Auburn - Opelika Parents November 2022 by KeepSharing

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November2022 4

Volume 13 Number 9

Columns 4

Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Meeting Kids Where They Are

When your efforts to help may hurt.

Teach Kids Gratitude

10 science-backed benefits and fun ideas on how to get started.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

22 Tweens, Teens

and Screens

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Kristi Bush, LSW

Dinner’s Ready Gabriele Jones

Holiday Shopping Tips Ideas for making the most of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond!

Holiday Happenings

Our listing has details for cranking up holiday fun this month.

Mom 2 Mom

Departments 6

On The Cover Azari (10) and Avari (2) are the children of Donnie and Amy Russell. Azari attends Morris Avenue Intermediate School. She enjoys playing soccer, dancing, music, and being a big sister. Avari is provided childcare by his grandmother. He loves being outside, pretend play, and anything that involves being with his grandfather.

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 36

Movie Reviews 40

Family Calendar

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Publisher’sNote

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Would you describe your children as having thankful spirits? Are they appreciative of what they have? Have you taught them to give to others who may have less? Do you only teach these life lessons around the holidays? These are some thought-provoking questions to ask ourselves, and November is always the perfect time to do so. With Thanksgiving upon us, traditionally, it is a time to reflect on the year and remind ourselves of all we have to be thankful for. Most lists include an appreciation of all the family has been afforded, the health of each family member, and the happy moments and experiences that will forever be remembered. By looking at your year in review, it is easy to feel a sense of thankfulness, but how often do we take that gratitude and use it as a teachable moment with our kids? And how often do we pay it forward? In the feature article, 10 Science-Backed Benefits of Practicing Gratitude with Kids, the author suggests teaching children gratitude has to be purposeful. When children learn the true meaning of being thankful, they can turn that thankfulness into gratitude and give back to others. One way to incorporate this lesson is by first being their role model and showing appreciation in daily moments. Then, once your children begin to model your positive examples, point those moments out with praise. Another lasting way to leave an impression and continue learning about gratitude is to create a family journal. The author suggests that simple journaling can work for some, but others may need to get creative with blogging, video journaling, or even a drawing journal. Gradually, the foundation for a thankful heart will be built. November is the perfect time to reinforce thankfulness with action. It can be as small as donating food to the local food bank or a new toy to Toys For Tots, helping serve Thanksgiving meals to the homeless, or helping an elderly neighbor with yard work. Decide on a project you can do as a family each year. By creating this family tradition, you are teaching your children life lessons, giving to others, and ultimately growing a thankful family. Also, in this issue, we have included our Holiday Happenings Guide to help you start planning a holiday season to remember with your family! You’ll find everything from arts and crafts festivals to Christmas light displays, parades, and much more. So plan several weekends and evenings to pile your crew into the minivan and explore all Lee County offers during the holidays. From one parent to another, Happy Thanksgiving!

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 Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Kristi Bush, LSW Dr. Jordan Jensen Gabriele Jones Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Sandi Schwartz

Cover Photography Keightley Garnett Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch Web Content Manager Scott Davis

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Kendra kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 329-8073 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2022 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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avoid, join him in the effort until he feels competent. This bypasses any possible conflict, encourages growth, and strengthens attachment. If your child is older, and begins complaining, always ask her to clarify what she needs. Does she want you to get involved, offer advice, or just listen? Most of the time, older children simply want you to listen. Being silent and sitting with your children when they are in hard places teaches them to pause before reacting. It allows them to rant, hear how silly their thoughts and emotions can be, and it is often all they need to calm down and make a wise choice.

by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

When Efforts to Help Your Child May Actually Hurt Has your child ever approached you for comfort, but your efforts to calm escalated the distress? When this occurs, you are probably displaying a near enemy of what you actually want to portray. Near enemies look like the emotion we are attempting to foster but make the situation worse instead. The near enemy of kindness is conditional love. An example of this would be when your child tries to tell you a story about his day, and you interrupt it to correct his behavior. The opportunity to connect becomes hijacked by his fear of disapproval or punishment. You are responsible for correcting your child’s behavior, but you do not need to do it in the middle of his story. Let’s look at three parenting goals and the near enemies that impede them.

Showing Compassion

The near enemy of compassion is pity. Pity says, “I am so sorry that happened to you.” Compassion says, “I am right here with

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

you, let’s figure out a solution together.” Your children are brokenhearted and upset about things you know are ridiculous, but your pity is patronizing. Take the time to be compassionate. Put yourself in your child’s shoes and remember what it was like when your friend was rude to you or when the teacher ignored you. Your child believes her world is falling apart. A great way to show compassion is by sharing a story of a difficult time in your childhood or reminding her of how she overcame a prior negative experience. Compassion always says, “Me too.”

Increasing Teachability

The near enemy of teachability is a person who already knows everything and has to prove it to everyone. Model to your children that you are growing and learning every day. Share your mistakes and how you rectified them as often as you can. If appropriate, ask your children how they would solve your problem. Whatever you do, make your home a place where mistakes and imperfections are embraced as learning experiences instead of failures. Remember this, write it on a sticky note, and read it daily. Character is caught not taught, so when you model compassion, connection, and teachability, your children will learn how to show this to others inside and outside the home.

Making Connections

The near enemy of connection is control. There are so many times in parenting when you have to be in control; please do so when necessary. However, there are a lot of times when your desire to “fix” the situation prevents you from connecting with your child. If your child is younger than 9, and you ask him to do something that you know he will attempt to

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

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AU Theatre Presents Pippin

Saturdays at the Garden

Presented by Auburn University Theatre and performed at the Telfair B. Peet Theatre, Auburn University, November 10-18. A troubled young man sets out on a journey of self-discovery to find meaning, and maybe even a little magic, as a troupe of mysterious players guides the way. Stephen Schwartz’s masterpiece harnesses the full potential power of musical theatre and stagecraft, telling Pippin’s story through a wondrous combination of songs, dance, comedy, and pathos. www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/productions/current-season/pippin/

Sponsored by O Grows Community Garden. This fall, 9:00am-12:00pm, O Grows Community Garden will be hosting Saturdays at the Garden! Every Saturday, come join us at 1103 Glenn St., Opelika, for local produce, baked goods, and home goods vendors. There will also be STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) activities for kids of all ages, storytime at 10 am with the Opelika Public Library, goat feeding and petting, and volunteer opportunities in the garden (harvested produce is free to the community!) O Grows is located across the street from the Opelika Public Library and behind the Southside Center for the Arts. There is parking in the gravel lot behind the Southside Center for the Arts and along Johnson St.! https://www.facebook.com/opelikagrows

Football, Fans and Feathers

November 11 and 18

One of Auburn’s most popular fall programs — the Southeastern Raptor Center’s Football, Fans and Feathers — offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. During the show, hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors flying close. All birds used in the programs are permanent residents that are non-releasable due to prior injuries or human imprinting. Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under. Southeastern Raptor Center, 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive. www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/raptor-center-events/

Shop Local, Shop Small Business Saturday

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Start your Christmas shopping with Small Business Saturday on November 28! It’s the annual holiday shopping tradition that gets communities everywhere out in support of their favorite small businesses. This is the biggest day of the year in the U.S. for the Shop Small Movement. Support the small businesses in our area and put money back in the community!

Ranky Tanky: November 14

Auburn Christmas Parade

This Grammy Award-winning, Charleston, SC-based quintet performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands. Playful game songs, ecstatic shouts, and heartbreaking spirituals can all be found on their latest release Good Time, which also offers the group’s first original songs inspired by Gullah tradition. Ranky Tanky have achieved many firsts for South Carolina’s West African-rooted Gullah community since their formation, earning yet another milestone at the 2019 GRAMMY Awards by taking home the Best Regional Roots Album prize for their sophomore release, Good Time. East Alabama Arts, Opelika. www.eastalabamaarts. org/upcoming-events/2022/11/14/ranky-tanky Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

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Join us for your favorite holiday tradition, The Auburn Christmas Parade. The parade will be held in Downtown Auburn on Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. The parade will begin at the intersection of Thach Avenue and South College Street, travel north on College to Tichenor Avenue, east to Gay Street, south to Thach and west to finish back at the intersection of Thach and College. Visit www.aotourism. com/Event/43619/Downtown-Auburn-Christmas-Parade/ 6

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Our Song, Our Story at the Gogue

Created and directed by composer, conductor and multi-genre musician Damien Sneed, “Our Song, Our Story” is an evening of music highlighting some of the world’s best-known operatic arias, art songs and spirituals. The concert, on November 15, brings together two of today’s most exciting operatic voices in a diverse and powerful event featuring Brandie Inez Sutton and Justin Austin accompanied by a string quartet and Damien Sneed on piano. This will be an evening of memorable and beautiful music as they pay homage to Marian Anderson and Jessye Norman, who have paved the way for them and other African American opera singers. The repertoire features compositions by George Frederic Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppi Verdi, Richard Strauss, George Gershwin, Margaret Bonds, Harry T. Burleigh, Richard Smallwood and a newly commissioned work from Damien Sneed. The Gogue Center for the Performing Arts, 910 South College Street, Auburn. .www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/damien-sneed/

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Sn*Pelika Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

On December 2, people will enjoy a winter wonderland as artificial snow falls all throughout courthouse square ending with a magical tree lighting ceremony for everyone to enjoy! 5:00pm: Night Parade Starts Opelika’s Annual Christmas Parade is now a night parade & will begin with a new & improved route that ends at Courthouse Square! 5:45pm: Snowfall at Courthouse Square. At the conclusion of the parade, enjoy a snowy winter wonderland, Christmas music, snowball fights, food trucks, picture opportunities galore, & a chance to visit with Santa Clause at Courthouse Square! 7:00pm: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Join the OHS Band as they lead the community to the corner of 9th & South Railroad for the official Christmas Tree Lighting & watch as Mayor Gary Fuller flips the switch! www.opelikachamber.com/cultivate-community/snopelika/

Veterans Appreciation Week at The Montgomery Zoo

Please join the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum in thanking the proud men and women of the United States Armed Forces. During Veteran’s Appreciation Week, November 6-12, all veterans, active duty military personnel, and their dependent family members receive a 50% DISCOUNT on REGULAR DAYTIME admission. Participants must provide a valid military identification to receive discount. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Lee County Foster and Adoptive Parents Needed

WHat we treat MINOR ILLNESSES AND INJURIES SUCH AS: -Fever -Allergies -Coughs & Colds -Sprains & Strains -Vomiting -Rashes -Lacerations -And More

ON-SITE SERVICES: -X-ray -Laboratory -Pharmacy

For more information, please call Lee County Department of Human Resources at 334-737-7778

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Minding Your Path Regular practice members come into our office for their chiropractic assessment and needed adjustment. Many have achieved a higher level of health, which our office celebrates with them. Many of them continue to maintain the health they have achieved and are making pushes to perform new feats or do things they have not done in a while. Some progress slowly and do not see the results they want right away.Finding the path back to health can be challenging and weigh on the mind when progress is slow. I certainly feel the tension when there is a case that seems to be taking forever to see some improvement. As a chiropractor, looking for evidence of held stress in your back that affects the nervous system, the body’s control center, is top priority (then fixing it, of course). A physical problem may only be a piece of the puzzle, though. One of my chiropractic mentors had a fascinating case I witnessed, beginning with a young man whose girlfriend broke up with him. He was a regular practice

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

member and certainly took care of his health, but over the previous three visits, symptoms he had dealt with in the past – migraines, low back pain – had returned and were getting worse. This young man was truly broken. At his reevaluation, his tests showed increasing stress to his nervous system, and his x-rays showed scoliosis developing. So when my mentor sat this young man down for his evaluation, he said, “Son, I’m going to adjust you, but the only way this will help is if you will recognize how loved you are. You are who you are, by the grace of God, and that is enough.” The young man cried with my mentor, then he prayed with him and set him up with a Christian counselor. A few years later, after I became a chiropractor, I saw this young man again while working there. He was better than ever – tests were clear, and his spine stood straight. “As a man thinketh, so he is” carries some truth. We certainly cannot change

our anatomy by what we believe, but the body’s condition can certainly be affected by how we think. It is one of the reasons why we regularly play inspiring music throughout the office, hire staff who truly want to work in this office and aim to change a person’s life positively, and not be afraid to ask tough questions or offer words of encouragement. Not every case is solved with a change in one’s state of mind, but nurturing it in an environment with your wellbeing at heart is essential. It is in these places where you meet people who want to help you move towards accomplishing your health goals through service and accountability. Because the condition of your nervous system can weigh on the mind, chiropractic is a great place to start the change, both mind and body. Dr. Jordan Jensen earned his Bachleor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Auburn University in 2013 and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2018. Following graduation, Dr. Jensen was accepted into the International Chiropractic Association’s Diplomate of Craniocervical Procedures postgraduate program, where his research encompasses Chiropractic’s application of advanced imaging and patient outcomes.

