Auburn Opelika Parents Newcomers Special Edition

Publisher’sNote

Welcome to East Alabama… your new home on The Plains! You and your family have settled into a wonderful place to live, raise your family, and grow your business.

Auburn and Opelika have thriving neighborhoods, big and small, and quaint downtown areas, where the community gathers for various events throughout the year. You’ll meet lots of friendly neighbors everywhere you venture. East Alabama is known for some of the best public and private schools in Alabama. Among the small-town vibe, you’ll find modern amenities like museums, theatre, technologies, growing businesses, and advanced healthcare facilities.

Auburn and Opelika are ever-growing and changing with various cultures and diversity. It is exciting to see all the growth around us, and it is fun to explore all that our area has to offer families.

If you wonder, “Where do I begin?” you have come to the right place. Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is Lee County’s foremost parenting resource. This month’s issue contains our Newcomers Guide, where you will find everything from city resources, real estate agencies, pediatric clinics, and recreational facilities. Look through our guide to get you started in the right direction. Also, we feature local happenings around town each month in our Family Calendar and Bits & Pieces pages. Fun events like nature hikes, concerts in the park, theatre shows, and story times at the library are just a few you can look forward to. In addition, the Auburn and Opelika Parks and Recreation have outstanding community events, children’s programs, and classes for the whole family. This month, mark your family calendar for the upcoming July 4th celebrations! It is a time that both communities gather together to listen to music, play yard games, enjoy a picnic dinner, and celebrate America’s birthday! Other must-do events are the family splash days and float-in movies throughout the summer. Be sure to grab your floats and watch The Goonies and The Bad Guys at the pool. Also unique to our magazine is a section you don’t want to miss… School Bits. Here schools showcase their students and some of their awards, honorable mentions, exciting news, and much more!

In this month’s feature article, 7 Effective Tips for Moving Into a New House with Kids, the author suggests some ideas to help with the transition. One, in particular, is that parents might want to join social media groups like Facebook, where your family could connect to other families with similar interests. There are groups for new families in particular areas/neighborhoods in town, groups associated with various schools, and groups related to sports or finding mom playgroups. Connecting in these groups would be a great place to begin acclimating, not only for your children but also moms and dads. In addition, meeting new neighbors will help the kids make new friends, and doing so before the new school year could encourage friendships that will make attending a new school this fall feel less overwhelming.

Welcome to Auburn and Opelika! It is our hope that your family finds a great home and neighborhood and feels welcome in your new community. As you settle in, reach out to local resources for all your family’s needs. From one parent to another, welcome to your new home on The Plains!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Lee

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

Rebecca Hastings

Dr. Jordan Jensen

Gabriele Jones

Kailyn Rhinehart

Works of Wonder Therapy

Cover Photography

Keightley Garnett

Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson

Director of Sales

Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552

Ad Design

Tim Welch

Web Content Manager

Scott Davis

Auburn-Opelika

by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

Raising Empathetic Kids

Everyone has two types of friends. One friend will listen to your issues, but is just there for you to vent. The other is a friend who is able to understand your problems by relating to your point of view. Both friends are good friends, but the differ ence between these two types of people is the skill of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Without empathy, we cannot connect with others effectively. It allows us to build stronger relationships with friends and family. Empathy is a skill that every parent has to learn and teach to their children.

As a parent, focus on your kid’s behaviors from their point of view. For example, if they are crying, do not focus on them being a “cry baby.” Instead understand that they are trying to communicate

something and that may be the only way they know to get your attention.

Teaching empathy to our children is a long and laborious task. Unfortunately, in our extremely selfish and entitled society, it is obvious that parents are blind to their childrens’ lack of empathy. So how do we teach our children the skill of empathy? Developing empathy can be broken into two categories: Imitation and Understanding.

Empathy development begins in babies through imitation. Mirror neurons allow us to naturally imitate the facial expressions, emotions, reactions, and behaviors of those around us. Research has shown that young children who accurately imitate others are more likely to correctly determine the emotions of others as they mature. This is why it is so important to spend face to face time with your baby

playing games like “Patty Cake”. As your child grows, gently use your hand to guide your child’s hand when necessary to ensure they know the right way to do activities (cleaning up toys, song motions, sports, etc). Remember, your child needs you, not your cell phone.

Empathy continues to grow through experiences. A life full of diverse experiences increases a person’s ability to understand others more clearly. When we encounter people with whom we have something in common, high levels of “feel good” hormones (dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins) are released in the brain, creating a positive connection. This is why it is so important to expose your child to a wide variety of activities, people, and knowledge. The more exposure you give your child, the better he/she will be at understanding different points of view and connecting with people.

Mastering empathy takes tremendous practice and patience. To raise an empathetic child, you must model empathy and begin teaching this skill to your child very early. It continues to develop through exposure to a variety of people and experiences. So do not be afraid to push your children to play games they do not find interesting, read books about things they do not like, and take them places they do not want to go. Help them build relationships with people who have had a variety of emotions and experiences. Also, expose them to people who live out similar values that your family has in diverse ways. This promotes understanding. It might be difficult and painful in the beginning, but the payoff is enormous!

Camp

WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT, KIDSTRONG CAMP IS IN!

Your child will have a blast while learning with their peers and getting tons of physical activity. We’ll be reinforcing important skills like confidence, teamwork, physical fitness, social skills, good sportsmanship and more!

June 22- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the Sweetland Amp

A Jason Isbell record always lands like a decoder ring in the ears and hearts of his audience, a soundtrack to his world and magically to theirs, too. Weathervanes carries the same revelatory power. This is a storyteller at the peak of his craft, observing his fellow wanderers, looking inside and trying to understand, reducing a universe to four minutes. He shrinks life small enough to name the fear and then strip it away, helping his listeners make sense of how two plus two stops equaling four once you reach a certain age — and carry a certain amount of scars. Doors open at 6:30pm, Concert at 8:00pm. Sweetland Amp, 100 Smith Street, LaGrange, Ga. 6:30pm. www.sweetlandamp.com/events/jason-isbell-and-the-400-unit/

Float-In Movie: The Bad Guys

Join Opelika SportsPlex for a summer movie and splashing! On June 16, 7:00pm, grab your float and watch The Bad Guys! 1001 Sportsplex Drive, Opelika. Free for members, $5 for guests. Please register by June 12. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Science on Saturdays: Raptors on June 10

Raptors are birds of prey characterized by sharp beaks and powerful talons! The group includes eagles, owls, hawks, and many others. At this program, representatives from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will visit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to show you some of these incredible birds, up-close and in-person. The program will include a variety of live raptors, most native to Alabama, and you will learn all about their habitat, natural history, and the challenges facing these majestic creatures. Tickets are $5 ($4 for members) and available on our website or at the door; children 3 and under are free. Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 2222 North College Street, Auburn. 10:00am.

www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve/events/

9th Annual Burger Wars

The 9th annual hamburger grilling competition, June 3, 11:00am2:00pm, is sponsored by Opelika Rotary Foundation, the non-profit arm of Opelika Rotary and Happy Hour Rotary Club! All are welcome to participate in the event. Whether you’re a professional, a business or just a master at a backyard cookout, enter your burger and put your grilling skills to the test. Visit www.opelikarotaryclub.com or www.facebook.com/burgerwarsopelika/.

Father’s Day at the Zoo: June 18

A big thank you to all the dads out there. With much gratitude and appreciation of your dedicated and loyal service to our sons and daughters, please celebrate Father’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. All Dads receive FREE admission to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Join us for Dad’s special day. The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Covington Children’s Carnival

Join Opelika Parks and Recreation on June 10 at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Avenue, Opelika, from 11:00am2:00pm. Families will enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, giant slide, bounce house, concessions, DJ, carnival games, prizes, giveaways and more. www.opelika-al.gov/867/5196/Covington-Childrens-Carnival

SummerNight Downtown Art Walk

Enjoy a creative evening, June 9, 6:00-10:00pm, in downtown Auburn! The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is a free, entertainment district event, taking place in the streets of downtown Auburn. Downtown merchants and restaurants stay open late, and people of all ages are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity to shop, dine and relax while enjoying the arts in downtown Auburn. Artists have their work on display and live musical entertainment is provided. For more information, contact the JDCAC at (334) 501-2963. www.auburnsummernight.org

Memorial Day to Labor Day: Summer at Callaway!

Summer comes naturally at Callaway Resort & Gardens. Stretch out on the shores of America’s largest inland white sand beach, where luxurious cabanas provide a relaxing retreat and returning family-favorite Aqua Island floating obstacle course invites kids and the young at heart to make a splash. Explore 2,500 acres of sun-kissed gardens on foot, by bike or even from above as you fly through the treetops on a zip-line adventure! Practice your swing on two gorgeous golf courses, then cast a line on one of 13 private lakes. Wonder at thousands of tropical butterflies in the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and experience rescued hawks, owls, and raptors flying just above your head during a live Birds of Prey show. Enjoy firework-filled skies by night and days packed with family fun during special holiday weekend events from Memorial Day through Labor Day. www.callawaygardens.com/the-gardens/events/summer-season/

Float-in-Movies: The Goonies

Join the Aquatics Staff for a float-in-movie, June 3, 8:00-11:00pm, at Samford Pool in Auburn. Enjoy a movie under the stars while relaxing and floating on a tube or lounging on the pool deck. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite inflatable from home, as some will be provided. Concessions will be available throughout the evening. Pool floats are allowed for float-in-movies. FREE admission with Splash Pass or $2 per person.

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Doing the Things You Want to Do

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

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

Are our solutions addressing the cause or simply masking the symptoms? Does it make sense to numb the pain or address the cause of the pain? This is a no-brainer.

If it is within our power to address the cause of what keeps us from living the life we want to live, we’ll absolutely do what it takes. A practice member we had join our office, Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, recently stated the desire to deadlift without pain. Each reach down, the pain would light up in the low back, and with more weight on the lift, the more pain there was. Naturally, reducing the weight was the first solution, but the pain did not fully go away. Additionally, this interfered with weightlifting goals that had been set

Functional and structural testing showed segmental stress throughout the low back, likely the cause of his dysfunction. We reviewed what needed to improve with this and how this part of the nervous system, the body’s coordinator of all the other body’s systems, needs to look to function one hundred percent. In this case, because your nervous system is needed for the muscles in your body to work properly, if the nervous system is under stress, the muscles’ function cannot work entirely like they should. Chiropractic aims to correct spinal positioning

that stresses the nervous system so that it may work optimally.

Before care, function was determined to be around fifty percent capacity, and deadlift ability was limited.

By the twelfth day of care, the first functional re-evaluation, function had increased to eighty percent, with no more pain reaching down for the weights, and the ability to lift a certain amount of weight was painless. A huge victory! Checking in at the three month mark, function was at ninety percent. The practice member had not experienced any pain moving toward the year’s weight goals.

This recent achievement is one of many we have the honor of witnessing. Who knows what will happen at one hundred percent! If your looking to restore function, the nervous system is an excellent place to start. We hope you get to live the life you want to live, doing the things you want to do.

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

Autauga County Schools

AHS Mass Media Students Win Awards

AHS Mass Media won numerous awards at Alabama Media Professionals (AMP) Annual Communication Contest in Birmingham.

Mason Smith: Sports Photo - 1st Place

- Sena Nane: Sports Photo - 2nd Place

Amelia Newman: Sports Photo - 3rd Place

- Sarah Bailey Brown: Sports Photo - Honorable Mention

Cordie Burt: Best Sports Package - 1st Place

Lily Ondy: Best News Story - 1st Place

Yesher Bowie: Best Feature Story - 1st Place

- Cordie Burt and Tiger TV: Best Newscast - 1st Place

The AMP Communications Contest rewards excellence in communications in print, broadcast, web, PR, marketing, book authors, podcasting categories, and more. Entries are judged by leaders in their fields of expertise outside the state of Alabama. ACS is proud of AHS Mass Media and Mr. Jared Dillard for representing student-produced media at the state level!

