Auburn Opelika Parents September 2016 by KeepSharing

September2016

Volume 7 Number 7

28 Columns

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

Living With Children

Growing Up Online

Leaving Tweens Home Alone

Find out if your tween is ready and how to best prepare him.

Okay Pokeman GO families, here are common sense rules for augmented reality.

John Rosemond

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

30 78

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Growing Up Online

Parenting Special Needs Kids

7 habits of highly effective parents of special needs children.

2016 Special Needs Resource Guide

Local and national resources assist you in caring for your child.

On The Cover Taylor Parrish is the 17-year-old son of James Parrish and Stephanie Smith. Taylor is a senior at Beulah High school where he maintains a 4.0 average in AP classes. He marches in The Beulah Bobcat Marching Band with the percussion line,

Carolyn Jabs

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits

is an active member of the Beta Club and Student Council. He enjoys studying history and his role model is John F. Kennedy. He plans on majoring in Political Science. He overcomes the obstacles of his cerebral palsy daily with his positive attitude and extra hard work in all activities.

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews

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Publisher’sNote September is one of my favorite editions of Auburn Opelika Parents magazine. It’s our annual Special Needs Issue, where families can find local, state and national organizations that research and advocate for the special needs community. Each year, as I prepare to print this issue, I am amazed to find more and more research, programming and advocacy related to many areas such as autism and Down’s syndrome. The more I search, the more I find. There has been the development of more programs and activities offered to families, more research being conducted and more intervention techniques tried in schools and at home. This year’s Special Needs Resource Guide features all that our area offers for families, as well as, state resource agencies and national level research and advocacy. I’m excited to include two new programs being offered in Lee County. They are PEERS for Teens and, in conjunction with Auburn University, the Family Fitness Challenge at the Pediatric Movement & Physical Activity Lab. The Program for the Education and Enrichment or Relational Skills (PEERS) is a 14-week, evidence-based social skills class to help students learn to make and keep friends and overcome the challenges of interacting in social settings. The Fitness Challenge, under the direction of Dr. Melissa Pangelinan, runs a family-based fitness intervention aimed at promoting motor competence and physical activity levels for children with developmental disabilities. (For more info, check out these programs in our Bits & Pieces section). Besides the fact that they are local programs, the education and the inclusion of the whole family is part of the reason for my excitement about these programs. Family interaction is crucial to the development of children, and more so with a family that has children with special needs. In our feature article, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Parents of Children with Special Needs, the author focuses on habits parents practice to help with the overall family and home life atmosphere. For example, Habit One: They are proactive and advocate for their children and educate others, is the main contributing factor to an organized and successful home and school environment for a special needs family. It’s almost by nature that these parents research, educate, and therefore, can promote advocacy for their children. One of the best places to start learning about special needs is to find the national agency and then reach out into the local community to find others who might have the same needs. This brings me to another tip: Habit Seven, which is that special needs families build a strong support group. Parents need to be able to connect with others for guidance and then get involved in a support group in the community. This can also provide an outlet for family fun and hobbies. Listed in this month’s guide are agencies from the local to national level, which include support groups, classes and programs. One is the Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic social events which feature family game nights, play groups, fun with fitness and even summer camps. Another local event where families can meet other families and find support is at the Paradise Pumpkin Patch. On October 3, they are offering a free day at the pumpkin patch for children, parents and teachers. Space is limited, so reserve today, at www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com. Are you reading this and thinking, What can I do to help local families and children with special needs? There are multiple ways to get involved. Volunteer your time with the Special Olympics, at Storybook Farms, or The Miracle League of Lee County. Another way to help would be by supporting fundraising efforts such as The March of Dimes or sponsoring a table at the keynote event with Gene Stallings to benefit The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama. From one parent to another, I hope you find this month’s Special Needs Issue invaluable and a great place to begin your own research, advocacy and volunteerism!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

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 Rian Anglin, M.D. Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Judy M. Miller Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.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: 1204 Owens Road Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2016 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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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Sleepovers Need Basic Parameters Q:

My husband and I have decided that we do not want our children to participate in sleep-overs. We recently moved to a new community and are just making new friends and meeting new families. All of these parents, it seems, love to do sleep-overs. We, however, are sticking by our guns. As a result, our kids are beginning to feel left out. What should I say to these other parents who think we’re crazy and their children who are making mine feel bad about it?

You never told me why you are so strongly opposed to sleep-overs. That suggests—but maybe I’m just playing psychologist here—that you think your objections are self-evident. If that’s the case, they are not self-evident to yours truly. I have heard of problematic situations that arose during sleep-overs, but I fail to see the basis for a sweeping indictment. In my (naïve?) estimation, the issue is not sleepovers per se; the issue is how well a given sleep-over is managed by the supervising parents. Before letting a child attend a sleepover, a finite set of “givens” should exist: First,

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

you are more than just slightly familiar with the host parents and know them to be conscientious, responsible people; second, that they know how to quickly get in touch with you should that become necessary; third, that the sleep-over will be attended by only one gender; fourth, that siblings, especially if they are older than the attendees, will be kept at a distance (ideally, farmed out for the evening). Your concern hints at a tendency to want to control everything that happens in your children’s lives. That’s called micromanagement and I would be remiss if I failed to point out that parental micromanagement always, without exception, creates huge problems of one sort or another in the long run. The problem is that micromanaging parents always, without exception, justify their anxietydriven over-control. They also tend to think apocalyptically, as in, “If I let my child attend a sleep-over, some other child who comes from a family that does not share our beliefs may permanently corrupt my child’s values.”

In short, the fears that lie behind micromanagement are rarely realistic. Plus, the parents in question fail to accept that they are not omnipotent, that try as hard as they might, they simply cannot control everything that happens in their kids’ lives. When my wife and I were in our active parenting years, we would purposefully allow our children to get themselves entangled in certain problematic situations that we could have prevented. In other words, we managed risk for the purpose of helping our children learn, by trial and error, how to keep themselves out of trouble. The result was win-win: the kids enjoyed a good amount of freedom and we enjoyed the peace of mind of knowing that they were steadily coming to grips with the relationship between freedom and responsibility. Some lessons cannot be “talked into” a person. Anyway, concerning this sleep-over issue, I’d take a deep breath and give it a go. Sounds like your kids need a break from your oversight. It also sounds like you and your husband could do with some parenting freedom as well. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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

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Expressions of a Braveheart

Braveheart is a fine arts program offering art, music, and dance classes to youth and young adults with moderate to severe disabilities. Program begins September 12, 5:30-7:00 p.m., at the Opelika SportsPlex, for ages 11-21 years. Schedule will be given out the first day. For more information, contact John Huling, JHuling@opelika-al.gov or 334-705-5560.

Family Fitness Challenge @ The Pediatric Movement & Physical Activity Lab on Auburn University’s Campus

The Pediatric Movement & Physical Activity Lab, under the direction of Dr. Melissa Pangelinan, Ph.D., will run a family-based adapted activity and fitness intervention aimed at promoting motor competence and physical activity levels in those with and without developmental disabilities. Our inclusive program allows families with children/teens of all ability levels to participate. On the first Thursday of every month, parents attend educational sessions on topics of interest (behavior supports, diet, family counseling), while the children/teens work one-on-one with an activity coach. On the remaining Thursday nights, the parents and children/teens will work together with their activity coach. Given the high demand for this program, families will complete an application and may be randomly assigned to participate in the Fall or Spring semester. Families that successfully complete the challenge will be eligible for prizes. For more information and to apply, please visit: http://aupedmov.weebly. com or contact Dr. Pangelinan at aupedmov@gmail.com.

Therapeutic Drama Class for Ages 12 and up

It’s your time to learn how to shine on stage! Come join in the fun and fellowship while learning about acting and theatre! Drama is a powerful tool for social skill development & improving self-esteem. This class is sure to inspire imagination and creativity, teach teamwork and build confidence. Class meets Mondays, September 12-October 24, 1:00-2:00 p.m., at Dean Road Recreation Center, Auburn. Free to Therapeutic Program Participants with Auburn Parks and Recreation. For more information, contact Dana Stewart, 334-501-2950.

Awesome Goals Soccer

Therapeutic Game Nights

AGS is designed to give children with physical and mental limitations soccer experience. AGS focuses on learning soccer skills in a safe and accepting atmosphere. Season begins October 2 and meets on Sundays, 2:00-3:00 p.m., at the Opelika SportsPlex. Physician’s forms are required to play and are included in the registration materials. Preregistration is required. Volunteer training is September 18 and 25. For more information, contact Lynette at awesomegoalssoccer@gmail.com.

Fridays, September through December, don’t get bored, instead, join us for game board night, cards and coloring! We will enjoy playing various board games, cards and have yummy refreshments. We will meet on the following Fridays at Dean Road Recreation Center, Auburn: September 16, October 21, November 18, and December 16. Free to Therapeutic Program Participants with Auburn Parks and Recreation. For more information, contact Dana Stewart, 334-501-2950.

Tennis for Fun

A free tennis clinic for athletics with special needs that provides athletes with an opportunity to have fun playing tennis, to learn basic skills and to socialize with each other. Clinic begins this fall, Fridays 3:30-4:30 p.m., Calhoun Tennis Center, Opelika. Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

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Peers for Teens

Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to offer a NEW 14-week evidence-based social skills class for motivated adolescents in middle or high school who are interested in learning ways to help make and keep friends, and overcome the challenges of interacting in social settings. The Program for the Education and Enrichment or Relational Skills (PEERS) is geared toward individuals with disabilities and is a parent-assisted program (parents meet in a separate classroom and assist with practicing the skills taught). Topics covered include conversational skills, choosing appropriate friends, appropriate use of humor, entering and exiting conversations, get-togethers, good sportsmanship, handling teasing, bullying, rumors, gossip, and disagreements. There will be a graduation and awards celebration upon completion. This program will be fun and informative with activities that take place both in and out of class. Classes are held Mondays, August 15-December 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Dean Road Recreation Center, Auburn. Fee for class is $150. For more information, contact Dana Stewart, 334-501-2950.

Bingo and Fitness for Teens and Adults

Wednesdays, September through December, 5:30-7:30 p.m., get your exercise shoes on and let’s get healthy together. After we have enjoyed some exercise we can relax playing bingo and take home some great prizes. Free to Therapeutic Program Participants with Auburn Parks and Recreation. For more information, contact Dana Stewart, 334-501-2950.

Carmike Sensory Movie

The Autism Hope Center is proud to announce Carmike Sensory Movies for children on the Autism Spectrum and their families. The Carmike Ritz 13, Columbus, Ga, will show monthly screenings of new releases at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings. Special features will include leaving the lights on low, turning down the sound, no previews and throwing out the “no noise” restriction. Families may purchase food from the concession stand or bring their own special dietary choices. Families choosing to participate in this program must register for a special movie card that allows them to attend these screenings. All family members are welcome. You only have to register once, we will have a table in the lobby for you to pick up your card before the movie, use the same card each time you attend. The dates for the movie depend on the release of family friendly movies. www.autismhopecenter.com.

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Live Life to the Fullest

RehabWorks will help get you there.

Therapies offered: Physical • Occupational • Speech • Sports • Orthopaedic Pediatric • Lymphedema • Industrial Rehab Stroke Rehab • EMG Services • Dance Medicine

Opelika 334.528.1964 • Auburn 334.844.7616 Valley 334.756.1126 www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

K Discover Group

Special Olympics 2016

Discover Group 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 the meeting times. Classes begin September 8 and meet every Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at the Opelika SportsPlex. There are costs associated with this program. For information, contact John Huling at Jhuling@opelika-al.gov or 334-705-2485.

Supported by Auburn Parks and Recreation, athletic events include aquatics, basketball, bowling, flag football, golf, powerlifting, softball, track & field, and volleyball. Practices take place throughout the year with the help of local Special Olympicsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; volunteer coaches. You must be at least 8 years old and meet the requirements of the Alabama Special Olympics Guideline. Coaches needed tooâ&#x20AC;Ścontact today! www.auburnalabama.org/specialolympics.

Annual Hope for Autism Walk & Family Day

Save the date! October 1, the Annual Hope for Autism Walk & Family Day will be held at North Highland Church 7300 Whittlesey Blvd Columbus Ga. www.autismhopecenter.com.

Therapeutic Play Group

Wednesdays, September through December, 3:00-5:00 p.m., come join your friends for some games, playing basketball, enjoying the playground and having fun! Free to Therapeutic Program Participants with Auburn Parks and Recreation. For more information, contact Dana Stewart, 334-501-2950.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Immunization Update With school just getting started, immunizations are particularly on my mind. Everyone entering kindergarten should receive Dtap, MMR, varicella, and polio boosters. All kids entering 6th grade need their Dtap booster. These are the minimum requirements for attending school. The CDC and AAP recommend additional immunizations and we as pediatricians are also promoting these vaccinations for the protection for our children. HPV vaccine (Gardasil): This vaccine is ideally given at age 11-12 years for girls and boys. It is a 3 shot series that prevents infection from human papilloma virus and the cancers it causes. Response to the vaccine is better at this age than at older ages. We vaccinate at this age so children will have the best protection possible long before the start of any kind of sexual activity. The vaccine can also be given later: Females 13 through 26 years of age and Males 13 through 21 years of age. Meningococcal vaccine: Meningitis due to N. meningitidis is a serious illness. This vaccine covers 4 serogroups ACWY of the bacteria. Two doses of MenACWY (Menactra) are routinely recommended for adolescents 11 through 18 years old: the first dose at 11 or 12 years old, with a booster dose at age 16. Some adolescents, including those with HIV, should get additional doses. Ask your health care provider for more information. Teens are most vulnerable to the disease particularly

when they are in close living conditions such as college dorms and military recruits. A second meningitis vaccine- MenB- has just become available. It protects against the N meningitis serogroup B. There are 2 vaccines available which are given in 2 or 3 doses depending on which vaccine you get. The vaccine can be given at age 10 years for certain high risk groups. These vaccines may also be given to anyone 16 through 23 years old to provide short term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease. Hepatitis A Vaccine: Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the stool of people with hepatitis A. It is usually spread by close personal contact and sometimes by eating food or drinking water containing HAV. Though not required in Alabama, it is recommended that all children between their first and second birthdays (12 through 23 months of age) receive the vaccine. Also, anyone traveling to or working in countries with high or intermediate prevalence of hepatitis A (such as central and south America) should be vaccinated. The vaccine is a 2 dose series, the first dose should be given at 12 through 23 months of age. Children who are not vaccinated by 2 years of age can be vaccinated at later visits. The second dose is given at least 6 months later. For travelers, it is best to start the vaccine series at least one month before traveling.

Influenza Vaccine (flu shot): The flu vaccine for 2016-2017 will soon be available in most clinics. As always we recommend all children age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. In addition, care givers should get the vaccine particularly if there is a baby in the household under 6 months of age. This group of infants are more vulnerable to complications of the flu and they are not yet old enough to receive the vaccine. **New this year is the recommendation that only injectable flu vaccine be used**. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended due to it not working very well to prevent the flu. Children age 6 months to 8 years will need 2 doses of the injectable Flu vaccine 1 month apart the first year they receive the vaccine. After that 1 yearly dose is recommended. Much of this information on vaccination and more can be found on the website: www. healthychildren.org or www.aap.org. Thanks for reading and stay healthy this school year! Dr. Ellen Royal attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for her medical degree and graduated in 1994. She returned to Alabama the summer of 1998 to join the pediatric practice of Dr. Richard M. Freeman. Dr. Royal is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Royal is married to Dr. Kevin Royal who practices Internal Medicine in Opelika and they have three children.

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Autauga County Schools

Southview Primary School First Day

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Mrs. Owens’ class at Southview Primary had fun on the first day of school.

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

Reading is fun with Ms. Berry in the media center at Southview Primary.