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IN LOVE WITH A NEW HOME!

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Autauga County Schools

Girl Scouts Go Bronze

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Troop 7283, of Opelika, have earned the Bronze Award, for the “Choo Choo Choose to Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.” Project. The Bronze Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. The Girl Scouts made art from plastic bottle caps that was displayed at the recent Lee County Fair in Opelika.

AHS’s Maxwell Hardin Breaks Records

Auburn High School’s Maxwell Hardin broke the 15-minute 5K barrier at the Jesse Owens Classic Invitational in Oakville with a personal best of 14:59.91, ranking as the 10th fastest time by an AHSAA runner since 1999! Please send school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

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Learning About Economics at Trinity Christian School

Relying primarily on Thomas Sowell’s Basic Economics, our senior Economics class discusses how market-based price schemes allocate resources more efficiently than planned economies.

OHS Awarded Exclusive Rights to Frozen

Mark your calendars! The Opelika High Theatre Society will be performing Disney’s Frozen this spring! They were selected as the only high school in Alabama to win the exclusive rights to perform Frozen this school year. The announcement was online here, https://schooltheatre.org/ frozen/. We are so proud and excited for OHTS!

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Autauga County Schools Lee-Scott Academy’s AP Euro Class Pumpkin Project

In AP Euro, sophomores were instructed to research a person from European History from the Renaissance, Exploration or Reformation. Mrs. Pickard then had them design a pumpkin to represent an event or a person from one of these periods!

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Art Classes at Trinity Christian School

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Art classes are working on projects using different mediums celebrating the beauty of God’s creation.

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AHS Awarded the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award

Amanda Savrda, an Auburn High School science teacher, recently won the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award for Alabama from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NGAT) before winning this honor for the entire Southeast! This annual award is given for “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level.” Ms. Savrda was nominated by Roger Birkhead, a biology specialist at the Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM). She is the first Auburn University graduate from the Department of Geosciences to receive this award from NAGT. Ms. Savrda is the daughter of Charles “Chuck” Savrda, who spent three decades teaching students in Auburn University’s Department of Geosciences. Now a professor emeritus, the elder Savrda served as interim dean of the college, in addition to his role as a professor. This year’s 2022 Honor’s Convocation was dedicated to Chuck Savrda and his contributions while working at Auburn University. Ms. Savrda, an alumna of Auburn City Schools, graduated from Auburn High School in 2004. Before joining the AHS faculty in 2018, Ms. Savrda conducted geological field research in Antarctica as part of her graduate studies. She worked at ExxonMobil for five years as a professional geologist. Ms. Savrda leverages her passion for science and experiences in research and industry to inspire students to connect their everyday lives to content in the classroom. Students learn everything from the materials that make up our planet, the processes that shape it, the changes it has experienced throughout its history, and the role of humans in shaping our environment!

Opelika High’s Homecoming Court

Congratulations to the 2022 Opelika High School Homecoming Court! Pictured (l-r): Kennedi DavisFreshman, Sara Kate SpeakmanSophomore, Roniyah Lilly-Junior, Susannah Couey-Senior, Italy Slaughter-Senior, McKay YountzSenior, Aimee Alcantara-Junior, Kamyra Jackson-Sophomore, and Tarlasia Higgins-Freshman. 13

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Autauga County Schools

LSA Federalists Versus Anti-Federalist Debate

A passionate and heated debate took place between the Federalists & Anti-Federalists in first period AP US History. President Kendrick oversaw over the remarks, rebuttals and statements by each side. While a close debate, ultimately the Federalists won his opinion.

ACS’s Technology Honored at Fall Symposium

The Auburn City Schools Director of Technology, Gene Gilmore, and the Instructional Technology Specialist at Auburn Junior High School, Kristen Ferrell, were both honored at the 2022 ALET Fall Symposium! Mr. Gilmore graduated from the year-long Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Certificate Process, and Ms. Ferrell graduated from the Alabama Technology Integration Coach (ALTIC) Program. Success in the role of a K-12 CTO means possessing and maintaining a high level of competency in both education and technology. For ALTIC, the coursework uses the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Coaches, with participants completing a showcase product throughout the program. Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology’s (ALET) largest conference, the Annual Symposium, is a three-day event that features national speakers, professional learning, and exceptional opportunities for peer collaboration. ACS celebrates our employees’ extraordinary efforts to improve the school system in the realm of technology!

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Congratulations to OHS’s Homecoming Queen 2022 During the Homecoming Football Game for Opelika High School, Italy Slaughter was crowned the 2022 Homecoming Queen.

AHS National Merit Scholarship Finalists

Auburn High School students in the Class of 2023 have recently received recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)! The NMSC was established in 1955 to identify and honor scholastically talented American youth and encourage them to develop their abilities fully. Through this nationwide competition, National Merit Scholarships are awarded to program finalists, and special scholarships go to other high-performing participants who meet a corporate sponsor’s eligibility criteria. The competition is rigorous; scholarship winners are chosen based on their abilities, skills, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in college and beyond. ACS congratulates the following students for their hard work in and out of the classroom as we await the announcement of potential finalists in February 2023! SEMIFINALISTS: Emma Blersch William Duke Micah Gordon Naeim Mahjouri Hashir Mian Juwon Ro Michelle Schindler Leo Shen Corinna Sutterer Junseo Yoon COMMENDED STUDENTS: Jackson Alexander Connor Hawthorne Christine Kim Charlie McCurry William Steiner Benjamin Tzou

wonder & worship Since 1978, we have encouraged students to glorify God through studying the Truth of His Word and exploring the splendor of His creation.

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A CLASSICAL AND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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Autauga County Schools

AHS’s Marching Band Wins Big at Invitational

The Auburn High School Marching Band had a successful outing at the Lake Martin Invitational on October 1. • Open Class Division Scores: Drum Major 1, Color guard 1, Majorette 1, Percussion 1, Feature Majorette 1, Band 1,1,1, Overall score: 1 (Superior rating) • Best In Open Class Caption Awards: Drum Major, Percussion, Color guard, Majorette, Feature Twirler • Best in Open Class Band • Special Area Awards: Best High Brass Section, Best Low Brass Section, Best Woodwinds, Highest Marching Score of the Day, Highest Music Score of the Day • Most Entertaining Band 2022

Please send school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com by the 10th of each month!

AHS’s Debate Team Competition Was a Success

Congratulations to the Auburn High School Debate team on their first tournament of the season where they had 23 novice competitors and 13 varsity judges, and every debater finished with a winning record! In Public Forum Debate, the team of Nikita Nadolnyak-Hartarski and Alexia Roathe were 4-1 and won 4th place. Also in Public Forum, the team of Esha Gupta and Emily Jiang were undefeated and won 1st place! In Lincoln Douglas Debate two of AHS debaters were undefeated with a 5-0 record. Harleigh Walker won 4th place and Emma O’Bryant won 1st place overall! Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

Lee-Scott Students Measures Up

Science can be sweet...or sour if you don’t follow directions! Building on what they’ve already learned, sixth graders in Mrs. Mungenast’s class used their knowledge of ratios & rates to conjure up some lemonade! Ensuring the correct portion of sugar was used was vital...for all of us. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

AHS’s ACE Club Holds Expo

The Afro-Cultural Education (ACE) Club held the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Expo at Auburn High School! With representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities in attendance, AHS students learned about traditions at each institution and had the opportunity to talk directly with recruiters. Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (aka the Devine 9) from Tuskegee University, Miles College, Alabama A&M, Alabama State University, and the Black Student Union at Auburn University also performed their strolls for the audience! Thank you to Auburn High Teacher, Ms. Allysa Gentry, for coordinating this event and sponsoring the ACE Club!

TCS Encourages Physical Education Every Day

Having fun with movement & exercise and building skills to help us work together.

Trinity Christian School’s Vocation Guidance Successful

Our first Vocation Guidance Forum was a huge success! We are grateful for our guests who came to speak to our 10th-12th grade students.

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Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Academy Cross Country Team Wins

The LSA XC team shined once again at the Shadow Lake Invitational! For JV girls, Olivia Khan & AJ Spillman finished 1st AND 3rd! Campbell Thomas placed 3rd among all varsity girls while Madison Tausch, Wesley Matthews and Graham Spillman finished 2nd, 5th and 7th respectively among varsity boys!

Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

ACS Empowers Teachers to Empower Students

Three Auburn City Schools Instructional and Technology Coaches recently completed the rigorous Apple Learning Coach program! Congratulations to Kristen Ferrell at Auburn Junior High School, Jacque Middleton at Auburn High School, and Jayme Smith at J.F. Drake Middle School for pursuing this level of expertise to support technology utilization in our schools. The Apple Learning Coach program is a professional learning opportunity that provides training for teachers to maximize Apple technologies and use a dynamic mix of self-paced lessons, workshop sessions, and creative projects. Collaborating with educators across the country during the workshop sessions, these teachers participated in a robust and interactive learning experience. Auburn City Schools celebrates the dedication of these educators to enhance the learning experience for our students and teachers!

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

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Congratulations to Auburn High School’s 2022 Homecoming Queen

Auburn High School crowned Parker Scales the 2022 Homecoming Queen Friday night in Duck Samford Stadium.

Lee-Scott Academy Names 2022 Homecoming Queen

Congratulations to the 2022 Lee-Scott Academy Homecoming Queen, Ms. Emma Thompson!

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Helping navigate the mental health system for teens and children. Services are FREE and confidential. Services provided by phone are not medical advice and should not be considered as such. Services are provided via telephone by licensed mental health professionals who recommend the most appropriate mental health resources. PIRC is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.

The PIRC is generously supported by funding from the Anne B. LaRussa Foundation of Hope, United Way of Central Alabama, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and the Walker Area Community Foundation.