JROTC Celebrates with Awards

Lee-Scott Academy

Learn About Fossils

3rd Grade has been learning all about fossils in STEM with Mrs. Bodine. They were able to practice being paleontologists and identifying different types of fossils. The most interesting being coprolite.

The U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program celebrated this year’s Tiger Battalion with the annual Awards Day Ceremony! With cadets standing at attention in their Army Dress Blues and freshly-shined shoes, the gymnasium at Auburn High School brimmed with proud supporters of the young people being honored. In addition to the many awards, accolades, and scholarships presented in the program, this year, parents and guardians actively participated in the promotion process of cadets with the placement of epaulets, which signify their new rank within the battalion. JROTC develops strong character and leadership skills while teaching young people to be better citizens whether they pursue a military career, post-secondary education, or join the workforce. This Career Technical Education (CTE) program has two instructors in LTC (Retired) Anthony Benitez and 1SG (Retired) John Audaine but is student-led with approximately 110 cadets currently in Tiger Battalion. ACS is proud of all the cadets of Tiger Battalion and how they represent Auburn in and out of the classroom!

ACS 2nd Graders Visit Storybook Farm

Second graders in Auburn City Schools are enjoying the outdoors while visiting Storybook Farm. Several lessons were learned, including how to safely interact with horses while gaining a deeper understanding of communication with the large animals, sensory activities with canines, and team-building exercises through relay races. As a community partner, Storybook Farm is an educational resource that highlights literature and encourages capturing the wonder of childhood through connection with animals and nature. All the animals on the farm have literary characters as names, and locations throughout the 51 acres are titled with fictional places in childhood stories. ACS thanks Storybook Farm for welcoming and teaching our young students about nature!

ACS Track and Field State Bound

Track and Field teams from Auburn Junior High School and Auburn High School are headed to Gulf Shores to compete in the 2023 AHSAA Class 7A State Championships! ACS wishes our student-athletes and Head Coaches LaDextric Oliver and Olivia Tofani Bowen the best as they represent Auburn at the state level!

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

Lee-Scott Academy Students Attend Leadership Convention

The 2023 AISA Spring State SGA Leadership Program Convention was held at Faulkner University. Our SGA leadership team attended and was able to support 2023-24 LSA SGA President Miles Zachry as he gave an address. Additionally, Mrs. Leslie Moore was officially recognized at the event for being named AISA AAA Elementary Teacher of the Year. Lee-Scott was well represented at the convention this year and we’re incredibly proud!

Autauga County Schools

LSA Announce College Decisions

Congratulations to each of our seniors on officially making their college decisions! Ms. Lloyd also announced the senior class favorites and Mr. & Miss LSA as voted on by the senior class and Upper School faculty. This year’s 2023 senior class favorites are Kaitlyn Stewart, Maya EsquivelMcKinnon, Trey Fuqua & Ryan Dearing. The 2023 Mr. & Miss LSA are Kaitlyn Stewart and Joseph Horne. From 5 miles to nearly 4,000 miles away from LSA, our students are truly traveling all over the world after they leave us. We’re proud, excited and will miss them so!

ACS All-State Band Attends Festival

Students from East Samford School, Auburn Junior High School, and Auburn High School represented ACS in the All-State Band Festival in Huntsville, AL. The festival aims to distinguish the most outstanding band students in Alabama, allowing them to perform and have a musical experience of the highest caliber while showcasing their talents through an extensive audition process. ACS is proud of these students’ hard work and dedication to the musical arts!

AHS Theatre Performs Seussical

Auburn High School Theatre Department performed a dress rehearsal of Seussical the Musical for ACS fourth and fifth graders in preparation for their public shows. Seussical is a musical comedy based on Dr. Seuss’s many children’s stories. Most of its plot is based on Horton Hears a Who!, Gertrude McFuzz and Horton Hatches

St. Michael Catholic School

Learns from Great Artists

In preparation for the spring’s Fine Arts Showcase, students in Mrs. Strickland’s art class looked to established artists to learn more about their preferred art styles. Our hallways are adorned with artwork inspired by Georgia O’Keefe’s flower paintings, Paul Klee’s block paintings, Henri Matisse’s snail collage and cutouts, Piet Mondrian block paintings, and even Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa!

AEEC Hosts Multicultural Night

Auburn Early Education Center hosted a Multicultural Night for students and families to learn and share about heritages and traditions from across the globe. With more than a dozen countries represented, guests received a passport at the entrance to be stamped at each stop on their journey. From customary attire and music to traditional crafts and dining, the evening was full of appreciation for the diversity within Auburn City Schools. ACS celebrates the diversity that enriches the learning experience for our students!

the Egg while incorporating many other stories.

Autauga County Schools

AHS Celebrates Career Tech Students

Auburn High School hosted the eighth annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Awards and Recognition Celebration. Parents, guardians, Board of Education members, and ACS administrators were in attendance to congratulate and honor students who have excelled within their respective CTE programs. The celebration included:

- Students of the Semester

- Students of the Year

Parent Involvement at Dean Road Elementary

Dean Road Elementary School welcomed dads, guardians, and grandfathers to join in on the fun with students during P.E. classes. Coach Chad Jordan had the men build hula-hoop towers that required protection from frenetic flying of dodgeballs being thrown by the students. After several rounds of the game, everyone walked away with a smile on their face and a pep in their step! This event allowed father figures to connect with their children in an enjoyable and active way!

St. Michael’s School Celebrates God’s Creation on Earth Day

Our PreK-4 students planted a sensory garden with plants to smell, see, touch, taste, and a wind chime to hear blowing in the wind. They also had a chance to touch worms! What an amazing world we live in!

- Scholarship recipients (approximately $64,900 awarded)

- Students who have earned industry-approved Career Readiness Indicators (CRI)

ACS is proud to offer 15 different CTE programs/pathways. Courses included, but are not limited to, Advertising Design, Construction Technology, Engineering, Health Sciences, JROTC, Precision Machining, and Television Production. ACS CTE is led by Dr. Silvia Scaife (CTE Director) and Mr. Bill Bailey (Career Coach), with 20 CTE teachers on three campuses and more than 1,700 students enrolled in CTE courses.

Congrats to LSA National Spanish Exam Medalists

Felicidades to each of these students for a job well done on the National Spanish Exam!

Overall, in Spanish 3 LSA had five gold medalists, three silver medalists, five bronze medalists. and nine earned Honorable mentions. In all, 22 out of 24

In Spanish

4, students attempted two different levels! On their level 3 test, LSA had a gold medalist, two bronze medalists and four earned honorable mentions. In all, seven out of nine placed nationally on that level. On their more advanced test, LSA had three bronze medalists and three honorable mentions. In all, six out of nine placed nationally on this exam. These students are enthusiastic and thoughtful and work incredibly hard with Sra. Zellner to do this well on these tests! We’re so proud of them.

Pick Elementary 5th Grades Participate in D.A.R.E.

Fifth graders at Pick Elementary School participated in the D.A.R.E. course with classes led by their School Resource Officer, Lavareis Bryant. At the conclusion of the coursework, students submitted essays about the importance of their decisions as they prepare to embark upon middle school about what they have learned from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. The Auburn Police Department is now looking forward to D.A.R.E. Camp for all ACS fifth graders, starting in late June. D.A.R.E. is a nationally recognized program that teaches school-age children the dangers of drugs and how to avoid peer pressure and situations subjecting them to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. To obtain more information regarding the D.A.R.E. program, don’t hesitate to contact Public Safety Administration personnel

TCS Student Art Work

Trinity Christian School invited parents and students to view the school’s Art Show at the Art Haus. What a great way to display the art talent among the students.

ACA Students Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Auburn Classical Academy

Kindergarten boys enjoyed spending time outside. The students enjoy supplementing what they learn in the classroom in the great outdoors! Here, they are drawing the shapes and designs they have learned over the school year.

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

Autauga County Schools

LSA 5th Graders Visit Alabama 4-H Science Center

LSA 5th Graders made their annual trek to the Alabama 4-H Science Center in Columbiana. Students canoed, learned archery, climbed the rock wall, studied ecology by wading with nets in Lay Lake, went fishing and dissected fish, learned survival skills like fire and shelter building and participated in many team building challenges that grew not only their teamwork skills, but their friendships as well. They learned about the nature they have studied all year long by

AHS Tennis Teams Win at State

The Auburn High School Varsity Tennis teams competed in 2023 AHSAA Class 7A State Championships in Mobile earning several accolades including the girls securing a Blue Map trophy! The boys finished third overall with Luis Jeong and Kaleb Kirkland earning the #3 Doubles State Championship!

Additional State Champions include:

- Claire Bosman and Camilla Bosman: #1 Doubles

- Sophie Smith and Hanbi Youn: #3 Doubles

- Camilla Bosman: #2 Singles

- Victoria Choo: #4 Singles

- Shreya Ejantkar: #5 Singles

- Kathryn Kirkland: #6 Singles

LSA 5th Graders Engineer an Ozobot

Fifth graders had an amazing opportunity to engineer their own Ozobot maze and program their Ozobot to travel through it! Students planned and created their mazes in STEM class. Some students engineered a maze with a theme and others had tunnels for their Ozobot. Upon completion, fifth graders brought their maze to technology class with Mrs. Jones and were able to program their Ozobot to travel through every twist and turn!

Opelika High School Awards 2023 Killgore Scholarships

Congratulations to the Opelika High School recipients of the 2023 Killgore Scholarship! Ten seniors were presented with the scholarship during a reception hosted at Opelika High School on April 24, 2023. The 2023 recipients are (pictured l-r): Kason Martichuski, Harsh Patel, Elizabeth Dawe, Ashley Hilyer, Keely Rider, Susannah Couey, Paola Torres Morales, Jaleigha Doolittle, Micah Tring, and Robert Brasher.

Joining the 2023 recipients and their families were Opelika City Council President-Eddie Smith, Opelika Mayor-Gary Fuller, OCS School Board Members-Tipi Miller and Chuck Beams, OHS Principal-Kelli Fischer, and OCS Superintendent-Dr. Farrell Seymore.

AJHS’s Mallory Kincaid

Wins 2023 Assistant Principal of the Year

Auburn Junior High School Assistant

Principal Mallory Kincaid was named the 2023 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals. As a part of this distinguished honor, Mrs. Kincaid was recognized at the 2023 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Trailblazing Leadership Week in Washington, D.C. (April 24-28). This event is exclusively for members of the Principal of the Year Leadership Network Group where the NASSP Principal of the Year Alumni Network Group connects past State Principals of the Year and NASSP Digital Principals of the Year with meaningful opportunities to engage with each other. Mrs. Kincaid is in her fourth year as Assistant Principal at Auburn Junior High School and has 17 years of experience working in public education. She received this honor for demonstrating exceptional leadership, earning the respect of students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large while setting high expectations for school staff and students. The belief that “relationships are the foundation of leadership” has led to the building of a positive school culture and climate at Auburn Junior High School. Kincaid works to build relationships with all stakeholders. By supporting and encouraging teachers as well as ensuring students are academically, socially, and emotionally prepared, Kincaid has influenced the school culture in a way that has helped the school community to overcome hurdles such as teacher burnout, teacher retention, student performance, and overall morale.

Autauga County Schools

AHS Scholarship Signing Day

Auburn High School’s! Auburn High School had the privilege of hosting seven signings for student-athletes.

