begin by chatting with your child about their interests and skills and how they could put their talents to use as a volunteer. “Talk to your kids about what they love,” Daniel says. “Volunteering becomes fun and meaningful when it’s connected to something they already care about, and parents can help make those connections.”

Here’s a list of ideas to get the conversation started: Turn Lemons into Lemonade

Alex Scott was just four years old when she decided to set up a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. She had been battling cancer for three years herself, and when word about her lemonade stand got out, she and other children raised $1 million for the cause before she passed away at age 8. Since then, children have continued to set up lemonade stands and have raised $50 million for Alex’s cause. For more information about how to set up your own lemonade stand and donate the proceeds to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, go to http://www.alexslemonade.org/ campaign/kids-corner/how-have-lemonade-stand.

Advocate for Animals

Kids can help animals through the Humane Society’s “Mission: Humane!” program. To learn more, visit the program’s action guide at http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/parents_educators/mission_humane_action_guide_kids.pdf. Also check out volunteer opportunities at your local Humane Society Chapter (www.leecountyhumane.org).

Make Blankets for Shelter Animals

In 2001, the Compassion Action Institute started a “cage comforter program” when it enlisted volunteers to make small comforters for homeless cats, kittens and dogs. The comforters eased the animals’ stress at the shelter and boosted adoptions since the animals were happier lying on their cozy beds. When they were adopted the animals took their comforters with them, which made for smoother transitions from the shelter to their new homes. Check with your local animal shelter to see if they have a cage comforter program. If not, check out the Compassion Action Institute’s guide on how to start one at http://www.pleasebekind. com/ccp.html#start. Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

“ th

O t H

a a th e-

Fo h Co w

a wn

c une

mer

Collect Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House

Each waste collection program is called a “brigade,” and you can sign up for as many brigades as you like. There are more than 40 brigade programs that cover food packaging, office supplies, and personal products. To get started, go to http://www. terracycle.com/en-US/brigades.html and choose the brigade programs you would like to join.

Families often travel long distances when seeking medical care for a critically ill child. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a “home away from home” for families, so they can stay close to their hospitalized child. To raise money, many Ronald McDonald Houses collect and recycle pop tabs. One chapter raises almost $30,000 each year through its pop tab collection program. Contact your local Ronald McDonald House to see if it participates in the program. You can find your local chapter at http://rmhc.org/who-we-are/chapter-search/.

Host a Bluebird House

Bluebirds lose their nesting habitats when trees are cut down to make way for houses, buildings, malls, and other developments. You can help bluebirds find a home in your backyard by building and setting up a bluebird house. Your backyard will need perch sites such as tree branches, wires or fences where bluebirds can perch and look for food. If you don’t have a suitable backyard space, ask for permission to set up a bluebird box in a wide, open grassy area such as a park, pasture, or golf course. For information on how to build, set up, and monitor your bluebird house, visit the North American Bluebird Society at http://nabluebirdsociety.org/Fact/bluebirdfacts.htm and click on “Getting Started with Bluebirds.”

Start a Letter Writing Campaign

Writing e-mails or letters engages your child’s critical thinking and research skills and allows them to experience democracy in action. Pick a cause your child feels passionate about and have them research the issue and possible solutions. Then have them e-mail the appropriate elected officials explaining why the issue is a problem and asking for their help in solving it. For more information on how to e-mail or write President Obama, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact. To e-mail or write a member of Congress, check out http://www.congress.org/news/communicatingwith-congress/. If the issue is best addressed at the state level, visit your state’s website to look up the elected officials in your area.

When you engage your child’s enthusiasm and imagination, the list of volunteer possibilities is endless. Other options include organizing and stocking shelves at a food pantry, participating in community clean up days, or volunteering at a community garden. With many of these projects, your child will need your help and supervision, which is time consuming, but it’s also a great way to spend time with your child working side by side and showing them that you value their contributions to the world. AOP

Begin a Terracycle Collection

Terracycle is a company that collects hard to recycle items and turns the waste into new products. As you collect and send in waste, you earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of charitable gifts or for a payment of $0.01 per point to the nonprofit organization or school of your choice.

As a freelance writer and mother of two children, Laura Lane is inspired by the good works and acts of kindness she sees children doing on a regular basis.

he d $1 n, ed et s g/

duut r

er r s’ e

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Arts/Crafts Art Studio, The

120 S. Ross Street, Auburn. www.michellemotleygiddens.com/camps Summer Art Camps: Rising 1st-6th Graders, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm. $140/wk. Students will experience a wide variety of mediums in fine art. Students will learn innovative art techniques that provides a thorough and comprehensive learning experience. Camps are grade specific and include independent work as well as hands on instruction. Artists covered include Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky and many more! An art show will be held last day of camp.

By the Book: Owls and Kittens- Wednesdays, June 1024, 2:30-4:00pm; Ages 4-6yrs. Fee $75 plus materials. Pins and Pendants: Jewelry Making with Clay- July 2130, 10:00-11:30AM; Ages 4-6yrs. $100 plus materials.

Columbus Museum, The

1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus, Ga. 706-748-2562; www.columbusmuseum.com June 8-12: A World of Art Camp. Ages 5-7yrs. June 15-19: A World of Art Camp. Ages 8-10 yrs. June 22-26: Art and Nature Camp. Ages 5-7yrs. July 6-10: Mixes Media Madness Camp. Ages 5-7yrs. July 13-17: Passionate About Painting Camp. 8-10 yrs. July 20-24: Art and Nature Camp. Ages 11-13yrs. Second Saturday- May 9, June 13, July 11, and August 8, 10am-12noon, Free.

Art Camp- July 28-30. 8:00am-12:00pm. Ages 8-12. $25 fee. Covington Center. Kids Handbuilding- June 1-July 31. Monday, Wednesday or Thursday, 1:00-2:30pm. Ages 9 and up. $60. Kids Sit-N-Spin- June 1-July 31. Tuesday, 3:30-5:00pm. Ages 9 and up. $60 fee. Parent and Me Wheel- June 1-July 31. Wednesday, 5:30-7:00pm. Ages 9 and up. $90 fee. Sew-thern Belles Sewing Studio 923-J Stage Road, Auburn. sewthernbelles@gmail.com; 229-869-6775 “Kids Can Sew” program for children 3rd grade and up. We offer a structured, fun environment where children learn while having a blast! Summer Camps offered; Spaces are limited.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center - 501-2963 Kids Can Draw Basics- May26-29, 2:30-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $45. Kids Can Draw: Pets- June 1-5, 2:30-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $55. Kids Can Draw: Sea Creatures- June 15-19, 2:30-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $55. Kids Can Draw: Wild Animals- June 22-26, 2:30-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $55. Kids Can Draw: Intermediate Drawing- July7-10, 2:30-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $55. Kids Can Draw: People At Work- July 13-17, 2:30-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $55. Kids Can Draw: Cars and Machines- July 27-31, 2:30-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $55. Early Literacy and Social Encouragement- May 26-June 16, Tuesdays, 8:00-10:00am, Ages 3-5; Fee $60. Teens Extreme: Basic Drawing- May 26-29, 4:30-6:00pm, Ages 12-17; Fee $45. Teens Extreme: Deadly Animals-June 1-5, 4:30-6:00pm, Ages 12-17; Fee $55. Teens Extreme: Extreme Sports- June 15-19, 4:30-6:00pm, Ages 12-17; Fee $55. Teens Extreme: Intermediate Drawing- July 7-10, 4:306:00pm, Ages 12-17; Fee $45. Teens Extreme: People in Proportion- July 13-17, 4:30-6:00pm, Ages 12-17; Fee $55. Teens Extreme: Wands & Weapons- July 20-24, 4:30-6:00pm, Ages 12-17; Fee $55. Teens Extreme: Zombie Mayhem- July 27-31, 4:30-6:00pm, Ages 12-17; Fee $55. Kids Can Paint: Amazing Animals- June 8-10, 2:00-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $85. Kids Can Paint: Lovely Landscapes- June 29-July 1, 2:00-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $85. Kids Can Paint: Imagination Station- August 3-5, 2:00-4:00pm, Ages 8-12; Fee $85. Knitting for Teens- June 9-July 9, Thursdays, 6:00-7:30pm, Ages 13-18; Fee 80. Art for Young Children- June 30-July 2, July 28-30, 10:00am-12:00pm, Ages 4-6. Mommy and Me Music and Art- June 9-11, Ages 2-3: 9:00-10:00am or Ages 4-5: 10:30-11:30am. Visual Arts Workshop for Children- July 6-10, July13-17 or July 20-24, 9:00am-12:00pm, Ages 7-12. Artwork Intensive Workshop- June 2-4, 9:00am-12:00pm; Ages 9-14. Masks and Movement- June 1-5, 8:30-11:30am; 6th grade and up. Ceramics Studio- Dean Rd. Rec. Center, 501-2944 Take the Clay Way to Ancient Egypt- June 11-20, 10:00-11:30am; Ages 7-12yrs. $100 plus materials. Under the Sea- June 11-30, 2:30-4:00pm; Ages 7-12yrs. Fee $100 plus materials. By the Book: Houses and Birds- Wednesdays, June 1024, 10:00-11:30am; Ages 4-6yrs. $75 plus materials. Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

Spirited Art Auburn 3051 Fredrick Road, Suite 8, Opelika. 363-5257; www.myspiritedart.com/ auburn Decide where your young artist fits best and then choose your date for summer camps! Matisse Camp: June 1-4, June 8-11, June 22-25, July 13-16, July 27-30. 10:00am; Ages 5-8 years; 4 days O’Keeffe Camp: June 1517, July 20-22, 10:00am; Ages 7-12 years; 3 days

Fantastic Fridays-June 12, June 26, July 10, July 17, and July 24. 10am.

Jule Collins Smith Museum Art Clubs

901 East University Drive, Auburn. 844-1484; www.jcsm.auburn.edu K-12 Art Clubs welcomes kindergarten through high school students. Activities are designed for younger students (K-2nd grade), middle students (3rd-6th grade) and older students (7th-12th grade). We invite parents to spend some time with our education specialist to learn techniques for making art part of your family fun. Materials, lesson plans, and ideas will be available at each event for parental consideration. Log onto website for club topics, descriptions and to register your child. Opelika Parks and Recreation All classes, 705-5560 or for pottery classes, 705-5558 I Love Art- July 20-24. 9-10:30 a.m. Ages 3-5. $40 fee. Art Studio- July 20-24. 10:30-11:45am. Ages 6-8. $40. Fine Arts Camp- July 27-31. 9-10:30am. Ages 9-12. $50. Hands On History-July 27-31. 10:45am-12:15pm. Ages 6-9. $50 fee. Cerami Kids I- June 1-July 31; Mondays, 3:30pm. Denson Art Center. Ages 6 & up. Cerami Kids II- June 1-July 31; Tuesdays, 3:30pm. Denson Art Center. Ages 6 & up. Cerami Kids III- June 1-July 31; Wednesdays, 3:30pm. Denson Art Center. Ages 6 & up Cerami Kids IV- June 1- July 31; Thursdays, 3:30pm. Denson Art Center. Ages 6 & up. Ceramin Kids (Homeschoolers)- Thursdays, 1:00pm. Denson Art Center. Ages 6 & up. Father’s Day Ceramics Special- June 16, 1-2pm. $10. Ceramics Camp- July 20-22. 2:00pm. $20 fee.

Uptown Art Uncorked 2436 East University Drive, Auburn and 127 South 8th Street, Opelika. 209-1188, www.uptownart.com Adult, family and kids classes offered. Classes include all supplies. Kid’s classes are for 5-12 year olds and classes up to 25 kids per session. Birthday, bridal, girls night out parties too. Calendar available on line for class and party registration.

Book Clubs Auburn Public Library 749 East Thach Avenue, Auburn. 501-3190 www.auburnalabama.org/library American Girl Club- Grades K- 5th grade students. Girls, be sure to sign up at the Youth Services desk and come meet with everyone. Magic Tree House Club-K - 5th grade students. Be sure to sign up at the Youth Services Desk. Lewis Cooper Junior Memorial Public Library 204 South Sixth Street, Opelika. 705-5380. www.opelika.org; Kids programs and book clubs offered throughout the year.

