Auburn - Opelika Parents Healthy Kids Issue (February 2024)

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SCHOOL PROFILE 2023-24 1601 Academy Drive Auburn, AL 36830 Phone: (334) 821-2430

ADMINISTRATION Dr. Stan Cox

Head of School

Dr. Mary Anna Martin-Smith Lower School Principal

Ms. Donna Lloyd

Upper School Principal

Mrs. Lynn Waldrip

Chief Finance and Operations Officer

Mrs. Leigh Smith

Director of Admissions & Advancement lsmith@lee-scott.org

ENROLLMENT

788 Approximately

Students enrolled at Lee-Scott Academy for 2023-24

Call or email Director of Admissions Leigh Smith today at (334) 821-2430 or lsmith@lee-scott.org to schedule a campus visit.

In 1981, two independent schools, Lee Academy of Auburn and Scott Preparatory School of Opelika, merged to become Lee-Scott Academy. The strong traditions of academic excellence and emphasis on Christian values of both schools continue as the hallmark of LSA. Originally located on the campus of Lee Academy, steady growth in enrollment lead to the 1996 construction of our present campus in Auburn. Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year is approximately 788.

FACULTY The 2023-24 Lee-Scott Academy faculty consists of 83 professional staff members; 65 percent of these members have advanced degrees, including 4 doctorates.

ACCREDITATION/MEMBERSHIP Lee-Scott Academy holds dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Cognia. It holds membership In the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) and The College Board. Lee-Scott Academy has been selected as an Apple Distinguished School.

ADMISSION Admission to Lee-Scott Academy is selective and competitive. The admission process consists of a review of academic records, including standardized test scores, and an interview process. Lee-Scott Academy enrolls students without regard to race, sex, religion or ethnicity.

ATHLETICS Lee-Scott Academy Warriors’ athletic teams compete in 11 different sports in the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) and will soon be moving to the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).

Each sport includes Junior Varsity and Varsity level programs. Lower school students can participate in Pee-Wee football, cheerleading, and basketball programs.

ARTS

Lee-Scott Academy’s fine arts program is consistent with our mission of developing the total person.

Research over the past several decades supports the significance of fine arts education curriculum in encouraging the development of higher order thinking skills such as creativity, problem-solving, effective communication, self-discipline and critical thinking.

Our fine arts programs attract large numbers of participants because they are of high quality, and just plain fun. Upper School fine arts offerings include art, drama, chorus and band. Our students at all levels consistently bring back superior ratings and blue ribbons from district and state AISA and other regional competitions.

Lee-Scott Academy is a college preparatory school offering a quality education in an environment where students are protected, nurtured, and challenged with biblical, Christcentered principles that promote the development of the total person. The pursuit of excellence in academics is the hallmark of the Academy, complemented by opportunities to participate in programs that encourage student success.

CLASS OF 2023

60

SENIOR GRADUATES IN THE CLASS OF 2023

$2.8

MILLION EARNED IN SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS

3600 +

HOURS OF MISSION TRIPS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

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AP SCHOLARS

GRADING SCALE GRADE

Lee-Scott Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admission policies or its academic, athletic, or other school programs.

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90-100

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Volume 14 Number 12

Columns 4

Meeting Kids Where They Are Works of Wonder Therapy, LLC

Meeting Kids Where They Are Slow down life to help your children build empathy.

From Junk Food to Healthy Snacks

8 tips to turn your junk food junkies into healthy eating kids.

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Tweens, Teens and Screens Kristi Bush, LSW

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Dinner’s Ready Gabriele Jones

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Mom 2 Mom Get Kids Off the Couch

Fun ideas to get them out of the house and moving any time of year.

Healthy Kids Guide Local resources to keep kids fit and healthy...mind and body.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces

On The Cover Gabriel is the child of Chris and

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School Bits

Jessie Forte. He is in 2nd grade and enjoys playing various sports like soccer with Auburn Soccer Club and rec baseball and

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Family Calendar

basketball. Gabe also takes fitness classes at KidStrong, loves to swim and ride his bike, and spend time with his friends.

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Publisher’sNote

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Now that all the confetti has settled and the new year is in full swing, it’s time to focus on those fitness and wellness goals at the top of this year’s resolution list. Choosing healthier snacks, drinking more water, getting in some gym time, and fitness classes are on my list this year. Also, finding time to get outside, relax, and breathe in nature. This year, when thinking about improved health, I want to be purposeful about my weekly goals and a role model for my family to follow.

So often, I encourage my children to eat better, exercise more, and get more rest; however, I find myself doing the exact opposite. It reminds me of that old saying, “Do as I say, but not as I do.” Not this year! It is time for me to practice what I preach!

In this month’s feature article, Get Off the Couch and Get Moving!, the author gives some great ideas to get started. As the weather begins to warm up, try getting out of the house for a day at the park, walking and playing. Auburn and Opelika have beautiful parks to explore, which include walking trails, open fields, playground equipment, ponds, and shaded areas. In the 2024 Healthy Kids Guide, you will find a list of all the local parks in our area. Choose a new park each weekend, like Kreher Preserve & Nature Center or Municipal (Monkey) Park, for your outdoor fitness and relaxing family strolls. Another idea is to get neighbors and friends involved. You can have a fun and healthy afternoon in your cul-de-sac by setting up interactive stations like chalk tic-tac-toe and hopscotch, followed by lawn games and a scavenger hunt. All the neighbors can join in on the fitness games, too. Moms could even set up snack and drink tables filled with healthy and creative treats everyone is sure to love while they cool off and catch their breath.

Are you looking for a unique fitness program that encourages active play?

Check out KidStrong in Auburn, where fitness and fun go hand-in-hand. While learning creative movement and strengthening their bodies, your children will also build confidence and character that carries over to their school classrooms.

KidStrong offers structured, science-based classes for children ages 14 months to 11 years old. Also, both Auburn and Opelika Parks and Recreation programs have various health-promoting classes to sign up for. From kids’ sports like soccer and swim teams to tumbling and taekwondo, you will surely find a good fit for your kids and teens.

Remember to be their fitness role models, too! Parents can join Zumba classes, walk the treadmills, run on the outdoor tracks, or try their hand at a pickleball game. The goal is to get moving and build a strong, healthy family together. From one parent to another, here’s to putting health and family first this year.

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 Kara Ferraro Rebecca Hastings Gabriele Jones Works of Wonder Therapy Cover Photography Matthan Brown Matthan Brown Photography www.matthanbrownphoto.com

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

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Kendra kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

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Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 329-8073 and fax is (334) 826-7303.

Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2024 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

Slow Down to Help Kids Build Empathy What is your primary goal for your child’s education? Is it getting good grades, collecting as many awards and scholarships as possible, or participating in as many sports and activities as possible?

Leonard Sax MD, PhD is the author of School Choice: An Elon Musk School or a Mother Teresa School? According to Dr. Sax, the mindset of an Elon Musk school is achievement. Unfortunately, most of us have subscribed to the thought that this is the only type of education that encourages “success”. However, the downfall of this style of education is that it prioritizes self-enhancement and achievement. This focus on achievement is causing a deficit in empathy.

Empathy is a crucial virtue. Empathy is critical for healthy relationships, cultivates understanding, and generates compassion.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

Dr. Sax encourages parents to prioritize a Sister Teresa style of education, which teaches children to look outward by focusing on helping others, making the world a better place, learning about different cultures, and appreciating nature. The benefit of this education is self-transcendence, which leads to the development of empathy.

As a parent, SLOWING DOWN is vital for giving your children a Sister Teresa style of education and developing the virtue of empathy. The need to SLOW DOWN is supported by the famous Good Samaritan Study. A group of Princeton Seminary students were asked to give a speech on The Good Samaritan, a Bible story about an abused man left to die on the side of the road. The victim was rescued by the good Samaritan but ignored by several ‘religious’ people.

The students were individually sent to give their speech on The Good Samaritan.

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One-third of the students were told that they were going to be early, one-third were told they were going to be on time, and onethird were told they were going to be late.

While the students were on their way to give the speech, a stranger was staged to fall in front of them. Overall, only 40% of the students stopped to offer help. Of those who helped, 63% believed they were early, 45% believed they were on time, and 10% believed they were late.

The bottom line is this: the students who had a little extra time to pay attention to the stranger were more likely to stop and help. We can talk to our children about the importance of helping others, we can make our children watch movies and read books about helping others, and we can even make our children write and give speeches about helping others, but if we do not leave time for our children to take the focus off themselves, we are not helping them develop empathy.

Leave time in your child’s day for them to truly see the people, animals, plants, and beauty around them. Allow them to see how truly small they are in the grandness of the world. Let them wander off and pick flowers for your neighbor. Let them have an extended conversation with the other mother at the park. Give them time to draw a card to give their teacher. Do not keep them so busy focusing on success that they do not have the opportunity to build the virtue of empathy.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

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Family Discovery Hike: Nature Love

To Kill a Mockingbird: February 13-14

Join our guides, on February 13, 3:30-4:30pm, for an educational adventure as you and your children take in the many sights and sounds of the Nature Center. Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Discovery Hikes are for families with children ages 5 to 12. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn. http://kpnc.auburn.edu/programs/guidedtours/

All rise for Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick To Kill a Mockingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history” (60 Minutes).

Rolling Stone gives it five stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction

by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, To Kill a Mockingbird—“the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune)—has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR). Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn. 7:00pm. https://goguecenter.auburn.edu/to-kill-a-mockingbird/

Mother Son Blue Jean Ball: February 9-10

Reserve your spot for this year’s Mother-Son Blue Jean Ball presented by Opelika Parks and Recreation. This year, the event will be at the Covington Recreation Center, Opelika, from 6:008:00pm. $30/couple + $10/each additional son. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. If any tickets are available after the registration deadline registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50 per couple. Must pre-register by February 2nd. www.opelika-al.gov/712/ Mother-Son-Blue-Jean-Ball

Opelika Parks and Recreation’s Annual Daddy Daughter Dance

Dads and daughters are invited to the Opelika SportsPlex & Aquatics Center, 1000 Andrews Road, Opelika, on February 23-24, 6-8pm, for a night of fun dancing! $30/couple + $10/additional daughters. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. If any tickets are available after the registration deadline registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50/couple. Registration is required by Feb. 19th. www.opelika-al.gov/711/Daddy-Daughter-Dance

Auburn Parks and Recreation’s 34th Annual Daddy Daughter Date Night

Join us this year in the new Indoor Facility at the Wire Road Soccer Complex, 2340 Wire Road, Auburn, on February 2-3, 6:30-9pm. This year’s theme is “Stay Wild” (Jungle)! To preserve the new flooring, traditional and stiletto high heels will not be allowed. Wedges and chunky heels are permitted. Daughters, dads, granddads, and uncles are invited to dance the night away and enjoy food, games, activities, and a D.J., not to mention an evening of memories!