Saneya Gutierrez signed with Southern Union State Community College to further her education and play soccer

Will Best - Signed to play football at Millsaps College

Klark Cleveland - Signed to play football at Berry College

- Signed to play football at Auburn University

- Signed to play football at Southern Methodist University

- Signed to play football at Berry College

- Signed to play lacrosse at the University of Alabama at Huntsville ACS wishes the best for all these students as they embark on their collegiate journey to compete in their respective sports while furthering their education!

SMCS Third Graders Rock the Science Lab

During our last quarter, our third grade classroom incredibly transformed into the “Mad About Measurement” science lab! Third grade scientists performed all sorts of science experiments measuring mass and volume with glowing liquids in beakers and graduated cylinders under the tutelage of their mad scientist teacher.

Lee-Scott Congratulates All-State Band Members

Four Warriors were honored and attended All-State Band in Huntsville. Congratulations to seniors Aisha Roughton and Bryson Moon, sophomore Jaz Revalde and freshman James Bagley and thank you for representing us so well!

TCS Presents Story of Moses

The 3rd Grade presented The Story of Moses and demonstrated God’s faithfulness!

Autauga County Schools

LSA 6th and 7th Grade Girls Attend Special Breakfast

This year’s 6th grade girls were invited to a special breakfast with a few 7th grade girls for a transition meeting to Middle School next year! 6th grade girls have been participating in “Picnic & Prayer with the Principal” this semester that led to questions for the year ahead. Who knows better than how to prepare for 7th grade than 7th graders themselves?!

AHS Girl’s Golf Wins 1st

The Auburn High School Varsity Girls Golf team won 1st place at Sectionals. They will advance to Sub-State in Mobile to qualify for the State Tournament, which will be hosted at Grand National in Opelika. Sophia Pastor (7th grader) and Abbey Crowe (11th grader) also qualified as individuals for Sub-State!

AHS Boys Golf Team Wins at Sectionals

The Auburn High School Varsity Boys Golf team finished in 1st place at Sectionals in Enterprise, AL., with a team score of 314. Prather Reaves qualified as an individual to represent AHS at Sub-State in Mobile and Charlie Wilson was named to the alltournament team with a round of 77.

Shoutout to Holland Dilworth, Danica Carmack and Reagan Moore for their efforts to prepare answers from questions for our 6th grade girls. Ms. Mungenast, Mrs. Moore and Dr. Martin-Smith hosted the group in the media center with Chick-fil-A and orange juice while the girls answered questions.

Lee-Scott Academy Senior and 1st Grade Buddies

Seniors delivered a basket of treats and notes to their first grade friends. Our seniors and first grade buddies have loved being together all year long. These friendships between students in such different life stages end up being so special and meaning so much to both grades!

ACS Middle Schoolers Participate in Bird, Inc.

J.F. Drake Middle School students participated in “Bird Inc.,” a 50-minute factory activity led by John Cranston, a Senior Materials and Process Engineer for the James Webb Space Telescope. Bird Incorporated is a fictional company that produces decoy crows, owls, and turkeys for the U.S. market. During this team-building exercise, students were selected for different roles in the company, such as president, sales, marketing, and engineering. Then the students decided on their hourly wages before analyzing the time-cost tradeoff, allowing them to complete the project using an optimal schedule that led to minimum cost. Ultimately the students concluded that they would need to produce approximately six to ten times the number of decoys per hour to have their company turn a profit. The focus of this lesson for students was to pay attention, follow instructions, and learn from mistakes. Mr. Cranston is an experienced Materials and Process Engineer skilled in Materials Science, Systems Engineering, Research and Development (R&D), Aerospace, and NASA contracts. ACS thanks the Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (ICAMS) at Auburn University for partnering with J.F. Drake Middle School to bring this educational opportunity to our students!

LSA Receives Donation to Music Department

Lee-Scott Academy thanks Jonathan Hendrix and Rachel Pair from Spicer’s Music immensely for their generous donation to the Lee-Scott Academy music department! Spicer’s Music gives a percentage of their lesson program proceeds to the local schools that their lesson students attend. What a generous gesture from Spicer’s and we appreciate their support of our

Olgetree Music Teacher Wins the 2023 Curriculum and Teaching Alumni Award

Dr. Phil Wilson has been presented the 2023 Curriculum and Teaching Alumni Award from Auburn University’s College of Education! Dr. Wilson is in his 22nd year of teaching with experience at all levels of band and choral music. His philosophy of music education is that music is for everyone. At Ogletree Elementary School, Dr. Wilson teaches music to all students once a week for 50 minutes with lessons guided by the Alabama Course of Study for Arts Education and the National Standards for Music Education.

Dr. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Troy University in addition to a Master of Music Education and a Ph.D. from Auburn University. He has attained National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Music Education and recently renewed his certification in 2020. ACS celebrates Dr. Wilson’s love for music as he educates young people in Auburn!

Let’s Talk Algorithms! And How They Impact Our Kids

Let’s talk algorithms! They play a huge part in why your kids do what they do with their social media. They honestly affect anyone that is using social media. Algorithms are the invisible forces that power our digital lives. They are the mathematical equations determining what content we see on social media platforms and search engines. As a result, algorithms significantly impact our lives, including the lives of children growing up in a world where social media is ubiquitous.

The algorithms that power social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged. They do this by showing users content, most likely to keep them on the platform for as long as possible. Unfortunately, this means that the content that children see on social media may not always be the most accurate or reliable. Instead, it is content that has been optimized for engagement.

One of the ways that algorithms determine what content to show users is by tracking their behavior on the platform. This includes the posts they like, the accounts they follow, and the comments they leave. Algorithms use this information to create a profile of each user, which is then used to show them content likely to interest them.

While this may seem harmless, it can have negative consequences for children. For example, if a child spends a lot of time on social media looking at posts about beauty standards, the algorithm may show

them even more content related to this topic. This can create a feedback loop reinforcing negative body image and selfesteem issues.

Algorithms also have the power to create filter bubbles, environments where users only see content that confirms their beliefs. This can be especially harmful to children, who are still developing their worldview. If they are only exposed to content that supports their existing ideas, they may struggle to see other perspectives and become more closed-minded.

Another way algorithms can negatively impact children is by exposing them to harmful or inappropriate content. Social media platforms have come under fire in recent years for spreading harmful content, such as hate speech and misinformation. Children are particularly vulnerable to this type of content, as they may not have the critical thinking skills to discern what is true and what is not.

Algorithms can also contribute to spreading misinformation by promoting sensational and controversial content over more factual and accurate information. This can be especially harmful regarding issues like health and science, where accurate information is crucial for making informed decisions.

So, what can be done to mitigate the negative impacts of algorithms on children? One solution is for social media platforms to be more transparent about how their

algorithms work, allowing parents and educators to understand better the content children are being exposed to and take steps to mitigate any adverse effects.

Another solution is for parents to be more involved in their children’s social media use, including monitoring the content children are exposed to and engaging in conversations about the accuracy and reli ability of online information.

Finally, educators need to teach critical thinking skills to children from a young age. Teach them how to evaluate sources of information and discern fact from fiction online.

In conclusion, algorithms are powerful tools that have the potential to shape the way children see the world. While they can have positive effects, such as exposing children to new ideas and perspectives, they can also have negative consequences, such as promoting harmful content and reinforcing negative beliefs. By being more transparent about how algorithms work, be ing more involved in children’s social media use, and teaching critical thinking skills, we can help mitigate the adverse effects of algorithms and create a safer and more positive online environment for children.

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.

Tropic Falls is the tropical getaway with something for everybody—one ticket includes 23 theme park rides and the region’s biggest indoor water park! Open on select days is the all-new tropical wave pool, Big Water Bay, complete with Coastal Curl surf simulator. Hours vary— get all the details and tickets at VisitOWA.com!

THRILL, THEN CHILL.

Every dad needs reminders of how much he is loved and valued. While you don’t want to forgo the handmade cards and the offbeat kid ideas, these 10 ways to celebrate dad are sure to remind him of how much you care and give everyone some fun along the way.

Scavenger Hunt: Come up with fun clues like “As a dad I could not ask for better, your next clue is where you find a letter,” to lead Dad around the house to find a Father’s Day prize. You can make up your own clues or download a set from ETSY. You’re sure to get lots of giggles from kids every step of the way.

To make this work with older kids, you can even take the hunt beyond the house to go to places around town. Give him a clue when he arrives at each location, eventually ending up at a favorite restaurant or event like a baseball game or concert.

Memory Lane: Even the most macho dads can appreciate a little trip down memory lane, especially for Father’s Day. Break out some old photos and create a short movie full of memories for him. This is the perfect project for tweens and teens to take charge of. For younger helpers, get photos printed and have them create a poster of memories.

It’s even great to get photos from before Dad was, well, a dad. Give him the chance to tell stories about who he was as a kid and before he embraced dad life.

Finish a Project: Every dad we know has some project they started that they never got around to finishing because dad life is busy. Work together to help him finish a project. Whether it’s finally building the shelves he needs or planting the garden he dreams of, working together will make the project even sweeter.

Challenge: This can be as crazy as you want it to be. Think outdoor races or a bakeoff. Maybe a game of basketball or chess. Discover a fun challenge you can do for some friendly competition and time together.

Serve Him: This is not giving him a coupon for help in the yard or washing his car. This is about actually doing it. Surprise dad and wash the car inside and out. Pack his lunch for the next day. Take care of a job he always does so he can put his feet up and relax. Bonus points if you bring him some lemonade and cookies!

Explore a Favorite Spot: Does he love a certain hiking trail or beach? Maybe there’s a bookstore that he never has time to meander through or that hardware store that he loves. Even a coffee shop that makes his favorite latte. Find a place you know he enjoys and get him there. You can have him go on his own if he likes some quiet time to himself or make it a family affair if that’s more his speed. No matter how you do it, just make sure it’s one of his favorite places.

Discover a New Place: It’s easy for parents to get so caught up in the day-today that they run out of time for exploring new places. Give Dad the gift of exploration.

You can go old school and road trip with no plan in mind, but it’s usually better to have a few ideas up your sleeve. Websites like Only In Your State can help you find everything from wacky restaurants, hikes you never knew about, abandoned places, and even road trip trails to take you on an adventure to the state’s best ice cream spots, breweries, and more.

Make a Summer Bucket List (Dad Edition!): Even dad has a list of things he’d love to do. Sometimes it gets buried under work and baseball practice and goodnight stories. Father’s Day is the perfect time to dust it off!

Get a poster and some markers or create a shared family list on your phone for Dad’s

Summer Bucket List. Ask him what he wants to do before summer is over. And it can’t be all work and house things. Make sure he has fun little outings like going to his favorite ice cream shop and some bigger ideas like boogie boarding at the state beach. Even reading through a favorite book or seeing a movie counts! The only requirement: make time for the things on the list. Putting them on the calendar is the key to making them happen.

Favorite Foods: From sunup to sundown, fill the day with Dad’s favorite foods. Does he love a Caffè Americano and donuts? Maybe a protein shake from that place across town? How about burgers and fries? Add a milkshake? You got it!

Whatever it is, the day isn’t about what the kids like (sorry kids!).It’s a chance for Dad to eat the things he loves and enjoy every bite. He doesn’t even have to share!

More Than a Day: The fun doesn’t have to last for just one day. Make it an overnight or a weekend. Plan a family vacation that you know he’d love. It doesn’t need to be far or expensive (although that resort he’s dreamed about isn’t a terrible idea!). Think about things he loves and start there.

