Auburn-Opelika Parents "Afterschool Activities Issue" (August 23)

Meeting Kids Where They Are

Raising emotionally resilient children.

Back-to-School Ideas

Explore 16 new traditions to send your kids back to school with a bang!

Out the Door On Time

Nine tips to smoothe your school-year morning routine.

2023 After School Activities

Guide

Register now for fall activities!

On The Cover

Mason and Carter Sistrunk are the children of Derrick and Jennie Sistrunk of Opelika. The twins are 12 years old and are rising 7th graders at Opelika Middle School. They both enjoy school, playing football, fishing, running track, and helping their grandparents plant and pick veggies from the garden. Mason and Carter are members of the Trinity Church of Opelika youth group, where they were both baptized.

Publisher’sNote

And just like that, summer has turned into back-toschool...again. Where did the time go? I’m starting to think the summers get shorter as my children get older. What used to be slow mornings in bed watching movies and eating cereal that led to a lazy day by the pool has now turned into teens sleeping their summer away, with small bursts of family time at the lake with campfires.

I have tried to hold onto these summer weeks with both hands. But alas, the school days are upon us, and the preparations are a must-do. There are school supplies and shoes to buy, morning and afternoon schedules to plan, and after-school activities to gear up for. But first, the looming closet clean-out has to ensue, to access what they can still fit in (which is rarely much), choose items we can pass down to siblings, and pack up and donate the remainder to others. It’s not a project that our home looks forward to each year, but it’s the best place to start, and it helps me to organize and get us ready for back to school. There are meals to plan, lunches to pack, outfits to iron, and backpacks to prep to start off on the right foot on that first day of school.

In this month’s feature article, Out the Door on Time: 9 Tips for a Smooth Morning Routine, some tried, and true ideas help get the kids back into the classrooms. One of the best habits to instill is a Sunday night prep. For your preschool and elementary students, getting their weekly clothes and shoes all selected and lined up is a great way to save time and stress when that 6 a.m. alarm clock goes off. The decisions can be made a week ahead of time, and then there are no surprises or arguments about what to wear each day. Also, the author suggests planning lunches and school snacks too. Get the kids involved in their lunch selections and pack their own snacks for the week. School and afternoon snacks can be easily organized in the pantry for a quick grab-and-go. Organizing some of these morning routines before Monday could be a game-changer for how the school week begins and progresses.

But before that first school bell rings, take a moment to consider one last creative and fun activity for your family. In the article, 16 Back to School Traditions to Start this Year, you’ll find some unique ideas to mark the upcoming school year with your children. One idea is to have a back-to-school bash where you can say goodbye to another fantastic summer and celebrate the upcoming school year. It could be as simple as a pool party with friends or a last-minute drive to your favorite vacation spot. Or, gather around one last bonfire, where each family member gets to say their highs and lows of the summer and offer a personal goal to achieve this school year.

Savor those moments and be an encourager of those goals. It’s going to be another amazing school year! There will be small achievements, significant milestones, and much success. From one parent to another, be purposefully present and their number one fan along the way because time sure does fly, and our children grow up quickly, even in just one school year.

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

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

Contributing Writers

Kristi Bush, LSW

Cherie Gough

Dr. Jordan Jensen

Gabriele Jones

Pam Molnar

Works of Wonder Therapy

Cover Photography

Keightley Garnett

Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson

Director of Sales

Justin Sumner

(334) 209-0552

Ad Design

Tim Welch

Web Content Manager

Scott Davis

Auburn-Opelika

(334) 826-7303.

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Family Discovery Hikes: Water & Soil

Join the monthly guided hikes, August 8, at 3:30pm, at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Hikes. Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Free – donations are welcomed and we will meet at the covered pavilion. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve/events/

Open Auditions for AACT’s Fall Show:

Winnie the Pooh

Auditions will be held at AACT, Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints, Auburn, August 14-15, 4:30-6:30pm. Ages 5-12. Winnie–

The–Pooh, by A.A. Milne, adapted for the stage by Kathryn Schultz Miller and ArtReach Children’s Theatre Plays, will feature Pooh, a bear of “Very Little Brain,” but this production of with Pooh Bear and friends will have a lot of heart! AACT Jr. Young Performers is looking for a cast of thirty–three to present this play featuring a few of Pooh Bear’s many adventures. Please be prepared to present some lines, “sides” for one of the characters. There will also be a dance/movement portion of the audition. www.auburnact.org

Labor Day Weekend Featuring Hot Air Balloons

Light up your Labor Day with a three-day celebration at Callaway Resort & Gardensnow celebrating 25 years of Hot Air Balloon Glows! Stay and play all day with garden and beach access, waterfront activities like putt putt, and endless entertainment including the exciting Birds of Prey show. Spend sun-kissed days splashing in the waters of Robin Lake Beach and racing across the inflatable mountains of floating obstacle course Aqua Island. After a day full of fun, stay after sundown to watch the beach transform with the light of gigantic Hot Air Balloons glowing under firework-filled skies. Callaway Gardens, 17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, Ga. www.callawaygardens.com

Ride and Seek: A Bike Safety Adventure

On August 26, Chewacla State Park, will be the backdrop to this year’s Ride and Seek. Ride and Seek teaches kids how to ride safe and have fun. Designed for kids in grades K-8, riders and their parents will get safety tips from our experts and test their skills on our mountain bike trail and paved trail. There will be free prizes and a raffle for some great bike equipment! 124 Shell Toomer Park. 8:30-11:00am. Visit www.facebook. com/auburnbicyclecommittee.

Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse in Concert

Join the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, on August 26, 7:30pm, for a unique musical adventure. Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live pairs a screening of the animated film with live musicians and turntables. Emmy winner, Daniel Pemberton, composed a sprawling score of boundary-pushing original music that is complimented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith, and Nicki Minaj. The hip-hop based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film, supporting its themes of resilience and universal heroism. www.rivercenter.org

Summer Swing: Back to School Bash August 1

Come out at 7:00pm to Opelika’s Municipal Park! Enjoy a final concert as we bid summer farewell! Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. Food vendors available. Free. www.opelika-al.gov/746/Summer-Swing

Walk Like MADD Auburn: August 19

The 2023 Walk Like MADD Auburn event is MADD’s signature fundraising event to help us raise both awareness and funds to eliminate drunk and drugged driving. With every step taken and each dollar raised, walkers are supporting MADD’s lifesaving mission to keep our families and communities safe. Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. We hope that you will rally with us in Auburn, AL, August 19, at the Auburn Public Safety Department, 141 North Ross Street, to help create a future of No More Victims®. Register and donate TODAY to help us save more lives! 8:00am-12:00pm. www.walklikemadd.org

Itty Bitty Auburn: August 5-30

It’s time to break out the thinking caps and magnifying glasses for Itty Bitty Auburn in celebration of Alabama’s birthday! Beginning Tuesday, August 1st, participants can pick up a worksheet for the scavenger hunt at any Parks and Recreation facility or find it on the City of Auburn website, printed in select newspapers and on Facebook. The worksheet features 20 itty-bitty sites in various locations around Auburn. Participants will find these sites and find a clue inside each location. A successful scavenger hunt will reveal a special phrase which participants will need to log their win! All participants must “register” by Thursday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m. Those who compile all 20 clues and discover the phrase will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing. Winners will be announced and contacted on Friday September 8th. FREE to the public. www.auburnalabama.org

Family Art Fun

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center invites families to come out to the Preserve, on August 12, and create art. No matter the age you can have fun with art while learning to improve. During this class you will learn about many different watercolor techniques while creating your own masterpiece. We will start with simple techniques and work our way up. We will do an instructed lesson on how to paint with acrylics, then you will get the chance to paint whatever inspires you. Tickets are $5 ($4 for members) and available on our website or at the door., 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 1:00-3:00pm. natureeducation@auburn.edu

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Doing the Things You Want to Do

“The pain hurts all day at work…”, “I cannot turn my neck, and it’s affecting my golf game…”, “I’d give anything to be able to get good sleep…” Our office has new practice members, who have never had chiropractic care before and often come in with complaints like these. From doing the day-to-day job or trying to take care of yourself, it’s no secret that pain often gets in the way of our ability to perform these functions.

This pain may have gone away for a while, possibly a temporary thing, like a cold or flu. It’s easy to disregard it at this point, but it returns. Maybe your low back was hurting first, but now it’s your neck. Medicine was the fix for a while. You may have to stretch it out more for relief, but why does it return? It is easy to quickly become frustrated when our actions are not producing the desired result.

Are our solutions addressing the cause or simply masking the symptoms? Does it make sense to numb the pain or address the cause of the pain? This is a no-brainer. If it is within our power to address the cause of what keeps us from living the life we want, we’ll do what it takes.

A practice member we had join our office, Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, recently stated the desire to deadlift without pain. Each reach down, the pain would light up in the low back, and with more weight on the lift, the more pain there was. Naturally, reducing the weight was the first solution, but the pain did not fully go away. Additionally, this interfered with the weightlifting goals set for the year. Functional and structural testing showed segmental stress throughout the low back, likely the cause of his dysfunction. We reviewed what needed to improve with this and how this part of the nervous system, the body’s coordinator of all the other body’s systems, needed to look to function one hundred percent. In this case, because your nervous system is necessary for the muscles in your body to work properly, if the nervous system is under stress, the muscles’ functions cannot work entirely like they should. Chiropractic aims to correct spinal positioning that stresses the nervous system so that it may work optimally.

Before care, function was determined to be around fifty percent capacity, and deadlift ability was limited. By the twelfth day of care, the first functional re-evaluation, function had increased to eighty percent with no more pain reaching down for the weights, and the ability to lift a certain amount of weight was painless – this was a huge victory! Checking in at the 3 month mark, function was at ninety percent. The practice member had not experienced any pain moving toward the year’s weight goals. This recent achievement is one of many we have the honor of witnessing. Who knows what will happen at one hundred percent! If you want to restore function, starting with the nervous system is an excellent place. We hope you get to live the life you want to live, doing the things you want to do.