Special guests will also be in attendance.

Attendees must live or work in the City of Auburn. Please make sure you register yourself and your daughter for the SAME night. Tickets are $20 for the father and $20 for first daughter, $5 for each additional daughter. ekaufman@auburnalabama.org Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

Giraffes Can’t Dance: The Musical

All the animals in the jungle know their special dance, but Gerald the Giraffe can’t seem to move without a clumsy step. But with the help of the wise cricket, he finds his own song, and dances to the beat of his own drum! In the stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book, with puppets, African rhythm, and lots of dancing, Gerald learns that his differences are what make him special. One day only...February 13, two shows 9:30am and 11:00am at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga. https://rivercenter.showare.com 6

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Empty Bowls 2024

Empty Bowls, February 24, 4:006:00pm, is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger that was initially created by The Imagine Render Group in 1991. The basic premise is simple: Local and regional potters, craftspeople and educators work to create hundreds of handcrafted bowls for each Empty Bowls event. Guests are then invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests can keep their bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in our communities. 100% of the money raised by the Auburn and Opelika ceramics studios during each Empty Bowls event is donated to the East Alabama Community Food Bank.

This event will include soup, entertainment, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $20. www.auburnalabama.org/empty-bowls/

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

February 20-21 at the Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 S College St, Auburn. 7pm. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance. The Ailey company has gone on to perform for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents—and has reached millions more online and through television broadcasts. When Ailey began creating dances, he drew upon his “blood memories” of Texas, the blues, spirituals and gospel as inspiration, which resulted in the creation of his most popular and critically acclaimed work, Revelations, now celebrating 60 years. Today, the Company continues Ailey’s mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones. In all, more than 235 works by more than 90 choreographers have been part of the Company’s repertory. http://goguecenter.auburn.edu/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater

The Krewe De Tigris Mardi Gras Parade

February 10 in Downtown Auburn at 3:00pm. The spirit of our Krewe exists in the dreams of a people who share a love of place and a sense of history. These dreams vest in the mysteries of a land where children dig for buried treasure in the red clay, where friends are family, where time is measured by church bells, where celebrations erupt on a street corner, and trees are draped with wisps of white. To victory! To the tigers who prowl as Krewe de Tigris. www. krewedetigris.com/parade

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Congrats to ACS Teachers of the Year

Auburn City Schools is thrilled to announce the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, Deana Hooks and Greg Sanders!

As a National Board-Certified Teacher, Mrs. Hooks is in her 33rd year with Auburn City Schools, serving teachers and students as the Librarian and Technology Coordinator at Pick Elementary School. Mr. Sanders started his teaching career in 1999 with Russell County Schools, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2006 before teaching math at Auburn High School beginning in 2008. Join us in celebrating as Mrs. Hooks and Mr. Sanders will represent ACS at the next stage of the 2024-2025 ALSDE Teacher of the Year program, with aspirations of advancing to the Sweet 16!

A Special Christmas Guest Arrives at Southview

We had some special Christmas visitors at Southview. Ms. Claus read to our Kindergarten kids and Mrs. Jarrell dressed as the Elf on the Shelf, greeting our students as they arrived to school.

They got to enjoy a delicious lunch for all of their hard work!

Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

Lee-Scott Academy Toy Drive a Huge Success

Dean Road Elementary Celebrates STEAM

Thank you to Executive Director of Camp Marannook, Mr. Taylor Teel, for joining us in the morning and reminding us of how the Christmas story has been God’s plan from the beginning.

While we remember the night of Jesus’ birth most, we can rest in His provision over our lives constantly. Thank you to the LSA Jazz Band for beautiful music, the LSA Dance Team for a fun Christmas routine, Mrs. Reeves & Mrs. Petrone for leading us in some classic Christmas carols and SGA President Miles Zachry & School Resource Officer Jon Young for speaking about the magnitude of the Toy Drive in our local community.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

It was a day full of hands-on activities against the backdrop of a miniature Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Drawing inspiration from Caldecott Honor-winning artist Melissa Sweet’s book “Balloons over Broadway,” DRES Art Teacher Andrea Newman curated the streets of New York City with Styrofoam floats created by students. Each grade level was responsible for contributing to the art installation at DRES. Kindergartners painted spectators, first graders decorated James Rizzi-style buildings, and second graders made the floats. Meanwhile, in the media center, the ACS Coordinators of Curriculum and Instruction, Drew Morgan and Betty Weeden, taught students to code using VEX robots. DRES Counselor Jennifer Jones also became a chemist for the day to show students how certain elements react with one another. Incorporating art into these STEM activities sparked critical and creative thinking among DRES students!

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$30 per couple +$10 / additional daughters Registration required by Feb. 5

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Auburn High Girls Cross-Country Recognized

The Auburn High School Girls Cross-Country team was recognized by the Board of Education during the December meeting for their 2023 7A State Championship! With a margin of 60 points ahead of the competition, the Tigers secured their sixth state title in seven years (2017-2021 and 2023) at the 68th AHSAA Cross-Country Championships in Oakville Indian Mounds Park on November 12th. Auburn High took three of the top four individual spots in Class 7A, with Sarah Tole clocking 17:54.94 to win an individual state title. ACS is proud of the student-athletes, Head Coach Olivia Bowen, families, and fans for cultivating a powerhouse program with a championship mindset!

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OMS Middle School Teacher of the Year

Grinch Day for LSA Second Graders

Congratulations to Marta Harrison!

2023-24 Opelika Middle School Teacher of the Year The Oaks School Congratulates Basketball Players Congratulations to Noah Shabo for being the current leading scorer on our JV basketball team and Joey Allen for leading our varsity boys’ team. The JV team is currently 8-4; and varsity is 8-2. So proud of these boys and look forward to the rest of the season.

Grinches and Who Hair were everywhere...Lee-Scott Academy second graders learned the importance of keeping their hearts soft for God when celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ this Christmas season. Reading, writing, drawing, and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas made for a fun day in second grade!

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December at Fox Run School

Fox Run students had a wonderful and busy month of December! Students and staff enjoyed themed dress up days for each day of the month. Teachers were treated to coffee and cookies by our parent advisory committee, and we held our very first band and choir concerts!

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Book Author Visits The Oaks

Morris Avenue Intermediate Congrats Spelling Bee Winners

Our very own 4/5th grade teacher, Mrs. Jessica Keyes, is the author and illustrator of the Liberty Lane Farm Friends book series. This morning she treated our students to a reading of Dessa May Donkey Wants to Be a Reindeer.

Congratulations to Morris Avenue Intermediate School’s Spelling Bee winner! Her winning word was ‘magistrates’! She will go on to represent our school at the Lee County Spelling Bee. Great job from all the class representatives! Their hard work made for a challenging competition!

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OCS Welcomes New High School Coach

Opelika City Schools welcomes Bryan Moore as the new Head Football Coach at OHS. “OCS welcomes Coach Bryan Moore as our new head football coach. He was an outstanding teacher and coach during his previous tenure in Opelika and he has only grown in his capacity as a strong effective leader,” stated Farrell Seymore, OCS Superintendent. “We look forward to the positive impact he will have on the students in our community.” Moore worked for Opelika City Schools from 2007-2015 as a teacher and coach. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Moore and his family back to Opelika,” said Kelli Fischer, OHS Principal. “Coach Moore has proven himself as a quality head coach, but what is even more impressive is his ability to establish relationships with players, coaches, and the community where he works.”

Moore has been the head football coach at Hartselle High School since January 2020.

Prior to that, he was the head football coach at Jasper High School (2018-2020) and at Eufaula High School (2015-2018). His coaching career began at Opelika High School in 2007 as the 9th grade football assistant coach and the 9th grade head basketball coach. After being the 9th grade head football coach in 2008, he was the tight ends/inside wide receivers coach from 2009-2011. He then served as varsity offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2011 until March 2015. “I am so honored to be the new head football coach at Opelika High School. It’s surreal to have the opportunity to come back and lead a program that I began coaching in many years ago,” said Coach Moore. “Opelika has always been a special place to me and my family. It’s where I got my start in teaching and coaching and where my kids were born. My desire for this program is for it to be the best football program in Alabama.” Coach Moore graduated from Auburn University in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University in 2018. He and his wife Lindsey are the proud parents of three boys: Parker (age 13), Baker (age 10), and Tucker (age 7). Coach Moore will begin as the Opelika High School Head Football Coach on January 3, 2024. OCS is excited to have Coach Moore back home in Opelika. GO DAWGS!

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LSA Performs Christmas Programs

Lee-Scott Academy’s annual Christmas Programs on Grandparents’ Day were nothing short of absolutely wonderful. Thank you to all our actors, soloists, and teachers for helping us tell the story of The King and his glorious arrival! We hope you had a Merry Christmas!

East Samford Features Gallery of Gratitude

Tricia Oliver’s art students at East Samford School created portraits of their teachers with letters of thanks attached. Prior to the reveal of the gallery in the Fine Arts building at ESS, students worked in secret to surprise teachers with expressions of gratitude through the medium of modeling clay topped with a glaze and adorned with decorative paper plates for frames. This art project was a creative way to celebrate teachers and show appreciation for their positive impact on students.

ACS Thankful for Veterans

In recognition of the men and women who have served our country, schools across the district held Veterans Day programs.

From parades to special guest speakers, students in Auburn City Schools showed respect and gratitude for our community’s Veterans and active duty Service Members. With schools closed tomorrow to observe the holiday, Auburn City Schools hopes everyone has a safe and meaningful three-day weekend.