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LSA Kindergarteners Learn About the Logging Industry

10/11/22 3:37 PM

Kindergartener Wyatt Simms’ dad, Mr. Ben, read and shared with Ms. Sanders Kindergarten class about forestry & the logging industry yesterday! Kindergarteners got to see models of all the equipment used by loggers and loved listening to Mr. Ben read stories about forests and the industry of logging. Thanks to Mr. Ben and all our parents for sharing their time and talents with us & their students! 19

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Autauga County Schools

2022 Lee County Young Leaders Program

Seven Auburn High School sand six Opelika High School students are participating in this year’s Lee County Young Leaders program! Modeled after Leadership Lee County and other youth leadership programs across the state, Lee County Young Leaders (LCYL) is a 9-month-long program provided through the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. One of the goals of the Chamber is to help grow leaders to meet future challenges in the area and around the state. The program serves as a vehicle to help cultivate the potential of young people to assume positions of responsibility in their communities at an early age. The students will attend sessions on education, public safety, health services, economic development, judicial processes, and state and local government. Students also earn one hour of Leadership credit from Southern Union State Community College upon graduation. Auburn High School - Evelyn Cherry - Sarah Ashley Forthofer - Cate Herring - Elena Kim - Madelyn Massey - Parker Scales - Delacey Wilkerson Opelika High School -Allie Prescott -Ashleigh Pitts -Mamie Nicholson -Keely Rider -Patrick Seymore -Nolen Wilson

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Please send school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com by the 10th of each month!

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Auburn City Schools Celebrates the 2022 Homecoming Court

Chosen by their peers to represent their grade level, these students embody immense school spirit for Auburn High School. We look forward to crowning a Homecoming Queen in Duck Samford Stadium during halftime this Friday night! SOPHOMORES: JUNIORS: SENIORS: Liza Agerton Kathryn Kirkland Hannah Arnall Mary Alderson Grace Julia Decoteau Ella Autrey Autumn Johnson A’Breal Knox Maya Bashir Nikita Nadolnyak-Hartarski Olivia Parish Parker Scales Riley Yates Hanbi Youn Anna Grace Sessions Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

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LSA Proud to Announce Its Selection as Apple Distinguished School

The Apple Distinguished School program is by invitation only for schools from around the world that meet the program’s rigorous qualifications. Currently Lee-Scott Academy shares this honor with only 4 other schools in Alabama. With LSA’s faculty being proficient in iPad and MacBook usage, finding innovative ways to use Apple technology alongside curriculum, and our one-to-one device distribution, the school has been selected to be included in this program for another 3 year designation. The determination and willpower of the students and faculty at Lee-Scott Academy have made this kind of recognition possible and we’re honored to be named an Apple Distinguished School!

Yarbrough Elementary Awarded Milken Educator Award

Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey presented Kaitlin McPeake with her Milken Educator Award obelisk! Currently a fourth-grade teacher at Yarbrough Elementary School, Mrs. McPeake was a Teacher at Rocky Ridge Elementary in Hoover at the time of her award. For 35 years, the Milken Educator Awards, an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, have rewarded and inspired excellence in education by honoring top educators around the country with $25,000 unrestricted awards. The Milken Educator Awards target early-to-midcareer education professionals for their already impressive achievements and, more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future. To date, nearly 3,000 Awards have been given out, totaling $70 million. The one-time award

is just the beginning. Milken Educators are given access to powerful networking and development tools throughout their careers in education. When combined, more than $140 million has been devoted to the overall program. Mrs. McPeake earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 2013 and her Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2018 from the University of West Florida. She is a Google Certified Instructional Leader and pursuing her National Board Certification. 21

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How the Social Media

“Popularity Contest” Affects Our Kids I don’t know about you, but middle school was hard. I’m talking “you couldn’t pay me enough money to do it again” hard. These are the years when young people start to really find their group. They begin to discover where they fit in if you will. And in my day (old person story here), when we weren’t walking uphill in the snow both ways to school, we were navigating some of the same issues kids do today. But on a much smaller scale. And, of course, who was “popular,” or if you were a part of the “popular group,” was something of discussion and worry. For the most part, a lot of that popularity came from the shoes and clothes you wore, if you had the latest hairstyle, where you lived, and if you got to shave your legs before anyone else. But it was the 80s for me, so things were much different than they are now. What has remained the same is the desire to be a part of the group. To be noticed. To feel like you fit in. And while we did not have social media to reach for when we wanted to feel included, today’s generation has access to a platform that provides a gross sense of inclusion. But it comes with a price. To feel included or Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

important in the social media space, it feels like you have to provide new content constantly. New pictures. New videos. And it must be better than your last video and better than everyone else’s videos. Insert an algorithm that changes daily, and if you have a child with self-worth attached to views and followers, it is a recipe for disaster. I want to take this one step further and recognize that our youth are not the only ones falling victim to this. Adults are too. If you are an influencer or run your business marketing through social media, especially Instagram or Tik Tok, you face the same issues. The algorithm changes daily. It decides who will see your content and how much they will see, which translates to views and followers. You can work incredibly hard on content only to have the algorithm decide who gets to view it, which leads to feelings of inadequacy and wondering, “what did I do wrong?” It is a vicious cycle. Why is this important to note? Because if social media is affecting how we feel as adults, think about how it affects our children. If adults with mature coping skills struggle in this space, it is no wonder our children struggle. It is why they do what they do every day. It is why they post 22

“bigger” videos and do inherently ill-advised things. Without a catalyst of wanting social media popularity, they probably would not even DO these things. So what do we do as parents to help our children or provide support for ourselves if we struggle in this space? First, we must do the work around understanding that our self-worth is NOT attached to views, follows, or likes. Understand that social media is driven by an algorithm fed and controlled by money-hungry social media giants. How your video or reel performs has absolutely NOTHING to do with who you or your child are as people. It has nothing to do with self-worth. If we can help our children understand how algorithms work, it may help them grasp the concept of a “digital” response versus how it feels to have a response from a real friend. Next, work on other factors to encourage positive confidence growth from sources that are not digital. Please help your child focus on authentic, close, meaningful relationships. Let them know that these are most important... and that these relationships will never be driven by some random number online.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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1601 3683

L E E - S C O T T

A C A D E M Y

Kindergarten Admissions Event

NOV

5:30pm | LSA Media Center

1601 Academy Drive, Auburn, AL 36830 | www.lee-scott.org

Call or email Director of Admissions Leigh Smith today at 23 821-2430 or lsmith@lee-scott.org www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents (334) to schedule a campus visit.

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Only recently have scientists begun to study the benefits of gratitude. Vitamin G, as some like to call it, plays a critical role in health and happiness. Focusing on the positive boosts body, mind, and spirit. It gives us energy, inspires us, and transforms us. In a nutshell, it provides life with meaning by thinking of life as a gift.

Don’t you want to give this gift to your children? Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

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Top 10 Benefits of Gratitude

Research shows that when we are thankful, we love our lives and want to make sure we stick around long enough to enjoy them. Also, when we receive praise from others, our brain releases the chemical dopamine, which encourages us to do more to receive such praise. This makes us want to thank others and make them feel good as well.

Dr. Robert Emmons is the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude. He conducted studies involving gratitude journals and found that when people regularly engage in gratitude, they experience measurable psychological, physical, and interpersonal benefits:

How To Teach Children Gratitude

• Feel better about their lives overall • Experience higher levels of positive

In her book 10 Mindful Minutes, Goldie Hawn explains that being thankful is not a natural instinct; children need to be taught how to do it. She asks parents to be a good example to their children by thanking them often. It is important to explain to our children why they are being praised. Another important tip is to be careful not to judge how our children express gratitude. Young children under age seven may not fully grasp the concept. It is not what they are thankful for, but that they are learning how to express gratitude that matters. If they want to be thankful for a toy, that is okay. Keeping a gratitude journal is the backbone of gratitude scientific research. Anytime you read about gratitude, you will be asked to write down five points you are thankful for that day or week on an ongoing basis. Over time, you will begin to experience the benefits of gratitude such as stress reduction and optimism.

emotions like optimism, enthusiasm, love, and happiness • Are kinder and more generous to others • Have fewer physical problems including pain • Exercise more regularly and eat healthier • Sleep better • Visit the doctor more regularly for checkups • Feel less stressed • Able to cope with stress more effectively and recover more quickly from stressful situations • Live longer–on average, being thankful adds 7 years to our lives!

How It Works Why does saying thank you have so many benefits for us? When we count our blessings, we interrupt the cycle of negative and fearful thoughts, which allows the stress system in our bodies to recover.

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Videos:

Some people don’t care for the traditional journal approach; they may find it repetitive and boring. Fortunately, there are many ways to express gratitude as a family, such as starting a nightly gratitude prayer ritual. Each family needs to discover what is most effective for them. Plus, you don’t want it to become an annoying chore–it is supposed to make you happier after all! Here are some ideas for fun, creative gratitude journals using a variety of media. As technology changes and our children learn more about what they can do with computers, iPads, and iPhones, we should show them how to use these tools for something positive–for making them feel better.

Children also love watching videos of themselves. They will have a blast talking about what they are thankful for and watching it over and over. Maybe have them pretend to be reporters and their gratitude is the news of the day. Or they can act out scenes from the wonderful moments they had.

Drawings:

For children who are more visual and artistic, ask them to draw or paint what they are thankful for at the time. You can then put the artwork together in a book organized by month or year. Create your own handmade journal or take pictures and use an online slideshow to present the images.

5 Ways to Keep Gratitude Journals with Your Kids Blog:

Collage:

Try setting up a family gratitude journal blog (password protected, of course). You can even involve grandparents and cousins, no matter how far away they live. You could introduce this idea at the Thanksgiving table and challenge everyone to submit a post each week throughout the year.

Looking for pictures in magazines or online to build a gratitude collage is a fun family project. And no artistic talent required! All that cutting is also a great way for your child to build fine motor skills. Enjoy saying thank you with your children in these innovative ways. You can mix and match these media as well, such as posting videos on your gratitude blog. AOP

Audio Recording:

Children love to hear their own voices. You can have them record their journal on a phone or iPad. Once you have the recordings, you can get really creative by posting them online for others to listen to or you can even put it to music and create a song or rap using highlights of what they said.

Sandi Schwartz is an author, journalist, and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. As the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project, her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer.

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Smokey. Cheesy. Delicious. Dinner’s ready, and it’s a Smoked Mac and Cheese brought to you by Greg and Kathy Powell of Auburn. “The boys and I gave Greg the smoker for Father’s Day, so we stumbled upon the recipe when looking for good smoker recipes,” shared Kathy. “After Greg made it the first time, we were hooked! The smokiness really shines with this recipe. We also love that it is an easy recipe that feeds a lot - perfect for gatherings.” This family of four loves to entertain and host themed dinner parties. Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, or a birthday, they go all out with parties that are larger than life! They value making memories with one another and their friends. Kathy often focuses on the theme and activities while Greg prepares the meals. “This life is precious - so we work to live it as fully as we can,” shared Kathy. Greg and Kathy have been married 21 years and have two boys, Harrison, who is in 10th grade at Auburn High, and William, who is in eighth grade at Auburn Junior High. The family has a full and very community-driven calendar. Greg is a realtor for Magnolia Reality and serves as the finance chair for their church, Embrace Church. Kathy has her own State Farm agency and is in the process of opening her second. Harrison plays the tenor saxophone for the award-winning Auburn High school band, and William is an avid basketball player.

