Auburn Opelika Parents October 2019 by KeepSharing

October2019

Columns

Volume 10 Number 8

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Common Sense Media Advice for parents on discussing “sexting” with their teens.

The Expressive Child

Help them understand their emotions and express them in a healthy way.

24 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

A Page in a Book

Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Get This!

Pumpkin Decorating Made Easy Ten no-carve approaches for Halloween.

Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun

Our guide to all things “fall” in and around the community.

Gerry Paige Smith

Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

Departments On The Cover Eileen Lee lives in Auburn with her parents Songun Kim and Yonghee Lee. She is in 4th grade at Pick Elementary. Eileen likes all animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. She enjoys playing with her friends, drawing and storytelling with her own cartoon illustrations.

Bits and Pieces 10

Teacher of the Month 12

School Bits 44

Family Calendar 52

Movie Reviews 1

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Publisher’sNote As I sit and enjoy my morning cup of Joe, the cool fall air is a welcomed change to this extended heat wave here in the South. The change from oppressive humidity to crisp breezes is finally upon us and we can start getting excited about fall and all things that this season brings. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, football tailgates, bonfires and Halloween are just a few of the activities my family looks forward to each autumn. So, grab the family calendar and start planning your fall weekends with fun in mind. Are you planning a neighborhood chili cook-off and s‘mores by the bonfire? How about a day at the pumpkin patch that includes a petting zoo, corn maze and tractor rides? Don’t forget to plan ahead for the most creative costume for all the contests and trick-or-treating. Does your family enjoy all the local festivals that feature arts & crafts, cultural exhibits and yummy handmade candies? This month’s Fall Festivities Guide is bursting with all the fall events and activities our area has to offer. This year, plan to visit a pumpkin patch and find that perfect pumpkin! Just up the county road in Lafayette, Jack-o-Lantern Lane won’t disappoint! A tractor-pulled hayride leads to a field of pumpkins, a barn with farm animals to meet and bounces houses, a tiny train, and even mining for gems. Another favorite farm is Paradise Pumpkin Patch, just a short drive through the country to Eufaula. Here you will find an inflatables park, pony rides, zip line and a hayride to the patch and cotton field. Half the fun of pumpkin patches is finding that perfect pumpkin, but the best part is deciding how to custom create your own personal jack-o-lantern. There is always the tried and true carve to make a silly or scary face where candles inside light up a toothy grin. Or how about trying something different this year? In our feature article, Pumpkin Decorating Made Easy: 10 No Carve Approaches, the author gives some creative alternatives to traditional methods. Would one of your kids like to make their pumpkin sparkle? Try using glitter and gems that leave your porch with a fancy flare and sparkly glow. Or, scare the trick-or-treaters with a pumpkin creation that looks just like a creepy-crawly critter. A giant spider on his web would surely do the trick! Get your creative juices flowing and turn your perfect pumpkins into something unique this year. Mark your calendars for the annual Halloween nights. Opelika’s Annual Fall Festival & Children’s Carnival is October 30 and Auburn’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat will be October 31. Both will be a night of friendly-family fun for kids to dress up, play carnival games and gather lots of sweets. Add a new tradition this year and join Auburn’s Kreher Preserve & Nature Center as they present two nights of the Enchanted Forest, October 24-25, where the kids can meet characters in the forest, play pumpkin bowling, hear fortune telling and more! October’s cooler weather and the season’s change in color is here! From one parent to another, grab your much awaited pumpkin spice lattes and plan for lots of family fun around town. There is nothing like celebrating the beginning of fall in the South.

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Publisher Kendra Sumner Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Mark Gregston Christina Katz Sarah Lyons Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, MD Cover Photography Lauren Beesley Photography www.lbeesleyphoto.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2019 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

The “Air Traffic Controller” Phase I had a revelation the other day as my back door was endlessly opening and closing, with a constant stream of children and their friends and the dog and the dog’s friends coming in and out and in and out. Requests and updates were flying through the air: “Mom, can my friends come in?” “Mom, when is dinner?” “Mom, if we put a mattress on the ground can we jump off the carport roof?” I had a brief moment of realization and that is this: I am an air traffic controller. At this phase of parenting – with 2 kids in college, 2 seniors in high school, and 3 other high schoolers right behind them, I realized how much of my life doesn’t actually resemble traditional mothering anymore, but more and more resembles that of an air traffic controller. I have spent the last 22 years intentionally leading, loving, disciplining, teaching, and correcting all of these children, and now I feel like I spend most of my time just making sure the planes run on time, that they don’t crash into one another, and certainly that they don’t jump off the carport roof. Essentially – I am here to help them arrive safely to their destination. And I’m okay with that. It’s gratifying really. They are nearly grown and they do things like drive to high school in the morning and then go to their

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

college classes in the afternoon. They have jobs, they play baseball, they have (gasp!) friends that are girls. It is fun and busy and chaotic and feels like life is barreling down the runway at 150 knots. But back in the days of toddler tantrums, sleepless nights/weeks/months/ years, when my days were consumed with snack time and Teletubbies (which… hello. Let us all be thankful that phase is long done and over), I could never have imagined that I would arrive at this place of chaotic peace. And though I would never be so bold as to tell mothers in a hard phase to “enjoy it, because it goes by so fast,” I will say this...have perspective. The very definition of perspective is: to have a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something. So my encouragement to you, tired momma, is to summon the strength to pull back from the situation you are struggling with and see if you can view it from a different vantage point, because our perspective can so often determine our attitude. Essentially, our thoughts determine our feelings which then direct our actions. It’s a 1-2-3 step process. (1) Thoughts come into your head, (2) that activates a feeling response which then (3) dictates your actions. If you think your teenager is being defiant

because he just didn’t do what you asked – you will feel disrespected – then you will be inclined to lash out at him. But hang on, let us shift perspective. Maybe your teenager is struggling with an issue or is so consumed with the stressors of high school life and navigating social norms and academia and the lunchroom that he truly forgot what he was told to do. In this instance, we may feel compassion for him and be more apt to handle the situation with grace and a bit of empathy. So take heart, there is often more than one way to look at a particular parenting problem. By exploring and taking the time to think through some of those options, we are able to adjust our responses to more effectively meet the needs of our children. I have more to say on this, but I have to go peel children off of the roof now. Fly high fellow parenting warriors, fly high. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

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presenting our 2019-20 inaugural season

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42ft — A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels by Cirque Mechanics Wednesday, October 30

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Fright Nights at the Arboretum

Join the Donald E. Davis Arboretum and Auburn Parks and Recreation for Fright Nights at the Arboretum on select Fridays in October (4, 11 and 25) at 6 p.m.! Enjoy special screenings of your favorite 90’s scary movies! From “Scream” to “Final Destination”, it’s time to be scared like its 1999. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners to enjoy the movies. Parking is available near the entrances on three sides: along Lem Morrison and the Poultry Science parking lot, along Garden Drive and in the Arboretum parking lot off Garden Drive. The event is FREE and open to the public. scook@auburnalabama.org

Since the release of his 2004 critically acclaimed album “When I Fall in Love”, Chris Botti has become the largestselling American instrumental artist. His success has crossed over to audiences usually reserved for pop music and his ongoing association with PBS has led to four numberone jazz albums, as well as multiple Gold, Platinum and Grammy Awards. His latest release, “Impressions”, won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Performing worldwide and selling more than four million albums, he has found a form of creative expression that begins in jazz and expands beyond the limits of any single genre. October 18. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Halloween Movie and Train Rides

The Great Pumpkin Splash 2019

Join Opelika Parks and Recreation on October 11 for a Halloween Movie and “Not so Spooky” Train Rides at Municipal Park, Opelika. 6-8 PM. A spooky family-friendly event featuring a kid-friendly movie and train rides around the decorated park. www.opelika-al.gov

On October 25, pick your pumpkin from the Opelika SportsPlex pool and decorate it for Halloween. Free swim to follow. Ages 6-12 years. Cost is $4.00 per person. Pre-registration is required by October 22. www.opelika-al.gov

Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour

Halloween Enchanted Forest

Two nights, October 17-18, 7:00-9:00 PM, to come meet some of Auburn’s founders and prestigious inhabitants as they come to life at Auburn’s oldest cemetery, Pine Hill, dating back to 1837. Learn about Auburn’s early history in a walking tour through the cemetery, illuminated with 1500 candles. Parking will be available at East Samford School and transportation to cemetery will be provided via trolley. Golf carts are also available for the tour. Tickets are $10.00 at the gate. It’s a great way to learn about Auburn’s early history and have some fun! www.auburnheritageassoc.org/annual-events Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

Chris Botti On Stage at The Gogue Performing Arts Center

Experience the trails of the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center like you’ve never seen them before, enchanted with forest creatures who are ready to tell you about their life in the Kreher woods. Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowling, a campfire, fortune telling, and face painting will be available! S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase. October 24-25. Tickets are $7/person when pre-purchased on our website; $10/person when purchased at the door; children 2 and under are free. Rain dates for this event are November 7 & 8. www.auburn.edu/preserve 6

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Auburn and Opelika Celebrate Halloween

October 29: Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival at the Opelika Sportsplex. 5:30-8:30 PM. Children 12 and under are invited to wear their costume and bring a treat bag. Hayride, games, prizes, inflatables, rides, entertainment and more. A safe alternative to trick-or-treating. www.opelika-al.gov October 31: Annual Downtown Auburn Trick-or-Treat. 6-8 PM. Celebrate Halloween in downtown Auburn this year! Children wear your costumes and trick-or-treat the Auburn shops. Music, contests and more! www.downtownauburnonline.com

2019 Pioneer Day at Loachapoka

Pioneer Day (formerly known as the Syrup Sopping & Historical Fair) will be held on Saturday, October 19, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Loachapoka (just 5 miles west of Auburn). The 9-hour festival features weaving and clothmaking demonstrations, mules grinding cane, syrup being made, musical entertainment, Native American dancing, bread making, soap making, numerous old-time crafts and unique vendors, children’s activities, and more! The famous sweet potato biscuits are made on-site for your enjoyment as well as camp stew, beans, collards, BBQ, and more. Admission is free to all. For more information, visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.orgor call 334.887.3007.

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Fall Sundown Concert Series

Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. Inflatables will be available for children, and food vendors will be on site. Pets (on leashes) are welcome, as well. This event will be nice a way to get your Auburn Football Game weekend started! FREE to the Public. October 3, 10, 17 and 24 at Kiesel Park, Auburn, from 6-7:30 PM. Jyjones@auburnalabama.or

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Flu Vaccine Recommendations The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children ages 6 months and older are vaccinated for influenza for the 2019-2020 season, preferably by the end of October, with either the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine. The AAP expresses no preference for the shot or the nasal spray vaccine this season, in accordance with guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “The best way to keep children healthy and in school is to get the flu vaccine by the end of October,” said Flor Munoz, MD, FAAP, member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases. “The flu virus is unpredictable, spreads easily and can cause serious illness, so we urge vaccination in children and adolescents to protect them, their family and community, as well.” The annual flu vaccine significantly reduces a child’s risk of severe influenza and death, especially in children younger than 5 years old and those with underlying medical conditions. As of August 10, the United States CDC reported 129 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2018-2019 season. During the 2017-18 season, the CDC estimated that 80 percent of the 186 children who died from flu-associated complications had not been vaccinated against influenza. This year, all influenza vaccines will be quadrivalent vaccines, to protect against the

four strains of the influenza virus expected to circulate this season, including two A and two B strains. All licensed vaccines contain the same influenza viruses. The quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV4) is available for intramuscular injection for everyone 6 months of age and older, including healthy persons and those with high-risk conditions; the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) is a nasal spray mist that is also appropriate for healthy children 2 years of age and older. The AAP also recommends: • Any licensed vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be used to protect children and adolescents against influenza. The AAP does not have a preference for one vaccine over another. • Influenza vaccines are not licensed for infants younger than six months, and so to protect them it is important that the people around them are vaccinated and that mothers receive the influenza vaccine during pregnancy. • Children age 9 and older need only one dose of influenza vaccine. • Children 6 months through 8 years old may need two doses, depending on their vaccination history. Two doses are needed for children receiving influenza vaccine for the first time and for any child who has not received two doses of vaccine prior to July 1st, 2019 (even if given in different seasons). The interval between the two doses should be at least four

weeks. Start vaccinating these children as soon as it becomes available in order to finish both doses by the end of October. • The dose of the inactivated vaccines for children 6 through 35 months of age may vary depending on the vaccine product. Any licensed, age appropriate influenza vaccine and dose can be used in this age group, with no preference. • Children with egg allergy can receive influenza vaccine without any additional precautions from those for any vaccine. • Pregnant women may receive the inactivated flu vaccine at any time during pregnancy to protect themselves and their infant. Postpartum women who were not vaccinated during pregnancy are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine before discharge from the hospital. Receiving the vaccine while breastfeeding is safe for mothers and their infants. • Antiviral medications are important in the treatment and control of influenza, but they are not a substitute for vaccination. Dr. Katie Wolter is board certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the American Medical Association. She is passionate about breastfeeding medicine and is currently working on becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is also a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Wolter is married to her husband, Jeremy, and has six sons.

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HALLOWEEN MOVIE + EERIE EXPRESS Friday, October 11 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. • Monkey Park • Free and open to the public A spooky family friendly night. Watch “Casper the Friendly Ghost” and ride the train around the decorated park. FRIGHT NIGHT AT THE VILLA Saturday, October 12 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Spring Villa Park • Free and open to the public Bring your blanket and lawn chair to watch “Us”. Adults only. Viewer discretion is advised. HALLOWEEN DROP-IN Thursday, October 24 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. • Covington Rec • 3rd-5th grade • $5 per person A special occasion drop-in to get excited about the drop-in season. Featuring a haunted house, food and games. TOUR DE FRIGHT Friday, October 25 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. • Opelika SportsPlex • Free and open to the public Bicyclers beware! Parents and children are invited to take a ride on the haunted walking trail behind the Plex. GREAT PUMPKIN SPLASH Friday, October 25 • 6:00-8:00 p.m. • Opelika SportsPlex • Ages 6-12 • $4/person, register by 10/22 Pick your pumpkin from the pool and decorate it for Halloween. Free swim to follow. FALL FESTIVAL AND CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL Tuesday, October 29 • 5:30-8:30 p.m. • Opelika SportsPlex • Children 12 and younger A safe alternative to trick or treating. Children wear costumes and bring treat bags. Hayride, games, inﬂatables and entertainment. Free admission. Tickets/wristbands for games will be sold in advance and at the gate. WWW.OPELIKAPARKS.COM • @OPELIKAPARKS • (334)9 705-5560

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Hollie Blakely

Ogletree Elementary School, Auburn

like my own elementary teachers, who were sort of like super heroes to me, especially at such a turbulent time in my young life. As I grew older, many people told me they thought I’d be a wonderful teacher, since I was especially good with children and seemed to enjoy them. After a while, I began to believe their affirmations, so I never really considered another profession. I am a first-generation college graduate, and I am a strong believer in the importance of education, regardless of your chosen path in life. It is something that can never be lost or taken from you. As a teacher, I aspire to help my students understand that learning is a life-long process--- that it doesn’t end with a diploma or a degree. It isn’t limited to the walls of a classroom or the pages of books. I also want them to see that learning can be incredibly fun, but it most often requires hard work or challenges. In our classroom, if it’s worth learning, it’s worth celebrating!

What an honor it is to have been selected and recognized as a Teacher of the Month by Auburn-Opelika Parents! This is my 25th year as a public school educator, but only my fourth in the state of Alabama and in Auburn City Schools. Most of my career has been in public schools just over the state line in LaGrange, Georgia. This year I am teaching third grade at Ogletree Elementary, which is truly a special place to call home. My students and their parents, as well as the entire Ogletree staff, have been such pleasures to partner with in this incredibly important responsibility of “growing” children. Having so many people consistently pouring into me and trusting me is incredibly empowering, and I’m filled with gratitude. I have actually a been a “teacher” for as long as I can remember. My first classroom was set up in one of my grandmother’s back bedrooms, with a perfect little teacher desk made from her old piano stool. I wanted to be exactly

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn HS Tiny House Nearing Completion

Yarbrough Students Celebrate Summer Reading

We love to celebrate READING with lots and lots of WATER! Thank you, Auburn Fire Department, for putting huge smiles on the faces of our Knights who completed their summer reading card.

The Tiny House at Auburn High School is nearing completion with the recent donation of faucets and fixtures coming in! The Ribbon Cutting for the Tiny House will be held on Tuesday, October 29 at 4:30 PM on campus (1701 East Samford Avenue).