Dance Auburn Pointe

1100 S. College Street, 202. Auburn. 740-5118; www.aupointe.com Full Summer Class Schedule: June 1-July 31. Dance Camps: June 29-July 2. Little Ballerina Dance Camp- ages 3-5yrs, 10:00am12:00pm, M, W, F. Drop your little ones off for some jumping and twirling, ballet style. The week includes ballet classes, creative movement, tutu time, snack

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

tim to t Jun Lea styl we beg Inte leas will and lear pan clas Adv for sum tec cho dan add pie eac tuit will use

850 ww Sum Imp hip bat

323 ww Tut Age clas ses Twi Age ers bui $60 Art Thi ing clas 6W and 3-4 in m tec Inte

Au Jan Pira Age 3:3

Ce 270 ww

Co ww The on jazz

up. en

rs;

5m; s

d ve, 8th

and

Nix Dance Studio

850 Stage Rd, Auburn; 887-7250 www.nixdancestudios.com Summer 6 week sessions begins June: VIP (Very Important Princess) Preschool class ages 3-4yrs, ballet, hip hop, turns & leaps, lyrical/contemporary, jazz, baton, and company auditions prep class.

Variations Dance

323 Airport Road, Auburn; 275-5013 www.variationsstudio.com Tutus & Tiaras- June 8-12 & July 13-17. 2:00-3:00pm. Ages 3-4yrs. Give your budding ballerina a taste of classical ballet and creative movement! Fee $60 per session. Twist & Shout- June 8-12 & July 13-17. 3:00-4:00pm. Ages 5-6yrs. These camps are sure to have your dancers movin’ & groovin’ this summer and is designed to build basic jazz moves as well as ballet technique. Fee $60 per session. Art in Motion- July 13-17. 1:00-3:00pm. Ages 7-9yrs. This camp is designed for our maturing dancers providing training in classical ballet and jazz in a fun, upbeat class. Fee $110. 6 Week Summer Session- June 1-July 17. Ages 9-11yrs and 11-18yrs. This six week summer session provides 3-4 hours per week of a variety of classes that will aid in maintaining your intermediate or advanced dancer’s technique throughout the summer. Intermediate /Advanced with Guest Faculty. Auburn Parks and Recreation Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 501-2963 Pirates & Princesses Dance Theatre Camp- June 8-12, Ages 5-6, 9:30am-12:00pm and Ages 7-10, 1:003:30pm. Fee $125. Celtic Traditions School of Irish Dance 2705 Fredrick Road, Opelika; 705-0303 www.celtic-traditions.net Columbus State University Dance Conservatory www.ColumbusState.edu/Ballet; 706-507-8070 The Conservatory offers a two week summer intensive on ballet technique, pointe, variations, conditioning, jazz, modern, and lyrical.

Make Your Move 116 Columbus Parkway, Opelika; 705-0205 and Valley Sportsplex, Valley; (334) 705-0205 www.makeyourmovedance.com Summer Classes and Intensives offered.

time, and ballet story time. We even make ballet crafts to take home. Junior Dance Camp- ages 6-10yrs; 10:00am-12:00pm. Learn fundamental dance techniques through different styles such as ballet, modern, jazz and hip hop. A fun week of dance filled with opportunities to expand or begin their dance experience. Intermediate Dance Camp- ages 11 and up with at least one year of dance training; 1:00-5:00pm. Camp will work with each individual dancer within their level, and will help “fine tune” their technique. They will also learn to use their ballet technique as the basis for expanding into other genres of dance including modern, classical jazz, and contemporary. Advanced Dance Intensive- 1:00-5:00pm.Designed for upper level students wishing to enhance their summer training with a week of focused and intense technique classes, as well as opportunities for creating choreography and staging their own unique pieces of dance. This is an excellent opportunity for dancers to add to their repertoire and dance resumes their own piece of choreographic work. Video will be made of each dancer’s work, and a copy will be included in their tuition. Before and after photos of their 1st arabesque will be made to show their improvement, and can be used for future auditions.

Opelika Parks and Recreation SportsPlex, 1001 Andrews Road, Opelika. 705-5560 Baton- July 13-17. 3:30-5:30pm. Ages 5-12. $50 fee. Creative Dance- Begins in May. Mondays, 5:00-6:00pm. Ages 5 and up. $30 fee per month. Tiger Twirlers Gayle Hammitt, 601-630-6994. Baton twirling lessons. Classes meet inside Max Fitness, Auburn.

Day Trips Callaway Gardens US Hwy 18, Pine Mountain, Ga; 706-663-2281; 1-800-Callaway; www.callawaygardens.com Summer hours- 9:00 am-6:00 pm daily. Callaway Gardens is a great location for family vacations in Georgia. Your family will love hiking in our gardens, swimming in Robin Lake, exploring the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, golf, spa and more. The FSU Flying High includes acrobats, juggling and more, teen activities, tennis clinics, water skiing & tubing, camp crafts, nature and wildlife adventures, fishing, archery, beach fun, cookouts, and more! Chewacla State Park 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy. Auburn; 887-5621 www.alapark.com/Chewacla/ 696 scenic acres are a delightful pause from nearby interstate traffic. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, and newly renovated cabins. Weekdays: $2 for Adults; Weekends: $3 for Adults; Children 6 to 11 years of age and senior citizens: $1. DeSoto State Park 13883 County Road 89, Fort Payne, Al; 256-845-0051 www. alapark.com/DeSotoResort Nestled atop beautiful scenic Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, this 3,502-acre park provides Mountain Chalets, Log & Rustic Cabins, Motel Rooms, Meeting Rooms, and also has both improved & primitive campgrounds. Also features a picnic area with playground, olympic-size swimming pool, nature center with interpretive programs and live animals, & over 19 miles of hiking & mountain biking trails. Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, Ga; (404) 581-4000 www.georgiaaquarium.org With more than eight million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than found in any other aquarium, you are sure to see things you’ve never seen before! Admission rates start $18.95 (toddlers 2 and under Free); annual, premium, combo, and group rates available. Horseshoe Bend Military Park 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Daviston, AL (256) 234-7111; Monday-Sunday 8:00 am-5:00 pm Tour the free museum and view the 22 minute film, “The Battle of Horseshoe Bend”. Then enjoy hiking the trails, a picnic, canoe the Tallapoosa River, and go fishing. Children (6 to 12 years old) with families are

UR GIVE YO

KIDS AN

GGEE A T A T N N A A V V IICC AADD M M E E D D A AACC A T R AT I O N S I G E R FREE JULY 8 1 E N JU HILD’S C R U O Y BUILDS ILLS! N O M U K NG SK I D A E R MATH & e.* ration is

regist day, and

Enroll to

fre

only Centers e Kumon ntact th g o n ti C a . ip - 7/8/15 at partic 5 d /1 li /1 a 6 v en *Offer ll betwe ils. ou enro al deta n when y o ti o m ro p r fo center

Schedule a FREE Placement Test today. Kumon Math & Reading Center of AUBURN - OPELIKA 1550 Opelika Rd., #9 Auburn, AL 36830

334.501.8586 kumon.com/auburn-opelika-a l www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

encouraged to participate in the Junior Ranger Program. Program booklets are available free at the Visitor Center. Children completing the required activities will be awarded a Certificate and Junior Ranger Badge. The program must be completed while in the Park and is not available for groups. Imagine It! Children’s Hands on Museum 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta, Ga; 404-659-KIDS [5437] Atlanta’s only children’s museum, is the perfect place for children age eight and under and their families to learn and explore together in a safe and fun hands-on environment. Lake Lanier Islands-Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & WaterPark 7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, Ga; 1-800840-LAKE; www.lakelanierislands.com With more than a dozen exciting rides and attractions, Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & WaterPark at Lake Lanier Islands Resort offers summer fun for the entire family. The Beach & WaterPark is a multi attraction interactive family environment that offers endless fun while getting drenched. Come experience Wild Waves, Georgia’s largest wave pool, or take a ride down one of our many waterslides. The Kiddie Lagoon and Wiggle Waves are perfect for pint-sized guests and relaxing is easy on our half-mile of sandy white beach! LegoLand Discovery Center 3500 Peachtree Rd. Suite G-1, Atlanta, Ga; 404-848-9252; www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com Explore our indoor attractions! 15 rides and attractions including LEGO® rides, soft play area, 4D cinema, MINILAND, guided tours, DUPLO® Village, LEGO® Friends Olivia’s House, LEGO® Ninjago Laser Maze and more, all ideal for children aged 3-10 years. Tickets $15-$19, children 2 years and under free. Hours: Sunday-Friday, 10:00am-7:00pm and Saturday, 10:00am-9:00pm. McWane Science Center 200 19th Street North, Birmingham; (205) 7148300 www.mcwane.org Rates range $9.00-$17.00; Children under 2 Free; Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am- 6:00 pm, Sunday 12:00-6:00 pm. June 3-August 9- Summer Camps- half and full day camps available. Port Columbus- Nat’l Civil War Naval Museum 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus, Ga; 706-327-9798 www.portcolumbus.org Rates $5.00-$6.50; Sunday-Saturday 9:00 am -5:00 pm. Guided tours, self-guided tours, and group tours available. Stone Mountain U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain, Ga; 1- 800-401-2407; www.stonemountainpark.com Park admission- $22.00- $28.00; Toddlers 2 and under Free, Discounts and annual passes available Lots of fun and activities including the Geyser Towers, Sky Hike, laser shows, hiking, musical entertainment, kids’ foam pit, Summit Skyride, Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, the Antebellum Plantation and Great Barn. June 13-August 2- Summer at the Rock May 23-35- Memorial Day Weekend; May 2- FODAC Run, Walk n Roll; July2-5- Fantastic Fourth Celebration Sept 4-6- Labor Day Weekend Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

Windcreek State Park 4325 Alabama Highway 128, Alexander City, AL 256-329-0845; www.alapark.com/WindCreek/ This park spans 1,445 acres along the shores of scenic Lake Martin, that is a 41,000-acre clear-water reservoir perfect for fishing, swimming and boating. Park facilities include the largest state-operated campground in the United States with 626 sites.

Education/Tutoring Kumon

Flint’s Crossing -1550 Opelika Road, Auburn; 501-8586 www.kumon.com 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. The Kumon Method lets children learn at their own pace, so they can grasp any concept regardless of age or grade level. Here, your child will gain confidence that will last a lifetime. Now’s the time for Kumon. Schedule a free placement test today!

Science Matters

College of Science and Math, Auburn Campus. 844-5769. www.auburn.edu/cosam/outreach 6 Week Long Sessions: June 1-5; June 15-19; June 22-26; July 6-10; July 13-17, July 27-31. A summer enrichment program for rising 1st-6th graders offering youngsters a supercharged science experience. The program allows participants to explore the world of science through real experiments, technology and art projects, and hands-on, make-n-take activities. During the week, kids design and build, dabble in the art of chemistry, become a flight specialist, see amazing critters, and more! Day and Extended day hours available. Auburn University Summer Reading Program 5040 Haley Center, Auburn University, 844-6934 Twelve 45-minute tutorial sessions; accommodates kindergartners, first grades, and some second graders: June 4-July 14. Tuesday-Thursday program works with struggling readers in grades 3-6: June 4-July 14. Most sessions will be scheduled between 8:00 and 8:45 AM. Tutors will contact parents at the beginning of June to confirm specific lesson times. For an application form, contact Dr. Bruce Murray. Little Language Littlelanguage@gmail.com Summer World Tour Camp designed to teach children grades completed 1st-5th about the cultures, customs, and languages of the countries along the tour. This year’s journey will include: Mexico, Germany, France, Italy and Korea. Campers will ‘step inside’ each country and learn about the people, places and things that make that area of the world unique. Monday-Friday, 9am-12noon, during June and July. Summer Educational Enrichment Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, Auburn. 334-826-0454 This FREE 6-week program targets kids ages 4-10 (Grades K-5) with a focus on reading, math and writing in preparation for the upcoming school term. Patricia Frazier, director of Christian Education, for more information. patriciafrazier40@yahoo.com Tutoring and Test Prep of Auburn www.testprepauburn.com; 502-3459 Partnering with parents to help students achieve success. Instruction in reading, math, writing, study skills,

penmanship; Tutoring for Specific Subjects as Needed, ACT Prep, SAT Prep, ASVAB Prep, MCAT Prep; Call for more information about other test prep programs.