“Both boys inherited our love for wanderlust and travel,” shared Kathy. Because of this, Kathy and Greg feel that experiences are the best gifts to give their boys. Whether they are enjoying concerts and plays at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center right here in Auburn or traveling throughout the U.S. and beyond, the Powell’s know that the memories made will be ones to last a lifetime. Like all busy families, dinner time can be challenging. Eating at home is usually the goal, and outside of some convenience meals during the week, Greg and Kathy are long-time Hello Fresh customers. They love the variety of home-cooked meals it offers. Not to mention how quick and easy the preparation is. Greg and Kathy’s Smoked Mac and Cheese is the most requested dish when the family gathers with friends. Kathy prefers eating hers with smoked salmon, whereas the boys love this cheesy classic with bacon. Bon Appetite! 27

Smoked Mac and Cheese Ingredients 1/2 Stick of Butter 2 cups elbow macaroni 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded colby cheese 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese 2 cups whole milk 2 cups heavy whipping cream Seasoning of your preference

Directions Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Place uncooked macaroni in a large disposable aluminum pan. Sprinkle the cheeses on top of pasta. Pour milk and cream on cheeses. Pour butter over mixture. Add seasonings as you wish (my preferences is a couple of tablespoons of Tony Chachere’s or any BBQ rub). Stir mixture. Preheat smoker and wood chips around 225-250°. Place dish in smoker for approximately 2 hours. For the first hour or so, stir the mixture every 15 minutes. This allows that good smokey flavor to mix throughout the dish. The top won’t get too dark after 2 hours in a smoker. If you desire the top to be dark and melty, place in a broiler for 5 to 10 minutes. Easily double this recipe by using a deep 10” x 13” aluminum pan.

Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children. In addition to freelane writing, she is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics.

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Whether you’re a Black Friday enthusiast or hater, there are ample ways to cash in on super holiday savings throughout the season. So follow these tips for deep discounts on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

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Subscribe to store email lists. Decide on which stores you want to shop at least a couple of weeks in advance. Then visit each store’s website, and subscribe to their email list. Early signup will ensure you receive all promotional emails for the season’s big Black Friday and Cyber Monday events as well as ongoing savings right on through Christmas Eve.

Buy discounted gift cards. Visit Raise.com, and order discounted gift cards for the stores you know you’ll purchase from. You can use these cards to buy sale and special-buy items for added savings. The caveat, make sure the gift cards are for stores you’ll definitely shop at, so you don’t blow your savings. Discounted gift cards also make great gifts.

Begin collecting Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that show up in your newspaper, mailbox, and email. Also, visit your favorite stores online a few days in advance to see what kind of deals they’ll offer. Print any coupons you find. Then store them together in a safe place.

Organize for the big day. Once you’ve collected all the deals, sort through, and match them up to your holiday shopping list. Compare deals, and determine when the sales or doorbusters begin and if there’ll be limited quantities. Then strategize. If you can’t stand in line for hours for a limited quantity doorbuster, skip it, and focus on other deals that are easier to fetch.

Prepare a ‘second-best’ list. You can’t be everywhere at once, and you’re sure to miss a deal or two. So prepare for that possibility and know where to go and what to look for as an alternative.

Watch for early bird freebies. Many stores offer free gifts to the first 25 or 100 people in their store. It’s true, there are some pretty nice prizes to be had. But many will require you to arrive well before the crack of dawn and spend hours waiting in line. Before you succumb to these lures, consider whether it’s worth the risk of losing out on savings elsewhere.

Black Friday isn’t always the best day for hot bargains. So do your research. Stores tout their Black Friday deals to get consumers into a buying frenzy early in the season. Some even offer their super deals on Thanksgiving evening and start to reduce prices on Wednesday. Keep in mind, all those Black Friday deals can also often be found online on Cyber Monday. In 29

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fact, many hot deals, and some better deals stretch well into December.

Shop late in the day. If you’re like many, you wouldn’t even consider shopping on Black Friday simply because of the chaos. But on Black Friday, the vast majority of shoppers start at the crack of dawn or earlier. By 5 p.m., early birds are exhausted, and malls and stores are dead quiet. So Black Friday evening is a great time to get in some peaceful, early shopping with plenty of great deals still going on.

Shop online. This is another option if you don’t want to participate in the madhouse. Many stores offer the same deals online as they do in their stores. In fact, many online stores don’t even have storefronts. Keep in mind, supplies are often limited, even online. So by the time you reach checkout, an item in your basket might be sold out. If you’re shopping for multiple items from a store, do multiple checkouts, so the items in your basket don’t disappear while you shop.

MORE HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS Arrange your finances in advance. If you intend to pay by credit card, plan well in advance, so the credit is available to you. Use your credit cards that offer cash back or reward points to increase your savings. If paying with a debit card, check your balance before you head out to avoid an unwelcome surprise. Also, avoid carrying cash in chaotic crowds because of the increased risk of pickpockets and purse-snatchers.

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

Leave the kids at home. The chaos of the holiday shopping season, especially Black Friday, poses risks to children. Although the chance is slim, there’s the potential risk of trampling by crazed crowds on Black Friday. Your child could also get lost among the mob. Besides, shopping for long hours is stressful and exhausting for kids. Not to mention, it’ll increase your own stress level and deplete your energy.

Avoid carts. On Black Friday, carry shopping bags or totes instead unless you plan to buy heavy items. Carts will slow you down through crowds that are unwilling to budge for you.

Hold off on toy purchases. Black Friday doesn’t offer the best deals on toys. The first week of December usually provides much more significant savings on these items. Use social media for extra savings. Many retailers offer exclusive coupons and discounts to people who ‘like’ them on Facebook or other social media. Check the social media accounts of the stores you plan to shop at.

Check on return policies. Most major retailers have liberal return policies. But not all. So do your homework before you make purchases. Also, ask for gift receipts to make exchanges and returns easy for your gift recipients. Avoid impulse buying. Many shoppers’ savings go right down the drain because they grab unnecessary ‘great buys’ at

the spur of the moment. So prepare yourself mentally for the temptation before you head out.

Get extra savings with instant store credit. Most stores offer 10 to 25% savings by opening a store credit card at checkout. If you pay your charges off immediately and don’t use it for unnecessary purchases, it’s well worth the savings. Otherwise, the long-term cost of interest will exceed the savings you gained.

Make sure a sale is really a sale. Some stores mark up merchandise before they reduce it to make it look like a great bargain. Furniture stores, in particular, are known for this tactic. But many other stores do it as well on select merchandise. So do your homework.

Forego extended warranties. With a few exceptions, extended warranties are a waste of money. Most electronics already come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty. Defects usually show up within the scope of the manufacturer’s warranty. Accidental damage that might be covered under a store’s extended warranty tends to occur rarely. Cell phones or small personal electronics people carry with them that are likely to get dropped, lost, or run through the washing machine are the exception. AOP

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ad Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com.

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Auburn/Opelika Rocking Fest On the Square ad on page 13

November 19, 10:00am-4:00pm Downtown LaFayette St LaFayette, Al 36862 Come Rock with us! Home of the World’s Largest Rocking Horse! Join us for a day of Arts & Crafts, Ice Skating, Inflatables for all ages, pictures with Santa 12:00-2:00pm CT, Snowzilla Jr., food vendors, touch-a-truck and much more! www.greatervalleyarea.com

Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 10

November 19, December 3, December 18-19 425 Perry Street Auburn, Al 36830 Annual Holiday Art Sale: The Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Parks & Recreation and Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will host the 16th annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, November 19 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Harris Center and Frank Brown Recreation Center. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves and much more! If you would like to sell your work, applications will be available beginning Monday, October 3. A limited number of exhibition spaces are available, so be sure to submit your application quickly! Jingle Jog 5K/Santa Stroll: The Jingle Jog 5k and Santa Stroll Fun Run are here again – so pull out those Santa hats and ugly sweaters! Join Active Auburn on Saturday, December 3rd at 6:30 a.m. as we ring in the holiday season in style! The Santa Stroll Fun Run (1 mile) will begin at 6:30 a.m. at Toomer’s Corner and the Jingle Jog 5k will begin at 7:00 a.m. at Toomer’s Corner. A Holiday Walk in the Woods: Presented by Auburn Area Community Theatre and Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. A celebration of music and traditions representative of our whole community! Join us for a new tradition – a beautiful walk in the winter woods with lights, decoration, and family-friendly performances that highlight the diverse traditions and culture of our community. Walks have special surprises and songs for the kids; as well as woodsy holiday art activities at the end. The Holiday Walk in the Woods will take place at the Kreher Preserve and Nature

Center on Friday, December 18th at 5:00 PM and Saturday, December 19th at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Tickets are specific to a time slot and will be $7 per person for everyone over the age of three! 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org

The Farm at Rocky Toy Country Christmas ad on page 37

November 25-December 18 2810 County Road 145, Salem, Al. Families can enjoy pictures with Santa and many fun photo areas, the Rocky Top Railroad,The North Pole Playground, Reindeer games, and pick a tree at the Christmas tree farm. 334-559-5567

www.thefarmatrockytop.com

Santa On the Corner ad on page 12

December Toomer’s Corner, 100 N College St Auburn, Al 36830 Santa Claus will be in downtown Auburn on select December weekends. Bring your family! Donations will be accepted to The United Way. www.downtownauburnonline.com

Scott Bradlee’s A Very Postmodern Jukebox ad on Inside Back Cover

December 2, 7:30pm Gogue Center for the Performing Arts, 910 South College Street Auburn, Al 36849 When New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created Postmodern Jukebox out of a basement in Queens in 2011, his goal was simple: remake the pop hits of today into the classic sounds of yesterday. Bruno Mars became Frank Sinatra. The Spice Girls became The Andrews Sisters. Guns ’n’ Roses became Bessie Smith. 334-844-4722 https://goguecenter.auburn.edu/scottbradlees-postmodern-jukebox/

Downtown Auburn Events ad on page 12

December 4, 2:00pm 122 West Magnolia Avenue Auburn , Al 36830 Blue Friday: November 25. It’s back and it is not Black! In downtown Auburn, the best shopping day of the year is BLUE FRIDAY! Merchants will

open as early as 8 am for door-busters, deals and specials. The party will continue throughout the day with live music from 12-3 pm and also from 6-9 pm. Entertainment district begins at 5 pm. The Loveliest Village Holiday Fair: December 3. Featuring holiday activities, performances, and a holiday market. The ADMA is currently seeking vendors for the holiday market. Auburn Christmas Parade: December 4, 2:00pm. The entire community is invited to celebrate the season with the Auburn Chamber Christmas Parade in downtown Auburn. The parade will include Aubie, Santa, Christmas characters, live music and lots of other favorites! For float entry forms, contact Auburn Chamber. www.downtownauburnonline.com/events

Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express ad on page 3

December 8-10 1001 Andrews Road Opelika, Al 36801 Come take a train ride through the lights at Municipal Park! Enjoy food, hot chocolate, face painting, entertainment, pictures with Santa and more! Ages 2nd grade and younger. Brought to you by Opelika Parks and Recreation 334-705-5560 www.opelika.org

Where’s Theodore? ad on page 3

December 12-16 1001 Andrews Road Opelika, Al 36801 Help Parks and Recreation find their Elf on the Shelf! How to Help: During the week of Dec. 12-16, watch our social media pages for clues to help us find our elf! Bring the Christmas ornament he has left behind to the SportsPlex to claim your prize! Brought to you by Opelika Parks and Recreation 334-705-5560 www.opelika.org

Christmas Cookies & Movie Night ad on page 3

December 16 1001 Andrews Road Opelika, Al 36801 Free event for all from 6:30-8:30pm. Brought to you by Opelika Parks and Recreation. 334-705-5560 www.opelika.org

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Holidays at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

pony rides, meet & greet with Santa Claus, face painting, Christmas crafts and more! Christmas at Choctafaula has a selection of Fraser fir trees available for purchase.

December 16-17 2222 North College Street Auburn, Al 36082 Ho Ho Ho Hike and Holiday Celebration: On Saturday, December 3rd from 10 am – 12:30pm, Kreher and Jan Dempsey will partner to turn the Preserve into a Winter Wonderland, full of nature-themed crafts, performances, cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit from Mrs. Claus. This event will also include the traditional HoHoHo Hike, a unique and fun “Santa hunt” where you will hike the Preserve looking for the elusive visitor in red, meeting many of nature’s creatures along the way. Don your comfortable walking shoes and come celebrate the holiday season with the Clauses! A walking tour through the piney winter woods with lights, decoration, and songs by local talent at stations along the trail. All performances will be family-friendly and highlight the diverse traditions and culture of our community. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center will offer a trail stop with woodsy holiday art activities. Additionally, walks will have special surprises and songs for the kids! The cost is $15 per person (adults must have a ticket); children under the age of 24 months are FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, November 1, and are available online ONLY by visiting auburnalabama.org/arts.

