Auburn - Opelika Parents Summer Fun Issue

Publisher’sNote

It has been another long school year with much growth and learning for students and families in East Alabama. It’s a time for recognition and reflection on another school year of studying, tests, and projects. As the end of the year approaches, many of our children will put on a graduation cap and gown, and with anticipation of hearing their name called, proudly walk across the stage and accept their high school diploma. Not only will there be cheers and applause, but moms (like me) will burst with joy and tears, as they watch their baby walk toward his future. High school graduation is the culmination of many years of early morning routines to get to school on time, hours of learning in math and science, and late nights filled with homework and test preparations. It has been a long road traveled by not only the graduate, but also moms and dads supporting their kids along the way. Graduation represents so much more than an ending. It is a culmination of families working together toward our students’ goals and the beginning of their next chapters.

If college is next on your graduate’s list, we have included a feature article just for you. Grade Ready: Getting Your Kids Ready For College offers some great tips to help with planning for their college days. It’s important to manage the stress that comes with this season of life. Touring universities, deciding which one is the right fit, and getting all the admissions information together are just a few stressors you’ll face. The important thing to remember is that it’s okay to reach out for support. High school counselors and college admissions advisors are wonderful support services and there to help. Don’t go it alone. Ask them all of your questions and let them guide you toward checking off your to-do boxes. Another tip mentioned is to encourage your child’s independence. This can start early in the middle and high school years. Helping your children find ways to become more and more independent will make the transition from your home to a college dorm feel less stressful. Learning to manage their time, organize their bedrooms, wash and dry their clothing, and budget finances are areas to consider when encouraging independence. It can be small steps at a time that will lead to confidence when living on their own.

With the school year coming to a close, summer fun and adventure is on deck. This month, you will find the Summer Fun Guide filled with local summer camps, day trip ideas, and activities to keep your little ones busy this summer. Instead of waiting for the dreaded “I’m bored!” moment, plan ahead and fill your summer weekends with outings that will not only be fun, but educational. From museums and nature trails to swimming and arcades, you’ll find something for your family to do all summer long.

From one parent to another, congratulations on another successful school year and here’s to a fun-filled summer!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

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

Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

Dr. Jordan Jensen

Gabriele Jones

Pam Molnar

Works of Wonder Therapy

Cover Photography

Keightley Garnett

Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

President

Jason Watson

Director of Sales

Justin Sumner

(334) 209-0552

Ad Design

Tim Welch

Web Content Manager

Scott Davis

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

Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2023 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

Continue Teaching Despite Their Failures

I recently attended a conference where speaker Tara Leigh Cobble told a beautiful story about how God is never disappointed in us (especially as our father). After all, disappointment can only occur when expectations are unmet. God has a huge advantage; He knows every thing, so his expectations are never unrealistic.

Instead, God is a loving father who knows exactly how many times you will fail when learning a lesson. Therefore, God is not disappointed by what we do not know. Instead, He lovingly teaches us exactly what we need to know over and over despite our numerous failures.

Unlike us, God is the perfect parent. We fail, fall short, worry too much, make horrible mistakes, yell when we should comfort, control when we should let natural consequences be the teacher, and forget to appreciate the small blessings of daily life with children.

However, we can attempt to model our parenting after the perfect parent by teach-

ing our children over and over despite their numerous failures.

Teach your child how to behave outside of the home when you are at home. For example, the family dinner table is an excellent place to learn important lessons: listening, engaging in reciprocal conversation, being bored, sitting still, table manners, etc. If your child cannot sit successfully through a meal at home, do not take her to a restaurant where she is expected to sit quietly for two hours. Putting her in a setting with unrealistic expectations is a recipe for disaster for her, you, and everyone near you. When you take the time to teach your child at home, you know exactly what she can and cannot do. This allows you to set realistic expectations.

Remember that everything is a skill that must be taught, and you are the primary teacher. Interrupting appropri-

ately, emotional regulation, taking turns, doing what you are told to do, eating a balanced diet, raising your hand, sharing, talking quietly, being respectful, telling the truth, etc., are all skills that must be taught. They are taught through practice, not by lecture. No parent has ever told me, “My child has a serious problem. I talked to him about reading, and he still cannot do it.” We all fully understand that reading is a set of skills learned through exposure, practice, and repetition. In the same way, everything we expect from children is a skill learned through exposure, practice, and repetition. Your job, as the primary teacher, is to set up ways to practice, ensure that practice takes place, and encourage every attempt your child makes to learn that skill.

Never lose hope. Just like you, your children are constantly growing and changing. As they go through the peaks and valleys of life, help them focus on becoming a better person today than they were yesterday. Consistently point out character qualities that you see developing in them: humility, optimism, compassion, honesty, gratitude, adaptability, creativity, etc. This will keep your entire family focused on what truly matters instead of becoming distracted by the “bad behavior” and “bad choices” of the moment.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

Summer Swing Concert Series 2023

Come out early to Municipal Park in Opelika. 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. The Opelika Band Boosters will prepare hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15-7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage train with long, rich history gives complimentary rides from 6:307:00 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Free. Visit www.opelika-al.gov/746/ Summer-Swing for details.

May 2: OHS Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band

May 9: Lee-Scott Academy

Jazz Band

May 16: Kidd Blue

May 23: Conner Lorre –Neil Diamond & Friends

May 30: Bill J. BrooksELVIS & Friends

June 6: Muse. June 13: Crossroads

June 20: Route 66 June 27: Dave Potts

July 11: Fedoras July 18: James Brown Trio

July 25: Martha’s Trouble August 1: Back to School Bash

May 20-21: Hay Days at The Farm at Rocky Top

The Farm at Rocky Top is excited to host local artisans and businesses for a spring shopping experience for the whole family. Hay Days is the First Annual Arts and Craft Festival featuring handmade, one-of-a-kind designs by local artisans, unique gourmet foods, boutique and vintage items, a variety of food vendors, and a Kids Corral. 2910 Lee Road 145, Salem, Al. www.thefarmatrockytop.com/hay-days

Bluey’s Big Play

Join Bluey and his pals as they pull out all the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad to play.

It’s a brand new theatrical adaption of the Emmy award-winning children’s TV series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus. May 16, 6:00pm. www.rivercenter.org/event/blueys-big-play/

Downtown Auburn Family Supper

Downtown Auburn. 6:00-9:00pm. The most unique dining experience returns to downtown Auburn, May 18, 6:00-9:00pm.

Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for the Downtown Family Supper. Set under an array of string lights, over 100 guests will join together “family style” in the middle of Tichenor Avenue. Guests will enjoy multi-course offerings from downtown’s finest chefs. Visit www.downtownauburn online.com/events.

29th Annual Fishing Rodeo Sponsored by Evans Realty: May 13

Located at the Auburn Technology Park Park South- Lake, 229 Enterprise Drive, Auburn. 7:00-11:00am. Cast into summer with the 29th Annual Fishing Rodeo. The first 175 children will receive a FREE rod and reel courtesy of Evans Realty and Auburn Parks and Recreation will supply the bait. Door prizes will be given out to lucky participants and prizes will be awarded to the biggest and smallest fish caught in each age category. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Touch-a-Truck

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. June 3, 9:00am-12:00pm. Downtown Opelika. www.facebook.com/touchtruck

Storybook Farm Kentucky Derby Day Coming May 6

Storybook Farm. 300 Cusseta Road, Opelika. 2:00pm. It’s the biggest derby party in Alabama, and we have a lot of fun things planned! On May 6th the farm will be flooded with beautiful hats, dresses, dapper suits, and mint julepsall to reach the goal of serving more than 3,000 kids this year. Enjoy live coverage from Churchill Downs, small plate delicacies from area restaurants, specialty Derby cocktails (yum!), live and silent auctions, live entertainment, after-party fun, and more. Details may be found at www.hopeonhorseback.org/derby.

Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Ground with Sonia De Los Santos and The Okee Dokee Brothers

Friendship is at the heart of this joyful collaboration between Mexican songstress and Latin Grammy nominee Sonia De Los Santos and the Grammywinning Americana folk duo The Okee Dokee Brothers. This bilingual show includes both old and new songs that span the musical traditions of Mexico and the United States, illustrating the collective power of learning from each other. May 12-13. Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 S. College St. Auburn. 7:00pm. Visit www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/somosamigos-songs-on-common-ground.

Garden in the Park

Annual event featuring handmade and homegrown art will be May 6, 8:00am-3:00pm at Opelika’s Municipal Park. There will also be entertainment on stage, children’s activities and delicious food. Throughout the day, a variety of vendors, children’s activities, and live entertainment will be showcased. Items for sale will include handmade jewelry, bags, paintings, plants, personalized items, children’s clothing, and pottery. Children will be able to participate in activities such as Rocky Brook Rocket rides, visits with the AU Museum of Natural History, crafts and Home Depot building kits. For more information, visit www.keepopelikabeautiful.com/gardeninthepark.

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures – benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Reactive or Proactive?

Is our “health care” in a good place? According to the World Health Organization, the United States is ranked 72nd in overall health and 43rd in overall life expectancy. Our health scores continue to decline.

