FamilyCalendar

involvement and support, and assist Zoo staff in daily Zoo operations. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Every Monday www.callawaygardens.com

Astronomy Night Callaway Gardens Overlook Pavilion, 17800 US-27, Pine Mountain, Ga Come join us for our astronomy night. We will be at the Overlook Pavilion in the Azalea Garden (immediate left right after the Callaway main gates, follow the road to the far side of the “loop” around the parking area). We will begin our brief presentation at 9pm and then proceed to the telescopes afterwards. For this free event, we will be bringing our own telescopes to star gaze and look at planets, the Full Moon, Constellations, & more throughout the summer!

Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays

10:00 AM For information, Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Tuesday

O Grows Farmers Market

8:00 AM, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika Selling baked goods, fresh produce, and more from our local vendors every Tuesday! Opelika Grows utilizes community gardens to pursue curricular objectives that support the community challenges of hunger relief and city beautification. www.facebook.com/opelikagrows

Thrifty Tuesdays

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, Al The Montgomery Zoo is proud to announce our summer discounted admissions promotion, THRIFTY TUESDAYS. Receive 50% OFF admissions every Tuesday afternoon, beginning June 6- July 25 (with the exception of Tuesday, July 4). Tickets must be purchased in person, 12pm (noon)4pm (Tuesdays only) in order to receive the discounted admission. This discount cannot be combined with any other discount, coupon, and/or offer. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Opelika Public Library Jr. Book Club

For more information, Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Wednesday

Opelika Public Library Baby & Me

For more information, Library@opelika-al.gov

Walk This Way Walking Club

For more information, Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Thursday

AG Heritage Park Farmer’s Market

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM,, 925 Camp Auburn Rd Hosted by the College of Agriculture, The Market features area vendors offering fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants and cut flowers as well as locally produced jams and jellies, baked goods, soaps, honey, goat cheese and more. www.agriculture.auburn.edu/outreach/ag-heritagepark/the-market/

Opelika Public Library Jr. Robot Crew

For more information, Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Friday

Opelika Public Library Story time

For more information, Library@opelika-al.gov

Every First and Third Friday of every month

Food Truck Friday

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

Every Saturday

Market Days on Broadway www.alwaysuptown.com/market-days

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1000 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Each Saturday, the 1000-1200 blocks of Broadway host over 100 local and regional vendors. Visitors can expect to find fresh produce, home goods, jewelry, unique crafts, florals, and delicious baked goods! Market Days is the perfect Saturday activity for family, friends, and even furry pals! Join us from 9am-12pm each Saturday.

Saturdays (May 20-August 26)

City Market www.facebook.com/citymarketauburnal

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

Every Sundays

Super Sunday Rides www.facebook.com/CAMP.SORBA/

2:00 PM through Sunday, July 2, 2023 Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn Sponsored by Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers (CAMP). Join CAMP in the second parking lot at Chewacla State Park. These are casual rides that are organized on the spot based on what rider levels show up. Rides generally split between faster, more skilled riders and beginner, intermediate riders. Let them know where your comfortable riding and they’ll get you with the right group! Kids of all ages are welcome. Helmets required.

July 28-29

Friends of the Libraries BIG Book Sale Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd, Columbus, Ga. Readers rejoice! Stock up on books by bestselling authors, cozy mysteries, suspenseful thrillers, delightful children’s books, and much more, with books priced at $2 or less. All proceeds from the sale support many of the programs and services offered by the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.

July 14-30 www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ dont-let-the-pigeon-drive-the-bus

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus, Ga It’s not easy being a Pigeon. You never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver takes a break from his route, perhaps there is only one hero who could possibly save the day. Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production. Featuring a combination of puppets, songs and feathers, this comedic drive will be sure to get your toes a’tapping and wings a’flapping.