334-750-2521 www.visitchocatafaula.com

Niffer’s Place Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration

334-745-0466 www.opelikamainstreet.org

ad on page 18

334-844-8091 www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve/

ad on page 15

December 31 Auburn and Lake Martin 1151 Opelika Road, Auburn, Al, 36830 7500 Highway 49 South, Dadeville, Al 36853 Make reservations now for our family-friendly dinner and celebration with great food, party hats and a sparkling juice toast to ring in the New Year! 334-821-3118 and 256-825-5950 www.niffersplace.com/new-years

Christmas at Choctafaula

November-December 929 County Road 14 Auburn, Al 36830 Featuring hayrides to see exotic and domestic animals, horse-drawn carriage rides, hand-led Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

Opelika Holiday Open House

November 13, 12:00-5:00pm Downtown Opelika Opelika, Al 36801 Start your holiday shopping in downtown Opelika. Stores will be offering up great sales on a variety of different gift options, they will also have live holiday music playing throughout downtown. 334.745.0466 www.opelikamainstreet.org

Annual Christmas in a Railroad Town

November 25, December 3, December 4. 1032 South Railroad Avenue Opelika, Al 36801 Visit with friends and enjoy a variety of food vendors and restaurants. Bring the kids to write letters to Santa, enjoy pony rides, caroling, entertainment and other new activities! Guaranteed fun for adults includes Loft Tours, personalized gifts made on site and bundles of sweet treats for sale. Local retail shops will be open late for all your Christmas needs. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for family photos! Be transported back in time and take a wagon ride through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour. Leave straight from Christmas in a Railroad Town and be delivered back once you’re done. Enclosed trolley rides also available at the Museum of East Alabama.

Drive Thru Nativity Story

December 1-31 Spa Loop and Yards Lane Opelika, Al 36801 Drive through the Nativity Story at National Village - Spa Loop and Yards Lane. Presented by National Village Joint Venture. www.opelikachristmas.com

Christmas In Camelot Lighted Tour

December 1-31, 4:30-10:00pm Camelot Way Opelika, Al 36801 The magic of Christmas comes alive throughout Camelot with the many large Christmas Cards, painted under art teacher, Roslyn Stern, by Opelika High art students. The neighborhood lights are adorned with lighted wreaths and all the houses are decorated with the wonders of Christmas. This drive-through event begins at sundown.

Opelika Christmas Parade

December 2, 5:00pm Downtown Opelika Opelika, Al 36801 Don’t miss the 2022 Opelika Christmas Parade: Winter Wonderland! If you would like to participate in the parade, please complete an application form. The form and guidelines can be found on the Chamber’s website, www.opelikachamber.com

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December 2, 5:45-7:00pm Courthouse Square Opelika, Al 36801 Opelika’s official kick-off event for the Christmas season! This is a free event for all! This is an annual community event that kicks off the Christmas season in Opelika with artificial snowfall and tree lighting. www.opelikachamber.com

Christmas at Trinity Methodist

December 4th 800 2nd Avenue Opelika, Al 36801 Christmas Cantata: December 4, 10:30am. You don’t want to miss this special Christmas celebration of worship and music. Jingle Jam: Fun for the whole family at 5:00pm. Christmas Eve Service December 24, 4:00pm, 6:00pm. Christmas Day Service December 25, 10:30am. www.tumcopelika.org

The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center

December 5-January 1 241 South College Street Auburn , Al 36830 Gingerbread Village Unveiling- Come experience the largest Gingerbread Village in East Alabama in the conference center of the Hotel at Auburn University. Over 10 Gingerbread Buildings are on display in the pre-function foyer for guests to admire. The Gingerbread Village will be unveiled right after the Auburn Christmas Parade and remains on display throughout the month of December. 334-821-8200 www.auhcc.com

The Nutcracker presented by Variations Dance Studio

December 9-10, 7:00pm, 2:00pm, 7:00pm Gogue Center for the Performing Arts, 910 South College Street Auburn, Al 36849 Celebrate the joy and wonder of the holidays with

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Annual Hometown Christmas Parade

December 5th Comer Street Alexander City, Al 35010 Join us as we light up the night, when Alexander City’s Annual Hometown Christmas Parade winds its way through the streets of Alexander City the first Monday of each December. Spectators are invited to line the parade route to watch bands and dancers perform, see the festively decorated floats, and wait for the much anticipated arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick himself. www.alexandercity.org

Atlanta Area License to Chill Islands & Magical Night of Lights

Variation’s Dance Studio’s performance of The Nutcracker. Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. 334-844-4722 https://goguecentertickets.auburn. edu/Online/default.asp

East Alabama Community Ballet presents The Nutcracker

December 9-11 Telfair Peet Theater, 350 West Samford Avenue Auburn University, Al 36849 Multiple Performances: Join Clara and the Nutcracker as they battle the evil Mouse Queen and travel to the Land of Sweets! Journey with them as they meet various treats from different countries including the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy! Clara’s Tea Party: December 10. For younger audiences, Clara’s Tea Party is a shorter performance of The Nutcracker. Experience all the magic of Act II, The Land of Sweets! Meet the dancers while enjoying treats and crafts! 334-844-4748 www.eacballet.com

Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour

December 9-13 Opelika Historic District, 8th & 9th Streets The homes are decorated with life size Santa’s, angels, toys, carousel horses and Christmas themed figures. The Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour has been voted one of the southeast’s top rated tourism events and featured in Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living. The event is a self directed driving tour. However, on Saturday night North 8th and 9th streets will be closed to traffic to encourage visitors, neighbors and friends to stroll through the neighborhood. This enables everyone to leisurely enjoy the homes up close, listen to the carolers, and talk with residents dressed in Victorian costumes. This tour begins on North 8th street and 2nd Avenue and includes over ten city blocks. Admission to this spectacular production is free. On the Friday night of the tour the City of Opelika sponsors Christmas in a Railroad town which includes wagon rides through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas tour which includes tour guides who take you back in time while enjoying the festively decorated homes. Bike Tour: December 10, 10am, Walking Tour: Saturday December 10, 6:00-9:30pm. www.opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com

Collingwood Christmas Luminaries

December TBA Collinwood Street Opelika, Al 36801 Take a drive through the Collinwood neighborhood to experience the pathway to Bethlehem. Featuring live actors and live animals, this tradition is fun for the whole family. With over 1,500 sacks with candles prepared by the Collinwood neighborhood residents, the candles are set out along the roadway through the neighborhood to “light the path” on the “journey to the manger.” Along the luminary path you will see shepherds, wise men, and angels following the star on their way to see the Christ Child. All are welcome.

Junior League of Lee County’s Annual Holiday Poinsettia Sale Auburn, Al 36830 Poinsettias are available in two sizes and three colors (red, white, and marble.) Orders may be placed with any JLLC member or online at juniorleagueofleecounty.org. juniorleagueofleecounty@gmail.com

Alexander City & Lake Martin Christmas at Crossroads and Holiday Bazaar

November 25th Russell Farms Road Alexander City, Al 35010 Make sure your kids have their lists ready for Santa, we know they have been really good this year! The Jolly Elf will make his way from the North Pole to the Green Stage at Russell Crossroads. Santa will arrive by carriage around 10am and will be in place until around 2. On the Town Green there will be tons of arts and crafts for the children to make and games for them to play! Come spend Black Friday at Russell Crossroads with Santa and a whole lot more! The Holiday Bazaar, in conjunction with Christmas at Crossroads, will be on the Town Green. Artisans and patrons from all over gather for this vast annual display of handmade goods. Artisans feature everything from jewelry, soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork, lotions, furniture, and much more! 256-496-4232 www.russelllands.com/blog/event/ christmas-at-crossroads-russell-crossroads-3/

November - January Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway Buford, Ga 30518 Lakeside Lights Spectacular: Kick start your holidays with a visit to Margaritaville’s allnew Lakeside Lights Spectacular for a night of nostalgic wintry fun. The Lakeside Lights Spectacular will take you on a magical walk through an amazing lighting extravaganza with festive seasonal music. Great for the whole family! License to Chill Snow Island: Take the crew snow tubing, get your skates on and practice your figure eights at the ice rink, hop on the carnival rides, make snow angels, warm up with s’ mores and hot cocoa, and shop in Santa’s Workshop. Don’t forget to stop in and let the little ones tell Jolly Ole St. Nick what they hope to find under the tree. Magical Nights of Lights: As you drive through our holiday inspired front gate, you crossover the magnificent snowflake bridge, through the 12 Days of Christmas, pass the illuminated diamond wonder light, under the blanket-lit bridge, all through the dancing Holiday House, Santa’s Workshop, Winter Carnival and more! Your magical night does not stop with the lights. Santa’s Village is a must for guests of all ages. 770-945-8787

www.lanierislands.com

Stone Mountain Christmas

November 12- January 1 Stone Mountain, Ga 30083 Have a Holly Jolly Christmas at Stone Mountain Park, where the true magic of the season is in the air. Enjoy the glow of more than two million lights, festive music and visits from some your favorite holiday characters. Each day of Stone Mountain Christmas, you can enjoy park attractions including Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, and more! Then, immerse yourself in holiday magic with evenings full of festive music, millions of dazzling lights, spectacular shows and visits from some of your favorite holiday characters! Events include Angelina the Snow Angel, Visit Santa, Journey through the Musical Frosted Forest, Jurassic Christmas, Polar Express 4D, and more! 800-401-2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Birmingham & Surrounding The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum’s Christmas at the Museum November 18-December 18 1919 9th Street Calera, Al 35040 North Pole Express: A Magical Christmastime Tradition: Through the dark night, the North Pole Express makes its way by starlight to the top of

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the world. On the way, you’ll listen to a whimsical Christmas story, sing your favorite holiday carols, and watch out the windows for the bright lights of the North Pole to appear. Christmas at the Station: A newly reimagined daytime holiday event at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum each Saturday before Christmas in December. Bring the family for a fun-filled Christmas experience riding trains, seeing Santa, exploring a festive maze, and more on the Museum grounds! 205-668-3435

www.hodrrm.org

Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”

December 16-23 2726 1st Avenue South Birmingham, Al 35233 Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. 205-322-4300 www.alabamaballet.org

Eufaula Annual Eufaula’s Christmas Tour of Homes

December 3-4 Historic Downtown Eufaula Eufaula, Al 36027 Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes aglow in holiday splendor. This delightful tour boasts lovely, unique homes decorated for Christmas as only Eufaulians can do. Experience Christmas as never before in some of the South’s finest homes! 888-383-2852 www.eufaulapilgrimage.com

Millbrook/Wetumpka Christmas On the Coosa ad on page 21

December 10th Gold Star Park, Ready St Wetumpka, Al 36092 Wetumpka’s Christmas on the Coosa continues to bring people from all over the state to enjoy Wetumpka’s family atmosphere and unique heritage. Called the “City of Natural Beauty” Wetumpka is Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

a quaint, historic town nestled along the banks of the Coosa River and is home to the annual Christmas on the Coosa celebration. This year marks the 50th Anniversary and the theme is “A Golden Christmas”. The event features activities and events for the whole family. The day-long Christmas on the Coosa celebration features a car show, children’s character breakfast, entertainment for children and a show case for local talent. The annual street parade features over 100 entries and passes along the area for arts & crafts vendors. The evening continues with a ski-in by Santa and the ends with a grand fireworks finale. 334-567-5147 www.cityofwetumpka.com

Downtown Dickens Christmas

December 2-3 Wetumpka, Al 36092 Don’t miss this event as we celebrate the annual Christmas tree lighting and enjoy a Victorian Christmas in historic downtown Wetumpka! A Downtown Dickens Christmas will be held on December 2nd and 3rd from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, where you’ll be transported back to scenes from “A Christmas Carol” with period costumes, photos with Father Christmas, authentic vendors, and decorated downtown businesses. This is the perfect time to walk around our whimsical historic business district and complete your holiday shopping. http://wetumpkachamber.chambermaster.com/ events/details/a-downtown-dickens-christmas-12-03-2022-43856

Montgomery

Annual Christmas Light Festival at the Montgomery Zoo

December 2-25 The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, Al 36110 See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of lights and festive decorations. Take a leisurely stroll, a brisk train ride or see the lights from atop the Zoofari Skylift Ride. Visit Santa, enjoy the live nightly entertainment and no winter’s night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies.