What are we paying for this, then? Is not enough money the problem? When it comes to costs, we are ranked #1 in health care spending. The Commonwealth Fund research group found that we are paying the most in health care costs per person glob ally, $11,912.00, including out-of-pocket expenses. When we contrast this with a place like Switzerland, which pays $7,179.00 per person and has a top-five overall health rating, it is clear that we are not getting our money’s worth.

Well, what is the problem then? The United States is certainly the most technologically advanced country in the world regarding clinical medicine. Medicine certainly has its place, especially in emergencies where life is on the line. But, if you walk into a doctor’s office with a bad headache

or some kind of pain, nine times out of ten, what will you walk out with? When we consider our health scores and the fact that the United States, less than 5% of the world’s population, consumes over 60% of all the pharmaceutical drugs on planet Earth, it is clear that health doesn’t come in a bottle. Still, also we may be just masking the symptom of an underlining cause.

Let’s say you get in a minor car accident. You take a look at the damage on the outside of the car. It appears to be just a scratch, so you ignore it and continue using it as usual. Then, the car starts making funny noises, but it still runs okay. The noises start getting worse, enough to worry you, so you take it into the shop. It turns out the frame is bent, and continued use under stress made it worse.

In this same scenario, how is your health? You may have had a headache or neck or back pain for a bit, but it wasn’t bad and initially went away. However, as weeks, months, and even years go on, the same kind of pains become more consistent, even more painful. At this point, for most,

addressing the symptom becomes a priority as it’s affecting their ability to function. What will happen if the underlying cause is not addressed?

An approach that has served us well at Cornerstone Family Chiropractic is to be proactive about our health. We advocate eating right, exercising, sleeping well, and good relationships, which all fit into this proactive approach and give great health benefits. An often overlooked system of the body, the nervous system, the coordinator of all your bodily functions, is one area where we often find past stressors often overlooked. Given a lower cost and benefits that can influence the body as a whole, chiropractic care, especially in this proactive approach, is an excellent resource for achieving optimal health and function.

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

Autauga County Schools

AHS Girl’s Golf Wins Team Champions

The Auburn High School Girl’s Golf team won Team Champions in the 2023 Hike the Hills Tournament hosted by Vestavia Hills High School! Eleven schools competed with 60 golfers in the field. Kate Ha won individual low medalist with a one-under round of 69, while Esha Gupta had a top-five finish

Richland Elementary Sponsors Our House Breakfast Club

Teachers from Richland Elementary School came together to sponsor Our House’s First Saturday Breakfast Club. Teachers donated food, helped prepare breakfast, and did crafts while building meaningful relationships with young people, many attending RES. The students loved seeing their teachers and administration outside of school. Our House is an Alabama non-profit corporation serving more than 100 local children and their families. The first Saturday of every month, they host a Breakfast Club, a time to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship!

Please

AJHS and AHS Students Help Clean Up the Community

Students from Auburn Junior High School and Auburn High School participated in cleanup efforts at Baptist Hill Cemetery. The sacred space along Dean Road is a historically black cemetery established in the early 1870s. Dr. Robert Bubb, from Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences, was on hand to lead the efforts of everyone present, which included cleaning headstones, collecting trash, raking leaves, and pruning branches. The AJHS students are members of the Friends of Baptist Hill Club, sponsored by Mr. Logan Shaddix, a ninthgrade World History teacher at the junior high, and the students from AHS are in Ms. Caitlin Halperin’s history class. In addition to documenting history, this cleanup gave students the opportunity to honor the space while reflecting on the past and the stories of the people buried there. Several of the students will present their research on May 11th at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.

Opelika City Schools ORGE Team Wins

Congratulations to Team ORGEOpelika’s Greatest Robotics Engineers on winning at the Rocket City Regional competition!

ACA Works on Listening Skills and Comprehension

Auburn Classical Academy’s Jr. Kindergarten worked on their listening skills and comprehension as they ‘blindly’ directed their partner on how to draw an insect. Students were only allowed to instruct the student on how to draw the bug solely with verbal communication. It was a tough task, but the Jr K students did very well!

TCS Learn the Children’s Catechism

At Trinity, our Kindergarten through 6th grade students learn the Children’s Catechism as well as the Shorter Catechism as part of the curriculum. Catechism is a summary of the truths of God’s word taught in the form of questions and answers and has been used for centuries by church families to help set a trajectory for learning more deeply the things of God. That you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught (catechized). Luke 1:4

Creekside Learns About Health Awareness

The Auburn University School of Nursing provided TigerCHAT time for students at Creekside Elementary School. TigerCHAT is a community-based health, awareness, and training program that allows AU Nursing students to complete their pediatric clinicals. This was the conclusion of a several-week process to educate students on nutrition and exercise with a focus on healthy and active lifestyles. During PE classes, students participated in activities and games while rotating among three stations to learn about strength, endurance, and flexibility. Tucker, the Golden Retriever, was also on hand to show students the calming effects of a trained service animal. Students were encouraged to pursue at least 60 minutes of moderate to high-intensity daily aerobic activity. ACS is thankful for the many partnerships with various colleges at Auburn University and how they benefit students K-12 and post-graduation!

Autauga County Schools

AHS Celebrates Diversity

More than 20 countries were represented during the World’s Fair at Auburn High School last night. The evening was full of festivities, including a fashion show, musical performances, and delicious delicacies from across the globe. While French, German, and Spanish courses are taught at AHS, there are 17 languages spoken by Auburn City Schools students in grades K-12. This event provided the opportunity to explore and celebrate family cultures while highlighting global diversity within the AHS community. The World Language teachers at AHS coordinated the fair with the assistance of students in their respective clubs.

Wee Warrior Book Club at LSA

For the final Wee Warrior Book Club, sponsored by the PreK teachers, the book “God Gave Us Easter” by Lisa Tawn Bergren was read. Students enjoyed “The Easter Story Snack Mix” as a special treat! Each item in the mix represented different verses from the Bible. After snack and storytime, students painted a beautiful collage cross on canvas to take home!

Auburn Choral Company Wins Grand Champions

The Auburn Choral Company earned several awards at Fame Show Choir America 2023, including overall Grand Champion in two catego VARSITY SINGERS:

- Best Vocals (Mixed Division)

- Best Female Stage Presence (Serena Orantes)

- Best Show Design

- Best Band

- Overall GRAND CHAMPION UNISEX DIVISION:

- Best Female Soloist (Nacia Lee/Elan)

- Overall GRAND CHAMPION (Elan)

representing Auburn so well on a national level!

100 Days of School Celebrated at Auburn Classical Academy

On March 14, Auburn Classical Academy celebrated 100 days of school. Pictured here is the 1st grade class displaying what they think a 100 year old person would wear!

ACA Students Learn in Washington, DC

Auburn Classical’s 7th grade class recently took a field trip to Washington DC! The students, parents and faculty spent several days exploring museums, historical monuments and memorials to gain a deeper understanding of our country’s rich history. Students had a ton of fun while learning an exorbitant amount about the USA!

ACA Takes Field Trip

Autauga County Schools

LSA Students Win at AISA District Art Show

On April 4th, Mrs. Beard & Mrs. Basgier took the first place winners from the AISA District Art Show competition for grades Kindergarten through 8th to the AISA State Art Show at Faulkner University in Montgomery. The first and second place winners in grades 9th-12th also advanced to the state show. Congratulations to the following winners for winning a first or second place ribbon at state!

K-1st:

Water Base: Charlotte Carter, 1st

Printmaking: Beau Weeks, 1st

Mixed Media: Piper Craig, 1st* (Best of Show)

2nd-3rd:

Printmaking: Isabella Ingram, 2nd

Mixed Media: Lily Brady, 1st

4th-5th:

Printmaking: Fitz Hewitt, 1st

6th-8th:

Painting: Pie Clinard, 1st (SECIS Selection)

Water Base: Pie Clinard, 1st (Best of Show)

Printmaking: Joshua Chang, 2nd

Drawing (non-color): Pie Clinard

Drawing (color): Pie Clinard

Three-Dimensional Art/Crafts: Pie Clinard, 1st (SECIS Selection)

Collage: Campbell Thompson, 2nd

9th-12th:

Printmaking: Aisha Roughton, 1st

Mixed Media: Aisha Roughton, 2nd

Park a Huge Success

What a great day at the 5th Annual “Shoot for the Park” Clay Shoot at Auburn Oaks Farm benefitting the baseball and softball programs. There were 26 teams that participated in the clay shoot. Thank you to the sponsors of these teams and their support of this event and Warrior athletics! Also, a special thanks to Cline and Destiny Carmack for donating BBQ sandwiches and chips from Carmack’s Grocery Store for the lunch, Reynolds Outdoors and Russell Marine for the swag bag items, Keith and Robyn Little for providing Uncle Keith’s Red Sauce for each participant and High Log Creek for two hunts to be given to the flight winners.

ACS Students Place at State Superintendent Visual Arts Exhibit

Auburn City Schools had four students place in the 2023 State Superintendent Visual Arts Exhibits. During an awards ceremony, these students were recognized at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery.

ELEMENTARY LEVEL:

Eric Wang – Creekside Elementary – 3rd place in the 3-4 division.

SECONDARY LEVEL:

Amanda Nguyen – AJHS – Honorable Mention in the 7-8 division.