Family Fun CyberZone

107 North 9th Street, Opelika. 737-5000 www.cyberzone334.com Whether its lasertag, state-of-the-art arcades in The Grind, BounceZone, nostalgic retro games, or getting your snack on at the CyberCafe, we’re bound to have something to keep you entertained for hours! Host your birthday party, event, lock-in or family reunions. Private party rooms available.

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

2222 N. College Street (Hwy 147) near Hwy 280 and the AU Fisheries. preserve@auburn.edu; 844-8091 May 7 & 8- S’more Fun With Mom! 6:00-8:30pm. Ages 3-12yrs. $20 couple/ $5 each child. May 17- 5K Trail Run, Tot Trot and Sunday Stroll. 1:00pm. $20. May 20- Landscape Watercolor Class. 9:30-11:30am. $30. June 6- Science On Saturdays: Turtles. 10:00am. July 25- Science On Saturdays: Bees. 10:00am Summer Ecology Camps: Ages 1-6 graders; 8:00am12noon. Membership is required for camp registration. Camp Discovery:May 26-29 Young Naturalists: June 1-5 Hunger Games Training Camp: June 8-12 Young Naturalists II: June 15-19 Explorers: June 22-26. Summer Forest Friends- Tuesdays, July 14-28 and Fridays, July 17-31; 9:30-11:00am. Ages Preschool. AMF Bowling 719 Opelika Hwy. Auburn. 887-6573 ; www.amf.com/ auburnlanesal Free bowling for kids all summer long! Kids registered in the Summer Unplugged program can bowl two games per day, every day, all summer long! (Shoe rental not included.) www.freebowling.amf.com Carmike Wynnsong Movie Theatre 2111 East University Drive, Auburn. 501-0401 and Tiger 13, 1900 Capps Landing, Opelika. 364-9959. Kids’ Summer Movie Series: Tuesday/Wednesday and Wednesday/Thursday, 10:00am, throughout the summer. $4.00 admission for all includes kids snack tray. Hollywood Connection 1683 Whittlesey Road, Columbus, GA; 706-571-3456 www.carmike.com 125,000 square feet of state-of-the-art entertainment with movies, amusements, attractions, games, food and fun! Scutter Putters Mini Golf 1220 Fox Run Avenue, Opelika, 332-7185 www.scutterputters.com Indoor mini-golf where our theme is “Journey Across America”. Each one of our 18 holes is a place of interest or historic landmark located in the U.S. ranging from the Golden Gate Bridge and Redwood Forest, to Carlsbad Caverns and Cape Cod. At each one of the holes there is a fun little book of trivia and information about the landmark which provides an educational tool that is entertaining. We even offer blacklight capability some evenings and parties which provides another unique feature.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Spo 376 749 Aub con skil wel

The 230 ww 9:0 dler and

The 122 Tue pm Sun from ties Fun

Wi 130 874 Sun You me and the you You

d, or

g e

ges

Sports Academy 3768 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika (Midway Plaza) 749-4040; www.sportsacademyauburn.com Auburn/Opelika’s premiere indoor sports training and conditioning facility! We cater to athletes of all sports, skill levels and all ages! Party space available; teams welcome. The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery; 334-240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com 9:00 am -5:00 pm. Tickets range $7.00 -$14.00; toddlers 2 years and under- Free; Senior citizens, military and group discounts. The Skate Center 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn; 821-1128 Tuesday-Thursday 6:30 – 9:00 pm; Friday 6:30-10:00 pm; Saturday 12:00-4:00 pm and 6:30-10:00 pm; Sunday 2:00-5:00 pm and 7:30-10:30pm. Prices range from $4.00-$6.00 includes skate rentals. Birthday Parties, Church Parties and Civic Groups, Parties, School Fundraisers, Sorority/Fraternity Socials Wild Animal Safari 1300 Oak Grove Road, Pine Mountain, GA. 706-6638744; www.animalsafari.com Sunday-Saturday 10:00 am -7:30 pm all summer You can drive your own vehicle (or take the complimentary bus tour- seasonal) thru our Drive-Thru safari and get to experience hand feeding the animals. On the safari the exotic animals will literally come up to your car and eat right out of the palm of your hand. You also get to enjoy our walk-about section (both

parts included in your ticket price), here you will find some of our other animals in pens for you to see. Scattered through our entire park we have approx. 650 animals, (and counting!) Zoo Atlanta 800 Cherokee Avenue, SE; Atlanta, GA; 404-624-WILD Monday-Friday: 9:30am-5:30pm, ticket booths close at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 9:30am.-6:30pm., ticket booths close at 5:30pm.Tickets- $14.99-$19.99; 2 and under Free; Military, senior citizens discounts. Season passes available.

Unique Activities Opelika Parks and Recreation A Day in the Life of…Police Academy- June 15. 9:30-11:30am. Ages 6-11 yrs. Fee: $10. Spend the morning with members of the Opelika Police Dept. Great opportunity to go behind the scenes. Snack included. A Day in the Life of…Firefighters Academy- June 17. 8:30am-2:00pm. Ages 6-12yrs. Fee: $15. Report to the Denson Drive Rec Center-transportation provided to Opelika Fire Dept. training center. Experience first hand what it takes to be a firefighter. Explore the trucks, try on the uniform and hold the hoses! Prepare to ‘get wet’. Lunch and T-shirt included. A Day in the Life of…Power Service Academy- June 16- 9:00am-12:00noon; Ages 6-11yrs. Fee: $10. Have you been in a bucket truck or climbed a Light & Power Pole? Join members of the Light & Power Department as they demonstrate their skills and invite participants

to have ‘hands on’ fun in this morning academy! Snack included. Adventure Day- July 29. 1:00-4:00pm. Ages 5-12yrs. Fee: $10. Fun activities! You are invited to go on an adventure of food & fun. Back to School Bash- July 24. 10:00am-1:00pm. All Ages, Free. Back to School Ice Cream Social- July 31. 1:002:00pm. Ages 5-12, Fee $5. Boys Night Out- June 26. 6:00-9:00pm. Ages 7-12. Fee $20. Come hangout with the guys. Enjoy food, a movie, basketball and a video games. Covington Movie Club- June 11, June 25, July 9, and July 23. 3:30-5:00pm. Ages 6-12. Fee $3per movie. Hot summer day with nothing to do? Come in and enjoy a movie and popcorn! Girls Night Out- June 12. 6:00-9:00pm. Ages 8-12. Fee $20. Come enjoy food, a movie, jewelry making and makeovers. Don’t forget to wear your pj’s. Goofy Games- July 7. 3:00-4:00pm. Ages 6-12yrs. Fee: $10. Enjoy relays, group games, board games & computerized games. Green Thumb Gardening- June 24. 3:00-4:00pm. Ages 5-12. Fee $12. Get ready to bring a new life into this world..plant life that is! Come ready to decorate a pot to plant your new flower in! Junior Bakers- July 14. 3:00-4:30pm. Ages 9-12. Fee $15. Junior bakers will experience baking dishes with a surprise baker! Class max: 6 Kids in the Kitchen- June 2. 3:00-4:00pm. Ages 4-7. Fee $15. Hands on fun making delicious and childproof foods! Lion Tamers -June 6. 10:00am-1:00pm. All ages. Free to public! Games, prizes, food, fun and Free Swim!

d 9.

he ed-

s e.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Summer Crafts- June 10. 3:00-4:30pm. Ages 4-7. $10. Messy Madness- July 23. 3:00-4:00pm. All Ages. Fee: $10. “Messy Projects and Slimy Creations”. Wear old clothing. Pizza Pizzazz – July 9. 3:00-4:00pm. Ages 6-11. Fee: $10. Learn to create various pizzas using bagels, French bread, English Muffins. Wacky Water Games- July 21. 3:00-4:00pm. Age 6-10. Fee: $10. Have fun with bubbles, balloons and water.

Gymnastics & Cheer Premier Spirit Academy

923-B Stage Road, Auburn; 821-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com Summer Camps: Kids Camp- June 3-5, 9:00am12:00pm, Ages 3-6.Tumbling, Motions, Jumps, Cheers, Games and Lots of Fun! Tumbling Camp- June 22-25, 9:00am-12:00pm, Ages 7-18. Tumbling skills levels up through tucks. Regular Monday- Thursday classes offered throughout the summer! Mom and Tot, Preschool, Youth, Level 1-3, Advanced Tumbling and Cheer Classes.

Tiger Tracks Cheer

June 8-11 and June 15-18, 9:00am-1:00pm. Premier Spirit Academy, Auburn. Ages Preschool- 6th grade. Opelika Parks and Recreation Denson Road Recreation Center. 1102 Denson Drive. Ben White, 705-5547 or bwhite@ci.opelika.al.us Parent and Me Tumbling- June 1-July 30, Monday 6pm, Wednesday 10am, Wednesday 6pm, or Thursday 10am. Ages 2-3 years with parent participation. Tumble Tots- June 1-July 30, Tuesday 5:30pm/6:00pm or Wednesday 10:30am or Thurs 10:30am. Ages 4 years. Level I Tumbling- June 1-July 30, Monday-Thursday, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, or 5:30pm. Level II Tumbling- June 1-July 30, MondayThursday, 3:30pm or 4:30pm. Level III Tumbling- June 1-July 30, Monday & Wednesday, 5:30pm. Cheer Prep Tumbling- June 1-July 30, MondayThursday, 6:30pm. Cheer Camp- June 15-16. 1:00-3:00pm. Ages 3-12. $25 fee.

www.sandysstables.net; 741-0020; sandysstables@ bellsouth.net Day camp will include: 2 mounted lessons a day, 2 unmounted lessons a day, English riding, Western riding, bareback riding, trail rides, grooming, horse safety, horsemanship, horse care, tack, driving a pony and cart etc...Students will also enjoy cooling off on our water slide. Riders are able to set their own goals and accomplish them.

Ice Cream Bruster’s 2172 East University Drive, Auburn; 821-9988. Homemade ice cream, sherbet, sorbet, Italian ice and no sugar added fat free items, cakes and pies. Free baby cone for toddlers. Chill Yogurt Cafe 2486 Enterprise Drive, Tigertown Opelika; 745-7715 & 234 West Magnolia Ave, Downtown Auburn; 502-1114. www.chillyogurt.com Pure frozen yogurt, yocakes, custards and sorbets. Nonfat, low fat with many toppings to choose. D Square Donuts 1625 East University Drive, Auburn. 887-1112 www.dsquaredonuts.com Now featuring Frozen Italian Ice and Ice Cream! Of course, still serving donuts and custom cakes!

Horseback Riding H & G Horse Quarters

943 Lee Road 57, Auburn; 887-0026 www.hghorsequarters.com An equestrian center located in Auburn offering lessons, boarding, showing, and camp sessions. Joey Camp I – June 8-12. Joey Camp II- June 15-19. Joey Camp III- June 22-26. All Joey Camps: Beginner riders ages 5-8: No experience necessary. Students learn safety, grooming, tacking-up and mounting, Walk & trot in balance with their mounts. Fun, informative, hands-on activities follow riding each day, with materials that are designed to be age and skill appropriate. Giraffe Camp- May 25-29. For advance riders who can Walk, Trot, Canter, and jumping 18”. Loading, clipping, show grooming, wrapping, first aid, and daily management. Jumping lessons everyday! Seminar with Local Vet and Farrier. Sandy’s Stables Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

SnowBiz Shave Ice 1625 East University Drive, Auburn; 319-0739 & 1607 S College Street, Auburn; 742-0371 Sno Biz shave ice, snow cones, Hawaiian, Italian ice and their tropical flavors have fans around the world dreaming of their next big chill. Toomer’s Drugs Toomers Corner® on the corner of Magnolia Ave and College Street; 887-3488; www.toomersdrugs.com “Preserving an Auburn Tradition.” Old fashion specialties including the world famous fresh squeezed lemonade, banana split, floats, shakes, malts, hot fudge brownie sundae, ice cream cones, ice cream sodas, sundaes, and more!