November 30-December 4 3460 Carter Hill Road Montgomery, Al 36111 Since 2006, this beloved tradition has shared the Christmas Spirit in the River Region with nativities from cultures around the world and concerts by local musicians. Start your holidays right by attending this peaceful celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ! FREE for the whole community. Open daily from 1:00-8:00 pm. http://montgomerynativity.com/

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Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents “It’s a Wonderful Life”

December 2-31 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, Al 36117 This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers the impact of his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Kate Bergstrom will make her directorial debut leading a cast of five actors who will use sound effects, singing, and quick character changes to bring to life this iconic American story. This production is perfect for all ages. 334-271-5353 www.asf.net

Phenix City/Columbus A Magical Cirque Christmas

Annual Interfaith Christmas Nativity Exhibit

November 15th 900 Broadway Columbus, Ga 31901 The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production – A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS! Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family. www.rivercenter.org

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Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights

November 18-January 1 17800 Us Highway 27 Pine Mountain, Ga 31822 Callaway Gardens’ Fantasy In Lights, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, is not only the South’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show, it is one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights,” as named by National Geographic Traveler. Celebrate 30 years of family tradition with a new spectacular scene on the lake, 10 million twinkling lights and 2,500 acres of Christmas cheer! A beloved Christmas tradition shines even brighter! This season, experience the NEW Celebration Lake, a floating spectacular featuring 30 dancing trees honoring 30 years of Fantasy In Lights! Sunday, Nov. 13 - Bicycle Night 800-898-4868 www.callawaygardens.com

The Lundy’s Christmas Light Spectacular

Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve 5784 Ironstone Drive Columbus, Ga 31907 Drive into a light display set to music like none other…over 155,000 lights! Featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight”. 706-443-6975 www.lundychristmas.com

Christmas with The Wave Theatre Organ December 3, 11:00am 900 Broadway Columbus, Ga 31901 Christmas with The Wave returns this year as part of our holiday open house festivities on Saturday,

Springer Opera House

December 15-23, December 1-23 Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street Columbus, Ga 31901 “A Tuna Christmas”: Since 2001, over 50,000 otherwise normal people have spent perfectly good money to celebrate their holidays by watching two amazing actors portray 21 inhabitants of Tuna, Texas in a hilarious quickchange comedy sensation that has become a true cult favorite for Columbus audiences. The annual yard display contest has been plagued by a bandit known only as the Christmas Phantom. Socialite Vera Carp hopes to win for the fifteenth year in a row, but she has stiff competition from Didi Snavely, the owner of Didi’s Used Weapons and the sassy Tastee Kreme waitresses Inita Goodwin and Helen Bedd. Meanwhile, Aunt Pearl Burrus and Dixie DeBerry ain’t sayin’ nothin’. Find out why people say, “It just isn’t Christmas without A Tuna Christmas!” “A White Christmas”: This is the beloved song-and-dance Holiday spectacular featuring the music of Irving Berlin. World War II combat veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis are now a popular entertainment duo. With romance in mind, they join a pair of beautiful singing sisters at their lavish Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by their former commanding general. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards like “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the famous title song,

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November 25-January 4 Bellingrath Gardens, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore, Al 36582 Bellingrath Gardens and Home is celebrating the 26th year of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2021! In this Gulf Coast holiday tradition, guests stroll through a dazzling light display that features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 16 scenes throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. In addition, the Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and enhanced with beautiful poinsettias. 251-973-2217 | www.bellingrath.org

Valley/LaGrange The Manger Tours

Weekends November 1 -December 23 Explorations in Antiquity Center, 130 Gordon Commercial Drive LaGrange, Al 30240 The Manger Tours: Follow the journey of Joseph and Mary as they travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem and learn new insights into the Christmas story. These walks can be done in conjunction with the Christmas multi-media presentation in the evening. Reservations required. 706-885-0363 www.biblicalhistorycenter.com

LaGrange Christmas Parade

December 2, 6:00pm 111 Bull Street LaGrange, Al 30241 The floats begin at 6:00pm. Start the holiday season off right with this spirited Troup County tradition. Each year hundreds of businesses, community groups, schools and churches create floats for the annual parade that makes its way through downtown city streets. Marching bands, live animals, clowns and a variety of novelty entries complete the festive environment. And, much to the delight of both the young and young at heart, Santa always manages to make a special guest appearance on the top of a fire truck.

Christmas Holidays at Hills & Dales Estate

December 2-30 1916 Hills and Dales Drive LaGrange, Ga 30240 Experience our circa 1940’s, tinsel-laden Christmas tree, brilliant Poinsettias and other seasonal decorations during the holiday season. The Fuller E. Callaway family home and the visitor center will be decorated for the holidays this December, Tuesdays to Saturdays. Regular tour prices apply. Also offering wreath workshops, family tabletop luminaries workshop, mixed green Christmas wreath workshops and Children’s Christmas Celebration.

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December 3. Come in right after the Columbus Holiday Parade for festive music, hot chocolate and, of course, the annual display of our spectacular Gingerbread Village! www.rivercenter.org

Santa Claus 10K at Callaway Gardens

December 4th Callaway Gardens, 17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain, Ga 31822 This run course travels through the Callaway Gardens lit “FANTASY IN LIGHTS” and includes marshmallow, chocolate, and candy cane miles. Stick around after the race for your picture with Santa! tricolumbusga@gmail.com www.tricolumbusga.com

‘White Christmas,” this joyous family musical celebrates the season with joy, love and an inspiring message of service to our nation. 706-327-3688 www.springeroperahouse.org

The Columbus Ballet presents The Nutcracker

December 17-18, 2:30pm and 7:30pm 900 Broadway Columbus, Ga 31901 Join us as the magic returns to the RiverCenter stage for our 26th anniversary production of The Nutcracker. This annual Christmas classic celebrates the joy and spirit of dance and is a perfect way for families to enjoy the holiday season. www.rivercenter.org

Christmas Village at the Historic Langdale Mill

Weekends in December US Hwy 29 at Fob James Road Valley, Al Beginning the first weekend in December, experience the spirit of the season in Historic Valley. There is a life-size nativity scene in the meadow, the Madonna light-sculpture, and the Christmas Merry-go-Round that has given over 1,000,000 FREE rides to families. As you take a walk through history, you will be greeted with caroling and much more festive fun. Also, don’t miss the “A Cotton Mill Christmas” production at Langdale Theatre, as the local actors tell the history and stories of Valley, Al. 334-756-5290 www.facebook.com/City-of-ValleyChristmas-Merry-Go-Round AOP

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

Rating PG

Theaters

Overall A

Violence B

Sex A

Profanity A-

Alcohol/Drugs B

The Primm family have just moved into a New York City brownstone and are astonished to discover a singing crocodile living in the attic. Young Josh befriends the musical reptile and soon they all band together to stop a crotchety neighbor from having Lyle sent to a zoo. This film is a win for families, featuring appealing characters, memorable original songs, and exciting adventures. There’s too much peril for preschoolers, but older kids will enjoy this fun, light, heartwarming film – and even parents will have more fun than they expect. Photo ©Columbia Pictures

Railway Children

Rating PG

Theaters

Overall B+

Violence B

Sex A

Profanity B+

Alcohol/Drugs A

As German bombs fall on British cities, children are evacuated to the countryside for safety. Lily, Pattie and Ted find themselves in Yorkshire, befriended by Bobbie, the son of their host family. As Bobbie shares his favorite hideouts, the kids stumble across an American deserter and get sucked into the quagmire of American racial conflict. This period film is a generationals sequel to a classic British children’s novel but it is very much a film about American issues. It’s more than a bit preachy and the kids indulge in risky behavior, but the movie’s heart is in the right place. Photo © Blue Fox Entertainment

Rosaline

Rating PG-13

Hulu

Overall B

Violence B+

Sex B+

Profanity C

Alcohol/Drugs C

Rosaline is horrified to discover that her boyfriend – the guy who has given her jewelry and written poetry for her – has fallen in love with her younger cousin. Refusing to give up without a fight, Rosaline turns her sharp mind to the goal of breaking up Romeo and Juliet. More than a little bit goofy, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy is a laugh-out-loud comedy that refuses to take itself seriously – and that’s why it works. This fast-paced farce could change teens’ minds about the merits of reading classic literature. Photo ©Hulu

Catherine, Called Birdy

Rating PG-13

Amazon

Overall B-

Violence B-

Sex B-

Profanity C

Alcohol/Drugs C

Desperate to keep his manor afloat, spendthrift Lord Rollo decides that his best option is to marry off his 14 year old daughter for gold. But Catherine a.k.a. Birdy has other ideas and is stubborn and devious enough to thwart her father. Based on an award-winning novel, this film veers between ahistoric comedy and strong messages about female autonomy and the evils of child marriage. The film is often funny, despite the anachronisms, but it also lacks subtlety. Photo ©Amazon Studios

Mr. Harrigan’s Phone

Rating PG-13

Netflix

Overall B-

Violence C

Sex A

Profanity C-

Alcohol/Drugs B-

Paid to read to Mr. Harrigan, Craig soon warms to the enigmatic elderly man. He even persuades the technophobic senior to start using a cell phone. Upon Mr. Harrigan’s unsurprising death, Craig tucks the phone into the casket – only to start receiving texts from it. This adaptation of a Stephen King story is a great choice for teens who want a good scare but don’t want lots of gore or sexual material. It’s eerie and creepy but eschews violence in favor of steadily mounting tension. Photo ©Netflix

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

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Join us this Christmas season for jolly fun at the farm! WEEKENDS BEGINNING

November 25 - December 18, 2022 Families can enjoy pictures with Santa and many fun photo areas, the Rocky Top Railroad, The North Pole Playground, Reindeer games, and pick a tree at the Christmas tree farm.