Isabella Trentacosti – AHS – 1st place in the 11-12 division

Kaelyn Coburn – AHS – Honorable Mention in the 11-12 division.

ACS is proud of the continued success of our students pursuing art education offerings in our school system!

Artists Visits East Samford School and Auburn High School

Acclaimed sculpture artist Andy Yoder recently visited with students from East Samford School and Auburn High School. During his visit, Yoder met with individual art classes to discuss his distinct cardboard shoe sculptures featured in the exhibition at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. He provided hands-on instruction for the students to help them create their own shoes while also conversing with them about design, cultural relevance, and the biomechanics of the foot within the sneaker.

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

Autauga County Schools

Auburn High School Tennis Wins Auburn Invitational

The Auburn High School Girl’s Tennis team won the Auburn Invitational by beating teams from Vestavia, Huntsville, Florence, Allatoona, and Woodward Academy! AHS played in three tournaments and walked away champs in all three!

LSA Students Participate in Lee County Young Leaders

Three Lee-Scott Academy students, seniors Phillips Lane & Maya Esquivel-McKinnon and junior Ethan Kim have been participating in the Lee County Young Leaders throughout school year. Each month, the group meets and focus on a particular area such as education, judicial, civic and more of Lee County in order to hopefully participate in a leadership position at a future date! Recently, the class had the opportunity to visit and take a picture with Governor Kay Ivey! Well done, students! Thank you for representing LSA so well.

Drake Middle Explores American History

Civil Rights activist, Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr., visited sixth graders at J.F. Drake Middle School to talk about the Freedom Rides and his leading role in organizing the Selma Voting Rights

Movement. Dr. LaFayette, who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, lived through many injustices as a black man in America, being arrested approximately 30 times in his young adulthood while standing up for equality in the late 1950s and early 60s. With his wife, Kate Bull LaFayette, by his side, he shared stories of courage and doing the right thing with the students while fielding questions about his life. Dr. LaFayette currently serves as scholar-in-residence at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University and has written a book entitled “In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma.” ACS thanks Dr. LaFayette for taking the time to impart years of wisdom to our students.

D1 Foundation Visits ACA

Gary and Debbie Pegues blessed the ACA faculty and students by speaking at School Chapel. Gary and Debbie are parents of Dylan, who passed away in June 2022. He was a remarkable individual who displayed the love, generosity and kindness of Christ each day of his life. In honor of Dylan, Gary, Debbie and sister Lexie formed the D1 Foundation to encourage and support others to ‘Live a D1’ life, just as Dylan did! What a privilege it was to hear their story and to be encouraged by them and Dylan’s amazing example!

Autauga County Schools

AHS Wins at Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair

A group of students in grades 6-12 competed in the 2023 Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair (ASEF) at Auburn University! ASEF is an affiliate fair of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF), the world’s largest international pre-college science competition. ISEF annually provides a forum for millions of students from more than 50 countries to showcase independen Winners include:

The ISEF Finalists at the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair: Kevin Yan – AHS

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Inventors Challenge Winners: Minlu Wang-He and Ayoung Jeong – ESS, and Ritesh Babu - DMS

1st place Agronomy Award: Kevin Yan - AHS

3rd place Environmental Science Award for Water Science: Christopher Valeri - AHS

Outstanding Engineering Award: Naeim Mohjouri - AHS

Lemelson Early Inventor Prize: Minlu Wang-He and Ayoung Jeong - ESS

NOAA Award: Minlu Wang-He and Ayoung Jeong - ESS

Innovative Practices in Agriculture Award: Minlu Wang-He and Ayoung Jeong - ESS

Category Award Winners:

1st place in Engineering Mechanics Statics and Dynamics: Will Bao - AHS

1st place in Material Sciences & Energy Sustainable Materials and Design:

Naeim Mahjouri - AHS

1st place in Chemistry: Ritesh Babu - DMS

2nd place in Robotic Systems & Communication Technology: Kevin Yan - AHS

2nd place in Cell, Molecular, Microbiology & Biochemistry: Sania Kazmi - AJHS

Employment Fair at OHS a Huge Success

Over 500 students participated in our Employment Fair at OHS today! These things are only possible when we have the support of our business community, our school community, and our students. We are so appreciative of our business partners for talking with our students and helping them learn how to have professional conversations, showing them opportunities, and making them feel comfortable. If success for these types of events is based on how well the students and employers enjoyed the experience, then today was a big success! Thank you to all who participated and invested your time and energy in helping us develop tomorrow’s workforce.

Spirit Night for ACA at Culver’s

Auburn Classical Academy (ACA) recently held a Spirit Night fundraiser at Culver’s restaurant. Pictured here is ACA 1st grade student, Ava Joy Battles, and a Culver’s employee enjoying the evening. Several ACA faculty and students were able to help take food and desserts

to dining room guests! Thank you, Culver’s, for an amazing time.

Lee-Scott Academy Competes in Orlandofest Music Competition

The 2023 LSA Band Trip was a SUCCESS! The band competed in the Orlandofest Music Competition and won Superior First Place in both their Concert and Jazz Band divisions! While in Orlando, the students had the opportunity to have some fun before competing. We are so proud of these talented students!

Autauga County Schools

Senior Night for LSA Soccer

On senior night, the senior soccer players chose a teacher or staff member to honor by giving a jersey to them before the game. Our teachers and staff inspire our students to do their best on

Skylar Piper- Coach Ozment

Cason Kennefick-Mrs. Lewis

Grayson Wood- Mrs. Bryant

Brendon Moore- Ms. Core

Kyle Wilson and Axl Stiles-Ms. Croley

Austin Marlin- Coach Smith

Jacob Baker- Ms. Webb

Charlie Greenleaf- Mr. Jones

ACA Students Win Science Olympiad

Auburn Classical Academy’s 3rd - 6th graders competed in the Wiregrass Elementary Science Olympiad on March 18, 2023. Several ACA students won 1st, 2nd or 3rd place for their individual events. We are proud of the effort and determination each student put into the competition!

Autauga County Schools

Opelika Middle Students Explore Careers

Career Discovery 2023 at Opelika Middle School was a big success! Approximately 400 students in the 8th grade got to see and experience the highest demand career industries in our area by visiting exhibits set up by local community members. Students saw robotic arms, Jenga building blocks, an anatomical spine model, medical manikins, a dress form, culinary supplies, live plants, and police tactical vests amongst many other things! Special thanks to Southern Union State Community College, Baxter, Cumberland Plastic Solutions, Encore Rehab, East Alabama Health, VCOM, Opelika Police Department, AU College of Human Sciences, Central Alabama Works, Go Build Alabama, Rabren General Contractors, and Bonnie Plants for spending your Friday afternoon with us and giving our students such an enriching experience. They have to see it to be it, and it takes all of us working together to help students find their passion and build tomorrow’s workforce.

5th Graders at Auburn Classical Academy Learns About Bacteria

Auburn Classical Academy’s fifth graders spent time in Science class counting bacteria colonies that grew in areas cleaned by different disinfectants. The results helped the students determine which disinfectant is the most effective. Great job, students!

AHS Career Tech Program in Food Science and Hospitality

The Restaurant, Food, and Beverage Service Program (aka Hospitality & Tourism) offers three classes, including Hospitality and Tourism, Culinary Arts Level I, and Culinary Arts Level II. The classes are focused on an introduction to the industry, food safety, and workplace safety. These Courses are taught by Chef John Everson, who has more than 34 years of Food Service experience, classically trained at Le Cordon Bleu, and has traveled abroad while serving 20 years in the Army before joining Auburn City Schools in 2016. All classes are conducted in the culinary kitchen at Auburn Junior High, where the students work in a 2,900-square-foot space with five team stations. Students learn and work with commercial-grade equipment, including a six-burner gas range, flat-top griddle, deep-fat fryer, steam jacket kettle, Low Boy refrigerator, and two ovens. This area also has a 462-square-foot dining room that seats 24. This program has approximately 100 students enrolled per semester in grades 9-12. The curriculum includes ProStart and ServSafe, both are part of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Enrolling in ProStart allows students to start working in the kitchen earlier than traditional food service workers.

Congratulations to the JV girls on winning the 3A JV State Meet with 209 total

AHS Debate Team Brings Home Many Accolades

The Auburn High School Debate team brought home several accolades from the Alabama State Speech and Debate Tournament in Tuscaloosa!

STATE WINNERS IN SPEECH:

-Blaire Gray placed 3rd in Original Oratory.

-Leigh Macaon placed 4th in Poetry Interpretation.

-Alastar Adams placed 5th in Poetry Interpretation.

STATE CHAMPIONS IN DEBATE:

-Lily Tao and Emily Jiang finished 1st and are the new Alabama Novice Public Forum State Champions.

-Esther Park won a 1st place speaker award in JV Lincoln Douglas.

-Emily Jiang won a 3rd place Speaker Award.

STATE RUNNERS-UP:

-Elizabeth Thurow and Joshua Kolwaite broke to finals in JV Public Forum.

-Justin Bentley and Kayla Troung made the quarter-finals in Novice Public Forum.

-Harleigh Walker made the quarter-finals in Novice Lincoln Douglas. ACS is proud of these students and their many accomplishments in the 2022-2023 season!