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

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

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

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

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

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

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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

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

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

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Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

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Autauga County Schools Auburn HS Holds Summer Graduation Auburn City Schools Holds Commencement Ceremony Institute Day for Educators On July 29, ‎Auburn High School held its 2016 Summer Graduation Commencement Ceremony. Kayla Elizabeth Hampton and Nia Az'ure Lynea McCurdy both walked across the stage of the Multi-Media Room to receive their high school diploma from AHS. Lee County Youth Development Center's Executive Director Laura Cooper gave the commencement address and thanked the families, teachers and administrators in the room for preparing these young ladies for the rest of their lives while challenging the graduates to make an impact on others as they move forward. (L to R): Damian Sinclair, Bo Morrissey, Shannon Pignato, Kayla Elizabeth Hampton, Nia Az'ure Lynea McCurdy, Marie Cerio, Tiffany Pitts and Nicole Warren.

Auburn City Schools held Institute Day to recharge our educator's minds. The event kicked off with Jackie Milford and Dr. Ed Smith (both ACS staffers) performing an amazing rendition of "The Greatest Love of All," showcasing their talents in voice and on piano. The guest speaker was Lester L. Laminack, a Professor Emeritus from departments of Birth-Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle Grades Education at Western Carolina University. There he has received two awards for excellence in teaching (the Botner Superior Teaching Award and the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award). Lester is now a full-time writer and consultant working with schools throughout the United States. His message was moving and motivating!

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

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Autauga County Schools Auburn HS Coach Recognized as

Stuff the Bus Campaign Provides School Supplies to Auburn City Schools

Auburn City Schools wants to express its gratitude to The United Way of Lee County and everyone in the community who contributed to the "Stuff the Bus" effort this summer. Every year the United Way sponsors the Stuff the Bus campaign and then splits all donations among Auburn City Schools, Opelika City Schools and Lee County Schools. All 11 Auburn City Schools received Back To School items including Crayons, hand-sanitizer, notebooks, pens, pencils, Lysol, paper towels, Band-aides, Kleenex, binders, backpacks, etc. These donated supplies truly do go a long way to assist students and teachers during these first couple days of the school year. Pictured L to R: Auburn High School Principal Dr.Shannon Pignato, AHS Assistant Principal Bo Morrissey and AHS Assistant Principal Caroline Raville.

Auburn Kroger Donates Funds to Auburn City Schools

The Auburn Kroger held the grand opening of the newly renovated store and showed their community support through donating funds to Auburn City Schools! Thank you to Store Manager John Moore and the good folks at Kroger off Dean Road! (Pictured L to R: AJHS Assistant Principal Liz Kenemer, ACS Public Relations Specialist Daniel Chesser and AHS Tiger TV Instructor Beth Antoine).

Opelika Learning Center Receives New Technology

Track/Cross-Country Coach of the Year

Auburn High School Coach Dan Norton racks up on awards at the AHSAA awards banquet on July 23, including AHSAA Class 7A state championships in CrossCountry, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track, which is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Triple Crown of Running.â&#x20AC;? Norton was also recognized for being the track/cross-country coach of the year. Pictured with Dan holding his awards are his wife and kids.

Child Nutrition at Work

Before school started back on August 9, the Child Nutrition Program came together for a day of professional development where they learned more about best practices for school nutrition and also had the opportunity to taste-test new products for the upcoming school year. Potential new products included fruit and granola parfaits, bagels, garlic bread, smoothies and other snacks. A special thank you to General Mills and Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA) for joining our staff this morning!

Opelika HS Scholarship Signing

OHS Graduate Alexis Sydnor recently signed a softball scholarship to Wallace Community College-Dothan. Joining Sydnor were (front row): Sherry Sydnor and Julius Sydnor. Back row: Coach Tina DeeseOHS Softball Coach, Jasmine Sydnor, Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Coach Devin Booth-OHS Assistant Athletic Director, and Pernell Vickerstaff.

Classrooms at the Opelika Learning Center received Clear Tough Teaching Panels this summer. The OLC's plan includes the enhancement of student learning through the use of technology across the curriculum. Students had a great start back to school implementing their goals using technology.

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Opelika City Schools Welcomes New Teachers

The Opelika City Schools welcomed 49 new teachers to the 2016-17 school year. During new teacher orientation, they were treated to a luncheon hosted by BancorpSouth at Opelika High School. Pictured front row (l-r): Matthew Black-OHS, Kathy Crump-OMS, Claire HoffmanOMS, Pam Towery-OMS, Michaela Daugherty-Morris Avenue, Katherine Joa-Morris Avenue, Tori Gooden-Southview, Cailin Kelley-Carver, Jordan Drummond-Carver, Ashley Willis-Carver, and Ashley Redondo-Jeter Pictured middle row (l-r): Amanda Osswald-OHS, Allison GregoryOHS, Ashley Fuller-OMS, Olivia Kolar-OMS, Haley HendersonSouthview, Meagan Verheyen-Jeter, K.K. Hines-Morris Avenue, Lowery Walker-Morris Avenue, Cherika Hudmon-West Forest, Tonya Turner-West Forest, Katie Forster-West Forest, Vanessa Tolbert-West Forest, Lakisha Smith-West Forest, and Patrice McAllister-Carver. Pictured back row (l-r): Takeyla Ross-OHS, Becky Sharp-OMS, Montre Battle-OHS, Renaldo Fears-OLC, Casey Wilson-OHS, Scott Saavedra-OMS, Nick Richardson-OHS, Casey Bailey-OMS, Chad Turner-Northside, Rachel Heavlin-OMS, Amy Coleman-Carver, Hannah Carrell-Southview, Abby Kuhn-Northside, Janae Williams-Carver, Tabatha MitchellCarver, Alex Keller-Carver, and Jennifer Bryant-Northside Not pictured: Kerri Burtnett-OHS, Mark Carlock-OLC, Kelli Fischer-OHS, Gayle Holladay-Elementary Math Coach, Martha Jones-Southview, Cindy Poteet-OMS and Andrew Puent-OMS.

Opelika HS Scholarship Signing

OHS Graduate Tamia O'Neal signed a softball scholarship in July with Tuskegee University. Joining O'Neal were (front row): Christopher O'Neal and Wyvetta O'Neal. Back row: Coach Devin Booth-OHS Assistant Athletic Director, Coach Tina Deese-OHS Softball Coach, Dimitri O'Neal, Kristen O'Neal and Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal.

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Please send your school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

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Auburn HS Football Team Tours GE Plant

The entire Auburn High School Football Team recently toured the 300,000 square-foot GE Aviation manufacturing plant in Auburn. This opportunity showcased potential career paths for our student-athletes right here in our community. Teamwork is the pillar of the workforce at GE. Instead of seeing jet engines, GE Aviation employees see their fellow co-workers in the finished product and they are continually working towards a goal with pride in their performance, much like a successful football team. Tim Hickman, Human Resource Leader at GE, led the visit and explained to the guys the character traits that he looks for in potential employees. Jet engines have service lives of approximately 30-35 years and GE expects its relationship with the City of Auburn to last more than 50 years. The company invests about $1 billion in research and development annually and has $20 billion in revenues.

Local Schools Install School Visitor Management System

At both Ogletree Elementary and Yarbrough Elementary, "School Visitor Management Systems" by Raptor Technologies were installed through a partnership between Auburn City Schools and Auburn Police Department. Raptor Technologies provide an effective way to help schools and community facilities keep prohibited visitors out while tracking those they allow in. Simply scan a visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Driver's License or other state-issued ID and Raptor instantly screens for registered sex offenders in all 50 states and can also screen for individuals with restraining orders, custody issues, suspended or expelled students, known gang members, or for any custom alert. Top photo: (L to R) Chris Hardman, Lynn Monroe, Mary Anna Martin-Smith (OES Principal), Officer Bill Schallock, Beverly Pitt, and Officer Keith Horne. Bottom photo: (L to R): Chris Hardman, Officer Keith Horne, Officer Bill Schallock, Yvette Terhune and Pete Forster (YES Principal).

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn City Schools PE Instructors Gather for Training

More than 100 Special Education and Physical Education Instructors from within Auburn City Schools came together at Pick Elementary School this morning for Adaptive PE Training from the Alabama State Department of Education's Nancy Ray who is the Education Specialist for Health and Physical Education. Mrs. Ray covered state guidelines for physical education and encouraged everyone to have a successful school year. The guidelines help students develop the necessary functional skills toward independence to participate to the maximum extent possible in an appropriate physical education setting. A special thank you to Special Education Coordinator Crystal Oglesbee and her staff for putting this opportunity together for ACS employees

Please send your school news to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

ChildrensAL.org/committedtoacure

THE FACE OF A CURE

The Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders is committed to finding a cure for Hannah and the more than 1,500 children who come to us for care each year. As a founding member of the Children’s Oncology Group,* Children’s of Alabama and UAB combine research and innovative therapies to help save the lives of children down the street and around the world. Although the cancer cure rate has risen from 50 to 84 percent in just 20 years and strokes in patients with sickle cell disease have decreased 90 percent through standardized screening processes, we are actively working toward a TOTAL CURE for children like Hannah. *The Children’s Oncology group is a clinical - translational trials organization with more than 9,000 experts worldwide dedicated to finding better cures and improving the outcomes for all children with cancer.

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Auburn HS Students Attend Addiction Prevention Coalition Retreat

Safe Schools Coordinator Chris Hardman and Tiger TV instructor Beth Antoine took 5 Auburn High students to the Addiction Prevention Coalition retreat held at Red Mountain Park in Birmingham. Activities included ziplining, rock climbing, rapelling, and team building activities. They also discussed drug prevention strategies for the upcoming school year.

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T r i n i T y

An Army Basic Training Graduation Ceremony took place at Fort Benning and Private Jataevious Smith, Auburn HS Class of '17, successfully completed 9 weeks of rigorous training! Pvt. Smith will finish his Advanced Individual Training next summer as part of the Army's Split Option Program, whereby he will receive his Infantry Blue Cord and be given his Military Occupational Specialty as a U.S. Army Infantryman. Out of the 240 candidates that started in his cohort, he was one of only 160 Soldiers to graduate. His efforts bring great credit to Auburn High School and the Auburn Community at large. Pvt. Smith is pictured with AHS JROTC Instructor Lt. Col. (ret.) Tony Benitez.

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A c c o u n tA b i l i t y Accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools, Trinity is marked by a culture of hard work and the highest standards for conduct, spiritual growth, and academic achievement.

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Autauga County Schools

First Day of School at Auburn City Schools!

Classrooms, hallways and front offices were brimming with excitement for the first day of the 2016-2017 school year in Auburn City Schools. Here is a look at all the smiling faces of students, staff and administrators!

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Autauga Schools Auburn City County Schools First Day

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Northside Intermediate School First Day Great first day of school at Northside Intermediate with Ms. Hipp's class.

Lunchtime with Mrs. Medlin's class at Northside Intermediate.

Back to school smiles all around!

Auburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Craft Beer Festival

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Autauga County Schools Carver Primary School First Day

Ms. Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Ms. Earnestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students are excited about the first day of school at Carver Primary.

Opelika HS Jazz Band First Day

The members of the Opelika High School Jazz Band were already rehearsing on the first day back to school.

Jeter Primary School First Day Morris Avenue Intermediate School

Ms. Clark's students at Jeter Primary had a great first day of school!

Students in Mrs. Battle's class at Morris Avenue Intermediate are ready to learn.

Ms. Goree's class is excited for the first day of school at Morris Avenue Intermediate.

Mrs. Barnes' students at Jeter Primary are ready for 2nd grade. Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

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Opelika Middle School First Day

OMS Band students are excited for the new school year! Students in Ms. Skelton's class are ready for a new school year at OMS!

West Forest Intermediate School

Ms. Hudmon's class is ready to learn at West Forest Intermediate.

Ms. Harris' students are excited for the first day back to school at West Forest Intermediate.

Celebrating 25 years! L i vi n g. L ovi n g. L e a rn i n g.

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A Page in a Book Books, Beds and Sleepyheads Preparing children for a good night’s sleep can include a variety of routines and regimens, all designed to help kids relax and settle into the bedtime groove. Warm baths, dimmed lights, and soft pajamas create soothing transitions from active play to relaxation. Best among these comforting routines is the time-honored bed time traditions of finding just the right books to settle in with before lights out. The following titles are recommended for winding down wound up kids with simple text, soft-edged illustrations and sweet progressions toward sleep.

Sheep Go to Sleep

by Nancy Shaw, Illustrated by Margot Apple (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Five sheep are back from their latest adventure and heading home to hit the sack. They’re ready for sleep in their snug beds of hay but nighttime noises are keeping them awake. Enter the loyal collie who has just the thing to soothe restless sheep. Helping with a hug for one, a drink for another, collie has something to offer each sheep as they countdown toward slumber. Nursery rhyme fans will also smile when they discover where an exhausted dog ends up after getting the herd to bed. With simple rhyming text and soft-edged illustrations this title is perfect for little ones who are just beginning to count sheep as they go to sleep.

Good Night Like This

by Mary Murphy (Candlewick) Dusk arrives with gorgeous color as animal parents prepare their young for evening slumber. Rabbits, bears, fireflies and squirrels all snuggle in with their babes as twilight looms, calming and cuddling their little ones. Each two-page spread features a split page insert that shows the moments just before sleep, then turns to reveals the sleeping family. The evening hues shift from dusky orange, through violet to blue as the progression toward bedtime sees the departure of the sun and the arrival of starry skies. Children reading along will enjoy identifying the shadowy silhouettes that say “good night” while chiming in with their own “like this” refrain after each animal closes its eyes.

by Linda Ashman, Illustrated by Simona Mulazzani (Nancy Paulsen / Penguin Random House) Taking inspiration from the ‘Rock-a-bye, Baby’ lullaby, this baby’s journey toward slumber departs from the treetop and takes a round-a-bout tour before the last goodnight. Rendered with almost dreamlike detail, baby leaves the cradle in the boughs and soars through darkening skies, floats along rivers of stars, and ambles across peaceful pastures. Animals met along the way all seems to be guiding baby toward a sleepy destination. The journey ends when the child finally lands in mother’s arms, and makes the last stop of the night in baby’s own bed (under a swaying mobile featuring many of the child’s fellow travelers on the journey toward sleep). With rhyming text that perfectly syncs with the original lullaby, readers may also use this gentle selection to sing the way toward slumber. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Q. Our daughter is a special needs child, who doctors say will live about half as long as the average adult. There’s also a good chance she will be under our care her entire life. We just finished Baby Step 3 of your plan, so we have all of our debt paid off except for the house, and we have an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses saved. We have health insurance, too. However, we were wondering how the situation with our little girl affects retirement planning and college funding? A. I know this may sound strange, but the situation with your daughter really doesn’t affect things all that much. The only real difference is that it sounds like you’ll be responsible for your sweet daughter for the foreseeable future — not just until she’s 18 or 21. If you don’t already have it, you and your wife should both buy 10 to 12 times

your annual incomes in term life insurance. Make sure the money from the policies is set up to go into a special needs trust that would be managed for her care. That way, your baby will be taken care of in the event something unexpected happens to you. Otherwise, just keep following my plan. Baby Step 4 means you start putting 15 percent of your income into pre-tax retirement plans, like Roth IRAs and mutual funds. Baby Step 5 is college funding, if that’s a consideration for her, followed by paying off your home early. Then, of course, the last Baby Step is building wealth and giving. Financially speaking, you’re looking at filling a need in the event of your deaths. This should be covered by life insurance or investments. If you reach a point where your investments are substantial, and money from those things can adequately cover her needs and the needs of your family, then you can always drop the insurance policies.