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Lee-Scott Academy Band Performs Annual Christmas Concert

Lee-Scott Academy Beginner Band, Concert Band and Jazz Bands put on their annual Christmas Concert. Beautiful Christmas carols, hymns and new renditions were played and performed beautifully. From 6th grade to seniors, Mr. Hudson has incredibly talented students and it is an extra special Christmas gift to all of us to hear them play!

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Send news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

West Forest Intermediate Students Visit the Library

Students from West Forest Intermediate School took a field trip to the Opelika Public Library. The students were so excited to learn more about the library and how to check out books. They also made buttons, played bingo, and signed up for library cards. It was a great day at the Opelika Library!

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AHS Culinary Arts Students Career-Ready

Culinary Arts students in the second level of the Hospitality and Tourism program at Auburn High School completed “Skills for Success” modules for Food and Beverage services, showcasing their skills to earn Career-Ready Indicators. Some of the skills highlighted in this certification process included hosting guests and executing food and drink orders promptly while properly managing inventory. Chef John Everson is also now qualified to be a trainer for this credential and will be able to administer it to future students. Like the Skid Steer certification earned by several students last week, this opportunity was made possible through Southern Union State Community College’s Skill for Success rapid training program. The following students were a part of the inaugural group to be certified in Food and Beverage services: - Thomas Britton - Jovita Chagolla - Ella Chenoweth - Keira Fuchs - Hayden Hitt - Sydney Hubbard - Eugene Kang - Adrian Lawrence - Lily Lee - Aidan Platt - Keaira Randell - Sebastian Santillanes - Jennifer Zuniga ACS is proud of these students and the 15 Career Technical Education offerings that equip students with skills for their future!

ACS Students Compete in State Visual Art Exhibit

Twenty pieces of art by Auburn City Schools students are being sent to compete in the 2024 State Superintendent’s Visual Art Exhibit (SSVAE) in Montgomery! In the first quarter of each year, ACS participates in the SSVAE with the mission of showcasing and celebrating our students’ amazing artistic abilities. This is a statewide competition that has approximately 800 submissions annually from more than 40 school systems in Alabama. The annual SSVAE will be held in February and March. The SSVA Secondary Division Exhibit will be February 2-23, 2024, and the SSVA Elementary Division Exhibit will be March 1-22, 2024. The exhibits of student artwork will be on public display in the Old Supreme Court Library of the Alabama State Capitol. An awards ceremony and reception will occur for all Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and Honorable Mention winners and their visual arts instructors. Winning students and their visual arts instructors will be honored on March 13, 2024, at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Alabama. This competition is sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) and Alabama Arts License Tag Grant.

Pictured: Artist: Alli Cobb School: Auburn Junior High School Grade Level: 9 Artwork Title: Four Seasons Medium: Acrylic Paint Art Teacher: Amanda Smith

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LSA Kindergartners Shopped at the Christmas Market

Kindergarteners shopped until they dropped at the Kindergarten Christmas Market! Using pennies, they earned throughout the semester; kindergarten students went to each classroom to purchase gifts made by their classmates. Some will be for themselves, some will be for family members these Kindergarteners worked hard to have cash registers, tables and products. They put on an excellent Christmas market!

Mentoring the Next Generation of ACS Students

Patrick Davidson (AHS Class of 2023) recently shared his advice for success with all students at J.F. Drake Middle School. A twosport student-athlete at Auburn High School, Davidson is now in his freshman year and playing baseball for the Air Force Academy in El Paso County, Colorado.

With more than 700 students in attendance, his overarching message was, “You are who you surround yourself with.” Davidson talked about how he still uses the skills he acquired as a sixth grader at DMS and how that year was a turning point in his life for identifying and embracing the people who wanted to see him succeed, which included his parents, peers, teachers, and coaches. Following the completion of basic training and his first semester, Davidson has now set his sights on being a fighter pilot upon graduation.

ACS thanks Patrick for giving his time to come back to where he developed his social foundations as a Panther at DMS, a Tiger at AHS, and ultimately serving our country in the years to follow his collegiate career.

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

Lee-Scott Academy 4th Graders Help with Service Project

Lee-Scott Academy 4th Grade students visited the East Alabama Food Bank today to pack 570 Christmas treat bags for their backpack food program.

Students surrounded the packed sacks and prayed over all of the bags & for those who would receive them. What a blessing it is for our students to serve others and truly get to show LOVE to our neighbors as we’re commanded in Luke 10:27. What better way to celebrate the Christmas season!

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

ACS Awarded an “A”

Auburn City Schools scored an “A” as a school system on the 2023 Alabama State Department of Education report card. This letter grade was awarded based on Academic Proficiency, Academic Growth, Graduation Rate, College & Career Readiness, Attendance, and Progress in ELL Proficiency. ACS wants to thank community stakeholders for enriching our 14 schools with continued support as we inspire, educate, and empower students!

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OHS Swimmers Compete at State

AHS Cross-Country Team Wins

The Auburn High School Girls’ Cross-Country team was crowned the 2023 Class 7A State Champions at the 68th AHSAA Cross-Country Championships in Oakville Indian Mounds Park.

Auburn High School took three of the top four individual spots in the Class 7A, giving the Tigers a seventh championship in the last eight seasons. Auburn’s Sarah Tole clocked 17:54.94 to win an individual state title and led the Tigers back after finishing runner-up in 2022.

ACS congratulates the student-athletes, Head Coach Olivia Bowen, families, and fans for bringing home another Blue Map for the Cross-Country program!

It was a great day for Opelika High School swimmers. They competed in the state swim meet at Auburn University and came away with a couple of state titles and several top ten finishes!

Sarah Bush, Presley Mullins, Mylee Bordeaux and Grace Nelson are the state champions in the 200 freestyle relay for the 2nd year in a row. Sarah Bush is the state champion in the 50 freestyle and state runnerup in 100 freestyle.

Sarah Bush, Presley Mullins, Aniston McGhee and Grace Nelson placed 3rd in the 200 medley relay. Brian McEntire placed 6th in both 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Presley Mullins came in 6th for 200 freestyle.

Aniston McGhee placed 7th for 100 breaststroke. Grace Nelson placed 10th in 50 freestyle. We are incredibly proud of these athletes! Go Dawgs!

Special Holiday Event at Northside

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Opelika City School students are thankful to the Opelika Police Department. We can’t thank OPD enough for sponsoring “Shop with a Cop” to help make Christmas extra special for them this year!

“We are extremely grateful for everyone who assisted in making this day special for the kids,” says Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey. “The smiles on the faces of the children and officers while they were picking out gifts was priceless. We are very fortunate to serve such a wonderful community.”

All Aboard the Polar Express at Northside Intermediate School.

Students and teachers arrived for a day on the Polar Expressed.

Dressed in their snuggly holiday pjs, the spirit of Christmas and all it’s cheer was felt throughout the school day.

LSA Boys’ Basketball Win Championship

Congratulations to the Warriors’ varsity basketball teams on incredible finishes at the Abbeville Generals’ 2023 Holiday Hoops Classic! The varsity girls fought hard in the championship and finished as tournament runner-up. Madison Davis & Railey Langford were named to the All-Tournament Team. The varsity boys defeated the home Abbeville Generals and took home the championship! Haiden Harper was named Tournament MVP and joined Parker Wright & Ben Aldridge on the All-Tournament Team.

Congratulations, Warriors!

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Opelika City School’s Nurses are Prepared

OCS nurses and substitute nurses participated in Disaster Preparedness and Stop the Bleed training at the Auburn University School of Nursing. We appreciate our nurses and all that they do each day to serve our students!

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Congrats to an Overall Win for LSA

Two Lee-Scott Academy students finished first overall at Lake Jordan in the Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series! Congratulations to Hilton Jones & Aidan Chapman for their first-place finish!

Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

The Oaks School Students Tour GE Aviation

Our 11-12th grade machine shop students gained unique insight into industrial machining by attending a field trip to GE Aviation and Regal Rexnord. The students left with a better understanding of potential career paths in this field.

OCS Names Secondary Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Mandy Baker! 202324 Opelika High School Teacher of the Year and 202324 OCS Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Congrats to LSA’s Junior Technician Award Recipient

Each month, Lee-Scott Academy Director of Technology, Mr. Kyle Christian, gives out a Junior Technician Award. The award is bestowed to a faculty member, nominated by their peers, who are actively innovating new technologies in their classroom that assist with classroom engagement and learning, solving difficult technical problems that affect many users or teaching other faculty and students how to better use technology. December’s Junior Technician Awards is given to Lower School technology teacher, Mrs. Ashley Jones & Spanish teacher, Mrs. Debbie Drake! While they’ve been nominated earlier this year, their work in making sure today’s Grandparents Day Christmas Programs sounded beautifully! Without them, the show would NOT go on. They worked tirelessly to ensure that all of the audio and music was perfect for this special day. Well done and congratulations, Mrs. Jones & Mrs. Drake! We appreciate you!

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

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Happy December Birthdays to LSA Students

Lee-Scott Academy celebrated all our DECEMBER birthdays registered for the Birthday Book Club! Birthday Book Club members attend a special celebration in the Media Center during their birthday month.

Students will enjoy a birthday treat, select their book and receive a birthday goodie bag.

It is always a fun celebration with Mrs. Moore!

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Congrats to the Elementary Teacher of the Year for OCS

Congratulations to Branham Smith! She is the 2023-24 Northside Intermediate School Teacher of the Year and 2023-24 OCS Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12

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A CLASSICAL AND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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It’s the Parents Job to Say No Children and Technologies Are Like Mischievous Puppies We got a new puppy for Christmas.

Well, my son got a puppy, but we collectively chip in to help because taking care of a puppy is evidently a four-man tag team effort. He has, at the grand total weight of 10 pounds, effectively taken over my office, my back porch, and all of my free time. He is constant chaos interspersed with the sweetest cuddles and new puppy smells. His name is Milo. And we love him so much already.

But as I have spent a lot of time with this baby shark (his new nickname given his razor teeth and propensity to chew everything), I realized how much he is like kids and teens when they first get social media, games, or a device. Let me explain.

When Milo first came home, he was quiet. Unsure. Calm. He did not know his environment yet and could not understand all the amazing, bright, new, and shiny things he could get into.