Auburn Classical Academy Enjoys Medieval Field Trip

Auburn Classical Academy’s fifth grade class recently visited Medieval Times in Georgia. Much of what they observed during the presentation / show reflected what the students had recently learned during their reading of King Arthur! Everyone loved observing jousting and other duels!

Autauga County Schools

Trinity Christian School Dresses Up as Book Characters

Students enjoyed dressing like their favorite book character and had fun eating Popcorn on the Patio!

ACA’s Junior Kindergarten Learn About Wildlife

Auburn Classical Academy’s Junior Kindergarten class is learning about wildlife and outdoor activities. Recently, the students focused on camping outdoors and all that is needed to have a successful adventure. One component was showing the students how fun it is to sit around a ‘campfire’ and tell stories. The students loved using their creative skills to tell the best story!

AHS Career Tech Precision Machining Program

Precision Machining is taught by Michael Brogan and enrolls approximately 80 students per year. This program prepares students for a career in the growing and changing field of machining with a focus on fabricating, operating, modifying, and regulating the use of mechanical instruments. The necessary skills required for this field rely on the knowledge of mathematics, metal properties, and mechanics. Students at Auburn High School can begin their course pathway with one of two options: Intro to Manufacturing or Intro to CNC (Computer Numerical Control). There are also dual enrollment opportunities with Southern Union State Community College, with no fees attached to the courses (Intro to Precision Machining, Intro to Lathe, and Intro to Mill, Drill Press, and Surface Grinder). Students can earn National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Credentials and certification in Measurement, Materials, & Safety, Turning I (Between Centers), Milling I, and CNC Mill Operations. For the second year in a row, the program has received a $12,000 grant from the Gene HAAS Foundation for student scholarships in the machining and engineering trades. Beginning last year, machining and manufacturing students have been making the Student of the Year and Student of the Semester medals presented by the ACS Career Technical Education department. They are working on making Career Readiness Indicator medals this year, with more than 300 produced and polished so far.

LSA 5th Graders Present The Easter Story

What a special evening at Lee-Scott Academy as our 5th grade students presented “The Easter Story”! Families experienced an interactive walk through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Cookies and lemonade were served by our Lower School KICKS Leadership ambassadors.

Dean Road Attends Show Choir Concert

Dean Road Elementary School students attended performances by the Auburn Junior High School Show Choirs. More than 480 students in grades K-2 made their way across East Samford Avenue to the AJHS auditorium this morning with the assistance of their teachers. At the same time, our School Resource Officers directed traffic and handed out high fives and fist bumps. Audacity, a 47-member all-female choir, performed “Sunshine,” a show about living joyfully even in the most challenging situations. Songs included “Walking on Sunshine,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “You Are My Sunshine.” It was choreographed by Taylor Holt, Ashlyn Wheat, Connor Hawthorne, Olivia Seale Esposito, Jillian Parker, and Colt Bass and directed by Taylor Holt. Adrenaline, a 52-member male and female choir, performed “The Unseen” celebrating things in this life that are powerful but not tangible. Songs included “Everybody’s Looking for Some Light,” “The Window,” and “Bright Ones” featuring themes of love, joy and peace. The team of choreographers included Taylor Holt, Jarrod Holt, Rusty McKinnell, Colt Bass, and Jillian Parker; the show was arranged and directed by Taylor Holt. In between the two shows, the young students asked questions of the performers, and three DRES teachers joined their daughters on stage for a moment of recognition and connection between the two schools.

ASC Students Attend the Alabama Music Educators “Hill Day”

Students attend the Alabama Music Educators Association “Hill Day” at the Capitol in Montgomery. Throughout the day, students, teachers, and other advocates from across Alabama met with their elected officials to ask for every student in Alabama to have access to music education. The Auburn Junior High School Jazz Band and Show Choir performed during this statewide advocacy event, highlighting the results and benefits of systemwide K-12 music education offerings!

Chat GPT: What Do Parents Need to Know?

Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is an artificial intelligence model trained to generate human-like responses to text-based conversations. It is a language model that can understand human language and create coherent, relevant, and contextually appropriate responses.

As with any AI technology, there are certain things we need to be aware of when using Chat GPT. These include:

1. Bias: Chat GPT is trained on large amounts of data, which can include biases and prejudices present in our society. As a result, the model may generate responses that perpetuate these biases. It is important to be mindful of this and to evaluate the responses generated by the model.

2. Privacy: Chat GPT requires access to large amounts of data in order to be trained effectively, including personal data, such as chat logs and user profiles. It is essential to be aware of the privacy implications of using Chat GPT and to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect user data.

3. Accuracy: Chat GPT is highly effective at generating human-like responses, but it is imperfect. The model may generate

responses that are inaccurate, irrelevant, or inappropriate. It is important to evaluate the model’s responses and correct any errors or inaccuracies.

4. Ethical considerations: Chat GPT has the potential to be used for malicious purposes, such as spreading disinformation or engaging in cyberbullying. It is

1. Explain what it is if they haven’t seen it.

2. Ask the chatbot a simple question, then discuss the answer. Is it different from a traditional search engine? Most impor tantly, does it make logical non-tech sense?

3. Play with it. Let your child’s curios ity drive the conversation.

4. Ask your children their thoughts on the answers they get.

5. Chat about how it makes them feel. Chatbots feel eerily like human responses and make it easy to feel like we are engag ing with someone. By presenting them as thinking beings, we become vulnerable to being persuaded.

6. Remind kids about plagiarism and fact-checking.

Number 5 is incredibly important. These bots FEEL real. Part of the descrip tion actually encourages you to chat with it as you would a person.

This makes it incredibly hard for chil dren, teens, and everyone to remember that it is only a computer-generated sys tem. And while it does seem to be weeding out inappropriate information, time will tell if that continues to be the case. So please have open conversations with your kids about this technology.

important to use Chat GPT ethically and responsibly and be aware of its potential consequences.

So, if you made it this far, would you be shocked to know that every word you just read was created by CHAT GPT? I have the app and simply typed in “tell me about CHAT GPT and some things to be aware of.”

As a writer, educator, and academic, I am, frankly, concerned. As a parent, this has also made my, and our, job of keeping kids safe even harder. So while all the above is true, allow me to give you some tips, WITHOUT the help of Chat GPT, on how to protect your kids.

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.

There are few events bigger in a kid’s life than starting college. For most kids, it’s the first time they get to experience real independence from their parents. How do you prepare your kids for all the academic and social challenges of college?

Here’s what the experts say:

Visit A College

The first thing you should do as you’re getting your high-schoolers ready for college, Gen and Kelly Tanabe, the authors of more than a dozen books on college planning, say is simply to visit one: “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a future prospective college or just the one nearest to your home. Walking on a campus, absorbing the environment and maybe even sampling the dining hall food will give your child the reference points needed to make the critical decisions regarding where to apply when he or she is a senior.” So, visiting a college with your high-schooler will show them what to expect and, hopefully, also make them excited about it.

Develop Their Independence

It’s great if your kids are excited about going to college. However, to succeed in college - academically as well as socially - they also need to be independent. Amy Baldwin, a college-readiness expert and co-author of The College Experience, suggests that parents let their high-schoolers take care of such important tasks as making their own doctor’s appointments: “help them develop more confidence by talking through what they need to say and questions they need to ask.”

More generally, Sarah Eustis of Inside Track, a student success coaching company, says that you can make your kids more independent by helping them arrive at their own solutions to problems: “ask your child open-ended questions to help her figure out how to move forward and approach decisions as an independent adult. When an issue comes up, support your child in creating - and following through on - her own plans rather than solving the problem yourself.”

Amy Morin, senior expert for Understood, a nonprofit that supports people with thinking and learning differences, agrees that it’s important for budding college students to solve problems on their own: “College students who don’t know what to do when they encounter problems, like struggling with a tough class or not getting along with their roommate, will either avoid the problem altogether or make a snap decision that could be harmful.”

Identify Support Services

College can be tough for even the most independent of kids. Encourage them to familiarize themselves with all

the different support services available, including academic advisors, financial aid officers, health and student services, and tutoring and writing services. By doing that, Ms. Eustis says, they become the CEOs of their own college experience: “Successful students proactively address what they need to do to support their college life.” The goal, she says, should be “anticipating potential challenges and putting contingency plans in place.” If they do this before they arrive on campus, they can focus on academics, getting to know the campus, and making new friends.

Manage The Stress

Even with lots of support, college can be stressful because of the high academic expectations, the challenges of being away from home for the first time, and the pressure to make new friends. You can prepare your kids for these and other challenges, Dr. Baldwin says, by talking to them about what stresses them out and how to deal with it; she suggests exercise and meditation. Ms. Morin agrees, recom mending stress management techniques like calling a friend, writing in a journal, or engaging in a hobby. “The more your student understands now about causes for their stress and how they can best manage their responses,” Dr. Baldwin says, “the better prepared they’ll be for college.”