Dr. Jordan Jensen earned his Bachleor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences at Auburn University in 2013 and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2018. Following graduation, Dr. Jensen was accepted into the International Chiropractic Association’s Diplomate of Craniocervical Procedures postgraduate program, where his research encompasses Chiropractic’s application of advanced imaging and patient outcomes.

A Back-to-School Welcome Letter from Auburn City Schools Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring

Welcome Back to School!

Autauga County Schools

It is with great enthusiasm that Auburn City Schools looks forward to the start of the 2023-2024 school year. A talented team of dedicated educators eagerly anticipates the opportunity to welcome students back to class on Tuesday, August 8th.

The beginning of a new school year is always a good time to set personal goals and establish effective routines. For all of us, the busy schedule of school, homework, and after-school activities will require us to be well planned. While each family will handle the change of pace differently, I sincerely thank you for the effort you will make to support our students, as their success will require our collaboration. We are, indeed, grateful for the commitment you will make to students and school this year.

We believe this school year promises to be the best yet, especially with the opening to our 10thelementary school, Woodland Pines Elementary. With passion, perseverance, and your partnership, we look forward to the continued level of excellence that this community deserves and is accustomed to. Auburn is an amazing place to live, work, and attend school, with countless academic, athletic, and fine arts offerings to equip students for success.

With heartfelt thanks, I share my gratitude for your commitment to the children of this community and your continued support of Auburn City Schools.

Respectfully,

Cristen Herring, Superintendent Auburn City Schools

or Online Therapy

Working with individuals including: Children

Adolescents College Students Adults

Bill Ferguson, Ph.D.

Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address Psychotherapy issues including: ADHD, ODD, Behavior problems, Social Skills de cits, Generalized Anxiety, Phobias, Trauma and PTSD, Depression, and General Adjustment issues.

A Back-to-School Welcome Letter from Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore Autauga County Schools

Dear Community Members, Students, and Teachers,

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to a new school year. Teachers and administrators have worked diligently throughout the summer months, to prepare and grow professionally. We are excited to welcome everyone back in August.

This summer has been a busy season as we prepare for the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year. Most notably, the new Fox Run School will open its doors to sixth-grade students in August. This facility promises to be a jewel in our community and will showcase the best in student learning. Additionally, construction crews have been installing updated HVAC systems at Southview Primary and West Forest Intermediate Schools. We have also installed additional handrails throughout Bulldog Stadium so fans can enjoy the games with a little extra stability while moving about the stands. Speaking of the stadium, before you know it, fall sports will be on hand. I encourage all members of our community to check out our sports calendars and come out to support our student-athletes at our venues including volleyball, cross country, cheer, football, and girls’ flag football. I also encourage the community to support our students’ arts programs as they perform this fall, including theater, guitar performances, the choirs, and the bands.

This past spring, OCS adopted a new five-year strategic plan. Thank you for your input as we developed and honed our mission, vision, and belief statements that will guide us on planning for now and for the future. We are committed to

I want to extend a special thank you to our community for supporting the tax renewal in February. The vote passed overwhelmingly. It is a testament to this community’s commitment to education.

It is an exciting time to be in Opelika and we are thankful for the continued support this city and its great people offer. Go Dawgs!

Sincerely,

Farrell Seymore, Superintendent Opelika City Schools

Auburn City Schools Gets Involved With Community

Dr. Ashley Powell, ACS Director of Child Nutrition, recently helped Girl Scouts from Auburn Troop #7063 earn their Bronze Award! Brennan Daniels, Emma Marshall (not pictured), Kiara Paxson, and Mia Sherman (not pictured) are working as a team to bring awareness to the benefits of school lunches. With Dr. Powell having a voice at the state and national level, serving as Regional Director for the School Nutrition Association, and being a Registered Dietician, she shared her expertise with the girls to assist with their research. ACS is proud of Dr. Powell for spending time with members of Troop #7063 and representing the Child Nutrition profession.

Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

Meet the K5 Teacher at The Oaks

With a background in music and theatre, Miss Joanna brings our K5 classroom to life with music and song. Students learn weekly Bible verses through daily practice with music and hand motions. Miss Joanna is an incredible phonics teacher and is passionate about helping children learn to love reading. Joanna is also excellent with parent communication and connecting her families, so they can quickly build community and form relationships that will continue through their school journey. She has one son Elijah and lives in Opelika.

Autauga County Schools

Meet the 2nd Grade Teacher at The Oaks

Ashley Jeffares is our 2nd grade teacher at The Oaks. She is from Reeltown, AL, and graduated from Troy University with a Bachelor of Science, specializing in K-6 Elementary and Collaborative Education. Ashley then continued her education and earned a Master’s degree of Science, with a concentration in K-6 Elementary Education. She has taught for the past 16 years while being a devoted mother and wife. Her three children; Kelsi, Klaira, and Kendall also attend our wonderful school. Book a tour today to meet our amazing teachers and students!

Angie Walkers Awarded Grant for Jeter Primary

Congratulations to Angie Walters for being awarded a WhataTeacher grant from Whataburger during Teacher

Appreciation Week!

OCS Senior Awards Day

ACS Summer Youth Cheer Clinic

The 2023 Auburn High School Youth Cheer Camp kicked off with approximately 300 girls in attendance, ranging from age four to seventh grade. With their hot pink spirit shirts on, campers learned timed rhythms, jumps, and stunts from the Varsity Cheerleaders. This camp is an excellent opportunity for young girls to build strength, sharpen hand-eye coordination, and create meaningful relationships with friends and mentors.

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Lee County

Auburn High School’s Cate Herring has been named the 2024 Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) of Lee County. In addition to Herring being the overall winner, Auburn High School was well represented in the competition with Addison Wood finishing as first runner-up, and Brantley Clegg as second runner-up. ACS is proud

Congratulations to the OHS Class of 2023! Scholarships were awarded to OHS seniors at Awards Day. We are proud of these seniors and appreciate the support of the colleges, universities, local families, groups, and agencies that awarded scholarships to our

Lady Tigers Host Basketball Camp

The final buzzer has sounded on another successful Girls Basketball Camp at Auburn High School. Under the leadership of Head Coach Courtney Pritchett, the varsity Lady Tigers trained and mentored 36 girls, emphasizing all the fundamentals, from dribbling to executing a properly formed layup. The camp culminated in a hot-shot competition and full-court scrimmages. The athletic camps offered during the summer months at AHS are great opportunities for young students to find things they are passionate about, whether that is pursuing competitive sports or forming meaningful friendships with fellow campers.

St. Michael Catholic School

3rd Graders Create Hearts

Want a fun activity to celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Father’s Day?

Mrs. Olney’s third grade class made the hearts of the Holy Family and reflected on how our hearts should also conform to theirs.

OHS Awarded ProStart Grow Grant

Congratulations to the Opelika High School’s Culinary Program on being awarded a Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant. We are proud to share that we are one of 40 high schools across the country that have received the Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant. The $5,000 grants will help us improve our students’ ProStart experience and update our curriculum, classroom supplies, and educational opportunities for our culinary students. Congratulations to Chef Eldred!

Autauga County Schools

ACS 5th and 6th Graders Attend CTE Summer Camp

The second annual CTE Summer Camp was a success, with rising fifth and sixth graders being introduced to several Career and Technical Education course options. Campers experienced Precision Machining with Instructor, Mike Brogan, Culinary Arts with Chef John Everson, and JROTC with LTC (Retired) Anthony Benitez and 1SG (Retired) John Audaine. Knowledgeable Auburn High School students were also on hand to assist campers while they learned that safety is first and foremost, whether in the machining shop or the kitchen. With Mr. Brogan, they crafted raw materials into useful objects such as hammer handles. With Chef Everson, they discovered the right amount of ingredients to make the most delicious chocolate chip cookies before burning some energy off in a JROTC-sanctioned game of dodgeball. ACS is proud to have a learning environment and course offerings that foster a wide variety of interests.

OSC Tour Local Industry

Opelika parents and teachers from the Opelika City School System went on an industry tour. There were stops at Southern Union State Community College’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing and Cumberland Plastic Solutions. There are so many amazing opportunities available in our community. Thank you to Opelika Economic Development for their partnership in making this possible.

AHS Football Attends Football Camp

Auburn High School Football dominated the 7-on-7 tournament at Samford University. With victories over Homewood and Hoover during the event, Team Auburn went on to win the Championship against Spain Park, with Team Tigers finishing in the top four. This tournament was a part of the Chris Hatcher Football Camp and an excellent way for young athletes to practice new techniques and become better football players. In addition, campers had the opportunity to meet and learn from assistant football coaches at Samford. Thank you to Head Coach Keith Etheredge, assistant coaches, and support staff for providing experiences like this for our student-athletes.

East Samford Welcomes Rising 7th Graders

Rising seventh graders and their families attended “Tiger ESSentials” in preparation for the 2023-2024 school year at East Samford School. Students and families oriented themselves with the campus while practicing their locker combinations and meeting teachers before receiving an overview of the school from Dr. Duriel Barlow and the ESS staff.

Meet the 1st Grade Teacher at The Oaks

Lauren Dowdell is from Hatchechubbee, AL. She graduated from Lee-Scott Academy and then attended Auburn University where she received her B.S. in Elementary Education. She has since received additional training and development in the Science of Reading. She has taught kindergarten in Opelika City and first grade in Lee County. Lauren currently lives in Society Hill with her husband of 3 years, James, and she is a lifelong member of Society Hill Methodist Church. She enjoys reading, walking her dog, crafting, and spending time with friends and family. She is so excited to learn and grow with her students both academically and spiritually at The Oaks!

ACS Administrators Attend AL Schools Transportation Conference

Two Auburn City Schools Administrators were presenters at the 79th annual Alabama Schools Transportation Association Summer Conference in Mobile. Transportation Coordinator, Don Ingram, and Special Education Director, Jill Harling, provided their expertise for one of the Supervisor’s Breakout Sessions three times. The sessions covered the ACS process for special needs buses, including scheduling, training for drivers, and distribution of a student’s medical information to the driver as needed. While in attendance, Mr. Ingram and Mrs. Harling received additional information and further training on bus camera systems, EPA grants, and driver recruitment.