Q. My husband has his own one-man painting business, and I help him with the books. We were wondering how you know when it’s time to implement a price increase. Also, what should the increase be? A. I grew up in the real estate business, so I’ll use the apartment-complex model as my example. If your building is completely full, it’s time to raise prices a little until you have a vacancy. In this type of scenario, you want a healthy level of vacancy, meaning you’re always going to be losing some customers as you go up in prices. In your husband’s case, if he’s booked through the end of the month, he’s way underpriced. Just keep on turning in your bids, and don’t make a big deal about things. It isn’t like a tenant, in your case, where you’re going back time and time again except in rare cases. You might start with a 10 percent increase, and see what happens for a while. If that goes well, wait a bit and raise them another 10 percent. There are only so many hours in a day he can work, so the only other option is to take on staff. But before I start staffing, I’m going to raise prices and cut the number of customers that way. In most cases, if you show up when you say you will, complete the job when you say you will, and you do high quality work, there’s almost no ceiling on what you can make!

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Need to run a few errands? Get out of the house for a while for some mental health time or exercise? Around the time your child reaches the preteen (tween) years, staying home alone may be an option. But, how do you know if your child is ready? The following points will help you determine if your child is equipped to do so:

Your tween indicates they want to stay home alone. Your child is seeking more independence and has asked you to leave him by himself. He is not anxious when you are gone and he can keep himself occupied safely.

Your tween follows your directions and rules. Your child has shown you that he can follow your expectations, even when you are not present. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve witnessed your child making good choices without your input. He adheres to the guidelines you have set in place about having a friend over, watching TV or a movie, playing video games, and time spent outdoors.

Your tween is reliable and self-sufficient. Daily chores are done with little to no reminders. Your child can safely prepare simple snacks when he is hungry. He knows how to properly use the microwave and toaster. You can rely on him to use only the appliances youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve agreed to let him use.

Your tween uses the phone properly.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

Your child answers the phone appropriately. He recognizes why it is all right when you are away from the house to say you are unavailable, and how to take a message correctly.

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Additional questions parents should know the answers to before leaving their tweens at home alone: Is your neighborhood a safe one? Do you have neighbors that your child knows and trusts, people he can turn to if he needs help? Does your child demonstrate good decision-making and judgment? Does you child understand basic safety procedures? Will he make the decision of safety first? Can your child tell time? Can he calmly provide your home phone number and address and give directions to your house in case of emergency? Does you child know your cell number? Can your child lock and unlock your windows and doors? Does your child know the garage door code and/or alarm system code and password, if this applies? Does you child stay calm when the unexpected happens? Do you have more than one child you will leave home alone? Can they resolve their conflicts without physical altercations and adult intervention?

Your tween understands safety.

He is familiar with basic first-aid and knows what to do in case of a fire or other emergency. He knows to call 911 and other emergency numbers if necessary. He knows what he can and cannot do when you are not at home. He understands that knives cannot be used without your supervision. He knows not to open the door while you are gone and which neighbors to call or go to if he needs help. He knows the “safe” meeting spot, to find you or be found, in case anything should happen. He knows where the flashlights and extra batteries are. Although your child may know the emergency numbers, keep a list of emergency contacts and numbers in an easy to view place. Make sure all of your numbers are there as well. When panic or worry sets in, the brain can flood and we struggle to remember what we do know.

Have a simple chart of first aid tips close to the emergency contacts and numbers. (In our home a bright binder labeled “EMERGENCY,” with our address and home phone number below, holds contacts, emergency numbers, and basic first-aid procedures. This binder remains by the kitchen phone and comes in handy for any babysitter we hire.) Begin slowly, leaving him alone for five to ten minutes the first few times and build from there. What else can you do to help your tween? Give him something to do to structure his time. This helps alone time pass 27

quickly. Check in with your tween while you are gone. Call to see if he is comfortable or has any questions, and also to keep him updated on when you will arrive back home. This is an exciting time for your tween as he establishes more independence, with your confidence that he will do well. AOP

Judy M. Miller, a mother of four, is training her tween son on how to be safely home alone. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

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Common Sense Rules for Augmented Reality Pokemon GO may be the first breakthrough game to use augmented reality (AR), but it certainly won’t be the last. The boundaries between virtual and tangible worlds have been blurring for a long time, and new games fuse the two into one irresistible package. As everyone knows by now, Pokemon GO makes tiny monsters appear everywhere from museums and malls to backyards and kitchens. Entire families have cheerfully headed out into their neighborhoods and beyond to collect as many monsters as they can. So far so good. But augmented reality also creates risks. Thinking through the pros and cons of Pokemon GO gives parents a good platform for making common sense rules about the many AR games that are likely to follow. As you develop family guidelines, keep these 5 P’s in mind. Permissions. Children under 13 can’t sign up for games unless they have permission from parents. That’s a reminder that younger children need augmented supervision in augmented reality. Play together if you can. Or ask your child to walk you (literally!) through the game so you can see and comment on what’s fun and what’s risky. AR apps also ask for permissions when they are installed, and parents should get in the habit of reviewing every request. Obviously, smart phones hold lots of information— who a child knows, where she hangs out, what photos he’s taken, what social media she uses. This information may seem trivial, but it’s catnip to marketers. Even if the company that makes the app promises to use the information responsibly, tech companies often change hands. The best policy is to give each app as little permission as possible. Pokemon Go, for example, needs access to the phone’s Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

camera but not contact information. To revise your choices after installation, find the Settings icon on the phone. Look for the Apps folder. Find the relevant app and uncheck as many boxes as possible. Place. AR games encourage children to explore the world. That’s terrific! But kids still need boundaries. For kids mature enough to play without direct supervision, be very clear about where they are allowed to go. In the case of Pokemon GO, monsters may very well show up outside the approved play zone. Talk in advance about how you want your child to handle this situation. (To confirm that the rules are being followed, click the Pokeball button at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a list of captured Pokemon and details about where they were caught.) Before turning a child loose with AR, remind them about tangible concerns. Exercise special caution near water and never cross safety barricades. Don’t trespass on private property and don’t play the game in inappropriate places like cemeteries and churches. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Traffic is another obvious risk. People staring at phones have bumped into things and stepped in front of cars. Some parents insist that kids set the phone to vibrate when a Pokemon is nearby so they can walk without distraction. To its credit, Pokemon GO reminds players to turn the game off while driving. The same rule should apply to other forms of transportation—bikes, scooters, skateboards. People. The best games are often social, and AR is no exception. Chatting with others who are playing in the same vicinity seems natural, and some objectives require teamwork. Most of the people your child encounters will be fellow enthusiasts. But the Pokemon GO game includes devices that 28

draw Pokemon—and their hunters—to specific locations, and that creates opportunities for predators. Remind your child that all the usual rules about talking to or going anywhere with strangers apply. Encourage kids to play with friends and reiterate the fact that, even with friends, they shouldn’t go into isolated places like dark alleys or abandoned buildings. As an extra layer of protection, consider keeping track of your child’s phone with a service like Find my Friends (Apple) or Google+ (Android). Price. Apps are seductive because they seem to be free. Still, the people who develop these things need to be paid, so something is always for sale. In the case of Pokemon GO, players can purchase Pokeballs, Pokecoins and lures that will make it easier to catch rare specimens. For parents, this is a teachable moment. Consider giving your child an in-game allowance or encouraging her to earn money for game items by doing chores. Make it crystal clear that your child needs to get approval before spending real money on virtual goods. AR games are also likely to have other costs. Because Pokemon GO depends on GPS tracking, it consumes lots of data. Show older kids how to monitor usage so they don’t incur extra charges by exceeding the family limit. Privilege. Playing any game is a privilege that can be revoked if kids don’t follow household rules. In the case of a craze like Pokemon GO, you may want to be flexible at first to see how the game fits into family life. When is it OK to play? When do you expect phones to be powered down? Are there things your child can do to earn extra time? What behaviors will result in suspending privileges? The answers to these questions won’t be the same for every family, and they may need to be hammered out in family meetings. Still, it’s always up to parents to be sure that the allure of AR is tempered with real world common sense. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved

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Many parents of special needs children appear to parent with grace, balance, and energy. In addition they also seem remarkably stress-free and organized. How, in the face of all of these challenges and more, do they keep it together? What habits do they embrace that allow them to be highly effective parents for their children?

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Habit One: They are proactive and advocate for their children and educate others.

Parents become experts about their children and their needs. They conduct ongoing research; ask questions of therapists, doctors, specialists, and other professionals; and keep an organized binder full of notes and important information. They create and add to their at-home special needs libraries. They are knowledgeable about vernacular, treatments, and services. They are well versed in the state and federal laws that regulate services for their children. Because of their knowledge parents are effective educators of their child’s faculty and staff. They are powerful advocates for treatment, services, and support-in and outside of school.

Habit Two: They maintain a sense of “normalcy” within the family.

Effective parents realize that although everyone in the family is affected by their child’s disorder, they are not defined by it. Parents work to ensure that siblings have childhoods and do not take on adult responsibilities. They encourage siblings to spend time with their friends. Parents are proactive about training other family members, friends and sitters about how to care for their child so that they can have time for themselves, individually and as a couple, perhaps going out on weekly dates. They also spend time in the company of other adult friends.

Habit Three: They take care of themselves.

Parents nurture their needs, and recognize that doing so is important for themselves as well as their children. Effective parents address themselves holistically, meaning they take care of their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. They eat nutritious unprocessed food and don’t skip meals. They make sure their bodies are properly hydrated. They schedule time for regular exercise, by themselves or with friends. They engage in activities that offer creative or intellectual enrichment.

Habit Four: They manage their stress.

Effective parents are intentional about reducing stress in their lives by setting time aside each day to promote calm and centering. They adopt practices such as prayer, deep breathing and meditation to 31

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replenish their inner reserves. Rebecca, a mom of a son who has a diagnosis of autism, says, “When in doubt I choose grace, to forgive people for letting me down or for rejecting my son, for whatever reason.” When parents lead lives that are stress-free and balanced, all family members, especially children, win. Research, by the Gottman Institute supports that children fare better emotionally, socially, and academically when parents manage their stress properly.

Habit Five: They make rest a priority.

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While any parent can tire in their parenting responsibilities, parenting a child with special needs can elevate fatigue to a whole different level. Sometime parents don’t realize the extent of their exhaustion. I didn’t. My child’s physical therapist pointed this out to me. Effective parents realize the importance of getting to bed as early as possible, or taking naps to offset the sleep they lose due to their child’s irregular sleep patterns-up and down throughout the night, late to bed, and/or early to rise.

Habit Six: They surround themselves with energy givers.

People are either energy zappers or energy givers. Effective parents opt to spend time in the company of people who lift them up, make them feel confident, positive, and happy. They realize energy givers help them to feel energized, inspired and motivated. Parents of special needs children appreciate and need this energy.

Habit Seven: They have a support group.

Parenting a child with special needs can be lonely, however there is no need to be alone in the journey. Effective parents are part of or have created a group of parents whose parenting journeys are similar to theirs. Christy, a single mother of a child with mental health issues shares, “I’ve found that meeting and sharing with people who have raised children with similar issues helps me. They understand what I deal with without me having to explain it. Their support helps me to be calm when I’m with my child.” AOP

Judy M. Miller savors time with her kids. She is a Certified Gottman Educator and the author of What To Expect From Your Adopted Tween and Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Once small hands successfully stack one block upon another, the interest in building and design is ignited. The power to envision and construct an edifice of their own design with their own hands is an inspirational tool to cultivate architectural enthusiasm in children. In addition to empowering creativity, crafting buildings fosters fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as well as supporting STEM development. From the simplest structure to complex edifices, the following building sets offer kids developmental play with a world of design options!

by Gerry Paige Smith

4D Cityscape New York

Archiquest Master Builder Wooden Building Blocks

(4D Cityscape)

(T.S. Shure)

Part puzzle, part model, the 4D Cityscape expands beyond simple construction giving young talents a taste of city planning and design. Recreating the famous Manhattan footprint with a traditional 2D jigsaw puzzle, the set takes on its 3D aspect with over 100 buildings that fit into pre-cut holes in the finished puzzle. The fourth dimension to explore is time as buildings from 1812 through 2013 can populate the city. Famous landmarks such as the World Trade Towers, Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, Statue of Liberty are some of the iconic architecture that stand tall in the Manhattan realm. Once young builders master the Big Apple, they can set their sights on additional 4D Cityscape projects such as Washington DC, Rome, London and many more!

Melissa & Doug Architectural Units

KEVA Brain Builders

From designing roads and bridges to stacking up towering structures, Archiquest Building Blocks lay the world of architecture at a child’s feet. Featuring 136 precision-cut solid wood blocks in both primary and natural colors, the Archiquest block set encourages young builders to create from the ground up. The set comes with a wooden box without a lid so an alternate tub or bag is recommended for easier storage. Whether inspiring free form creative design or guiding building skills from the illustrated instruction booklet, kids can experience growing confidence that comes with the power to construct their visions.

(Mindware)

Doubling down on the benefits of playing with blocks, the Keva set pairs brain development with the customary growth in motor skills that come with construction play. The Keva kit comes with 20 planks and a set of 30 double-sided puzzle cards. The cards offer a two-dimensional representation of a building and the challenge to young builders is to recreate the structure in three-dimensions. The flip side of the card offers the blueprint so kids can check their work or get the help they need to master the task. The variety of building projects ranges from structures to fanciful beasts, keeping the challenges fresh and engaging. Boosting kids understanding of geometry, composition, proportion and engineering, the KEVA Brain Builders offers the best blueprints for a new generation of architects!

(Melissa & Doug)

Characterized by Melissa & Doug’s child-friendly standards, the architectural units building block set is designed and sized for the smaller builder in mind. With 44 hand scrolled and smooth sanded blocks, little hands can quickly get a grip on the fundamentals of building. Featuring some of the distinct hallmark shapes of architecture (pillars, arches, peaked gables and more), there’s a sense of exploring the origins of classical building design along the way. The Architectural Units set pairs beautifully with other M & D building kits as kids may like to expand their projects into bigger and more complex designs.

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

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riding, swimming, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, repelling, zip-line, water tubing, archery and rifle range, mini-golf course, paved nature trails, and more. www.campascca.org Easter Seals Central Alabama- 2125 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, AL. 334-288-0240.

Lee County Youth Development Center ad on page 19

The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) responds daily to requests for information. 877-4AUTISM. www.autism-alabama.org Parent Support- ASA has support groups to address a variety of issues. Monthly meetings in a variety of settings throughout the state provide support and information, guest speakers, informative topics, and question and answer sessions. Lending Library- ASA has over 400 books and media on autism spectrum disorders that are available to our members. Items can be checked out through the office at 4217 Dolly Ridge Road, Birmingham, AL. If you have books on autism that you are willing to donate or for info on our lending library, please call 1-877-4AUTISM. ASA collaborates with various state and local agencies to increase awareness in the community, schools, and in the medical and professional arenas to promote education, understanding, resources, and to encourage the early diagnosis of autism.

1109 Spring Drive, Opelika. 334-7492996; www.lcydc.org Times Change… Our Commitment Remains the Same. The Lee County Youth Development Center is uniquely set apart - singular in its design of offering a broad continuum of services and care for youth and families. Our agency strives to maintain the highest standards of quality care and innovative practices with expertise in the areas of prevention, intervention and residential care. One area served is Psychological Services: Comprehensive clinical support for all residents admitted to our Intensive Residential Treatment Facility, Residential & out-patient psychological assessments, therapies, and other clinical services for children, adolescents, and families served under the LCYDC umbrella, 24-hour/7-days a week/365days a year On-Call Emergency Psychological Services to clients, residents, and programs at LCYDC, Emergency Mental Status Examinations, Psychiatric Clinic for all program clients, with ongoing psychiatric consultation with clinical staff, Psychological Staffing for all program clients, with ongoing psychological consultation for clinical staff by licensed professionals and Referrals accepted from the Department of Human Resources, the Alabama Department of Youth Services, and the Juvenile Court System.