Budget Their Expenses

Finally, kids need to know how to budget their expenses. Even with a meal plan, money for books and supplies, and extra spending money, they’ll come running to you for more if they don’t know how to properly budget their money. Dr. Gail Gross, a child psychologist, suggests that parents talk to their kids about budgeting, including sharing their own budgeting tips and stories about mistakes they’ve made. There are also some really good, free budget apps. One of the very best is Mint: Personal Finance & Money. Available on both the Apple Appstore and on Google Play, this popular budget app lets them track their expenses, see the balances on their checking and savings accounts, and create realistic budgets. They can also use the app to pay and track bills and to receive reminders.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences & Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

Quick, easy, comforting, and a meal that keeps everyone coming back home to Mom and Dad. This month’s Dinner’s Ready recipe is a delicious chicken casserole brought to us by Amy Hess, an elementary teacher for Lee County Schools.

“When my family is all under one roof, I am one happy momma,” Amy shares. “I love when my kids bring over their friends as well. Their friends become our bonus kids, and nothing makes Chris and I happier than having a table full of kids sharing, laughing, and letting us be a part of their world, if even for a brief moment.”

Amy and her husband, Chris, met in college at Auburn University, where they both pursued degrees and, ultimately, careers in education. Together they have two children - Andrew, who has recently moved out on his own, and then Abby, a sophomore at Opelika High School.

“Family mealtime is important to us. It’s the one time we can all slow down, get together, and share about our day and what is going on in our lives,” said Amy. “Even though Andrew moved out on his own last year, he continues to try to make a family meal once a week when

his schedule allows. Life is so hectic that we try to make family dinners a priority. “

Chris, a Lieutenant Colonel with the Alabama Army National Guard, works four days a week. He typically uses his extra day outside the weekend to do the grocery shopping, meal planning, and prepping.

“My husband is the cook in the family,” Amy lightheartedly shared. “He learned early on in our marriage that if he wanted something more than boxed mac and cheese and an occasional pot roast, he better take over cooking duties.”

Amy decided to share this chicken casserole recipe for a few reasons. One, it’s so easy she can cook it and guarantee dinner will be served. Two, it takes little time to prep and bake. Three, everyone, including picky eaters, will enjoy it.

“Being with my family brings me a great deal of joy,” said Amy. “These moments together at the dinner table are

absolutely precious to me, and I never take them for granted.”

Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of pre-cooked cubed chicken (I prefer to use shredded chicken)*

• 1 can of cream of chicken soup

• 8 oz of sour cream

• 1 bag of crushed Ritz crackers (I prefer to use a bag of Lay’s plain potato chips)

• 1 stick of butter or margarine

Instructions: Mix the cubed or shredded chicken in a bowl with the cream of chicken and sour cream. Spread the mixture into a 9x11 pan. Next, spread crushed crackers or chips over the top of the mixture. Melt the stick of butter or margarine and drizzle evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

*The chicken can be canned, boiled, baked, or for a more delicious flavor, you can use rotisserie chicken

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

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

Students (and often their parents) can’t wait to hear the last bell ring before summer break. They say goodbye to early mornings and their rigid routine. But as a mother who is preparing for her 15th summer break, I can tell you that several weeks routine free can be tough.

The solution is not to fill your days from sun up to sun down; it is called summer break for a reason. However, a summer routine mixed with equal parts of fun makes for a memorable summer.

Here are 25 days of summer fun planned out for you!

Mad Science Mondays

1. Bring out your inner-astronomer and head to the planetarium. Check out large city venues or small college programs for a variety of shows and displays.

2. A budget friendly science day might include DIY science experiments. Check out Lifehack.org or Pinterest for some great tests that you can try with items you have at home.

3. Head to the zoo to learn about the animals and their habitats, conservation and our environment. Many zoos offer family programs and classes allowing a close up look.

4. Check out your local recycling center for a tour. Google “free recycling tours near me” for more information in your area.

5. Create your own sensory table out of an old coffee table. Repaint, cut a hole for a large bin and add water, sand or rice.

Tu(esday) Adventure and Beyond

1. Try a new food. Gather foods that your kids have never tried before (including some of your favorites) for a fun taste test.

2. Look online for a new bike or walking trail near your house or a short car ride away and explore your surroundings.

3. Is there a new restaurant in town? Head out to support a local business and try their special of the day.

4. Tired of playing the same sport? Time to try your athletic skills in another way. Check out your park district to sign up for a class to learn how to golf or play ultimate Frisbee.

5. Get out of your comfort zone. Have you always wanted to try ziplining, rock climbing or indoor skydiving? Well, what are you waiting for?

Wacky Water Wednesday

1. Rent a rowboat or canoe at a local forest preserve or state park. Most charge a reason able amount by the hour and include life vests.

2. Create your own neighbor hood regatta using boats made with sponges. Cut a hole, insert a balloon through the sponge, blow up and release in a pond or pool.

3. Have a pool party. Create a summer heat reprieve with a backyard pool party or rent an inflatable waterslide for hours of summer time fun.

4. Learn to scuba dive. Try out scuba for beginners at a local swim school. Hour long classes are usually available in indoor pools.

5. Watch Pirates of the Caribbean or Little Mermaid for an indoor water day. Make a day of it by making homemade fish sticks or popcorn shrimp and dive into some fish themed crafts.

Creative Thoughts Thursday

1. Build with Legos. When the kids are done with the Lego kits, head over to YouTube to find great how-to videos to create more designs.

2. Head to the local or nearby children’s museum for hours of discovery fun. Kids will build, climb, play act and explore as kids should.

3. Make art. Support local businesses who offer ceramics, painting on canvas or boards, glass blowing and so much more.

4. Bake and decorate a cake. Learn how to pipe frosting and work with fondant at a JoAnn class or with online guidance from YouTube.

5. Check out carpentry and woodworking classes for kids at Home Depot. Hobby stores and Amazon offer DIY woodcrafts like

birdhouses or treasure chests with everything you need included.

Fun and Fitness Fridays

1. Invite the neighbors over for a pickup game. Think basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball and any other summertime sport.

2. Set up a fitness circuit course. Include bike riding, rollerblading, hula hoops, milk jug weights and jump ropes.

3. Host an outdoor yoga class. Provide mats or blankets and let the kids practice guided yoga from a podcast instructor.

4. Play some old-fashioned backyard games like Tag, Dodgeball, Kick the Can, Sharks and Minnows and any other game that keeps you running.

5. Throw a dance party. This a great way to end the week. Turn on the tunes, clear off a dance floor and teach the kids some fun group dances like the Harlem Shake, the Macarena and the Twist.

Pam Molnar is a summer lover and mother of three. She has learned that the free birds of summer do better with a little routine.

Arts/Crafts

Auburn Parks and Recreation

ad on page 25

Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Ln, Auburn, Al 36832

Art for Young Children: June 20-22 and July 11-13. Visual Arts Workshops for Children: June 26-30 and July 17-21. Summer Art Camp- Creative Art & Origami: June 5-9 and July 31-Aug 4. Sketching with Pencils, Painting with Brushes: June 5-9 and July 31-Aug 4. Art camps will be held at Kiesel Park this year. Camps and classes provide a supportive and creative learning environment where instruction is collaborative and taught by experienced artists and art educators.

334-501-2963 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Columbus Museum

1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus, Ga. 31906

Summer Camp Sampler: Ages 5-7, Ages 8-10. During camp, participants will learn about the many ways that we can create art. Sculptures, paintings, collages, and self-portraits will be just a few of the many projects your camper will experience throughout the week.

706-748-2562 www.columbusmuseum.com

Dance

Alabama Dance Theatre

ad on page 27

1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, 36104

Tutus & Tiaras: May 30-June 2. A fairytale ballet camp for pre-ballet students ages 3-8. Each day starts with a ballet class, followed by a creative movement class. There will be arts & crafts and story time too. Summer Sessions: June 5-July

6: Classes offered in ballet (pre-ballet through professional level), Pointe, Variations, Composition/Choreography, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary and Broadway. Summer Intensives: July 10-24. Take the opportunity to learn from a carefully selected Master Faculty brought in to teach classes such as Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop. Your dancer will take two classes in the morning and then have an afternoon filled with rehearsals. This intensive ends with “Stars on the Riverfront,” a performance at the Downtown Riverwalk Amphitheater.

334-625-2590 www.alabamadancetheatre.com

Celtic Traditions

2705 Fredrick Road, Opelika, Al 36801

Check with studio for summer program.

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

Columbus State Univ. Dance Conservatory

4225 University Avenue

Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center Columbus, GA 31907

Summer Sessions for Levels 1-7. May 16-July 28. Summer Camps June 5-9. 706-507-8070 www.ballet.columbusstate.edu

Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio

1220 Fox Run Avenue, Suite 212, Opelika, 36801 Offering Summer Camps/Classes in all dance techniques.

334-705-0205 www.makeyourmovedance.com

Nix Dance Studio

850 Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830

Summer 6 week sessions begins June. VIP (Very Important Princess), Fancy Nancy Choreography, Hip Hop, ballet, turns & leaps, lyrical/contemporary, jazz, baton, and company auditions prep class.

334-887-7250 www.nixdancestudios.com

Rising Starz

2140-H East University Dr, Auburn, 36830 Summer Camps, full and half day, Ages 4 and up. 334.209.1464 www.risingstarzstudio.com

Taylor’s Dance Company

1345 Opelika Road, 10, Auburn, Al 36830 Summer Camp registration open now. Offering classes in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop and more. 334-310-5010 www.talylorsdancecompany.com

Variations Dance Studio

323 Airport Road, Suite F, Auburn 36830 Summer Camps, Summer Classes, and Summer Intensives. Summer Sessions begin in June. Offering classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and more.