Until he did. And once he did, well, let’s just say the whole house is tired with a capital T. Your kids are like puppies. Before exposure to social media, games, and devices, they were not sure what they could get into. It all seems fun Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

because other, bigger kids are doing it. But they do not REALLY know until they get their first taste of a device and the freedom that comes with it. Then, they become a lot like Milo. They want to chew EVERYTHING. They want to explore everything. They want to test all the boundaries to see what will happen without knowing or caring about the consequences.

I can not tell you how many times Milo has fallen off the last two steps of the porch in his excitement to get to the yard. Your kids do the same.

They make huge missteps by jumping into places they should not be online.

Much like toys to Milo, social media and gaming light up that pleasure center in their brains, leading them to want more.

In the way a chew toy hi-jacks Milo’s focus, social media hi-jacks your kids’ focus. But here is the thing. As Milo’s 20

le grandparent and part-time caretaker, I sometimes have to redirect him.

If he is chewing on something he shouldn’t, it is my job to tell him “nope” and redirect him by giving him a toy that he CAN chew on. At the risk of making all of this sound silly and ridiculous by comparing our kids to puppies, that is really what we must do. They will “chew” on the wrong things regarding games and social media if allowed. They are going to test those boundaries. It is then up to us as parents to redirect them to more appropriate areas that they can explore. As Milo’s trainer told me, it is a marathon of slow, incremental steps over a long period of time. We must follow the same advice when it comes to protecting our kids from online dangers.

I think Milo thinks his name is “Nope.”

Your kids will get frustrated and angry with your re-direction and constant “No’s,” but that is okay. When we stick it out for the long haul, we have well-adjusted, techsmart kids who become well-adjusted, tech-smart adults. And if you have a new puppy, you come out on the other side with your furniture still intact.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate.

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

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East Alabama Mental Health Center

Prevention Services

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hy do we want a healthy family and how can

we achieve that? Maintaining a healthy and balanced family is helpful in reducing everyone’s stress level. This is one way of alleviating symptoms of mental health issues. There are so many articles that provide information on qualities and traits of a healthy family, but I have my easy 3 C’s Communication, Consistency and Cohesiveness! All these three combined can build resilience, growth, and a healthy family.

Communication Consistency Cohesiveness

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t has been proven that parents’ choices and actions significantly affect their children’s development.

As a parent and as a prevention advocate, positive open communication and ‘lead by example’ are a must in influencing our children’s decisions about using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. It is never too early to talk to them the dangers and consequences of using at a young age.

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Lots of little talks are more effective than one "big talk."

2300 CENTER HILL DRIVE, OPELIKA, AL

* 21 (334) 742 - 2112

* www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents emi.ajero@eamhc.org

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reminded the other day when my son was digging in our pantry because he said he wanted to get some ants and raisins. I wasn’t sure what he was talking about until he told me about a snack his friend brought in for lunch. It was ants on a log: celery, peanut butter and raisins. My 5-year-old son was actually looking for the ingredients to make a healthy snack. One more point for Mom!

Finding healthy snacks for the kids can sometimes feel like a job within itself, especially if you have a picky eater. Some parents think that buying healthy snacks means spending more money. I know it is so easy to fall in to the trap of letting the kids just settle in with a yummy bag of Cheetos.

They are healthy right? Each morsel contains some niacin, whatever that is. That’s what I used to tell myself when I was pregnant and had the munchies.

Now, as a busy mom of two elementary school children who would be thrilled if they could snack on Cheetos and chips all day, I have taken it upon myself to try to instill some healthy eating habits.

I’m not a health food nut by any means, it’s just that I’ve found if I take a few minutes to think about what I buy before I hit the grocery store I can save money and provide my kids with the healthy snacks they deserve.

Okay, I admit it. Sometimes I have my own secret stash. You know, that hidden box in the pantry for the occasional moment when I need a little pickme-up. But in all honesty, when it comes to your kids, who don’t control where you shop and what you buy, it is up to you to help them make healthy choices about what they eat. Remember that when you go shopping, you have control.

Here are a few tips to help you save some money and turn your little junk food junkies into healthy snack eating kids.

6) Take your kids grocery shopping with you. Yes, I know

it can get crazy at times; however, by bringing the kids with you, you may actually save by buying them items they will eat.

While you are there, take your kids into the produce section and let them help pick out the healthy fruits and vegetables that they will eat. Don’t hurry this up. Even if they are older, have them walk slowly down the store isles and talk about the yummy things they can make with you.

You will also get to know them better if they talk about their likes and dislikes. Maybe they even have a suggestion for a meal they tried at a friend’s house that you can make together.

1) Don’t buy junk food! Yes, that may contradict what I said before about my secret stash, but if the kids don’t see the unhealthy snacks, they can’t eat them. I haven’t purchased Cheetos or potato chips in a few years, and no one here is asking for them. Really!

2) Keep fruits visible. A few months ago I purchased an assortment of apples, oranges, mangos and bananas. I had the kids peel off the stickers, and I washed the fruit and put it in a gigantic bowl on my counter. Now, whenever they are hungry I see them glimpse over at the bowl. Yes, Mom scores a point!

7) Cook with your kids. Yes, get them involved in everything you make as often as you can. My kids would jump out of the chair if I said, “Who wants to make a smoothie?” It’s not really about the good tasting smoothie; it’s about the pouring of the milk, the berries and ice and blending it all up. Sometimes we do simple things like put a banana on a stick and freeze it or make hot air popcorn and they love it. Not to mention that my kids’ friends think I am the coolest because they have never seen a hot air popcorn popper.

3) Clean out the pantry. Before you run out and buy healthy

snacks, take a look at what you have. You may have a few things in there that need immediate disposal...like last year’s Halloween candy. It’s also exciting to find something that the kids might enjoy that you forgot about. Last week when my son had a friend over, I took a few handfuls of peanuts and put them in a bowl on the table without saying a word. A few minutes later, they were sitting there cracking the shells having a grand ol’ time.

8) Let your kids get their own snacks. Yep, that’s right.

Let them get into that pantry or refrigerator and go at it. Make sure snacks are on lower shelves for little ones. If you filled it with healthier options for your kids, why worry? I never heard anyone complain that their child ate too much granola, have you? And if they get to pick their own snack, they have learned how to make a choice on their own about the food they eat.

Helping your kids make healthy eating choices isn’t as difficult or costly as it seems. Sometimes just taking time out to make it available for them is all that you need. Involve them as much as possible in the process, and pretty soon they will be making healthy choices on their own. AOP

4) Don’t make it obvious. Buy veggies, fruits and other healthy snacks and serve them to your kids without ever asking them if they want to eat it. Unless you have a real picky eater on your hands, your kids will typically eat what you serve them if there aren’t a lot of unhealthy alternatives around. If I cut up cucumbers and put them on a plate with ranch dressing, my kids will just gravitate toward the plate and begin snacking away.

I then look over and ask “Oh, do you want carrots too?” Mom scores again!

5) Try to find fun ways to serve the food. Some of the simplest things bring great pleasure to your kids, and they don’t cost much money. I am afraid we forget that all too often. I was

Kara Ferraro is a publisher and freelance writer with two elementary aged children. She is always looking for clever, budget friendly activities to do with her family and ways to save money and make healthy choices.

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“I learned to cook during the pandemic because we couldn’t eat out,” shared Katherine (Katie) Griffin of Auburn.

“My skills were very basic, but I learned to step up my game with nothing else to do.”

Katie has been married to her best friend, Adam, for twelve years. They met in grade school thanks to their mothers and have been nearly inseparable since. Adam is a Sales Engineer for Rhino Tool House. Together, they have four children — Lucas (10), Gamble (7), Annabelle (6), and Leilah (15 months).

“You should know we are very competitive,” Katie said. “Uno is a true sport at our table after dinner.”

Family is incredibly important to the Griffins, and they find joy in simply being together.

“Our whole life is centered around the family we have created. Our kids are our best friends; we hike, exercise, and travel with them,” said Katie. She went on to share that her family is very active and enjoys the gym. They love to travel internationally, and when close to home, they enjoy racing go-karts.

Immediate family isn’t the only thing that takes priority for Katie but also her extended family. She has seven younger sisters and family potluck and game nights are planned often.

Katie enjoys doing all the cooking when the family eats at home. Her chef in training is her oldest, Lucas, and he Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

Directions: 1. Boil noodles and set aside.

2. Saute chicken in a cast iron skillet with 2 tbsp butter, 1 clove of garlic, seasoning of your choice (I like Chicago steak seasoning) and cook until done then set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo sauce by first melting 2 tbsp butter in skillet, then add 2 tbsp garlic and slowly pour in cream. Add salt and pepper, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and stir for 3-5 minutes.

4. Remove the sauce from heat and add in the Parmesan cheese.

5. Combine noodles, chicken and sauce.

Enjoy! is pretty passionate about being in the kitchen with her.

The family decided to share a Chicken Alfredo recipe this month. Katie says her family loves Italian and that her seven-year-old Gamble loves it so much that he would probably eat Alfredo and pizza three times a day if she let him.

“I got the courage to make homemade Chicken Alfredo in the spring of 2020 because no Olive Garden was open,” said Katie. “I found this recipe on Pinterest, and now I don’t even measure ingredients. I throw it all together and multiply the recipe times four to feed us all.”

Note: Katie doubles and even triples this recipe to feed her crew and have leftovers.

• 1 box of noodles (whatever you like) • 1-2 lbs of chicken breast • 4 tbsp butter • 3 cloves of garlic, pressed • Steak seasoning or whatever you like • 2 cups heavy cream • 1 cup shredded Parmesan • Salt & pepper to taste 24

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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.

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It was a beautiful day. It was sunny, warm, and we didn’t have anywhere to rush off to. I love days like this. Until I look over at the couch and see my kids glued to their devices.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

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We know the benefits of being active; we’ve heard them for years. Active kids have improved cardiorespiratory health and build strong bones and muscles while controlling weight and preventing health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Leading an active lifestyle can also reduce anxiety and depression, an increasing problem among youth in the United States.

If we know these benefits, why do we still struggle to get kids moving? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 24% of kids are active for 60 minutes daily. Busy parents need simple ways to combat these numbers.

Four Ways to Increase Activity

Increasing activity doesn’t have to be a battle. You can find things your kids will look forward to doing each day. It just takes a little intention and dedication.