Dates, times, admission and details can be found at:

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Growing up feeling loved helps children overcome many obstacles. It contributes to a feeling of well-being that will help them excel in school, friendships, and all other areas of their lives. It even helps when it comes to being disciplined. “Often, parents assume that their kids just ‘know’ they love them, or that saying ‘I love you’ will be enough,” said Gary Chapman and Ross Campell in their book The 5 Love Languages of Children. But to feel truly loved, children need the adults in their lives to put those feelings into action. By learning to speak a child’s love languages, a parent can ensure the child feels loved. Many parents are familiar with the love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. Like adults, children each have a primary love language that they respond to best, but speaking all five love languages is even more beneficial since children will react to the other love languages as well as their primary one. In addition, children’s love languages may change over time as they mature. Chapman and Campbell recommend treating all five love languages equally if your child is younger than five years old. An older child’s love language can be discovered in several ways. One way is by paying careful attention to how they express their love and affection to you and others. For example, is your child always drawing pictures for you? Maybe his love language is receiving gifts. A particularly snuggly child’s primary love language may be physical touch, while a child who is generous with compliments may have words of affirmation as their primary love language. Another good way to learn more about your child’s love language is to listen to what your child requests and what they complain about. Do they often ask your opinion on how they are doing in their work or play? They might be showing a preference for words of affirmation. Likewise, complaints about you being too busy can be considered a request for quality time. Be careful to look for patterns and to remember that a preference for quality time at age five may have changed by the time your child is ten or fifteen. One last way to search for your child’s love language is to give them choices. Dr. Suzanne Barchers, Education Advisor at Lingokids, says, “If your child is old enough, it’s fine to say, ‘I noticed you weren’t interested in that gift I brought you. If you had a choice, what would it be? Going to dinner together, just you and me? Going with me to work and helping me out for a few hours?’ Probe until you get some clues.”

as wrestling together or a tickle fight can help your child feel loved. However, if you are not physically affectionate by nature, you may want to consciously set an achievable goal to do something simple daily, like stroke your child’s hair or even give a high five.

Words of Affirmation

For a child whose love language is words of affirmation, prioritize encouraging words, words of affection, and specific praise. For example, say, “I love you” often. Showcasing their artwork can send an affirmative message to a creative child. Try sending an older child an encouraging text message.

Acts of Service

This love language can be a delicate balance. Of course, we want our children to mature and become more independent as they grow. But children can feel particularly loved when their parents perform acts of service, doing things for their children that they may or may not be able to do independently. An act of service might be carrying your child to bed even though you’re sure they’re only pretending to be asleep, making a special surprise meal for your child, or doing their chores for them when you know they’ve had a hard day.

Quality Time

Quality time is vital to all children, particularly if this is your child’s primary love language. If you already have activities you know you and your children enjoy, try to examine how often you’re doing them and see if you can increase the time spent together. Of course, it doesn’t have to be an activity you both enjoy. Your child will sense if you’re doing an activity solely for their pleasure and might even appreciate it more. Even activities such as cleaning and chores can have the desired effect of making a family feel closer. Quality time should be as free from distractions as possible, so although you typically want to take pictures of special events, try to spend as little time with your phone as possible.

Receiving Gifts

Receiving gifts can be one of the more complicated love languages. Children will sense if a parent is trying to bribe them with a gift or if a parent is just buying gifts to make up for the fact that they don’t have time to spend with the child. Dr. Barchers says, “Gifts don’t have to be big and extravagant. They should, however, be thoughtful. Finding that perfect color of a barrette or a memorable trinket can be just right.” Don’t make the gift contingent on specific behavior, and ensure that the gifts reflect your child’s interests. To find out more about the love languages of children, read “The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell. GPP

Physical Touch

If your child’s love language is physical touch, you are in luck! It can be the easiest love language to use because of the endless opportunities to give a hug or cozy up and get snuggly. Helping your child feel loved can be as easy as choosing a spot next to your child on the couch for movie night. Or maybe you give extra hugs when leaving for school in the morning. In addition, physical activities such

Jill Morgenstern writes for many regional parenting magazines and her writing has also been featured on web pages such as the TODAY Show Parenting Team. 39

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FamilyCalendar Tuesday, November 1

Annie Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production- just as you remember it and just when we need it most. www.mpaconline.org Fiddler On the Roof through November 2 Gogue Center for the Performing Arts, 910 South College Street, Auburn Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take on a beloved masterpiece to life as Fiddler on the Roof visits cities across North America. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. This production raises its cup to joy! To love! To life! www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/fiddler-on-the-roof-2/

Wednesday, November 2

Creative Cubs 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 901 South College Street, Auburn, Al Featuring storytime and artmaking for ages 3-5. www.jcsm.auburn.edu/event/creative-cubs-6/ Alabama Frontier Day through November 5 Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park, , 2521 W. Fort Toulouse Rd., Wetumpka, AL Using Fort ToulouseFort Jackson Park as its historical backdrop, Alabama Frontier Days focuses on demonstrating frontier life in the southeast during the period 1700-1820. ahc.alabama.gov/properties/fttoulouse/fttoulouse.aspx

Thursday, November 3

Native American Festival and Pow Wow through November 6 Stone Mountain Park, , 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, Ga Bring your family to experience the energy and color of the largest Native American gathering in Georgia. This event showcases Native American culture through dance, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking traditions, storytelling, wildlife presentations and more. www.stonemountainpark.com

Friday, November 4

Adult Pinewood Derby 5:00 PM Resting Pulse Brewing Company, 714 1st Ave, Opelika Compete for the top prizes as an individual or a team while sipping your favorite brews. Begins at 5pm, rent or build/bring your own car. https://www.restingpulsebrewing.com/ Sundilla Presents Airpark in Concert (admission at the door will be $20)

7:30 PM Pebble Hil, 101 S. Debardeleben, Auburn Airpark was formed in 2017 by brothers Ben Ford and Michael Ford, Jr. Their songs explore the wide expanse of forward-thinking music. It’s a sound that’s both timely and timeless, rooted in sharp grooves one minute and dreamily rounded edges the next. sundillamusic.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

Click, Clack, Moo through November 5 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing! Farmer Brown declares the farm a tech-free zone. So the cows go on strike and the chickens join them in solidarity. No blankets? No milk! No eggs! www.rivercenter.org Clue: On Stage! through November 13 Opelika Theatre Company, Southside Center for the Arts, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika This hilarious whodun-it is based on the board game Clue and will have you rolling in the aisles. www.opelikatheatrecompany.com National Peanut Festival through November 13 Dothan The nation’s largest peanut festival is held each fall to honor peanut growers and to celebrate the harvest season. Festivities include amusement rides, animal acts, agricultural displays, music concerts, beauty pageants, arts and crafts displays, contests, food, a two-hour parade, and tons of peanuts. 334-793-4323 www.nationalpeanutfestival.com

Saturday, November 5

Art in the Park: Bark Painting In Acrylic F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. Enjoy the great outdoors as you paint with the changing autumnal colors guided by the resident artistic ranger on a very unique canvas, bark! Individuals and small groups are welcome. Geared towards adults. No previous painting experience required. All materials provided. www.explore.gastateparks.org/events On My Street through November 13 Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus, Ga Avery and Skylar are spending the afternoon creating the town of Awesomeopolist only the coolest town they could possibly live in. As they are imagining, they realize that something is missing, the people! The thing that makes a town a community and the world a little bit more colorful. Join them in making their community the best one yet! www.springeroperahouse.org The Steeplechase At Callaway Gardens 17617 US 27, Pine Mountain, Ga Experience an exhilarating tradition unlike any other. Each November, magnificent champion thoroughbred horses gather on the Callaway grounds to charge through our stunning woodland setting. Thrilling jumps and deft maneuvers will leave you breathless, while the foxhound parade will put a smile on your face. On Saturday, savor a picnic on the infield, show off a traditional race hat, and soak in the festive hunt club atmosphere. www.callawaygardens.com

Sunday, November 6

Veterans Appreciation Week through November 12 Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, Al Please join the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum in thanking the proud men and women of the United States Armed Forces. During Veteran’s Appreciation Week, all veterans, active duty military personnel, and their dependent family members

receive a 50% DISCOUNT on REGULAR DAYTIME admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Participants must provide a valid military identification to receive discount. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Tuesday, November 8

Family Discovery Hike 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join our guides for an educational adventure as you and your children take in the many sights and sounds of the Nature Center. Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Discovery Hikes are for families with children ages 5 to 12 and are offered the second Tuesday of each month. Each month features a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. Discovery Hikes are free (donations are welcomed) and cancelled in the event of rain. wp.auburn.edu/preserve Mark Morris Dance Group Gogue Performing Arts Center, 900 South College Street, AuburnGogue Performing Arts Center, 900 South College Street, Auburn Following the roaring success of his Beatles tribute Pepperland, Mark Morris teams up again with musical collaborator Ethan Iverson for The Look of Love, a wistful and heartfelt homage to the chart-topping songs of Burt Bacharach. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, November 10

In the Garden with Cydni Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn In The Garden With Cyndi is a fun, casual gardening class for adults where you get to learn tips and tricks, get your hands dirty, and get expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices. Cyndi believes that gardening should be all about the enjoyment of your gardens. So, in this workshop series, it is through fun and interesting lessons that her classes will teach you everything you need to know to install and maintain beautiful gardens that you love. https://aub.ie/inthegarden

Pippin through November 18 Telfair B. Peet Theatre, Auburn University A troubled young man sets out on a journey of self-discovery to find meaning, and maybe even a little magic, as a troupe of mysterious players guides the way. Stephen Schwartz’s masterpiece harnesses the full potential power of musical theatre and stagecraft, telling Pippin’s story through a wondrous combination of songs, dance, comedy, and pathos. Come along- there’s magic to do! www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/productions/currentseason/pippin/ Women’s Event: Chonda Pierce, Christian Comedian First Baptist Church of Opelika, 301 South 8th Street, Opelika Join the multi-talented Chonda Pierce, a stand-up comedian, television hostess, author and now actress, as she channels her life experiences into positivity, bringing laughter to audiences around the country. This is an evening you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets to see the Queen of Clean comedy live in concert today! www.instagram.com/fbcopelika

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Football, Fans, and Feathers 4:00 PM Southeastern Raptor Center, 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive, Auburn During the show, hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors flying close. Visitors will also learn interesting facts about natural history, conservation, and rehabilitation. This educational presentation is appropriate for all ages. www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/raptor-center-events/

AuSome Amphibians and Reptiles (Admission is $5/ person ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free) Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join the KPNC educators for a onehour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond! Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, hands-on program with live animals. (334) 844-8091 natureeducation@auburn.edu

Saturday, November 12

Kids! Read to a Dog 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, We are thrilled to offer a Saturday session of Read to a Dog with Renee Brezovsky and her therapy dog, Meadow. Meadow is a blue merle Australian Shepherd who is excited to meet you. Please sign up for your 15-minute appointment

to read to Meadow by calling the library. 207-333-6640 www.auburnpubliclibrary.org Veteran’s Day Celebration ($5 parking) F. D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountian, Ga Bring worn, US flags needing retiring to the park. Brief program and flag retirement .Meet at the boathouse by Lake Deleanor. Free 1-hr boat rental for veterans and families. 706-663-4858 www.explore.gastateparks.org

Sunday, November 13

Holiday Open House Downtown, Opelika Start your holiday shopping in downtown Opelika. Stores will be offering up great sales on a variety of different gift options, they will also have live holiday music playing throughout downtown. Make a day out of it and enjoy this annual holiday tradition. 334-745-0466

Monday, November 14

Ranky Tanky The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, East Alabama Arts, 1700 LaFayette Parkway, Opelika This Grammy Award-winning, Charleston, SC-based quintet performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands. Playful game songs, ecstatic shouts, and heartbreaking spirituals can all be found on their latest release Good Time.