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Team Reveal Day at Pick Elementary

Our Pick Leaders who are new to our school family found out which team they would be on during Pick Team Reveal! So much school spirit! So much enthusiasm! So.Much.Fun! P-R-I-D-E - I’ve got PICK PRIDE in me!

OHS Pep Rally at Courthouse Square

Spirit Day at Cary Woods Elementary

What a great crowd at Courthouse Square cheering on the Opelika Bulldogs! Thanks to Opelika Main Street for hosting the community pep rally! GO DAWGS!

Our first Spirit Day was AWESOME! We welcomed Auburn High School band members, cheerleaders and football players to share with the student the importance of our Explorer Expectations. Our special guests, Mr. Hann and “Elvis” Anderson performed an original song, “The Cary Woods Boogie”, written by our Mr. Hann. What a great day! Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

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Water Fun at Creekside Elementary

Ogletree Elementary Character Students of the Month

It was a fun afternoon at Creekside ES celebrating completed summer reading and math logs!

ts t, hts Our Character Students of the Month! We have so many wonderful students, and are excited to get to celebrate these great kiddos for demonstrating The Big 3.

AHS Football Season is Here!

The Auburn High School Tigers kicked off against WilcoxCentral at home in Duck Samford August 23! Students from Richland, Creekside and Yarbrough Elementary Schools were the honored guests of the evening. Players, Cheerleaders and Coaches visited all three campusesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; carpool lines to open car doors and get the students excited about coming to the game!

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Autauga County Schools

Book Tasting at Creekside Elementary

Pick Elementary Book Tasting

Bon appétite! Several third grade classes participated in a book tasting at Creekside Elementary. Students “tasted” and explored different genres, identified characteristics of each, and explored titles that sparked their interest.

Pick Leaders are learning how to find that “Just Right” book through Book Tasting. It’s fun to try different genres of books!

Adventures in Art

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The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center hosted Adventures in Art: Sharing Our Stories. Auburn City Schools 5th grade students were led in dance by Nathifa Dance Company out of Birmingham. They also participated in a visual arts workshop where students created their own story with quilt squares, inspired by Alabama quilter, Nora Ezell. Students also viewed a special exhibit created by Studio 222. Every year, Adventures in Art seeks to provide Auburn students with creative experiences in the arts through exploration and hands-on activities.

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Chambers Academy Senior is Guest Attendee at Rotary Club

Chambers Academy Headmaster David Owen had a special guest at the weekly meeting of the LaFayette Rotary Club. Senior Braxton Allen was a welcome guest attendee fresh off his big contributions in the Rebels season opening win over Lee Scott. The senior running back rushed for 162 yards on 19 carries with two touchdown runs of 39 and 36 yards in CA’s 36-7 victory over the Warriors from LSA. He is the son of Clint and Jennifer Allen of LaFayette. Braxton has attended CA since his early pre-school days began in the K-4 program. He has shined on both the football and baseball teams as a student-athlete. Braxton is a BETA Club member at CA having carried a 3.67 overall GPA or 92.6 numeric average while taking advanced diploma classes. He also served as CA’s representative for the HOBY Leadership Conference. Additionally, he also participates in the school’s theatre program having played a major part in last spring’s school play, “Hilarious Trojan War”. Allen plans to further his studies in the field of industrial electricity after he graduates in May. Pictured are CA Headmaster, David Owen and Senior, Braxton Allen.

Kindergartners Create Morning Routines at St. Michael

Allen Orthodontics is pleased to be moving to Moores Mill in Spring 2019. is move will improve our patient experience by accommodating our expanding orthodontic services and technology, greatly increasing space for treatment and allowing easy parking and access to our oﬃce for all of our patients. Allen Orthodontics is thrilled to be joining a great mix of signature businesses that will be steps away from our new location.

The kindergartners in Mrs. Brown's class at St. Michael Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten are getting into their morning routine. As the leaders at our school they set a great example for the younger students!

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Autauga County Schools

Chambers Academy Hosts Ice Cream Social as Incentive to Read!

Chambers Academy hosted an ice cream incentive party for their Accelerated Reader initiative in August. CA students in grades K-5 – 6th grade were treated to a homemade ice cream social to inspire them to read using their Renaissance Place program. A CA parent, Michelle Bonds as well as a grandparent, Mrs. Diane Lee helped to host the event for the children. Pictured are just some of the ninety-eight children that enjoyed the homemade ice cream. CA’s former longtime librarian, Mrs. Athelia Richardson annually promoted the Accelerated Reader program having served at the school for the last 44 years until her recent passing in June. The late Mrs. Richardson’s dedication to promoting reading with the children at Chambers Academy will continue as

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part of her legacy. The Renaissance Place program assesses a student’s reading level using the STAR Test as a standardized assessment. CA uses the AR program to help encourage children to manage their reading level as well as to promote reading comprehension.

Lee-Scott Academy Mouse Masters!

First graders spent time on the laptops this week in tech class learning how to use a mouse to move the pointer, how to click to choose an item, and how to click and drag objects. They were mouse masters!

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Korean Cultural Experience for Richland ES Students

Richland Elementary welcomed members of the Auburn Korea Center-King Sejong Institute, out of the Office of International Programs at Auburn University, for a lesson in Korean music. During this special demonstration our students learned the art of the Korean traditional string instrument called the Janggu, which is actually very similar to a drum. This opportunity provided our students an avenue to connect with Auburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing Korean and AmericanKorean population. FUN FACT: With a rich history, the earliest depictions of this instrument date all the way back to 57 BC!

Auburn Junior HS Student Named Top 300 Master

Naeim Mahjouri, currently a 9th grader at Auburn Junior High, has been named one of the Top 300 Masters in the 2019 Broadcom MASTERS for his 8th Grade Science Fair Project: Eddy Current Braking System. Naeim submitted AJHS's Sarah Sharman as the teacher that inspired and assisted him with their science fair project and the next step in this process takes place on September 18, when 30 finalists will be selected from the Top 300 MASTERS. Congrats Naiem!

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AHS Student Involvement

Autauga County Schools Pick Elementary Team Point Winners

Auburn High's very own Eric Wang and Luker Davidson attended the Student Advisory Committee meeting of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission in Montgomery.

Congratulations to team Sharpen the Saw for being our first Team Point Winner for August! Balance is best! And a little cold treat on a hot afternoon is good too!

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Opelika Middle School Quiz Bowl Team Wins National Championship!

Congratulations to the Opelika Middle School Quiz Bowl Team on winning the National Championship in Orlando! Great job Tyler, Marley, Zavier, Taylor, Henry, and Coach Harris! We are so proud of you!

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Dr. Keri Miller Most major insurance accepted including BCBS and Southland. 742 N. Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 321-0780 www.gatorgrins.com Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

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National Youth Alliance Speaker Visits Chambers Academy

On Thursday, August 29, the students at Chambers Academy were treated to hear a motivational presentation made by Reggie Dabbs. Dabbs is a native of Tennessee where he went on to play football for the University of Tennessee. In 1987, he began sharing his story to inspire teens and middle school students across America. Today, he speaks to 1.5 million students annually while making his home in Fort Myers, Florida. Dabbs represents the National Youth Alliance that was involved in bringing him to speak at Chambers Academy. Just on Thursday alone, he presented five programs to students at four area high schools. Reggie has made it his mission to uplift teens across America since he first started in 1987. He is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people today and strives to empower them with the ability to make positive choices. Dabbs was born to an unwed teen that gave him up for adoption to her high school English teacher. The Dabbs family adopted Reggie officially when he was in the fourth grade. He took up the saxophone in the sixth grade at the insistence of his parents perfecting his ability with it in college. Reggie engaged students with humor and musical talent in encouraging them to make the right choices in regard to dating relationships, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and even suicide. With his past, Reggie drives home the point that “You can never change your past, but you can change your future!” His message is one of hope for today’s teens facing the pressures of making difficult choices. The 4gh-6th grade students met for one program and the 7th-12th grade students met for the second one. Pictured is Dabbs delivering his message to CA’s 7th-12th grade students.

Cary Woods / Pick Night at Duck Samford

Our Auburn High Tigers won and we had so much fun at Cary Woods and Pick night at Duck Samford Stadium!

Auburn University S E R V I N Speech G L E E C O and UNTY AND T H E S U R R O U N D I NG AREA Hearing Clinic FOR OVER 65 YEARS

The clinic provides a full range of evaluation and treatment services for clients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

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Autauga County Schools

Learning about Microscopes at Lee-Scott Academy

Students in Mrs. Bryant’s 9th grade honors Science class are completing an introduction to the microscope lab. They are viewing specimens under different magnifications and drawing in their notebooks. They are documenting what they see in their science lab manual and looking forward to developing their own project in the future.

College & Career Readiness for Chambers Academy Seniors

Chambers Academy participated with four of the five local high schools in Chambers County on Wednesday, August 28th for a county-wide College and Career Fair for local students. CA seniors from the Class of 2020 joined students from Valley High, LaFayette High, and Lanett High for the event hosted at the City of Valley Sportsplex. College and Business recruiters promoted their schools and opportunities to local seniors. This was the second event this week for CA seniors participating in their college search activity. CA also participated in the Lee County College & Career Fair on Tuesday night, August 27th at Opelika High School. The experience provided seniors with opportunities to converse and gain insight from admissions recruiters across the southeast. Students gathered information about various application processes, housing requirements, tuition costs and more from this experience. CA seniors visited with a wide range of schools represented including The University of Alabama, Auburn University, Mississippi State University, Point University, Faulkner University, Alabama A&M, Huntingdon College, The University of South Alabama, LaGrange College, Columbus State University, The University of West Alabama, and Southern Union State Community College to name a few. The college preparatory programming for CA seniors was coordinated by the school’s counselor, Ms. Emily Milford. This is the second event this week for CA having also participated in the Lee County College & Career Fair on Tuesday night, August 27th at Opelika High School.

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* Enroll between 10/1/19 and 11/15/19 to waive the Registration Fee of up to $50. The Registration Fee includes services such as processing, student evaluation and lesson plan development. Registration Fee waiver only valid at participating Kumon Math and Reading Centers. Most Kumon Centers are independently owned and operated. Additional fees may apply. See Center for applicable terms and conditions. © 2019 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Lee-Scott Seniors Named National Merit Scholar Semifinalists

Mary Kathryn Lamb and Jack Terry, seniors at Lee-Scott Academy, have been recognized for their outstanding achievement on the PSAT exam and have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Over 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of the program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist's academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student's earlier performance on a qualifying test. From approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. We are so proud of you, Mary Kathryn and Jack.

Mayor Visits Pick Elementary Thank you, Mayor Ron Anders, for spending time with our Pick Leaders! What a great way to start the day. It takes a village! We are so glad you are the leader of our village on the plains!

Growing Room Auburn - 334-501-2044

an es

Boys & Girls Club Meeting

The Boys & Girls Club held their Alabama Area Council Leadership Meeting at the AU Hotel and Conference Center with State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Eric Mackey, as the Keynote Speaker. Two Auburn High School students, Eliana Woods and Austin Shealey, were the emcee and entertainment for the event, respectively. We also celebrated Auburn's own Wanda Lewis as she was inducted in the Hall of Fame before retiring from her role at the Boys & Girls Club of Great Lee County where she has served more than 23 years as an advocate for youth throughout her entire career!

644 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830

Growing Room Opelika - 334-748-9020 1755 Thomason Dr, Opelika, AL 36801

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T r i n i T y

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

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

A Classical and Christian Academy 745-2464

www.tcsopelika.org

Giant Jenga at Lee-Scott Academy

Fifth graders in Ms. Holliday’s class completed a fun first math test review by playing Giant Jenga! Students worked in teams to solve place value problems and challenge each other to carefully pull blocks from the Jenga tower without letting it fall. They did awesome work and are ready for their test!

Spirit Week at Auburn HS

Monday: Students Dress Like Teachers/Teachers Like Students Tuesday: Auburn is Outta This World! Wednesday: Generation Day (pictured) Thursday: Celebrity Day Friday: White Out! Unicorns Attack!

Dean Road Students Collaborate

Kindergarten & 1st grade buddies in Mrs. Key’s and Mrs. Lett’s classes worked together to make these adorable school buses!

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Talking About “Sexting”

by a sexting scandal involving hundreds of students. In 2009, Cincinnati teen Jesse Logan committed suicide after a nude photo she’d sent to a boyfriend was circulated widely around her high school, resulting in harassment from her classmates. Fortunately, networks with large teen audiences -- MTV, for example -- are using their platforms to warn teens against the dangers of sexting. And the website ThatsNotCool.com uses teen-speak to help resist cyber peer pressure. Even the movie Eighth Grade reveals the ambivalence kids feel about the pressure to join the trend. Hopefully, these messages will get through.

Sexting among teens may not be the epidemic parents have been warned about. But despite education efforts and cautionary tales, it’s still, unfortunately, pretty common. While experts differ on statistics, a research report in the June 2019 edition of JAMA Pediatrics found that at least one in four teens receive sexually explicit texts and emails. At least one in seven teens send “sexts.” Why do they do it? To show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone, or to prove commitment. Or even as a joke. Teens’ developing interest in sex, an impulse to experiment, and apps that make sexting easy -- and acceptable -- create an environment that some teens find irresistible. Though some experts tell parents not to “freak out,” sexting is associated with sexual risks, such as using drugs and alcohol, having more sexual partners, and not using contraception. Another big risk is kids’ personal privacy. As far too many teens have found out, the recipient of these messages is in possession of a highly compromising image or message that can be easily posted on a social networking site or sent to others via email or text. In a technology world where anything can be copied, sent, posted, and seen by huge audiences, there’s no such thing as being able to control information. The intention doesn’t matter -- even if a photo was taken and sent as a token of love, for example, the technology makes it possible for everyone to see your child’s most intimate self. In the hands of teens, when revealing photos are made public, the sexter almost always ends up feeling humiliated. Furthermore, sending sexual images to minors is against the law, and some states have begun prosecuting kids for child pornography or felony obscenity. There have been some high profile cases of sexting. In 2018, a sexting scandal ensnared several Virginia middle school students. In 2015, a Colorado high school was rocked Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

Advice for parents • Don’t wait for an incident to happen to your child or your child’s friend before you talk about the consequences of sexting. Sure, talking about sex or dating with teens can be uncomfortable, but it’s better to have the talk before something happens. • Remind your kids that once an image is sent, it can never be retrieved -- and they will lose control of it. Ask teens how they would feel if their teachers, parents, or the entire school saw the picture, because that happens all the time. • Talk about pressures to send revealing photos. A study by Michigan State University found that many teens are sexually harassed online by their peers. Let teens know that you understand how they can be pushed or dared into sending something. Tell them that no matter how big the social pressure is, the potential social humiliation can be hundreds of times worse. • Teach your children that the buck stops with them. If someone sends them a photo, they should delete it immediately. It’s better to be part of the solution than the problem. • Check out Common Sense Education’s Sexting Handbook at www.commonsense.org. This resource gives families the language and support to take texting and cell phone power back into their own hands. It’s also a great resource for parents who are uncomfortable dealing directly with this issue. 24

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Does your child throw temper tantrums when things don’t go their way? Does he hit siblings when he is mad? Does she throw toys across the room when she is frustrated? Kids often don’t understand how to appropriately express strong feelings like anger, frustration, or disappointment causing them to act out. This is totally normal and the good is, parents can help kids understand their emotions, express themselves in a healthy way, and even learn to cope with their feelings.

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Teach feeling words

The biggest obstacle toddlers have when expressing their feelings is the simple fact that they do not have the words to explain what is going on. When your child has worked hard to build a tower of blocks only to have it topple down over and over again, they feel frustrated. Simply stating “You are frustrated with your blocks aren’t you? Can I help?” acknowledges your child’s feelings and give words to identify them in the future. If a sibling took their toy away and they begin to cry, acknowledge that they are sad and come up with a solution together to work it out. In the future, give your child the opportunity to express how they are feeling and listen. This will help them show their feelings through words rather than actions (like hitting or throwing a tantrum). For an older child, ask them what they are feeling and listen to the answer without criticism. If they are having trouble coming up with feelings words to express themselves, give them a couple that you feel may fit the situation. Ask if they feel there is a better way they could handle the situation and talk it out together.