334-275-5013 www.variationsauburn.com

Day Trips

Callaway Gardens

17800 Us Highway 27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822 Summer hours- 9:00 am-6:00 pm daily. Your family will love hiking in our gardens, swimming in Robin Lake, exploring the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, golf, spa and more. The FSU Flying High includes acrobats, juggling and more, teen activities, tennis clinics, water skiing & tubing, camp crafts, nature and wildlife adventures, beach fun, and more! 706-663-2281 www.callawaygardens.com

Chewacla State Park

124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830

696 scenic acres are a delightful pause from near-

by interstate traffic. Facilities include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playgrounds, hiking trails, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, and newly renovated cabins. 334-887-5621 alapark.com/chewacla-state-park

DeSoto Caverns

5181 DeSoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, Al 35044

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Childersburg, Alabama, DeSoto Caverns is a site rich in history. In addition to being the first cavern on record, DeSoto Caverns is also noted for having one of the largest accumulations of onyxmarble stalagmites and stalactites in the world.

256-378-7252 www.desotocavernspark.com

Georgia Aquarium

225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

With more than eight million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than found in any other aquarium, you are sure to see things you’ve never seen before! Camp H2O. 404-620-6530 www.georgiaaquarium.org

Horseshoe Bend Military Park

11288 Horseshoe Bend Road, Daviston, AL 36256

Tour the free museum and view the 22 minute film, “The Battle of Horseshoe Bend”. Then enjoy hiking the trails, a picnic, canoe the Tallapoosa River, and go fishing.

256-234-7111 www.nps.gov/hobe

Imagine It! Children’s Hands on Museum

275 Centennial Olympic Pk Dr, Atlanta, GA 30313 Atlanta’s only children’s museum, is the perfect place for children age eight and under and their families to learn and explore together in a safe and fun hands-on environment.

404-659-5437 www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Lake Lanier Islands-Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & WaterPark

7000 Holiday Rd, Buford, GA 30518

With more than a dozen exciting rides and attractions, Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & WaterPark at Lake Lanier Islands Resort offers summer fun for the entire family. The Kiddie Lagoon and Wiggle Waves are perfect for pint-sized guests and relaxing is easy on our half-mile of sandy white beach!

1-800-840-LAKE www.lakelanierislands.com

LegoLand Discovery Center

3500 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

Explore our indoor attractions! 15 rides and attractions including LEGO® rides, soft play area, 4D cinema, MINILAND, guided tours, DUPLO® Village, LEGO® Friends Olivia’s House, LEGO® Ninjago Laser Maze and more, all ideal for children aged 3-10 years.

404-848-9252 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

McWane Science Center

200 19th Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203

McWane Science Center has a number of permanent exhibits that are a regular part of the science education experience including Alabama Dinosaurs, Sea Monsters, NatureScope, Fox 6 Weather Lab, IMax and more! Summer Camps offered.

205-714-8300 www.mcwane.org

Port Columbus- National Civil War Naval Museum

1002 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia 31901

The National Civil War Naval Museum tells the story of the Sailors, Soldiers, and Civilians, both Free and Enslaved as affected by the Navies of the American Civil War and provides a repository for relevant archives and artifacts on the subject, for all generations of the public. The Museum uses all available media systems/distribution platforms and live interpretation in furtherance of this mission.

706-327-9798 www.portcolumbus.org

Stone Mountain Park

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA

Lots of fun and activities including the Geyser Towers, Sky Hike, laser shows, hiking, musical entertainment, kids’ foam pit, Summit Skyride, Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, the Antebellum Plantation and Great Barn.

1- 800-401-2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Wind Creek State Park

4325 Al Hwy 128, Alexander City, AL 35010

This park spans 1,445 acres along the shores of scenic Lake Martin, that is a 41,000-acre clear-water reservoir perfect for fishing, swimming and boating. Park facilities include the largest state-operated campground in the United States with 626 sites. 256-329-0845 www.alapark.com/WindCreek

Family Fun

Nature Center and the City of Auburn. For boys aged 4 to 12 and their moms, this fun evening will include a night hike, cookout, storytelling, and of course s’mores! Our mother/son duos may visit a craft station to create their own keepsake art project. New...Thursday night is Family Night for the entire family to join.

May 3- Family Art Fun. During this class you will learn about many different watercolor techniques while creating your own masterpiece. We will start with simple techniques and work our way up. We will do an instructed lesson on how to paint a leaf, then you will get the chance to paint whatever inspires you.

Family Discovery Hike-Second Tuesday of the month. Join our guides for an educational adventure as you and your children take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. For families with children ages 5 to 12 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Summer Ecology Camp: Water Wonders, May 30-June 30- Offers the opportunity to learn through nature in a safe and beautiful environment. Campers will experience complete, naturebased lessons covering diverse educational topics; and enjoy exercise and fresh air through hikes and time on the Nature Playground. Summer Ecology Camp is a great opportunity for your children to socialize with their peers, learn about nature and the important role it has in our lives, and see wildlife up close.

Woodland Wonders Camp: Ages 3-Kingergarten. June 3-July 28. Woodland Wonders Camp offers campers the opportunity to learn through nature in a safe and beautiful environment. Campers will experience complete, nature-based lessons covering diverse educational topics; and enjoy exercise and fresh air through hikes and time on the Nature Playground.

TigerTown Sports ad on page 12

1615 Parker Way, Opelika, Al 36801

Sip! Spike! Putt! Get in the game! Enjoy a round of classic miniature golf, test your skills in the virtual golf simulator, serve up some friendly competition on the volleyball court, or pass the time with a yard game. Need a time out? Enjoy the full-service bar, or head outside to relax in the open air & patio seating. Your game is probably on one of the many TVs. 334-679-7140

AMC Opelika Movie Theater

1900 Capps Landing, Opelika 36801

Private theater rentals available 334-364-9959 www.amctheatres.com

AMF Bowling

719 Opelika Road, Auburn, Al 36830

Bowling, arcades, party rental. Summer leagues and weekday specials.

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

Auburn Escape Zones

1234 Commerce Drive, Auburn, Al 36830

Escape rooms are a fun, interactive game experience. You and a small group up to 8 people will be immersed in a room with a specific theme and problem. You must work together as a team to solve puzzles, uncover clues and unlock locks in order to solve the problem or “escape the room.” 334-329-7088 www.auburnescapezones.com

Axe Marks the Spot

223 South 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801

Axe throwing entertainment venue in downtown Opelika. 912-322-1699 www.facebook.com/axe-marks-the-spot

CyberZone

107 North 9th Street, Opelika, Al 36801

Kreher

Preserve and Nature Center

ad on page 13

2222 North College Street, Auburn, Al 36830 May 11-13- S’more Fun With Mom! Join us for S’more Fun with Mom, Lee County’s mother/son adventure, co-hosted by the Kreher Preserve &

Camp

Summer Adventure Camp-July 17-19- Camp brings students on a three-day, two-night adventure to some of the incredible natural and historic wonders that Alabama has to offer. All meals and lodging are included in the registration fee. The location for this year is the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment’s own Solon Dixon Center in Andalusia. This incredible, 5000-acre outdoor classroom, nestled in the Conecuh National Forest, has a world of amazing natural wonders for our campers to explore.

334-844-8091 wp.auburn.edu/preserve/

CyberZone Entertainment features some of the best attractions in East Alabama! Including an all new laser tag and equipment, VR experiences such as Hologate and Kong VR, relaunched Esports Arena, and the latest and greatest arcade video and ticket games. 334-737-5000 www.cyberzone334.com

Good Times Bowling

750 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830 Bowling, Arcades, Escape Room, Café 334-539-3131 www.goodtimesbowling.com

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!

SCAN TO GET STARTED

Hollywood Connection

1683 Whittlesey Road, Columbus, Ga, 31909 125,000 square feet of state-of-the-art entertainment with movies, amusements, attractions, games, food and fun!

706-571-3456 www.hollywoodconnectionga.com

Rock n Roll Pinball

815 South Railroad Ave, Opelika 36801 Arcade with 28 high-end and vintage pinball machines for your playing pleasure in a comfortable,

friendly atmosphere. There’s 9 large screen TVs, tables, stools, a TV lounge, a bar serving sodas and snacks.

334-363-7625 www.rocknrollpinball.com

Surge Trampoline Park

2506 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika, AL 36801

Surge Trampoline Park in Opelika Alabama is a cutting-edge entertainment, fitness and sports facility unlike anything you have ever experienced. We have created a venue for active social outings,

intense workouts, and awesome birthday parties. 334-737-5599 www.surgeopelika.com

The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum

2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110

Summer Camps, Dino Dig Day, Animal Enrichment and more.

334-240-4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Wild Animal Safari

1300 Oak Grove Rd, Pine Mountain, Ga 31822

You can drive your own vehicle (or take the complimentary bus tour- seasonal) thru our Drive-Thru safari and get to experience hand feeding the animals. On the safari the exotic animals will literally come up to your car and eat right out of the palm of your hand. Scattered through our entire park we have approx. 450 animals, (and counting!) 706- 663-8744 www.animalsafari.com/Georgia

Zoo Atlanta

800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through the all-new African Savanna or a chance to explore The Ford African Rain Forest, Zoo Atlanta offers something for everyone.