Opelika High School Senior Send Off

Opelika High School seniors had fun visiting our primary schools in their caps

At Trinity, our goal is to compete with humility and honor Christ through our hard work.

Autauga County Schools Pick Elementary School Hosts D.A.R.E. Camp

As a collaboration among the divisions of the Auburn Public Safety Department, this annual summertime program focuses on good character, team-building skills, and anti-bullying messaging for rising sixth graders. It also allows our School Resource Officers (S.R.O.s) to connect directly with students before they begin their educational journey through our secondary schools. Activities include various games throughout the day, such as wiffle ball, capture the flag, soccer, and tug of war. The Auburn Fire Department also has trucks on site to keep the water flowing for the inflatable slides! A special thank you to all the volunteers behind the scenes who make this camp happen every year, including Public Safety Academy graduates and retired Marines.

Creekside Celebrates Summer Reading

Aubie made a surprise visit at Creekside Elementary School to celebrate the conclusion of the 2023 Summer Reading Camp for students in grades K-3. For the past month, this group of students has been working diligently to sharpen their reading skills while taking in elements of mathematics through engaging curriculum and hands-on activities. The last day was full of smiles and laughter as Aubie helped lead a dance party with Music Teacher Ginger Key! From freestyling their moves to flapping their wings during the chicken dance, this was a great way to cut loose and celebrate the hard work of both the students and adults involved. ACS thanks CES Assistant Principal Mr. Josh Harry, all the teachers, and support staff for dedicating their time to giving several students a jump start in preparation for the new school year.

Auburn Early Education Center Welcomes New Principal

Glori Lammons was approved by the Board of Education on June 13th to be the Principal at Auburn Early Education Center. With more than 20 years of experience in public education, including as a classroom teacher at the K-2 level, Mrs. Lammons has served as the Assistant Principal of AEEC for the past three school years and is steadfast in her commitment to the students, families, teachers, and staff. Mrs. Lammons received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Auburn University, her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and a Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership from The University of West Alabama. She is also a National Board-Certified Teacher and recently completed her Maintenance of Certification.

Strengthening School Safety in Auburn

A group of School Resource Officers from Auburn City Schools attended the 24th Annual “Safe Schools” Training Conference. The Alabama Association of School Resource Officers (TAASRO) works with law enforcement officials from across the state to cultivate consistent collaboration and communication. As societal trends evolve, external cultural influences may seep into the hallways and classrooms of schools. The safety of the school environment depends on awareness, prevention, and proactive measures. This year, TAASRO covered cultural topics that can have a negative influence on the safe school environment-- if left undetected, unaddressed, and unresolved. ACS thanks the PTO Council for their continued support of our SROs to sharpen their skills and stay up on the latest practices for keeping schools safe!

ACS Board Attends Conference

Hosted by the Alabama Association of School Boards, the 2023 Summer Conference is titled “Innovate, Imagine, Ignite,” with public school leaders from across the state in attendance. ACS School Board Members were actively engaged in sessions on school law, instructional leadership, teaching strategies, and state department updates. The Auburn City Board of Education attended the conference, in part to fulfill state training requirements, but more so for professional development, personal learning, and the goal of leading effectively.

Tigers in Training Camp Was a Hit

The 2023 Tigers in Training Baseball Camp was a success with more than 170 first through seventh graders in attendance. In the 31st year under the leadership of four-time State Champion Head Coach, Matt Cimo, this camp featured an insider’s look into the AHS Baseball program, with participants learning fielding drills, hitting drills, throwing mechanics, and more. Each camper walked away with sharper skills and knowledge they can use while practicing at home over the summer. Thank you to all our coaches and varsity athletes for mentoring the next generation of ball players.

Why Your Young Athlete’s Social Media Matters

Do you have an athlete in your home? If you do, this article is definitely for you. My husband and I raised two athletes. Our sons have been playing baseball since they were four years old. My youngest has actually tackled all three sports, baseball, basketball, and football. And up until my oldest graduated this year, we did not know what lazy beach summer vacations looked like. If it didn’t involve dirt, a bunch of stinky boys, temps hotter than the face of the sun, folding chairs, and a lot of baseballs, we weren’t doing it. I would not trade those days for anything.

While my kids were good at their sports, they were not great. Meaning they were off the scholarship to college and beyond level. However, there are A LOT of kids that are. And they put in massive amounts of sweat equity to secure those scholarships. I have witnessed so many athletes (girls and guys) lose their place on their high school teams and their potential for college scholarships due to misuse of their social media. I will share a few ways to mitigate this and how to use their social media to get noticed in the RIGHT way when looking for scholarships.

Athletes need to remember they are in a position to represent themselves and the school. This brings a lot of pressure

and some scrutiny. Some ways to ensure they do not attract the wrong type of attention to themselves are:

(1) Keep it clean. No foul language. No inappropriate picture sending. Basically, no junk.

(2) Keep it kind. Always support your teammates. And never...and I mean NEVER...use their platform to make fun of or bash other teams.

(3) Remember that the coaches and recruiters that they want to notice them WILL be looking at their social media. So if it is something your mom, dad, or grandma would be embarrassed that you posted, chances are a recruiter will not like it either.

(4) Ask your athlete to go back through their social media all the way to middle school. And remove anything that does not represent them how they want to be represented.

Athletes can also use social media to gain exposure to recruiters. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have allowed teen athletes to showcase their skills and achievements. They can post highlights, training videos, and game footage, allowing college coaches and recruiters to discover them. This increased exposure has made it easier

for athletes to get noticed and considered for scholarships.

Social media makes personal branding easy. It allows teen athletes to create and maintain their brand. They can showcase their personality, values, and work ethic, making them more appealing to college coaches.

They can communicate directly with college coaches and recruiters. Many colleges and universities use social media to announce scholarship offers and commitments from athletes. This information is readily available to the public, allowing athletes to celebrate their achievements and gain recognition from their peers, family, and friends.

Bottom line: There is great opportunity for our athletes to increase viability and help reach their scholarship goals. But they must remember that college coaches and recruiters often monitor athletes’ social media accounts to gain a sense of their character and decisionmaking. Inappropriate or offensive posts can jeopardize scholarship opportunities, so athletes must be mindful of their online presence.

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

I am not a morning person. Life at home with my toddlers used to be filled with mornings cuddling in PJs. Arriving at preschool on time was a challenge; I was often late. When my son started kindergarten, I was determined to get my act together and break the cycle. I gleaned ideas from the web, talked to other moms and put a system in place. I use these tips to get up and out the door in 45 minutes each morning.

Use Sunday Wisely

Think ahead and prepare for the week on Sunday; it helps save time in the long run.

1. Bag snacks, fruits and veggies for the week to save time on busy sports practice and running-around days. Doing this in advance also gives you a head’s up if stocking up on lunchbox staples is necessary, thereby avoiding last-minute shopping trips.

2. Use an organizing system to put together school outfits for the week. I bought a hanging system for my son’s closet with a compartment for each day. Every Sunday, we check the weather for the upcoming week and put outfits in each compartment. Sometimes my son wants to choose his clothes; sometimes he lets me choose. There is never an argument, question, or decision to make about what to wear in the morning.

3. Put an organizing system by the door for shoes and backpacks. Professional organizers often recommend an area with hooks for backpacks and a rack below for shoes. Having homework and permission slips ready in the backpack the night before is crucial.

The Night Before

4. Make lunches the night before. This includes filling water bottles.

5. Set the table for breakfast after doing the dinner dishes. You’re already in the kitchen; getting it all done at once makes sense.

In the Morning

6. Keep breakfast simple. Cereal with toast, yogurt or fruit keeps us on the go. Try to sit down and have breakfast as soon as the kids get up. This avoids the grab-and-go breakfast that research shows can lead to obesity. It also helps avoid last-minute spills on school clothes that could cause a meltdown for kids or parents.

Try this savvy breakfast trick: Always bake a double batch of muffins and freeze the extras. That way, the kids can just take one out and warm it in the microwave.

If you have a picky eater who wants a hot breakfast, try toaster waffles, make-ahead egg muffins or bagels.

7. Have your child use an alarm clock. We bought a Yoda alarm clock and gave it to our son as a present as he entered kindergarten. He was excited by the unexpected gift and in turn, was excited to use it. I was amazed when he skipped into the dining room each morning at 6:15 a.m., ready to start his day.

8. Most parents agree with this rule: No electronics before school. They are way too distracting.

9. With older children, get creative! A fun way to get tweens out of bed and moving is to turn on music in their rooms. Make it nice and loud and then sing and dance (if necessary), substituting words with phrases about waking up and getting moving. Groans may soon turn into laughter and they start preparing for the school day.

There is no magic and no two families are alike. Figure out what works for your family, then put a system in place. Planning ahead will help start the day in a more positive, less frazzled way.

Cherie Gough is a contributing writer.

AOP

Wow! Where has the summer gone? The old cliche “time flies when you are having fun” becomes truer each day. A few short weeks ago, school was ending for the year, and we were gearing up for vacations and summer camps. Now parents are busily and frantically scrambling to enroll their kids in school and after-school activities. And there are so many activities to choose from - soccer, football, cheer, gymnastics, dance, music, art, and theatre.

Many parents will pursue sports activities for their kids because that appears to be the “popular and in thing” to do. However, parents, have you ever considered enrolling your child in a creative arts program?

If your child is struggling socially, emotionally, or academically in school, it is a proven fact that those engaging in the study of creative arts perform better in math, reading, and writing skills. Participating in creative arts assists children with language, motor, and visual learning development. Children engaged in creative arts are better equipped to interpret complex texts and subject matter. They can demonstrate intricate level and critical thinking skills. Their memorization skills improve, and they score higher on standardized testing, becoming more proficient in their core academic classes.

The arts positively influence behavior, providing empathy, compassion, and life

lessons in social relationships and complex emotional issues. The creative arts promote acceptance, inclusiveness, and diversity that go beyond their childhood and teen years. Intricate life lessons are learned when children and individuals have the opportunity and ability to explore emotions and situations too difficult to discuss. Children who engage in the dance area of the creative arts can demonstrate an excellent capacity for self-expression, social tolerance, and physical well-being.