Talk about feelings often

It is important to not only give your child the words to express their own feelings, but to also notice and label the feelings of others. When you arrive home to a dog that greets you at the door and a wagging tail, explain that the dog is excited to see you. If they notice someone crying talk about how they are sad and why. If your child acts out toward someone else, try to explain the feelings involved. “You were mad at your sister and so you told her you didn’t like her anymore, that hurt her feelings and now she feels sad.” Help your child to notice the cues and 27

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body language of others and guess their emotions. You can also play a game where you make faces at each other. First make a happy face, then a mad face, then a sad face. As you read books try to guess the feelings of the characters. Parents can also find many books and videos about feelings at their local library

SHE ONCE BUILT A FORT SO LARGE, THAT IT UTILIZED EVERY BLANKET, TOWEL, AND CHAIR IN THE WHOLE HOUSE.

Model appropriate expression

It’s okay for kids to know that parents have feelings of sadness, excitement, frustration, and anger just like they do. During these emotional moments, we can model a positive way of dealing with our feelings to our kids. When a parent gets mad, they have the opportunity to yell or get physical or they can calmly say they need to take a walk and excuse themself until they can cool down. When we are frustrated with a task let kids know what you are feeling and that you have decided to take a break or ask for help. Feelings of sadness are normal and we can show kids it’s okay to feel down once in awhile. Spending time with people we care about, exercising, or doing something we enjoy is a great way to lift a mood.

Teach appropriate ways to deal with emotions

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Once kids can express how they feel with words, we can help them come up with appropriate ways to express their feelings. For some kids this may be simply talking about it. For others they may need extra snuggles or hugs. For another child, having time to be alone to sort out their thoughts and feelings or cool down gives them time they need to process their emotions so they can discuss them. When my daughter gets mad she finds it helpful to go to her room, shut the door and turn up the music. I often hear her singing as she looks at books, plays or even cleans. When she joins us again she is calmer, happier, and able to talk and interact with others calmly. My son prefers to take a walk when he is upset. The exercise and fresh air helps him settle down. Depending on the child, their current emotion, and the situation the coping skills may look very different. As kids begin to learn to express their feelings using words and appropriate coping skills, it is important to give them positive feedback. This will help encourage them to continue to express themselves as they mature. AOP

Sarah Lyons is a Midwestern mom of six kids, including three year old triplets.

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1.800.243.5463 What is SHIP? SHIP is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Through SHIP, certified counselors and volunteers are available to help you make informed choices about health benefits. Counselors and volunteers are not affiliated with any insurance company and will not attempt to sell insurance. SHIP Can Help You: n Understand your Medicare n Determine which Part D Plan best fits your needs n Enroll in a plan of your choice n File a Medicare claim or appeal n Answer questions about your health insurance

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A Page in a Book It’s Just Your (Awesome) Imagination Loosely associated with fantasy or the unreal, imagination doesn’t get the credit it deserves as a very real driver of children’s social, emotional and cognitive development. Nurturing a child’s natural inclination to ponder the fantastic or impossible can foster their confidence when it comes to problem-solving, creativity and challenging tasks. Presented with the bold imaginings of kids, caregivers are gifted with ideal opportunities to join and follow conversations filled with the potential for expanded thinking. The following titles offer great prompts for read-aloud partners to ponder and celebrate the power of imagination, together.

Imagine That: A Hoot and Olive Story

By Jonathan D. Voss (Henry Holt / Macmillan) Stuck inside on a rainy day, Olive sees the perfect opportunity to go on a pretend adventure with Hoot. But, Olive’s special friend seems to have lost his imagination. Hoot’s not even sure he even had one to begin with. Undeterred, Olive takes Hoot through the house offering her own grand imaginative prompts for potential play scenarios, but he struggles to see what she does. Together, they try starting over with the smallest of imagining. And what blossoms from the seeds of their shared vision is splendid indeed. Voss’s filmy watercolor illustrations are the perfect medium for exploring the soft edges of imaginary play, where the borders blur between reality and recreational thinking. Perfect for jump-starting epic journeys of wonder, Imagine That is a sweet testament to those who share their imaginative gifts with others.

By Nancy Tillman (Feiwal and Friends / Macmillan) Awakening to the glory of a wishing tree, a child exclaims “I wish!”, launching a full day’s romp through a broad vista of imaginative experiences. As the child flies above fields and oceans, lunches with bears and plays with penguins, their parent observes their journey, quietly celebrating each new twist of adventure. Every wish comes alive in brilliant hues throughout the day until the vibrant colors begin to dim toward dusk. As they are gently guided back towards their bed, the child sleepily asks the parent what they had wished for. The answer reveals the power of parents to truly foster a child’s imagination. In this exquisitely illustrated title, Nancy Tillman creates a beautiful ode to the youngest imagineers and those who lovingly support their unfettered romps through the lands of what might be.

Imagine

By Erik Johansson (WeldonOwen) Many adult readers have distinctive memories of an unusual illustration or artwork in a book from their youth, a book that may have fallen outside the realm of typical kids literature. It might have been an encyclopedia, an art book, or other odd title that nonetheless housed images that stuck in our minds over the years. Erik Johansson’s photography collected in Imagine is a complete smorgasbord of unforgettable photography that guides imagination through unexpected channels. Power lines that stretch across a field before snaking up the frets of an enormous guitar, rooms and landscapes that twist and turn with Escher-like mystery, each surreal image prompts a mental exploration of imaginary possibility. Filled with wonder, Imagine offers a new generation pictures that will linger in their memory as visual prompts to keep asking, “What if?” Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Transfer My Credit Card Debt? Q. I’ve got about $3,000 in credit card debt. Would it be a good idea to transfer the balance from my credit card to another one that has a much lower interest rate?

A. A lower interest rate will help you save a little money in the short-term, but the drawback is it can also make you feel like you’ve addressed your problem with debt when you really haven’t. You’ve got to change the behavior and the mindset that put you in that situation in the first place. I discovered long ago that personal finance is only about 20 percent head knowledge and 80 percent behavior. Emotion is a key element to getting out of debt and staying out of debt. You’ve got to get really mad at debt, the impact it has on your financial life, and attack it with a vengeance. Think about how many times debt has been a negative influence on your life. My guess

is there were many occasions in the past when you could have done great stuff—I’m talking about meaningful, important things— if you hadn’t had to send a bunch of money to those bozos at the credit card company every month. How about this? First, cut up your credit card and close the account. Then, sell some stuff and take a part-time job nights or weekends for just a little while. You could wipe out all your debt in less than a year by doing that and starting to live on a strict, written, monthly budget. If you don’t get mad about it and take a stand against debt, and become determined you’re never going to fall into that trap again, you’re liable to find yourself back in the same situation or worse!

Micro Investing Apps? Q. What is your opinion on micro investing apps like Acorns and Betterment? Are these

good vehicles for building wealth in the long term, and are there any major drawbacks to these types of services?

A. I’m not saying there’s anything really

wrong with Acorns or Betterment, but they do different things. Acorns is more of an invest pennies, round-up kind of program, where Betterment is kind of a robo-investing deal. Here’s the thing. Micro investing is going to create micro wealth. And the big downside is you’re going to feel like you did something important. The way you end up with money is by investing money. The way you end up with more money is by investing more money. You can argue all you want that using things like these create extra money. Yeah, but not really. The returns are still micro. An app doesn’t make two dollars turn into twenty dollars. It’s okay to use apps like that. I’m not mad at them, and I don’t think they’re a rip-off or anything like that. What worries me about these kinds of things, in an investing sense, is they give the illusion that you’ve done something significant with your money.

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Maybe you grew up carving Jack-o-lanterns and you want your kids to follow in your footsteps. Who could blame you? Carving pumpkins is a gooey-messy-blast for the whole family. For many of us, it’s a time-honored tradition. But exploring other options isn’t about turning pumpkin-carving into a Pinterest-perfect art form it’s about having fun decorating in a variety of ways. Why not try mixing things up this year? Select pumpkin color and size according to taste and embellish away! You’ll be amazed at how many looks a simple pumpkin can pull off. For best results, choose a pumpkin with a smooth, unblemished surface. Wash your pumpkin gently with mild soap and water and allow it to dry overnight before you begin decorating. Most of these looks work best for medium-sized to smallish pumpkins.

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1. Polk-a-dots Galore. Give very young children a pumpkin and a pile of sticky felt circles. Show them how to adhere them to their pumpkin, and they will be happily entertained for quite some time. Polk-a-dots are the simplest approach for the youngest in your clan, but you can also create a more traditional look using black felt shapes on an orange pumpkin.

2. The Glittering Globe. Coat pumpkin in a layer of Mod Podge or white glue, then sprinkle entire pumpkin with glitter. Or mix a few glitters in advance for a multi-color look. If you want to do a variety of colors, coat only a portion of the pumpkin, then sprinkle glitter over just that portion. Catch extra glitter on newspaper and pour it back into container. Let sections dry between applications of new colors for best results.

3. The Painted Lady. If you want your painted pumpkin to last, coat it with a layer of varnish or sealer first in a well-ventilated area. Flip pumpkin over onto a bowl or jar while you paint the bottoms first. When dry, flip it over to

paint the rest. Apply a couple of coats of acrylic paint. Chalkboard paint works well on pumpkins. Apply another coat of varnish to painted pumpkins for longest-lasting results. Leave chalkboard painted pumpkins unvarnished.

When dry, coat fabric with glow-in-thedark craft paint.

6. The Doodle Work-of-art. Teens

4. The Glitter-paint Combo. If you want to mix things up a bit, follow instructions for painting your pumpkin. Then, when completely dry, apply glitter to the pumpkin stem only. Or use blue painterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tape to create designs on pumpkin. Then apply glue and glitter for added sparkle.

and up who enjoy drawing will relish the opportunity to create temporary works of art on pumpkins using Sharpie markers. Supply them with a rainbow of colors or an array of black markers in various thicknesses. Sharpie art using black and colored markers works especially well on white pumpkins. And black markers of various thicknesses look great on orange pumpkins. Varnish afterwards for a longer-lasting work of art.

5. All Wrapped Up. Turn your

7. The Drippy Look. Spread out

pumpkin into a spider web by wrapping it randomly all over with thick white twine. Then hot glue a large black spider onto the web to finish the look. For a mummified look, cut cheesecloth into long, wide strips. Fold strips to double thickness and spray with fabric stiffener. When dry, wrap strips around pumpkin, leaving top and bottom clean. Secure strips with hot glue. Hot glue googly eyes and wrap with a few more strips so eyes are peeking out. Cut away a thin mouth and dab inside with black paint.

newspaper or brown bags to catch any excess. Unwrap crayons in assorted colors. You can either do a spectrum of colors or mix things up. Consider autumn colors on an orange pumpkin or ghoulish colors on a white pumpkin. Glue down crayons (just the top half) with points facing out and tipped slightly down around the pumpkin stem with a thick white nonflammable glue. Let dry. Set hair dryer to high and work your way around the crayons one at a time until they are melted to your satisfaction.

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stem, work your way down the sides of the pumpkin with gem stickers. Create an evenly spaced over-all pattern or a dripping-with-gems look. Combine gems with an adhesive letter sticker, if you like, for a monogrammed look. Leave gems off the bottom so pumpkin stands flat.

10. Stamp-a-pumpkin. If you wish

8. The Collaged Gourd. Mod Podge works well for applying paper or fabric to pumpkins. Paint the stems ahead of collaging, if you want a more polished look. Then choose tissue paper, old book pages, hand-made paper, printed paper napkins, or fabric quilting scraps for best results. Cut material into squares or

strips. When using strips, cut the ends into points so they will smooth easily. Apply a layer of Mod Podge under and over material. Smooth materials with fingers as you go. Add embellishments like ribbon on dried pumpkin as you wish.

9. Bling-kin. Paint pumpkin with two coats of paint. Then, starting at the

to change the color of your pumpkin, paint your pumpkin first, as described above. You can also paint your stem, if you like. To achieve a stamped look on your pumpkin, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to stamp directly on the surface. Instead, take white tissue paper and stamp it using archival quality ink with the image or images of your choice. Allow ink to dry thoroughly and then Mod Podge your tissue carefully to your pumpkin. Add additional collage elements to the top and bottom of the pumpkin to frame your stamp, if you like. Try using matching tissue paper or paper napkins around the top or bottom of pumpkin for a complimentary look. AOP Author, journalist and writing coach, Christina Katz enjoys the results of carving pumpkins but the messy process not-so-much. This year, she is looking forward to turning her front porch into a gallery of pumpkin art with the help of the whole family.

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Toys That Tie It All Together

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

While we keep string and rope away from toddlers for safety reasons, once kids approach the ‘dress themselves’ stage, they are usually ready to experiment with the manipulation of these versatile materials. Learning to tie knots and twist rope can be an important part of children’s development. For the little ones, experimenting with lacing, knots and weaving promotes discipline, focus and problem-solving (ability). String work also enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. In addition to being a functional part of work, craft and construction, knots and manipulated string have been used for art and design works for thousands of years. The following items explore knotting and string work in ways that are forever fun and functional!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Loopdeloom

Knot So Fast

Weaving is kind of the undiscovered hero behind so much of our everyday experience. From clothing to seatbelts, from backpacks to baskets, weaving exponentially multiplies the strength of ordinary materials. The Loopdeloom weaving kit puts this power into the hands of craftspeople, young and old. With its innovative spinning peg loom, this weaving tool is simple to set up, easy to use, and produces quick results. As the weaving methods become familiar to users, string and yarn projects can evolve from small potholders to large complex items with intriguing patterns. This versatile tool can combine with additional looms to create larger projects and it can also be used to weave recycled materials (plastic bags, t-shirt strips). The winner of multiple design awards for toys and crafting, Loopdeloom is an easy intro to the world of weaving with expanding potential for creative textile exploration.

It’s easy to get roped into the fun with the Knot So Fast game that combines dexterity and visual problem solving into a string of knotty contests. With colored ropes, rings, card base and a nifty ‘tugof-war’ scorekeeping rope, this twoplayer game is great for camping, scout meetings, or a friendly challenge between friends. The game features a variety of knots, sorted by their functions such as stopper, binding, bends, hitches, loops, and decorative knots. While the cards provide knot images only (no step-by-step instructions), players are challenged to use visual cues and experimentation to duplicate the knot before their opponent does. The cards also show interesting facts about each knot. Ideal for kids and adults who have an inclination toward sight-solving, Knot So Fast is a fast and fun introduction to the twists and turns of knot tying.

Paracord Bracelet Making Kit

String Art Kit Space Edition

A study stand-out among bracelet kits, this strong paracord kit jig is ideal for making functional arm wear that is as hardy as it is fashionable. The wooden weaving base is designed to be adjustable to desired length, to anchor the work in progress, and to hold up as young crafters expand their abilities with variable cordage and new designs. In addition to the building base, this paracord bracelet kit includes 4 bundles of paracord in different colors and styles, enough clips to complete 4 bracelets and instructions to guide them along the craft journey. Once kids pick up the skill, they can easily find additional paracord types, clips and ornaments to customize their future work. From bracelets to beyond, this kit from 3 Bees & Me is a great starting point for young crafters pondering a string of new projects!

Blending graphic design with string manipulation and knotting, String Art Kits from Craft-tastic offer young artists everything they need to tie into the string art world. Choosing from the included patterned foam canvases, kids simply push anchor pins into the outlines and the canvas is ready to string (no hefty tools needed). With detailed instructions and 40 yards of thread, string artists quickly pick up the skills of stretching and winding the colored thread across the core of the image as the pictures gain depth and shape. The Space Edition kit features templates for a rocket ship, a planet and a star, as well as everything needed to get right to work. For young artisans discovering how easy it is to create layered looks with string, similar kits from Craft-tastic featuring everything from unicorns and animals to desserts and symbols are available to keep the artwork coming!

(ThinkFun)

(Craft-tastic)

(Craft-Tastic)

(3 Bees & Me)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

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& Halloween Fun Fall Farms Jack-O-Lantern Lane at The Oaks ad on Back Cover

18151 Veterans’ Memorial Parkway LaFayette, AL 36862 Pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable park, train rides, gem mining, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, face painting, and more. Open September 30- October 31. Friday 12:00-3:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 12:00-6:00pm. Also available by reservation Monday-Friday for school, church, daycare field trips and more. 334-864-0713 www.jackolanternlane.com

Paradise Pumpkin Patch ad on page 33

910 County Road 79 Eufaula, AL 36027 Corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower and cotton fields, giant inflatable park, petting zoo, playground, cow train, hay rides, pony rides, covered wagon rides pulled by a team of mules, giant corn box and hay bale mazes, concessions, and gift shop. September 28-October 31, Saturdays 9:00am-6:00pm, Sundays 11:00am6:00pm. Special event dates and field trips available Monday-Friday. Teacher Day- September 28. All teachers with school ID are free! Free Paradise for Special Children-Septembeer 30, 8am-3pm. Free field trip for special needs children. Home School Day- October 14, 8am3pm. 334-695-2258 www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com

Backyard Orchards

6585 Hwy 431 North Eufaula, AL 36027 U-Pick It Farm with fresh fruits, veggies and pumpkins! 334-370-6490 www.backyardorchards.com

Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkin Patch

11546 Lee Road 54 Auburn, AL 36830 Saturdays in October; 10:00am-6:00pm. Open during the week for field trips. Hayrides, pick a pumpkin/cotton, corn maze, corn crib, pony rides, country store and more. Call to schedule your group, schools, daycare, or parties.