Local Camps Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center

128 East Glenn Ave. Auburn. Milissa, 821-8125 or afbcdc@gmail.com Summer Camp is a Field-Trip based Program running Tuesday, May 26-Friday, July 31; 7:00am to 5:30pm Monday - Friday. Drop-Ins Welcome (space permitting). Summer Camp Enrollment is currently taking place for Kindergarten-completion of 5th grade (child must have completed Kindergarten). 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 handson learning so that each child may develop to his or her highest potential cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. We are located at 128 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn. Please contact Milissa Clowers, Director or Kristina Hickman.

Auburn Parks and Recreation

Melissa Weldon, 501-2946 Camp Kaleidoscope- Auburn Jr. High School. Session A: June 1-5; Session B: June 8-12; Session C: June 15-19; Session D: July 6-10; Session E: July 13-17; Session F: July 20-24; 8:00am-5:00 pm. Each week of camp will be filled with games, activities, special guests, and field trips. 6-12 years; $130 per week, $100 per week for each additional sibling and $680 for the entire summer. Junior Camp Counselor Program- June 1- July 24, Ages: 13-17 years; The Counselor position is a volunteer position that teaches teens responsibility and allows them to mentor younger campers at Camp Kaleidoscope. This is a great opportunity for teens to learn invaluable skills necessary for their first “real” job and provides a great atmosphere to socialize with other junior camp counselors in a fun and exciting setting. Also, this is a chance for teens to earn community service credit hours and give back to their community. The deadline for participants to register is May 15. Small Fry Camp- Frank Brown Recreation Center; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: June 1-August 31. Ages: 3-5 (child must be 3 years by the first class); 8:00-11:00am. Preschoolers will enjoy hands-on activities, music in song and dance, and many other age-related activities. Fieldtrips may be offered. Child must be toilet trained to participate. Summer Therapeutic Day Camp- Alison Hall, 501-2930, ahall@auburnalabama.org, 7 week summer day camp designed for young adults with various disabilities. Program includes lifeskills training such as handling money, team work, social skills, square dancing, swimming, and other physical recreation activities. The campers also participate in field trips. Superhero Training Camp- July 13, 15, & 17, 3:005:00pm; Ages 5-9. Fee $75.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Uni 11: WA 6-2

Au Au

ww Offi 21s Arc 12AU Art Avi Bui Cre Cyb Dan Des Eng (10 Fish Foo For Loa Mu Pro Rea Spo Vet 12Wo

ds-

ally, n c-

Unicycle Summer Camp- June 1-5, June 8-12, 8:3011:30am; Ages 2nd and up. Fee $150. WAMM Writing, Math and More!- June 1-26 and July 6-24, 8:00am-12:00pm; Ages 2nd-3rd.

Auburn Summer Youth Programs at Auburn University

www.auburn.edu/summercamps; Outreach Program Office, 844-5100 21st Century- June 7-12. Architecture Camp- 2 Sessions: June 21-26 & Juky 12-17. AU Brain Camp- July 26-31. Art Studio Intensive- June 21-26. Aviation Camp- June 7-12. Building Construction Camp- June 14-19. Creative Writing- July 12-16. Cyber Security Engineering Camp- July 19-24. Dance Intensive- June 8-12. Design Camp- 2 Sessions: June 14-19 & July 5-10. Engineering TIGERS Camp- Senior camp: June 14-19, (10th-11th); Women: June 21-26. Fisheries Camp- June 21-26. Food Science Camp – July 19-25. Forestry Camp- July 5-10. Loachapoka Explore Auburn Days Camp- June 7-12. Musical Theatre Camp- July 5-10. Project Design Camp- July 12-17. Real Cents, Real Change-June 14-19. Sports Science Camp- June 7-12. Veterinarian Camp-Senior Camp- May 31-June 5 & July 12-17. World Affairs Youth Seminar- July 5-10.

Bonnie’s Kids Childcare Center

2314 Enterprise Drive; Opelika. 745-6248 www.bonnieskidschildcare.com “Where children grow.” Closed circuit monitoring; computer & dance programs; pick up from school for Beauregard, Opelika & Auburn for after school programs, and summer camps. Serving the Auburn / Opelika area for over 25 years. Summer Activities Program for School Age children; Breakfast, Lunch, & Snack provided (USDA Food Program), Dance, Gymnastics, and Music Classes offered at the Center.

Growing Room: Summer Spectacular

644 North Dean Road, Auburn. 334-501-2044 www.growingroomusa.com. Summer Camp 2015 kicks off May 26, 2015. Our Summer Camp includes exciting events and activities for every age group, from Infants to our School Agers. This year is our Summer Spectacular inspired by the stories of Dr. Seuss! Each week our campers will participate in unique crafts and special events with themes related to a different Dr. Seuss story. Our 3 & 4 year olds will enjoy bi-weekly field trips, while our School Age kids will enjoy fun & exciting field trips every week! 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 playground. Give your child the best summer ever at the Growing Room. We’re open Monday-Friday, 6:30am6:30pm. Come by today for a tour at 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al. Summer Camp registration opens to new enrollments on April 6, 2015.

Active8- Columbus State University, Continuing Education Summer Camps www.activ8er.com; 706-507-8070. Genius at Play! 10 weeks of active summer fun! Half day and full day options, before and after care available, new camps to choose from every week. Camps begin June-Aug. Camp ASCCA www.campascca.org; 256-825-9226 Easter Seals Camp ASCCA is a year round camp for people with disabilities located in Jackson’s Gap, Al. 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! Camp Shakespeare at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival 334-271-5393; www.asfeducation.com; A week of acting, stage combat, movement/dance, voice training and technical theatre. June- July. Grades 4-12. Milestones Learning Center 1811 East Glenn Ave. Auburn. 887-4391 www.milestoneslc.com Summer camp- June-Aug; different theme each week: summer fun, summer safety, under the sea, vacations, America the beautiful, creepy crawlers, wild west, summer sports, let’s go fishing, and much more! Opelika Parks and Recreation Covington Day Camp- June 1-12, June 15-26, June 29July 10, July 13-24. Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm.

ity or p

alp

s is n

heir e r

3 s ce,

. 30, mp

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Ages Kindergarten-7th graders. This camp will have a wide variety of sport activities, swimming, and weekly field trips both in and out of town. Cook outs and a staff-camper water day featuring a 30 ft. water slide highlights an active summer planned with your child in mind. On rainy days your camper will have a variety of activities inside the gym and game room. Camp includes snack, daily swimming and a t-shirt. PlexCamp- June 1-12, June 15-26, June 29-July 10, July 13-24. Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm. Ages 1st5th grade (completed). This camp will include a wide variety of activities including arts & crafts, swimming, field trips, water day, wacky day, color day and sports. Many activities will have special emphasis on nature and science. Plex Kids Camp- June 1-July 24. 3:00-5:30pm. weekly sessions. Ages 1st-5th grade (completed). After a full day of camp, kids will have a snack, some down time and enjoy the many activities Sportsplex has to offer. Covington Kids Camp- June 1-July 24. 3:00-5:30pm. Ages K-Rising 7th grade. P.E.E.P.S. (Poultry and Egg Experiences for Prospective Students) Poultry Science Building, AU Campus. Amanda Martin 844-2881; amartin@auburn.edu Camp is designed to educate students in the areas of agriculture, food, science and poultry.

Martial Arts Auburn Mixed Martial Arts 2515 East Glenn Commerce Park #204 , Auburn;

887-0818; www.auburnmma.com Teach realistic, but safe, fighting techniques in the martial arts of: Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Kickboxing, Anti Bully Techniques and Submission Grappling. We also teach classes in Fitness Kickboxing and Kettle Bell. No experience necessary! Auburn Academy of Martial Arts 323 Airport Rd, Suite J, Auburn, 502-7221 www.auburnacademy.com June 8-12, June 22-26, July 13-17, July 27-31. Camp themes include: Padded Weapons, Board Breaking, Bully Buster Techniques, Tournament Sparring. Learning, discipline, and FUN! All levels-beginners and advanced. We welcome all interested students to come by to observe a class or just jump right in and try it out.

Music Spicerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music

2140 E. University Drive, Auburn. 329-7529 ww.spicersmusic.com Rock Band, Praise Band and Advanced Camps: June 1-5 and June 8-12. Morning and afternoon sessions. Attention aspiring musicians, ages 8 - 18! If you love music, and want to play in a rock band, this camp is for you! At Spicerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garage Band Camp, you will have a blast as you jam daily with your bandmates. You will receive individualized instruction on your instrument, work with other musicians to choose a band name and logo, write your own song, and learn several current songs. After a fun-filled week of jamming, you and

your band will perform on stage with professional lights and sound equipment in front of family and friends. Also offering lessons on an incredible variety of instruments, including but not limited to: guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, keyboard/piano, voice, harp, drums, ukulele, banjo, fiddle, violin, cello, harmonica, tin whistle, oboe, didgeridoo, mandolin, dulcimer, clarinet, saxophone, flute, trumpet, and french horn. Auburn Parks and Recreation Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 501-2963 Jr. Musical Theatre Camp Jr- June 15-19; 9:0011:00am and 11:15am-1:15pm. Ages 5-7 yrs; $150. Musical Theatre Camp II- June 15-20, 9:00am12:00pm. Ages 8-12yrs; Fee $200. Musical Theatre Camp III- June 15-20, 1:00-4:00pm. Ages 13-18; Fee $200. Lights! Camera! Action! Animation Camp- June 1-5, 1:00-4:00pm. Ages 3rd-6th; Fee $150. Puppetry Arts Intensive- June 5, 12:00-3:00pm. Ages 13-18; Fee $50. Summer Intensive- June 22-27, 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-4:00pm. Ages 5-18yrs; Fee $150. Page to Stage Intensive- July 13-25, 1:00-4:00pm. Ages12-18yrs; Fee $250. Auburn Guitar Shoppe 758 East Glenn Ave. Auburn. www.auburnguitar.com; 821-6818 Auburn University Band Camp www.band.auburn.edu June 12-14, June 14-17, June 17-20, June 26-28.

Call Auburn Opelika Parents at 334-209-0552. Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Su ww Jun and Sum 12t con the

Spo 12: hav eac bas Fra 12: ASA 5:0 ASA Age ASA 8-1 ASA 18. ASA $95 Ten July Fre Age IAM Ma @F 6:0 Pick 10: Rec Tot July 2-3 Mu 6-3

ety

Summer Showoffs www.summershowoffs.com; June 29-July 3: Providence Baptist Church, Opelika and July 13-17: Auburn High School. Now Showing!!! Summer Showoffs is a music day camp for ages 1st12th graders that uses music and performance to build confidence and character. We help students develop their talents on stage! Everyone gets a solo!

Sports/Fitness Auburn Parks and Recreation

Sports Camp- June 8-12, July 13-17, 9:00am12:00noon; Ages 9-12years, Fee $50. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in a different sport each day. Sports include baseball, soccer, tennis, track, basketball. Camp will be at different location each day. Frank Singleton Basketball Camp- June 15-16, 8:00am12:00pm; Ages 7-12, Fee $30. ASA Thunder Tykes Camp- June 23-25 and July 21-23, 5:00-6:30pm; Ages 3-4, Fee $50. ASA Rising Tiger Soccer Camp- June 1-4 and July 6-9; Ages 4-7. $70 ASA Junior Soccer Camp- June 1-4 and July 6-9; Ages 8-12 & 13-15. $85 ASA Goalkeeper Soccer Camp- August 3-6; Ages 1018. $95. ASA Advanced Soccer Camp- Aug. 3-6; Ages 10-18. $95. Tennis Camps- June 1-4, June 8-11, June 29-July 2, July 27-30. Ages 6 and up. Free Play Basketball- June- August, 12:00-4:30pm, Ages 7-15. Dean Road Rec Center. IAMBK Basketball & Cheerleading- Registration through May 20; Skills Test: 2nd-5th grade- May 18, 6:00pm @ Frank Brown Rec Center; 6th-8th grade-May 20, 6:00pm @ Boykin Community Center. $45 fee. Pickleball- Ages 12-15 and Ages 16-18: June-July, 10:00am-12:00pm/Monday & Wednesday, Dean Road Rec Center. Tots Tennis & Fitness- Session I: June 1-24, Session II: July 6-29, Session III: August 10-September 2. Ages 2-3, 9:00-9:30am. Munchkin Tennis- Session I: June 1-25, Session II: July 6-30, Session III: August 10-September 3. Ages 3-4.