1. Get out of the house: Sometimes it

just takes a change of environment to get the kids excited and active. It can be challenging to do this all the time when you have other responsibilities, but a change of scenery can inspire your kids to move more. Some simple places you can go are the park, library, museum, zoo, friend’s house, or hiking.

2. Involve friends: Kids are more likely to be active when they have someone to play with. This is a great option if you need to be home to get work done. Plan a few playdates each week and give the kids something fun to do. Having these simple ideas will help make it easier: Sidewalk chalk, variety of balls, lawn games, printable scavenger hunt, shaving cream, bubbles, and large cardboard boxes and markers.

3. Reduce access to electronics:

This is the idea kids usually aren’t fond of. It can be hard to limit electronics, especially if you need to get things done or the kids complain. As much as we don’t like battling with our kids, reducing electronics access forces kids to do other things. Some ideas to help: * Have a plan for electronics use and be consistent. * Set certain times kids can look forward to using their devices. * Give kids a list of things to complete before electronics use. For example, kids may need to read, do something creative, and play outside for 30 minutes each before they can use technology. * Model healthy electronics boundaries.

4. Join your kids: Often, kids want to

engage with their parents. Being active with your kids is a great way to get them up and moving. This helps you and your kids’ physical, mental, and emotional health with the added benefit of being together.

Try playing a game of horse, taking a walk or bike ride, working in the garden, exploring a new playground each week, putting on music and having a dance party, doing a yoga video together, or building something together

Fun Products to Get Your Kids Moving:

Wack-a-Tag: A fun pop-up tag game for kids from 18 months to get moving and increase hand-eye coordination. (Indoors or outdoors)

Stepping Stones Game: Discover endless fun and possibilities with a stepping stones game like Turtle Steps or PlayzoneFit Stepping Stones. (Indoors or outdoors) Ninjaline: Improve balance and strength with this hanging obstacle line. You can set this up in your yard or bring it to a park or on vacation. (Outdoors) Doorway swing: This hanging swing goes in a doorway, giving your little and big kid a fun way to get some energy out indoors. (Indoors) Swings: Give kids a place to swing outside, even if you don’t have a swing set.

Try a big swing like a Saucer Swing or a Slackers Swingline to give multiple swinging options. (Outdoors) You can encourage your kids to get off the couch when you make it fun for them.

They may argue or complain but don’t give up. Keep trying new ideas and remember the reason you want them off the couch: to be healthier.

Don’t worry about getting sixty minutes in each day. Instead, focus on finding things your kids enjoy. This will help them feel motivated to get off the couch and get moving! AOP

Obstacle Course Race: Create an ob-

stacle course with things in your house or a prepackaged set like the American Ninja Warrior Competition Obstacle Course.

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Rebecca Hastings is a freelance writer, speaker and friend.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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Active Entertainment Auburn Escape Zones

1234 Commerce Drive, Auburn, Al 36830 Immerse your group in a room with a specific theme, problem and goal. You must work together as a team to solve puzzles, uncover clues and unlock locks in order to solve the problem or “escape the room”.

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

KidStrong

ad on page 14

Bowlero

1530 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 KidStrong is a child development training center focused on brain, physical & character development for ages walking through 11 years old.

KidStrong offers a science-based curriculum that is parent-focused and taught by professionals.

334-887-6573www.amf.com www.amf.com

Opelika Parks and Recreation

334-329-7088 www.auburnescapezones.com

719 Opelika Road, Auburn, Al 36830 24 interactive bowling lanes and arcade

Cyber Zone

107 North 9th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 65 top video and redemption games, 36 vest laser tag, Atomic Rush, and Replay Zone with retro arcades and pinball, 334-737-5000 www.cyberzone334.com

Good Times

750 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Bowling lanes, arcade games and escape rooms.

334-539-3131 www.goodtimesbowling.com

Surge Trampoline Park

2506 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Indoor trampoline park with jousting, slam dunk hoops, dodge ball, toddler play, arcades and more.

334-737-5599 www.surgeopelika.com

Fitness Programs Auburn’s Best After School and Summer Camps ad on page 5

758 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Keep your kids moving in many activities: Martial Arts, Dance, Tumbling, and other out door sports.

Our after school program keeps things exciting by Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

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

ad on page 9

Healthy Food/Nutrition Auburn Parks and Recreation Market

425 Perry Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Monthly Market: Meets the 4th Tuesday of the month. Partnering with local growers to bring you the best produce, jellies and bounty of Lee County.

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

Dayspring Nature Shop

1011 Avenue C, Opelika, A; 36801 Providing clean products that create healthy lives.

Items to fit a healthy lifestyle including food, herbs, vitamins, water, pet needs, beauty products and more.

334-203-1965 www,dayspringnatureshop.com

1001 Andrews Rd, Opelika, Al 36801 Offering multiple facilities to promote healthy lifestyles for the family. Fitness programs include fitness classes, tumbling, swim, tennis, basketball, football, softball/baseball, karate and much more!

Opelika Farmer’s Market

334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

334-705-0010 facebook.com/opelikafarmersmarket

Auburn Parks and Recreation

425 Perry Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Offering fitness programs in track, football, baseball/softball, tennis, martial arts, dance, basketball, soccer, swim and more!

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

Crossfit Kids at All-In Crossfit

1747 Ogletree Road, Suite F, Auburn, Al 36830 Emphasizes good movement throughout childhood and adolescence in the hopes that we can make kids more physically literate, enhance their sports performance, and decrease sports injuries.

229-886-3545www.allincrossfit.com

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830 Ninja Academy: Young Ninja’s learn flexibility, strength, tumbling, and obstacle maneuvers. Perfect for highly active boys and girls who are looking for a fun recreational activity where they can learn true ninja style movements and techniques.

334-521-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com

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411 South 10th Street, Opelika, Al 36801 Come on down and support the best locally owned farmers market! We have the freshest produce and the most beautiful plants around!

Parkway Farmer’s Market

2180 1st Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 Full line of fresh fruits and vegetables year round.

With plenty of fresh and frozen local produce and Southern favorites like fatback and okra, the Parkway Farmers Market is a must-try market.

334-737-2080 www.parkwayfarmersmarket.com

Outdoor Parks Kreher Preserve and Nature Center ad on page 11

2222 North College Street, Auburn, Al 36830 20 acre track, comprising seven natural habitats, including special points of interest such as the Longleaf Pine Demonstration Forest, Wildflower Trail, Boulder Ridge, Butterfly and Vegetable Gardens, Hidden Falls and the old Homestead.

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

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Callaway Gardens

17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, Ga 31822 Bike and nature trails, fishing, boating, swimming, treetop adventure, zip line, geocoaching and much more.

844-512-3826 www.callawaygardens.com

Martin Luther King Jr Park

Town Creek Park

1150 South Gay Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Kid’s playground and walking trail that is 0.87 miles long, and an additional trail is being built around the pond.

190 Byrd Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Pavilion, playground, basketball goal, and a fenced-in field.

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

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

Municipal Park (Monkey Park)

Chewacla State Park

124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn, Al 36830 696 scenic acres offers include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails.

334-887-5621 www.alapark.com/chewacla-state-park

Covington Park

213 Carver Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 Outdoor playground and green space.

334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

700 5th Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 Several playground areas, a picnic shelter, a gazebo, and an antique miniature train known as the Rocky Brook Rocket 334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

West Ridge Park

1600 Covington Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 Baseball complex and playground equipment 334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

Parent Support

Oxbow Meadows

3535 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus, Ga 31903 Walk down our trails to catch a glimpse of native wildlife, view our wetlands and ponds, or to explore our educational and fun Discovery Trail.

706-807-8550 www.oxbow.columbusstate.edu

Alabama Department of Public Health ad on Back Cover

Hickory Dickory Park

850 Foster Street, Auburn, Al 36830 Auburn’s first “poured in place” accessible playground available for children and adults with disabilities

201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, Al All Kids Children Health Insurance Program: A low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular check ups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision/dental, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse and more. Women, Infants and Children (WIC): supplemental nutritional program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and women who had a baby within the last 6 months, infants and children under the age of five.

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

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

888-737-5437 www.adph.org

Kiesel Park

Spring Villa Park

East Alabama Mental Health

Felton Little Park

341 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Playground, a batting cage, a picnic area with three grills and three picnic tables, as well as three youth softball/baseball fields.

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

1399 Hickory Lane, Auburn, Al 36830 A unique, multi-level playground structure including slides, swings, towers and open play areas.

Ray Ward Park

Crenshaw Street, Opelika, Al 36804 Basketball court, multi-use fields and playground 334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

Sam Harris Park

520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn, Al 36830 Auburn’s largest park, with a pavilion, a garden, a pond and a walking trail with a distance of 2 1/4 miles.

1474 Lee Road 148, Opelika, Al 36804 325 acres of beautifully wooded land with nature trails, picnic sites and spring filled swimming.

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

334-705-5150 www.opelika-al.gov

ad on page 21

2506 Lambert Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 East Alabama Mental Health Center offers a wide range of services for children and adolescents, as

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experience. We promote physical health, optimal nutrition, developmental gains, emotional wellness, learning success, spiritual growth, and mindfulness.

334-329-7862 www.sunshine-peds.com

Pediatric Dentists & Orthodontics Auburn Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 19

841 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 We are a pediatric specialty practice which means our focus is entirely on children and adolescents. We specialize in diagnosis and treatment of children’s oral health needs and development. Each visit to our office includes cavity detections, monitoring of growth and development and daily prevention of decay by focusing on proper home care.

334-826-6651 www.auburnpediatricdentistry.com

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.

We provide services at locations in Alexander City, Dadeville, Opelika, Phenix City, and Valley.

334-742-2700 www.eamhc.org

East Alabama Medical Center

2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, Al 36801 Small Wonders Program: The program will help you get the care you need to have a healthy pregnancy. Breastfeeding Support Group: Meets each Thursday at noon.

334-749-0390 www.eamc.org

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

323 Airport Road, Suite A, Auburn, Al 36830 Cornerstone Family Chiropractic provides very specific care and attention through state-of-the-art technology, premiere office amenities, and attentive and involved staff members. The team at Cornerstone truly has a heart to serve others by helping you get back to the things you enjoy most in life!

Whether it’s participating in recreational sports, playing with your children, or getting back your golf game, our mission is simple: to provide chiropractic care that is affordable for the whole family.

ad on page 7

334-246-2252 www.cornerstone4health.com

ad on page 33

Ferguson Psychology

Pediatric and Family Physicians

709 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Services offered for 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: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), behavior problems, social skills deficits, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and general adjustment issues.

The Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Associates of Auburn

The Parent Assist Line (PALS)

A collaborative service of The University of Alabama Children’s Trust Fund. Call and a parenting resource specialist will answer, listen to you, then offer helpful and supportive information.

800-962-3030 www.apal.us.edu

ad on page 29

1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, Al 35233 Children’s of Alabama is the only medical center in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. It is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the primary site of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs.

205-638-9100

www.childrensal.org

Auburn Family Medicine

665 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 Comprehensive, compassionate and individualized family care.

334-826-1111 www.auburnfamilymedicine.com

Auburn Pediatric and Adult Medicine

2353 Bent Creek Road, Ste110, Auburn, Al 36830 We provide primary care services to patients of all ages.

334-887-8707 www.auburndoc.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry

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

2901 Corporate Park Drive, Opelika, Al 36801 Our skilled team of pediatricians offers comprehensive medical care for infants, children and adolescents. We specialize in medical care for kids, and we would love to get to know you and your family better. Our commitment is to help children reach their highest potential by working with parents to promote and maintain their child’s physical and emotional well–being from birth up to college years.

334-203-1766 www.auburnpediatric.com

Pediatric Clinic

2401 Village Professional Drive South, Opelika, Al 36801 We provide primary care health services for infants, children and adolescents.

334-749-8121 www.thepedsclinic.com

Sunshine Pediatrics

197 E University Drive Suite 2, Opelika, Al 36832 We offer a unique, multidisciplinary wellness

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742 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 We cater to children and is dedicated to providing the best quality dental services available for your child. With each visit, we hope to teach your child the importance of dental care, along with encouraging them to keep up the good work and to stay cavity-free.

334-321-0780 www.gatergrins.com

Shelley Orthodontics 1957 East Samford Avenue, A, Auburn, Al 36830 From clear braces to Invisalign, we offer a wide variety of treatment options using the most up-todate orthodontic technology. Rely on the experts at our practice to create your perfect smile in an affordable and comfortable fashion.

334-521-0112 www.shelleyorthodontics.com

Allen Orthodontics

1234 Ogletree Village Lane, Auburn, Al 36830 Dr. Hank Allen specializes in helping children, teens and adults achieve beautiful, straight smiles by providing orthodontic solutions specifically tailored to suit each patient’s lifestyle and personal preferences.

334-705-8655 www.bracesbyallen.com

Auburn Opelika Dental

1610 2nd Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801 Offering family dental services.

334-745-6295 www.opelikaal.dental/

Liles Pediatric Dentistry

2320 Moores Mill Road, Ste 250, Auburn, Al 36830 Our office provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring and “child-friendly” environment. We focus on preventive care to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Our office serves infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs.

334-887-0099 www.lilessmiles.com

Sprayberry Orthodontics

773 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 We can customize any orthodontic treatment plan that fits not only your teeth but your life and personality.

334-821-5031 www.sprayberryortho.com AOP

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Q. I think my mother-in-law has a serious credit card problem. She can’t afford stuff, but she shops anyway, chalks up more and more debt, acquires more credit cards, and thinks she’ll pay for it all later somehow. Her ex-husband has bailed her out a few times, but he’s unwilling to help anymore. My wife and I, and my wife’s sister, want to address this issue, but we’re all worried about her reaction, and we don’t know where to start. Do you have any advice?

A. First, everyone involved should understand they’re likely to receive an angry response from this lady if she’s confronted over her actions. Sometimes people get ticked off when they hear the truth, especially when it’s connected to their own misbehavior. It may even be a good idea for your wife and her sister to

get some advice from a family counselor beforehand. Really, what we’re talking about here is an intervention.

Also, you need to stay out of the discussion. This is something for her daughters to handle. Support your wife and her sister through it all, but if you’re in there asking questions and probing around, you’re liable to come off as the evil son-in-law. And you folks don’t need to add any more problems to the mix.

They need to sit down with her in a quiet setting, one where there are no interruptions, no television and no one else.

Start with the fact that they love her and

care about her deeply. That’s very important in a situation like this. But they also have to walk through what’s really going on, and let her know they’re tired of watching her destroy herself, and her finances, with her irresponsible behavior.

If she had a drinking problem, you’d want to try to make her see how alcohol was hurting her and the relationships she has with her family. In this case, she basically has a credit card addiction. And it’s wreaking havoc on her financial well-being and people who care about her.

So, show as much love and understanding as possible. But someone needs to say something soon.

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www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar Thursday, February 1

Third Thursday Poetry Series at Pebble Hill 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM,, 101 S. Debardeleben Street, Auburn The readings will be by Jim Peterson. https://cla.auburn.edu/cah/pebble-hill Sound Wall presents Anya Hinkle 7:30 PM The Sound Wall, 605 Ave B, Opelika Music lovers can enjoy a true listening room experience as The Sound Wall Recording Studio is transformed into an intimate concert venue.

This cozy, state-of-the-art facility offers guests an up-close-and-personal opportunity to engage with the artists in a warm, BYOB atmosphere. At this show, singer-songwriter Anya Hinkle will perform with Andrew Finn Magill. www.theswmi.org

Friday, February 2

World of Wheels BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd, Birmingham The World of Wheels is an indoor custom car show with 350 cars, trucks and bikes in competition for trophies and cash prizes. Dozens of categories include antique, custom and classic vehicles and hot rods, plus entertainment, TV celebrities and special attractions. This event offers the most exciting and unique collection of the nation’s most beautiful vehicles along with one-of-a-kind displays. www.worldofwheels.net/birmingham/ 34th Annual Daddy Daughter Date Night (Tickets are $20 for the father and $20 for first daughter, $5 for each additional daughter. ) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Auburn Parks

and Recreation, New Indoor Facility at the Wire Road Soccer Complex, 2340 Wire Road, Auburn This year’s theme is “Stay Wild” (Jungle)! To preserve the new flooring, traditional and stiletto high heels will not be allowed. Wedges and chunky heels are permitted.

Daughters, dads, granddads, and uncles are invited to dance the night away and enjoy food, games, activities, and a D.J., not to mention an evening of memories! Special guests will also be in attendance.

Attendees must live or work in the City of Auburn.

Please make sure you register yourself and your daughter for the SAME night. ekaufman@auburnalabama.org Sundilla presents House of Hamill in Concert

(Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodies, and online. Admission at the door will be $25) 7:30 PM, AUUF, 450 E. Thach Ave, Auburn

Free coffee, tea, water, and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage. www.sundilla.com

Saturday, February 3 World of Wheels Details on February 2.

34th Annual Daddy Daughter Date Night Details on February 2.

The Sound Wall presents Hiroya Tsukamoto 7:30 PM, 605 Ave B, Opelika Music lovers can enjoy a true listening room experience as The Sound Wall Recording Studio is transformed into an intimate concert venue. This cozy, state-of-the-art facility offers guests an up-close-and-personal opportunity to engage with the artists in a warm, BYOB atmosphere.

At this show Hiroya Tsukamoto will perform. www.theswmi.org

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

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Sunday, February 4

hike alone or with a loved one! This event is free – no reservations are needed, just come out and enjoy!

(334) 707-6512

Monday, February 5

Second Saturday at Pioneer Park 9:00 AM, 6500 Stage Road, Loachapoka, Al 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. Activities are different each month. Come join the fun, eat lunch, learn a new craft, pick a song, listen to the music. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/second-Saturday

World of Wheels Details on February 2.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra 7:30 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga The World-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra brings timeless classics like In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo, String of Pearls and Tuxedo Junction. www.rivercenter.org

Tuesday, February 6

My Fair Lady 7:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you The King & I and South Pacific, comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady. Director Bartlett Sher’s glowing production is “thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was” (New York Times).

Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Lovely” and “On the Street Where You Live,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” http://goguecenter.auburn.edu/my-fair-lady/

Wednesday, February 7 My Fair Lady Details on February 6.

Friday, February 9

Mother Son Blue Jean Ball ($30/couple + $10/each additional son. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. If any tickets are available after the registration deadline registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50 per couple.) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Covington

Recreation Center, Opelika Parks and Rec. 213 Carver Ave Must pre-register by February 2nd. www.opelika-al.gov/712/Mother-Son-Blue-Jean-Ball Sundilla presents Joe Crookston in Concert

(Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodies, and online. Admission at the door will be $25. ) 7:30 PM, AUUF, 450 E. Thach Ave, Auburn

Free coffee, tea, water, and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage. www.sundilla.com

Saturday, February 10

Sweethearts Day at the Montgomery Zoo The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Al Moms bring your sons, dads bring your daughters to a wild day of adventure and fun at the Zoo and Museum. Purchase a regular daytime adult admission, and receive one FREE child admission. What a great way to spend the day with your special loved one. www.montgomeryzoo.com/plan-your-visit/zoo-specialevent-calendar/-curm-2/-cury-2024 Valentine’s Day Hike Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Fall in love with the Kreher Preserve all over again at this self-led hike through some of the most beautiful scenic spots. Enjoy the

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The Krewe De Tigris Mardi Gras Parade 3:00 PM, Downtown Auburn The spirit of our Krewe exists in the dreams of a people who share a love of place and a sense of history. These dreams vest in the mysteries of a land where children dig for buried treasure in the red clay, where friends are family, where time is measured by church bells, where celebrations erupt on a street corner, and trees are draped with wisps of white. To victory! To the tigers who prowl as Krewe de Tigris. www.krewedetigris.com/parade Mother Son Blue Jean Ball ($30/couple + $10/each additional son. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. If any tickets are available after the registration deadline registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50 per couple.) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Covington

Recreation Center, Opelika Parks and Rec. 213 Carver Ave Must pre-register by February 2nd. www.opelika-al.gov/712/Mother-Son-Blue-Jean-Ball

Sean of the South 6:00 PM Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus In conjunction with The Loft Playing or Good, PMB Broadcasting, and the McClure Family Foundation the Springer Opera House is proud to present an intimate evening of music and storytelling. www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ sean-of-the-south CSO: Beethoven’s Fifth 7:30 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga CSO: Beethoven’s Fifth www.rivercenter.org

Sunday, February 11 Valentine’s Day Hike Details on February 10.