Dream Field Farms

6376 Highway 82 Fitzpatrick, AL 36029 Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, train rides, corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, corn cannon, tractor pulled hay rides, inflatables, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, farm animals and more. October. Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, train rides, corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, corn cannon, tractor pulled hay rides, inflatables, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, farm animals and more. 334-534-6976 www.dreamfieldfarms.com

Farmer in the Dell Pumpkin Patch

Lee County Road 61 Auburn, AL 36830 Located 6 miles west of Toomer’s Corner off of Hwy 14 near Loachapoka School. Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides and more. 334-750-3792 info@auburnpumpkinpatch.com www.auburnpumpkinpatch.com

Pumpkin Patch at The Farmhouse

469 Farmhouse Road Ellerslie, GA 31807 Hayrides, bonfires, s’mores, crafts, scarecrow contests, music, and more. Jump on the tractor and take a ride to pick out the perfect pumpkin for your family to carve. 706-561-3435 thefarmhouseellerslie@hotmail.com www.thefarmhousega.com

Sleepy Hollow Haunted Farm

929 Lee County Road 14 Auburn, AL 36830 Friday and Saturdays in October. The farm features a haunted house, haunted hayride and haunted maze. A free petting zoo is available nightly for family enjoyment. Tickets and additional information are available online.

334-726-1485 www.corndodgersfarm.com

334-750-2591 www.sleepyhollowauburn.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

2362 Alabama River Pkwy Millbrook, AL 36054 Weekends in October. Hayride, pumpkin patch, pick your own pesticide-free fruit and veggies. 334-332-4306 BBFpumpkinpatch@yahoo.com www.barberberryfarm.com

334-321-7946 www.lazenbyfarm.com

Corn Dodgers Farm

168 Sweetwater Drive Headland, AL 36345 Corn field maze, pumpkin barn (pick your own), cow train ride, corn cannon, pony rides, corn box, sunflower path, hay rides, pipe maze, farm-sized tic-tac-toe, and more

The Pumpkin Patch at Barber Berry Farm

The Pumpkin Patch Express at Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

1919 9th Street Calera, AL 35040 October Saturday and Sunday. Train boards and departs Saturdays 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm; and Sundays 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Enjoy an autumn train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express that lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, including our time at the Pumpkin Patch. At the Pumpkin Patch, riders will deboard to enjoy a hayride, jumpstation, coloring, and temporary tattoos (all activities are included in the price of your ticket). Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee. Reservations recommended. 205-757-8383 info@hodrrm.org www.hodrrm.org

Local Events City of Auburn 18th Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat ad on page 16

425 Perry Street Auburn, AL 36830 October 31, 6:00-8:00pm. Free to the public. Ages 12 years and younger (Parents must accompany children at this event.) Bring your monsters, rock stars, princesses, and clowns to the best party in town. Join us in this excellent alternative to door-to-door trick-ortreating. Downtown “Monster Merchants” will provide treats for the children and delightful sounds from our “special” entertainment will fill the night air. Also, don’t miss out on your chance to win the “Best Costume” contest and bring your favorite four-legged friends and enter them for a chance to win the Best Pet Costume Contest! 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org

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The Great Pumpkin Splash- October 25. 6:00-8:00pm. $4. Ages 6-12yrs. Pick your pumpkin from the pool! Kids enjoy harvest relay races, pumpkin roll, prizes and more! Tour De Fright-October 25, 6:00-8:00pm. Bicyclers beware! Children 12 and under and their parents are invited to take a ride on the haunted walking trail. Halloween Movie and Not So Spooky Train Ride-October 11th, 6:00-8:00pm. Join us for a spooky family friendly night at Monkey Park. This is a free event. 334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

City of Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on page 9

1001 Andrews Road Opelika, AL 36801 Fall Festival & Children’s Carnival- W. James Samford, Jr. Soccer Complex Sportsplex. October 29, 5:30-8:30pm. Children 12 and under invited. Safe alternative to Trick or Treating. Children wear costumes and bring your treat bags. Come for hayrides, prizes, games, rides and entertainment, inflatable slides, mascots, special booths and exciting events. Fall Treats- October 10. Enjoy making and eating your favorite fall treats. 3:30-4:40pm. $15. Halloween Treat Bags-October 22. Make the perfect bag for your treats. 3:30-4:30pm. Ages: 4-12 yrs. Fee: $15. Spooky Drop-In- October 24. Special occasion for drop-in members! 6:00-8:00pm. Ages 3rd-5th grades. Fee: $5.

Freight Nights at The Arboretum

ad on page 7

Donald E. Davis Arboretum, 181 Garden Drive Auburn, Al 36830 October 4, 11 and 25. Join the Donald E. Davis Arboretum and Auburn Parks and Recreation for Fright Nights at the Arboretum on Fridays in October at 6 p.m.! On select Fridays in October, enjoy special screenings of your favorite monster movies! From Toy Story of Terror to Hocus Pocus, it’s time for the Halloween at the Arboretum! Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners to enjoy movies. Parking is available near the entrances on three sides: along Lem Morrison and the Poultry Science parking lot, along Garden Drive and in the Arboretum parking lot off Garden Drive. Patrons are encouraged to carpool or walk. The event is FREE and open to the public. 334-501-2948 wmorris@auburnalabama.org

Harvest Discovery Experience ad on page 15

R&R Landscaping, 3897 Moores Mill Rd Auburn, Al 36830 AO Discover! and R&R Landscaping present the 2019 Harvest Discovery Experience, Saturday,November 9, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. At R&R Landscaping/ Tickets: $15, Kids 12 & under: FREE. All proceeds to benefit the non-profit AO Discover! Auburn-Opelika Children’s Hands-on Science Center, opening in 2020. This festival will offer STEM, music and art activities for children, nature explorations, food trucks and drinks, photo ops, special guests and more. PLUS every ticket gives you a chance to win one of 10 PHENOMENAL PRIZE PACKAGES including a year of yard maintenance, date night packages, ladies night packages, birthday packages, gift cards to your favorite businesses, AU prizes and more! ao.discoverscience@gmail.com www.facebook. com/aodiscover/

Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center ad on page 13

2222 North College Street Auburn, AL 36830 Fall Family Fun Day- October 5, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Enjoy this fun event for the whole family at the preserve celebrating fall with some music, nature hikes, animal encounters, face painting, and craft with the art museum. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Halloween Enchanted Forest-October 24-25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm; Enjoy a fun family-friendly Halloween event hiking the Kreher Preserve trails

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Haunted Auburn Walking Tour

and visiting some costumed characters who will entertain you on how they “trick or treat” other animals in the forest. Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowling, campfire, fortune telling and face painting will be available! S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase. Registration is required.

102 South College Street Auburn, AL 36830 Every Friday and Saturday in October. Join your hosts Stoker and Poe as they lead you around to Auburns most haunted locations. Hear the tales, urban ledgens, first hand accounts and true life facts about these locations. Two tours each night first at 6pm the other at 8pm weather permitting. Dress accordingly. Fun for all (may not be suitable for children under 12). Meet at the 2 Eagles by the Toomer Oaks. Admission is FREE!!

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

Opelika SportsPlex ad on page 9

334-444-1422

Halloween Movie and Eerie Express-October 11, 6:00-8:00pm, Monkey Park. Free and open to the public. A spooky family friendly night. Watch “Casper the Friendly Ghost” and ride the train around the decorated park. Fright Night at The Villa- October 12, 6:308:30pm. Spring Villa Park. Free and open to the public. Bring your blanket and lawn chair to watch “Us”. Adults only. Viewer discretion is advised. Halloween Drop-In-October 24, 6:00-8:00pm, Covington Rec. Ages 3rd-5th grade, $5 per person. A special occasion drop-in to get excited about the drop-in season. Featuring a haunted house, food and games. Tour De Fright- October 25, 6:00-8:00pm, Opelika SportsPlex. Free and open to the public. Bicyclers beware! Parents and children are invited to take a ride on the haunted walking trail behind the Plex. Great Pumpkin Splash- October 25, 6:008:00pm, Opelika SportsPlex. Ages 6-12yrs, $4/ person, register by 10/22. Pick your pumpkin from the pool and decorate it for Halloween. Free swim to follow. www.opelika-al.gov/391/Opelika-SportsplexAquatics-Center

18th Annual Uptown Spooktacular Halloween Festival

1000 Bay Avenue Columbus, GA 31901 October 26, 2:00-4:00 pm. Woodruff Park, Uptown, Columbus, Ga. Sign up for the costume contest; First and Second place winners will be awarded in each category. Spooktacular provides a safe environment for the children of Columbus to enjoy the holiday. So wear your best costume and come to Spooktacular for a haunting night of ghosts and goblins, spooky activities, candy and lots of fun!!! 706-598-0111 www.UptownColumbusGA.com

Annual Great Pumpkin Carve

Graves Drive Auburn University, AL 36849 Auburn University School of Architecture and Design, Dudley Court, Campus. October TBA, 9:00am-9:00pm. Come out and watch the students carve amazing designs into pumpkins. As night falls, see the pumpkins turn into glowing jack-o-lanterns! Dress the kids up for a costume contest, games, and more! 334-844-4524 cadc.communications@auburn.edu cadc.auburn.edu/explore-cadc/events/view/110

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Auburn Public Library

749 East Thatch Ave Auburn, AL 36830 Posh Pumpkins-Bring your friends and family to the library on Wednesday, October 18 to decorate a pumpkin of your choosing! An array of arts and crafts supplies will be available to spark your imagination and creativity! Whatever your style, the possibilities are endless, all without using a carving knife, and you’ll have the coolest pumpkin on the block! Creepy, Crawly Bugs- October 8, 3:30 p.m. Auburn University’s Entomology Department will bring an assortment of creepy insects and crawly creatures for an educational, hands-on experience! Elementary students are invited to learn about their favorite bugs in this fun lead-up to Halloween. Creepy-Crawlies, Cackles and Creaks- October 23, 6-7 p.m. The Auburn Public Library is giving you spooky favorites perfect for Halloween with award-winning storyteller Tracy Sue Walker! Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Walker now lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains – a beautiful, green space filled to the brim with tales! She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Agnes Scott College in anthropology. She studied performance at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and writing at the Creative Circus in Atlanta. Walker is sure to scare you silly with her spooky tales! Halloween Craft and Game NIght- October 31, 5:30-7 p.m. Bring your little ones to enjoy some Halloween fun at the Auburn Public Library! Our spooky evening will include games and crafts, as well as a little mischief and candy. Appropriate for all ages. www.auburnalabama.org/library ajbrown@auburnalabama org

Bones and Boos

Donald E. Davis Arboretum, 181 Garden Drive Auburn, Al 36830 October 12-A one-day outdoor exhibit of animal

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

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Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

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skeletons throughout the Arboretum. Guests can come enjoy an up close and personal look at some of their favorite animals in a whole new way! Rhino legs, whale ribs, tigers, bears and more! Oh my! There will be a silent auction with items both big and small, live music, food trucks and more! This event is for visitors of all ages! Tickets ae $5/ person, children 12 and under get in free. Come explore the natural world with us during this oneof-a-kind experience taking place for the first time ever in Auburn, AL! Proceeds from the silent auction benefits the Davis Arboretum, AU Museum of Natural History and the Vet School’s Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. 334-844-5770 www.auburn.edu/cosam/arboretum

Oktoberfest

Ag Heritage Park, 620 South Donahue Drive Auburn, Al 36830 Alabama’s largest Oktoberfest returns to the Plains for it’s 9th year! Join us Saturday, September 21st, at the Ag Heritage Park, on the Auburn University campus for Auburn’s annual craft beer festival. Attendees will choose from more than 150 beers from local craft breweries and national brand favorites. If beer isn’t your drink of choice, selection German wines will be up for sampling as well. Food trucks will be set up offering a variety of festival fare. The popular Homebrew Alley competition will also be returning with the chance for the winning brewer to have their homemade creation served on tap throughout the fall at A·T and Piccolo 334-321-3165 www.auburnoktoberfest.com

Opeilka Public Library

200 South 6th Street Opelika, Al 36801 The Hallows- October 26. 11am-12pm. This fun and not-too-spooky event is open to all ages. Attendees will rotate through age-appropriate sta-

tions for tricks and treats. Our event will end with a spooky story time.

334-705-5380 library@opelika-al.gov www.opelika-al.gov

Arts & Crafts Festivals Annual Riverwalk Wine Festival

335 Coosa Street Montgomery, AL 36104 October 19: Includes wine tasting from 10 different distributors representing over 100 wineries. Admission is $30 per person and will include: Etched commemorative wine glass, discounted wine purchases from participating local wine shoppes, food vendors, live music, picnic baskets and coolers are welcome, and more! 334-625-2100 www.funinmontgomery.com

22nd Annual Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama: Festival and Pow Wow

630 County Road 1281 Falkville, AL 35622 September 28-29. Featuring Native American storytelling, dancing, drum/flute playing, crafts, demonstrations, food and more! 256-734-7337 www.echotacherokeetribe.homestead.com

27th Annual Alabama Cotton Festival

145 Main Street Eclectic, AL 36024 October 12. 8:00am-2:00pm. Eclectic, Al. ; Arts and crafts, flea market items, concession- booth spaces are free. 5K Cotton Run, Alabama Rook Tournament, local talent contest, children’s activities,

antique cars and tractors, performances and more. 334-541-3581 heather.townofeclectic@gmail.com www.townofeclectic.com

29th Annual Christmas Made in the South

Columbus Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue Columbus, GA 31901 October 8-10. Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertainment to whet and satisfy every demanding appetite. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearables to fabric bags, glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature’s funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more! www.madeinthesouthshows.com

31st Annual Alabama Tale Tellin’ Festival

3 Church Street Selma, AL 36701 October 10. The performers this year are Salaam Green, Sean Dietrich and MC Paul Garner, Art show, StreetFest, Ballet, Market Day, Pilgrimage and more! 334-412-8052 info@artsrevive.com www.artsrevive.com

39th Annual Oktoberfest Arts & Craft Show

Charles E. Bailey, Sportsplex, 1685 Arena Road Alexander City, AL 35010 October 12. Day-long celebration features local arts and crafts, great food, entertainment, Kid-Fest children’s activities, sports programs, antique car show and much more. A Native American Artifact show is our newest showcase. 256-329-6736 www.alexandercityonline.com

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arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more. www.christmasvillagefestival.com

Cotton Pickin’ County Fair

18830 Hwy 85 Gay, GA 30218 October -. Return to 1910 where the Farmhouse, the Cotton Gin, and the Cotton Warehouse form a unique backdrop for a great day of 21st century fun. Amidst skilled artisans and antique specialists, the Fair shares remnants of farm life in days gone by. New talent keeps the festival fresh and interesting while returning artists welcome loyal customers seeking to add to individual collections. 706-538-6814 www.cpfair.org

Eufaula Fest 2019

333 East Broad Street Eufaula, AL 36027 October 12-13. Fine arts and handmade crafts, children’s activities, live entertainment and more. 334-687-6664 www.eufaulachamber.com

Fall Farm Day & Festival

47th Annual Harvest Day Festival

Downtown, Grove St Headland, AL 36345 October 12. 9am-4pm. Arts and crafts, children’s games and rides, wonderful food and entertainment. 334-693-3303 www.headlandal.com

48th Annual National Shrimp Festival

Hwy 59 and Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542 October 10-13. Over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, a retail marketplace and of course, SHRIMP! 251-968-7200 www.myshrimpfest.com

56th Annual Bluff Park Show

517 Cloudland Drive Hoover, AL 35226 October 5. 9:00am-5:00pm. Sponsored by the Bluff Park Art Association and includes more than 130 local and national artists displaying fine art for sale. Bring the kids to enjoy some hands on art fun. Free admission, parking and shuttles bpaashowchair@gmail.com www.bluffparkartassociation.org