Half Volleys Tennis- Session I: June 1-25, Session II: July 6-30, Session III: Aug. 10-September 3. Ages 5-7. Future Stars Tennis- Session I: June 1-25, Session II: July 6-30, Session III: Aug. 10-Sept. 3. Ages 8-10. Players Tennis- Session I: June 1-25, Session II: July 6-30, Session III: August 10-Sept. 3. Ages 11-18. Preschool Yoga- June 1-August 26, MW, 10:0011:00am; Ages 2-5. Kids Yoga- June 1-July 30, Th, 10-11:00am; Ages 6-12. Ikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Speed and Agility- Th, 3:30-4:10pm and 4:205:00pm; Ages 9 and up. Fixion Fitness- MWF, 8:05-9:00am; Ages 13 and up. Turbo Kick- Th, 7:00-8:00pm; Ages 16 and up. Piyo- MW, 6:00-7:00pm; Ages 16 and up.

Auburn University School of Kinesiology www.auburn.edu/kine or kar0032@auburn.edu Speed, Agility and Conditioning Camp- June 9, 11, 16 & 18. Ages 9-18yrs Preseason Camp-July 20-24, Ages 13-18yrs Camps taught by biomechanics experts. The camps focus on footwork, balance, conditioning, jumping, landing, and more. $125. Register online.

Auburn University Volleyball Camp April Zech, aly0001@auburn.edu Youth Camp- July 7-8 Ball Control Camp- July 7-8 Position Camp-July 9 Team Camp- July 10-12 Team Tournament- July 12-13 Defense Camp- July 14 Offence Camp- July 15 All-Skills Camp- July 17-19

My Gym Auburn

300 N. Dean Rd #6, Auburn. 334-246-0987 www.mygym.com/auburn My Gym has developed an extraordinary program and facility devised to help children 6 weeks thru 10 years of age develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. Offering structured, age-appropriate, weekly classes that incorporate music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, sports

and more. Children have loads of fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility while developing social skills, confidence and self-esteem. Our state-of-the-art facility, extensively trained staff, award-winning class programs, and excellent student/teacher ratio have earned My Gym the reputation as the best early learning program of its kind. Check our website for grand opening information, summer camps and birthday party planning.

Robert Trent Jones Grand National Golf Clinics

3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika. 749-9042, www.Rtjgolf.com June 8-11, June 22-25, and July 27-30. Summer clinics for junior golfers, ages 7-17years, taught by PGA Certified Pros. 8:30-11:30am. $100 per session: Includes lunch and a free Par 3 round each day. Auburn Thunder www.auburnthundersoccer.com; 256-655-4448 Auburn Thunder (part of the Auburn Soccer Assoc.) is an elite soccer club for boys and girls ages 9-18. Auburn University Soccer Camps 844-9637; www.auburnsoccercamp.com June 5-7- Elite Camp, Girls only, 9th-12th grade July 17-19- Elite Camp II, Girls only, 9th-12th grade June 7-10- Residential Camp, Girls only, ages 9-16yrs July 19-22- Residential Camp II, Co-ed, ages 9-16hyrs July 13-16- Day Camp, Co-ed, ages 6-16yrs Auburn University Sports Camps Baseball Academy- sctt@throw90.com Basketball- mbabul@auburn.edu Brett Hawke Swim- www.auburnswimcamps.com Equestrian- carolyn031@centurytel.net Football- wbolt@auburn.edu Gymnastics- kurth@auburn.edu Soccer- khoppa@auburn.edu Tigers Golf- www.auburntigers.com Tiger Softball- deeseti@auburn.edu Tennis- www.gteamtennis.com Volleyball- cwc0004@auburn.edu

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Sp 376 749 Healthplus 1171 Gatewood Drive, Auburn; 887-5666 www.healthplusfitness.com Youth Swim for Fitness- This is a chance for kids to learn a lifetime fitness activity. Our hour-long workout will improve endurance; perfect technique and help children learn advanced swimming skills. Children must have completed Snappers Level 3 or be at least 8 years old to participate. Fitness Fun Camp- May 22-August 5; Monday-Friday 8:00 am- 12:00pm (extended day is available through 5:00pm). Ages 5-12 yrs. A safe and fun-filled camp environment that will promote fitness, health, creativity and friendship. Open to members and non-members. Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gym- Ages 5-12. Members free; non-members $2.00 per visit. Activities include climbing wall, scooters, basketball, relays, kickball, tag games, dodgeball, jump rope and much more. At the pool, children may swim or play quietly on the pool deck. Opelika Parks and Recreation- SportsPlex 1001 Andrews Road, Opelika; 705-5560. Basketball Camp- June 18-19. 9:00am-12:00pm. Ages 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12. $25 fee.

PLEX Basketball Academy- June 2-July 9. Tuesdays & Thursdays. Ages 8-10: 6:00-7:15pm. Ages 11-13: 7:30-8:45pm. $50 fee. Bulldog Youth Football- June 1-August 15. Saturdays, 8:30am and 10:30am games. Ages 6-8. $35 fee. Midget League Football- June 1- August 15. Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday, 5:30pm and 6:30pm games. Ages 9-12. $35 fee. Flag Football- June 6-July 11. Saturday mornings 9:00am, 10:00am, or 11:00am. Ages 5-12 years, $35.

T-Ball- Begins June 1. Ages 4-6. Fee $40. Opelika Crush Soccer- May 28June 3 Tryouts, June 8-July 16 Workouts, July 20-23 Camp, July 25 Tournament. Ages 7-18. $300 fee. Mini Tennis Clinic- Session I: June 16, 18. Session II: July 14, 16. 3:00-4:00pm. Ages 6-12. Free. Tennis for Tots- Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30-9:15am. Ages 2-4. $50 fee/$10 discount for siblings. Youth Tennis- Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30-10:20am. $50 fee/$10 discount for siblings. Middle School Tennis- Monday and Wednesday, 10:00-11:00am. Ages 6th-8th grade. $50 fee/$10 discount for siblings. High School Tennis- Monday and Wednesday, 11:00am-12:00pm. Ages 9th-12th grade. $50 fee/$10 discount for siblings. Karate- May 5-23, Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00pm. Ages 6 and up. Exam July 25. $75 fee/$10 discount for siblings. Plains Junior Golf Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill Golf Club, Auburn. Will Blackmon 319-0051 or Elizabeth Rodgers, 821-6533; golfhouse.mooresmill@gmail.com; Offering girls, boys and co-ed golf camps.

Sum Sam Les Age app For poo Rec 6m pie Fish Aub me pra Aub Red Flo 9: Sam Frid for and

He 117 ww Inf sur and ISR Wa chi tice skil kick mo Lea

Op Op Joh Par 4-2 Litt Ma Sum ner Jun 6-1 You Jun Jul 12p Par 5:0 Sw 7:1 Am Ma

Tig 737 Aub wit

Cit Dra Sch Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ly 00

-4. gs. rs0

m. 0

m. unt

Sports Academy 3768 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika (Midway Plaza) 749-4040; www.sportsacademyauburn.com

Swimming Auburn Parks and Recreation

Summer Swim Lessons and Teams- Beginning May 18, Samford Pool, Auburn. 501-2958 or 501-2930 Lessons- Morning and evening classes offered. Ages 6 months and up. Participants should wear appropriate swimwear, as testing may be required. For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/ pools or pick up a copy of Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Summer Brochure. Sea Babies- Ages 6 months-3 years; Sea Turtles- Ages 3-5yrs; Guppies- Ages 6-10 yrs; Dolphins- Ages 11-15yrs; Big Fish- Ages 19-older Auburn Dragonflies Swim Team- First time team members’ evaluations: May 2, 1:00-3:00pm. Team practice: May 5-21, 4:00-5:00pm. Auburn Diving- Ages 7 and up. Red Cross Lifeguard Certification- April 24-26. $225. Float-In-Movies- June 11: The Lego Movie, July 9: Paddington, August 13: Muppets Most Wanted; Samford Pool, gates open 8:15pm. $2. Friday Night Splash- June 26, July 31. 6-8pm. Samford Pool. Enjoy free swim, games, music, cookout and more. $2. Healthplus 1171 Gatewood Drive, Auburn; 887-5666 www.healthplusfitness.com Infant Swimming Resource- nationally recognized survival swimming program which teaches infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 6 years using the ISR Self-Rescue™ method. Water Babies- Baby’s first swim lesson. Parents and children participate in eight 30-minute guided practice sessions that help children learn elementary skills, including water entry, bubble blowing, front kicking, back floating, underwater exploration, and more. This is not a Learn-to-Swim class. Learn To Swim- Beginner to advanced sessions. Opelika Parks and Recreation Opelika SeaDawgs Summer Swim Team –Mandy Johnson-mjohnson@ci.opelika.al.us, 705- 2488. Parent Meeting: May 14, 6:00pm. Practice May 4-26. Fee $60/swimmer, $5 sibling discount. Little Dawgs Pre-Team and SeaDawgs Pups- Call Mandy for more info. Summer Swimming Lessons- Ages 4 and up (beginner through advanced classes). $50 fee. Session I: June 1-12; Session II: June 15-26; Session III: July 6-17; Session IV: July 20-31. 9:00-9:45am. Youth Swim Lessons- Ages 4 and up. Session I: June 1-11; Session II: June 15-26; Session III: July 6-17; Session IV: July 20-31. 10am, 11am, or 12pm. $55 fee. Parent and Me- June 2-18; Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00pm or 5:30pm. Swim School- Monthly, Tuesday & Thursday, 6:307:15pm. American Red Cross Lifeguard Challenge CourseMay 2, 9:00am-5:00pm. $75 fee. Tiger Swim Lessons 737-4427 or asmutjc@auburn.edu Auburn University Aquatic Center- 2 week sessions with 30 minute classes. Registration April 25.

Swimming Pools City of Auburn Public Pools Drake Pool- 653 Spencer Ave. next to Drake Middle School; 501-2958

Samford Pool- 465 Wrights Mill Road / 328 Samford Ave.; 501-2957 Auburn City pools will open on May 23. Auburn City Pool Season passes will be sold at the Dean Road Recreation Center. Individual and Family passes available. Opelika Parks and Recreation Covington Pool-213 Carver Ave. 705-5550; SportsPlex Pool- 705-5560. Monday – Friday 5 am-8 am- Member Lap Swim Only 1:00 pm-8:00 pm Open Swim Saturday 8:00am- 10:00 am -Member Lap Swim Only 10:00am-12:00 pm Family Swim 12:00pm- 5:00 pm Open Swim Sunday 1:00pm- 5:00pm Open Swim Splash Park Summer Hours: Monday- Friday 10:00am- 8:00pm Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm

Watersports Lake Eufaula Vacation Rentals- Baker Realty; www.bakerrealty.com; 334-585-0748 Lakepoint Resort State Park- The park has a lodge, convention center, modern campground, vacation cabins and lakeside cottages, picnic areas, 18-hole golf course and a marina complete with launch facilities and boat slips. 334-687-8011; www.alapark.com/LakePointResort Lake Martin Lakeside Marina- Rentals: boats, watercraft, tubes, boards and skis-Dadeville, Al; 256-825-9286 www.lakesidemarinallc.com Pleasure Point Marina Cabin Rentals; Dadeville, AL (256) 825-9400; www.pleasurepointmarina.com AOP

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar Ongoing:

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-7281162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival “King Lear.” April 10-May 10. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Birmingham Children’s Theatre Birmingham Children’s Theatre. www.bct123.org Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Callaway Gardens Free Admission • Celebrate Spring. Through April 25. www.callawaygardens.com. Center for Puppetry Arts www.atlanta.net. Children’s Museum of Atlanta Super Kids Save the World Exhibit. Through May 3. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.atlantaballet.com. Columbus Museum Poetry of Earth Exhibit. May 31-Oct. 11. www.columbusmuseum.com. DeSoto Caverns Park www.DeSotoCavernsPark.com. Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex. East Alabama Birth Village 3rd Monday of each month. Monarch Estates, Auburn. 6 p.m. www.birthvillageclass.com Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. Georgia Aquarium Imagination Nights at the Georgia Aquarium. May 26-August 1. www.georgiaaquarium.org. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts Dinosaurs Alive! Through Aug. 3. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden. www.culturalarts.org Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Jule Collins Smith Museum • John Himmelfarb: Trucks. Through May 10. • Auburn Collects. May 23-Sept. 6. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

April/May 2015

334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. McWane Science Center • Mindbender Mansion. Through June 15. McWane Science Center, B’ham. www.mcwane.org. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Miracle League Now recruiting for volunteer/buddies to help in this year’s season. To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. Newnan Theatre Newnan Theatre, Ga. www.newnantheatre.org. Old Monroe County Courthouse “To Kill a Mockingbird” Theatrical Production. Through May 16. www.monroecountymuseum.org. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Pioneer Museum Pioneer Museum, Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. 30th Annual Renaissance Festival April 18 - June 7. Fairburn, Ga. www.garenfest.com. Riverside Theatre Riverside Theatre, Columbus State. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/productions The Rock Ranch Spring A Ding Ding Days. April 20-24. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.therockranch.com. Springer Opera House • “Born Yesterday”. April 30-May 10. • “Why, Baby, Why”. April 16-May 25. Columbus, GA. www.springeroperahouse.org. Telfair Peet Theatre Telfair Peet Theatre, AU Campus. www.auburn.edu (334) 844-4748. Virginia Samford Theatre Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register.