Does he love the outdoors? Maybe a campout is a perfect idea (even in the backyard!). Is he a museum guy? Plan an overnight to go to an art installation or even a fun place like the Spy Museum. Whatever dad likes, you can find a place he will enjoy. And the best part? The time you’ll have together!

After five years as a teacher, Rebecca Hastings began working from home in 2015 as a writer and speaker. Since then she has authored three books, written hundreds of articles, and consulted with dozens of clients.

does most of the cooking at our house,” shares Jana Gwin, light heartedly. “If any one is cooking, it is me, but with our busy schedules we keep it simple most of the time. We like to pick up takeout because it is the best of both worlds.”

operates and serves as Master Esthetician and Permanent Makeup Artist at Spa One Eighty in Auburn, which opened in 2008. She has two daughters, Lily (13) and Lucy (10). Lily does baton, choir and drama club and Lucy tumbles and cheers.

“With our busy schedules I am usually too tired to cook and clean the

kids enjoy it - which is rare!”

Jana originally decided to try this recipe after she found some Christmas tree raviolis around the holidays. She thought it would be a fun twist on a recipe she wanted to try and festive way to celebrate the season with her girls.

When Jana isn’t working and the girls have some time off from practices and rehearsals, the family loves to spend time with their fur babies. They have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Roo and two cats, Richard and Stella. Also, Jana’s parents own a home on Lake Martin and they enjoy going there.

Jana’s Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

•14 oz. Beef Broth

•14.5 oz can Italian Stewed Tomatoes

•½ lb hot Italian Sausage (cooked & crumbled)

•½ lb ground beef (cooked & crumbled)

•1 package cheese tortellini cooked and drained

•14 oz can of Italian cut green beans

Directions:

Brown and crumble the sausage and ground beef, draining off the excess fat. Bring the meat, broth and tomatoes to a boil along with 1 ¾ cup water. Let boil for five minutes, then reduce heat to low. Add the tortellini and green beans, simmer until thoroughly warmed. Top with shaved parmesan and serve.

Options: 1 lb spicy Italian sausage instead of ½ lb of sausage and ½ lb of ground beef if you prefer a spicier dish. Small ravioli works in place of tortellini, but doesn’t hold up as well for leftovers!

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.

momma still makes time for homemade meals around the kitchen table.

“We like to make breakfast for dinner, tacos, creamy Conecuh pasta and pork

“I grew up going to my grandparent’s on Lake Martin, so it’s always been my happy place,” Jana said. “My girls and I love going to spend time with my parents. We enjoy riding the boat and sea-doos, swimming, grilling out and relaxing!”

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.

70TH ANNUAL

PRESENTED BY OPELIKA PARKS AND RECREATION

MONDAY, JULY 3RD 6:30 P.M. | FIREWORKS AT DARK

OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH OPELIKA PARKS AND RECREATION. FIREWORKS, SILVER WINGS, HAMBURGERS, HOTDOGS, MUSIC BY ROUTE 66 AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

Gen Zers and Millennials in the Workforce

Q. I am the managing partner of a family business. We would like to add to our team, but I’m worried we can’t try to hold millennials and Gen Zers to the same standards as other generations without losing them. How do you feel about this?

A. Listen, I’ve got a building full of Gen Zers and millennials — and I love them. If you hire the rights ones, you’re getting people who love calluses on their hands and on their brains. They make the interview process easy too, because there are just two types from these generations: the ones who are unbelievably awesome and the ones who aren’t. But the great ones are not afraid of hard work. They’re passionate, intelligent and mission driven. I mean, they’ll charge the gates of hell with water pistols for something they believe in.

But that means you have to provide meaning in the work they do. They want to see that their work connects to something that matters. They want to be treated with dignity, not like units of production. And they have inquiring minds. Most of them want to know why you do things the way you do them. All that is perfectly okay with me and always has been.

Now, they’re the worst two generations to work for someone who’s just a boss. That’s because bosses push while leaders pull. If you’re going to pull, you have to inform, communicate and share a vision that draws people into your mission. Bosses, for the most part, have a “do it this way because I said so” attitude. That’s not going to last long with Gen Zers and millennials.

I get where you’re coming from though. I’ve still got friends and business associates who tell me we’re going to

lose everyone from these generations if we don’t cave in and give them things like “the flexibility to work from home” — which really means, “I don’t want to work much” or “I want to work all the time.” Listen, I understand not everyone who works from home falls into one of those two categories, but some of them do. There are folks who put in 80 hours a week because they can’t put their screens down and live a life. Or they work three hours a day and call it “working from home.” That’s not working from home — that’s working part-time hours for full-time pay. And that’s called stealing.

But millennials and Gen Zers? They are, for the most part, genuine, real people and hard workers. If you give them what you should as a leader, they’ll blow you away with their smarts and what they’re capable of achieving!

Sharron Hill Farrar

As a military spouse, I have moved a handful of times with and without kids.

In the last year and a half alone, we have relocated three different times... with kids.

It is not always easy and sometimes it doesn’t go as smoothly as we’d like, but it is possible to do while maintaining a tiny bit of your sanity.

I know you might be thinking that moving across the country or to a new neighborhood can seem stressful and make you crazy, but it really doesn’t have to be that way. It’s possible to make moving with your kids stress-free and a fun family memory for you. I promise! What I share won’t take a lot of time to do and anyone can use these tips to help them have a calm move.

Here are 7 things that have helped us when we’ve had to move with kids:

1) Lists Are Your Friend. Maybe I’m just a “list-person” but lists keep me sane and organized. Even if you don’t consider yourself to particularly rely on lists in your daily life, moving with children in tow may just be the perfect time to start!

Set aside a notebook, folder, or even a binder for your moving prep. In it, you can keep your lists, paperwork, important documents, and anything else you may need in one spot.

Lists help me sort out the overwhelm and break things down into what I have to do right now, what can wait, or what I will have to do in the future. I make lists for each car if we’re driving, the plane if we’re flying, snack lists, packing lists for each person or pet, and to-do lists.Things to grab or do the morning of is another helpful one!

Repeat after me: “To combat extra frazzled moving-mom-brain, lists are your friend.”

2) Join Facebook Groups Before Getting to the Area. Yes, Facebook groups can be a lot, but using it as a research tool when you’re moving is one of the most beneficial things I’ve learned after relocating with the military so many times.

There is basically a Facebook group for everything these days, but some of the more beneficial ones I’ve joined were local

town or mom groups. These are awesome for anything from pediatrician recommendations to which park is in the safest area or places to avoid for various reasons. Many areas have stroller and fitness groups or organize community playdates and other activities. I’ve also met some of my best mom-friends because of these groups!

3) Even Though You Can’t Prepare for Everything... Try to Prepare for Everything. If you’re driving long distances, don’t forget to have some sort of “car sick” or cleanup bag – Lysol wipes, a roll of paper towels, plenty of grocery bags.

If your baby relies on a sound machine to sleep, be sure to have a battery backup, plus some extra batteries. Extra clothes for everyone. Lots of sanitizer for hotels and gas station potty breaks, and more diapers than you could ever need.

On an eight or fifteen-hour trip where anything can happen, it doesn’t hurt to plan for anything that can happen! Or at least try to. We also invested in the Velcro pockets that hang on the back of the front seats. They are perfect for sticking spare diapers, wipes, a change of clothing, a burp cloth/rag, small toys or teethers, and anything else you may or may not need!

4) The Magic Hotel/First Night Bag. This will help eliminate shuffling through your trunk and other bags when you’re exhausted after driving. We’ve driven for 12, 16, and even 18 hours while moving across a few states. With two littles, two cars, and pets, it made sense to stop for the night and break up the drive into two days. This was overwhelming because it added another challenge with kiddos: a hotel stay.

I don’t know about your kids, but mine require certain things when they sleep, whether it’s in a house or hotel -- a sound machine, sleep sack, overnight pull-ups, etc. Rather than tearing through each person’s individual bag in the hotel parking lot at 7 p.m. or lugging multiple bags into the hotel for just one night, we pack one bag with everything.

We use zipper packing cubes for each person, and inside each cube, we have a pair of pajamas (and often a spare), a change or two of clothing, socks, toothbrushes, etc. Anything that person needs for one night. This concept can also be applied to a First Night Bag if you’re not stopping at a hotel! Anything anyone will need to initially survive and be somewhat comfortable the first night at your new home. With the first night bag or box at your house, you could also include things like toilet paper, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.

5) Special Toys and New Toys. We are not an “excessive-toy” family and tend to lean more toward minimalism, but this is where I have a bit of grace. In the long run, it saves my sanity and, while moving, that is so very important.

When driving long distances, we usually grab a few new toys. Sometimes it’s simple things like a small fidget-type toy or activity, sometimes it’s a few cheap toys for the baby from the dollar store that I can toss back while driving when he starts freaking out. On our last move, we got our almost-four-yearold a play toolset so she could “help” my husband put our furniture together at our new home. It’s one of my favorite memories, seeing them sitting on the floor together with all the parts. My husband read the instructions while she sat patiently until he would ask her to use her plastic hammer while wearing her pretend safety goggles.

While on the topic of toys, think carefully about what you’re giving them in the car. Stickers are okay for a four-year-old, but I wouldn’t want to peel them off my car windows from my two-year-old. For littles, use pacifier clips for smaller teethers so they don’t throw them two minutes into the trip. Does it make a mess? Is it safe? Can they swallow, break it (so it becomes sharp), or otherwise hurt themselves with it?

Obviously, we cannot control everything that happens, but I’m going to opt to give my

kid Water Wow pens instead of real markers on a twelve-hour road trip. Even if they’re washable. For most, this is probably a bit of a “pick your battles” scenario.

6) Make the Kids Feel Comfortable as Soon as Possible. When we moved into our last house, my husband went to my daughter’s room and told her to stand in her doorway. He then talked loudly down the hall to show her we could easily hear her if she needed anything from her room (especially at night).

Since our things were on a moving truck and didn’t come until the following week or so, we made sure to have our kids’ special sheets/bedding with us in the car. The very first thing we did was set up their bed/space. Even though they were on air mattresses and makeshift bedding the first night, we wanted it to be as familiar and comfortable as possible for them to help with the adjustment. We treated our oldest like one of the adults, showing her around the house and letting her know where things would be going, making as many connections from our last house as possible.

7) Snacks, Screens, and a Whole Lot of Grace. While we try to limit screens normally, we have a lot of grace during traveling and getting into a new residence.

Hope lives

Our dedicated doctors, nurses, researchers and staff are committed to finding a cure, so kids like Adrian can live their healthiest life – cancer free. We never give up hope of a world without childhood cancer and blood disorders, and that’s why we are here.

Sometimes the kids need to be out of the way while I’m unpacking breakables or when there are a lot of people in and out of the house. One of my best sanity-saving tips is giving my daughter movie time while I listen to my own podcast upfront while driving, and the youngest naps. Be intentional when possible. Plan your screens and use them as a tool and don’t show your cards right away. Save screens for when you need them!

Rather than a screen for littles, we usually get a new brightly colored music or light-up toy. Super annoying, but does the job of keeping their attention.

Snacks and more snacks while driving, of course. New or special snacks are great too. For older kiddos, the big lollipops that last forever are a special reward.

Overall, moving is stressful for both parents and kids. Try to do things that make it special and memorable, but also give yourself and your kids tons of flexibility and forgive ness. The transition phase isn’t forever and you’ll find your groove soon enough!

Kailyn is a wife and mama to two wild, blond babes, currently living where the military sends us. With an Early Childhood Education and Psychology degree, she is a Kindergarten teacher-turned-mama turnedfreelance writer.