Here are 15 top skills that children gain from the creative arts: Creativity, SelfConfidence, Problem Solving, Perseverance, Focus, Non-Verbal Communication, Receiving Constructive Feedback, Collaboration, Dedication, Accountability, Discipline, Team Work, Commitment, Positivity, and Satisfaction. Creative arts prepare children to comprehend better and understand the ever-changing world we live in.

Many creative art possibilities exist for your child in the Auburn-Opelika Area. It is most important to do your research and check out websites, call, or visit to ensure you find the right fit for you and your child. Many of the community theatres in the area offer classes

by Marty Moore

and training in acting, improv, and musical theatre. Dance studios in the area offer all dance genres, with some specializing only in specific genres. Almost all of the dance and theatre programs are happy to offer your child a “free” trial class.

For convenience, here is a list of theatre and dance programs in the Auburn-Opelika area: Make Your Move Performing Arts, Celtic Traditions School of Irish Dance, Variations Dance Studio, Nix Dance Studio, Rising Stars, Stansell Ballet, and Taylor’s Dance Company. Theatre programs in the area include - Opelika Community Theatre, Auburn Area Community Theatre, Alsobrook Performing Arts, Springer Opera House, and New Horizons Community Theatre.

Marty Moore has been a professional dancer, actor, dance educator, and talent adjudicator for over 50 years. She is the Executive Artistic Director for Opelika Community Theatre and responsible for making OCT the Second AL Chapter for the PENGUIN PROJECT FOUNDATION providing youth with developmental, neurological, and physical challenges the opportunity to perform in a modified version of a Broadway show. Fun fact: She choreographed Justin Timberlake’s very first video for Ardent Studios in Memphis.

The years seem to pick up speed as your child gets older. One minute they are getting on the bus for kindergarten, and in the blink of an eye, they are walking across the stage at their high school graduation. Don’t let those years go by in a blur. Capture the first day of school with a tradition the kids will look forward to every year.

Freeze a memory

1. Drive to your local high school a few days before school starts. Capture a picture of your child standing by the marquee or in front of the building near the front door. You can also catch a picture of your child gazing up at the school while wearing his backpack. Taken every year, this makes a great collage of photos to display at their high school graduation party.

2. Every year before school starts, purchase a Time magazine and a People magazine. Have him pose with the covers to show what was in the news that year.

3. Buy a t-shirt from the high school spirit store in an adult size. Take a picture of the child wearing the shirt with her backpack on the ground next to her. It is a great way to show how she and her choice of backpacks change over the years.

4. Pose your student standing next to mom or dad in front of the house. Bring enough books for your child to stand on until he is as tall as his parent. As the years go by and your child grows, the child will need fewer and fewer books to stand on. In his high school pictures, Mom might be the one standing on the books.

5. Don’t forget to get a picture of Mom and Dad on the first day of school. Capture mom’s tears as the bus drives away and don’t miss Mom and Dad high fiving as the last child leaves the house.

Cook up something good

1. The night before school starts, bake a round loaf of bread and place a clean penny in the dough before it bakes. Before dinner, have all the kids hold on to a piece of the bread and break it off. The one that gets the penny will have extra good luck this year at school.

2. Start the day off right with a special breakfast. Choose a traditional breakfast of eggs and toast, whip up a smoothie for a light and healthy meal or lighten the mood with something silly like cookie cutter pancakes with whipped cream.

3. Shop with your child before school starts and let him choose a special back to school lunch. Go beyond the sandwich to find yogurt parfaits, fruit pizza or ham and cheese kabobs. Don’t forget a note from Mom and a Hershey’s kiss.

4. Prepare a special after school snack like an ice cream sundae bar or colorful fruit trifle. When your child comes home from school, he will want to tell you all about his teacher, his classes and his day.

Watch them grow

1. On the first day of school, measure your child from head to toe with a piece of string cut to his height. Put the string in an envelope and mark it with the date. At the end of the

year, measure him again and see how much he grew this year.

2. Plant a tree in celebration of your child starting kindergarten. Every year, take a picture of your child in front of the tree and watch them both grow.

3. Make a back to school flag out of white cloth to hang in front of the house. Every year, add your child’s hand prints using different color paints. Include the date and their age to create a treasure that you look forward to showing off every year.

4. Make concrete stepping stones with your child’s footprint and the date. Let your child decorate and add the stones to your yard to create a wonderful memory garden.

Celebrate

1. Have a back to school bash. This is a great way to reconnect with all the kids you did not get to see over the summer. Rent a large slip and slide or a bounce castle, cook up some hot dogs and pass out the popsicles. Enjoy one last hoorah before school starts.

2. Your teens and tweens will be happy with an evening bonfire to mourn the end of summer. Bring out the speakers and let them crank their music. Provide a fire, plenty of snacks and enough seating for everyone.

3. Don’t forget a party for the moms. A first day of school potluck breakfast is a great opportunity for the moms to celebrate.

Pam

Art

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

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2222 North College Street Auburn, 36830

Family Art Fun: Create a nature inspired canvas using acrylics as we guide you through the design and painting process. Canvas, brushes, and paints will be provided. The class will include a 30-minute hike for inspiration.

334-502-4553 www.auburn.edu/preserve

Auburn Parks and Recreation

Jan Dempsey Community Arts Ctr Auburn, 36830

Anime Drawing: Manga is a Japanese style of comics. This class will learn how to draw people in an anime style. Each student will be encouraged to develop their own anime characters and develop a unique style of drawing. Art for Homeschoolers: These classes, under the sponsorship and support of the Auburn Arts Association, are divided into two age groups to allow for age–appropriate art experiences.

(334) 704-3343 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Before & After Care

Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center

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128 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830

Open 7:00am - 5:30pm. Transportation from schools available. Children engage in many developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities that promote learning in language, fine & large

motor skills, the arts, math, science, and socialemotional skills. Nationally Accredited through NAC and Licensed through Alabama Department of Human Resources. 334-821-8125. www.auburnfbc.org/wordpress_20150529/ministries

math, science & self-help skills, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, extracurricular programs include JumpBunch, Dance, Big Green Bus, & Spanish. We also prove before and after school care to most Opelika City Schools.

334-748-9020 www.growingroomusa.com/ locations/growing-room-opelika

Auburn City Schools

332 East Samford Avenue Auburn, 36830

Extended day offers children the opportunity to have individualized tutoring, participation in creative activities, and interaction with peers. Tuition prices are on a sliding scale based on lunch status. Activities such as art, sports, computer, music and movement, and other clubs added throughout the year help children interact socially and physically with children of all backgrounds in their community. Tutoring allows individualized instruction tailored to student’s learning styles and levels of understanding therefore improving grades and self-esteem.

334-887-2100 www.auburnschools.org

Auburn United Methodist Church

Discovery Club After-School Program

137 South Gay Street Auburn, 36830

Students can be picked up at their schools and transported to the church for homework, snacks, crafts, cooking, recreational activities, devotionals and mission projects.

334-826-8800 www.aumc.net

Big Blue Marble

585 Devall Drive Auburn, 36849

Pick-up from all Auburn city schools during the school year.

334-518-6091 bbmacademy.com/location/auburn/

Bonnie’s Kids

2314 Enterprise Drive Opelika, 36801

Pick up from school for Beauregard, Opelika & Auburn for after school programs.

334-745-6248 www.bonnieskidschildcare.com

Bright Ideas Enrichment Center

1675 Shug Jordan Parkway Auburn, 36830

We offer families an enriching place for children to learn and grow.

334-887-5730 auburn@brightideasfamily.com www.brightideasfamilycom

Auburn’s

Best After School & Summer Camp

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758 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830

Pick up from most Auburn City Schools. Our after school program keeps things exciting by providing a variety of exciting sports activities that we do indoors during the after school program and outdoors when we have special camp days! 334-329-5218 /www.auburnbestafterschool.com

Growing Room Child Development Center (Auburn)

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644 North Dean Road Auburn, 36830

We believe Learning Can Take You Everywhere!

We offer a language based curriculum focusing on math, science & self-help skills, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, extracurricular programs include JumpBunch, Dance, Big Green Bus, & Spanish. We also prove before and after school care to most Auburn City Schools.

334-501-2044 www.growingroomusa.com/auburn

Growing Room Child Development Center (Opelika)

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1755 Thomason Drive Opelika, 36801

We believe Learning Can Take You Everywhere!

We offer a language based curriculum focusing on

Miss Deanna’s Childcare

1901 Corporate Drive Opelika, 36801

After school transportation and care for Opelika City Schools.

334-745-7139

Miss Deanna’s Childcare

1745 East University Drive Auburn, 36830

After school transportation and care for Auburn City Schools.

334-821-0066

Opelika City Schools Extended Day

Extended Day is a program sponsored by the Opelika City Schools to provide a safe, friendly environment for children who need after school care. CARES offers tutors, homework assistance, recreation, school clubs, special activities, field trips, and other areas of enrichment for children who attend elementary schools in Opelika. 334-745-9700 www.opelika-al.gov

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County

400-B Boykin Street Auburn, 36830

An after school Youth Development program that serves youth Greater Lee County. Afternoons begin with a healthy snack followed by Power Hour: Making Every Minute Count in which club members spend time reading, receiving homework assistance and tutoring. The evening is filled

with fun programming in five core areas including character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills; the arts, and sports, fitness, and recreation.

334-502-1311 www.bgceastal.org

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County

1610 Toomer Street Opelika, 36801

An after school Youth Development program that serves youth Greater Lee County. Afternoons begin with a healthy snack followed by Power Hour: Making Every Minute Count in which club members spend time reading, receiving homework assistance and tutoring. The evening is filled with fun programming in five core areas including character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills; the arts, and sports, fitness, and recreation.

334-749-2582 www.bgceastal.org

University Daycare Child Care Center

1006 North Dean Road Auburn, 36830

Before and after school care and pickup available. During the school year, our school age children have a set schedule that provides a snack, active play inside or outside and quiet time for homework and relaxing.