La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ CORNERSTONE Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call Josie at 257-3950. Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City. 256-329-9227. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. Moms In Touch. Do you worry about your children? Come experience how you can replace your anxiety and fear with peace and hope by praying with other moms. Moms In Touch International gathers moms together for one hour, once a week, to pray specifically and scripturally for our children and school. Won’t you join with us in prayer for this next generation? Please contact Julia Farrow at julia@cornerstonebuzz. org for information about our local groups. For more information about Moms In Touch International, visit www.MomsInTouch.org. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Mom’s Morning Out

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

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov). Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama. For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net. GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

from Do wit forg Clin our gro of y set tim She wom you to h

Au Apr Au Apr Au Apr Mir Ope Col Col Apr Mo Apr

CS Rive “Th Telf Op 7:3 Fes Ala ww Fes The ww Sw Cen 201 Wo

Mo Rive “Th Telf Foo Jor Da Hea CA Riv 706 Fes Ala ww Joy Riv Blu Linc Cas Cas Fre For ww We ww Hip Mo Oz ww

ms, @ 23 call

ally

m. for

y 12

rst or

y. ,

Family Calendar from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@ womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help.

Sports

Auburn University Baseball April 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 29. May 8, 9, 10, 12. Auburn University Softball April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26. Auburn University Track and Field April 17, 18. Miracle League Baseball Opelika Miracle Field. April 18, 25. May 2, 9. Columbus Lions Indoor Football Columbus Civic Center, Ga. April 18, 25. Montgomery Biscuits Baseball April 20-29. May 6-10, 21-26.

Friday, April 17

CSU Faculty Organist RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. “The Guest List” Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Opera Workshop Performance 7:30 p.m. Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts Alabama National Fairgrounds, Montgomery. www.alabamafiberarts.com. Festival of Quilts 2015 The Art of Quilting. Mobile Civic Center. www.azaleacityquiltersguild.com. Sweetwater 420 Fest Centennial Olympic Park, Atl. www.sweetwater420fest.com. 2015 Frogtown Hollow Jam Woodruff Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Saturday, April 18

Montana Rep: “The Great Gatsby” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. “The Guest List” Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Football A-Day Jordan-Hare Stadium. www.auburn.edu. Day Out With Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. CASA Superhero 1K/5K RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Columbus. 706-322-8984. Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts Alabama National Fairgrounds, Montgomery. www.alabamafiberarts.com. Joy to Life Foundation Walk of Life Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.joytolife.org. Blue Eye Creek Festival Lincoln, Al. www.lincolnalabama.com. Castleberry Strawberry Festival Castleberry, Al. Facebook. French and Indian War Encampment Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park. www.fttoulousejackson.org. Wetumpka Craterfest www.wetumpkachamber.com. Hippy’s Big Butt BBQ Bash Monroeville. www.hippyofmc.org. Ozark Crawdad & Music Festival www.ozarkalabama.us.

April/May2015

Festival of Quilts 2015 The Art of Quilting. Mobile Civic Center. www.azaleacityquiltersguild.com. 13th Annual St. Francis Episcopal Church Arts & Crafts Festival Dauphin Island. www.stfrancisdi.com/events. 34th Annual Mountain Brook Art Association Spring Art Festival www.mountainbrookartsassociation.com. Auburn Airwaves 2015: Featuring Kesha and Nelly Toomer’s Corner. 6 p.m. Spectrum Story Time ‘Dogs’ Auburn Library. 10 a.m. 501-3196. Auburn Football A-Day 2015 www.auburntigers.com. Fight for Air Climb One Ninety One Peachtree Towers, Ga. www.lung.org. Sweetwater 420 Fest Centennial Olympic Park, Atl. www.sweetwater420fest.com. Jeff Foxworthy Fox Theatre, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. “The Great Gatsby” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. 2nd Annual A-Day Autism 5K Fundraiser www.leecountyautism.com.

Sunday, April 19

CSU Faculty Duo RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Symphonic Winds and Choral Concert Auburn United Methodist Church. 2:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu. Day Out With Thomas Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera. www.hodrrm.org. French and Indian War Encampment Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park. www.fttoulousejackson.org. Montevallo Family Fun and Fitness Day Orr Park. www.montevallocc.com. Sweetwater 420 Fest Centennial Olympic Park, Atl. www.sweetwater420fest.com.

Monday, April 20

CSU Brass Ensemble RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Spring-a-Ding-Ding Days The Rock Ranch. www.therockranch.com. Dave Chappelle Alabama Theatre. www.ticketmaster.com. Chicago Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org.

Tuesday, April 21

Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull Singer/ Songwriters Night Cloverdale Playhouse. 334-262-1530. Curious George RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. CSU Contemporary Ensemble RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Dean’s Brass Quintet and Brass Ensemble Goodwin Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu. Spring Treats Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 6 p.m. $15 fee. Spring-a-Ding-Ding Days The Rock Ranch. www.therockranch.com. Earth Day Safari 2015 Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Evening Breastfeeding and New Mom Support Group 6 p.m. Harris Center, Auburn. www.birthvillage.org. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Wednesday, April 22

A Little Art Talk 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Spring-a-Ding-Ding Days The Rock Ranch. www.therockranch.com. Earth Day Safari 2015 Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Earth Day Clean Up Talladega NF - Talladega District. www.fs.usda.gov/ goto/alabama/districts/talladegaRD. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Thursday, April 23

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Spring-a-Ding-Ding Days The Rock Ranch. www.therockranch.com. 150th Anniversary Battle of Selma Re-enactment www.battleofselma.com. Alabama Writers Symposium Alabama Southern Community College, Monroeville. www.ascc.edu Art Show at Josephine Art Center Thru 25th. Union Springs. www.artatjosephine.com Auburn CityFest Juried Preview Reception Historic Nunn-Winston House at Kiesel Park, Auburn. 5:30pm. 334.501.2963. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10am and 1pm. 501-3196. Poet-tea Night Auburn Library. 6:30pm. Ages 13-18yrs. 501-3196. Dancing Stars of East Alabama Auburn Arena. www.dancingstarsofeastalabama.com Toadlick Music Festival Thru 25th. Dothan. www.toadlick.com Chambers County Sheriff’s Special Needs Rodeo Chambers County Agricultural Park, LaFayette, Al. 334-864-4342.

Friday, April 24

Spring-a-Ding-Ding Days The Rock Ranch. www.therockranch.com. April 24- Strawberry Festival. The Rock Ranch. www. therockranch.com Opelika High School Theatre Society presents “The Phantom of the Opera” Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 745-9715. 150th Anniversary Battle of Selma Re-enactment www.battleofselma.com. Confederate Park Civil War Military & Civilian Life Living History Confederate Memorial Park, Marbury. www.exploresouthernhistory.com/confederatepark Pioneer Museum - Spring Planting Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. Alabama Writers Symposium Alabama Southern Community College, Monroeville. www.ascc.edu. Geneva Festival on the Rivers www.genevariverfestival.com. Art Show at Josephine Art Center Union Springs. www.artatjosephine.com. Delta Woods & Waters Expo Spanish Fort. www.deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com. Bama Coast Cruise Orange Beach. www.bamacoastcruise.com. Gardendale Magnolia Festival www.magnoliafestival.org. Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com. 31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Toadlick Music Festival Dothan. www.toadlick.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar 9th Annual Sheriff’s Rodeo Chambers County Agricultural Park, LaFayette, Al. 334-864-4342. Auburn High School Theatre presents “The Sound of Music” Auburn High School Performing Arts Center. 887-4913.

Saturday, April 25

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Three Russian Masters RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.www.rivercenter.org. Opelika High School Theatre Society presents “The Phantom of the Opera” Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 745-9715. Auburn High School Theatre presents “The Sound of Music” Auburn High School Performing Arts Center. 887-4913. Fort Benning Flea Market and & Post-Wide Yard Sale www.benningmwr.com. 150th Anniversary Battle of Selma Re-enactment www.battleofselma.com. Grits Festival Kymulga Grist Mill Park & Covered Bridge, Childersburg. www.kymulgagristmill.com. Confederate Park Civil War Military & Civilian Life Living History Confederate Memorial Park, Marbury. www.exploresouthernhistory.com/confederatepark Pioneer Museum - Spring Planting Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. TroyFest Troy’s Historic Downtown. www.troyfestarts.com. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. Weogufka Mule Day 2015 Weogufka. www.weogufkacenter.com. Alabama Writers Symposium Alabama Southern Community College, Monroeville. www.ascc.edu. Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual BBQ Cook-Off www.wilcoxareachamber.org. Geneva Festival on the Rivers www.genevariverfestival.com. Art Show at Josephine Art Center Union Springs. www.artatjosephine.com. Delta Woods & Waters Expo Spanish Fort. www.deltawoodsandwatersexpo.com. Bama Coast Cruise Orange Beach. www.bamacoastcruise.com. Gardendale Magnolia Festival www.magnoliafestival.org. Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com. 31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Finish on the Fifty Toomer’s Corner to Jordan Hare 50 yard line. www.runauburn.com. Auburn CityFest 2015 Kiesel Park, Auburn. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free. 334.501.2963. Walk for Autism 2015 Auburn High School. www.walkforautismal.com. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Auburn CityFest Kiesel Park, Auburn. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Chattahoochee Challenge Half Triathlon Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Toadlick Music Festival Dothan. www.toadlick.com. 9th Annual Sheriff’s Rodeo Chambers County Agricultural Park, LaFayette, Al. 334-864-4342.

Sunday, April 26

“Annelies” CSU Choral Concert RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

April/May 2015

Music in the Forest 3 p.m. Kreher Forest Preserve & Nature Center. 5 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Auburn University Community Orchestra Concert 4 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 150th Anniversary Battle of Selma Re-enactment www.battleofselma.com. Russell Marine In Water Boat Show The Ridge Marina, Lake Martin. www.russellmarine.net. Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Bham. www.barbermotorsports.com. 31st Annual Magic City Art Connection Linn Park, Bham. www.magiccityart.com. Kevin Hart BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Auburn High School Theatre presents “The Sound of Music” Auburn High School Performing Arts Center. 887-4913. TroyFest Troy’s Historic Downtown. www.troyfestarts.com. Opelika High School Theatre Society presents “The Phantom of the Opera” Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 745-9715.

Monday, April 27

Indian Music Ensemble Concert 6 p.m. Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu.

Tuesday, April 28

Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Wednesday, April 29

CSU Philharmonic RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. A Little Art Talk 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Campus Band Concert 7:30 p.m. Telfair-Peet Theatre. www.auburn.edu. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. CSU Philharmonic RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Thursday, April 30

CSU Jazz Ensembles RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. A Little Lunch Music 12 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Film: Fruitville Station 4 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Jazz! Food! Art! 5 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Guest Artist Recital: Vadim Serebryany, Piano 7:30 p.m. Goodwin Recital Hall. www.auburn.edu. Bidding for Hope Fundraiser for Hope Harbor www.hopeharbour.org. “Chicago’” Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.ticketmaster.com. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Friday, May 1

Relay for Life of Montgomery Metro Emory Folmar Soccer Complex. 334-301-2304. Lyman Ward Military Academy Golf Tournament Auburn Links Golf Course. www.lwma.org/sponsorship. 11th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Foley. www.southbaldwinchamber.com. 28th Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival Wetumpka. www.coosariverwhitewaterfestival.com. Prattville CityFest www.prattvillecityfest.com. 29th Annual Race Fever Fan Frenzy Talladega. www.racefever.org.