Tuesday, November 15

A Magical Cirque Christmas River Center for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga The world’s greatest entertainers unite

for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music. Get in the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family. www.rivercenter.org Our Song, Our Story at the Gogue Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Created and directed by composer, conductor and multi-genre musician Damien Sneed, “Our Song, Our Story” is an evening of music highlighting some of the world’s best-known operatic arias, art songs and spirituals. The concert brings together two of today’s most exciting operatic voices in a diverse and powerful event featuring Brandie Inez Sutton and Justin Austin accompanied by a string quartet and Damien Sneed on piano. This will be an evening of memorable and beautiful music as they pay homage to Marian Anderson and Jessye Norman, who have paved the way for them and other African American opera singers. The repertoire features compositions by George Frederic Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppi Verdi, Richard Strauss, George Gershwin, Margaret Bonds, Harry T. Burleigh, Richard Smallwood and a newly commissioned work from Damien Sneed. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, November 17

The Smell of Risk 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 901 South College Street, Auburn Hsuan L. Hsu, Professor of English at UC Davis, considers histories

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FamilyCalendar of smell, olfactory aesthetics, and environmental injustice, in conversation with Emily Friedman, Associate Professor of English at Auburn, and artist Manon Bellet, alongside Bellet’s exhibition. Free and open to the public. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Friday, November 18

Football, Fans, and Feathers 4:00 PM Southeastern Raptor Center, 1350 PrattCarden Drive, Auburn During the show, hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors flying close. Visitors will also learn interesting facts about natural history, conservation, and rehabilitation. This educational presentation is appropriate for all ages. www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/raptor-center-events/ Champions of Magic Montgomery Performing Arts Centr, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al. Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic - an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects. Described by the press as ‘The Avengers of magic’ catch the only team of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions. www.mpaconline.org

Saturday, November 19

American Frontier Days ($5 parking) through November 20 F. D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. Walk thru time from the middle 1700’s to the late 1800’s and see living skills’ displays from local historians. See trappers, blacksmiths and more. Tomahawk throw contest. Baseball field across from Liberty Bell Pool. Donations accepted for admission. ParkPass required. Masks recommended. Social-distancing will be maintained. 706-663-4858 www.explore.gastateparks.org Dino Dig The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, Al Are you ready to get a little dirty? Then Dino Dig is perfect for you. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is an educational program with hands-on experience and fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. www.montogmeryzoo.com/ Step Afrika! RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga. Step Afrika! Is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. This show blends dance styles practiced by historically African American Fraternities and Sororities; traditional West and Southern African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. www.rivercenter.org Zoo Volunteer Serve Day The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, Al Volunteers at the Montgomery Zoo are very

Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

important people and play a vital role in the success of the Montgomery Zoo. We are looking for energetic individuals who want to volunteer in a beautiful and fun place. Volunteer commitment has allowed our Zoo to improve, expand programs, generate community involvement and support, and assist Zoo staff in daily Zoo operations. www.montgomeryzoo.com/

Wednesday, November 23

Ricky Smiley and Friends of Comedy Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al www.mpaconline.org

Thursday, November 24

Moores Mill Turkey Trot Moores Mill Club Pavilion, 1957 Fairway Drive, Auburn The annual Moore’s Mill Club Turkey Trot is something NOT to be missed! Taking place on Thanksgiving Day morning, it has become a fun family tradition for many. Runners, joggers & walkers - this fun run is for EVERYONE!

Friday, November 25

Christmas at the Crossroads 19 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City, AL It’s the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR and Christmas at Crossroads is a magical time for the entire family! In its 10th year, Christmas at Crossroads is the perfect way to get out with the family and friends, do some shopping at the Holiday Bazaar where all the arts, crafts, and other items are made by the artist. On The Town Green, take a carriage ride, check off items on your Christmas list, and complete the day with some Santa time. www.russelllands.com

Tuesday, November 29

Anastasia through November 30 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus,Ga Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in 1920’s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. www.rivercenter.org

Friday, December 2

Montgomery Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show through December 4, Garrett Coliseum We’ll have over 25 dealers selling everything from amethyst cathedrals to Zebra rock, rocks and minerals inexpensive to moderately priced. You will find crystals, faceted gems, rough, geodes, decorator items, books and supplies, beads, cabochons, finished jewelry, tools, mineral slabs & specimens, fossils and lots more. We’ll have a mineral ID table, demonstration table where club members will give demonstrations on gem and rock cutting, faceting, and cabochon making and more. We will have club member displays that are both educational and interesting that YOU get to vote on. www.mgms.club/mgms/

who have dazzled audiences for more than sixty-five years with a lifetime of noteworthy achievements in their storybook career. They celebrated the 40th anniversary of the multi-award winning single, “All the Gold in California,” in 2019. www.mpaconline.org

Tuesday, December 13

Library Events in November: Every Monday

Kids! Tiny Tunes 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM, Join us for a fun music and movement program for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Siblings welcome. No registration is required. www.auburnpubliclibrary.org Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays 10:00 AM Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Library@opelika-al.gov Craftober Join us after the movie for a fun and spooky Halloween craft! libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Tuesday

Opelika Public Library Jr. Book Club Be a part of an epic journey with Peter and Pax! Bring friends and make new ones with the Jr. Book Club as we explore with games, crafts, and reading! For students in grades 2-5. libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Library@opelika-al.gov

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Creative Cubs 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 901 South College Street, Auburn, Al Featuring storytime and artmaking for ages 3-5. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Auburn Public Library Story Time 9:30 AM. and 1:00 PM Early literacy story time for our friends birth to 5 years old and their favorite grown-ups. Program will be held in person in the Picture Books section of the Auburn Public Library Youth Room. This event is free and open to the public. Birth-5 year olds. libraryevents@auburnalabama.org www.auburnpubliclibrary.org

Friday, December 9

Every Wednesday

Wednesday, December 7

The Gatlin Brothers Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, are a Grammy Award-winning trio

Walk This Way Walking Club 8:30 AM Join Anita at our Story Walk Trail to walk and talk about everything from community happenings to family, to good books, and anything else you

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Best for children ages 2 - 5, siblings are welcome. No registration is required. www.auburnpubliclibrary.org

Opelika Public Library Baby & Me Storytime Get the little ones bouncing and singing with colors, numbers, and shapes! Rhymes and stories will encourage them to discover the world around them! And there is always time to crawl and play! libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Library@opelika-al.gov

Other Events in November:

Every Thursday

Kids! Read to a Dog 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Come meet Michael Fralich and his therapy dog, Mocha. Mocha is an English Shepherd who loves giving kisses and being read to. Sign up for your child’s 15-minute appointment to read to Mocha and make a new furry friend. Call the library to register at 207-333-6640 207-333-6640 www.auburnpubliclibrary.org Opelika Public Library Jr. Robot Crew Jr. Robot Crew will inspire kids of all ages by teaching them the tools to imagine and invent the future! Meet and talk with Dash and Dot through code! Dash and Dot can throw and pick up objects and the kids will teach them how! Don’t worry if you’ve never coded before, Dash and Dot are here to teach you how! For students in Grades 2-5. libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Saturday

KIDS! Preschool Story Time 10:00 AM Join us for stories, songs, and a craft.

Every 2nd Thursday

Nature Walk 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Groups meet at the pavilion. Nature Walks are free (donations are welcomed). wp.auburn.edu/preserve

Every Friday

Come Home to the Corner 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Auburn Join us every Friday evening, before a home football game, for Come Home to the Corner. Organized by the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, Come Home to the Corner is an event for all ages with live music and extended shopping hours downtown. The event is free and is the perfect way to start the game day weekend!

Every 1st and 3rd Friday

Food Truck Friday Downtown Opelika Spend your first and third Friday of every month, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks from downtown restaurants, bars & breweries, and up to five different food truck partners each week. Enjoy your brews, bites, and beautiful downtown Opelika. www.facebook.com/opelika.chamber

Every Saturday

Saturdays at the Garden 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, O Grows Community Garden, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika This fall, O Grows Community Garden will be hosting Saturdays at the Garden! Come join us for local produce, baked goods, and home goods vendors. There will also be STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) activities for kids of all ages, storytime at 10 am with the Opelika Public Library, goat feeding and petting, and volunteer opportunities in the garden (harvested produce is free to the community!) www.facebook.com/opelikagrows Market Days Uptown Columbus, Ga Each Saturday, four blocks along Broadway host over 200 local and regional vendors. Visitors can expect to find fresh and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, unique crafts, and delicious baked goods. Market Days is the perfect Saturday activity for family, friends, and visitors. Don’t forget to bring your furry pals to get in on the fun. www.alwaysuptown.com

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com!

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where they produce products to treat kidney disease and other chronic and acute medical conditions. We first met 15 years ago, working at the same company. We dated for a while but ended up going our separate ways. We reconnected in 2019 and have been going strong ever since. AOP:Do you have any words of wisdom for newlywed couples? AF: My advice to newlyweds is to always love with all you have and to nurture your relationship. Respect each other, talk about everything and always make time for each other.

Amy Finley

AOP: You mentioned your family loves to eat good food and exercise. What type of exercise do you all do together, and how do you stay motivated to exercise during the holidays? AF:The main family exercises we do are walking and dancing. During the holidays, all the extra calories we consume keep us motivated to exercise.

AOP: You work for the City of Opelika at the Sportsplex and Aquatics Center. What do you love most about this career?

AOP: Speaking of the holidays, do you have a favorite childhood memory of Thanksgiving? AF: My favorite Thanksgiving memory from my childhood is watching my mom prepare and stuff the turkey before bed. By morning, the aroma of the turkey would wake everyone in the house. My parents always taught us that being together as a family and being thankful for what you have is what’s most important on Thanksgiving, and that’s the tradition I want to carry over with my children.

AF: Helping others is something I take joy in, and it’s a daily part of my job working in customer service. AOP: How did you end up working in customer service for the city?

AOP: Do you have any other traditions you look forward to this month? AF: My family always has a big Thanksgiving dinner at my parents’ house. Everyone contributes to the dinner, and my favorite dish to make is macaroni and cheese. I love comfort food, and nothing says comfort food like gooey, creamy mac and cheese.

AF: I have worked for the City of Opelika for six years. The job opportunity came from my working in a summer program at the city library. When my job assignment ended there, the manager thought I did a really good job and knew the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center needed some help. So she recommended me and I went over for an interview. They hired me to work at the front desk part-time as a customer service representative. After a year and a half, I was blessed to be offered a full-time position. I am planning on staying and retiring from here as of right now. I don’t have a dream job that I’m chasing, but you never know what doors God will open.

AOP: What are some activities you enjoy with the kids during Thanksgiving break? AF: When the kids are out of school for Thanksgiving break, we do special activities such as decorating and putting up the Christmas tree, helping prepare Thanksgiving dinner, Black Friday shopping, and watching lots of Christmas movies on Hallmark. AOP: Do you have any tips on how to keep your family organized through the holiday season?

AOP: When not working, what are some things you like enjoy?

AF: One way I keep my family organized through the hustle and bustle of the holidays is by making a to-do list and checking it off early. It really reduces stress when you don’t have to shop with huge crowds and long lines at the last minute.

AF: I love traveling, cooking, eating good food, sports, and spending time with my family. Donnie and I are parents to daughter Azari, who is ten, and son Avari, who is two. They are two of the kindest, smartest and funniest kids I know. We enjoy watching movies, music, dancing, exercising, going places, and trying new foods.

AOP: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self? AF: Worry less and pray more. We often get in an uproar about things that are out of our control. Be still, and let the Lord fight your battles.

AOP: Congratulations on your recent one-year wedding anniversary! How did you and Donnie meet, and what do you love most about him? AF:My husband Donnie devotes himself to working hard and providing for his family in every way. He is a supervisor at Baxter, Auburn Opelika Parents I November 2022

Amy Finley and her husband Donnie just celebrated one year of marriage on September 4th. They have two kids, Azari (10) and Avari (2).

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

A NEW ADVENTURE IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN

Tuesday, January 31 • 7 p.m. $10 tickets and VIP packages on sale now!

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