334-203-1234 www.udcauburn.com

Dance/Baton

Alabama Dance Theatre

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1018 Madison Avenue Montgomery , 36104

The Alabama Dance Theatre offers classes in classical ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, hiphop and tap. The goal of Alabama Dance Theatre is to maintain a high level of excellence in classical ballet training. ADT is a school recognized throughout the Southeast as a positive training ground for dancers.

334-625-2590 www.alabamadancetheatre.com

Celtic Traditions School of Irish Dance

2705 Fredrick Road, #3 Opelika, 36801

We spread the joy of Irish dancing through classes and performances. Classes include intricate footwork, musical timing and tune recognition, proper Irish dance technique, and much more!

334-705-0303 www.celtic-traditions.net

Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio

1220 Fox Run Pkwy, Suite 212 Opelika, 36801

Dance classes for boys and girls of all ages including Baton, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Acrobats, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Combination classes and more. Offering recreational and competition classes.

334-705-0205 www.makeyourmovedance.com

Nix Dance Studios

850 Stage Road Auburn, 36830

We offer classes for ages 3 and up. Choose from Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Baton, Pointe, and Company. Since 1966, Nix Dance Studios have set the bar for excellence in dance performance. Nationally recognized artistic director, Paula Nix, has been a featured guest on The Today Show, in USA Weekly Magazine and serves as choreographer and general coordinator for the Lee County’s Junior Miss program.

334-887-7250 www.nixdancestudios.com

Rising Starz

2140 East University Drive Auburn, 36830

Offering ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, tumbling, baton, musical theatre and acting.

334-209-1464 www.risingstarzstudios.com

Taylor’s Dance Company

1345 Opelika Road, #10 Auburn, 36830

Providing dance education in a fun, uplifting, and positive environment!

334-310-5010 www..taylorsdancecompany.com

Variations Dance

323 Airport Road, Suite E Auburn, 36830

Courses offered in all levels of dance including Preballet, Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre/Broadway, Lyrical, Contemporary, Stretch, Company, Tumbling, Acro and Competition Teams. 334-275-5013 www.variationsauburn.com

Education and Enrichment

Gogue Performing Arts Center

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130 Village View Lane Auburn University, 36849 East Alabama’s premier venue presenting professional performances in music, theatre, dance and more. Also offering our season of school perfor-

mances includes highly talented and acclaimed national and global artists – from legendary musicians to awe-inspiring cirque to thought-provoking dance.

334-844-4722 www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

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2222 North College Street Auburn, 36830

The mission is to provide programs, experiences, nature trails and natural habitats for education, study and relaxation for students and citizens of all ages while creating an atmosphere of discovery and stewardship toward our natural world. Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool engages children to learn about, with, and through nature, embracing the great outdoors as their classroom. Children spend their time exploring and uncovering knowledge in an environment where curiosity, play, and child-led discovery are encouraged. Grounded in early-childhood philosophy and pedagogy, nature-based preschools provide an education for the whole-child, supporting their emotional, social, and academic growth.

Tree Tots: A nature-based-play class where children are encouraged to use their senses to explore their natural environment and learn together through play.

Forest Friends: An award-winning, exploratory program that offers a unique educational experience for preschool children and their parents, incorporating hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness.

Nature Babies: part of our Forest Friends Series and is designed to encourage caregivers to take their babies out into the natural world – a world rich with sensory input. Nature provides endless ways to interact with your little one; from traversing trails together, feeling the textures of leaves, playing peek-a-boo with trees, and much more.

Nature Explorers Homeschool Program: An environmental education program designed for home-schooling families which offers a unique, nature-based educational experience. Classes incorporate hands-on science with nature and environmental awareness, and each concludes with a nature hike.

Science On Saturdays: Lecture series highlighting current research on environmental topics. These one-hour, lecture-style programs provide exciting and interactive nature education from a local expert.

AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles: Join the 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.

Family Discovery Hikes & Nature Walks: offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors.

In The Garden With Cyndi is a fun, casual gardening class for adults where you get to learn tips and tricks, get your hands dirty, and get expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices.

Rooted in Music is a free music program for young children and their caregivers. Designed for children ages 6 and younger (though older children are welcome too!), the program aims to encourage a love for music through song, rhyme, dance, and musical games.

334-502-4553 www.auburn.edu/preserve

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Auburn/Opelika

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1550 Opelika Road, Suite 36 Auburn, 36830

Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Kumon has become the most successful after-school math and reading program. Kumon helps accelerate your child’s learning - from as young as 3 all the way through high school. Free placement tests are administered by appointment.

334-501-8586 www.kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

901 South College Street Auburn, 36830

Educational programming which strives to meet the needs for our community through diverse offerings. Programs include Art Clubs, Tours, Exhibits, Talks, Films and Jazz, and more!

334-844-1484 www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Auburn Day School

1199 South Donahue Dr, Suite B Auburn, 36830 Auburn Day School is a half-day, drop-in STEM preschool serving children ages 8 months- 5 years. Rather than themes, our lessons are taught through overarching concepts, which are ideas that can apply to anyone, at any time, with any background knowledge. Our focus is on process rather than procedures. We want to help students to learn how to think, not what to think so we can help set the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our classes are designed with children’s interests and readiness in mind.

www.auburndayschool.com

IAMBK After-School Enrichment

IAMBK is a 501 © 3 community organization that provides after–school enrichment programs for youth and families, grades K–12, in partnership with Auburn City Schools and other local organizations. Sessions are offered by certified and specialized instructors in a variety of areas such as creative dance, fitness, tutoring, counseling and more.

334-728–0309 iambk@ymail.com

Mathnasium

1345 Opelika Road, #6 Auburn, 36830

Learning center for math; We help kids in grades K-12 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them.

334-329-7225 www.mathnasium.com/auburn

Score Community Robotics Competition Teams

Science Center Auditorium Auburn University

The Southeastern Center of Robotics Education is

an Auburn University Outreach initiative designed to help effectively develop and deliver robotics education to K-12 students and teachers. SCORE programs include professional development, camps, competitions, and much more. These programs aim to help prepare students for the high-tech workforce needs of today and tomorrow.

334-844-8125 cosam.score@auburn.edu

www.scoreau.org

Snapology Auburn

A premier partner for STEAM programs, offering year-round programs in schools, community facilities, homes and in our Discovery Center. Kids have so much fun in our programs that they don’t even realize they’re learning!

334-425-3735 auburn@snapology.com www.snapology.com/location/auburn

Student Support Services

Anxiety & OCD Treatment Services, PLLC

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Anxiety & OCD Treatment Services is a team of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) specialists. Our providers are located in Auburn-Opelika, Birmingham, and Orange Beach, though telehealth allows us to work with youth and families across the entire state of Alabama. We specialize in comprehensive psychological treatment services, with a primary focus on the treatment of anxiety (and anxiety-related) disorders. Our treatment approach is to provide evidence-based, short-term, solution-focused therapy. We work with children, adolescents, and adults, offering both individual and parent-based therapy. Our areas of expertise include: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder and excessive worry, perfectionism, separation anxiety, panic and agoraphobia, health anxiety, phobias, hair-pulling (trichotillomania) or skin-picking (excoriation), depression and mood-related issues, among others.

515-216-0679 admin@anxietytreatmentonline.com www.anxietytreatmentonline.com

East Alabama Mental Health

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2300 Center Hills Drive, Building II Opelika, 36801 East Alabama Mental Health Center offers a wide range of services for children and adolescents, as well as their families, who are experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Services include outpatient counseling, medication assessment and monitoring, case management, mental health consultation, and specialized programs for unique populations. Services include ABC Program, In-Home Intervention Program, After School and Summer Camps.

(800) 815-0630 or 334-742-2112 www.eamhc.org

Ferguson Psychology

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709 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830

I work with a broad range of individuals throughout the lifespan including children, adolescents, college students, and adults. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address a wide range of issues in psychotherapy including: attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), behavior problems, social skills deficits, generalized anxiety, obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and general adjustment issues.

334-226-7222 info@ferguson-psychology.com www.ferguson-psychology.com

Revision Counseling Center

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923 Stage Road, Suite M Auburn, 36830

Services provide in individual counseling, couples/ marriage counseling, child/ adolescent counseling, family counseling, group counseling, and public engagements. Our counseling techniques include cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused, and play therapy.

334-384-8158 shelia@revisioncounselingcenter.com www.revisioncounselingcenter.com

Gymnastics/Cheer/ Tumbling

Auburn Gymnastics Academy

703 West Samford Ave Auburn, 36849

Gymnastics lessons, teams, beginners, intermediate and advanced.

334-844-9098

Opelika Parks and Recreation Power

Tumbling and Trampoline

1102 Denson Drive Opelika, 36801

Parent and Me Tumbling, Tumbling Tots, Level 1-3 Tumbling, Cheer Prep, Trampoline and Cheer Program.

334-705-5547 www.opelikasportsplex.com

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road Auburn, 36830

Offering Preschool Mighty Movers to Advanced Tumbling lessons; also tumbling for fitness and cheer basic classes.

334-821-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com

Limit Breakers

3732 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, 36801

Gymnastics, tumbling, and cheer programs

334-759-7030 www.thelimitbreakers.net

Horseback Riding

H & G Horse Quarters

943 Lee Road 57 Auburn, 36830

Our lesson program consists of competitive riders, beginner children and adults, and a strong college group.

334-887-0026 www.hghorsequarters.com

Martial Arts

Auburn Mixed Martial Arts

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2515 East Glenn Ave Auburn, 36830

Technique taught in the martial arts of: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Kickboxing and Submission Grappling.

334-887-0818 www.auburnmma.com

Auburn Academy of Martial Arts

323 Airport Road Auburn, 36830

Kinder Kick, Beginner, Advanced, Adults, and Homeschoolers.

334-502-7221 www.auburnacademy.com

Auburn Jiu Jitsu

758 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830

Brazilian/Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport which focuses on grappling or ground-fighting.