Easter Seals Alabama

RehabWorks 4 Kids

Consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp, Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation. Easter Seals Achievement Center- 510 W Thomason Circle, Opelika, AL. 334-745-3501 Camp ASCCA Easter Seals- 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson’s Gap, AL. 256-825-9226 or 800843-2267. A special place where campers with disabilities have the opportunity to express their individuality and independence within a carefully supervised setting. Their families also are provided with a chance to relax in the knowledge that over thirty years of experience goes into providing a safe environment where fun can be had by all. The activities offered at Camp ASCCA include horseback

528-1964. A service of East Alabama Medical Center. We offer pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapies to children 0-18 yrs of age with a variety of diagnoses including: cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, receptive-expressive language delays/disorders, feeding/swallowing disorders, sensory integration disorders, torticollis, augmentative communication needs, sensory-motor group that meets weekly for 3-week sessions throughout the year & referrals to other community resources. kelly.shaw@eamc.org.

LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES Autism Society of Alabama ad on page 8

ad on page 14

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

ad on page 7

Smith Group Behavioral Consulting ad on page 4

2206 Executive Park Drive, Opelika. Kimhsmith1@ icloud.com; www.smithgroupbehavioralconsulting. com; 332-9077 (cell with confidential voicemail).

Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Organizational Behavior Management, and Education. 1) Working with Educators: Behavioral observation and consultation, functional assessments and functional analyses of maladaptive behavior, skill assessments, social skills training, development and monitoring of behavior reduction plans, competency-based training in ABA for teachers and school system staff, and classroom set-up and modifications to maximize learning. 2) Working with Families: ABA intervention programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, helping parents maximize their child’s learning at home by evaluating the home environment and home schedule, academic tutoring, development of behavior plans to reduce maladaptive behaviors at home, potty training programs, and training for immediate family members, extended family members, church staff, babysitters, etc.... on Autism Spectrum Disorders, ABA or other related topics. • Alabama Scottish Rite Learning Centersoffers evaluations for Alabama school age children, generally age 7 through 9th Grade. Program has a network of speech/language pathologists, available to perform this free service. Children from all over Alabama are evaluated at various locations as time and funding permit. If you have a child at least 7 years old (and has been in a structured reading program for at least 6 months) that is exhibiting signs of learning language deficits, the speech, language and literacy evaluation will facilitate early identification and intervention for language learning differences. www.alsrlcenter.org/ALSR_Learning_Center/Welcome • All for Children-2290 Moores Mill Road, Suite 400, Auburn. 209-2009: www.all-forchildren.com; private practice providing the children of this area quality speech, language and literacy intervention. • American Cancer Society- Relay For Life of Lee County- www.relayforlife.org/leeal Support Groups-Bossum Buddies: EAMC Health Resource Center, Opelika. 288-3432. Caregiver Support- Oak Park Dining Room, 1365 Gatewood Drive, Auburn. 3rd Thursday of the month. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Cheri Rudgers 826-1899. TOUCH (Today Our Understanding of Cancer is Hope)- This general cancer support group is for survivors and their family and caregivers. East Alabama Health Resource Center, Opelika. 288-3432. I Can Cope- EAMC Health Resource Center, Opelika. 288-3432. General cancer educational program for recently diagnosed cancer patients. Look Good…Feel Better- 288-3432. Free program conducted by cosmetologists to improve appearance related side effects of cancer. Sessions conducted as cancer patients request services and as cosmetologists are available. American Cancer Society- 3054 McGehee Rd, Montgomery. 334-288-3432. Offers free wigs, turbans, and hats to cancer patients. • Auburn University-Auburn University Autism Center was established in August 2003 with the vision of providing much needed services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, their families, schools, and other agencies whose goal is to optimize the potential of individuals with autism. This vision translates into a model demonstration site for best practice; diagnostic services for children with autism spectrum disorder; training for families, teachers, and related professionals; outreach consultation; and research opportunities relative to effective intervention strategies. www.auburn.edu The Autism Center provides: a model demonstration site for best practice education of persons

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with autism spectrum disorder, diagnostic services for children with autism spectrum disorder, outreach consultation services for families, schools and agencies that serve people with autism spectrum disorder, training for families, teachers and related professionals, and research opportunities relative to effective intervention strategies for people with autism spectrum disorder. Best Buddies- The largest chapter of Best Buddies International, an international organization that promotes one-to-one friendships between college students and buddies. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 chapters worldwide. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in 50 countries around the world. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDD secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. The chapter won the Most Outstanding Chapter Award at the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference, held in July 2013. The Summer Learning Clinic is an intensive four-week program that the Department of Rehabilitation and Special Education offers for students with mild learning problems, learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and/or autism spectrum disorders. Since 1990, over 2,900 such students have received individually designed tutorial instruction through this outreach program. Instruction for students ages 6-13 is offered in reading, math, and language arts, with emphasis on areas of concern for individual students. 844-2004. Speech and Hearing Clinic- Haley Center, 844-9600. offers screening tests for the general public free of charge each semester. The clinic performs audiological and speech-language evaluations, aural rehabilitation support and other clinical services for children and adults. Speech and language assessments related to language/speech delay, developmental delay, autism, cleft palate, stuttering, voice disorders, feeding/ swallowing, and literacy. Auditory treatments include hearing aid selection and dispensing, assistive listening devices, and auditory rehabilitation. Motor Behavior Lab- in the Department of Health and Human Performance provides a motor development program for kindergarten children with low motor proficiency. 844-4483. The Center for Disability Research and Service- 215 S. Donahue Dr. in the Dawson Building, Auburn University Campus. offering additional resources to improve the lives of Alabama citizens with significant disabilities. Housed in the Dawson Building, the center is an

extension of the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, Counseling/School Psychology in the College of Education and will focus on developing initiatives in autism and developmental disabilities, assistive technology, program evaluation and employment and community support. Research relating to autism spectrum disorder will expand on the work previously conducted by the Auburn University Autism Center, which has been absorbed by the new center. In addition, the new center will collaborate on projects with the Auburn Transition Leadership Institute, which provides support to youths with disabilities by providing continuous improvement resources to assist with their transition to adulthood. • Autism Hope Center- 706 604 6333. www.autismhopecenter.com The Autism Hope Center is a free resource to both families and professionals throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. Since 2005, we have been instrumental in bringing programs, services, and support to individuals and their families in our area. We host a monthly support group and a number of monthly inclusive events. Additionally, the center helps connect families to advocates and helps promote self-advocacy. • Benson Behavior Services Jon N. Benson, M.S.,BCBA, jnbenson1@hotmail.com; 334-452-1709. “From Challenge to Change”. Practical behavior therapy for parents and teachers. Offering in-home or schoolbased behavior therapy for autism and developmental disabilities. Hours and availability determined on a case-by-case basis.

• Brain Jogging & Camp Academia- 1507 Vernon Road, LaGrange, Ga. and 1022 2nd Avenue, Columbus, Ga. 706-884-4492. www.campacademia.com Areas of focus: Dyslexia, language processing deficiencies, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and processing speed. Camp Academia has four primary programs designed to help your child achieve his or her potential: Consultation / Testing Services– Full evaluation of your child’s strengths and weaknesses in learning utilizing both formal and informal methods and recommendations for charting their educational path. Brainjogging– Camp Academia’s research-based learning tool is designed to enhance learning efficiency and proficiency by “exercising” weak areas of the brain. Camps– Three-day residential camps and Summer

Booster Sessions are designed to evaluate and prepare your child for the upcoming school year. • Cast Ministries.org Auburn, AL. 332-8411 and 821-1000. Amputee Support- If you or someone you love has suffered a loss of limb, we invite you to join our “team” as we learn to turn our weaknesses into our strengths. The Christian Amputee Support Team is committed to: “pursuing abundant life for amputees through the love of Christ.”

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• Food Allergy Families of East Alabama Our mission is to provide a supportive environment to those affected by food allergies and to network in order to share ideas and to educate ourselves and others while raising public awareness. For more information, visit our website at www.foodallergyfamiliesEA.org or email Crystal@foodallergyfamiliesEA.org • Hearing Professionals of Alabama 2415 Moore’s Mill Road, Suite 225, Auburn 334.521.7501; www.hpoal.com We are committed to providing the most comprehensive and professional audiological care for individuals of ALL ages with hearing concerns. We believe that children and adults with hearing loss deserve the opportunity to receive competent and reliable hearing healthcare close to home. We specialize in identifying, diagnosing, treating, monitoring and preventing hearing disorders. Hearing Professionals of Alabama also offers the most innovative hearing aid technology at affordable prices which you can receive in a relaxed and easy-to-access clinic setting. The ultimate purpose of all work in our office is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with hearing loss through our knowledge and compassion. • Hospice of East Alabama Medical Center665 Opelika Road, Auburn, AL. 826-1899; 800-3034677. Hospice treats the whole person instead of the disease. Its focus is on the family as well as the individual. Hospice emphasizes quality of life rather than duration. The patient’s pain is treated aggressively, and suffering is recognized and dealt with by members of the interdisciplinary team. The patient’s final wishes are attended to, and efforts are made to allow terminally ill patients and their families to remain together in peace, comfort, and dignity as they experience the end of life. Hospice services extend to any location: a home, the hospital, an assisted living facility, Bethany House, or a nursing home. Our goal at Hospice of EAMC is to help our patients live fully by managing pain and symptoms so that their days are filled with more joy and comfort. We seek to provide patients and their families with physical, emotional, social and spiritual support throughout their journey. Hospice of EAMC now serves parts of eight counties within a 50-mile radius of its office in Auburn, AL. Hospice of EAMC is the only area hospice linked directly with the services and support of East Alabama Medical Center. We can offer seamless transitioning of patients from inpatient care to their own homes or to a nursing home if needed. • In His Hands: Special Friends Ministry Lakeview Baptist Church. 1600 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn. 887-7094. www.lakeviewbaptist.org. Program designed to help families who have children with special needs be able to worship together while their children are shown and taught about the love of Christ by familiar adults. Our goal is to form teams of buddies for each special friend that will assist them on Sunday mornings. Buddies will volunteer on a weekly or monthly rotation. • Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy 742-2694. Opelika. After realizing the need for a local non-profit for the benefit of the autism families in Lee County, a group of dedicated parents has worked to develop Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy. Together with educators, business professionals and parents we hope to bring the communities of Lee County a better understanding of autism spectrum disorders and how families are affected as well as provide workshops, trainings and support for educators and parents. Monthly meetings will be held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Age appropriate social groups are also available. Like us on Facebook (Lee County Autism Resource & Advocacy).

school program is designed to provide intensive early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities ages 3-5 years old. We utilize strategies based on the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in teaching our children. We also offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy as needed for children enrolled. The primary focus of intervention is language acquisition but additional areas such as self-care skills, play skills, social skills, and pre-academic skills in preparation for kindergarten are also important. Our teachers plan developmentally and age appropriate lessons for children enrolled and utilize thematic teaching. Additional teaching procedures used at Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree include but are not limited to the following: discrete trial teaching, incidental teaching, least-to-most prompting sequences, most-to-least prompting sequences, shaping, reinforcement and differential reinforcement. There are four classrooms, each of which is supervised by a Lead Teacher certified in Early Childhood Special Education. Each Lead Teacher has the support of a full-time Teacher Assistant. Through a partnership with Auburn University we provide training at both the undergraduate and graduate level for a number of disciplines including Education, Human Development and Family Sciences, and Psychology. • March of Dimes Alabama Chapter- Birmingham, AL. 205-824-0103. www.marchofdimes.com Central Division in Montgomery, AL. 334-277-6910. • Opelika Lions Club- www.opelikalions.org; Service league providing support for diabetic awareness, sight conservation and The Miracle League Ball Field for Children with Disabilities. • Precision Medical Solutions, LLP 2 Locations: 2515 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn. 334826-0078 and 119 Market Place, Montgomery. 334260-3767. www.precisionmedicalsolutions.com Brace Yourself for Life! Precision Medical Solutions strives to provide help to hurting people during their times of need. We carry a complete line of bracing, for children and adults, for most every part of the body. • Storybook Farms- 300 Cusseta Road, Opelika, AL. 444-5966. www.hopeonhorseback.org; The year-round equine assisted activities are tailored to serve children ages 2 years to young adults who are challenged with life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, mental and/or emotional trauma, and grief. The gentle nature of our horses provides hope and healing. In addition to our “hope on horseback” riding programs, Storybook Farm also provides weekly Enrichment Classes for local school system’s inclusive special education classes, “Forever Families” quarterly events for families created by adoption or fostering, as well as annual events such as Easter Eggstravaganza, SBF Horse Show, Fall Festival, and the Christmas Celebration. • The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind- Serving Lee County and the surrounding area. www.aidb.org Alabama School for the Blind- 705 South Street East, Talladega, AL. 256-761-3260. Alabama School for the Deaf- 205 South Street East, Talladega, AL. 256-761-3278. Helen Keller School of Alabama- 1101 Fort Lashley Avenue, Talladega, AL. 256-761-3377. The Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program- Talladega, Alabama has a covered indoor arena and a 3/4 mile Sensory Trail for students from preschool age to middle age for both therapeutic and recreational riding year round. mgheques@aidb.state. al.us

• The Little H.A.P.I.E. Tree Preschool (Helping Auburn Parents-Intervening Early) 721 E. University Drive, Auburn, 887-4956. The pre-

• The East Alabama Mental Health Centerwww.eastalabamamhc.com; Family and Children’s Services-2300 Center Hills Dr., Building II; Opelika, AL. 742-2112. A public non-profit corporation established in 1967. The Center is a comprehensive community

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

mental health center that provides a continuum of services for persons with a serious emotional disturbance, developmental delay, mental illness, mental retardation, and/or substance abuse problem. Prevention, consultation, and education are important aspects of the Center’s service delivery system. Services are provided to persons living or working in Lee, Russell, Chambers, and Tallapoosa Counties and are prioritized to serve the most severely disabled and those least able to afford services. CHINS Intervention Program-The Center provides a range of services for children residing in Lee County who have been, or are at risk of being adjudicated CHINS (Child in Need of Supervision). These children display behavior problems such as truancy, breaking curfew, and refusing to follow the rules at school and at home. ABC Child Development Center- The ABC (Actively Believing in Children) Child Development Center provides intensive services for toddlers and preschool children with autism or pervasive developmental disorders in an integrated child care setting. Godparent Project -The Godparent Project provides parenting education, life skills training, and referral to community resources for pregnant and parenting adolescents. Special Deliveries-The Special Deliveries program provides parent education, support, and referral services for families of infants and toddlers. The program also provides intensive in-home family support services for at risk families of children ages 0 to 5. Other programs-Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Parent Power, In-School Programs, After-School and Summer Alternative Programs, Family Strengthening Programs, Mommy and Me, & ACATA: Alliance Counteracting Alcohol and Tobacco Advertising. • The Exceptional Outreach Organization (E.O.O.)- Organized in 2000, the Exceptional Outreach Organization is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to provide programs for exceptional individuals with special needs by fostering growth through recreation, education, and social activities. Comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors with zero administrative costs, E.O.O. works to raise funds and awareness to sponsor and support Special Olympics of Lee County, the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Summer Camp, Best Buddies of Auburn University, Premier Athletics Shining Knights Therapeutic Cheerleading Team, and other therapeutic related programs. E.O.O. hosts the annual Love Your Heart Run and Crank Your Heart Ride as its sole fundraising event. 2015 marks the 26th Annual Love Your Heart Run and 8th Annual Crank Your Heart Ride, which will take place at Chewacla State Park. www.loveyourheartrun.com. • The Sunshine Class- Farmville Baptist Church, 3607 AL. Hwy. 147 N., Auburn. 887-7361. Specially adapted for individuals with special needs to truly shine! We personalize the Bible and encourage a close and intimate relationship with Jesus through Bible stories, life experiences, prayer, and praise. Class meets every Sunday morning. For more information on the class and other possibilities for individuals with disabilities, please email office@ farmvillebaptistchurch.org.