After School Lessons and Activities

Alabama Dance Theatre

ad on page 35

1018 Madison Avenue Montgomery

We are an award winning, regional ballet company with an eclectic repertoire that includes the 19th century classes as well as new modern and contemporary works. The company emphasizes serious training for the pre-professional dancer.

334-625-2590 www.alabamadancetheatre.com

Auburn’s Best After School Care & Summer Camps

ad on page 12

2515 East Glenn Ave, 205 Auburn

Our summer camp is tailor-made to be fun, educational, and social. Parents love it – and kids do, too. Our summer camp can provide the solution to keep everyone happy. Kids get to attend a fun summer camp that keeps them active and gives them plenty of activities to do while making new friends and connecting with old ones. You get the reassurance of knowing that your kids are learning respect, discipline, and self-control, all of which will help them when they go back to school in the fall.

334-887-0818 www.auburnsbestsummercamp.net

Auburn Area Community Theatre

Center 222 East Drake Avenue` Auburn

AACT offers two full-length children and youth shows annually, with other smaller performances dotting the calendar throughout the year. AACT’s children and youth outreach program, dubbed the Young Performers’ program, includes musicals, dramas, comedies, and classics—all crafted to engage, educate, and stimulate young minds.

334-246-1084 www.auburnact.org

First Baptist Church Opelika Fine Arts

301 South 8th Street Opelika

Private music lessons are offered Monday – Friday. They begin no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and conclude no later than 9:00 p.m. Lessons are offered in the areas of piano, voice, guitar, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion and pipe organ. Our experienced instructors are highly qualified in their individual areas.

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

Opelika Theatre Company

1103 Glenn Street Opelika

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

334-663-4480 www.opelikatheatrecompany.com

The City of Auburn Public Library

749 E Thach Avenue Auburn

Family programming throughout the year. Check our online calendar for story times, puppet shows, book clubs, author visits, crafternoons, and much more. Our mission is to inspire, enrich, and delights our residents with vital and valuable resources, services, and experiences.

334-501-3190 www.auburnalabama.org/library

The City of Opelika Public Library

1100 Glenn Street Opelika

Family events and programming all year. Offering story time in the garden, preschool discovery zone, teen interests, book clubs, and much more. Our mission is to provide free programs, activities, information, and technological access to the citizens of Opelika.

334-705-5380 www.opelika-al.gov/917/OpelikaPublic-Library

Family Wellness and Health

City Market

ad on page 33

Town Creek Park Auburn

Every Saturday, May 29-August 28, 8:00-11:00am. The market will host local farmers, growers, and artists to sell their produce and products. Parking will be available for all market attendees in the gravel parking lot across from Town Creek Park.

334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org

Integrated Body Health ad on page 21

1995 Pepperell Parkway, 6 Opelika, Al 36801 Offering colon hydrotherapy, detox footbath, therapeutic massage, and nutritional guidance.

The body holds on to accumulated toxins, entering our body thru our skin and breathing, from our cleaning supplies, food, makeup, water and air. Today, more than ever, we need help to detoxify so we can revitalize the body as it is freed up from these daily toxins.

334-734-2909 pauline@integratedbodyhealth.com www.integratedbodyhealth.com

KidStrong

ad on page 4

1530 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, Al 36830

KidStrong is a milestone accelerator for kids walking through 11 years old. We help parents discover their child’s superpowers and build future-ready kids who are confident making friends, run the playground, and raise their hand high in the classroom. KidStrong’s curriculum is based on the latest in developmental science and leverages experts in the fields of pediatric occupational therapy, child development, sports physiology, and physical education.

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

Auburn Pharmacy

643 North Dean Road Auburn

Our main focus is to provide extraordinary customer service. We want to give you old-fashioned customer service with the convenience of modern technology.

334-521-0455 www.auburn-pharmacy.com

F45 Training North Auburn

1200 Opelika Road Auburn

F45 is specifically designed to provide a functional full-body workout while improving energy levels, metabolic rate, strength, and endurance.F45 is one of the most time-efficient ways of training. We aim to burn up to 750 calories per 45-minute session. www.f45training.com/northauburn

Planet Fitness

2500 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801 Get high-quality fitness at an affordable price. Planet Fitness offers low startup fees, no-commitment options as well as the PF Black Card ® where you can get ALL. THE.

334-617-3222 www.planetfitness.com/gyms/ opelika-al

Home Maintenance and Repair

Ace Hardware Auburn ad on page 25

2101 E University Drive Auburn

The store has been designed to reflect the needs of the Auburn-Opelika community, including solutions to everyday home improvement needs, as well as an extensive array of high-quality products in categories such as paint and lawn and garden. The store is packed with thousands of essential products and supplies, including some of the most respected brand names and best-selling items in the home improvement marketplace.

334-329-7100 www.acehardware.com/storedetails/15598

All-V Roofing and Restoration

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home roofing project as if it were our own. With 8 years of industry experience, we offer a wide range of roofing expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of our clients. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results.

334-319-2759 www.all-vroofingandrestorationllc.com/

Auburn Home Maintenance

We have an extensive list of the best reputable professionals in the area, so if the job is too big for us we can still help. Simply give us a call and let us handle it from there.

334-539-7000 www.auburnhomemaintenance.com

Eagle Inspection Services

I provide the property condition information you need for the best possible decision making. My inspection process is simple and affordable.

334-728-2137 www.eagleinspectionsauburn.com

TruGreen Lawn Care

1127 Preston Street Opelika

Our PhD-certified specialists will evaluate your lawn and design a tailored approach based on its climate, grass type, soil condition and usage to give it exactly what it needs at the right time.

334-363-3400 www.trugreen.com

Pet Care

Auburn University Veterinary Clinic

1010 Wire Road Auburn

We are a full-service, primary-care veterinary clinic designed to provide preventative and wellness care, as well as basic appointments for pets in our community. We pride ourselves in providing excellent care to our clients while engaging them in the educational process of our veterinary students.

334-844-9966 www.vetmed.auburn.edu

MAC Animal Clinic

1345 Opelika Road Auburn

We are excited to serve you and your family, and we hope that you see how everyone at MAC Animal Clinic truly cares for you. We are offering services to the local community to accommodate all of your pet’s needs.

334-521-5060 macanimalclinic.com

Places for Culture and Entertainment

Gogue Performing Arts Center

ad on Inside Front Cover

910 South College Street Auburn

The GPAC at Auburn University is East Alabama’s premier venue presenting professional performances in music, dance, theatre and more. Subscribe to the 2023-24 Season with performances including Summer Film Series, Chris Janson, The Rainbow Fish, Eston Corbin, To Kill a Mockingbird, My Fair Lady and so much more!

334-844-8497 www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

East Alabama Arts

1700 Lafayette Parkway Opelika

Subscribe to the 2023-24 performance series... more information coming soon.

334-749-8105 www.eastalabamaarts.org

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

901 South College Street Auburn

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University consists of changing exhibition galleries, Luster, the museum café, and a museum shop in a striking modernist building set within extensive grounds. A pillar of the southern gateway cultural arts district, it offers students, faculty and the region impactful opportunities to engage with a wide-ranging visual and decorative arts collection spanning centuries, genres and materials. 334-844-1484 www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Telfair Peet Theatre

21 Telfair Peet Theatre Auburn University

Performances throughout the academic school year including plays, music, dance and more. 334-844-4748 www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre

Places to Gather

Downtown Auburn

122 West Magnolia Avenue Auburn

Welcome to the heart of Auburn and Auburn University. Here you can browse local shops and boutiques for unique style and gifts. Gather friends and family an enjoy a family meal overlooking Toomer’s Corner and Samford Hall. Upcoming Events: June 11: SummerNight Downtown Art Walk. July 30: Cheers on the Corner. www.downtownauburnonline.com

Opelika Main Street

601 Avenue A Opelika

Once a sleepy little railroad town, Opelika has now grown into vibrant and energetic downtown community. Gather with family and friends to shop among local merchants and dine in style with the railroad tracks as your back drop. www.opelikamainstreet.org

Places to Grow

Alabama Department of Public Health

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201 Monroe Street Montgomery

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

888-737-5437 www.adph.org

Auburn Pediatric Dentistry

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841 North Dean Road Auburn

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

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

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323 Airport Road, Suite A Auburn

Our mission is to help you feel and function as well as you can, for as long as you can, and enjoy the things in life that really matter- spending time with the people you love and doing the things you love to do!

334-246-2252 www.cfc4health.com

East Alabama Mental Health

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2506 Lambert Avenue Opelika

East Alabama Mental Health Center offers a wide range of services for children and adolescents, as well as their families, who are experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Services include outpatient counseling, medication assessment and monitoring, case management, mental health consultation, and specialized programs for unique populations.

334- 742-2877 or (800) 815-0630 www.eamhc.org

East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry

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742 North Dean Road Auburn

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

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1957 East Samford Avenue, Suite A Auburn

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.shelleyortho.com

The Children’s Hospital

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1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham

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 Pediatric and Adult Medicine

2353 Bent Creek Road, Suite110 Auburn

We provide primary care services to all ages.

334-887-8707 www.auburndoc.com

Opelika Pediatrics and Family Clinic

5809 US Hwy-280 Opelika

Providing care for infants through adolescents

334-664-0463 www.preferredmedgroup.com/ opelika-pediatrics-and-family-clinic/

Pediatric Associates of Auburn

2901 Corporate Park Drive Opelika

Offering comprehensive medical care for infants, children, and adolescents.

334-203-1766 www.auburnpediatric.com

Pediatric Clinic

760 East Glenn Avenue Auburn

2401 Village Professional Drive South Opelika

We provide primary care health services for infants, children and adolescents.

334-749-8121 www.thepedsclinic.com

Urgent Care for Children

2564 Enterprise Drive Opelika

Walk-ins welcome. After-hours pediatric urgent care clinic headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. 334-759-6740 www.childrensurgent.com/location/ auburn-opelika/

Places to Learn

Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center

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128 East Glenn Avenue Auburn

Transportation from Schools available; Licensed by the State of Alabama; Nationally Accredited through National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs/ Association for Early Learning Leaders (NAC); Theme-based Lesson Plans and Curriculum. The Child Development Center is a ministry of Auburn First Baptist Church in which we provide safe, loving, quality care for children in a Christian environment. We strive to provide the best in early education by providing hands-on learning so that each child may develop to his or her highest potential cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Now Enrolling Summer Camp. 334-821-8125 www.auburnfbc.org

Auburn Therapy and Learning Center

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2000 Samglenn Drive, 100 Auburn, Al 36830

Our mission is to empower and encourage functional daily living skills for all ages, specifically focusing on providing the highest quality treatment to improve those skills pertaining to communication, fine motor skills, sensory integration, and feeding difficulties. We are conveniently located in Auburn, Alabama and also service the surrounding communities. Our clinicians are fully licensed and trained to provide quality treatment in Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Feeding Therapy. We welcome clients of all ages who are in need of our therapeutic services.

334-734-5511 www.auburntlc.com

Bright Ideas Auburn

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1675 Shug Jordan Parkway Auburn

The Bright Ideas Family is committed to providing a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for children to grow, develop, and shine. We are dedicated to supplying quality childcare with affordable tuition. Diversity is essential to us, and is reflected across our various populations.

334-887-5730 http://brightideasfamily.com/pages/ auburn-al-childcare

Growing Room Child Development Center

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1755 Thomason Drive Opelika

334-748-9020 www.growingroomusa.com/opelika

644 North Dean Road Auburn

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

Give Your Child the Growing Room Experience! More Informed Parents Choose Growing Room! “On Our Block”-language based curriculum, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, nutritious warm meals, superior security and an outstanding playground with safe, solid rubber surfacing. Extracurricular programs include JumpBunch & Dance. We offer before and after school care to most Auburn and Opelika City Schools.