July 21-23

Alabama Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday www.alabamaretail.org/resources/salestaxholidays/ back-to-school/

12:00 AM 18th annual sales tax holiday for schoolrelated items begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, and ends at midnight Sunday, July 23, 2023, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, books and clothing free of the state’s four percent sales or use tax.

July 26-30

Lake Martin Songwriter’s Fesitval 2023 www.lakemartinsongwritersfestival.com

Various locations in Dadeville and Alexander City The multi-day songwriter’s festival features over 20 artists at multiple venues ranging from intimate listening rooms to spacious outdoor stages all around Alabama’s Treasured Lake, Lake Martin.

July 29-30

Explore the World with Zoo Atlanta www.zooatlanta.org/event/wild-world-weekend/

Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, Ga Experience the dynamic cultures and rich biodiversity that surround us. Travel from Africa to the Americas, and from Europe to Asia and the Pacific, via special entertainment and activities for the entire family. Help us celebrate our world’s amazing wildlife and the beautiful places they call home.

August 5-30

Itty Bitty Auburn (FREE to the public) www.auburnalabama.org

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

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

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

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Miles Morales is struggling to adjust to life as Spider-Man – and then Gwen reappears and takes him into the multiverse where they meet a team of SpiderPeople who protect every universe. As Miles learns more about the multiverse, he starts to question what it means to be a hero. The original Spider-Verse film was a groundbreaking work of animation, and this movie is even better. The animation is dazzling and the plot, although darker than the first film, remains satisfying. Spidey fans of all ages will find lots to enjoy here

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

The Maximals (giant transforming metal creatures) are on a mission to prevent Unicron (a planet-consuming entity) from finding a transwarp key. This device allows the user to transport instantaneously across the galaxy and it has been hidden on Earth. There’s little doubt how this story will play out or how it will end. Fans will appreciate the detailed action sequences and parents can be assured that the violence remains within PG-13 limits. By no definition does this qualify as great cinema, but it ’s one of the better films in the franchise. Photo ©Paramount Pictures

The Little Mermaid

Young mermaid Ariel is fascinated by the human world and handsome Prince Eric, who she saved from drowning. When Ursula the Sea Witch gives her a chance to live on land, Ariel takes it – but she doesn’t fully realize the price she’ll have to pay. Halle Bailey gives a star turn as Ariel and the movie provides Eric with a deeper backstory, but the film sti ll feels soulless. This isn’t a vibrant, magical tale: it feels like a bland, bloated cash grab on the part of Disney That won’t stop kids from enjoying it but it may frustrate parents. Photo ©Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Rally

A slow loris (a small mammal related to monkeys) named Zhi is thrilled when his car-racing idol, Archi Vainglorious, comes to his hometown and is then outraged to learn that Vainglorious wants to buy and bulldoze Zhi’s grand ma’s home. The two make a deal: if Zhi wins the Silk Road Rally, Grannie’s home is his. Packed with crazy driving and stuffed full of positive messages, this is an innocuous cartoon that will be enjoyed by kids and, mi raculously, not loathed by parents Photo ©Viva Kids

The Boogeyman

Psychiatrist Will Harper has a new patient with a story about the deaths of his three kids, caused by a monstrous creature preying on children in the dark. When the patient dies, Will’s daughters start seeing something in the night Based on a Stephen King story, this is a creepy tale with good acting, solid dialogue, and a monster that relies more on imagination than gory effects . Parents should be aware of a scene of teen marijuana use but the movie is otherwise suitable for adolescents. Photo ©20th Century Studios

Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com

With summer here, do you have any special trips or activities planned for the family?

We spend most summer weekends at Lake Martin where we love boating and the kids love to swim. It’s a chance for us to meet up with family and friends to relax. We also enjoy going to Destin and traveling to the Caribbean Islands. Our favorite island is Grand Cayman, which is a quick 2 1/2 hour flight and is very kidfriendly. If we are in town, my boys love playing mini golf at Tiger Town Sports. We are taking

AOP: What is the most rewarding part of motherhood for you?