63rd Annual Central Alabama Fair

2401 West Dallas Avenue Selma, AL 36701 October 1-5. Fun-filled event offering a midway with rides, entertainment, beauty pageant, agricultural exhibits, livestock judging and a competition for local arts, crafts, canning, sewing, and more! 334-872-6717 www.centralalabamafair.com

65th Annual Cullman County Fair

1501 Sportsman Lake Road NW Cullman, AL 35055 October 3-12. Thrilling rides, amazing exhibits, and the best in local and regional entertainment. 256-734-0661 www.cullmanfair.org

72nd Annual Lee County Fair

2316-2358 Lafayette Pkwy Opelika, AL 36801 October . Livestock shows, contests, exhibits, pageants, rides and much more. 334-742-0410 hjsadler@charter.net

76th Annual National Peanut Festival

5622 U.S. Hwy 231 South Dothan, AL 36301 November 1-10. Headliner Granger Smith. Livestock exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

entertainment, carnival rides, sea lion show, and much more! 334-793-4323 www.nationalpeanutfestival.com

Alabama Gourd Festival

510 Fifth Street S. W. Cullman, AL 35055 October 18-19. ‘Old MacDonald’s Gourd Farm’. Annual festival features gourd arts and crafts, such as birdhouses, musical instruments and decorated gourds. Dulcimer band performs.

gourdzilla@aol.com www.alabamagourdsociety.org

Alabama National Fair

Garret Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive Montgomery, AL 36107 October 28-November 8. Midway rides, main stage entertainment, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more! 334- 356-6866 www.alnationalfair.org

Alexander City Fall Festival

Russell Crossroads, 17 Russell Farms Road Alexander City, AL 35010 October 26. Join friends and neighbors for pumpkin painting, a costume contest, wagon rides and more, courtesy of Russell Lands on Lake Martin. www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Auburn Opelika Christmas Market

Bottling Plant Event Center 614 N Railroad Ave Opelika, Al 36801 TBA in the heart of Downtown Opelika at the Bottling Plant Event Center. The Christmas Market will host a series of special events to benefit various causes in East Alabama. Interested in being a sponsor, contributing door prizes/giveaways, or becoming a merchant? Participating sponsors and merchants will be prominently featured in the August-December marketing campaign. www.aochristmasmarket.com

Boll Weevil Festival

Enterprise, AL 36330 October 14-16. Arts and crafts vendors, variety of music, food, children’s costume contest and activities, farmers market, car show, family entertainment. www.enterprisedowntown.org

Christmas Village Festival

BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North Birmingham, AL 35203 October 31- November 2. The largest indoor

430 Landmark Drive Dothan, AL 36303 October 19. Learn how peanuts were harvested in the Wiregrass a half-century ago. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of cane grinding, syrup making, butter churning, basket weaving, soap making and other traditional farm activities. Plus, food, music and antique tractors and farm equipment. 334-794-3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Fall Festival at Wind Creek State Park

4325 AL Hwy 128 Alexander City, AL 35010 October 18-20. Part of the 77th Anniversary of the State Park System, celebrates the season with pumpkin -carving, a carnival, a projected 5K Halloween Hustle through the park and so much more!

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Hummingbird Festival

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Harvest Hoe Down

400 East Main Street Hogansville, GA 30230 October 19-20. Main Street will be bustling with food, crafts, antiques, music, local artists, open storefronts, rides, and activities for the whole family. 706-333-2520 www.hummingbirdfestival.com

Montgomery Jr. League’s Holiday Market

220 Hall Street Montgomery, AL 36104 October 9-12. Start the Winter Holiday Season off right with shopping the Jr. League’s Market. Each year, holiday themed booths set up for a great, one-stop-shop for all your Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years items. holidaymarketmerchants@gmail.com www.jlmontgomery.com

Ole Chipley Town Fair

Pine Mountain, GA 31822 September 28. Join the crowd of Pine Mountain and enjoy local crafts, quilting, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, food and entertainment. Spend the day strolling down Pine Mountain’s picturesque streets or shopping in downtown Pine Mountain’s and Chipley Village’s shopping centers, each filled with unique shops and boutiques. You’ll find it all—from antiques to fine art

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Peanut Butter Festival

475 Dickert Circle Brundidge, AL 36010 October 26. A harvest and heritage celebration honoring the town’s proud heritage in the peanut butter industry. The free for all festival features a 5-K Peanut Butter Run, non-stop entertainment, contests, games, exhibits, recipe contest, Peanut Butter Kids Contest and the Nutter Butter Parade and food galore including everything peanut butter. 334-344-9601 www.piddle.org

Pioneer Day

6500 Stage Road Loachapoka, AL 36865 October 19, 7:00am-4:00pm. The same great sausage, biscuits, syrup, music, mules, arts, crafts, etc. that has been offered for the last 40 years will continue to be the same. The Plantation Heirs will sing at noon. Creek Indians demonstrations in heritage crafts and good food. Many vendors are returning along with new vendors. 334-887-3007 www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org

Pioneer Days at Pioneer Museum of Alabama

248 Highway 231 North Troy, AL 36081 October 11-12, 9:00am-5:00pm. Horse and wagon rides, trips on the Pioneer Express, Native American camps with demonstrations of candle making, spinning, weaving, quilt making, blacksmithing, drum, dance, etc. Friday is School Day. Also, October 31 is Nightmare at the Museum. 334- 566-3597 www.pioneer-museum.org

Spinners 37th Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Arts & Crafts Show

390 West 6th Street Prattville, AL 36066 October 26-27. Exhibitors of original art and crafts from throughout the southeast will display their wares. Food vendors, live entertainment, games, a coloring contest and many other activities for children and youth. Door prizes will be given at intervals during the show. Other events include The Great Pumpkin Race, a 5K/8K Race and a one mile Run/Walk, a motorcycle show, jack-o-lantern contest and more. Free admission and free parking. www.spinnersprattville.com

Stone Mountain Park

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, GA 30083 16th Annual Pumpkin Festival- September 21-November 3. Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides with attractions, fun-filled games, shows and more. Follow the life sized telling of The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin as you wind your way through Spookley’s A-MAZEING Adventure. Join Spookley the Square Pumpkin and lift his friends into the air for a Dance A-Long Party Parade that dances through Crossroads, and then meet him at Spookley’s Pumpkin Patch Meet & Greet. Country Living Fair- October 25-27. A fun, folksy and fabulous show and sale of folk art, antiques, “Made in America” crafts, art, furniture, home decor and more. Highland Games- October 19-20. This year thousands of Scots (even those that wish to be ‘Scot for the Day’) from around the world will don their family tartans and gather to greet old friends and make new ones too. Come and enjoy the Highland Athletic events, Highland Dancing, Piping and Drumming, Scottish Harping. Participate in the Scottish Country Dancing demonstrations, Kirking of the Tartans, Clan Challenge Athletic events, and the Parade of Tartans. See Clan and Tartan information tents as well as the many colorful Scottish shops. Indian Festival and Pow-Wow- November 7-10. Held at Stone Mountain Park’s historic An-

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tebellum Plantation, the event showcases Native American culture through dance, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking traditions, storytelling, wildlife presentations and more. 800-401-2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

The Greater Columbus Fair

Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street Columbus, GA 31901 October 17-27. Celebrate the beginning of autumn in the Chattahoochee Valley. Food, rides, games, pageant and more! 706-653-4472 www.columbusciviccenter.org

Church Events All Saints Fair

Lakeview Baptist Church, 1600 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 October 29- Safe, family fun alternative to trick-or-treating; everyone welcome. Games include train, gladiator joust, gyro, horse and wagon, go fish, soccer kick, ring toss, bowling, inflatables and more! Lots of games, prizes and candy! Tickets children 0-12 years old$3.00 fee includes hot dog supper, games and prizes. Or, $10.00 max per family. Individual Teen- Adult-$1.00 hot dog supper fee. Come dressed up, but please avoid ghoulish costumes. www.lakeviewbaptist.org

Cornerstone Church Trunk-or-Treat

Cornerstone Church, 2123 Hamilton Road Auburn, AL 36830 TBA Cornerstone Church Truck-or-Treat 334-887-1151 www.cornerstonebuzz.org

Parkway Baptist Church Fall Festival

766 East University Drive Auburn, AL 36830 October 30. 6:00-8:00pm. Free to the community. Come dressed in costume to play carnival games and win prizes, visit the petting zoo, and more! 334-887-3782 www.parkwayauburn.org

Costume Shopping

scary, traditional hay ride. Enjoy games, bouncy castles, concessions and much more at Zoo Boo. Gates open nightly at 6pm, and the first Haunted Hay Ride will pull out at dusk. Enjoy a vast variety of Halloween-themed games and attractions. Win prizes, candy and have a lot of fun. Great for all ages, boys and girls. Moonwalk (two moonwalks, one for the small kids and one for the older kids). Creatures of the Night Education Animal presentation (3 presentations per night). 334-240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

28th Annual Halloween Fairyland

Check-It-Out!

2534 Enterprise Drive Opelika, AL 36801 Specializing in all things party! Costumes for all ages, accessories, decorations, and more.

Tannehill State Park, 12632 Confederate Parkway McCalla, AL 35111 October 26. The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a nonscary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival tee shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal.

334-745-1568 www.partycity.com

205-477-5711 www.tannehill.org/events

Out of Town Events

34th Annual Tour of Southern Ghosts

239 North Gay Street Auburn, AL 36830

334-826-0803 www.check-it-outballoons.com

Kids Clothes Connection

804 Columbus Parkway Opelika, AL 36801 Gently used children’s costumes available www.kidsclothesconnection.com

Party City

Montgomery Zoo Boo ad on page 34

2301 Coliseum Parkway Montgomery, AL 36110 Zoo Boo- Oct 11-13, 18-20, 25-31. Montgomery Zoo. Join us for 11 nights of horror and fun at Zoo Boo. Climb aboard the thrill ride of a life time Haunted Hay Ride or mosey on over to the Pumpkin Pull for a good, ole fashioned, non-

Antebellum Plantation, Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, GA 30083 October 17-27 (Thursday-Sunday). Meet professional storytellers spinning their tales of famous (and not-so famous) Southern Ghosts along the lantern-lit paths of the Antebellum Plantation grounds- never too frightening and always appropriate for young children. Each night offers a different cast of six storytellers. 800-401-2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW! BENEFITS •

Welcome pack

•

Birthday card from Aubie

•

Free admission to volleyball, equestrian, soccer, non-conference baseball and softball, and gymnastics

•

Discounted admission to one football game

•

Early admission to Fan Day (must be signed up prior to August 9)

TO JOIN VISIT AUBURNTIGERS.COM/KIDSCLUB

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Atlanta Zoo, 800 Cherokee Avenue SE Atlanta, GA 30315 October 19-20, 26-27. 9:30am-3:00pm. It’s that time of year when Atlanta’s favorite fun family Halloween festival returns! Sample treats throughout the Zoo, and enjoy the sights, characters and adventures of the whimsical Zoo Boo Town on four magical days with more than 1,500 animals from around the world. Don’t forget your costume! Even the animals join the fun during Boo at the Zoo! Find out when your favorite Zoo residents are getting Halloween surprises. Guests can enjoy spooktacular activities: Enter costume contests, inflatable Corn Maze, Halloween games and crafts, Boogie down to Little Beat, a live party D and Take pictures with characters such as Wild Thing, Ladybug Girl, Splat the Cat, Zhu Zhu the giant panda, Cricket the frog and more! 404-624-9453 www.zooatlanta.org

Dial M for Murder

Newnan Theatre Company, 24 First Avenue Newnan, GA 30263 October 17-20, 24-27. Tony Wendice has married his wife, Margot, for her money and now plans to murder her for the same reason. He arranges the perfect murder. He blackmails a scoundrel he used to know into strangling her and arranges a brilliant alibi for himself. Unfortunately, the murderer ends up being murdered, and the planned victim survives. This doesn’t baffle the husband, though, as he sees the hit man’s death as an opportunity to have his wife convicted of the murder of the man who was trying to murder her. Luckily, a Scotland Yard detective and a young man who is in love with the wife want the truth to come out. 770-683-6282 www.newnantheatre.org

Fall Family Fun Days: The Rock Ranch

5020 Barnesville Highway The Rock, GA 30285 Open 10:00am-8:00pm weekends. guests will enjoy themed entertainment plus Train Rides, Hay Rides, a Petting Zoo, Zip Lines, Pony Rides, the Pumpkin Cannon, Tiny Town and much more! Hero Day with Superheros- October 5. Hot Air Balloon Rally- October 19. The ‘Not-So-Spooky’ Halloween Festival- October 27. Pumpkin Destruction Day- November 2. The Great Outdoor Adventure- October 12. 706-647-6374 www.therockranch.com

Haunting on the Harriott II in Montgomery

Riverwalk, 200 Coosa St Montgomery, AL 36104 October 26. Boarding at 8:00pm, Cruises time 8:3010:30pm. Tickets $30/Adult, Ages 21 and over only. Live entertainment, Cash Bar, Costume Contest with prizes and more! 334-625-2100 www.funinmontgomery.com

Judgement Journey

Faith Baptist Church, 552 Hammett Road LaGrange, GA 30241 October 5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 and November 1-2-. A ministry of Faith Baptist Church, Judgement Journey was started in 1997 as a method of presenting the events of the end of the world, as the Bible describes them. The vision was to present various ‘scenes’ where each person could experience a multi-sensory presentation of how the Bible describes what is yet to come. The event is held each year on the church campus on a ‘trail’ that meanders around the property. 706-845-0000 www.judgementjourney.com

Pope’s Haunted Farm

450 Lee Road 424 Salem, AL 36874 October weekends. Zombie Paintball Safari. Pope’s Haunted Farm has three different events to experience and scare you. The Haunted Barn: Taken, the Haunted Hayride that many have claimed to see the infamous evil specter Jasper, and lastly you can experience the Haunted Forest that’s an unguided tour that includes a graveyard deep in the woods. 706-566-7766 www.popeshayride.com

Tavern Fest

Old Cahawba, Old Live Oak Cemetery, 110 W Dallas Ave Selma, AL 36701 Landmarks Foundation’s annual Fall fundraiser, Tavern Fest has become a popular downtown event that many look forward to each year. Featuring craft beer, live music, food, a silent auction, and more. 334-872-8058 www.selmaalabama.com

Tomb of the Risen Dead & Destiny Express

DeSoto Caverns Park, 5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway Childersburg, AL 35044 October 4-26 (Friday and Saturday). Enjoy our festival area which features new live entertainment each weekend ranging from fire dancing to acrobatics to comedic juggling and more! Experience our three thrilling attractions, fun for all ages, including our newest attraction, the Destiny Express as it’s given a spooktacular twist. We also are introducing our Park Fun Attractions this fall for an evening experience with a choice of 6 park attractions specially open for this event. Fall into fun with our family-friendly movies showing under the stars, s’mores for roasting, pumpkin decorating, village entertainment, & more! 256-378-7252 www.DesotoCarvernsPark.com AOP

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FamilyCalendar Tuesday, September 24 Renee Fleming at the Gogue Performing Arts Center Auburn. Grammy Award winner Renée Fleming is a world-renowned touring soprano who has performed for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth II. She has recorded everything from opera to indie rock, jazz and the soundtrack of “The Lord of the Rings.” www.gogeecenter.auburn.edu 2nd Annual Oysterfest Red Clay Brewing Company, Opelika. 6:30 PM. Guests can enjoy Red Clay specialty beers while feasting on Gulf oysters. Tickets prices range from $20-$40. Featuring live music and entertainment, guests are invited to sip on Red Clay’s Kolsch 53.

Thursday, September 26 AHS Homecoming Parade & Roar On the Corner Downtown Auburn. 5 PM. Join the downtown merchants and Auburn High for the 2019 AHS Homecoming Parade and pep rally. The parade will feature the AHS marching band, cheerleaders, football team, homecoming court and school organizations. www.downtownauburnonline. com

Friday, September 27 An Evening with Sutton Foster at The Gogue Performing Arts Center Tony Award-winning actress, singer and dancer Sutton Foster will perform her tour de force cabaret show “An Evening with Sutton Foster.” Foster currently stars as Liza on the critically-acclaimed TV Land series “Younger” and played the role of Michelle Simms on “Bunheads.” www.goguecenter.auburn.edu AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles Show 4:30-5:30 PM. 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. Admission is $5/ person - children 3 and under are free. The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center.