Aaron’s Dream Weekend Talladega Speedway. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com. Youth Fishing Derby Talladega National Forest. www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ alabama. Art Show at Josephine Art Center Union Springs. www.artatjosephine.com. First Fridays: Shop Local, Eat Local Downtown Opelika Extended hours until 8 p.m. www.opelikamainstreet.org. First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.eventcenterdowntown.com. 9th Annual Lake Martin Rodeo Alex City Horse Riding Arena. Opelika High School Theatre Society presents “The Phantom of the Opera” Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 745-9715.

Saturday, May 2

The 2015 Beastly Feast at Zoo Atlanta www.zooatlanta.org. 11th Annual Alive! Expo Georgia World Congress Center. www.aliveexpo.com. 2015 Montgomery Kidney Walk Baptist Health DeBoer Building. www.montgomerykidneywalk.kintera.org. Kentucky Derby Annual Benefit Alley Station Ballroom/Rooftop, Montgomery. 334-279-6677. AU Singers Spring Concert Show Telfair-Peet Theatre. 2:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu. 11th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Foley. www.southbaldwinchamber.com. Blessing of the Fleet Bayou La Batre. www.fleetblessing.org. 42nd Foley Art in the Park Foley. www.foleyartcenter.com. 42nd Annual Southern Appalachian Dulcimer Festival McCalla. www.tannehill.org. We Love Homewood Day www.homewoodparks.com. 28th Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival Wetumpka. www.coosariverwhitewaterfestival.com. Derby Day at the Stables The Stables at Russell Crossroads. www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com. Fort Jackson Encampment Wetumpka. www.preserveala.org. Prattville CityFest www.prattvillecityfest.com. Dino Dig 2015 The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Flimp Festival Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. www.mmfa.org. Southern Makers Union Station Train Shed, Montgomery. www.southernmakers.com. 21st Annual Fitzgerald Gala and Silent Auction Fitzgerald Museum. www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net. Annual Celebrate Sylacauga Block Party www.facebook.com/celebratesylacauga. Mayfest 2015 Atmore. www.atmorechamber.com. 39th Annual Hike/Bike/Run Valley. www.valleyhavenschool.org. Children’s Festival in the Park Enterprise. www.cityofenterprise.net. Touch A Truck Landmark Park, Dothan. www.landmarkparkdothan.com. Art Show at Josephine Art Center Union Springs. www.artatjosephine.com. 12th Annual George Washington Carver Commemorative Festival Tuskegee. www.carverfestival.org. 36th Annual Chunnenuggee Fair Union Springs. www.chunnenuggeefair.com. Strut the Hooch Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. www.uptowncolumbus.com.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

9th Ale Op “Th Ope

11t Geo Ble Bay 28t We Sou Uni ww 201 BJC CS Rive Op “Th Ope

Ko Ope Bab Aub

Firs Bio Au Fir AU Tod Aub No Dow

AL Jule ww Na Mo Fir Mo Cu ww Toa Dot Liv 6p Pre Aub Sun Tow S’m Kre Pre

Cu ww Bo Uni ww S’m Kre Pre Bla BJC

om.

Family Calendar 9th Annual Lake Martin Rodeo Alex City Horse Riding Arena. Opelika High School Theatre Society presents “The Phantom of the Opera” Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 745-9715.

Sunday, May 3

11th Annual Alive! Expo Georgia World Congress Center. www.aliveexpo.com. Blessing of the Fleet Bayou La Batre. www.fleetblessing.org. 28th Annual Coosa River Whitewater Festival Wetumpka. www.coosariverwhitewaterfestival.com. Southern Makers Union Station Train Shed, Montgomery. www.southernmakers.com. 2015 World Tour: Shen Yun BJCC. www.bjcc.org. CSU Trombone Ensembles RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Opelika High School Theatre Society presents “The Phantom of the Opera” Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 745-9715.

Tuesday, May 5

Koresh Dance Company Opelika Performing Arts Center. www.eastalabamaarts.org. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Wednesday, May 6

First Wednesday at the Museum of Natural History Biodiversity Learning Center. 4 p.m. www.auburn.edu. Auburn University Museum of National History First Wednesday Tour AU Museum of Natural History. www.aumnh.org. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Noon Tunes Concerts Downtown Opelika. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Thursday, May 7

A Little Lunch Music Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. National Day of Prayer at the American Village Montevallo. www.americanvillage.org. First White House Spring Fundraiser Montgomery. www.firstwhitehouse.org. Cullman StrawberryFest www.facebook.com/strawberryfest. Toast to Downtown Gala Dothan. www.thedowntowngroup.com. Live Jazz 6 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Sundown Concert Series @ Sundown Town Creek Park, Auburn. 501-2930. S’more Fun with Mom Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 6-8:30 p.m. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

Friday, May 8

Cullman StrawberryFest www.facebook.com/strawberryfest. Boda Getta BBQ University Station RV Resort, Auburn. www.bodagettabbq.com. S’more Fun with Mom Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 6-8:30 p.m. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Black & Brown Comedy Get Down BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

April/May2015

Zac Brown Band: Jekyll & Hyde Tour Verizon Wireless Amp at Encore Park. www.ticketmaster.com. Complexions Contemporary Ballet RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. Hydrangea Festival Downtown LaGrange. www.downtownlagrange.com. Shaky Knees Music Festival Atlanta. www.centralparkatlanta.org. Sweet Auburn Springfest Atlanta. www.sweetauburn.com.

Saturday, May 9

5th Annual Agape Run for a Mom 5K and Fun Run Vaughn Park Church, Montgomery. www.runforamom.org. Hope Inspired Ministries “Second Shot” Clay Shoot Montgomery. 334-318-5842. Southern Voices: 2015 Edition at the Cloverdale Playhouse Montgomery. www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Orange Beach Wine Festival www.wavesofwine.com. Birmingham Rose Show Birmingham Botanical Gardens. www.birminghamrose.org. SpringFest Brundidge Facebook. National Get Outdoors Day Talladega National Forest. www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ alabama. Cullman StrawberryFest www.facebook.com/strawberryfest. Boda Getta BBQ University Station RV Resort, Auburn. www.bodagettabbq.com. 7th Annual Paddlin’ 4 Paws Cardboard Boat Regatta Races Lake Wedowee. Facebook. Old Alabama Town Herb Day Festival Montgomery. Boll Weevil 100 Bicycle Ride & 10K Road Run Enterprise. www.enterpriselionsclub.com/bollweevil100. Yatta Abba Day Abbeville. www.cityofabbeville.org. Second Saturday Riverfront Park, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Second Saturday Cruise Firework Show Harriott II Riverboat Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. Second Saturday at The Columbus Museum Free admission. www.columbusmuseum.com. Second Saturday: Family Fun Day at the Columbus Museum Ga. 10 a.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. Second Saturday @ Lee County Historical Society Museum Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Shaky Knees Music Festival Atlanta. www.centralparkatlanta.org. Chastain Park Arts Festival Atlanta. www.chastainparkartsfestival.com. Sweet Auburn Springfest Atlanta. www.sweetauburn.com. 10th Annual Garden in the Park www.keepopelikabeautiful.com.

Sunday, May 10

Happy Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo Free admission for mom. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Birmingham Rose Show Birmingham Botanical Gardens. www.birminghamrose.org. ZZ Top & Jeff Black Verizon Wireless Amp at Encore Park. www.ticketmaster.com. Duathon/5K Callaway Gardens www.callawaygardens.com. Shaky Knees Music Festival Atlanta. www.centralparkatlanta.org.

Chastain Park Arts Festival Atlanta. www.chastainparkartsfestival.com. Sweet Auburn Springfest Atlanta. www.sweetauburn.com.

Tuesday, May 12

Food Fanatics Live! Montgomery Convention Center www.foodfanatics.usfoods.com. Family Discovery Hike: Honey Bees Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 p.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Wednesday, May 13

Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Noon Tunes Concerts Downtown Opelika. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Thursday, May 14

Adult Nature Walk: Honey Bees Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 8:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Live Jazz 6 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Sundown Concert Series @ Sundown Town Creek Park, Auburn. 501-2930.

Friday, May 15

Endangered Species Day at the Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org. No. 1 Magic Show in LA Comes to Atlanta Omni Hotel at CNN Center, Atl. www.ivanamodei.com. The Hangout Music Festival Gulf Shores. www.hangoutmusicfest.com. Foster Fest Dothan. www.thedowntowngroup.com.

Saturday, May 16

No. 1 Magic Show in LA Comes to Atlanta Omni Hotel at CNN Center, Atl. www.ivanamodei.com. Girl Scout Day at Zoo Atlanta www.zooatlanta.org. 3rd Annual Riverbend Brewfest Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com. The Hangout Music Festival Gulf Shores. www.hangoutmusicfest.com. 11th Annual Blue Star Salute Mobile. www.ussalabama.com. 22nd Annual Cotton Patch Festival Uriah. 251-294-2253. 6th Annual Touch a Truck Prattville. www.prattvilleal.gov. Cahaba Lily Festival West Blockton. www.cahabalily.com. Aviation Education Outreach Fly-In www.auburnopelikaairshow.com. Fishing Rodeo Auburn Technology Park South-Lake. 8 a.m. 501-2930. Gladys Knight Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.mpaconline.org. Make It With Mama Columbus Museum. 2 p.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. Uchee Creek Fishing Tournament Fort Benning. www.benningMWR.com. Spring Murder Mystery Dinner Callaway Gardens. www.callawaygardens.com.

Sunday, May 17

The Hangout Music Festival Gulf Shores. www.hangoutmusicfest.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Family Calendar 5K Trail Run, Tot Trot & Sunday Stroll Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. 19th Annual Arts in the Park Lakebottom Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com.

Monday, May 18

19th Annual Arts in the Park Lakebottom Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com.

Tuesday, May 19

Iggy Azalea Philips Arena, Atl. www.ticketmaster.com. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. 19th Annual Arts in the Park Lakebottom Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com.

Wednesday, May 20

Landscape Watercolor Class Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 9:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Disney On Ice: “Frozen” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Landscape Watercolor Class Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. 19th Annual Arts in the Park Lakebottom Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com. Noon Tunes Concerts Downtown Opelika. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Thursday, May 21

Live Jazz 6 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Third Thursday Poetry Series 7 p.m. Jule Collins Smith Museum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Sundown Concert Series @ Sundown Town Creek Park, Auburn. 501-2930. Disney On Ice: “Frozen” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. 19th Annual Arts in the Park Lakebottom Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com.

Friday, May 22

Disney On Ice: “Frozen” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. 19th Annual Arts in the Park Lakebottom Park, Columbus. www.uptowncolumbus.com. 55th Annual Memorial Day Weekend and Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament www.callawaygardens.com.

Saturday, May 23

Art on the Lake Children’s Harbor, Lake Martin. www.childrensharbor.com. 54th Anniversary Exhibit: Freedom Rides Montgomery. www.preserveal.org/greyhoundstation. Auburn Parks and Rec Pools Open 501-2930. Spectrum Story Time ‘Trains’ Auburn Library. 10 a.m. 501-3196. Disney On Ice: “Frozen” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. 55th Annual Memorial Day Weekend and Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament www.callawaygardens.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

April/May 2015

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Downtown Atl. www.atlantacarnival.org. Decatur Arts Festival Atlanta. www.decaturartsfestival.com.

Sunday, May 24

Art on the Lake Children’s Harbor, Lake Martin. www.childrensharbor.com. Disney On Ice: “Frozen” BJCC. www.bjcc.org. 55th Annual Memorial Day Weekend and Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament www.callawaygardens.com. Decatur Arts Festival Atlanta. www.decaturartsfestival.com.

Monday, May 25

Spring Tumbling Camp Denson Drive Rec, Opelika. Memorial Day at the American Village Montevallo. www.americanvillage.org. Bluegrass On the Plains University Station RV Resort. www.bluegrassontheplains.com. Disney On Ice: “Frozen” BJCC. www.bjcc.org.