RECREATION AND SOCIAL EVENTS Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 5

Offers recreational activities, programs/leagues, social activities and field trips for citizens who have mental and physical disabilities. We provide an opportunity for children and adults to build friendships in a fun,

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encouraging and safe environment. The programs are designed to strengthen and “show off” the participants’ abilities, rather than their disabilities. All programs are free, unless otherwise noted. The Therapeutics Program also supports the Lee County and State of Alabama Special Olympics programs and the Auburn University chapter of Best Buddies. If you are interested in finding out more information regarding our Therapeutics Program, please contact Dana Stewart or Alison Hall at 501-2930. Fall Activities Include: Monday-Bowling, Auburn Lanes. 1:00-3:00pm. Monday- PEERS for Teens. Ages 13-18yrs. 5:307:30pm. Dean Rd Rec Center. Monday- Drama Class. Ages 12 and up, 1:00-2:00pm, Dean Rd Rec Center. Wednesday-Play Group, ages 6-12yrs, 3-5pm, Dean Rd Rec Center. Tuesday Special Olympics Track and Field Practice, AHS Track. 5:30-6:30pm. Wednesday-Fitness & Bingo, ages 12yrs and up. 5:307:30pm. Dean Rd Rec Center. Thursday- Special Olympics Softball Practice, DSPField 3. 4:30-5:30pm Thursday- Family Fitness Challenge@ the Pediatric Movement & Physical Activity Lab, Auburn Campus. 6:00-7:00pm. Friday- Game Night, Sept 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16. Dean Rd Rec Center. 5:30-7:30pm. Friday-Special Olympics Basketball Practice, Dean Road Rec Center. 4:30-5:30pm. Sunday-Special Olympics Volleyball Practice, Dean Rd Rec Center. 4:30-5:30pm. Sunday- Special Olympics Flag Football Practice, AHS Soccer Field. 2:30-3:30pm Sunday- Unified Softball, AHS Soccer Field, 3:304:30pm. Special Olympics 2016-2017 Auburn Parks and Recreation supports Special Olympics by sponsoring teams for many of the Special Olympics events. Currently, we support athletes for basketball, bowling, golf, powerlifting, swimming, track and field, and volleyball events. Practices take place throughout the year with the help of local Special Olympics’ volunteer coaches. You must be at least 8 years of age and meet the requirements of the Alabama Special Olympics Guidelines in order to participate. We currently need Coaches for our Special Olympics Athletes…if you have the time and the interest to help coach these dynamic and fun-loving kids, please contact the Lee County Special Olympics Co-Directors or the State office today! www.auburnalabama.org/specialolympics Therapeutic Summer Camp A seven week summer day camp designed for young adults with various special needs. The Summer Camp is a joint project created and sponsored by Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Exceptional Outreach Organization. The curriculum program includes life skills training such as handling money, team work, social skills, Zumba, swimming, and other physical recreation activities. The campers also participate in cultural experiences, such as attending a Montgomery Biscuits baseball game and the Wild Animal Safari, Pine Mountain, GA. 27th Annual Love Your Heart Run / 9th Annual Crank Your Heart Ride The annual Love Your Heart Run is sponsored by the Exceptional Outreach Organization and the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation department. The Love Your Heart Run is the premier fundraising event benefiting children and adults with special needs that participate in Special Olympics of Lee County, Best Buddies of Auburn University, Premier Spirit Academy Shining Knights Therapeutic Cheerleading Team and City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Summer Camp.

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• Co. Athletics and Wellness #AU.Some Adults- Tumbling program for autistic athletes. Open to ages 17-22yrs, Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 2:30-3:30pm. For more information or to register for a class, 334-649-3306 or 1004 Opelika Road, Auburn. www.athleticsandwellness.co

• Opelika Parks and Recreation Awesome Goals Soccer-The program will focus on learning soccer skills in a safe and accepting atmosphere. Practice will be Sundays, 2:00-3:00pm. Lynette at awesomegoalssoccer@gmail.com. Basketball- Practice and enjoy organized games. 1:00-3:00pm. Covington Center, 705-5550. Christmas Ball- December TBD. Program is designed to provide a social outlet for mentally challenged adults. Sponsored by Opelika Parks & Recreation and EAMH-MR. David Scott with Opelika Parks and Rec. Covington Center. Discover- An opportunity for high-functioning, intellectually disabled citizens that are no longer enrolled in school. Discover together through various activities and travel once a month. Scheduled trips may change meeting times. Thursday, 10am-12pm. John Huling, jhuling@opelika-al.gov Expressions of a BraveHeart Program- Sponsored by Auburn University Social Work Program and the Opelika Parks and Recreation, Expressions of a BraveHeart is a fine arts program for youth and young adults (11-21 yrs. old) with special needs. Offering art, music and dance classes to youth and young adults. John Huling, JHuling@opelika.net Special Olympics Swim Team- Participants must be 8 years of age or older and have an intellectual disability. John Huling, JHuling@opelika.net. Tennis for Fun- A free tennis clinic for athletes with special needs that provides athletes with an opportunity to have fun playing tennis, to learn basic skills and to socialize with each other. Ages 11-21yrs, Fridays, 3:30-4:30pm, Calhoun Tennis Center. • Paradise Pumpkin Patch: Free Paradise for Special Children October 3, 2016 — 8:00 am till 4:00 pm ( 910 County Road 79 S, Eufaula, AL 36027-4945, 334.687.6820; GPS enter this address: 1 Hawkins Road, Eufaula. www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com Paradise Pumpkin Patch is offering its annual free field trip to the special needs and handicap children. The date for this field trip is October 1, 2012. This field trip is free to students, teachers and parents. Hot dog lunches will be provided to the students at no cost. Reservation are required for these fields trips and should be made through the school system or organization. There is limited availability for this day so please book early. All activities will be available based Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

on the child’s ability to enjoy them safely. Also a small pumpkin will be given to each child. • The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama (334)728-4727; www.Exceptionalfoundationofea.org A non-profit organization established to serve adults with developmental disabilities and provide opportunities for them to thrive and be engage in social and recreational activities. How does this organization provide support? Through respite, peace of mind (loved ones no longer be home alone during the day), and alleviation of hardships (many are forced to pay a caregiver, quit work or take loved one along with them to work). November 4: Kickoff party featuring keynote speaker, Gene Stallings, with special guests Tim Hudson and Pat Dye, at Moore’s Mill Club, Auburn, 6:30pm. For table sponsorships, call Samantha Bradshaw, 334-524-6448. • The Miracle League of East Alabama- “Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball.” West Ridge Park, Opelika. The Miracle League is an organization that provides the opportunity for persons of ALL AGES with cognitive or physical disabilities to play baseball. Giving ability a chance The Billy Hitchcock Miracle Field Complex -the largest of its kind in the country-will serve disabled people of all ages and their families from the East Alabama and West Georgia area.The complex is located alongside the other baseball fields and the playground area at West Ridge Park. The playground includes slides, tunnels, a sandbox and swings all completely accessible for the disabled. The baseball field includes a dugout, a handicap-accessible announcers’ box, as well as picnic tables and a pavilion. www.miraclefield.org

RECREATION CAMPS Easter Seals Camp ASSCA ad on page 14

256-825-9226; www.campascca.org Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week sessions, open year-round. Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements like the zip-line, and much more.

ages 8-high school, an opportunity to have an unforgettable week of fun, games, and spiritual growth. Not only that, they learn the essence of teamwork, while also developing their own unique abilities and talents that can often be overlooked. There is no language barriers, therefore, they are never excluded. • Camp Smile-a-Mile-1-888-500-7920; www.campsam.org; Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. Year round challenging, recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at no cost. Our purpose is to provide these patients, families and survivors with avenues for fellowship, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life after cancer. • Camp Sugar Falls & Camp Seale Harris205-402-0415; www.southeasterndiabetes.org Provides kids with the chance to learn about effective diabetes management, while at the same time allowing them to interact with other children living with this same illness. • Lakeshore Foundation-205-313-7400; www.lakeshore.org Offers a wide range of fitness, recreation, athletic and education programs to children and adults who experience diagnostic conditions including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amputation, and visual impairment.

ALABAMA RESOURCES • ADA Center- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services- 334-613-3471 (Montgomery office); 205-290-4540 (Birmingham office); (800) 205-9986. www.rehab.state.al.us/ada DBTAC - Southeast ADA Center; 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA. 800-949-4232; www.sedbtac.org • Alabama’s Early Intervention System- Birth through 2- Department of Rehabilitation Services/ Division of Early Intervention- Montgomery, AL. 800-5433098; www.rehab.alabama.gov/ei • Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind- www.AIDB.org Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind- Mobile , AL. 251- 432-7777. Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services-Montgomery, AL. 334-281-8780. • Career & Technical Education - Alabama State Department of Education- Montgomery, AL. 334242-9111; www.alsde.edu/ • Children with Disabilities- Ages 3 through 5Contact Special Education. Transition Services/ Special Education Services -Alabama State Department of Education- Montgomery, AL. 334-242-8114; www. alsde.edu

• Camp Frog- The Autism Society of Alabama. Camp ASCCA, Jackson’s Gap. Ages 6-18 years and their families. Scholarships available. www.autism-alabama.org

• Developmental Disabilities -Alabama Department of Mental Health-Montgomery, AL. 334-242-3107; www.mh.alabama.gov/

• Camp Newhope & Camp Newsong205-877-2224; www.alfoundationforoncology.org/ campnewsong.php. A free program open to all grieving children in Alabama. Camp sessions are held at the YMCA Hargis Retreat in Chelsea, Alabama for children ages 6-18.

• Developmental Disabilities Council-Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities Montgomery, AL. 800-232-2158; www.acdd.org

• Camp Shocco for the Deaf- 1314 Shocco Springs Road, Talladega, AL. 256-761-1100; www.campshocco. org; This camp gives every hearing impaired student,

• Mental Health Rep. for Children/YouthOffice of Children’s Services/ Alabama Department of Mental Health-Montgomery, AL. 334-353-7110; www. mh.alabama.gov

• Governor’s Office on DisabilitiesMontgomery, AL. 334-353-0353 or 888-879-3582.

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• Protection and Advocacy- Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)-The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. 800-826-1675; www.adap.net • Respite Care- is temporary short-term relief for caregivers of individuals with special needs such as: developmental and physical disabilities or other chronic illnesses that are related to health concerns, medical fragility, or for those at risk of abuse and neglect. Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network-Anniston, AL. 256-237-3683. www.alabamarespite.org Birmingham, AL. 205-991-0927; 1-866-RESTALA. • Special Education Services-Alabama Department of Education- Montgomery, AL. 800-392-8020; www.alsde.edu/ • Special Format Library- Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. 6030 Monticello Drive , Montgomery, AL. 800-3925671; www.statelibrary.alabama.gov • Special Health Care Needs- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services/Children’s Rehabilitation Service- Montgomery , AL. 800-441-7607; www.rehab.alabama.gov/crs • Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)-Montgomery, AL. 800-782-7656; www.rehab.alabama.gov/star • The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association- is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. www.asha.org/public • University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities- Civitan International Research Center-University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, AL. 800-822-2472; www.circ.uab.edu • Vocational Rehabilitation-Department of Rehabilitation Services- Montgomery, AL. 334-281-8780; www.rehab.alabama.gov/vrs Career and Technical Education- Montgomery, AL. 334-242-9111; www.alsde.edu/

DISABILITY-SPECIFIC ORGANIZATIONS • Asthma & Allergies-Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. 800-727-8462, www.aafa.org

• Attention Deficit Disorder-To identify an ADD group in your state or locality, contact either: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). 800-233-4050; www.chadd.org

• Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)- 800-939-1019; info@add.org; www.add.org

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• Autism- Autism Society of Alabama4217 Dolly Ridge Road; Birmingham, AL. 877-4-AUTISM; 205-951-1364; contact@autismalabama.org; www.autism-alabama.org • Blind/Visual Impairments- American Foundation for the Blind- 800-232-5463; afbinfo@afb.net; www.afb.org

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F • Cerebral Palsy- United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham- 800-654-4483; www.ucpbham.com • Downs Syndrome- Down Syndrome AlabamaBirmingham; 205-988-0810; www.downsyndromealabama.org • Epilepsy- Epilepsy Foundation of AlabamaMobile, AL. 800-626-1582; www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ • Food Allergies- The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network- www.foodallergy.org • Head Injury-Alabama Head Injury Foundation- Hoover, AL. 800-433-8002 ; www.ahif.org • Intellectual & Developmental DisabilitiesThe Arc of Alabama, Inc., Montgomery, AL. 866-243-9557; info@thearcofalabama.com; www.thearcofalabama.com • Learning Disabilities-Learning Disabilities Association of Alabama- Montgomery, AL. 334-277-9151; www.ldaal.org • Mental Health- NAMI Alabama-Montgomery, AL. 800-626-4199; www.namialabama.org • Speech and Hearing- Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama; 256-325-8885; Info@ AlabamaSHAA.org www.alabamashaa.org • Spina Bifida- Spina Bifida Association of Alabama- Madison, AL. 256-325-8600; www.sbaofal.org

• Tourette Syndrome- Tourette Syndrome Association Mid-South Regional Office-Auburn, AL. 334-502-0055. • United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile, Inc.Mobile, AL. 888-630-7102; info@ucpmobile.org; www.ucp.org/ucp_local.cfm/160

ORGANIZATIONS FOR PARENTS • Exceptional Parent Magazine- Publishes monthly magazine for parents of children with disabilities and professionals providing services to children and families. www.eparent.com • Family Voices of Alabama- Encourages families to develop individual partnerships with their children’s care providers, and to look for opportunities to impact systems change by working collaboratively with the many agencies in the state that care about services for children and youth with special needs; www.familyvoices.org • FighterMom™-is a program for any mom who not only cares for a child with a demanding disease or health condition, but who wants to get organized to defeat that condition by raising money, winning publicity, working with researchers, and making her case in Washington. www. fightermom.org

• May Center for Autism Spectrum DisordersPathways Educational Series: Guiding families after an autism diagnosis. 6298 Veterans Pkwy, Suite 9B. Columbus, Ga. 706-571-7771. This FREE education series runs for eight consecutive weeks. Meetings last 90 minutes. Childcare is provided. The first four weeks are designed for parents of children newly diagnoses with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The second four weeks are designed for parents struggling to manage problem behaviors at home. • Parent to Parent USA- provide emotional and informational support to families of children who have special needs most notably by matching parents seeking support with an experienced, trained ‘Support Parent’. www.p2pusa.org • Parent Training and Information Center / Early Intervention Family Alliance- Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)- Wetumpka, AL. 866-532-7660; www.alabamaparentcenter.com. • Partners in Policymaking of AlabamaMontgomery, AL. 800-846-3735; http://acdd.org • The Epilepsy Foundation Parents Websitewww.epilepsyandmychild.org/ • The Sibling Support Project- a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. www.siblingsupport.org AOP

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Family Calendar Friday, August 19

Friday on The Green Families bring lawn chairs or blankets, a picnic basket, cooler, the kids, the pup on a leash and enjoy each other and music provided by local musicians. It’s a great way enjoy a slower pace on Friday. No fee. Russell Crossroads, Alexander City. 6:30-8:30 p.m. www.russellmarine.net.

Saturday, August 20

Neon Vibe 5K at Auburn University 5:30 p.m. The sickest night-time color 5k on the planet is coming to Auburn University! You’ll have more glowing NEON color on you than your happy levels can handle, so get your friends and family together for the most colorful night of your life! The Neon Vibe 5k was voted one of America’s Best Night Runs by Self Magazine. We are a blacklight Color Festival and 5k that is fun for all ages. We are happy to be supporting the Auburn Kinesthetic department. Neon Vibe participants are maintaining a healthy lifestyle while giving back to the community as a portion of event proceeds are donated to the local children’s hospital in your area. All abilities are welcome to come out and have an amazingly insane experience! www.theneonvibe.com. Columbus Open Black Rodeo Columbus Civic Center, Ga. The Southeastern Rodeo Association presents the 2nd Annual Columbus Open Black Rodeo. Featuring professional cowboys performing phenomenal feats of skill as they compete for prize money in categories such as: bull riding, steer wrestling, bare back riding, calf roping, team roping and ladies barrel racing. www.ticketmaster.com. The Up Factory: Kid’s Play at Market Days Come play with the Up Factory at the Uptown Market! FREE Activities and Play for the KIDS! Two sessions 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.! We will be in the median in front of Freeze Frame Yogurt (1100 Block of Broadway, Columbus, GA) by the concrete stage! www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Market Days on Broadway Broadway transforms, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon, where you will find over 200 local vendors selling anything and everything that you can imagine. The Market features many local and organic farmers selling produce, along with soap vendors, home goods, jewelry vendors and baked goods. Our friends from local shelters and animal rescue groups can often be found in the median of Broadway as well alongside other local non-profits! Be sure to check out our Facebook/marketdaysonbroadway to learn more and stay up to date on our special programming events! Uptown Columbus, Ga. 706.596.0111 or email Becca at Becca@uptowncolumbusga.com.