Saturday, September 28 CSO: Henry Kramer Plays Rachmaninoff RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Internationally renowned pianist Henry Kramer joins the CSO in a performance of Rachmaninoff’s third piano concerto. A symphony by Brahms and a stunning rhapsody by Vaughan Williams complete the program. www.rivercenter.org Young Eagles Day Also Oct. 26. Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 AM (weather permitting). All kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a Free airplane ride over Columbus! Most flights last 20 minutes. The goal is to provide a fun and educational aviation experience. 706-324-2453. Michael’s Kids Club: Clay Pot Scarecrow 10 AM. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Saturdays, they craft, you shop! Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. Kids 3 and up.

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

Harlem Wizards Basketball Columbus State University. 6-9 PM. Join us at CSU’s Lumpkin Center as we enjoy the amazing basketball talent and comedy of the Harlem Wizards. It is two hours of family fun where parents, grandparents, and kids can all laugh together. Fans will experience a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction. www.harlemwizards.com. Salamander Meander F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain. 10 AM. Join the ranger for an investigative stream lab to discover salamanders and other cold-stream inhabitants. We provide dip nets and catch pans. Wear tennis shoes you can get wet. All ages welcome. Pay correct change at the site. Park at the Liberty Bell Pool on Hwy 354. $3 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858. www.gastateparks.org/ FDRoosevelt

Sunday, September 29 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at The Gogue Performing Arts Center Taking contemporary popular hits and reframing them in vintage musical genres, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox’s live show is full of dancing, pageantry and can include anything from a 1920s brass band cover of Aerosmith to a hot jazz reworking of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” to a 50s-style interpretation of the 1980s Toto hit “Africa.” www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Tuesday, October 1 Kids in the Kitchen Covington Rec Center. 3:30 PM.. Hands-on fun making delicious child-proof foods. Ages 4-7; $15 ($17 NonResident). pdriver@opelika-al.gov

Thursday, October 3 Diavolo: Architecture in Motion at The Gogue Performing Arts Center The dancers of DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion combine elements of contemporary dance with martial arts, acrobatics, gymnastics and hip-hop while interacting with the elaborate, unique set pieces designed by creative director Jacques Heim. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Friday, October 4 Miss Alabama USA Pageant Also Oct. 5. The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University is the 2019 home of the Miss Alabama USA and Miss Alabama Teen USA Pageants! www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Fright Nights at The Arboretum Also Oct. 11, 25. 6 PM. Join the Donald E. Davis Arboretum and Auburn Parks and Recreation for Fright Nights at the Arboretum on select Fridays in October. Enjoy special screenings of your favorite 90’s scary movies! Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners to enjoy movies. Parking is available near the entrances on three sides: along Lem Morrison and the Poultry Science parking lot, along Garden Drive and in the Arboretum parking lot off Garden Drive. Patrons are encouraged to carpool or walk. Opening of “Out of the Box: A Juried Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition” Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Ten to 15 outdoor sculptures will be on view of the grounds of The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University and The Jay and Susie Gouge Performing

Arts Center at Auburn University. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Saturday, October 5 Fall Family Fun Day Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 10 AM-2 PM. The KPNC teams up with the City of Auburn’s Parks & Recreation Department to bring you this fun event for the whole family! Come celebrate the fall with music, nature hikes, animal encounters, face painting, and crafts, presented by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Entry is a $1 donation to the KPNC for adults and youth – children 3 and under are free. www.auburn.edu/preserve Wind Creek Bass Trail Fishing Tournament Get Hooked with the first stop of the Wind Creek Bass Trail 2019 Tournament Series. For details, call 256-3290832 or visit www.ogstournamentrails.com Dadeville Fall Festival Join us for our 3nd annual Fall Festival in historic downtown Dadeville. Arts & Crafts vendors, food vendors, inflatables for kids & music. Vendor applications are available at Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce 256-825-4019, chamber@dadeville.com or online at www.dadeville.com Sensigreen CDH Foundation 5K Town Creek Park. Join the Sensigreen CDH Foundation and AORTA as we honor pregnancy and Infant loss awareness month with a run and family day to support our NICU Dad’s Program, NICUnited. www.auburnrunning.org

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Superhero Day at The Rock Ranch 10 AM-8 PM. Bring the camera for photo opportunities with Iron Man, Spider Man, Thor, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Ant Man, the Chick-fil-A cow, and reallife superheroes! Don’t miss the live music, superhero costume contests with prizes (come dressed and ready to compete). www.therockranch.com

Sunday, October 6 Sunday Fun Days at The Rock Ranch Also Oct. 13, 20, 27. 1-7 PM. Enjoy all The Rock Ranch has to offer on a crisp Sunday afternoon from zip lining to the 30th Birthday Corn Maze. Bring a same-day church bulletin to receive a discount** on tickets! www. therockranch.com Strum & Strive Music Festival Pick Elementary School, Auburn. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages on the Pick Elementary School lawn. Jamey Johnson Homecoming Concert Special guests Toby Keith, Randy Houser, Lee Brice & Jerrod Niemann will appear alongside Jamey Johnson. www.nikkimitchellfoundation.org/

Tuesday, October 8 Birding How-to: eBird 9 AM. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. We are all looking for ways to contribute to the protection and conservation of our environment, and there is no better way than to become an eBird user! eBird, a completely free app designed and managed by Cornell University, is the most important birding tool for both amateurs and

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FamilyCalendar experts alike. Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center educators and guest instructors for an introduction to this essential tool. You will have the opportunity to install the app on your mobile device and you’ll learn how to use it, and how it is used to help protect birds and their native habitats around the world! We’ll also take you on a walk through the woods to seek out birds and put your new skills to use! www.auburn.edu/preserve Family Discovery Hike: Fall Foliage Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 PM. 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 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Each month features a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. www.auburn.edu/preserve Look! @ Lunchtime Columbus Museum. 12:15 PM. A collaborative viewing exercise and dialogue centered on works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Jonathan Frederick Walz, Ph.D., Director of Curatorial Affairs & Curator of American Art, will facilitate LOOK! discussions every second Tuesday. Each month a new object will be explored. Free. www.columbusmuseum.com

Thursday, October 10 Nature Walk: Fall Foliage Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 8:30 AM. Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Nature Walks are for adults only and offered the second Thursday of

Fright Night at the Villa Springvilla Park, Opelika. 6:30-8:30 PM. Join us for a scary movie. Adults only. www.opelika-al.gov

each month from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve Fall Treats Covington Rec Center. 3:30 PM. Make fun treats with a fall theme. Ages: 6-10; $15 ($17 Non-Resident). pdriver@opelika-al.gov

The Gatlin Brothers at The Gogue Performing Arts Center For over six decades, the Grammy Award-winning trio of Larry, Steve and Rudy—The Gatlin Brothers has dazzled audiences everywhere with their gospel harmonies. Among a remarkable total of 33 Top-40 country music hits are classic favorites like “Broken Lady,” “All the Gold in California” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).” www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Friday, October 11 Halloween Movie and “Not so Spooky” Train Rides Municipal Park, Opelika. 6-8 PM. A spooky familyfriendly event featuring a kid friendly movie and train rides around the decorated park. www.opelika-al.gov

Haunted Zumba Frank Brown Rec Center. Haunted Zumba is back! Join us from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Frank Brown Recreation Center! We will host a costume contest from 8:30 – 9 a.m. and Zumba will take place from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Zumba is a Latin dance-based exercise program that combines dancing with an aerobic workout, it might become your new favorite workout! Children ages 8 and older are welcome with parent participation. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Saturday, October 12 Bones and Boos Davis Arboretum. 12-4 PM. The Davis Arboretum, the AU Museum of Natural History and the AU Vet School, will be hosting a one day outdoor exhibit of animal skeletons throughout the Arboretum. Rhino legs, whale ribs, tigers, bears and more! There will be a silent auction with items both big and small, live music, food trucks, raffle prizes, fun kids programs throughout the day and more! Tickets are $10/ person ages 12 and up, $5/ kid ages 6-11, children 6 and under get in free. For info, atarbinfo@auburn.edu or call 334-844-5770. www.auburn.edu/cosam/arboretum.

Great Outdoor Adventure at The Rock Ranch 10 AM-8 PM. Experience hands-on interactions with wildlife including alligators, snakes, a red-footed tortoise, hedgehogs, and a bald eagle; meet and greets with Curious George; birds of prey shows, canoe races and archery. www.therockranch.com 2019 Indian Summer Festival Eufaula. The festival offers a multitude of entertainment including birds of prey, reptiles, petting zoo, magicians, jugglers, crafts and food vendors, classic car show, face painting and bouncy houses and much... much... more!

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1204 OGLETREE VILLAGE LANE AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

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ANNABELL HOWELL JAMES HOWELL AMANI JENNINGS-JONES ALONA JOHNSON ELIANA CHAERYN KIM BOONE LITTLEPAGE NOAH LITTLEPAGE PAX LITTLEPAGE CHRISTIAN MADZAR BECKHAM OWENS DE`PRINCE ROBINSON KENZLI ROBINSON EMMETT RODRIGUEZ JEDEN RODRIGUEZ-NIEVE VICTORIA RODRIGUEZ-NIEVE MARIYAH SMITH ROBERT STONE IV JASE VIRDEN BENTLEY WAYMAN SARAH KATE WILLIAMS ISAAC ZAMARRIPA CHRISTOPHER BALLARD SAVANNAH BALLARD JULIAN CARDENAS DANICA CARMACK MADISEN CHAMBERS BENTLEY COX NOAH COX VIOLET CROWE RYAN DONALDSON AVA DUDLEY JAMES DUDLEY VICTORIA FERNANDEZ ANNA KATHERINE FROST BRANTLEY FROST ETHAN GIVAND BRAYDEN HALL MARGARET HALLFORD COLTON HEATHCOCK ROBERT HIXON AUBREY KINCAID VIVIAN KINCAID TAYLOR LEWIS YASMINE LEWIS HELEN LILES MADELINE LILES EMORY LLOYD NOE MUNOZ TEAGEN NOBLES JOSEPH PERDUE KALY PUENT RUBY RICHARDSON TRINITY ROOKS MARKEIAH ROWE LEIGHTON RUSH FRAN SALTER DANICA SANTA ANA BARRETT SMITH COOPER SMITH BENJAMIN STEWART JAMES STEWART MILES STEWART CEDRICK WILLIAMS CROSSE WRIGHT WYATT YOUNG

AUSTIN ZHAN IRVING ZHAN KARLEIGH BAKER ADDALYN BANKSTON ASHTON BELLAMY COURTNEY BOLT KARZAYBEON BROOKS CANDICE BROWN YARETZI CASTRO ARRIYONNA CHAPPELL JAYDEN DANIELS JUELZ DANIELS BELLA DAVIS KAYVEON FRANCE MIA GARCIAPACHECO ELIJAH GILES ZOE HARGRAVES JAMAURION HEFLIN CARLOS HERNANDEZ TIMOTHY JACKSON JR. KAYLEI JUNIOR BENTLEY LEDBETTER MADDIE LEDBETTER MADYSON MARTIN LEELA MAULDEN JOSSALYNN MCGHEE ISAAC MILLER BRENTON POWELL CLAYTON POWELL HUNTER ROBERTSON KRISTOPHER ROLISON ZYLAN SANDERS TRINTON SMITH SERENITY STEPHENS YAHSHUA TABB CHERISH WALLACE BRAYDEN WHITLOW BRAYLEE WHITLOW ELIJAH WILLIAMS ISAIAH WILLIAMS ZAYDEN WILLIAMS HUNTER WRIGHT DE`JON ISAAC AVERY DEAZIA AVERY JOSEPH BAK HUDSON BANKS KIMBALL BEENE SCOTT BLOMEYER TRESTON BOLER MORGAN BRYAN KENNEDI COPELAND ANNA DUNHAM AVERY DUNNAM MATTIE DUNNAM MORIAH ECHEVARRIA TRISTON FALLIN BRANDON FEARS TYLER FOX ADDISON GARNETT NATALEE GREENHAW JULIE HALL WILLIAM HEACOX DAVID LAURENCIO MAIA LAURENCIO

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FISCHER PRINCE SADIE PRINCE JAMES RACE SREEHITA RAMAPURAM BRADY RHYNE DAVID NELSON RHYNE JOHN RHYNE LILWENN SALZE MANON SALZE GERARDO SANTOYO GERARDO SANTOYO CHARLES SCOTT III JESIKAH SEAY AHMARI SIMPKINS ASHLEIGH SIMPKINS BRAYLEE THACKER KALEIGHYA THACKER BRAYDEN THACKER BRADLEY THAMES BRAXTON THAMES CHLOE WILLIAMS LORRAINE ACEVEDO SOPHIA ACEVEDO LIAM BAILEY BRYSON BAKER JON COOPER ISAIAH CRIM HENRY CRUM BENJAMIN DEMYAN KAMBELL FETNER ANSLEY FLOYD JACKSON JERSEY GREATHOUSE ABIGAIL HARDEE COOPER HARDEE KATHLENNE HARDEE HUNTER HARRELSON EMME HAYNES SIERRA JOHNSON HARBOR LEDBETTER JANYA LOCKHART CARTER LOWE LUCAS LOWE DERRICK MADDOX MAKENZIE MCCAIN LIAM MCDOWELL JOHN MCDOWELL III ZARAH MCGREER ZACHARY MCNEAL ADDISON MEZICK COLEMAN MEZICK DIANA NAPPIER HARRIS PICKARD KREED RASMUS JOHN HOLT THOMAS ALEXIS TIDWELL RAMSEY VARDMAN KALEB WILLIAMS REID WILLIAMS RYLEE WILLIAMS AMARI COOK JOHN COOPER ANNE DUDLEY ELENA ELI MARCUS ELI MARIELLA ELI

OSCAR ELI HARLEY HUCKEBY AUBRI JOHNSON TAYLOR MIXON ADDISON PARISH LOGAN RICH ADALYNN SKIPPER PENELOPE SUMMERLIN EMALINE SWENSON CHARLES TURNER HENRY VAUGHAN BAILEY WARD HAYDEN WARD EMILY YOCUM MADELYN YOCUM JASE ALLEN EMMA ARMSTRONG BRANDON BELL MADISON BOUTWELL ALEX BURNELL RILEY BURNELL TIGER CLICK TYLER CLICK MCKENNA CONNOLLY SHANE CONNOLLY LEONARDO CREMASCHI MORIAH CULLIGAN ELIJAH DABBS AIDEN EVANS NATHAN FOSTER WILSON FOSTER COLLYNS FULLER AARON GERGELY LINUS GIBBS MARK HARRISON SARAH HRUSKA RANDY INGERSOLL BAILEY JOHNSON JORDAN JOHNSON LANDON JONES ARMANI LANGDON CHARLIE LINDSTROEM MIRA LINDSTROEM ZYAN MILLER JACK PEARCE CHARIAH PHILPOT MAKENZIE PUMROY AKEELAH SMITH ASHANTI SMITH MARGARET STAHL WILLIAM STAHL WALTER STAHL JR EMMERSON SUTTON ETHAN SUTTON DAWSON TAPLEY DYLAN TAPLEY AARON TERRELL ALEXIS THOMAS CAYDEN THOMAS ALEXIS "ALLIE" WALKER CHRISTOPHER WILKERSON JAMIE WILKERSON KENLY ANN YEAGER

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FamilyCalendar Alexander City Oktoberfest Annual Oktoberfest is a day-long celebration featuring local arts & crafts, dining, entertainment, kid-fest children’s activities and more. Antique Car show. Fun for the whole family. Call 256-329-6736 or visit www.alexandercityonline.com for more information.

Sunday, October 13 River Region Walk to End Alzheimer’s Montgomery, AUM-Moore Hall. Registration begins at 1:30 PM followed by the Walk at 3:30 PM. The Alzheimer’s Association provides free, easy-to-use tools and staff support to help participants reach their fundraising goal. While there is no fee to register, we encourage participants to fundraise and contribute to the cause to raise awareness. Register online: act.alz. org/riverregion Once you register, you will have access to a wide range of tools and support through your customized Participant Center. Like our Facebook page, “River Region Walk to End Alzheimer’s”, to stay up to date on information concerning the Walk!