404-624-WILD www.zooatlanta.org

Gymnastics/Cheer

Opelika Parks and Recreation

Denson Road Recreation Center, 1102 Denson Drive, Opelika, Al 36801

Parent and Me Tumbling, Tumble Tots, Level I Tumbling- Level III Tumbling, Cheer Prep Tumbling and more.

334-705-5547 www.opelikasportsplex.com

Premier Spirit Academy

923-B Stage Road, Auburn, Al 36830

Tiny Tots, Mighty Tots, Tumbling Kids, Ninja Academy, Cheer Basic and more.

334-821-7300 www.premierspiritacademy.com

Xtreme Athletics

3732 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, Al 36801

Competitive cheer and gymnastics, camps and kids night out programs.

334-759-7030 www.xtremeathleticsauburn.com

Horseback Riding

H & G Horse Quarters

943 Lee Road 57, Auburn, Al 36832

H&G Camps are designed to develop each student in a fun safe environment; teaching horsemanship, care, barn etiquette, along with varying levels of riding skills.

334-887-0026 www.hghorsequarters.com

Local Camps

Auburn First Baptist Child Development Center

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128 East Glenn Ave, Auburn, Al 36830 Summer Camp is a Field-Trip based Program; All summer, Summer Camp Enrollment is currently taking place for Kindergarten-completion of 5th grade (child must have completed Kindergarten). 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.

334-821-8125 www.auburnfbc.org

Auburn Parks and Recreation

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425 Perry St, Auburn, AL 36830

Summer Therapeutic Teen Mini Camp- Alison Hall, 501-2930, ahall@auburnalabama.org,(One year mini camp strongly encouraged prior to registering for TR camp). Camp will meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. at the Dean Road Rec Center. Cost is $50 per camper. We will be going on field trips, having programs at DRRC and enjoying a structured schedule of activities each day. Snacks and water provided daily. Gross Out Camp-June 5-9, June 12-16, July 17-21. Is it icky, sticky or slimy? Can you race roly polies? How about finding animal tracks? Or make friends with a scaly animal? If it’s gross, we’ve got it! Fresh Air Family’s Gross Out Camp introduces the best, the worst and the grossest wonders nature has to offer. It’s the kind of science kids love – hands-on, a bit disgusting, in the Great Outdoors. It’s an award-winning science camp for campers entering first through fourth grade. Yarbrough Tennis Center Summer Camp-June 5-Sept

9. Ages: 4-adult.

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

Auburn’s Best After School and Summer Camps

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2515 East Glenn Avenue, 205, Auburn, Al 36830 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.

334-8887-0818 auburnsbestsummercamp.net

Growing Room Child Development Center

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644 North Dean Road, Auburn, Al 36830 and 1755 Thomason Drive, Opelika, AL 36801

Summer offers an opportunity for seasonalthemed curriculum that children love. Think of all the summer traditions – campfires, roasting marshmallows, cold treats, water activities and off-site excursions. We work hard to create a fun summer program for children that will distinguish it from the rest of the school year.

334-501-2044 and 334-748-9020

www.growingroomusa.com

Riverview Camp for Girls

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757 County Road 614, Mentone, Al 35984

Located on top of Lookout Mountain and nestled in a bend of beautiful Little River. We are a Christian environment promoting adventure, inspiration, character and confidence-building. You’ll be amazed at what you can do this summer!

800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

Active8- Columbus State University, Continuing Education Summer Camps

4225 University Avenue, Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center, Columbus, GA 31907

Genius at Play! 10 weeks of active summer fun! Half day and full day options, before and after care available, new camps to choose from every week. Camps begin June-Aug. 706-507-8070. www.activ8er.com

Auburn University Summer Youth

Outreach Programs

213 Samford Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849 Camps include Academic, Sports, Special Interest and much more! June-August.

334-844-5700 www.auburn.edu/summercamps

Camp ASCCA

5278 Camp Sacco Dr, Jacksons Gap, AL 36861

Easter Seals Camp ASCCA is a year round camp for people with disabilities located in Jackson’s Gap, Al. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad”, outdoor adventure elements, like the zip-line, and more! 256-825-9226 www.campascca.org

Camp Marannook

LaFayette, AL 36862

From the sunrise to the sunset, your day will be packed with gospel centered relationships, water activities, ropes course, best of the best games, and non stop fun. Your kids will love every moment of camp as we make intentional moments in everything we do to help them hear, see, and experience the glory of God.

334.864.7504 ww.marannook.org

Opelika Parks and Recreation

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801

PLEX Camp: Ages 1st-5th grade. 5 two week sessions: June 5-16, June 20-30, July 3-14, July 17-28. Limited spots available. Resident Fee: $210/session. Non-Resident Fee: $231/session. Covington Day Camp: Ages K-7th grade. 5 two week sessions: June 5-16, June 20-30, July 3-14, July 17-28. Resident Fee: $175/session. NonResident: $193/session.

PLEX Kids: 8 weekly sessions. June 5-July 28. After a full day of camp, kids will have a snack and enjoy activities. Limited spots available. Ages: Completed 1st-5th Resident Fee: $50/week. Non-Resident Fee: $55/week. Cov Kids (Summer)-8 weekly sessions. June 5-July 28. After a full day of camp, kids will have a snack and enjoy activities. Ages: Entering K-7th. Resident Fee: $50/week. Non-Resident: $55/week. Day In the Life Firefighters: *Pickup and drop-off is at the OFD Training Grounds. Explore the trucks, try on the uniform and hold the hoses! Wear a bath in suit, bring a towel and prepare to get wet. June 13. Ages: 6-12. $10 per child.

Day in the Life Police Academy: *Pickup and dropoff at the Opelika Police Department. Go behind the scenes and learn about Investigations, SWAT,

K-9 units and more! June 20. Ages: 6-12. $10 per child. Mini Tennis Camp: June 20-22 and July 1820. Ages 6-12. Free.

334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

Martial Arts

Auburn Academy of Martial Arts

323 Airport Rd, Suite J, Auburn, Al 36830

Summer Camp themes include: Padded Weapons, Board Breaking, Bully Buster Techniques, Tournament Sparring. Learning, discipline, and FUN! All levels-beginners and advanced. 334-502-7221 www.auburnacademy.com

Auburn Mixed Martial Arts

2515 East Glenn Commerce Park #204, Auburn, Al 36830

Teach realistic, but safe, fighting techniques in the martial arts of: Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Kickboxing, Anti Bully Techniques and Submission Grappling. 334-887-0818 www.auburnmma.com

World Champion Taekwondo

300 North Dean Road, #6, Auburn, Al 36830 Combining traditional and modern teaching techniques and principles to fit all ages and levels. Preschool to adult classes offered.

334-329-7117 www.martialartsauburn.com

Music/Theatre

Auburn Parks and Recreation/ Auburn Area Community Theatre

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Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Ave, Auburn. Al 36830

ACCT Musical Theatre: Find Your Voice! June 19-23. Camp held at the Telfair B. Peet Theater this year. You’ll learn music, choreography and do character development activities for several Broadway Musical numbers. Each year, we choose new songs and different musicals, so you always have a fresh experience. You will have a chance to shine on stage for family and friends at the end of the camp. Ages 3-18.

ACCT “Play” in the Woods: June 5-9. Camp held at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. We look

forward to partnering with the KPNC again to provide a literal “All the world’s a stage” experience. Wear your hiking shoes, bring water and apply bug spray. Using the woods as our backdrop, we are excited to explore theater techniques in the great outdoors! Ages 7-18.

ACCT “Play” with Puppets: July 17-21. Camp held at Grace United Methodist Church. Explore puppetry with us! We will try our hand at: Hand Puppets, Found Object Puppets, Bunraku Puppets and more! Creating character with your voice is another critical component in the world of puppetry that we will play with. Ages 3-18.

AACT Academy Creating Theatre: July 24-29. Camp held at Kiesel Park. Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get messy as we write, design and create! Working with words – the foundation of any play is the script and everyone has a story to tell. We will use age-appropriate methods and tools, (crayon, pencil, pen and paper) to create a script. Design - Costumes & Makeup, Sets & Props - after the actors create their stories with words, they will get to dress and decorate them as well. Ages 3-18. 334-246-1084 info@auburnact.org

www.auburnact.org

Opelika Community Theatre

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Southside Center for the Arts, 1103 Glenn St

Opelika, Al 36801

Only a few spots left! Register today! This year, OTC Theatre Kids will be partnering with Missoula Children’s Theatre Tour - June 5-10th from 9 am - 5 pm. Shows on Saturday, June 10, 2 pm and 6 pm. This year’s production will be “HERCULES” ! We are excited to partner with the Internationally known Missoula Children’s Theatre Tour for the summer of 2023! This is an exclusive opportunity for OTC and the surrounding communities. Camp space is limited: 16 campers ages 5-8. 48 campers ages 9-17. O-Acts Classes offered to beginners and intermediate ages 5-17.