334-329-5218 /www.auburn-jiujitsu.com

Auburn Parks and Recreation

425 Perry Street Auburn, 36830

Yoshukai Karate and Kendo

334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road Auburn, 36830

Ninja Academy: learn flexibility, strength, tumbling, and obstacle maneuvers.

334-821-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com

World Champion Taekwondo

2701 Fredrick Road, Suite 308 Opelika, 36801

Prepare Your Child for Success in the Classroom!

A Korean form of martial arts that focuses on discipline, concentration, respect, balance and coordination. Students should expect to have fun while learning basic kicking and punching techniques, as well as, self-defense.

334-737-5617 wctauburn@gmail.com www.martialartsauburn.com

Music

Auburn University Music Project

Auburn University Auburn, 36849

Auburn University music provides private and beginner/intermediate group lessons on orchestral string instruments to local students as well as practical hands–on training for Auburn University music and music education undergraduates. 517-648–2369 gharrison@auburn.edu https://cla. auburn.edu/music/auburn-university-music-project/

First Baptist Opelika Fine Arts Academy

301 South 8th Street Opelika, 36801

Providing private music lessons in Opelika/Auburn where Christ is honored and students are challenged and inspired to develop their God-given talents for the glory and service of God. Lessons are offered in the areas of piano, voice, guitar, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Our experienced instructors are highly qualified in their individual areas.

334-745-5715 www.fbcopelika.com/fine-artsacademy

Spicer’s Music

2140 East University Drive Auburn, 36830

Lessons, including but not limited to: guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, keyboard/piano, voice, harp, drums, ukulele, banjo, fiddle, violin, cello, harmonica, tin whistle, oboe, didgeridoo, mandolin, dulcimer, clarinet, saxophone, flute, trumpet, French horn and more. Our lessons are taught in sound-proof custom-built lesson studios, equipped with a glass door and a camera that records 24/7 for parents to see the lesson live.

334-329-PLAY www.spicersmusic.com

Play and Fun

Auburn Escape Zones

1234 Commerce Drive Auburn, 36830

Work together as a team to solve puzzles, uncover clues and unlock locks in order to solve the problem or “escape the room”.

334-329-7088 www.auburnescapezones.com

CyberZone

107 North 9th Street Opelika, 36801

Interactive Entertainment Center in Downtown Opelika featuring one of the largest arcades in Alabama, Extreme 36-player laser tag, Atomic Rush, Replay Zone with retro arcades and pinball, multiple private party areas, awesome pizza with an expanding lunch & menu, and more. Perfect for family fun, date night, birthday parties, celebrations, and group and corporate events of all sizes. 334-737-5000 www.cyberzone334.com

Good Times

750 East Glenn Ave Auburn, 36830

Eat. Play. Bowl. Offering bowling lanes, escape rooms, arcades and more.

334-539-3131 www.goodtimesbowling.com

Rock ‘N Roll Pinball

815 South Railroad Avenue Opelika, 36801

Rock ‘N Roll Pinball provides over 30 high-end and vintage pinball machines for your playing pleasure in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

334-324-1406 www.rocknrollpinball.com

Tigertown

1615 Parker Way Opelika, 36081

Unmatched fun and sports entertainment! There’s something for everyone at Tigertown Sports, from a classic round of miniature golf to beach volleyball, a high-definition golf simulator, and more!

334-679-7140? www.tigertownsports.com

Scouting

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

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145 Coliseum Blvd Montgomery , 36109 Daisies, Brownies and Girl Scouts. Girls discover who they are, where their talents lie, and what they care the most about. And they take action to change the world. Through our program, the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls develop a strong sense of self, display positive values, and seek challenges.

334-272-9164 www.girlscoutssa.org

Boy Scouts of America: Chattahoochee Council

1237 1st Avenue Columbus, 31901

Provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

706-327-2634 www.chattahoochee-bsa.org

1530 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830

A milestone-acceleration program that focuses on brain, physical and character development for kids.

334-780-1118 www.kidstrong.com/locations/auburn

229 S 8th Street Opelika, 36801

Super Youth Program: The youth class focuses on the development of common skills required for any sport, with the added teaching of fencing basics. Beginner/Intermediate/Competitive Youth: This class includes the training and development of young aspiring fencing from beginner level through advanced and competitive students.

334-203-1989 ww.auburnfencing.com

Auburn Parks and Recreation

425 Perry Road Auburn, 36830

Offering various Youth Recreational Leagues. Please go online and view registration information. 334-501-2930 hmanning@auburnalabama.org www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Parks and Recreation

1001 Andrews Road Opelika, 36801

Various Recreational Leagues including Flag Football, Youth Football, Youth Cheerleading, Softball

334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

P360 Performance Sports

3765 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, 36801 Baseball League: August training sessions to prepare players for the normal fall parks and recreation leagues.

334-749-4040 www.p360performancesports.com/

Theatre

Opelika Theatre Company

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1103 Glenn Avenue Opelika, 36801

Offering creative learning experience for people of all ages to explore, create, indulge, and engage their artistic talents in all areas of the performing arts, from musical theatre, self-expression, dance, creative movement, puppetry, art, music, role playing, set design, writing, sound and lighting.

334-663-4480 www.opelikatheatrecompany.com

Alsobrook Performing Arts Company

1103 Glenn Street Opelika, 36801

We offer class in Acting, Musical Theatre Dance Styles, Musical Theatre Tap, and Vocal Technique. Students can also join the Triple Threat Troupe, a class focusing on competitive theatre and community performance. All classes culminate with a final showcase at the end of each semester to show friends and family what the students learned during the semester.

skalsobrook@gmail.com www.alsobrookperformingarts.org

Auburn Area Community Theatre

222 East Drake Avenue Auburn, 36830

Come and learn new skills, or build on previous theater experience. classes are designed to inspire imagination, creativity, teach teamwork and build confidence. Students will be exposed to theater fundamentals through scene works, improv activities and more.

334-501-2930 auburnact.org/aact-academy/ AOP

Nancy Pearson and her family are always in and out of the house and on opposite schedules, so preparing meals that are easily done in a crockpot and with plenty of leftovers is common at their home.

Nancy and her husband Clark have been married for 19 years and have intentionally built a life they love to live.

“We moved to Auburn in 2009 when Clark had been hired as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Auburn University football team,” said Nancy. “In 2015, we moved over to the men’s basketball team and have loved every second of it.”

Together they have two very active and athletic children: Bradley (17) and Kate (14).

“The thing that brings me the most joy is time spent with my husband and our children,” said Nancy. When schedules align, and they all have time to be together, the family loves to go to local athletic events, take trips to the lake or beach, or visit their families in Kentucky.

Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

Instructions:

“I am a Realtor for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and absolutely love helping clients find their home or helping them with listing their home as they move on to other endeavors,” shared Nancy. “Our family has been in athletics for many years, and we have moved across the country multiple times for my husband’s job. As a wife whose husband has to leave immediately for job assignments, often leaving me to take care of the moving process, I know how important it is to trust your realtor to help guide you through the process. So, I take pride in understanding how the family in transition is dealing with things and being the realtor who can truly relate.”

“The recipe I am sharing is my Sunday Roast, Potatoes, and Carrots made in a crockpot,” Nancy said. “I am sharing this because it’s easy, especially for families that are on the go all the time…and that’s us!”

Nancy Pearson’s Sunday Roast

Ingredients:

• lean 3.5-4 lbs sirloin tip roast

• 1-2 packages of Lipton’s onion Soup Mix

• seasoned salt

• Adolph’s meat tenderizer

• potatoes (peeled & cubed)

• carrots (cleaned and chopped)

• (optional) 1 can of Campbell’s

Use a fork to poke holes in the roast on both sides. Sprinkle with meat tenderizer and seasoned salt. Have a large pot heating on a burner and sear the meat on both sides. Place the meat in the crockpot and add water to cover the roast well and add the Lipton Onion Soup Mix (and the Cream of Mushroom Soup if you’d like). Also add the peeled potatoes and carrots, cover and cook in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low-medium heat.

Gravy for the roast beef: Pour off the excess broth and use cornstarch, following the directions on the box to thicken the broth for the gravy. Add salt to taste.

Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 17 years. Together they have three incredible children – two boys, ages 16 and nine, and a sweet girl who will be two in August.

Gabriele is a full-time Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Gulf Shores.

FamilyCalendar

Tuesday, August 1

Georgia Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Georgia has had an annual “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday since 2012. This tax holiday is meant to help parents save money when purchasing common back-to-school supplies for their children. A sales tax holiday is an annual event during which the Georgia allows certain items to be purchased sales-tax-free at any participating retailer within the state. www.salestaxhandbook.com/georgia/sales-taxdepartment

National Night Out

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM,, Ag Heritage Park, S. Donahue Drive . 5:30-7:30pm. The City of Auburn is partnering with Auburn University once again to bring our community National Night Out, a community-building event with the goal of increasing awareness of local public safety programs, crime prevention, health, education, and youth programs. National Night Out is all about making our community a safer, more caring place to live! To make things even better, it’s the 40th anniversary of this nationwide event! Auburn Public Safety will host a K9 demonstration, Touch-a-Truck, “Meet Your School Resource Officer” and more!

Summer Swing: Back to School Bash (Free. ) 7:00 PM, Municipal Park, Opelika Come out early! Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. Food vendors available. www.opelika-al.gov/746/Summer-Swing

Friday, August 4

Food Truck Friday

5:00 PM, Downtown Opelika Spend your first and third Friday of every month, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks from downtown restaurants, bars & breweries, and up to five different food truck partners each week. Enjoy your brews, bites, and beautiful downtown Opelika.

Saturday, August 5

Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa St. Montgomery The biggest entertainment platform for teachers in the world, Bored Teachers, presents the funniest teacher-comedians in the world all on one stage. Their hilarious skits have amassed hundreds of millions of views on the internet, and they’re all joining comic forces on the stage for a night of laughter you do not want to miss. Put that red pen down, pause that Netflix series you’ve been binging, throw on your comfiest teacher tee, call your teacher besties, and come burn off some of that stress! ww.mpaconline.org/events/

Sportsplex Kids Duathlon & Small Fry Tri Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center, 1001 SportsPlex Parkway, Opelika Ages brackets: 6-8 years, 9-11 years, and 12-15 years. Participants will compete based on their age as of 12/31/23. In order for a 5 year old to compete in the race they will need to do a paper registration.

www.sportsplextriforkids.com

Silent Screams

3:00 PM Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 251 Montgomery St, Montgomery Silent Screams stage play is about individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, suicide and substance abuse. 334-672-5756.