Thursday, February 12 Valentine’s Day Hike Details on February 10.

Tuesday, February 13 Valentine’s Day Hike Details on February 10.

Giraffes Can’t Dance: The Musical 9:30:00 AM and 11:30:00 AM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga All the animals in the jungle know their special dance, but Gerald the Giraffe can’t seem to move without a clumsy step. But with the help of the wise cricket, he finds his own song, and dances to the beat of his

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own drum! In the stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book, with puppets, African rhythm, and lots of dancing, Gerald learns that his differences are what make him special. www.rivercenter.org Family Discovery Hike: Nature Love 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join our guides for an educational adventure as you and your children take in the many sights and sounds of the Nature Center. Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Discovery Hikes are for families with children ages 5 to 12. http://kpnc.auburn.edu/programs/guidedtours/ To Kill a Mockingbird 7:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn All rise for Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick To Kill a Mockingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history” (60 Minutes). Rolling Stone gives it five stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, To Kill a Mockingbird—“the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago

Tribune)—has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR). www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Shen Yun 7:30 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, , 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Take your family and friends on a magical journey and discover new hope for the future! The breathtakingly beautiful Shen Yun show is as inspiring as it is exciting. Powerful, uplifting, heartwarming, unforgettable--these are the words viewers use to describe their Shen Yun experience. Featuring classical Chinese dance, dynamic animated backdrops, and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. . www.mpaconline.org/events/

Wednesday, February 14 Valentine’s Day Hike Details on February 10.

Samantha Fish featuring Jesse Dayton 7:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery As one of the most dynamic forces in the blues world today, Fish has made her name as a multi-award-winning festival headliner who captivates crowds with her explosive yet elegant guitar work, delivering an unbridled form of blues-rock that defies all genre boundaries. Dayton, meanwhile, boasts an extraordinary background that includes recording with the likes of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, touring as a guitarist for seminal punk band X, working with Rob Zombie on the soundtracks for his iconic horror films, and releasing a series of acclaimed solo albums. www.mpaconline.org/events/

Thursday, February 15

Third Thursday Poetry Series at Pebble Hill 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM,, 101 S. Debardeleben Street, Auburn The readings will be by Jim Peterson. https://cla.auburn.edu/cah/pebble-hill

Friday, February 16

The Simon & Garfunkel Story 7:30 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery.

7:30pm. Since its SELL OUT in London’s West End, ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ is now the World’s leading theatre show concerning Simon & Garfunkel featuring a full live band and state of the art video projection and lighting. www.mpaconline.org/events

Saturday, February 17

War Eagle Run Fest Half Marathon, 5K, Kids Mile 7:00 AM, Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the thrill of a lifetime at the third annual War Eagle Run Fest on February 18! Feel the rush as you kick off this spectacular event right from the iconic Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Whether you’re a seasoned half marathoner, a spirited 5K enthusiast, or have little ones eager to dash in the kids’ 1-mile run, there’s a run for everyone! www.wareaglerunfest.com Vienna Boys Choir 7:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn The Vienna Boys Choir is one of the most famous choirs in the world. For six centuries, this illustrious group of child musicians

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FamilyCalendar has been delighting music lovers with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and diverse repertoire that includes everything from medieval to contemporary to experimental music. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu John Waite: 40 Years of Missing You 7:30 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery John Waite’s catalogue of hits features some of the most loved songs of the 80s and 90s – the #1 Worldwide hit ‘Missing You’, The Baby’s ‘Isn’t It Time’ and Bad English ‘When I See You Smile’ rank amongst some of his biggest international hits and are still heard on radio today. Others include ‘Tears’, ‘Change’ and ‘These Times Are Hard For Lovers’.

‘Every Step of The Way’ and ‘If Anybody Had a Heart’. www.mpaconline.org/events Metropolis Silent Film with The Wave 7:30 PM - 6:00 PM, RiverCenter for the Performing ArtS, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Organist Clark Wilson will play this extraordinary landmark 1927 silent picture. In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city’s mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences. www.rivercenter.org

Tuesday, February 20

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 7:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Led

by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance.

The Ailey company has gone on to perform for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents—and has reached millions more online and through television broadcasts. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Wednesday, February 21 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Details on February 20.

Thursday, February 22

Auburn Area Community Theatre Young Performers Presents “Miss Nelson is Missing!”

($10/Adults, $8/ Children, Students and Seniors. Tickets can be purchased at auburnact.org.) Location TBD A teen

cast will perform one weekend in Auburn and one weekend at a variety of locations. The Traveling AACTors will bring a favorite story to life: “Miss Nelson Is Missing!” (written by Henry Allard and adapted by Jeff Hatcher) tells the story of a teacher that can’t control her crazy classroom because she’s just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-asnails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homeworkoverloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp!

Drum Tao 7:30 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Drum Tao’s stage is created through phenomenal performances and expressions consisting of incomparable “Wadaiko-drums” and the beautiful melody of Japanese flutes and harps. www.rivercenter.org

Friday, February 23

Auburn Area Community Theatre Young Performers Presents “Miss Nelson is Missing!”

Details on February 22.

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

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Mann Museum Flashlight Tour 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery Do you enjoy the dark? Are you ready to go on an adventure, with nothing but your good senses and a flashlight? Peer through the darkness and discover walls lined with animal pelts of the past, see several deer species nose to nose, and if you can bear it, just around that corner may be 10-foot Polar bear just waiting to meet you. It is geared for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, and their parents. Yes, parents, you are invited to join the fun too. www.montgomeryzoo.com/plan-your-visit/zoo-specialevent-calendar/-curm-2/-cury-2024 Daddy Daughter Dance ($30/couple

+ $10/additional daughters. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment.

If any tickets are available after the registration deadline registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50/couple.) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM,

Opelika SportsPlex & Aquatics Center, 1000 Andrews Road, Opelika Registration is required by Feb. 19th. www.opelika-al.gov/711/Daddy-Daughter-Dance

Saturday, February 24

Auburn Area Community Theatre Young Performers Presents “Miss Nelson is Missing!”

Details on February 22.

Campfire Cooking Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join this fun, casual cooking class that explores tips, tricks, and recipes for cooking over an open fire. Cyndi Czerkawski (In The Garden instructor) takes a farm-to-table approach to campfire cooking using fresh, local ingredients. Whether you are experienced or you are new to open fire techniques, you are bound to get something new out of this class, not to mention the great food! Visit our website for more information. https://aub.ie/campfirecooking Empty Bowls (Tickets are $20. ) 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM,, Denson Drive Rec Center, Opelika This event will include soup, entertainment, and raffle prizes. Every ticket purchased is a direct donation to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Each ticketholder gets their choice of a handmade bowl created by local artists along with soup and bread. Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger that was initially created by The Imagine Render Group in 1991. www.auburnalabama.org/empty-bowls/ Daddy Daughter Dance Details on February 23.

East Alabama Arts: The King’s Singers 7:30 PM Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 Lafayette Pkwy, Opelika The King’s Singers have represented the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over fifty years. www.eastalabamaarts.org Montgomery Comedy Festival 8:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery www.mpaconline.com/events

Sunday, February 25

Celtic Woman: 20th Anniversary Tour 3:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery On the heels of the successful “Postcards From Ireland,” Celtic Woman

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will carry on its legacy of uplifting performances packed with breath-taking harmonies and instrumental virtuosity. www.mpaconline.com/events

Thursday, February 29

Brian Regan 7:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Critics, fans, and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country. Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Regan’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues across North America, from the Kennedy Center to Carnegie Hall, visiting nearly 100 cities each year. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu Come From Away 7:30 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga This stirring and inspiring musical takes you into the hard of the remarkable story of the small town in Newfoundland that opened their homes to 7,000 stranded travelers on 9/11. During that week, cultures clashed and nerves ran high-but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. www.rivercenter.org

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Emmet Cahill: Songs of Ireland 7:30 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Cahill, Star of PBS Phenomenon Celtic Thunder, has been hailed as Ireland’s most exciting young tenor. News of his sold out debut concert at Carnegie Hall has turned heads with audiences. www.rivercenter.org

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Saturday, March 2

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Friday, March 1

Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience 7:30 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga www.rivercenter.org The Oak Ridge Boys Farewell Tour 7:30 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery www.mpaconline.com/events

Monday, March 4

The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra 7:30 PM Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 Lafayette Pkwy, Opelika Founded in 1892, and long recognized as one of Bulgaria’s leading cultural institutions, the Sofia Philharmonic, the National Orchestra of Bulgaria, represents a wide range of the country’s classical and contemporary musical traditions. www.eastalabamaarts.org

Saturday, March 9

Leprechaun Hike 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join us for our second annual leprechaun hike as we search the trails for the sneaky leprechauns in the woods. Participants will engage in fun, hands on crafts and activities as they uncover the path of our little green friends.

Tickets will be $7/participant ($5 for members). https:// kpnc.auburn.edu/events/

Sunday, March 10

Zach Williams: An Awakening Foundation Event 7:00 PM Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery Awakening Foundation, powered by Awakening Events, announces the next leg of the “Zach Williams A Hundred Highways Tour”

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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FamilyCalendar will kick off this spring and run for 30 dates. Opening on March 8 and going through May 10, the “A Hundred Highways Tour” is supported by World Vision, Altrua HealthShare, K-LOVE Radio, and Air1 Radio. www.mpaconline.com/events

Saturday, March 16

Bark in the Park 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Lee County Humane Society will host Bark in the Park: An Event Celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership. This FREE community event is open to all dog owners and their favorite four-legged friends. Vendor applications will open November 6, 2022. Local businesses, veterinarians, non-profit organizations and rescues offering products and services for dog owners are encouraged to submit an application to Sarah Cook at scook@ auburnalabama.org. www.auburnalabama.org/parks/events-and-calendar-/ bark-in-the-park/ Tails and Trails Fun Run 2024 9:00 AM Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join Active Auburn as we kick-off the 12th Annual Bark in the Park with a 3K for you and your furriest friends.