AH: Our boys are only 15 months apart - Noah (4) and Jonah (3). They amaze me every day with their close bond and discoveries. They have taught me to be more patient, more loving and much more appreciative of every moment we have together as a family.

AOP: How do you balance being a mother and pursuing your personal goals?

AH: I work for Auburn Hospitality as the Senior Director of Sales. I’m passionate about my career and about being the best wife and mother to my boys. I’m truly blessed with an amazing company that incorporates a family-work life balance, helping me fulfill both.

AOP: How do you handle difficult situations with your children?

AH: With two boys so close in age they are constantly wrestling and testing us as parents. We try and stay calm, make sure Noah and Jonah feel heard and reward good behavior.

AOP: What are some ways you reward and positively reinforce good behavior with your boys?

AH: It can be a simple as offering praise or a special trip to the playground.

AOP: How do you handle feeling overwhelmed or stressed?

AH: Self-care is important in how I handle stress. I like to wait until I have put the kids to bed to take some “me” time every night. I also try and exercise twice a week.

AOP: How do you stay connected with your husband while being a mother to two young children?

AH: Patrick and I have a date night at least once every 2 weeks if possible. We also take time at the end of each day to talk.

AOP: What is the most important lesson you have learned so far as a mother?

AH: Give grace to yourself and to your children. We all need a learning curve as we figure out new ages and stages. By extending grace to yourself and to your children, they learn how to extend grace and forgiveness to themselves and to others.

AOP: What is something you have learned about yourself through motherhood?

AH: Thinking about everything that my brain and body has been through in the past four years just blows my mind. I’ve learned both the physical and emotional strengths I never knew I had. I have grown two humans, nourished them, kept them safe, fed, clean, entertained and loved. I’ve wiped tears, juggled plans, ran to doctor’s appointments and pulled all nighters. I’ve had moments of emotions, exhaustion and then complete triumph, all with only the help of my husband. We were made for this, and not until motherhood do we realize how strong we really are.

AOP: Knowing what you know now, what is one piece of advice you would tell your younger self?

AH: Nothing will actually prepare you for everything you will encounter as a mom. No parenting books, college courses or mom blogs. Everyone has different experiences because every child is different. So, learn as you go, seek the advice of others who have been there and be confident that you’ll always figure it out.

AOP: What is the most important lesson you hope to teach your children?

AH: Instilling kindness and compassion matters most to me.

Ashley and Patrick Harvill will be celebrating their ten year wedding anniversary next April. While both attended and graduated from Auburn University, living only a few townhouses apart, they didn’t meet until later in Orange Beach. Together they have two boys and a Boykin Spaniel named Lola. Ashley works for Auburn Hospitality as the Senior Director of Sales and Patrick is the Assistant Engineer for Lee County.

DID YOU KNOW?

Parents are the leading influence in a child's decision not to drink alcohol!

Since our brain does not finish fully developing until our mid-twenties, children and young adults don't always receive proper education on how alcohol negatively impacts them.

BEFORE THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL...

Teach your toddler to not accept anything from a stranger and to only drink from their cup.

*Some things are not meant to be shared.

Don't drink alcohol in front of your children.

Make a safety plan with a safety word at an early age and encourage them when they get older to do the same before they go out with friends.

Encourage your teen to stay focused on their goals and discuss with them how alcohol can hinder their future.

If they do choose to socialize with others who are drinking, remind them not to get in the vehicle with a driver who has had even one drink.

WHERE DO I START?

Prevention works!

It's never too early to talk to your children about the dangers of underage drinking.

Show that you care about your child's mental health, safety and their success by creating a trusting relationship with them.

Though, you may not think your child will engage in drinking, build up their skills and strategies on avoiding alcohol, peer pressure can be powerful!

Family & Children's Services

Providing behavioral and mental health services to families & children in Lee, Russell, Chambers, and Tallapoosa Counties.