Monday, October 14 Fall Camp 8 AM-3 PM. The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center offers fall camps to students in grades 1 through 6 on days when schools are closed. Campers will join the KPNC naturalists outside, exploring our natural world and wildlife communities and discovering new adventures all around us. Snacks will be provided; children should bring their lunch and a refillable water bottle each day. Admission is $50 per child with a $5 sibling discount. preserve@auburn.edu Columbus Day at The Rock Ranch 10 AM-8 PM. School’s out today, so head to The Rock Ranch for some good, old-fashioned outdoor fun. Families can enjoy more than 25 attractions for some fresh air and family time. www.therockranch.com

Thursday, October 17 Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour Also Oct. 18. 7-9 PM. Come meet some of Auburn’s founders and prestigious inhabitants as they come to life at Auburn’s oldest cemetery, Pine Hill, dating back to 1837. Learn about Auburn’s early history in a walking tour through the cemetery, illuminated with 1500 candles. Parking will be available at East Samford School and transportation to cemetery will be provided via trolley. Golf carts are also available for the tour. Tickets are $10 at the gate.

Friday, October 18 On The Tracks Opelika. 6-10 PM. There will be 20 stops serving 18 wines, which have been curated by Ampersand Wine Bar in downtown Opelika. The wine selection will be varied and unique, so everyone can enjoy trying something new. Each wine will be paired with a cheese, which has been provided by downtown Opelika’s Cheese Please and Kroger’s Cheese Dept. www.opelikamainstreet.org

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

Chris Botti The Gogue Performing Arts Center. Chris Botti has become the largest-selling American instrumental artist. His success has crossed over to audiences usually reserved for pop music and his ongoing association with PBS has led to four number-one jazz albums, as well as multiple Gold, Platinum and Grammy Awards. His latest release, “Impressions”, won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

aprons, etc.) Bring a bottle of wine, a snack, a date, a friend or make a new one! You must be at least 21 years of age with proper identification to consume alcohol. Painting begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. Price for the class is $30. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org

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Super Saturday at LaGrange Art Museum 1-4 PM. Free family art day, tour the current art exhibits and explore an art activity. www.lagrangemuseum.org

Saturday, October 19

Tuesday, October 22

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Shine Prom Opelika SportsPlex. 6:00-9:00 PM. A prom for teenagers and adults with special needs. www.shineprom.com

Halloween Treat Bags Covington Rec Center. 3:30 PM. Make treats bags for all your Halloween trick or treating. Ages: 4-12; $15 ($17 Non-Resident). pdriver@opelika-al.gov

Hogansville Hummingbird Festival Also Oct. 20. Join us for the 22nd Annual Hogansville Hummingbird Festival. Enjoy over 100 arts & crafts vendors’ handmade products as well as an art competition, exhibits & demonstrations. Open Storefronts, Antiques, International Food Court, Music, Entertainment & Children’s activities, Pet Parade and 5K Run. www.hummingbirdfestival.com

Wednesday, October 23

48th Annual Pioneer Day (formerly known as the Syrup Sopping & Historical Fair). Loachapoka Pioneer Park. 7 AM-4 PM. Weaving and cloth-making demonstrations, mules grinding cane, syrup being made, musical entertainment with hammered and mountain dulcimers, banjos and guitars, children’s activities, and much more! Sweet potato biscuits are made on-site for your enjoyment as well as camp stew, beans, collards, BBQ, and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety. org or call 334.887.3007 Up, Up and Away Day at The Rock Ranch 10 AM-8 PM. Ride in a hot air balloon (tethered rides* weather permitting, $5/child, $10/adult, cash only). Be in awe at the AfterDark Ferrellgas Balloon Glow, stilt walkers, world record-holder trampoline performers, paragliders and more. www.therockranch. com Haunted History Tours Selma. On this rare, moon lit tour you will be shuttled to this ghost town’s most haunted locations. Historical accounts of sightings and personal experiences will be shared by your hosts, setting the stage for Central Alabama Paranormal Investigations to demonstrate the art of “ghost hunting.” If you come in contact with a spirit at Old Cahaba, join us at the bonfire to share your experience. Seats for this 90 minute “investigation” are limited and advanced tickets are required. This is a deluxe wagon tour but some walking is necessary. Contact the Selma-Dallas County Tourism & Convention Bureau at (800) 45-SELMA. MDA Muscle Walk of Montgomery Join us at the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s largest family event! Celebrate the day with family fun activity stations, live music, and a united walk together on a mile long, fully accessible route for everyone to enjoy through the beautiful Montgomery Zoo. Join the fun as a team, sponsor, or volunteer! sbeck@mdausa.org. Sip and Paint Workshop LaGrange Museum. Join us in the CCL for an evening of creativity and fun! Local artists will walk you through the painting process to create your own masterpiece. All art materials are provided (canvas, paints, brushes,

Haunted History Tours of Wetumpka Also Oct. 24-26. Experience the rich history of Wetumpka, Alabama’s historic downtown buildings and listen to hair-raising personal experiences of paranormal occurrences in the buildings; some stories from the owners themselves!

Thursday, October 24 Halloween Enchanted Forest Also Oct. 25. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 5:30 PM. Enjoy a fun family-friendly Halloween event, hiking the KPNC trails and visiting some costumed characters who will entertain you on how they “trick or treat” other animals in the forest. Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowling, a campfire, fortune-telling, and face painting will be available! S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $7/person when pre-purchased online; $10/person when purchased at the door; children 2 and under are free. www.auburn.edu/preserve

Friday, October 25 Tour de Fright Opelika Sportsplex. 6-8 PM. Families are invited to ride their bikes on a tour of the haunted trail. www.opelika-al.gov The Great Pumpkin Splash Sportsplex Pool. 6-8 PM. Pick your pumpkin from the pool and decorate it for Halloween. Free Swim to follow. Ages 6-12 years. $4 per person. www.opelika-al.gov

Saturday, October 26 The Hallows Opelika Public Library. This fun and not-too-spooky event is open to all ages. Attendees will rotate through age-appropriate stations for tricks and treats. Our event will end with a spooky story time. Free. 10 AM-12 PM. library@opelika-al.gov Not-So-Spooky Halloween at The Rock Ranch 10 AM-8 PM. Dress up in your Halloween best and participate in the Costume Contests for people and pups (must be on a leash), trick-or-treating, World Champion Frisbee Dog shows, magic shows and balloon twisting and photo opportunities with Pete the Cat. www. therockranch.com Halloween in the Park F. D. Roosevelt State Park. 10 AM-8:30 PM. Themed activities throughout the day and night. Special times, registration costs and rules for different activities:

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FamilyCalendar Zombie Archery, Scarecrow Competition, Decorated and Carved Pumpkin Contest, Fall Costume Parade, and Campsite Decorating Contest. And of course there is trick or treating at the campsites beginning just before dark. Free-$5 $5 parking. 706-663-4858. Columbus Symphony Orchestra Presents “Lost In Space” 7:30 PM. Hear the sounds of some of your favorites: Avatar, The Planets, Star Trek, Star Wars and Apollo 13. www.facebook.com/events/928601370820476/ Fall Family Festival Russell Crossroads, Alexander City. Not only will you find a working Blacksmith and a grist mill, but at the Russell Crossroads Fall Family Festival you’ll be treated to horseback rides, tons of games on the lawn, face painting and pumpkin carving, hotdogs, lemonade – this year we are adding BINGO and LOTS more! www.russellcrossroads.com Weogufka Old Farm “N” Bluegrass Day Sorghum syrup made on site with mill pulled by mules. Bluegrass music on stage and bluegrass jam sessions. Antique tractors, antique cars, old farm equipment display, gospel music, food, arts “N” crafts, vendors, children’s rides, and more. Bring your folding chair and spend the day.

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Tuesday, October 29

Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival Opelika Sportsplex. 5:30-8:30 PM. Children 12 and

under. A safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Children wear your costume and bring a treat bag. Hayride, games, prizes, inflatables, rides, entertainment and more. www.opelika-al.gov

Wednesday, October 30 42 ft - A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels by Cirque Mechanics The Gogue Performing Arts Center. With a unique approach to performance, inspiring storytelling and innovative mechanical staging, the shows display a realism not usually found in modern circus that makes their message timeless and relevant. Stories are wrapped in acrobatics, mechanical wonders and a bit of clowning around. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, October 31 2019 Downtown Auburn Trick-orTreat 6-8 PM. Celebrate Halloween in downtown Auburn this year with the Downtown Trick or Treat! www. downtownauburnonline. com Christmas Village Arts, Crafts & Gifts Show Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Birmingham. Alabamians know Christmas shopping officially begins when the Christmas Village Festival sets up over 600 exhibitor booths inside the B.J.C.C. Photo sessions with the Christmas Village Santa are a long lasting memento now passed along to the next generation. www.bjcc.org.

November Nov. 2: Montgomery Zoo Super Hero Education Program Dress up as your favorite super hero and see what you may have in common with some of the animals at the Zoo. Learn about how our rhino is much like Ironman protected by an armored, iron suit. Or is the rhino more like the Hulk? Strong, powerful, and crashing into anything in his way? Learn about these super heroes and how their super powers compare to many of the animals that reside at the Montgomery Zoo. This program is geared for boys and girls, ages 4-12 years old. www.montgomeryzoo.com Nov. 2: Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair The Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair will take place on the grounds of the historic Marks house in Pike Road. There will be over 250 vendors selling beautiful and unique arts and crafts just in time for Christmas. Delicious pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, homemade chicken and pimento cheese sandwiches and fried chicken will keep you from getting hungry. Special children’s activities. Nov. 3: Downtown Holiday Open House Downtown Opelika. Start your Christmas shopping off by visiting the charming shops and restaurants in Downtown Opelika. You will find many unique and special gifts enabling you to mark those hard people off your list! And, if you just can’t decide, then a gift card is always appreciated! Enjoy music, free gift wrapping, door prizes and more. Nov. 6-9: Alabama Frontier Days Using Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park as its historical backdrop, Alabama Frontier Days focuses on

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FamilyCalendar demonstrating frontier life in the southeast during the period 1700-1820. The public can experience this living history as frontier trades and crafts are demonstrated by living historians in period correct costumes. The event takes place over four days, Wednesday to Saturday, from 9 AM to 4 PM each day. Nov. 7-9: Charis Crafters “Home for the Holidays” Craft Show A wide variety of handmade crafted items and homemade delights perfect for gift giving or for decorating your home. The event is held annually on the second weekend of November. https://www. facebook.com/pages/Charis-Crafters/156215514402119 Nov. 8-10: Battles for the Armory Tallassee Living History and Heritage Days is a Veteran’s Weekend celebration featuring the Battles for the Armory live Civil War Reenactment. We have a spectacular event planned beginning Friday with School Day where students will experience living history of the 1860s to include culture, crafts, homemaking, dance, dress, battle, medicine and much more. The public is invited to join us Saturday and Sunday when you will see a live portrayal of a Civil War battle, hosted by the 53rd Alabama Cavalry reenactors, as well as handmade clothing, accessories, weapons, toys, and even soap giving our viewers new insight into day to day life during the 1860s. There will be a Tea/Brunch on Saturday. Battles are at 2 PM. Come see what the excitement is all about! Nov. 9: The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens Magnificent champion thoroughbred horses gather on the Callaway grounds to charge through our stunning woodland setting. it’s a lively event for family and friends of all ages. www.callawaygardens.com Nov. 9: AO Discover! and R&R Landscaping present the 2019 Harvest Discovery Experience. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Located at R&R Landscaping in Moores Mill. Tickets: $15, Kids 12 & under: FREE. All proceeds to benefit the non-profit AO Discover! Auburn-Opelika Children’s Hands-on Science Center, opening in 2020. Purchase tickets at: facebook. com/aodiscover/ and Eventbrite.com. This festival will offer STEM, music and art activities for children, nature explorations, food trucks and drinks, photo ops, special guests and more. PLUS every ticket gives you a chance to win one of 10 PHENOMENAL PRIZE PACKAGES including a year of yard maintenance, date night packages, ladies night packages, birthday packages, gift cards to your favorite businesses, AU prizes and more! Questions? ao.discoverscience@ gmail.com Nov. 10-16: Veteran’s Appreciation Week The Montgomery Zoo. During Veteran’s Appreciation Week, all veterans, active duty military and their immediate 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. Thank you for your service and dedication to this proud nation. Nov. 16: The Illusionists- Magic of the Holidays RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Join us for a unique opportunity to take in a Broadway show before it goes to Broadway! This mind-blowing holiday spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. www.rivercenter.org

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

Nov. 22: Blue Friday in Downtown Auburn 8 AM-8 PM. In Auburn, it is not Black Friday, but BLUE FRIDAY! Our downtown merchants will be open on the busiest shopping day of the year to offer you doorbusters, specials and extended shopping hours. When you shop local, you are not only supporting our local business owners, but the community. Preview our Blue Friday ad by visiting www.downtownauburnonline. com/events/2018/11/16/blue-friday Nov. 23: Mainstreet Thanksgiving Market Alexander City. Welcome to the final farmer’s market of the season. Enjoy Autumn’s Bounty at the MainStreet Thanksgiving Market, at the Fountain on Broad Street. Get those last minute fruits, vegetables, cheeses and plants before the holiday weekend. Call MainStreet for information and last minute updates. 256-329-9337 Nov. 29: Christmas at Crossroads Alexander City. Christmas at Crossroads is a wonderful time for the entire family! In its sixth year Christmas at Crossroads is a great way to get out with the family and friends, do some shopping at the Holiday Bazaar on The Town Green, take a carriage ride, check off items on your Christmas list and, of course, let the kids visit with Santa. www.alabama.travel/festivals-and-events

Recurring/Multiple Dates Fall Sundown Concert Series Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24. 6-7:30 PM. Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. Inflatables will be available for children, and food vendors will be on site. Pets (on leashes) are welcome, as well. FREE to the Public. Jyjones@auburnalabama.or Football, Fans and Feathers Sept. 27, Nov. 1, 15, 22 & 29. Southeastern Raptor Center. 4-5 PM. Shows will be held the Friday before Auburn home games. Tickets are $5 per person and purchased upon entry or in advance by clicking visitingauburn.edu/raptor. No charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program begins at the center’s the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater. 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. www.auburn.edu/raptor. Come Home to the Corner Sept. 27, Nov. 1. Downtown Auburn. 6-9 PM. Football, fall, Friday... what’s not to love? Come home to the corner in downtown Auburn and enjoy live music and more during this entertainment district event each home football game Friday! www. downtownauburnonline.com Alabama National Fair Oct. 4-14. Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.alnationalfair.org APRD Monthly Market Sept. 24. Auburn Parks and Recreation. Visit the Harris Center from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. to find the best produce, jams, jellies and bounty of Lee County! This event is FREE. wmorris@auburnalabama.org City Market Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community, growers and consumers alike, to join us every Saturday in October 2019 for our new

City Market, held at Town Creek Park every Saturday in October from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The market will host local farmers, growers and artist to sell their produce and products. For up-to-date information follow the City Market Facebook page @CityMarketAuburnAL.

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Main Street Farmer’s Market Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Alexander City. 7-11 AM. Main Street Alexander City brings you the Farmer’s Market for 2019, showcasing the best that area growers have to offer, including fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, cheeses, breads and the occasional craft item. Rain or shine at the fountain on Broad Street. www. alexandercitychamber.com Columbus’ Market Days on Broadway Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Columbus. 9:00 AM noon. Every Saturday morning, year-round in the 1000 & 1100 blocks of Broadway. Many local and organic farmers sell produce, along with soap vendors, home goods, jewelry vendors and baked goods. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MarketDaysOnBroadway/ The September Show Sept. 8-Oct. 11. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. An eclectic collection of works based on the question: Is it Art? Saturday at Pioneer Park Oct. 12. Loachapoka. On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history re-enactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org Second Saturday at Columbus Museum Oct. 12. 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus. 10 AM noon. Free Admission. Drop by the art cart with the kids each month to explore various mediums of art, enjoy art related stories, and participate in gallery hunts at the Museum. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. www.columbusmuseum.com Florence Neal: Works On Paper Through Oct. 20. Jule Collins Museum of Fine Arts. Auburn University alumna (1976) and New York based artist Florence Neal will work on site at the museum to produce a set of mokuhanga prints stemming from selected tree rubbing drawings made at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu Pumpkin Festival Sept. 21-Nov. 3. Stone Mountain Park, Ga. Play by day as you experience all of your favorite park attractions and special fall entertainment. At night, take a journey through classic storybook tales that come to life in 10 new themed areas featuring 40 newly imagined scenes with glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, bubbles, fog and plenty of not-so-spooky, glow-in-the-dark adventures after sunset. 10 AM-9 PM. www.stonemountainpark.com Sarah Towery Art Colony Oct. 11-16. Alexander City. The Sarah Carlisle Towery/Alabama Art Colony maintains a permanent art collection of pieces which are on display at the Alexander City Board of Education. Join us in our annual Art Colony, an amazing, life-changing experience for both a “budding” or experienced artist. Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin provides a serene and inspiring environment for the four and a half day workshop. Like us on Facebook Megabugs Through November. Stone Mountain Park. Some colossal crawlers are taking over Stone Mountain Park! Featuring more than 70 new exhibits of largerthan-life insects, MEGABUGS! is an immersive and interactive area for ‘bugologists’ of any age to explore. These exhibits spotlight special features including the individual sounds and movements that make these

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FamilyCalendar insects unique members of the animal kingdom. www.stonemountainpark.com Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. Expressions of a BraveHeart Program Oct. 21, Nov. 4, 18. Opelika Sportsplex. Braveheart is a fine arts program offering art, music and dance classes to youth and young adults with moderate to severe disabilities. Contact: John Huling • jhuling@opelika-al. gov. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome.