August/September2016

Chewacla Sprint Triathlon is a USAT sanctioned event… all competitors at all USAT sanctioned events must have a USAT license. www.usatriathlon.org

Monday, August 22

Auburn Area Community Theatre Auditions for “Proof” Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. A Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning drama. Actors needed to play: Catherine (20-30 years), a fragile young women questioning her own mental stability, Clair (20-30 years), her controlling but well meaning sister, Robert (40-70 years), Catherine’s father, the math genius suffering from his own delusions, as seen in Catherine’s imagination and Hal (20-30 years), a PhD student who idolized Robert. 6:00-8:00 p.m. 334332-6740.

Tuesday, August 23

Opelika Farmer’s Market Presents OGrows Come walk around the square each Tuesday this summer from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. to find fresh, local produce ranging from heirloom tomatoes to collard greens. You may even find some fresh bread, homemade ice cream or local honey. 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika. www.facebook.com/opelikagrows. Auburn Aperture Photo Club Meeting This meeting is a local club that is dedicated to improving photography and image processing. It is open to anyone interested in capturing and creating better photos. All skill levels from beginner to professional are welcome. Our monthly meetings include sharing photos, listening to informative speakers, and honing our photography skills. 714 East Glenn Ave. 6:30 p.m. www.auburnaperture.com. The AU Science Café Sponsored by Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics & Mama Mocha’s Coffee Emporium. 6:30 p.m. Join us each month for a night of science, good drinks, tasty sweets, and great conversations! At the AU Science Cafe, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down and talk about new and exciting science and technology with scientists in our community, all the while relaxing in a great local food and drink venue. The event is FREE and open to all of the public. No science background is required, and no question is too silly to ask! This 60 minute event generally occurs the last Tuesday of each month, typically at Mama Mocha’s Coffee Emporium. Visit us online at http://auburn.edu/ cosam/sciencecafe for our next speaker and further details. For any other questions, please contact Josh King atjosh.king@auburn.edu or 334-844-8123.

East Alabama Friends of NRA Opelika Bottling Plant Event Center. 6-10 p.m. Auburn Area Community Theatre Auditions for “Proof” See Aug. 22 for details.

Wednesday, August 24

Acre Farmers Market Join us for our weekly Wednesday farmers market! We’ll be featuring crops from our own Acre Urban Farms. Enjoy complimentary tastings of pimento cheese and our featured cocktail. It’s the perfect way to celebrate an afternoon! We can’t wait to see you there! Admission to the Farmers Market is FREE! 210 East Glenn Ave, Auburn. www.acreauburn.com. Auburn Area Community Theatre Auditions for “Proof” See Aug. 22 for details.

Thursday, August 25

The Market at Ag Heritage Park The Market is an open-air, growers-only farmers market that operates each Thursday, May-August, at Ag Heritage Park on the Auburn University campus. Hosted by the College of Agriculture, The Market features area vendors offering fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants and cut flowers as well as locally produced jams and jellies, baked goods, soaps, honey, goat cheese and more. Red Barn, 580 Donahue Drive, Auburn. 3-6 p.m. www.agriculture.auburn.edu. Auburn Area Community Theatre Auditions for “Proof” See Aug. 22 for details. Upscale Resale Fall 2016 Broad Street Church of Christ, LaGrange, Ga. Children’s clothing consignment sale featuring boutique and home show brands. Facebook.com/upscale.resale.lagrange.

Friday, August 26

Piccolo’s Birthday Celebration Inside The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. 241 South College Street.

Moms Tell the Truth Sponsored by East Alabama Birth Village. Frank Brown Recreation Center, 235 Opelika Rd, Auburn. Join us in person or virtually via Periscope for #MomsTellTheTruth as we focus on the realities of parenting. The East Alabama Birth Village’s mission is to support all women from pregnancy to preschool, and we believe connection is the key to happy moms and happy kids. This event is offered free of charge and is a service of the East Alabama Birth Village. For more information call (334) 539-8048 or visit www.birthvillage.org.

Friday on The Green See Aug. 19 for details. Darren Knight a.k.a. Southern Momma: Comedian and Viral Star Real life comedy when you need to laugh. Opelika Bottling Plant Event Center. 7 p.m. For more information, contact (334) 705-5466. Upscale Resale Fall 2016 See Aug. 25 for details.

Sunday, August 21

Tri Chewacla 124 Shell Toomer Pwky, Auburn. Registration is open to the first 250 participants in each race. With the sport of triathlon experiencing tremendous growth, we must limit the number of participants to ensure an enjoyable and elite experience. Register early. Race DistancesSwim: 500 meters, Bike: 12 miles, Run: 3.1 mile. Tri

winning program is a unique educational experience for preschool children and their parents that incorporates hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness. This six-week session begins Tuesday, 9/20 and Friday, 9/23 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Session fee is $45 per child. Membership with the Louise Kreher Preserve & Nature Center at the Magnolia level ($35) or above is required. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.auburn.edu/preserve (beginning August 23) or you may request forms at preserve@ auburn.edu.

Fall Forest Friends Playdate & Registration Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn. Come join us at 10:00 a.m.! This preschool program allows children to learn more about nature and the world around them! This award-

Saturday, August 27

6th Annual Marie W. Wooten Memorial Run Proceeds will benefit the Marie W. Wooten Memorial Scholarship in COSAM. Roosevelt Concourse in front of Parker Hall, AU Campus. Race day registration 6:30

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Family Calendar a.m. Race start times: 10K-7:45 a.m., 5K-7:45 a.m., 1 mile 8 a.m. $20-$35, email for more info, brook@ auburn.edu. www.facebook.com/wooten5K.

August/September2016

to be determined: 334.821.4448 or reservations@ maestro2300.com More information may be found online at www.maestro2300.com.

Piccolo’s Birthday Celebration See Aug. 26 for details. Young Eagles Day Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (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. Market Days on Broadway See Aug. 20 for details. Darren Knight a.k.a. Southern Momma: Comedian and Viral Star See Aug. 26 for details. Bluebirds and Butterflies FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. Help us monitor our bluebird nest boxes and check for caterpillars and butterflies in our garden. Short walk. Brief talk on basics of attracting both to your yard. Handouts provided. Free. Meet at the Park Office. 706-663-4858. Summer Concert Series at Callaway Gardens: Daniel Lee Enjoy sweet sounds of Summer with live music from a variety of bands, on Robin Lake Beach. Stop by the Robin Lake Beach Pavilion & Beach Bar for great food and drinks all night long. Admission for day and overnight guests as well as Annual Passholders, and up to five guests in the same vehicle, is free. After 5 p.m. admission is only $10 per person. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the show. www.callawaygardens.com. Upscale Resale Fall 2016 See Aug. 25 for details. “Peter Pan” Auditions Columbus School of Music and Dance, Columbus, Ga. 2:00 p.m. www.columbusmusicanddance.com.

Sunday, August 28

Family Storytime at Auburn Public Library 4:00 p.m. Bring the whole family and join us for interactive stories, songs, parachute games, and family fun. www.auburnalabama.org.

Monday, August 29

Youth for Christ- Comedy Café: Mike Williams Opelika Bottling Plant Event Center. 6:30-9:30 p.m. For more information contact: 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Tuesday, August 30

Thursday, September 1 “Pinkalicious: The Musical” Columbus State University, Riverside Theater. Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu.

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: ‘Art of the Prank’ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. JCSM brings in contemporary filmmakers to meet with students and museum guests for a special screening of their film. “Art of the Prank” is an emotional and humorous journey following the evolution of artist Joey Skaggs, a fierce proponent of independent thinking and the man who has turned the media hoax into an art form. Famed for such media fictions as the Celebrity Sperm Bank, the Cathouse for Dogs, the Fat Squad, and Portofess (a mobile Catholic confessional booth), he’s one of America’s most notorious sociopolitical satirists and media activists. Filmmaker Andrea Marini interweaves fascinating archival footage with a singular and unforgettable moment, when Skaggs decides to pull off the most demanding hoax of his career—setting his sights on film festivals to do it. www.jcsm.auburn. edu.

Friday, September 2 “Pinkalicious: The Musical” See Sept. 1 for details.

Acre Farmers Market See Aug. 3 for details.

AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 4:30 p.m. Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center staff for a one-hour 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. Pre-registration is not required. Proceeds benefit the nature center. Sponsored by Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

Wine Dinner at Maestro 2300 2300 Moores Mill Road, Auburn. 6:00-9:00 p.m. Executive Chef Scotty Turner and Sommelier Clayton Cawthorne team up to create an unforgettable evening featuring inspired contemporary cuisine, paired with classic and unique wines from top producers. Availability is limited and by reservation only; price

On the Town sponsored by Opelika Mainstreet 7 p.m. Opelika Mainstreet is excited to announce that On The Town: Downtown Opelika’s Night Out, formerly First Fridays in Downtown Opelika, this event will still have live music, late night shopping and dining, but with some twists to be announced closer to each event date. www.opelikamainstreet.org.

Opelika Farmer’s Market Presents OGrows See Aug. 23 for details. Young Eagles Day See Aug. 27 for details.

Wednesday, August 31

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

Football, Fans and Feathers Raptor Educational Program Sponsored by Southeastern Raptor Center and the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive, Auburn. 4:00-5:00 p.m. Note: For GPS, use 1350 Raptor Road. Roadside signs on Shug Jordan Parkway mark the program’s location on the day of each show. Pratt-Carden Drive is located off Shug Jordan Parkway just north of the Wire Road intersection. Join the Southeastern Raptor Center for Football, Fans and Feathers, a raptor show and flight demonstration in which hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors fly up close. Tickets are $5 per person and supports the mission of the Southeastern Raptor Center, the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned raptors, to educate the public about birds of prey and conservation. www.auburn.edu/raptor. Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival Callaway Gardens Saturday is filled with family-friendly events, including live music, beach activities, a Kids Zone and much more. There’s something for everyone with a classic car show, disc dog demonstrations, a pyrotechnic skydiving demonstration, as well as a 5K Race and Triathlon event. If you’re a photography buff, you can sign up for our hands-on “Mastering Night Photography” course. Plus, you’ll find drink specials and sports on the televisions at the Beach Bar as well as some of Atlanta’s top-rated food trucks throughout the festival. Cap off the weekend with a final balloon glow Sunday night on Robin Lake Beach. With this exciting line-up of events, surrounded by the natural beauty of Callaway Gardens, there’s no better way to say “farewell” to Summer 2016. www.callawaygardens.com. Summer Concert Series at Callaway Gardens: Secret Sause See Aug. 27 for details.

Saturday, September 3 5K & 1 Mile Red Fox Fun Run FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 7 a.m. Run like a fox on the campground course. All ages welcome, prizes will be awarded. Register at park office or online at gastateparks.org/fdroosevelt. Early individual registration w/t-shirt, $25; With no t-shirt $10. Group Registration (6 or more) w /T-shirt $15. Sign up and pay by Aug. 25 for shirt. Located at boathouse in the campground. “Pinkalicious: The Musical” See Sept. 1 for details. Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival Callaway Gardens See Sept. 2 for details. Market Days on Broadway See Aug. 20 for details. Summer Concert Series at Callaway Gardens: Kyle Wilson See Aug. 27 for details.

Sunday, September 4 Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival Callaway Gardens See Sept. 2 for details.

Labor Day Weekend Concert featuring The Vegabonds, The Bama Gamblers, and The Bank Walkers The Amp, Lake Martin, Al. The Summer Concert Series comes to an end with another jammin’ Labor Day Weekend concert. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the show starts at 6:00 p.m. Bring everyone and enjoy the

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Family Calendar last big blowout of summer on the grassy Lawn at The AMP! Tickets $20. Kids 6 and under free. www.theamponlakemartin.com. Summer Concert Series at Callaway Gardens: The Regulars See Aug. 27 for details.

Monday, September 5

Labor Day Mini Camp National Infantry Museum, Columbus, Ga. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Kids will enjoy crafts, activities and history lessons about our nation during the Labor Day Mini Camp at the National Infantry Museum! Register soon as limited spots are available, $10 per camper, Ages 5-11 years. Campers are asked to bring lunch. The Concessions Stand will be available to campers at additional expense. Contact the Education Department at 706-653-9234 ext. 5849 or email campdirector@ nationalinfantryfoundation.org to register.

Tuesday, September 6 Opelika Farmer’s Market Presents OGrows See Aug. 23 for details.

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Open Mic Poetry Night Auburn Public Library. 6:30 p.m. Calling all poets! Come read your work at the Auburn Library. Refreshments provided. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, September 7 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, September 8 Film@JCSM: The Artists of Camera Lucida: Jillian Mayer Jillian Mayer is an artist and filmmaker that makes work that explores how technology affects our identities, lives and experiences. Through videos, online experiences, photography, telephone numbers, performance, paintings, sculpture and installation, her work investigates the tension between physical and digital iterations of identity and existence. Her video works and performances have been premiered at galleries and museums internationally such as MoMA, MoCA:NoMi, BAM, Bass Museum, the Contemporary Museum of Montreal with the Montreal Biennial (2014), the Guggenheim Museum and film festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, and the New York Film Festival. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm. auburn.edu.

August/September2016

good food has remained constant over the past fortyeight years. Multi-generations of mothers, daughters and grandmothers meander the wooded trails together in search of the perfect item. More than 400 artists and crafters from 33 States and two countries display their works for your appreciation and purchase. Enjoy daily live entertainment, Children’s Corner activities, fabulous festival foods and crafter demonstrations throughout the event. Yellow Daisy Festival is free with paid parking admission. Vehicle entry to the park is $15 for a one day permit or $40 for an annual permit. Sept. 8-11. www.stonemountainpark.com. Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, September 9

Southern Lovin’ Junkin’ Show 2016 Columbus Georgia Convention and Trade Center. 100+ vendors will be selling vintage, re-purposed, handcrafted, salvaged, handmade, original art, plus vintage-inspired, and supplies for the DIY’ers! - all in search of new homes! $5 entry good for all three days of shopping and ages 12 and under are FREE! As if that weren’t enough, we are partnering up with the Georgia FiberFest on Friday and Saturday...get two shows for the price of one! For the knitting and crocheting lover, you really need to come and check them out! Lots of neat Alpaca and organic fiber handmade items for sale at that show. For more information, Facebook. Football, Fans and Feathers 1350 Pratt Carden Drive, Auburn. Located off Shug Jordan Parkway just north of the Wire Road Intersection. Sponsored by Southeastern Raptor Center and The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. 5:00 p.m. A raptor show and flight demonstration in which hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors fly up close. Tickets are $5 per person and supports the mission of rehabilitation of injured or orphaned raptors, to educate the public about birds of prey and conservation. www.vetmd.auburn.edu. Family Theatre presents “Arsenic and Old Lace” Columbus, Ga. 7:30 p.m. To reserve a table to BYOD (Bring Your Own Dinner), call 706-366-7196 after you have made your online reservation. THE STORY: We meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously “acceptable” roomers; the antics of their nephew who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and the activities of the other nephew—these require no further description or amplification here. A hit in New York and on the road, a must-see comedy. Celebrating the 75th year since the first performance on Jan. 10, 1941. Also, Sept. 10, 15-17, 22-24.