Tuesday, August 8

Family Discovery Hikes: Water & Soil (Free – donations are welcomed and we will meet at the covered pavilion.) 3:30 PM Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join the monthly guided hikes through the Kreher forest. Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve/events/

Saturday, August 12

Family Art Fun (Tickets are $5 ($4 for members) and available on our website or at the door. ) Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn No matter the age you can have fun with art while learning to improve. During this class you will learn about many different watercolor techniques while creating your own masterpiece. We will start with simple techniques and work our way up. We will do an instructed lesson on how to paint with acrylics, then you will get the chance to paint whatever inspires you. natureeducation@auburn.edu

Second Saturday at Pioneer Park

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM,, 6500 Stage Road, Loachapoka On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history re-enactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. 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.

www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/second-saturday

Magical Creatures Education Program

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery Meet some of the magical animals that are featured in the movies like Harry Potter and The Hobbit. You will get a chance to meet these animals up close, learn about them in their habitats, and take home some special prizes for yourself. Magical Creatures is a combination of funfilled and insightful educational program packed with: a classroom lesson, making a little magic, live animal presentations, and a take-home goody bag. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Monday, August 14

Auburn Area Community Young Performers: Open Auditions for Fall Show-Winnie the Pooh

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, AACT, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Auburn Ages 5-12. Winnie–The–Pooh, by A.A. Milne, adapted for the stage by Kathryn Schultz Miller and ArtReach Children’s Theatre Plays, will feature Pooh, a bear of “Very Little Brain,” but this production of with Pooh Bear and friends will have a lot of heart! AACT Jr. Young Performers is looking for a cast of thirty–three to present this play featuring a few of Pooh Bear’s many adventures. Please be prepared to present some lines, “sides” for one of the characters. There will also be a dance/movement portion of the audition.

www.auburnact.org

Tuesday, August 15

Auburn Area Community Young Performers: Open Auditions for Fall Show-Winnie the Pooh

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, AACT, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Auburn Ages 5-12. Winnie–The–

Pooh, by A.A. Milne, adapted for the stage by Kathryn Schultz Miller and ArtReach Children’s Theatre Plays, will feature Pooh, a bear of “Very Little Brain,” but this production of with Pooh Bear and friends will have a lot of heart! AACT Jr. Young Performers is looking for a cast of thirty–three to present this play featuring a few of Pooh Bear’s many adventures. Please be prepared to present some lines, “sides” for one of the characters. There will also be a dance/movement portion of the audition. www.auburnact.org

Friday, August 18

The Black Jacket Symphony presents Queen’s “A Night at the Opera”

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates a select classic album live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of greatest hits from the evening’s artist. ww.mpaconline.org/events/

Food Truck Friday

5:00 PM, Downtown Opelika Spend your first and third Friday of every month, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks from downtown restaurants, bars & breweries, and up to five different food truck partners each week. Enjoy your brews, bites, and beautiful downtown Opelika.

Saturday, August 19

Walk Like MADD Auburn

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM,, 141 North Ross Street, Auburn The 2023 Walk Like MADD Auburn event is MADD’s signature fundraising event to help us raise both awareness and funds to eliminate drunk and drugged driving. We hope that you will rally with us in Auburn, AL to help create a future of No More Victims®. Register and donate TODAY to help us save more lives!

Friday, August 25

Dad’s Garage Improv Show Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus Dad’s garage will bring its ensemble of talented improvisers to Springer for a night of comedy. Prompted by the audiences’ suggestions, Dad’s improvisers will create hilarious scenes that are singular to that moment.

www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ dads-garage-improv-show

Sundilla Presents Three on a String in Concert (Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and www. sundillamusic.com)

7:30 PM, AUUF, 450 East Thach Ave Three On a String is better than “very good”, they are fantastic, incredible, hilarious and legendary, and they’ll be bringing all of that and more to Sundilla at 7:30 at the AUUF on Thach Avenue in Auburn. www.sundillamusic.com

Saturday, August 26

Conservation Car Wash and Tailgate Party The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery Swing by before the big games, get your car washed, play a few games, and see a few of our Education Ambassador animals. It will be a great time to suds up the car, have a lot of fun, and make a kind and generous donation to the

Montgomery Zoo Conservation Endowment Fund, helping animals here and around the globe. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Dad’s Garage Improv Show

Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus

Dad’s garage will bring its ensemble of talented improvisers to Springer for a night of comedy. Prompted by the audiences’ suggestions, Dad’s improvisers will create hilarious scenes that are singular to that moment.

www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ dads-garage-improv-show

Ride and Seek: A Bike Safety Adventure

8:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Park Ride and Seek teaches kids how to ride safe and have fun. Designed for kids in grades K-8, riders and their parents will get safety tips from our experts and test their skills on our mountain bike trail and paved trail. There will be free prizes and a raffle for some great bike equipment!

www.facebook.com/auburnbicyclecommittee

Zoo Volunteer Serve Day

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery We are looking for energetic individuals who want to volunteer in a beautiful and fun place. Volunteer commitment has allowed our Zoo to improve, expand programs, generate community involvement and support, and assist Zoo staff in daily Zoo operations.

www.montgomeryzoo.com

Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse in Concert

7:30 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live pairs a screening of the animated film with live musicians and turntables.

www.rivercenter.org

Sunday, August 27

Dad’s Garage Improv Show

Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus Dad’s garage will bring its ensemble of talented improvisers to Springer for a night of comedy. Prompted by the audiences’ suggestions, Dad’s improvisers will create hilarious scenes that are singular to that moment.

www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ dads-garage-improv-show

Friday, September 1

Labor Day Weekend Featuring Hot Air Balloons

Callaway Gardens, 17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, Ga Light up your Labor Day with a three-day celebration at Callaway Resort & Gardens- now celebrating 25 years of Hot Air Balloon Glows! Stay and play all day with garden and beach access, waterfront activities like putt putt, and endless entertainment including the exciting Birds of Prey show. Spend sun-kissed days splashing in the waters of Robin Lake Beach and racing across the inflatable mountains of floating obstacle course Aqua Island. After a day full of fun, stay after sundown to watch the beach transform with the light of gigantic Hot Air Balloons glowing under firework-filled skies. www.callawaygardens.com

Courage lives

Most people cannot even imagine what it feels like to watch a child take on a battle against cancer. The courage, strength and resilience our patients demonstrate every day is what inspires us to give our best. We are here when families need us the most, caring for their children and never giving up hope in their fight against cancer.

FamilyCalendar

Labor Day Music Fest at Russell Crossroads

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM,, Alexander City Join us all on the Town Green, Labor Day weekend, as we bring you two nights of FREE music. Friday and Saturday nights we are featuring the music of local and regional bands. You won’t want to miss ONE note of this weekend. www.russelllands.com

Saturday, September 2

Labor Day Music Fest at Russell Crossroads

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM,, Alexander City Join us all on the Town Green, Labor Day weekend, as we bring you two nights of FREE music. Friday and Saturday nights we are featuring the music of local and regional bands. You won’t want to miss ONE note of this weekend. www.russelllands.com

Saturday, September 9

Animal Enrichment Day

Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery Join a tour of the Zoo during our enrichment event and observe how animals respond to an assortment of new creative and behavior-stimulating enrichment items. We will visit over 20 different animals displays during the course of the event, and see what transpires and what we learn. Enrichment is all about providing our animals with both physical and cognitive stimuli that is natural to their behavior in the wild. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Benjamin’s Bone Marrow Blitz 10k, 5k, 1- Mile Run

7:30 AM Town Creek Perk, 1150 S College Street Register to run or walk in Benjamin’s Bone Marrow Blitz on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Town Creek Park in Auburn, Alabama! There will be a 10K, 5K, and 1 mile option so that everyone can participate! The 1-mile fun run will begin at 8 a.m. followed by a combined start for the 10K/5K at 8:30 a.m. If you cannot attend, but would like to make a donation, that option is also available. www.runsignup.com/race/al/auburn/benjaminsblitz

Auburn Fitness Festival

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Auburn University’s Hey Day Market, 211 S College Street Join us for the first annual Auburn Fitness Festival on Auburn University’s Hey Day Market Lawn on Facebook @auburnalabamafitnessfestival.

Dog Days of Summer Pool Party

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Samford Pool, 328 E. Samford Ave While the weather is still nice, treat your furry friends to a pool day at Samford Pool. Samford Pool will be THE place for dogs that love to swim. Event will include tasty treats, a doggie swimsuit contest, and of course all the fetch and fun they want. ONLY DOGS WILL BE ALLOWED IN POOL DURING EVENT; DOG PARK RULES APPLY. 334-501-2930

Sunday, September 10

Grandparents Day at The Zoo through Sunday, September 10, 2023 Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery A big thank you to all the Grandparents out there. With much gratitude and appreciation of your dedicated and loyal service to our sons, daughters, and grandkids, please celebrate Grandparent’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. All Grandparents

receive FREE admission to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Join us for our Grandparent’s special day. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Chewacla Cha Cha 5K/10K Trail Race

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy Come out and run with us on the beautiful rolling trails at Chewacla State Park in Auburn. Each runner will receive a race shirt and finisher award as well as loads of trail cred! A portion of the proceeds for the fourth race in the SSTS will go to MercyMed.

Thursday, September 14

Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan Grits and Glamour Tour

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 S. College Street Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan are delighting fans old and new on the latest run of their highly successful Grits and Glamour Tour. From the road to the red carpet, these two women are comfortable in their high heels. www.gogueauburn.edu/pam-tillis-lorrie-morgan-gritsand-glamour-tour

Friday, September 15

Ausome Amphibians and Reptiles (Admission is $5/person ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free. Pre–registration is not required.)

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College St Join the KPNC educators 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.