Library Events Recycled Teenagers Book Club Oct. 14. Opelika Public Library. 2 PM. Monthly book club featuring lively discussions around books chosen by Opelika Library Director, Rosanna McGinnis. Books are provided. vwhite@opelika-al.gov Board Game Hangout Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28. Opelika Public Library. From Monopoly to Betrayal at the House on the Hill to Sushi Go, Monday is for board games. BYOB (that’s Bring Your Own Board game) or play one of ours. Board Game Hangout is geared towards ages 16 and up. 5:00-7:00 PM. www.opelika.al/gov Baby Time Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Auburn Public Library. Babies and their favorite adults enjoy 20 minutes of stories, songs, bounces, and tickles during Baby Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages birth-24 months. Tuesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:0010:30 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www.auburnalabama.org/ library. Toddler Time Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Auburn Public Library. Toddlers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Toddler Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages 18 months-3 years. 9:30-10:00 AM or 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Preschool Time Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Preschoolers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Preschool Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! 3 – 5 years. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:3011:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Story Time Sept. 27, 30, Oct. 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28. Opelika Public Library. Join us for an interactive and engaging preschool program that is sure to delight and entertain. They won’t even know they are learning! Meets Mondays and Fridays. library@opelika-al.gov. Saturday STEM Storytime Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Auburn Public Library.

Preschoolers - 2nd grade children and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime on Saturday mornings that is all about STEM. 10:00-11:00 AM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math This storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format Please note: Some activities may involve messy fun! (334) 501-3296.

AACT Fall Jr. Show Disney’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jr.” Oct. 3-5, 7, 10-12. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Take a fantastic musical adventure with an outof-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. $10/Adults, $8/Students and Seniors. Tickets can be purchased at auburnact.org.

Brick Builders Club Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Opelika Public Library. If you love creating with Lego bricks, then this is the place to be! Open to all ages, but geared towards schoolaged children, your creativity will take the spotlight as you build whatever you can imagine. Lego bricks provided. library@opelika-al.gov.

Family Theatre Presents “Azalea Storytelling Festival: Stories in the Garden’” Oct. 13. Lafayette Theatre. www.lsparts.org

Gamers Society Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Auburn Public Library. 4:00 PM. It’s Game On at the Auburn Public Library The Programming Room will be open for Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, and video games. Gamers must bring their own materials The library will provide materials for video game play. Games must be rated E, E10, or T; no rated M games. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Code Club Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Opelika Public Library. Code Club at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your kids how to make website, apps, and games in a fun environment. Bring your own laptop if you have one, but it is not required. Thursdays. Code Club, Jr. Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Opelika Public Library. Code Club at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your kids how to make website, apps, and games in a fun environment. Wednesdays, 3:30 PM. library@opelika-al.gov Imagination Lab Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Opelika Public Library. The Imagination Lab is for young minds to explore and create. From magnetic circuits making sound to programming a small robot, the lab is waiting for BRAIN power to create a spark! Thursdays, 3:004:00 PM. library@opelika-al.gov

Performances

“Fiddler On the Roof” Oct. 23-24. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Rich with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset;’ “If I Were A Rich Man,” this is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. Featuring a talented cast, lavish orchestra and stunning movement and dance from Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter. To love! To life! www.rivercenter.org “The Color Purple, The Musical” Nov. 13. East Alabama Arts. Featuring a soul-raising, Grammy®-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues, this all-new Broadway hit was hailed by The New York Times as a “ravishingly re-conceived production that is a glory to behold”. www.eastalabamaarts.org Disney’s “Frozen Jr.” Nov. 1-3. Red Mountain Theatre Company, Bham. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. www.redmountaintheatre.org

Support & Parenting Groups A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an allinclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-728-1162 or email: momofpnk@ gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-7058877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com.

AACT Fall Jr. Show: Disney’s “Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, Jr.” Oct. 3, 4, 5, 7. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-thisworld car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the record-breaking West End Production and the beloved film. $10/Adults, $8/Students and Seniors. www.auburnact.org. “Pipeline” Oct. 17-27. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher, is committed to her students but desperate to give her only son Omari opportunities her students will never have. When a controversial incident at Omari’s private boarding school may cause him to be expelled, Nya must confront his rage as well as her own choices as a parent. Will she be able to reach him before a world beyond her control pulls him away? A profoundly moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. www.asf.net

Auburn UMC Children’s Day Out Program Every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each additional child. Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information. Auburn United Methodist Church.

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FamilyCalendar Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580.

Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika. We offer fellowship and fun for moms of kiddos from infancy through age 15. We offer play dates, moms nights out, and special events! For more information check us out on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMOPS or email us at auburnopelikamops@gmail.com. Bible Study Fellowship Held at Parkway Baptist Church, Thursdays at 10 a.m., (334) 546-1386. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov). Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama. For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net.

Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@ womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help. Grandparents and Non-Parent Relatives or Friends Raising Children Support Group For grandparents or any nonparent involved in raising younger children. Meetings first Monday of every month @ Auburn United Methodist Church Annex, Room D134, 6 - 7 p.m. Various speakers and lots of support from others in your same situation. Childcare is provided. Phone Lisa @ 334-4217163 or Debra @ 334-332-9703. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334-257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/ Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www. miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. MOPS of Auburn We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Auburn United Methodist Church from 9:30 - 11:30. Childcare is provided, although we ask that you make reservations if possible. Meetings are open to mothers with children ages 5 and under. www.facebook.com/ mopsofauburn mopsofauburn@gmail.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy. 2nd

Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy meets the 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. and the next evening (Tuesday) from 6-7:30 p.m. Visit www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Email info@leecountyautism.com or call 334-740-0716. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com. Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Ms. Shanquetta France at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2296, Ext. 1812 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life! Therapeutic Rec: Discover Group Sept.-May. Opelika Sportplex. Discover is an opportunity for high-functioning, intellectually disabled citizens that are no longer enrolled in school. We will discover together through various activities and will travel once a month. Scheduled trips may change meeting times. There are costs associated with this program. Contact: John Huling • jhuling@opelika-al.gov Trinity UMC (Opelika) Mom’s Morning Out Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional. Trinity United Methodist Church.

Sports Auburn Soccer Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 13, 24, 31. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Football Sept. 28, Nov. 7, 15, 23. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Volleyball Oct. 2, 6, 18, 20, Nov. 1, 10, 17, 20, 24. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Swimming Sept. 28, Oct. 20. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Tennis Oct. 26, 27, 28. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Equestrian Oct. 18, 19, Nov. 1, 15.

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

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Teens in a Performance Driven Culture We live in a performance driven culture. Remember when baseball and football were sports you played in the empty sandlot at the end of the street? Nowadays, parents spend thousands of dollars to make sure even their middle-school kids have all the right equipment and privatized training to be bigger, faster and stronger. A high school diploma used to be enough to ensure you a decent job. And if you went on to a trade school and learned a skill like welding or mechanics, you were guaranteed a solid career. You can see the effect this performance driven culture has on teens when you step into the world of social media. Hop onto Facebook on a random Thursday, and you see friends and acquaintances reporting on what they’re doing, where they’ve been, who they’re hanging out with and what they know. Teens use photo-sharing apps like Instagram to display pictures of themselves with nice clothes, nice cars, nice vacations, and nice and notable friends. It’s a highly competitive digital world, in which our kids feel the pressure to “perform” as well, or better, than the other kids they see. Of course, moms and dads don’t want this performance attitude to permeate their own relationship with their kids. We don’t want our teens to feel they have to perform in order to win our affection. But sometimes the way we communicate with them says the exact opposite. When our teens exhibit bad behavior or don’t live up to our expectations, we may pull away from them, express our disappointment, or punish them by withholding time or attention. Yet, when our son or daughter excels or accomplishes something noteworthy, we heap praise, tell them how proud we are of them, and how much we care. This almost subconscious reinforcement that achievements bring love, and mistakes bring rejection, further drills into our teens this need to perform. So what are some of the lies our teens are hearing that we need to combat?

Performance Driven Lies

In today’s culture, teens are hearing that people will only love them if they perform up to a certain high standard. Approval and accolades will be theirs when they are running on all cylinders. But should there be a drop in their performance, teens believe that others’ affections will correspondingly plummet. It’s one reason guys are conditioned not to show weakness, and to display the bravado of power and strength. It’s one reason young ladies develop eating disorders, or turn into mean girls and try to cut other people down. In a performancedriven world, teens are being conditioned to be tough guys and drama queens. The second lie teens are buying into is that if they make a mistake, no one will love them. It’s what leads many teens to act dishonestly or in secret. They’re worried that if anyone finds out who they really are, or what they’ve done, they’ll lose the relationship. Lastly, the lie of performance-driven culture says that we are valuable in our good years, but not valuable in our bad years. Teens think that if they’re behaving properly they have more worth to parents and family than when they are misbehaving. But I believe in the sanctity of life in all stages. An unborn baby is just as valuable and worthy of love as that bratty 14-year-old or that Rhodes Scholar student! With so many lies, untruths and misrepresentations flying around, how can we combat these performance-driven myths? Let me share a few options.

Relationally Driven Truth Communicate love in various ways when your teen does something bad. This is not a recommendation to gloss over the mistake, or forgo the due consequences. But in the midst of the punishment, verbalize your love to your child. Let him know that his behavior doesn’t negate your relationship with him. Give her a hug. Share an encouraging word. Be creative 51

about how you relay your care and compassion, even when they blow it. Also, allow your teen to make mistakes without shaming him or her. I’m sure you’ve seen or read articles about parents punishing their children by having them hold signs proclaiming their guilt in front of busy streets, or posting pictures and humiliating them on social media. I understand the motivation behind those methods, but shaming kids is never a good solution. All it does is reinforce their own insecurity and push them deeper into performance-driven behavior. When our toddler falls off their tricycle, we don’t run up and point and let them know what a stupid mistake it was to keel over. No, as parents we come alongside, brush the child off, and put them back on the bike. We have to treat our teens the same way. We brush them off and encourage them to keep going and try again. Also,it can help for teens to hear about mom and dad’s mistakes. I know it might be uncomfortable, but those stories let teens know that if mom and dad made mistakes, and still turned out all right, then maybe they don’t have to be perfect either. Let your kids have their own opinions. You don’t have to be correcting your teen 24/7. Let some discussions simply be about communicating. There may be times when you have to share the truth with your kids, but most of the time conversations should revolve around getting to know your teen as a person. Ask them what they enjoy, and why they enjoy it. Don’t tear them down. They are already facing pressure to like the “right” things from all of their peers; home should be a safe place for them to be who they are. Lastly, affirm your teen’s value regularly. Let your child know they have intrinsic worth. Show your kids that you appreciate them for who they are, and you’ll destroy that performance-driven mentality and foster a healthy teenager. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Downton Abbey

Overcomer

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: B Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ It’s 1927 and Downton Abbey is about to enjoy a great honor – a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his American-born wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) bring the family together to prepare for the royal visit. And their loyal staff determine to do their best to uphold the Abbey’s finest traditions. The monarch’s trip to Yorkshire makes for a thin plot, but it provides a good background for the many subplots that swirl through the film. Over the film’s somewhat bloated two hour runtime, audiences will get answers to numerous questions, large and small. Frankly, none of the questions leave the audience in suspense for long – if at all. There are, after all, only two questions that matter. First, will fans of the TV show like it? And, second, can the movie be enjoyed by those of us who don’t have years of exposure to the characters? The answer to the first question is definitely in the affirmative. Downton Abbey is a chance for fans to sit back, watch their favorite characters on the big screen, gaze wistfully at the glorious costumes, and laugh out loud at the Dowager Countess’s acerbic one-liners. The second question can also be answered positively. I am not a Downton fan, but I managed to enjoy the film’s quasi-historical escape with lovely period detail, a relaxing story, and only minor content issues. Downton Abbey is the cinematic equivalent of an English high tea. It isn’t terribly filling, but it looks lovely, tastes delicious is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: ASexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ John Harrison (Alex Kendrick) is a high school basketball coach who’s looking forward to having a dream team for the coming season. Then the local plant closes, families move away, and the enrolment at his Christian school is cut in half. Without enough student athletes to play basketball, Coach Harrison becomes the cross-country coach – with a team of one. Hannah Scott (Aryn Wright-Thompson) is an asthmatic orphan being raised by her no-nonsense grandmother. Her greatest talent is running, which is convenient for making fast getaways when she steals things to squirrel away in a box in her bedroom. Coach Harrison admires Hannah’s determination, and despite his disappointment over the dissolution of the basketball team, he throws himself into mentoring his young athlete. And then, while accompanying his pastor on a hospital visit, John accidentally meets a patient (Cameron Arnett) with a successful past as a cross country runner, who changes everyone’s lives and stretches their faith. Overcomer will likely be a big hit with evangelical Christian viewers. With its strong emphasis on salvation through grace and the power of prayer, it confirms their theology. It offers a strong message about the power and joy that come from forgiveness. I am a Bible-reading, Sunday-School-teaching Christian, and I often cringe in faith-based films where the dialogue feels fake or painfully awkward – all of which occurs in Overcomer. I wish this movie had managed to overcome the temptation to make faith neat and tidy instead of acknowledging that it can sometimes be complex and challenging.

This Changes Everything

The Peanut Butter Falcon MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: DAlcohol / Drug Use: D The Peanut Butter Falcon is a perplexing movie. Is it a heartwarming Huck Finn tale of two renegades on the run, figuring out if they’re the good guys or bad guys in their own stories? Or is it a modern attempt to tackle how we relate to, communicate with, and treat people with disabilities? I think the response is subjective – and you’ll need to decide for yourself. Zak (Zack Gottsagen) is a twenty-two year old man with Down Syndrome. He has no family and has been warehoused in a nursing home because the state lacks an appropriate facility. Not surprisingly, Zak decides to escape and pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler. He’s even picked his own stage name - The Peanut Butter Falcon. Tyler (Shia LaBeouf) is a crab fisherman who steals other fishermen’s catches. This is risky and, having been trapped in a sticky position, he commits an unplanned act of arson, putting him on the run from the law. When Tyler and Zak cross paths, they pair up as they try to avoid their pursuers on their journey towards freedom. Thankfully this rich relationship is supported by excellent performances by the lead actors, particularly Zack Gottsagen’s. Having a person with Down Syndrome actually portrayed by an actor with Down Syndrome makes the film more authentic. The most difficult part of going to see this film is watching people mistreat and abuse Zak. The sheer cruelty was enough to make me recoil in empathetic pain and disgust – and parents will want to keep this in mind as they consider this movie for family viewing.

MPAA Rating: Unrated Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: B Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: B “Media has the power to educate; to shape people’s thoughts. It also has an incredible power when you see someone like you on screen.” So says Shonda Rhimes, successful screenwriter, when discussing the problems of gender disparity in the entertainment industry. Fifty-one percent of the population is female, but for the past 80 years, there have been three times as many male actors on the big screen as there have been female actors. And the male actors have two-thirds of the speaking parts. How extensive is the problem of female under-representation in Hollywood and what effect does it have on the people who consume the media? These are some of the questions tackled in the documentary, This Changes Everything. Drawing on interviews with highly successful women in the industry – Meryl Streep, Jessica Chastain, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Oh, Shonda Rhimes – director Tom Donahue delves into issues like sexual harassment, objectification, the camera’s male gaze, gender stereotypes, and male-centered stories. This Changes Everything is a solid documentary with interesting anecdotes and a solid grasp of the facts, however it isn’t for everyone. Kids will likely be bored with it but older teens and adults who are interested in learning about and discussing topics related to entertainment, gender, diversity, discrimination, and similar topics will find it challenging or even changing their perspectives on the media they consume. Auburn Opelika Parents I October 2019

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