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Nature Walk This month, learn all about fascinating insects and taste local honey from our own hives. Learn about pollination and the waggle dance while out on our hike to see the bees. No pre-registration required. Hikes are free to the public. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 8:30 a.m. www.wp.auburn.edu. Yellow Daisy Festival Stone Mountain Park, Ga. Voted one of the top three arts & crafts shows in the Nation by “Sunshine Artist” Magazine, a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event and winner of multiple awards by the Southeast Festival and Events Association. Despite its growth from a small arts & crafts show to the four day event that it has become today, the Yellow Daisy Festival Presented by Humana continues to be a big show with a small-town feel. The mission of re-connecting families and friends with fun, shopping, live entertainment and

Yellow Daisy Festival See Sept. 8 for details.

Saturday, September 10 Southern Lovin’ Junkin’ Show 2016 See Sept. 9 for details. Market Days on Broadway See Aug. 20 for details. Crayons, Crafts and Kool Kids Outdoor Vending Fair Young vendors known as “kidpreneurs” will be on-site selling their handmade goodies to the public. These vendors sell anything from jewelry and tutus to keychains and art-work. It’s an opportunity for boys and girls to earn some extra money for their piggy banks! The host of the event, Sherricka Day is the founder of Crayons, Crafts and Kool Kids (CCK). She has hosted several community vending fairs for kids over the last few years. Broadway Median 1000 Block, Columbus, Ga. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Second Saturday @ Lee County Historical Society Museum A group of history re-enactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths are working at the forge, spinners and weavers are in the textile room, the gardeners are in the gardens, crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled, and someone is always cooking up a meal in the fireplace or outdoors. Lee County Historical Society Museum, Loachapoka. www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. Second Saturday at Columbus Museum, Ga. 10 a.m. Drop by the art cart with your children and grandchildren 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. Contact: edu@ columbusmuseum.com for more information. Yellow Daisy Festival See Sept. 8 for details. Summer Concert Series at Callaway Gardens: Barstool Prophets and Neal Lucas See Aug. 27 for details. Family Theatre presents “Arsenic and Old Lace” See Sept. 9 for details.

Sunday, September 11 Southern Lovin’ Junkin’ Show 2016 See Sept. 9 for details. Yellow Daisy Festival See Sept. 8 for details. Auburn Community Tennis Association’s Grand Slam Event Yarbourgh Tennis Complex, Auburn. Tennis players of all skill levels and ages are invited for a Free round robin tournament. 4 p.m. There will be a cookout with awards presentation. www.auburnalabama.org.

Monday, September 12

Campfire Chemistry at Chewacla State Park 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn. 6:30 p.m. Come to the campground pavilion and see the many colors of fire. 334-887-5621.

Nature’s Explorers: Fall Session Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 10:00-11:30 a.m. This environmental education program is designed for home-schooling families offers a unique educational experience. Classes meet the 2nd Monday of the month (Sept-Nov). Class incorporates hands-on science with nature and environmental awareness. Family membership to the Kreher Preserve at Magnolia Level ($35) or above is required at registration. www.wp.auburn.edu.

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Family Calendar Tuesday, September 13 Kreher Preserve & Nature Center: Discovery Hike This month, learn all about fascinating insects and taste local honey from our own hives. Learn about pollination and the waggle dance while out on our hike to see the bees. No pre-registration required. Hikes are free to the public. 222 North College Street, Auburn. 3:30 p.m. www.wp.auburn.edu. Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee Hosted by The East Alabama Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama. The Spelling Bee will take place at the Auburn Alumni Center, 317 South College Street and benefits the Lee County Literacy Coalition. Grownupspellingbee@gmail.com. Opelika Farmer’s Market Presents OGrows See Aug. 23 for details.

August/September2016

Harvest Moon Paddle FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. Paddle a canoe or kayak on Lake Delanor with staff guides. This full moon adventure is geared towards ages 10 and up. Two persons per canoe/kayak unless single kayak. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee includes life jackets, paddles & boat. Must pre-register and pre-pay at the park office. Meet at Lake Delanor Campground. Limited space! $10 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Saturday, September 17 Live Healthy in Uptown Day 2016 Promoting health and wellness in our community and showcase our local businesses and organizations that can help you live healthy! 1000 Block of Broadway, Columbus, Ga. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Fall Sundown Concert Series: Soul Co. Join Auburn Parks and Rec. for an evening of music and fun. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, some dinner and kick back for a night of great music. Free to the public. 6 - 7:30 p.m., Kiesel Park, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org. Pizza Pizzazz Covington Recreation Center, Opelika. Mamma Mia! Prepare pizza in three different styles. Open to ages 6-11 years, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Fee $15. www.opelika-al.org.

Friday, September 16

History of Chewacla Come listen to the history of Chewacla State Park, from the Native Americans to what’s happening today in the park. Located at the campground pavilion. 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn. 6:30 p.m. 334-887-5621.

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

Just 4 Kidz Consignment Boutique See Sept. 17 for details.

Wednesday, September 21

Thursday, September 22 Auburn-Opelika Women’s Expo Presented by the Opelika-Auburn News. Bring the girls to relax and enjoy our many vendor booths. Enter to win door prizes. Admission is Free, but accepting donations to benefit victims of domestic violence. 614 North Railroad Ave, Opelika. 5:00 p.m. Facebook.

Thursday, September 15

Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Just 4 Kidz Consignment Boutique See Sept. 17 for details.

Wednesday, September 14

Football, Fans and Feathers See Sept. 9 for details.

Opelika Farmer’s Market Presents OGrows See Aug. 23 for details.

Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Third Thursday Poetry Series Jule Collins Museum of Fine Art, 901 South College Street, Auburn. 6:30-8:00 p.m. A new lineup of visiting poets to our area is slated for the fall 2016 installment of the Third Thursday Poetry Series. Once again, faculty designers from Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction created eight broadsides representing works by each of the poets participating in the series. A limited number of prints and sets will be available for sale. Tina Mozelle Braziel, a graduate of the University of Oregon MFA program, directs the Ada Long Creative Writing Workshop at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in “The Cincinnati Review,” “Poetry South,” “Birmingham Poetry Review,” “Main Street Rag,” and “The Raleigh Review,” among other journals. She was awarded a Sewanee Writers’ Conference MFA Scholarship. She and her husband, novelist James Braziel, live and write in a glass cabin that they are building on Hydrangea Ridge. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

experience for pre-school children and their parents that incorporates hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness. The six-week session is $45 per child. Membership with the Forest Ecology Preserve is required at the Magnolia ($35) level or above. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 9:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve.

2016 Columbus Children’s Book Festival Chattahoochee Valley Library, Columbus, Ga. A day of fun for the entire family! Meet nationally known authors & illustrators, be entertained by amazing performers, make & take crafts and so much more! Appearing this year: Jon Scieszka, author of “The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales”; Norton Juster, author of “The Phantom Tollbooth”; Rachel Renee Russell, author of the “Dork Diaries” series and Joe Cepeda, illustrator/author of “The Swing”. Just 4 Kidz Consignment Boutique Stars and Strikes, Columbus, Ga. Each fall we offer high-quality children’s clothing, school uniforms, shoes, toys, furniture, tools, exercise equipment, home decor and more. Our Fall sale you’ll find fall and winter wear. Sept. 17-24. Please see our website for details on how to consign or volunteer and for a detailed list of our dates and times. www.just4kidzconsign.com. Market Days on Broadway See Aug. 20 for details.

Sunday, September 18 Just 4 Kidz Consignment Boutique See Sept. 17 for details.

Monday, September 19 Show and Tell Book Club Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Just 4 Kidz Consignment Boutique See Sept. 17 for details.

Tuesday, September 20 Fall Forest Friends This award winning program is an educational

Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Fall Sundown Concert Series: Thomas Fountain See Sept. 15 for details. Just 4 Kidz Consignment Boutique See Sept. 17 for details.

Friday, September 23

Snakes at Chewacla State Park Come learn about native snakes of Alabama; venomous and non-venomous at the lower pavilion. 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn. 6:30 p.m. 334-887-5621. Fall Forest Friends This award winning program is an educational experience for pre-school children and their parents that incorporates hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness. The six-week session is $45 per child. Membership with the Forest Ecology Preserve is required at the Magnolia ($35) level or above. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 9:30 a.m. www.auburn.edu/preserve. AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center 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. Pre-registration in not required. Proceeds benefit the nature center. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 4:30 p.m. www.wp.auburn.edu. Football, Fans and Feathers A raptor show and flight demonstration in which hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors fly up close. Tickets are $5 per person and supports the mission of rehabilitation of injured or orphaned raptors, to educate the public about birds of prey and conservation. 1350 Pratt

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Family Calendar

August/September2016

Carden Drive, Auburn. Located off Shug Jordan Parkway just north of the Wire Road Intersection. Sponsored by Southeastern Raptor Center and The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. 4:30 p.m. www.vetmd.auburn.edu.

Market Days on Broadway See Aug. 20 for details.

Just 4 Kidz Consignment Boutique See Sept. 17 for details.

Sunday, September 25

Saturday, September 24

Historic Westville at Market Days Broadway, Columbus, Ga. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Historic Westville is moving from Lumpkin to Columbus and visiting Market Days on Broadway to celebrate the move! Described as “a museum of southern history and culture representing the diversity of the Southern Experience” Historic Westville aims to make learning about Southern history an enjoyable and immersive experience. Come join in on the fun with authentic demonstrations of wood working, quilting, and twining performed by members of Historic Westville decked out in period costumes! For more information, facebook. Johnny Ray Century 800 2nd Ave, Opelika. All riders will tour the lightly trafficked rural roads of Lee, Chambers, and Randolph Counties of East Alabama. Riders on the Johnny Ray Metric and Roanoke Express will ride over a World War II-era steel Bailey Bridge and a rare wood truss bridge. Riders on the Roanoke Express have the option to race the historic Johnny Ray train; check out the time tables. Here’s a brief history of the Johnny Ray Train by Winston Smith T. Road surfaces vary from asphalt to chipseal. The chipseal on Chambers County Road 389 - that five-mile stretch of road from Opelika to Cussetta - is smoother than it was in 2007! www. eastalabamacyclingclub.com/johnnyraycentury/

Just 4 Kidz Consignment Boutique See Sept. 17 for details.

K-12 Fall Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 1:30-3:00 p.m. Parents and guardians are asked to stay with their child as they work on the project. Admission is free, but space is limited. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Color My College 5K at Auburn University Brought to you by Auburn Student Alumni Association. 1:00 p.m. Coming to cover the tigers in Orange and Blue! Registration will be open soon. www.colormycollege.com. 4th Annual Ray Day at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center The Ray C. Anderson Foundation invites you and your family to be our guests at the 4th Annual Ray Day on the field adjacent to The Inn at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills. Food, Beverages, Entertainment and Education provided. Come celebrate the life and legacy of Ray C. Anderson, and join us for a unique experience to help create a brighter world for tomorrow’s child. Columbus, Ga. 3-7 p.m. www.oxbow. columbusstate.edu.

Free Fee Day at Tuskegee National Forest The National Forests in Alabama offers a “Free Fee” day. Any fees necessitated for either camping, fishing, trail riding, shooting, or horse-back riding will be waived. The sites involved in the free fee day are publicized in advance. Each national forest and ranger district highlights one free fee recreation site. Annually the free fee day has been set aside in honor of our veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their family members. This honorary time has been established to encourage veterans and active military personnel to spend their holiday enjoying the outdoors and recreational activities in one of Alabama’s national forests. Tuskegee, AL. www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ alabama/districts/tuskegeeRD.

Absolute Beginner’s Crochet Workshop Have you always wanted to learn how to crochet but didn’t know where to start? Join us for a FREE class for beginners. In these classes, you will learn the five basic stitches. Ages 10 and up. Please register for either the morning or evening class by Sept 25. Classes are capped at 6 students. Bring with you one crochet hook (size G or H) and one light colored, medium-weight yarn. Auburn Public Library. 9 - 11:30 a.m. or 6 - 8:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Crayons, Crafts and Kool Kids Outdoor Vending Fair See Sept. 10 for details.

Film@JCSM: The Artists of Camera Lucida: Rob Carter British-born and now Richmond-based, Rob Carter uses photography, video animation, and installation to represent environmental and architectural change. He received his BFA from The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art at Oxford University and later received an MFA in Studio Art from Hunter College in New York. He has shown his work internationally, with solo exhibitions at Art In General in New York, Galerie Stefan Röpke in Cologne, Station Independent Projects in New York, Galeria Arnés y Ropke in Madrid and Fondazione Pastificio Cerere in Rome. He has also exhibited at Centre Pompidou-Metz in France, Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art in Japan, The Field Museum in Chicago, Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia and Museum of Arts and Design in New York. Carter has been awarded a Workspace residency with the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (2011–12) and a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship (2010). He recently returned from a productive three month residency at Bemis Center for Contemporary Art in Omaha, Nebraska. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. 5 p.m. www.jcsm. auburn.edu. Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

7th Annual Uptown Beer & Wine Festival Craft beer lovers may sample more than 100 craft beers from all over the U.S.A. while jamming to the tunes of live music. Meanwhile SEC football fanatics can catch the game on the TVs at The Tap or in the Livery. For wine connoisseurs, more than 25 selections of whites, reds and blend varieties will be available. To pair with the hefty variety of beverages served, Uptown eateries will be dishing up tasty bites to compliment beer and wines throughout the courtyard. The Tap & Rankin Courtyard, Columbus, GA. 1:00-5:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at The Springer Opera House Box Office or online at SpringerOperaHouse.org.

Young Eagles Day 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. Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453.

Thursday, September 29

Monday, September 26

Tuesday, September 27 Opelika Farmer’s Market Presents OGrows See Aug. 23 for details.

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Read & Reflect Book Club Harris Senior Center, Auburn. 10 a.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, September 28 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Fall Sundown Concert Series: The Tony Brook Band See Sept. 15 for details.

Friday, September 30

Campfire Chemistry at Chewacla State Park Come to the campground pavilion and see the many colors of fire. 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn. 6:30 p.m. 334-887-5621. Fall Family Weekend 2016 An annual event that serves as an opportunity for parents and families of Auburn University students to attend campus activities during the fall semester. Tickets are $20 per guest and available, www.auburn.edu/joinAUPA. Sept. 30 - Oct. 2. Tickets cover admittance into all events throughout the weekend and the tailgate on Oct. 3 with free food. Moms Tell the Truth Sponsored by East Alabama Birth Village. Frank Brown Recreation Center, 235 Opelika Rd, Auburn. Join us in person or virtually via Periscope for #MomsTellTheTruth as we focus on the realities of parenting. The East Alabama Birth Village’s mission is to support all women from pregnancy to preschool, and we believe connection is the key to happy moms and happy kids. This event is offered free of charge and is a service of the East Alabama Birth Village. For more information call (334) 539-8048 or visit www.birthvillage.org. Pumpkin Festival Stone Mountain Park, Ga. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and cooler weather at Atlanta’s favorite place to celebrate the fall season. Stone Mountain Park’s annual Pumpkin Festival has become a family favorite with kids and parents alike. Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides with attractions, fun-filled games, shows, and more. Let the autumn breeze blow across you as you listen to classic and contemporary tales, including the Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, during Adventure Tales Storytelling. 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.Get the entire family into the spirit with fall décor and special attractions at The Great Pumpkin Junction. Be the detective in the Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt. Beat the clock with a tasty treat at the Pie Eating Contest and much more! Sept. 30 - Oct. 30. www. stonemountainpark.com.