Auburn University Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally

6:00 PM, Downtown Auburn Roll on Home to the Plains! The Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally will be full of energy and the Auburn Spirit as we get ready for the game day on Saturday! The parade will feature floats from on and off-campus organizations, the Auburn University Cheerleaders, the Auburn University Tiger Paws, Auburn University Marching Band, Miss Homecoming Candidates, and Aubie! The parade begins at 6 p.m. on September 23, completing a short loop around downtown Auburn before concluding with a pep rally around 6:30 p.m. on Samford Lawn (in front of Langdon Hall).

Sunday, September 17

Darrel Scott: 100 Years of Hank Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery With his latest album, Darrell Scott Sings the Blues of Hank Williams, well-traveled troubadour Darrell Scott ventures deep into the heart of darkness of Williams to explore the beauty in the pain as crafted from the soul of a master. www.mpaconline.org

Thursday, September 21

Patti Lupone: Don’t Monkey with Broadway

7:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street Spend an evening with a true Broadway legend as three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone performs her concert Don’t Monkey with Broadway. In Don’t Monkey with Broadway, LuPone explores—through indelible interpretations of classic Broadway show tunes by the likes of Richard

Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Jule Styne, Stephen Schwartz, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin—how her life-long love affair with Broadway began and the unpredictability of the Great White Way!

Saturday, September 23

Butterfly Festival Callaway Gardens, 17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, Ga Celebrate butterflies, caterpillars and all things crawly at our Butterfly Festival! With crafts, games and activities for children of all ages (and kids at heart), the Cecil B. Day Tropical Butterfly Conservatory will be the hub of happenings all weekend long. Adventure out on a scavenger hunt or create a beautiful butterfly mask to take home, but above all slow down to take in the magic of the conservatory and Callaway Gardens’ “flying flowers”.

www.callawaygardens.com

Oktoberfest

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Ag Heritage Park, 580 South Donahue Drive The South’s favorite craft beer festival is back at Auburn University’s Ag Heritage Park! There is live music, contests, educational presentations, stein hoisting, and food trucks, along with a multitude of breweries and beer. This year, general admission tickets will be available for guests to enter the festival and enjoy the live music, games, and activities. The general admission ticket does not include a tasting mug and lanyard.

www.auoktoberfest.com

Sunday, September 24

Butterfly Festival

Callaway Gardens, 17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, Ga Celebrate butterflies, caterpillars and all things crawly at our Butterfly Festival! With crafts, games and activities for children of all ages (and kids at heart), the Cecil B. Day Tropical Butterfly Conservatory will be the hub of happenings all weekend long. Adventure out on a scavenger hunt or create a beautiful butterfly mask to take home, but above all slow down to take in the magic of the conservatory and Callaway Gardens’ “flying flowers”.

www.callawaygardens.com

Monday, September 25

Come from Away

7:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 S. College Street Broadway’s Come From Away is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/come-from-away

Tuesday, September 26

Come from Away

7:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 S. College Street Broadway’s Come From Away is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/come-from-away

FamilyCalendar

Thursday, September 28

Sword & Shield Soiree

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Twenty-One Acres, 5535 Wire Road, Auburn

We are so excited to announce St. Michael Catholic School will be hosting their inaugural school fundraising event, the Sword & Shield Soirée! Drawing inspiration from their school’s patron, St. Michael the Archangel, the event will take place before the saint’s feast day (known as Michaelmas). www.stmichaelcatholicschool.com/sword-and-shieldsoiree

Friday, September 29

Ballet and the Beast

6:30 PM Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd. Montgomery Join us for a night of dancing under the stars during a performance of Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo. Gates open at 6pm, and the performances start at 6:30pm. This is a FREE performance presented by the Montgomery Ballet. This year’s presentation of Ballet and the Beasts will be a four-part performance with the Montgomery Ballet opening the evening with Carnival of the Animals, followed by two performances featuring the Troy University and Alabama State University dance troupes, and closing with the grand finale of Lights presented by the Montgomery Ballet. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Saturday, September 30

Rickey Smiley and Friends

8:00 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Comedy legend and entertainment mogul, Ricky Smiley, is a television host, actor, and radio personality. www.rivercenter.org

August 5-30, 2023

Itty Bitty Auburn (FREE to the public. ) It’s time to break out the thinking caps and magnifying glasses for Itty Bitty Auburn in celebration of Alabama’s birthday! Beginning Tuesday, August 1st, participants can pick up a worksheet for the scavenger hunt at any Parks and Recreation facility or find it on the City of Auburn website, printed in select newspapers and on Facebook. The worksheet

features 20 itty-bitty sites in various locations around Auburn. Participants will find these sites and find a clue inside each location. A successful scavenger hunt will reveal a special phrase which participants will need to log their win! All participants must “register” by Thursday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m. Those who compile all 20 clues and discover the phrase will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing. Winners will be announced and contacted on Friday September 8th. www.auburnalabama.org

July 6-August 6

Cabaret

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery One of the most famous American musicals of all time — from the creators of Chicago — Cabaret takes us to 1929 Berlin during the twilight of the Jazz Age as the Nazis are ascending to power. This groundbreaking musical focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around American writer Clifford Bradshaw and the English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. Based on the writings of Christopher Isherwood and winner of Tony Awards and Oscars, Cabaret will offer our audiences a transformative theatrical experience unlike anything they’ve ever witnessed.

www.asf.net/cabaret-51

Every Mondays

Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays

10:00 AM Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Tuesdays

Opelika Public Library Jr. Book Club Library@opelika-al.gov

O Grows Farmers Market

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM,, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika Selling baked goods, fresh produce, and more from our local vendors every Tuesday! Opelika Grows utilizes community gardens to pursue curricular objectives that

support the community challenges of hunger relief and city beautification.

www.facebook.com/opelikagrows

Every Wednesday

Opelika Public Library Baby & Me Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Thursdays

AG Heritage Park Farmer’s Market

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM,, 925 Camp Auburn Rd

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.

www.agriculture.auburn.edu/outreach/ag-heritagepark/the-market/

Opelika Public Library Jr. Robot Crew Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Fridays

Opelika Public Library Story time Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Saturdays

City Market

8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Town Creek Park, 1150 S. Gay Street, Auburn The Auburn Parks and Recreation Department partners with local growers and artisans for the city’s farmers market, City Market. City Market invites the community, growers and consumers alike. The purpose of City Market is to help local farmers, growers and artists to sell their fresh, local and handmade products to community members. www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

AOP: Were you surprised to discover you were having twins? What was your pregnancy like?

JS: It was definitely a surprise for sure! My husband is a twin, but the saying is it skips a generation, and usually from the mother’s genes. But then again, I am adopted, so I do not know my family his tory. I could have twins in my family and not know it...or I could be a twin! Derrick has multiple sets of twins in his family. My pregnancy was a little difficult. Af ter my first trimester, it was decided that I should start having my follow-up ap pointments in Birmingham, UAB. Carter was not growing as he should have been. It turned out his brother, Mason, was taking all the nutrients in the womb. They were born weighing only 2 and 4 pounds at 34 weeks. I will never forget when we went to UAB on May 10, 2011, for a checkup appointment, and the doctor said it was time to get Carter out. I was in labor for over 24 hours, and finally, they decided to do an emergency C-Section. Scared was an understatement, but we all made it through perfectly.

AOP: What is your best advice for moms of multiples?

JS: My advice is to make sure you have the best support system, lots of family and friends who can be there for you in a heartbeat. I do not know what I would have done if I was not here in town with all our family. Also, you have to have a strict schedule. I know it’s easier said than done, but it truly made such a difference.

AOP: You are a breast cancer survivor! When were you diagnosed, and what was your diagnosis?

JS: On January 4, 2021, I got the call that my biopsy from a mass found on December 29, 2020, was breast cancer. My heart sank as I was with both my boys, and I did not want them to know. I went straight to my parents; I was terrified. At first, the doctors from EAMC said it was a very rare, aggressive cancer, Metaplas-

tic breast cancer. Still, I decided to get a 2nd opinion with UAB, which determined it was not Metaplastic, but HER2 Positive breast cancer, stage 2. That second opinion made all the difference, and I am so glad I got it. I am now two years cancer free!

AOP: What was your biggest parenting challenge during cancer treatment and into survivorship?

JS: My biggest parenting challenge during cancer was staying strong for my boys. I never wanted them to see me in pain or as sick as I got some days. My husband is a third shifter, so I was somewhat of a single parent throughout the week. After my diagnosis, I took my first three months off work to start my treatments. I continued to take the boys to school and pick them up in the afternoons, made breakfast, helped them get ready for school, cooked dinner, and helped them get ready for bed. I just tried to make every day as normal as possible. On my sick days, I did have my mom to help me. She was there for me every day.

AOP: What words of wisdom would you give any young adult facing cancer or another life-threatening illness?

Keep the Faith! Stay Positive! Pray, pray, pray! Push yourself to be the best. Don’t dwell on any negativity. Let go and let God! Embrace the change and live each day with love and gratitude that you are still breathing.

AOP: You shared that you were adopted. What did your parents do that you feel made the biggest impact in making you feel secure, confident, and proud of your story?

JS: I absolutely love my adoption story! Although I know I am physically adopted, I mentally feel like I am biologically from my parents. I honestly can’t even tell you what they did specifically to make me feel secure and confident because I have always felt like I was their own. God knew exactly what he was doing when he placed me with my parents, Michael and Ellen Melnick.

AOP: What are the three best traits your parents instilled in your upbringing? Do you work to instill the same in your children now?

JS: Unconditional love, discipline, and respect. I do my best to raise my boys like I was. I can not tell you how good it feels to be somewhere and a stranger tells me how well-behaved and well-mannered my boys are. It truly does a mama’s heart good to know she might be doing something right.

Jennie Sistrunk and her husband Derrick are high school sweethearts who grew up in Opelika. They have 13-year-old twin boys - Carter and Mason, and an Old English Bulldog named Scout. The family loves grilling out, watching sports, going to the beach, taking weekend trips, and enjoying family walks around the neighborhood.

Jennie Sistrunk