Grab your running shoes and your running “pawtner” for a dog gone good time! The 4th Annual Tails and Trails 3K will be coinciding with Bark in the Park. Registration for Tails and Trails is FREE, but required. www.auburnalabama.org/parks/events-and-calendar-/ bark-in-the-park/

3rd Annual Breakfast with the Bunny ($10 per person) 8:00 AM Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Hop on over to the buffet-style breakfast is $10 per person and activities will include a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, balloon animals, face painting, a petting zoo and egg hunt! This can’t-miss event is sure to produce some cherished family memories and adorable photo opportunities Tickets go on sale on Monday, February 5 at 8:00 a.m. at auburnalabama.org/parks/register. No walk-ups will be accepted on the day of the event. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Sunday, March 24

123 Andres 3:00 PM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Christina and Andrés are 123 Andrés, the Latin Grammy-winning, Grammy-nominated duo for kids and families known for their interactive, high-energy shows. They bring fresh original songs that blend Spanish and English, with an eclectic mix of sounds from all corners of Latin America. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/123-andres/

Day In Clay 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 E. Drake Ave. Auburn This one-day open house will take place in the new ceramics studio in JDCAC. During this open house, we encourage the whole family to visit our new, fully equipped studio, enjoy beverages and snacks as well as watch demonstrations by studio members. Visitors who want to have the experience of working in clay can pay $10 per person and select either an adult or kids project to create. ALL registrations for hands-on workshops must be done at auburnalabama.org/parks/register. No hands-on workshops can be purchased at the door. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Friday, March 22

360 Allstars: Urban Circus 10:30 AM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga BMX, basketball, breakdancing, aerobatics, drumming and more, the international smash hit returns! A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 Allstars connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. www.rivercenter.org

Saturday, March 23

The Eggcellent Easter Scavenger Hunt A clue will be posted on the Auburn Parks and Recreation Facebook and Instagram each morning of the scavenger hunt leading participants to an Easter egg in one of our parks or facilities. Participants must then use their phones to scan the QR code on the Easter egg which will lead them to the next clue. When participants have found all the clues, they will be prompted to enter their name into the drawing for one of five prizes. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

World Ballet Series presents Swan Lake 7:00 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga www.rivercenter.org

Thursday, March 28

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt 7:30 PM, Opelika SportsPlex 3rd-5th graders FREE and open to public Sundilla presents Ruth Wyand in Concert

(Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodies, and online. Admission at the door will

be $25.) 7:30 PM, 450 East Thach Ave, Auburn Free coffee, tea, water, and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage. www.sundillamusic.com

Friday, March 29 Underwater Egg Hunt

(Ages 6-10 years, $5 per person, must register by March 25.)

6:00 PM Opelika SportPlex Pool, 1001 Sportplex Parkway, Opelika

Saturday, March 30

Easter on the Square (2nd grade and under FREE) 10:00 AM Opelika Courthouse Square, Opelika Family Art Fun (Tickets are $5 ($4 for members). ) Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Come enjoy the outdoors through art! 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 instructive lesson on how to paint a leaf, then you will get the chance to paint whatever inspires you.

Sunday, March 31

44th Annual Easter Egg Hunt ($5 per child for Auburn residents. $10 per child for non-residents)

9:00 AM, Duck Samford Park Lower Baseball Fields, Auburn There will be four hunting fields available for the following age groups: 0-3, 4-6, 7-8 & 9-10 years

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Every First and Third Friday

Food Truck Friday 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM,, 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.

February 1, 15, 25, 29

Auburn University Women’s Basketball https://auburntigers.com/

February 2, 9, 23

Tuesday, March 26

Leprechaun Hike Details on March 9.

of age. Attendees can also enjoy musical entertainment, free balloons, face painting and inflatables beginning at 9 a.m. Registration will open Monday, February 5 for Auburn residents. Anyone outside of Auburn can begin registering Monday, March 18 if space is still available. Every participant must be pre-registered and there will be no registration taken day of event!

Registration will take place at auburnalabama.org/ parks/register.

Auburn University Gymnastics https://auburntigers.com/

February 23-March 3

Holes Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus, Ga Stanley Yelnat’s family is cursed with bad luck.

The boy is wrongfully sent to a juvenile detention center, Camp Green Lake and is forced to dig holes in the desert heat in order to “build character”. Stanley eventually realized that he and his fellow prisoners are digging these holes because the Warden is searching for something. www.springeroperahouse.org

February 8- March 3, 2024

Blues in the Night Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, Al The soul of the blues wails out full and strong in Blues in the Night, a scorching, Tonynominated musical! The 26 hot and torchy numbers tell of the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences three women have with the lying, cheating snake of a man who does them wrong. www.ast.net

February 9-10, 20, 24

Auburn University Swimming & Diving https://auburntigers.com/

March 8-24, 2024

The Little Mermaid Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus One of the most ravishing Broadway shows ever, this Tony Award-winning fantasy is more than just a visual feast. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, a teenage mermaid, Ariel, gets a glimpse of the human, Prince Eric, and falls in love. Join Areil and Eric, along with a colorful cast of friends, Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian, on this whimsical journey under the sea. www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ the-little-mermaid

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

JF: Our house motto is ‘leave things better than you found them.’

That could apply to many things, whether cleaning your room, interacting with someone, or your work at school.

In our household, we try to encourage a growth mindset. We focus on celebrating the effort more than the outcome. We encourage and support hard work and facing challenges head-on so you can be proud of your effort when you overcome those challenges.

We are a faith-based family as well, active in Highlands Church. Our home centers around faith and family.

AOP: How do you encourage a healthy lifestyle for your children?

Jessie Forte

JF: Moving our bodies is always incorporated into the day. Both Chris and I have our own workout routines. I do Peloton first thing in the morning before anyone gets up and Chris trains jiu-jitsu at KageFit in Opelika. The kids see that. Then they have their sports, so practices are part of the week. My little one has also been at KidStrong since it opened.

On non-practice days, we still encourage finding something active to do. It could be riding bikes, shooting hoops, jumping on the trampoline, or something as simple as going for a walk. Anything active before asking for screen time. If you make it a part of a daily routine it becomes something kids will adopt.

AOP: February is often known as the month of love. How do you share love with your family?

JF: My love language is words of affirmation (If you haven’t read The Five Love Languages, you should check it out). Using words of affirmation is how I best express my love to my boys and husband. I often say things like “I love you so much,” “I’m proud of you,” “Thank you for all you do,” etc.

Acts of service is another love language I use to express my love, especially for the boys when supporting their sporting events and ensuring all their logistics are in order.

AOP: If a mom wanted to begin the journey to better health for her and her family, what piece of advice would you give her?

JF: I’d say the biggest piece of advice is to just start! Add new things in small doses. Maybe incorporate a short walk after dinner for the whole family or find a short body weight exercise routine or yoga session online to do at home for yourself.

Start with a small commitment, 10-20 minutes, 3 days a week, and build from there. The goal is to build a healthy routine so it doesn’t feel like a chore or a task and becomes a piece of your life!

AOP: Do you and your husband have any big plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day? JF: One of my favorite traditions with my husband is celebrating Valentine’s Day. With our work schedules, we might not celebrate on Valentine’s Day every year, but we always carve out time to celebrate it. Chris cooked me dinner for our first date, so it’s tradition for Valentine’s that he cooks our first date dinner menu. I love carving out the time to spend together because it is dedicated to connecting as adults, as husband and wife, as a couple - instead of just being mom and dad. The time together allows us to go back to what we enjoy about one another.

AOP: What has been the greatest surprise in your motherhood journey?

JF: I played sports growing up through high school and into college. One of the biggest surprises in motherhood is how much more I enjoy watching my kids play the sports they love. It’s exciting to see them get out there, test their skills, play on a team, and be good teammates. They are learning to be good leaders. They stumble and fall and practice and grow. I know what it feels like to have gone through all of this, and now I get to witness that in my kids. It is just an ultimate joy.

AOP: You have boys ten years apart. Do you feel this makes parenting more or less challenging?

Rapid Fire Questions: 1. Salty or Sweet? Sweet.

2. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Near the ocean 3. What is your favorite food? Mexican 4. Sunrise or sunset? Sunset 5. Name one fun fact about yourself that you don’t usually share.

Despite playing college volleyball and softball, my first love was ballet. I practiced from the age of three up until high school.

JF: I would say parenting is challenging no matter what your dynamic looks like. It is so rewarding to see your children come into their own and have individual character traits, personalities, and interests. Discovering their uniqueness is the fun part of parenting.

The boys are ten years apart but Chris and I strike a balance on the logistics of getting to sporting events and supporting the boys in their own way.

Something else we also love to do is try to figure out adventures we can go on together that both boys in their age range would enjoy. It’s fun and exciting to try and figure those things out.

We have been snorkeling, biking, visited amusement parks, and traveled to new places!

Jessie Forte and her husband, Chris, have been married for 10 years. She has two handsome boys: Garrett is 18, and Gabriel is eight. She is an avid Peloton member and loves to do all different practices and exercises with the bike, yoga, boot camp, kickboxing, walking, and running. Jessie has been in pharmaceutical sales for nearly two decades.

AOP: What values do you prioritize in your parenting?

Auburn Opelika Parents I February 2024

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MOTHER SON

Blue Jean

Ball FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH 6:00-8:00 P.M. COVINGTON RECREATION CENTER $30 PER COUPLE | $10 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL SON

*IF ANY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AFTER THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE, REGISTRATION WILL REOPEN, BUT THE FEE WILL INCREASE TO $50.

A FUN NIGHT OUT FOR MOMS & SONS OF ALL AGES!

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY 2/2/24 TICKET INCLUDES A MEAL, CORSAGE, BOUTONNIERE AND ENTERTAINMENT. 1

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Parents

stop

hpv

Keep Your Kids Cancer Free!

More than 26,000 new cases of HPV cancers could be prevented with HPV vaccination

HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention!

90

%

Prevents 90% of HPV cancers Protects boys and girls against half a dozen cancers including cervical and other HPV cancers.

Don’t Delay.

contact your childs doctor today!

Vaccine costs are covered by most insurance programs, Medicaid, and the Vaccine for Children Program (VFC).

Don’t Wait to Vaccinate AGE AT FIRST DOSE

DOSE #2

DOSE #3

9 years until 15th birthday

6-12 months after dose #1

Not Needed

15 years or older

1-2 months after dose #2

Approximately 4 months after dose #2

Visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm for more information and other available resources.

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