Tuesday, May 26

Spring Tumbling Camp Denson Drive Rec, Opelika. Summer Ecology Camp, Camp Discovery Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Baby Time Story Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Rush: R40 Live Tour 2015 Verizon Wireless Amp at Encore Park. www.ticketmaster.com. Bluegrass On the Plains University Station RV Resort. www.bluegrassontheplains.com. “Young Frankenstein, The Mel Brooks Musical” Auditions. 6-8 p.m. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 559-0676.

Wednesday, May 27

Spring Tumbling Camp Denson Drive Rec, Opelika. Summer Ecology Camp, Camp Discovery Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Toddler Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196. Bluegrass On the Plains University Station RV Resort. www.bluegrassontheplains.com. Noon Tunes Concerts Downtown Opelika. www.opelikamainstreet.org. “Young Frankenstein, The Mel Brooks Musical” Auditions. 6-8 p.m. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. 559-0676.

Sundown Concert Series @ Sundown Town Creek Park, Auburn. 501-2930. Bluegrass On the Plains University Station RV Resort. www.bluegrassontheplains.com. White Dirt: The Fall Line’s Culinary Delight Columbus Museum. 6 p.m. www.columbusmuseum.com.

Friday, May 29

Momocon: Animation, Gaming, and Comic Convention Georgia World Congress Center. www.momocon.com. MACOA Swinging Fore Seniors Golf Tournament RTJ Capital Hill. cjohnson@macoa.org. Summer Ecology Camp, Camp Discovery Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Bluegrass On the Plains University Station RV Resort. www.bluegrassontheplains.com. Lunch & Lecture: From Their Farm To Your Table Columbus Museum. 12 p.m. www.columbusmuseum.com.

Saturday, May 30

Momocon: Animation, Gaming, and Comic Convention Georgia World Congress Center. www. momocon.com. Capital of Dreams Triathlon Riverwalk Amp. www.team-magic.com. Heart of Dixie Imaging Expo and Professional Photographers of Miss. & Alabama Convention www.ppma.net. May 30-June 2. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. The Color Run BJCC. www.bjcc.org. Florida Georgia Line: Anything Goes Tour Oak Mountain Amp, B’ham. www.ticketmaster.com. Bluegrass On the Plains University Station RV Resort. www.bluegrassontheplains.com. Cardboard Boat Race 10 a.m. Opelika SportsPlex. Kid’s Vending Fair and Block Party Woodruff Park, Columbus. 706.718-7663. Touch a Truck Opelika. 9 a.m. - 12 noon. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Sunday, May 31

Momocon: Animation, Gaming, and Comic Convention Georgia World Congress Center. www. momocon.com. Bluegrass On the Plains University Station RV Resort. www.bluegrassontheplains.com. Geico Bassmaster Classic Wind Creek State Park, Alexander City. www.lakemartin.com. Heart of Dixie Imaging Expo and Professional Photographers of Miss. & Alabama Convention www.ppma.net. May 30-June 2. Memorial Day Reception Lee County Courthouse. www.eastalabama.org.

Thursday, May 28

Momocon: Animation, Gaming, and Comic Convention Georgia World Congress Center. www.momocon.com. Spring Tumbling Camp Denson Drive Rec, Opelika. Summer Ecology Camp, Camp Discovery Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. www.auburn.edu/ preserve. Preschool Time Auburn Library. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 501-3196.

Please send your calendar events to kendra@auburnopelikaparents. com by the 5th of the month. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

an va thi the Ce thi str to ou su ac nic

thi my wh ha dr my wr sid af yo up cla yo co the ba lig pa Yo ch SP

om.

on . nt

ble om.

Easy Packing for Your Summer Trips We are fast approaching the hot and humid days of summer! A family vacation, or any vacation, is something we all look forward to, but not the hassle of packing and unpacking. Celebrate summer though, because this is a time you can pack light and be stress free. Southern ladies know how to make our clothes adaptable with our crazy weather. Pull out those easy summer go-to styles, add your favorite accessories and you are ready for a nice vacation. When packing your swimwear, think multipurpose. I typically wear my swimsuit all day long and that’s where your tank and a scarf come in handy, along with your favorite summer dress. I love to wear a solid tank over my swimsuit, then open up a scarf to wrap around my waist and tie on the side like a skirt. You can always stick a fun summer heel and a bracelet in your beach bag just to dress things up a little for a late dinner. It looks classy and is a fun style that will save you money and time. If you are not comfortable wearing your swimwear then bring those extra undergarments, baby wipes to freshen up with and a light summer dress. Don’t forget to pack your favorite shade of lip gloss. You can use this to brighten up your cheeks, too. Ladies, don’t forget the SPF and your favorite sun hat! We

might look great in our clothes on these hot summer days, but we certainly need to keep our skin looking healthy. Whether you are packing for the beach or a fun road trip, pack light and make sure you find items you can mix and match with a simple t-shirt, blouse, shorts or dress. This is where accessories come in to play! You can totally change up a look with simple accessories. Bold and bright staple pieces go with your solid, simple dresses. I would even use the scarf that you wore on the beach and incorporate it in with your outfit. Of course, you can also wear it at night when it has cooled off a bit. Play up your jewelry! It is lightweight, easy to pack and doesn’t take up a lot of room. I think packing one or two outfits with a print is fine, just let everything else you pack be solid. I suggest packing one evening clutch and using it as an accessory also. It’s all about layering and keeping it simple! And, lastly, you don’t need a bunch of shoes! I finally had to tell myself this after several vacations and ultimately only wearing two pairs of shoes the entire time. I mean, really, what was I thinking packing so many? Keep it neutral, finding a nice wedge or heel that is a metallic or skin toned color for the evenings. You might add a fun flat to wear for a casual daytime look. Of 51

course, the one shoe that I wore the most was the friendly flip flop. Another perk to packing less initially is that you can shop while on vacation. Then you will have room in your suitcase for those souvenirs and fun new fashion finds because you have not taken up all your space with unnecessary pieces from your home wardrobe. I guarantee you will find packing and the “dreaded” unpacking for trips

to be much less stressful with these tips. So happy summer styling and vacationing to you all!

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website at www. centsiblysouthern. com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Monkey Kingdom

The Longest Ride

MPAA Rating: G Overall: AViolence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Monkey Kingdom G. Earth Day is almost here, which means it’s time for Disney Studio’s latest foray into the natural world. Following in the paw steps of 2014’s Bears, and a host of other DisneyNature documentaries, this installment features a family of Toque Macaque monkeys. A species, native to the jungles of Sri Lanka, they take their name from their crazy, beanie-like hairdo. With expressive faces, lanky limbs, and impressive acrobatics, these quirky creatures are just plain fun to watch. The cameras make the most of these social animals by introducing us to Maya, a tough and capable female used to being on the bottom of her complex primate pecking order. She’s not too happy with her place. Still, she tolerates being picked on by the alpha male and his female lackeys until a new male shows up on the scene and turns her head. Even though the dashing bachelor doesn’t stick around for long, Maya later gives birth to his son. The youngster, dubbed Kip, becomes her main priority. In the rough and tumble world of the jungle, this means keeping the infant safe from marauding monitor lizards, fearsome leopards, and the meddlesome tricks of the other monkeys that are constantly competing for food. However, when rivals invade their habitat, Maya’s community is forced to flee their refuge for a nearby human city. It’s not long before this resourceful single mom becomes a pillar of strength, thanks to her street smarts and survival instincts. Suddenly she is getting the respect she has always craved. As the narrator (Tina Fey) warns, being a macaque isn’t all fun and games. Even as the little ones joyfully monkey around, there are moments of peril and conflict depicted in the film. One unlucky primate falls prey to a hungry predator, and another loses its life fighting its own kind. Some bloody injuries are briefly shown. Yet the playful exploration of these intelligent mammals soon lightens the mood and offers plenty of laughs. This obvious underdog story doesn’t teach a whole lot about monkey behavior, but it sure says something about human nature! The script is saturated with contemporary western values and ideals of feminist empowerment. As well, there are clear lines drawn between good and bad guys, using carefully edited footage to support the plot. And there are scenes, especially during interactions with humans, where the antics of these mischievous primates are clearly manipulated. The majestic scenery of Sri Lanka, with both natural and man-made wonders, is a stunning backdrop to the macaque’s personal drama. So are the hosts of other animals who quietly observe and sometimes join into their silliness. Just be careful the undeniable beauty of the cinematography doesn’t fool you into expecting this production to be a documentary. That way you won’t be too disappointed when you realize that instead of an educational film, you’ve witnessed an enjoyable adventure movie -- that happens to have monkeys as the main characters.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: B Sexual Content: D+ Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated The Longest Ride PG-13 for some sexuality, partial nudity, and some war and sports action. Trust Nicholas Sparks to make the gritty and hard-hitting world of rodeo look romantic. In this latest adaptation of a Sparks’ novel, Sophia Danko (Britt Robertson) is a college senior in her last semester of an art history degree. Then she’s off to New York City for an internship in a prestigious gallery. But one weekend her roommates at the sorority (where everyone looks like a Victoria’s Secret model) drag her away from her studies to a rodeo. In a matter of minutes the studious, citified schoolgirl has fallen in love with bull rider Luke Collins (Scott Eastwood). While she’s quick to warn Luke she’s headed to the Big Apple, that doesn’t stop her from going out with him or hopping into his bed. By keeping a rein on the violence and language content, scripts based on Sparks’ books have a reputation for getting away with some of the steamiest sex scenes allowed in a PG-13 movie and this one is no different. The film includes several scenes of sexuality, some with partial breast and buttock nudity. For many viewers, this blatant parade of naked bodies and casual attitudes about sex will be a deterrent to the rest of the story, which actually has something positive to say about long lasting relationships. In contrast to the depiction of the lusty coupling is the romance of Ira and Ruth Levinson (Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin). Sophia befriends the elderly Ira (Alan Alda) after she and Luke rescue him from a car accident on a dark and rainy night. And it is he who tells her the narrative of his love affair with his now deceased wife Ruth through flashbacks and letters. In the 1940s they endured the separation of WWII, infertility and different personal interests that required sacrifice for the sake of love. The result of their commitment is a tender and caring bond. Ira tries to explain that to Sophia when she begins to think she and Luke come from two completely incompatible worlds. Unfortunately, in this highly sentimental tale, there is never a question that Luke and Sophia won’t get together. And the characters’ controlled world manages to steer the young pairs’ circumstances so they miss out on the very lessons that strengthened Ira and Ruth. So while the script preaches “love requires sacrifice... always,” that seems to apply only to the older generation. If the film’s finale is to be believed, it would appear young adults now need to have their life dreams fulfilled -- right away -- in order to be happy.

What Parents need to know about The Longest Ride...

Violence: A man sustains bloody head injuries in a car accident. A participant in a rodeo event is chased by a bull and suffers head and facial injuries, as well as being knocked unconscious. Some depictions of warfare and weapons use are depicted. Bloody injuries are shown when soldiers are shot. A couple argues briefly. Sexual Content: The movie includes several steamy, premarital sex scenes from the 1940s and the present. They include couples undressing or lying in bed. Partial breast and buttock nudity are seen in one prolonged shower scene. Some brief sexual comments and innuendo are included. Language: The script contains less than a dozen mild and moderate profanities, including terms of Deity and some scatological slang. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters are frequently seen drinking in bars, at social events and at home. A secondary character at a party is drunk. A man takes pills to deal with pain.

What Parents need to know about Monkey Kingdom...

Violence: Monkeys swat, bite and snarl at each other. This escalates into a fierce battle, with depictions of bloody injuries and a deceased animal. Leopards and monitor lizards threaten the monkeys, and one is killed and carried off screen. Sexual Content: Some male and female courtship behavior is shown, with implied sexual relations. Female monkeys are shown nursing their young. Language: None noted. Alcohol/Drug Use: None noted. Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2015

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

a m a b a Al ted a u d a r G s ' r e v i Dr e Licens

Limit Distractions. Wear your seat belt. Every Trip. Every Time.

Stage One: Learner's Permit

• Must have 30 hours supervised practice driving

Stage Two: Restricted License

• No more than one non-family passenger • No use of any handheld electronic devices while driving • Cannot operate vehicle between the hours of Midnight (12:00am) and 6:00am (with exceptions)

Stage Three: Unrestricted License • Minimum age 17 and must have held restricted license for at least 6 months

adph.org/teendriving