Indian Pines Country Day School

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742 Saugahatchee Road Auburn

Indian Pines Country Day School offers a preschool program for children ages three and four, and also a kindergarten for five year olds. Our goal is to provide your child with a healthy, happy setting in which to enjoy their first formal learning experience. We respect each child and strive to help them develop as a unique individual.

334-821-7786 www. ipcds.org

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

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2222 North College Street Auburn

Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool is Auburn’s first nature preschool and the second nature preschool in Alabama. “Nature preschool” is an innovative educational strategy that allows your child to learn about, with, and through nature, embracing the great outdoors as their classroom. Children spend their school time exploring and uncovering knowledge in an environment where curiosity and child-led discovery are encouraged. This incredible, cutting-edge, and revolutionary philosophy combines early-childhood education and environmental awareness on a new level. Nature Explorers Home school Program is an environmental education program designed for home-schooling families which offers a unique,

nature-based educational experience. Classes incorporate hands-on science with nature and environmental awareness, and each concludes with a nature hike.

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

Kumon Math and Reading Center

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1550 Opelika Road, 36 Auburn

For more than 60 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning.

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

The Oaks School

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2201 Executive Park Drive Opelika

The Oaks School is a Pre-K through 12th grade private school in the Auburn-Opelika area. The Oaks School offers a four day school week with strong academics, spiritually dynamic chapel services, limited homework, and an encouraging family atmosphere that empowers all students to become creative, high-impact leaders.

334-887-9947 www.theoaksschool.org

Lakeview Preschool Adventures

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1600 East Glenn Avenue Auburn

As a ministry of Lakeview Baptist Church, Lakeview Preschool Adventures we strive to not only teach preschoolers the basic ABC’s and 123’s; we also strive to teach them the love of Jesus and how He would want us to treat others. We do this in a loving, secure environment. Lakeview Preschool Adventures is for children one to four-years-old with age appropriate adventures for each child.

334-887-7094 www.lakeviewbaptist.org/preschoolministry/lakeview-preschool-adventures/

Trinity Christian School

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1010 India Road Opelika

Trinity Christian School was established in 1978 as a private Christian school committed to providing a classical, biblical education to the young people of our community. With a starting assumption that education of children is the responsibility of parents, we seek to assist families in teaching all subjects in the light of God’s Word. Our goal is to provide a secure Christian environment of classical academic excellence. Please take a few moments to browse our site and learn about our academics, arts, sports, and other K-12 programs. Trinity offers a classical, Christian education that employs time-tested curricula and teaching methods. Our students participate in hands-on learning about God’s creation and they practice careful articulation when expressing the truth of God’s Word; all the while, they grow to appreciate great literature and Latin as well as how God weaves science and mathematics throughout His world.

334-745-2464 www.tcsopelika.org

Auburn City Schools

855 East Samford Avenue Auburn Public K-12 grades, includes 9 elementary schools, 2 middle/intermediate schools, 1 junior high and 1 high school.

334-887-2100 www.auburnschools.org

Auburn Classical Academy

1901-B Waverly Parkway Opelika

A classical Christian school, K-8th grades, with a goal to nurture students’ intellectual growth as an integral aspect of Christian character development. Classical methods train and discipline the mind and

prepare the student for the analytical thinking skills necessary for higher education.

334-821-7081 www.auburnclassicalacademy.com

Auburn Day School

1199 South Donahue Street, Suite E Auburn

Alabama’s STEM preschool, serves ages 2-5 and offers 2, 3, and 5 day programs M-F, 8:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. during the academic year.

334-209-0460 www.auburndayschool.com/#/

Lee County Schools

2410 Society Hill Road Opelika

Public K-12 grades, includes 7 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 freshmen center, 1 junior high and 4 high schools.

334-705-6000 www.lee.k12.al.us

Lee-Scott Academy

1601 Academy Drive Auburn

Private Christian school with grades pre-k-12th; Lee-Scott Academy is a college preparatory school offering a quality education in an environment where students are protected, nurtured, and challenged with Christian principles that promote the development of the total person.

334-821-2430 www.lee-scott.org

Opelika City Schools

300 Simmons Street Opelika

Public K-12 grades, includes 3 primary schools, 3 intermediate, 1 middle school and 1 high school.

334-745-9700 www.opelikaschools.org

Parkway Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten

766 East University Drive Auburn

Christian based preschool consisting of biblical and instructional curriculums. Instructional curriculum is Handwriting Without Tears®. The curriculum draws from years of innovation and research to provide developmentally appropriate, multisensory tools and strategies for our classrooms.

334-321-0537 parkwayauburn.org/parkway-preschool

St. Michael Catholic School

1100 North College Street Auburn

His Truth. Our Mission. St. Michael Catholic School fosters the development of the whole child through spiritual, moral, and academic excellence. Offering classes for Preschool-4th Grade.

334-887-5540 www.stmichaelcatholicschool.com

Places to Play

Auburn Parks and Recreation

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425 Perry Street Auburn

Everything from children’s activities and team sports to city-wide events and local parks to explore. Quarterly published brochures include all the fun classes and programming for everyone in your family, including your dog! Don’t miss exciting community events where you can meet neighbors and make new friends. Parks and Rec has many beautiful parks to play in, as well as, a community pool, gymnasiums and fitness centers.

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

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

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2222 North College Street Auburn

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 https://wp.auburn.edu/preserve/

Opelika Parks and Recreation

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1001 Andrews Road Opelika

Looking for a family fitness center? Opelika has a state of the art SportsPlex and Aquatic Center. Fit-

ness class, gymnasium, indoor pool and outdoor splash pad, sports fields and more. Also, there are numerous parks including the Municipal Park that features the Rocky Brook Train. Find classes for all your family members to try. Or, find a team sport to join. Don’t miss the calendar of events for local fun around town.

332-705-5560 www.opelika-al.gov/913/ParksRecreation

OWA Parks and Resort

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101-N South OWA Blvd Foley

At the heart of our 520-acre destination is Tropic Falls, featuring 23 theme-park rides and the region’s biggest indoor water park plus Big Water Bay’s outdoor wave pool with surf simulator, Coastal Curl. Just outside the ticketed areas is Downtown OWA—pedestrian-only streets filled with dining, shopping & entertainment choices. 251-923-2111 www.visitowa.com

TigerTown Sports

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1615 Parker Way Opelika

Golf is just the beginning. 18 holes, 3 sand courts, 1 high-definition sports simulator, and a full-service bar/snacks mean endless fun for everyone. Get ready for unmatched fun and sports entertainment! There’s something for everyone at Tigertown Sports, from a classic round of miniature golf to beach volleyball, a high-definition golf simulator, and more! Host your party with us!

334-679-7140? www.tigertownsports.com

Chewacla State Park

124 Shell Toomer Parkway Auburn 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation; 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

Cyberzone Entertainment Center

107 North 9th Street Opelika

East Alabama’s premier laser tag and gaming experience. Complete with a 5,100 square-foot laser tag arena, virtual reality experiences, and Esports Arena and arcade.

334-737-5000 www.cyberzone334.com

Felton Little Park

341 East Glenn Avenue Auburn

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

Good Times

750 East Glenn Avenue Auburn

Bowling lanes, arcade games and escape rooms.

334-539-3131 www.goodtimesbowling.com

Hickory Dickory Park

1399 Hickory Lane Auburn

A unique, multi-level playground structure including slides, swings, towers and open play areas.

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

Kiesel Park

520 Chadwick Lane Auburn

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

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

Municipal Park (Monkey Park)

700 5th Avenue Opelika

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

Rock ‘N Roll Pinball

815 South Railroad Ave Opelika

Rock ‘N Roll Pinball provides over 30 high-end and vintage pinball machines for your playing pleasure in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. There’s 9 large screen TVs, a music venue/party room, and a bar that serves sodas, snacks, beer, and wine.

334-324-1406 www.rocknrollpinball.com

Surge Trampoline Park

2506 Pepperell Parkway Opelika

Indoor trampoline park with jousting, slam dunk hoops, dodge ball courts, toddler play, arcades and more. 334-737-5599 www.surgeopelika.com

Town Creek Inclusive Playground

430 Camelia Drive Auburn

A 60,000-plus square foot playground featuring parallel play components, accessible fitness equipment, accessible playground equipment, sensory components, and more to provide an engaging and barrier-free experience for persons of all abilities and ages to enjoy.

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

Real Estate Agents

HomeLink Realty

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310 Samford Village Court Auburn

With years of experience helping local buyers and sellers just like yourself, we know how to locate the finest properties and negotiate the best deals. It’s our job to know about the latest market conditions, government regulations, and upcoming developments — so that you don’t have to. As your Buyer’s Representative, we can make the process of house hunting much easier and more efficient than if you did it all yourself. We can help you get financing, guide you to

local neighborhoods, help you determine your budget, and prioritize a list of essential features that you need in your next home. Selling a house on your own can be an overwhelming task. There’s advertising to plan and budget for, open houses and private showings to arrange, purchase offers to negotiate, contract contingencies to worry about, and complicated paperwork to fill out. Make it easy on yourself by putting your home in the hands of seasoned professionals. We have extensive experience marketing properties and showing them to their best advantage.

334-329-5055 www.thehomelink.com

Berkshire Hathaway

334-826-1010 www.bhhspreferredauburn.com

Auburn Realty

334-887-8777 www.auburnrealty.com

Toland Realty

334-329-7390 www.tolandrealty.com

Weichert Realty

334-887-2070 www.weichert.com/AL/Lee/Auburn/

Where To Start

City of Auburn

334-501-7260 www.auburnalabama.org

City of Opelika

204 South 7th Street Opelika

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

Lee County

Great place to find area information regarding the government, city information, schools and community resources.

www.leeco.us

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

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

A dangerous megalomaniac named The High Evolutionary is obsessed with Rocket, the talking raccoon. When his attempt to kidnap Rocket go es lethally wrong, the Guardians learn that Rocket has a “kill switch” that prevents medical care without the entry of a proprietary code – one that’s held by the mastermind himself. There’s nothing new in this tired flick, except for the first sexual expletive in a Marvel film and a scene of blackout drinking. Parents will be unimpressed and only hardcore Marvel fans will enjoy this franchise outing Photo ©Walt

Disney Studios Motion Pic tures

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret

After a move to the suburbs, eleven -year-old Margaret tries to make friends in her new neighborhood, figure out her own religious beliefs, deal with a generational family conflict, and manage the emotional challenges of puberty. Based on Judy Blume’s well-known novel, this film takes a tender look at the upheavals of the preteen years. Characters are treated gently, and the discussion of puberty is frank and determinedly reassuring. Although the topics are teen -focused, the film appeals to adults who grew up with the books and want a hit of nostalgia. Photo ©Lionsgate

Knights of the Zodiac

While seeking his kidnapped sister, Seiya meets Alman, who tells him that he has superpowers and is destined to protect the reincarnat ion of the goddess Athena. To succeed, he must learn to harness the powers within . Based on a manga series, this movie also borrows heavily from Star Wars. Not surprisingly, it features several dynamic scenes of magical combat but other negative content is minimal . This derivative movie won’t impress adults but it will provide a good t ime to the tweens and teens for whom it was made Photo © Stage 6 Films

Caleb has grown up on a lunar colony and after his father’s death, he’s being transferred to the planet Omega. Before he leaves, he and his friends plan a rover road trip to a distant crater his parents used to visit. Far, far better than Disney’s usual streaming films, this movie features believable world building and a plot that grapples with injustice, family problems, grief, and taking charge of one’s destiny. Best of all, it does so without graphic violence and only occasional profanity. This is a good choice for family movie night with older kids and teens . Photo ©Disney+

Peter Pan & Wendy Disney+ Rating Overall Violence Sex Profanity Alcohol/Drugs

PG B B A A- A

Wendy is preparing to leave for boarding school when Peter Pan pays her a visit. He sweeps Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael, off to Neverland where they meet the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily, and a band of pirates led by the evil Captain Hook. This is a polished adaptation of the classic children’s book , with a distinct visual design, but it feels bland and somehow pointless. That said, it avoids the blatant racism found in the novel and Disney’s 1953 version, which is a plus Photo ©Disney+

FamilyCalendar

Friday, June 2

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.