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Family Calendar October

Oct. 1. Ag Roundup & Taste of Alabama Sponsored by Agricultural Alumni Association & College of Agriculture. Open to all and features a smorgasbord of foods grown and/or produced in Alabama- among them corn dogs, sausage, burgers, boiled peanuts, satsumas, fried catfish, and chicken, turnip greens and sweet potato fries- all you care to eat for $5. In addition, Ag Roundup offers informative displays, children’s activities, a visit from Aubie, and live and silent auctions. 334-844-8900. Oct 1. Football, Fans and Feathers 1350 Pratt Carden Drive, Auburn. Located off Shug Jordan Parkway just north of the Wire Road Intersection. Sponsored by Southeastern Raptor Center and The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. 4 p.m. A raptor show an flight demonstration in which hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors fly up close. Tickets are $5 per person and supports the mission of rehabilitation of injured or orphaned raptors, to educate the public about birds of prey and conservation. www.vetmd.auburn.edu. Oct. 7. On the Tracks Railroad Ave, Opelika. 6 p.m. Enjoy a night of fun downtown where you will find food vendors, live music, and more. www.onthetracks.org. Oct. 8. 12th Annual Think Pink Walk East Alabama Medical Center Foundation announces the 12th annual event to take place at the Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika. Registration begins at 8am, and walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Funds raised will benefit women in our area through the EAMC Breast Health for Underserved Women program. www.eamcfoundation.org. Oct. 8. Cowboy Day at The Rock Ranch The Rock, Ga. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Giddy on up and over to the Rock Ranch for Cowboy Day! Featuring cowboy stunt performers, quick-draw demonstrations, roping, and more! As with all Family Fun Days, this event features live music and many attractions for all ages set in a beautiful piece of Georgia countryside. Families and groups may also rent campfire picnic areas and make reservations to camp in Conestoga Wagons. Call The Rock Ranch at (706) 6476374 for more information. Oct. 8. 7th Annual Oktoberfest at The Hotel at Auburn University 241 South College Street. 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. Celebrate a love for craft beer, good music and German food. Attendees can choose from more than 100 beers from local brewers and national favorites. The Hotel is offering overnight packages to make the most of this Oktoberfest celebration. 334-321-3165. Oct. 8. Woofstock Keisel Park, Auburn. Sponsored by The Lee County Humane Society. ausu@leecountyhumane.org. Oct. 8. Fall Family Fun Day Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This will be an exciting day to celebrate the fall season harvest with music, scarecrow decorating contest, pumpkin painting, face painting, and storytelling. The Nature Center’s staff will also lead hikes where you will learn fun facts about wildlife and plants. Admission is free. Food trucks will be available for food purchase. www.auburn.edu/preserve. Oct. 15. CVDSA: 2016 Buddy Walk Columbus, Ga. The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Chattahoochee Valley Down Syndrome Association is the local chapter. In addition to the ceremonial walk, there will various displays and other activities to be determined like face painting, a DJ or band, and food vendors, www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Oct. 20. Wine, Women & Shoes Pink Party Benefiting the EAMC Foundation. Moore’s Mill Club, 1957

Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

August/September2016

Fairway Drive, Auburn. The party includes wine tasting, designer shopping, shoe guys, fashion show, live and silent auctions, hors d’oeuvres and more. For tickets, www. winewomenandshoes.com/eamcf. Oct. 28. Birds & Brews Social Sponsored by Agricultural Alumni Association. Ag Heritage Park Farmer’s Pavilion, 601 South Donahue Drive, Auburn. 6:30-9:30 p.m. An evening filled with great food, drinks, music and community company. www.birdsandbrews. weebly.com Oct. 7-16. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” The Springer Opera House, Columbus, Ga. When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s the chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets he’s always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems. www.springeroperahouse.org. Oct. 15-16. Hogansville Hummingbird Festival Join us for the 19th Annual Hogansville Hummingbird Festival. Enjoy more than 100 arts & crafts vendors’ handmade products as well as an art competition, exhibits & demonstrations, antiques, international food court, music, entertainment and children’s activities and 5K Run. Kick-off dinner and silent auction at the beautiful Victoria Belle Mansion on Thursday, Oct. 13. Awarded the Southeast Tourism Society’s Designation as a “Top 20 Event”! www.hummingbirdfestival.com. Oct. 21-23. Country Living Fair Stone Mountain Park, Ga. The pages of “Country Living” magazine come to life! The best shopping EVER, with 200 vendors from 29+ states, a Harvest Market area of specialty foods and the Country Living General Store. Ticket price includes seminars, how to’s, cooking demos, and meet the editors. Presented by County Living Magazine, the event offers visitors the opportunity to fully experience the “Country Living” lifestyle. The Fair includes a special EARTH ANGELS Artisan Showcase – with artisan demonstrations. Shop for great antiques, vintage, specialty foods, handcrafted jewelry, home décor, clothing, art, seasonal décor, furniture, linens, textiles, pottery, pocketbooks, artisanal soap, seeds, plants, industrial, repurposed and much more! www.stonemountainpark.com. Oct. 21-23. Day Out with Thomas SAM Shortline, Cordele, Ga. Thomas will visit the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans State Park in southwest Georgia. You can spend a whole day with the beloved storybook engine, Sir Topham Hatt and other friends. Thomas departs at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3 p.m. each day. EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED: A 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine on a real railroad, Meet and take photos with Sir Topham Hatt™, Covered Imagination Station with kids arts and crafts, Storytelling and Videos, Inflatable “bouncy” house, Maze and mini-golf, Face painting and temporary tattoos, and Large souvenir shop with Thomas toys and apparel. Vendors will sell burgers, sandwiches, cotton candy, ice cream, lemonade and other snacks. Thomas the Tank Engine™ is presented by HIT Entertainment, a worldwide leader in children’s entertainment. www.samshortline.com.

Ongoing Calendar

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-728-1162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net.

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. Center for Puppetry Arts www.atlanta.net. Callaway Gardens Blue Morpho Month at Callaway Gardens, Sept. 1 - 30. The Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides) is a spectacular iridescent blue butterfly native to the rainforests of South and Central America. The undersides of the wings are brown with eyespots, but the contrasting upper sides could be considered the most brilliant, vivid blue that nature has to offer. This iridescent color actually results from microscopic scales on the back of their wings reflecting light, giving the brilliant shimmering blue appearance. As a Blue Morpho flies, its contrasting wing colors of brilliant blue and dull brown fool the eye and make the Morpho look as if it is appearing and disappearing, paying tribute to its name ‘morpho’ – which actually means “to change or modify.” www.callawaygardens.com. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex. Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www. opelikasportsplex.com. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Art Gallery Fall 2016: The September Show: Walkabout. Aug. 26 - Oct. 7. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org. Jule Collins Smith Museum • “Call and Response” Exhibit. July - October. JCSM called nine members of the university community to respond objectively and subjectively to art from JCSM’s growing collection of natural history prints. The resulting exhibition is an orchestrated chorus of diverse voices responding to the art, science, and wonder of representing the natural world. To expand the conversation, Ralph Brown Draughon Library’s Special Collections Department loaned materials from their collections; JCSM appreciates their kind collaboration. We also thank the Auburn University Museum of Natural History in the College of Science and Mathematics for loaning materials from their ornithology collection. • “Camera Lucida”. Aug. 27 - Jan. 17. Popular culture has been molded by television and electronic graphic information since the mid-20th century. Whether appearing on a TV console, computer monitor, or smart device, video has become a comfortable, accessible, and preferred medium for both consumption and creation, especially to those among us under 30. Many critics today consider it to be this generation’s quintessential format for expression. Camera Lucida features eight contemporary artists from around the world who work with video and digital moving imagery. Artists Jay Bolotin, Rob Carter, Joe Hamilton, Yeon Jin Kim, Ligorano Reese, Jillian Mayer, Rosa Menkman, and Rick Silva offer fresh perspectives on enduring concerns

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Family Calendar and new issues, using a technology that is widely familiar through common exposure, if not as broadly known as an independent art form. Yet video has been used as an eloquent and powerful vehicle by artists for more than 50 years, ranging from early documentary formats and narrative expositions to digital abstraction and gameplaying interaction. JCSM’s survey provides a compelling look at the state of the medium today, where age-old intentions find new purpose in new applications. Featured also in Camera Lucida is a selection of videos by artists from Auburn’s Department of Art and Art History. • Showcase: The Work of Creative Scholarship. Sept. 17 - Oct. 2. The Work of Creative Scholarship is a space to exhibit the creative scholarship and work of Auburn faculty and students in the fields of fine art, applied art and design, performing arts, creative writing and other related disciplines. The exhibition will occur in the Grand Gallery and Corridor Gallery at JCSM. • Membership Drive. Aug. 22-26. New or returning members get 10% off annual memberships. Be sure to review levels and benefits of memberships to see where you can receive additional discounts and gift memberships to share. Membership is a vital part of the mechanics of JCSM. Every little bit helps with support for the exhibitions and the 200-plus free education programs offered each year. Come check out our programs and renew in-person, or renew online! www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 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. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@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. Pumpkin Festival Sept. 30 - Oct. 30. Stone Mountain Park, Ga. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and cooler weather at Atlanta’s favorite place to celebrate the fall season. Stone Mountain Park’s annual Pumpkin Festival has become a family favorite with kids and parents alike. Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides with attractions, fun-filled games, shows, and more. Let the autumn breeze blow across you as you listen to classic and contemporary tales, including the Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, during Adventure Tales Storytelling. 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.Get the entire family into the spirit with fall décor and special attractions at The Great Pumpkin Junction. Be the detective in the Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt. Beat the clock with a tasty treat at the Pie Eating Contest and much more! www. stonemountainpark.com. Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Joanna Fisher Champagne at Lee County Youth

August/September2016

Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2996, Ext. 311 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life!

additional child. Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Trinity United Methodist Church (Opelika) Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional.

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

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov).

Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd 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)334-7408780. Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City. 256329-9227. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www. auburnmoms.com. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth.net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on Facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc. com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Mom’s Morning Out Auburn United Methodist Church, Children’s Day Out Program, every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each

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 334-826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net. GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@ womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help.

Sports

Auburn University Soccer Aug. 19. Sept 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 26. Auburn University Football Sept. 3, 9, 16. Auburn University Volleyball Sept. 9, 10, 26, 27, 30. Auburn Equestrian Sept. 23. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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Florence Foster Jenkins

Pete’s Dragon MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: A Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Pete’s Dragon PG for action, peril and brief language. What is an adventure? Is it scary? These are among the questions asked by five year-old Pete (Oakes Fegley) as he sits reading aloud from the picture book “Elliot Gets Lost” in the back seat of his parents’ station wagon while they make their way down a secluded road. Then things take a turn for the worse. A devastating car accident (not shown on screen) leaves the child orphaned and alone in the woods with wolves howling all around him. Trying to be brave, the young boy does his best to summon his courage as the snarling animals close in. Suddenly their plan to have Pete for supper is interrupted by a fierce growling coming from the nearby trees. As the predators whimper away, a terrified Pete watches and waits for the source of the sound to appear. Is it a bear? A cougar? No... It’s a huge dragon! The imposing creature emerges from the shadows revealing coarse fur and an impressive set of leathery wings. Still, it seems more curious than hostile as it approaches. Almost instantly a magical bond forms between the lost child and the gentle, green giant. Six years pass and the unlikely companions are as close as can be. Sharing a cave, the colossal creature (now affectionately known as Elliot) and the growing boy play and explore in the wilderness all day and spend their evenings around a small fire. Yet everything changes when Pete sees another human in the forest. First he catches a glimpse of a woman putting marks on some of the trees. The next day, a strange sound alerts him to her return. This time she has in tow a crew of chainsaw-wielding workers and some arguing men. Enthralled, Pete watches from a distance until he notices the group also includes a young girl. And she spots him too. Unfortunately, Pete’s craving for human contact leads to him being captured and taken back to civilization. Here, forest ranger Grace Meacham (Bryce Dallas Howard), her fiancé Jack (Wes Bentley) and his daughter Natalie (Oona Laurence) try to figure out where the feral child came from. Meanwhile back in the woods, Elliot discovers that his friend is missing. But almost immediately his efforts to find his pal are hampered by a new struggle with the loggers. What neither Pete nor Elliot realize yet is that the loyalty of friendship is about to be tested against the powerful pull of family and belonging. This well-crafted movie is an entertaining ride that offers positive role models (including a strong female lead), a not entirely “bad” guy and a subtle message about preserving the environment. Family ties are on full display here, with almost all of the primary supporting characters being related. Robert Redford is especially memorable playing Grace’s father, a grizzled but kind and loving wood carver who believes Pete’s story. Elliot is a wonderfully rendered CGI character who manages to inspire awe without being frightening, easily conveys emotion and comes across as a playful, dog-like chum.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: B+ Sexual Content: C+ Language: BAlcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated Florence Foster Jenkins PG for thematic elements, scary images, action and peril. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it seemed wise to complement someone’s abilities, even though you know they really aren’t as talented as you are leading them to believe? Such is the case for the friends and associates of Florence Foster Jenkins (played by Meryl Streep). A passionate music lover from an early age, the wealthy heiress uses her family’s fortune to establish a private theater in New York City and become a patron of the arts. But her true longing is to perform. The movie opens at the Verdi Club, where Florence literally flies above her guests, suspended from a harness while portraying a rather unconventional angel. In the audience are the many socialites who patronize the establishment and are appreciative of the talent her venue and loose purse strings attract. Yet it soon becomes obvious that the eccentric woman has the enthusiasm of a child caged within a body that isn’t able to keep up. Standing by her side is St Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), her husband and B-rate actor, who gently guides and keeps watch of her much like someone balancing an antique statue on a three legged table. When Florence attends a concert by Lily Pons in Carnegie Hall, it reignites her former desire to sing on stage. From years of experience, Mr. Bayfield knows that resistance to her ideas is a waste of time. So he re-hires the esteemed Metropolitan Opera conductor Carlo Edwards (David Haig) to be Florence’s vocal coach. However, a new pianist is required. The auditions produce Cosme McMoon, a brilliant player who is desperately waiting for his big break. The paycheck alone has him excited, but when he discovers he’s working with Carlo Edwards, his face immediately reveals his anticipation of having been selected for something amazing. Then Florence opens her mouth… In what is be one of the funniest movie scenes of the year, we watch St Clair and Carlo patronize their student and implore her to continue practicing while assuring her she has never sounded better. Meanwhile Cosme, doing everything he can to keep his look of utter disbelief under control and not break out into hysterical laughter, focuses all his efforts on playing the classical piece. It is at this point that we begin to understand the complexities of Florence’s public and private life. A kind and generous woman, she has offered performance and social opportunities to many. She is the financial facilitator to a grand party of benefactors and artistic hopefuls. And now she wants her own moment in the spotlight. How can those who supposedly love her, deny her this opportunity?

What Parents need to know about Florence Foster Jenkins...

Violence: Stage actors wear gory make-up. A character bitrates a disrespectful crowd. A brawl occurs at a bar. A medical condition causes an ugly rash, depleted energy, occasional hysterical behavior and eventually a complete collapse. Sexual Content: Couples embrace and kiss. An extra-marital affair is depicted. Sexual relationships are implied. A naked man and women are shown in bed, with sheets covering private body parts. A man makes sexual overtures to another man. A woman strikes some sexy poses in response to some catcalling from a group of men. Mild sexual references and innuendo are heard. Language: Racial prejudice against Jews is mentioned. Some mild and moderate profanities are heard and terms of deity are used as expletives. Alcohol / Drug Use: This period piece frequently depicts smoking and alcohol consumption. Several characters drink to excess and many are depicted as drunken. Characters suffering from hangovers vomit.

What Parents need to know about Pete’s Dragon...

Violence: Car accidents occur, but details of the incidents are obscured or implied. A five-year-old is left orphaned and alone when his parents are killed in a crash. Wild animals threaten a child. Characters are depicted as shooting tranquilizer darts at a mythical creature as well as pulling a rope tight around its neck. The dragon attempts to defends itself against capture by breathing fire at those hunting him. Characters are in perilous situations, including one depicted as jumping off a cliff, running through traffic, climbing and falling out of tall trees, leaning out of a car window on a high trestle bridge. Sexual Content: None noted. Language: Some name-calling occurs. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. Auburn Opelika Parents I September 2016

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