Sundilla Presents Deidra McCalla in Concert

(Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee.) 7:30 PM Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben, Auburn Sundilla will welcome Deidre McCalla to the stage for a long-awaited concert. The show will begin at 7:30 at Pebble Hill. www.sundillamusic.com

Hank Williams Festival

through Saturday, June 3, 2023 Hank Williams Boyhood Home & Museum, 127 Rose Street, Georgiana, AL The 43rd Annual Hank Williams Festival pays tribute to native son, Hank Williams, with country music, arts, crafts and food. 334-376-2396. www.hankwilliamsfestival.com.

Saturday, June 3

Uptown’s Beer and Wine Festival

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM,, Uptown Columbus, Ga

This event is held in the Rankin Courtyard. The festival will feature more than 100 craft beers and wines, allowing attendees to sample beverages from all over. Join in on an experience like no other! www.alwaysuptown.com

The Chattahoochee Valley Daylily Festival

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Columbus Botanical Garden, 3603 Weems Road, Columbus, Ga The annual Chattahoochee Valley Daylily Festival is presented by The Chattahoochee Valley Daylily Society, Columbus Botanical Garden & UGA Extension! This festival includes a Daylily show (at 1:30pm), Daylily class, various types of vendors, activities for kids, food trucks, and more! https://columbusbotanicalgarden.org/

Family Splash

10:30 AM - 4:30 PM,, Samford Pool Put your swimsuit on, bring your goggles and sunscreen as we offer FREE admission to Samford Pool all day! We will have food, contests, sample classes, and pool games for the whole family. Registration is not required.

9th Annual Burger Wars

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM,, Downtown Opelika The 9th annual hamburger grilling competition is sponsored by Opelika Rotary Foundation, the non-profit arm of Opelika Rotary and Happy Hour Rotary Club! All are welcome to participate in the event. Whether you’re a professional, a business or just a master at a backyard cookout, enter your burger and put your grilling skills to the test.

www.opelikarotaryclub.com or www.facebook.com/ burgerwarsopelika/

Float-in-Movie: The Goonies (FREE admission with Splash Pass or $2 per person.)

8:00 PM - 11:00 PM,, Samford Pool, Auburn Join the Aquatics Staff for a float-in-movie. Enjoy a movie under the stars while relaxing and floating on a tube

or lounging on the pool deck. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite inflatable from home, as some will be provided. Concessions will be available throughout the evening. Pool floats are allowed for float-in-movies.

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Touch-a-Truck

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM,, Downtown Opelika Vehicles of all types will line the street of downtown Opelika at this fun family event. Kids of all ages can come and explore military vehicles, race cars, dump trucks, and more. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to touch and go inside the vehicles. www.facebook.com/touchtruck

Second Saturday at Pioneer Park

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, , 650 Stage Road, Loachapoka, Al On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history reenactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths are working at the forge, spinners and weavers are in the textile room, the gardeners are in the gardens, crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled, and someone is always cooking up a meal in the fireplace or outdoors. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/second-saturday

Monday, June 5

Robert Trent Jones Amateur by College Tour X through Tuesday, June 6, 2023, RTJ Golf Trail, Opelika The College Tour X presents an amateur golf tournament for collegiate athletes who are on an active college golf team. This tournament includes 54 holes of championship golf, a golf cart for all tournament rounds, a premium tee gift, player lunch, and more! Top 5 finishers in each division will be awarded.

Tuesday, June 6

Summer Swing: Muse (Free)

7:00 PM, Municipal Park, Opelika Come out early! Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. Food vendors available.

www.opelika-al.gov/746/Summer-Swing

USA Pickleball Atlantic South Diamond Regional through Sunday, June 11, 2023, Opelika Pickleball Facility This beautiful facility features twenty-four covered, dedicated, individually fenced courts. June 6-8 will be for player age groups 60+ and above, June 9-11 will be for players age groups 55+ and below. All round robin matches will be played to 15, win by 2. www.pickleballtournaments.com

Friday, June 9

The Commodores

6:30 PM Sweetland Amp, 100 Smith Street, LaGrange, Ga For three decades, the Commodores have remained a force in the music industry. “The Legends of Motown”, “Hit, After Hit, After Hit”, “Grammy Award Winners”, “All The Emotion, All the Excitement”, “If You Haven’t Seen Them Live, You Haven’t Heard The Commodores”.

www.sweetlandamp.com/events/the-commodores/

2023 Alexander City Jazz Fest

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM,, Downtown Alexander City For over 30 years the Alexander City Jazz Fest has been a draw to music fans from all over the U.S. We have featured well known musicians and groups from New Orleans to California, Alabama to New York - well you get the picture! A two-night FREE event. Downtown Alex City on Friday and at The AMP on Saturday. The festival is held annually on the second full weekend of June.

Braves Country Battle 6U-14U through Sunday, June 11, 2023, Duck Samford Park, Auburn The Atlanta Braves are excited to bring the Braves Country Battles to Auburn, AL! The Braves Country Battles is a youth baseball tournament series that focuses on a fun competitive experience for youth ball-players across Braves Country. The tournament includes a Friday Night Welcome Ceremony where a Braves Alumni kicks off the night by greeting all of the participating teams and families. Followed by an awesome skills competition (Home Run Derby, Base Running Competition, and Pitching Challenge.) 404-242-5351

SummerNight Downtown Art Walk

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM,, Downtown Auburn Enjoy a creative evening in downtown Auburn! The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is a free, entertainment district event, taking place in the streets of downtown Auburn. Downtown merchants and restaurants stay open late, and people of all ages are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity to shop, dine and relax while enjoying the arts in downtown Auburn. Artists have their work on display and live musical entertainment is provided. www.auburnsummernight.org

Saturday, June 10

Science on Saturdays: Raptors (Tickets are $5 ($4 for members) and available on our website or at the door; children 3 and under are free.)

10:00 AM Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Raptors are birds of prey characterized by sharp beaks and powerful talons! The group includes eagles, owls, hawks, and many others. At this program, representatives from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will visit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to show you some of these incredible birds, up-close and in-person. The program will include a variety of live raptors, most native to Alabama, and you will learn all about their habitat, natural history, and the challenges facing these majestic creatures. www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve/events/

Covington Children’s Carnival

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Covington Recreation Center, Opelika Petting zoo, pony rides, giant slide, bounce house, concessions and more. www.opelikaparks.com

2023 Alexander City Jazz Fest

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM,, Downtown Alexander City For over 30 years the Alexander City Jazz Fest has been a draw to music fans from all over the U.S. We have featured well known musicians and groups from New Orleans to California, Alabama to New York - well you get the picture! A two-night FREE event. Downtown Alex City on Friday and at The AMP on Saturday. The festival is held annually on the second full weekend of June.

Monday, June 12

Aces Fore Austin

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, 3000 RTJ Trail, Opelika Created for rare disease awareness and to raise money for supporting the mission of the Austin 1st Foundation. 95% of funds raised through the foundation go directly towards our mission. www.austin1stfoundation.org/events

Tuesday, June 13

Family Discovery Hike

3:30 PM Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join the monthly guided hikes

FamilyCalendar

through the Kreher forest. Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Free – donations are welcomed and we will meet at the covered pavilion. www.wp.auburn.edu/preserve/events/

Summer Swing: Crossroads (Free)

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

Wednesday, June 14

Zoo Military Appreciation Days

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery The Montgomery Zoo invites all active duty and retired military personnel to visit the Zoo for free on Military Appreciation Days. We are proud to salute all the men, women, and their families that courageously serve our nation in the armed forces. We invite all active duty and retired military personnel to visit the Zoo for FREE ADMISSION on Military Appreciation Days. www. montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6048/2981?curm=6&cury=2023

Thursday, June 15

Zoo Military Appreciation Days

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery The Montgomery Zoo invites all active duty and retired military personnel to visit the Zoo for free on Military Appreciation Days. We are proud to salute all the men, women, and their families that courageously serve our nation in the armed forces. We invite all active duty and retired military personnel to visit the Zoo for FREE ADMISSION on Military Appreciation Days. www. montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6048/2981?curm=6&cury=2023

Friday, June 16

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.

Float-In Movie: The Bad Guys (Free for members, $5 for guests) 7:00 PM Opelika SportsPlex, 1001 Sportsplex Drive, Opelika Please register by June 12. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Juneteenth through Monday, June 19, 2023 Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus, Ga, 400 4th Street, Columbus, Ga Juneteenth invites Columbus, Georgia and surrounding areas to come out and celebrate unity, history and culture. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov

Sundilla presents Michelle Malone in Concert (Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee.) Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben, Auburn Sundilla welcomes Michelle Malone to the stage for the first time on Friday, June 16. The show will begin at 7:30 at the AUUF on Thach Avenue in Auburn. www.sundillamusic.com

Saturday, June 17

Art Gone Wild Artists Market (www.zooatlanta.org/ event/art-gone-wild/)

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, Ga Zoo Atlanta’s Art Gone Wild Market is an outdoor arts and crafts marketplace featuring locally made and artisan goods inside one of Atlanta’s most treasured cultural destinations. Explore a curated variety of jewelry, ceramics, accessories, body products, apparel, wall art, gifts and more from Atlanta’s thriving art community. Over 20 artists will be featured throughout the Zoo and are independently operated.

Rhythm and Blueberry FestivalFrom Farm to Freedom

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM,, Tuskegee Come celebrate Juneteenth Weekend with Wayout Railroad and Shady Grove Road Blueberry Patch. You can come just for the daytime festivities or extend the fun by camping out on the farm. Live Music, Vendors, Local History, Nature Walks, Children’s Activities, Free Giveaways, Farm Fresh Food Tastings, Camping, DJ, and more! www.wayoutdoors.org/blueberryfest

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.

World Giraffe Day

The Montgomery Zoo, World Giraffe Day 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery Here at the Montgomery Zoo, we celebrate these wonderful animals with a special day in hopes of bringing conservation efforts to the forethought of our guests’ minds. We also hope that we are able to provide our guests with a unique giraffe experience while raising funds to help giraffes in the wild.

www.montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6044/2981?curm=6&cury=2023

Blood, Sweat, & Nuts Endurance Race

Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn Test your limits in the Go Nuts “Blood, Sweat & Nuts” Endurance Race at Chewacla State Park. Compete in the 20 mile, 40 mile, 60 mile or 80 mile course. The top 3 winners in each age group are awarded medals and prizes. Registration closes June 16, 2023.

www.gonutsbiking.com

Men of Motown

Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus, Ga Motown is myth, magic, and music. The record label changed the history of the recording industry with songs known and loved around the world. With more than 25 number one hits and countless awards, it’s the only recording label to have a “sound” of its own. The “Men of Motown” celebrates that soulful sound by paying tribute to the tunes that continue to influence artists today.

www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ men-of-motown

Sunday, June 18

Men of Motown

Details on June 17.

Father’s Day at the Zoo

The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery All Dads receive FREE admission to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Join us for Dad’s special day.

www.montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6046/2981?curm=6&cury=2023

Tuesday, June 20

Summer Swing: Route 66 (Free)

7:00 PM, Municipal Park, Opelika Come out early! Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. Food vendors available.

www.opelika-al.gov/746/Summer-Swing

Wednesday, June 21

Blippi

6:00 PM Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus, Ga The new Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is coming to Columbus. Dance, sing, and learn along with Blippi on his curiosity adventure in this spectacular live show, with special guest Meekah! Woooooo!

https://civiccenter.columbusga.gov/

Thursday, June 22

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit

6:30 PM Sweetland Amp, 100 Smith Street, LaGrange, Ga A Jason Isbell record always lands like a decoder ring in the ears and hearts of his audience, a soundtrack to his world and magically to theirs, too. Weathervanes carries the same revelatory power. This is a storyteller at the peak of his craft, observing his fellow wanderers, looking inside and trying to understand, reducing a universe to four minutes. www.sweetlandamp.com/events/jason-isbell-and-the400-unit/

Friday, June 23

2023 WPB Summer Nights Story Telling Concert: Amy Grant Gogue Performing Arts Center, Auburn Presented by Auburn University Women’s Philanthropy Board. www.goguecentertickets. auburn.edu/Online/ mapSelect.asp

Saturday, June 24

Peach Jam Jubilee 2023

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Clanton, Al Peach Jam Jubilee will feature live entertainment from well-known artists. There will be arts and craft vendors, food trucks, inflatables, and a hot air balloon for rides. There will be fun events throughout the day that the entire family will enjoy. www.peachjamjubilee.com

Sunday, June 25

Hemming Motor News: Great Race 2023

The Great Race has decided to make it’s crosscountry treck right through the heart of Downtown Auburn! This is no ordinary race, it’s an antique, vintage, and collector car competitive controlled-speed endurance road rally on public highways. www.greatrace.com

Tuesday, June 27

Summer Swing: Dave Potts (Free)

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

Saturday, July 1

Arti Gras

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, through Sunday, July 2, 2023

Russell Crossroads, 27 Russell Farms Rd, Alexander City, 27 Russell Farms Rd, Alexander City Arti Gras

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar

features dozens of artists from throughout the south. You find handmade work of all of our exhibitors that includes, but isn’t limited to paintings, jewelry, photography, sculpture and more. Arti Gras is held on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Come join us! Come early as a lot of this merchandise will sell out fast! For more information contact Sydnee Riley. 256.212.1431 sriley@russelllands.com

July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party through Tuesday, July 4, 2023 Callaway Gardens, July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party Pine Mountain, Ga Celebrate summer days and starry nights with our weekend-long July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party! Enjoy four days of family adventures on the sunny shores of Robin Lake Beach with beach volleyball, putt putt, and water activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Play all day on floating obstacle course Aqua Island, where your family can race across twisting bridges, scale towering inflatable mountains, and slip down gigantic slides into the sparkling waters below. Each day ends with a bang thanks to our nightly Fireworks Extravaganza; a spectacular salute to summer. www.callawaygardens.com/thegardens/events/4th-of-july/

Madagascar The Musical RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. This smash hit musical features all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

www.rivercenter.org/event/madagascar-the-musical-2/

Monday, July 3

Opelika Freedom Celebration

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Opelika High School, 1700 LaFayette Pkwy, Opelika, 1700 LaFayette Pkwy, Opelika

Join the Opelika Parks & Recreation and Opelika community at the Freedom Celebration at Opelika High School on July 2nd! This event is packed full of fun including seeing the Silver Wings Parachute Team, music by Route 66, concessions, and a firework show at dark. There will be hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, musical entertainment and activities for the whole family.

www.opelika-al.gov/749/freedom-celebration

Tuesday, July 4

Auburn Independence Day Celebration

5:00 PM, Behind Duck Samford Stadium, Auburn

Celebrate Independence Day with the entire Auburn Community. Enjoy great food and treats for purchase while listening to amazing music from a live band and D.J. Free inflatables. Special Guest Aubie. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. - Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to drive to Duck Samford Stadium, 1840 East Glenn Avenue, Duck Samford and Bo Cavin Baseball fields, 333 Airport Rad for parking. The fireworks will be set off in a centrally located area, the old water tower site on East University Drive, next to Duck Samford Park. Duck Samford Baseball Fields 1-3, 1720 East University Drive will be closed to the public to accommodate the fireworks shoot site.

www.auburnalabama.org/4th-of-July/

4th of July Fireworks and Concert at the Amp

5:00 PM Lake Martin, Eclectic, Al, Eclectic, Al Find your place on the grassy lawn at The AMP for the largest 4th of July Fireworks Display in the Southeast. Gates open at 5pm. Come listen to Lake Martin’s favorite cover band, The Bank Walkers and Andrew Jannakos will take the stage right before and just after the Fireworks. www.theAmpOnLakeMartin.com

Tuesday, July 4

Concert & Fireworks

6:30 PM, Phenix City, Alabama Free Patriotic Concert & Fireworks. The show will be held in the Amphitheater located on the West bank of the Chattahoochee River in Russell County/Phenix City, Alabama. www.RussellCountyTourism.com

Saturday, July 8

Float-In-Movie: Luca (FREE admission with Splash Pass or $2 per person.)

8:00 PM - 11:00 PM,, Samford Pool, Auburn Join the Aquatics Staff for a float-in-movie. Enjoy a movie under the stars while relaxing and floating on a tube or lounging on the pool deck. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite inflatable from home, as some will be provided. Concessions will be available throughout the evening. Pool floats are allowed for float-inmovies. Concessions will be available for purchase during the movie.

Sunday, July 9

Grossology Day

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Zoo Atlanta Find out the scoop on animal poop, the details of disgusting diets, and more during Grossology Day at Zoo Atlanta. We will be exploring the purpose of animal behaviors that many think of as gross, but that help animals to survive and fulfill their roles in the ecosystem. Come check out activity stations, a scavenger hunt, a themed storybook reading and more, celebrating some of the?less appreciated aspects of nature.? www.zooatlanta.org/event/grossology-day/

Friday, July 14

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.

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

Saturday, July 15

20th Annual Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM,, Lake Martin, Al The day is filled with boating, fun, family and friends all while raising money for local Lake Martin charities. This year, participants will start at Kowaliga Marina and end at The Ridge Marina for food and awards.

Friday, July 21

Cheers on the Cheer

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Downtown Auburn The Downtown Auburn Merchant’s Association invites you to cool off this summer at Cheers on the Corner, an inaugural taste of downtown Auburn. Each of the stops along the way will provide you with a savory bite representative of the flavors of downtown Auburn. You will also receive a complimentary souvenir glass. www.downtownauburnonline.com/events

Tracy Byrd with Jo Dee Messina

6:30 PM Sweetland Amp, 100 Smith Street, LaGrange Ga, 100 Smith Street, LaGrange Ga Tracy Byrd became a household name on the Country Music Scene in 1993 when his third single, called “Holdin’ Heaven”, off of his MCA Records, self-titled debut album, hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. The Album also included the remake hit of Johnny Paycheck’s “Someone to Give my Love to” cementing Byrd as a Traditional Country Troubadour!! The Debut Album went on to be certified Gold, an award signifying sale in excess of 500,000 copies.

www.sweetlandamp.com/events/tracy-byrd-with-jodee-messina/

Sundilla presents Ian Sherwood in Concert

(Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee.) 7:30 PM Pebble Hill, 101 S. Debardeleben, Auburn, 101 S. Debardeleben, Auburn The show will begin at 7:30. www.sundillamusic.com

Every Monday

Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Tuesdays

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

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

Every Wednesday Walk This Way Walking Club Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Thursday

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

Every Friday

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

Saturdays thru August 26

City Market

8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Town Creek Park, 1150 S. Gay Street. Auburn The Auburn Parks and Recreation Department partners with local growers and artisans for the city’s farmers market, City Market. City Market invites the community, growers and consumers alike 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.

www.facebook.com/citymarketauburnal

Every Saturday

Market Days on Broadway

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.

www.alwaysuptown.com/market-days

July 6-August 6

Cabaret

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

www.asf.net/cabaret-51

June 2, 10, 16, 23, July 15

Columbus Lions Indoor Football www.columbuslions.net

June 3-4, 10-11, 17-18

Day Out with Thomas

Cordele, GA Let’s Get Colorful! Join Thomas the Tank Engine for a day full of colorful adventures! All aboard an interactive train ride with Thomas to earn your Color Badge, say Hello to Sir Topham Hatt and get creative exploring the Color Corner. For even more fun, mix it up in the Play Pod with lawn games, snap eyecatching photo ops, enjoy live entertainment, check out the exclusive pop-up gift shop, and more! Activities include: Putt putt golf, bouncy houses, live entertainment, Play Pod Station, food trucks, model train displays, a hay bale maze, and so much more! www.samshortline.com/

Please

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

We are so excited to have you as our Mom 2 Mom feature for June. Tell

My husband Lee and I met in college at Auburn University. I moved away after graduation and then agreed to move back to

in 2012 and have been blessed to build a life here

Our boys are currently six, four, and two years old: Cecil, Conrad, and Finch.

I am the Director of Marketing for a residential management company, Foshee Residential. I work 99% remotely from home. My husband, Lee Harris, is the owner and broker of Coldwell Banker Alliance.

AOP: How do you manage and balance working from home while having the younger boys there?

BH: It’s different for every family and every mom, but working from home is a gift for me. A nanny/babysitter can be with me four days a week. She has a consistent schedule, so I plan meetings or projects during that time when I can have several hours of uninterrupted time. I am a morning person, so I often work very early before the kids are up. I try not to schedule meetings from 3- 5 p.m. because that is when all the boys are home, and it’s just chaos. I’m still working during that time, but it’s easily interrupted, and I’m juggling dinner, emails, etc.

When I agreed to take a full-time work-from-home position, my husband and I made some significant changes around responsibilities with the kids and the house. When I was home and self-employed 100% of the time, I didn’t mind carrying the load of cooking/cleaning/kids, but I knew I would burn out quickly and be resentful if we didn’t make some changes. Being present with the children is essential to me, so I don’t want to constantly be loading the dishwasher or answering an email even though I’m “home.” Also, my husband and I think it’s important for our

children to see both parents participating, whether cleaning, homework, or grocery shopping.

AOP: As a mom of three boys under six, how do you handle feeling overwhelmed or stressed as a mother?

BH: Having a partner I can trust to take over when I need a break helps. Also, I do better when I’m getting my time to run or do yoga and, of course, lots of coffee (and wine)!

AOP: How do you prioritize your needs while being a wife and mother?

BH: I’m not good at it, honestly. Running and yoga are my two constants. I get up early during the week to either work or do yoga, and I typically go for long runs on Saturday and Sunday mornings while Lee stays home with the boys.

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

BH: Beach time and family time. Our families don’t live here, so we’ll spend some time seeing everyone this summer while school is out. We all love the beach, so we’re always jumping at the chance to get our feet in the sand.

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

BH: Every mother and child are different, and that is more than okay.

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

BH: Try to relax. Easier said than done. I was so stressed about every single thing when we had our first baby. Postpartum anxiety/depression didn’t help. Having the second and third child was crazy because there were more kids, but the baby stuff seemed more manageable because I knew it was just a season.

Brooke Harris and her husband, Lee, have been married for 11 years. Together they have three boys under the age of six. Brooke enjoyed cooking, which is excellent in this season because they are feeding, what seems like, bottomless pits.

Brooke Harris