334.663.2593 opelikatheatrecompany1@gmail.com

www.opelikatheatrecompany.com

Opelika First Baptist Church

Fine Arts Academy

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301 South 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801

Providing music lessons in Opelika/Auburn where Christ is honored and students are challenged and inspired to develop their God-given talents for the glory and service of God. The Fine Arts Academy provides opportunities for private and/or group lessons. Lessons are offered in the areas of piano, voice, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Our experienced instructors are highly qualified in their individual areas. A 334-745-5715 www.fbcopelika.com/fine-arts-academy

Spicer’s Music

2140 E. University Drive, Auburn, Al 36830

Camp Kazoo, Rock Camp Jr, Rock Camp and Rock Camp Pro. Offering music lessons in group and individual settings. 334-329-7529 www.spicersmusic.com

Summer Showoffs

Auburn High School, 405 South Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830

June 26-30 and July 10-14, Parkway Baptist Church. www.summershowoffs.com

Sports/Fitness

Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 25

425 Perry St, Auburn, AL 36830

Please see their summer brochure for more info. 334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Auburn Thunder Soccer

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Auburn, Al 36830

Auburn Thunder Fall Tryouts: May 22 and 23. Offering classes and teams from ages 2 and up. Summer Camps- Types Camp: June 27-29, Goalkeeper/Striker Camp: June 24-27, Summer Day Camps: May 30-June 2 and June 26-29, Tekker 4 Tots Camp: July 22-23.

256-655-4448 www.auburnthundersoccer.com

KidStrong

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1530 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830

KidStrong is a MILESTONE-ACCELERATION program that focuses on CHARACTER, PHYSICAL & BRAIN development 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. In other words... kids who will win at life. We do this by giving parents the tools to build stronger kids at our centers and at home.

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

Roar Fitness

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2408 East University Drive, Auburn, Al 36830

June 12-15: Kids Summer Camp. Kids’ Bootcamp class, featuring game, yoga, snacks and much more!

8:00-11:30am. Ages 4-10 years, $95 per child.

334-734-5005 www.roarfitnessauburn.edu

Opelika Parks and Recreation

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801

August 5- Duathlon Tri for Kids: Register now! Run, Bike and Run! Ages 6-15. Small Fri Tri- Ages 2-5. www.sportsplexforkids.com; Camps include most sports, cheer and tumbling, and much more.

334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

Plains Junior Golf

Moore’s Mill Golf Club, 1957 Fairway Dr, Auburn, AL 36830

Offering girls, boys and co-ed golf camps.

334-319-0051

Robert Trent Jones Grand National Golf Summer Junior Golf Clinics

3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, Al 36801

Offering golf clinics this summer for junior golfers, ages 8-14, taught by PGA Certified pros.

334-524-1400 cmay@rtjgolf.com www.Rtjgolf.com

STEM / Education / Tutoring

Kumon Math & Reading Center

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1550 Opelika Rd Ste 36, Auburn, AL 36830

The Kumon Method lets children learn at their own pace, so they can grasp any concept regardless of age or grade level. Schedule a free placement test today!

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

Auburn Day School

1199 South Donahue Drive, E, Auburn, Al 36832

Summer Morning Program: May 30-August 4. Ages 1-8, Offering 2, 3, or 5 day options, 8:00-11:30am. Summer Camps: May 30-August 3. Entrepreneur, Detective, Cooking, Science in Motion, Music Lab and more. Ages 3-3rd grade, 12:00-3:00pm. Explore the Mini City: Saturday, May 27 at the Auburn Day School Imagination Station! 10-11:30 a.m. or 12-1:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10/child (Parents/guardians FREE) 334-209-0460 www.auburndayschool.com

Auburn University Summer Reading Program for Children and Adults

Haley Center, 351 W Thach Ave, Auburn, AL 36849

Programs are offered as a community service by Auburn University, Office of Professional and Continuing Education. Multiple tutorial sessions; accommodates 4 year olds to adult levels. 800-963-8888 www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerreading.htm

Mathnasium of Auburn

1345 Opelika Road Suite 6 Auburn, 36830

Our specially trained math instructors will teach your child how to understand math in an individual setting – our unique approach enables us to effectively explain math concepts and lend a helping hand to every student.

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

Science Matters and SCORE Camps

249 Sciences Center Classroom, Auburn, 36849 Science Matters is a summer enrichment program featuring hands-on STEM activities. Amazing Animals, Ocean Odyssey, Storybook STEM, Crime Busters and many more!

SCORE: The Southeastern Center of Robotics Education is hosting camps targeted in a variety of topics including VEX IQ, Codebot and many more!

334-844-5769 www.aub.ie/ScienceMatters

Swimming Teams & Lessons

Auburn Parks and Recreation

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465 Wrights Mill Road, Auburn, Al 36830

Learn-to-Swim lessons, preschool aquatics, swim team, water aerobics, and more.

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

Opelika Parks and Recreation

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801

Opelika SeaDawgs Summer Swim Team, Opelika Swim School – Summer Blast Lessons

Two-week sessions of swim lessons from Opelika Swim School Instructors.

334-705- 2488 www.opelikasportsplex.com

Tiger Swim Lessons

James E. Martin Aquatics Center, 664 Biggio Dr, Auburn University, AL, 36849

2 week sessions with 30 minute classes; see website for updates

334-737-4427 www.teamunify.com/SwimLessons

Swimming Pools

Auburn Parks and Recreation Samford Pool

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465 Wrights Mill Road, Auburn, Al 36830

Please check website for updates on pool hours and reservations. Offering swimming lessons, swim teams, and more. Summer Float-in-Movie: June

3-The Goonies and July 8-Luca. Family Splash: June 3. and more.

334-501-2957 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Parks and Recreation Sportsplex Pool and Splash Pad

1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, Al 36801

Please check the pool and splash pad hours online. Float-n-Movie: Bad Guys. June 16. Splash Bash Summer Games: TBA

334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

VBS Parkway Baptist Church

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764 East University Drive, Auburn, Al 36830

Twist and Turns Vacation Bible School. June 5th - 9th, 8:00am-12:00pm. Children 4 years old (as of August 2022) – entering 6th grade are invited to join us for Twists and Turns VBS. Children will rotate through missions, crafts, music, Bible Study, and worship rally time. Vacation Bible School is free. There will be t-shirts available for purchase. 334-887-3782 www.parkwayauburn.org

Auburn First Baptist Church

128 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830

June 5-8: Vacation Bible School provides a fun opportunity for families to kick-off the summer. We meet on Thursday through Sunday to focus on a biblical message through a variety of activities for kindergarten through 5th grade. We begin our plans in the spring and invite you to be a part of this unique ministry for children.

334-887-8506 www.AuburnFBC.org/VBS

Auburn United Methodist Church

137 South Gay Street, Auburn, Al 36830

June 5-8. Blast off for a Stellar good time – Shine a light on Jesus’ love! Launch kids on a cosmic quest where they’ll have a blast shining Jesus’ light to the world.

334-826-8800 www.aumc.net

First Baptist Church of Opelika

301 South 8th Street, Opelika, Al 36801

June 5-8. Ready, Set, Move! Join us for VBS 2023 and helps kids Follow Jesus Here, There, & Everywhere.

334-745-5715 www.fbcokids.com

Lakeview Baptist Church

1600 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, Al 36830

June 19-23: Keepers of the Kingdom 334-887-7094 www.lakeviewbaptist.org

Trinity United Methodist Church

800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, Al 36801

July 10-14: Stellar- Shine Jesus’ Light

334-745-2632

Please send your VBS information for our June issue and call to learn about affordable advertising!

Watersports

Lake Eufaula

104 Lakepoint Dr, Eufaula, AL 36027

Picturesque Lakepoint Resort State Park is located on the banks of the 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula, also known as “The Bass Capital of the World.” Lakepoint offers a variety of amenities such as an 18-hole championship golf course, full service restaurant and lounge, marina, hiking trails, modern campground, swimming complex, tennis courts and playgrounds.

334-687-6026 www.lakeeufaula.info/pages/Lakepoint-State-Park

Lake Martin Lakeside Marina, Dadeville, Al, 36853

Pleasure Point Marina Cabin Rentals; Dadeville, AL, 36853

Rentals: cabins, boats, watercraft, tubes, boards and skis

256-825-9286; 256-825-94 www.lakesidemarinallc.com; www.pleasurepointmarina.com AOP

FamilyCalendar

Through May 7

Million Dollar Quartet

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, through Sunday, May 7, 2023 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery A twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley at Sun Records. This production is a celebration of the contagious spirit, freewheeling excitement, and thrilling sounds where four of music’s best talents came together. www.asf.net/million-dollar-quartet-51

Tuesday, May 2

Summer Swing: OHS Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band (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, May 3

Chicago

7:30 PM through Thursday, May 4, 2023 Gogue

Performing Arts Center, 910 S. College St, Auburn

After 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. It’s no wonder Chicago has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy Award and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate its 25th anniversary—plus the return of Broadway and a new, all-star cast—. goguecentertickets.auburn.edu/Online/default.asp

Noon Tunes: Murray Brown Band

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Opelika Courtyard Square

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a free lunchtime concert. Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment. www.opelika-al.gov/747/Noon-Tunes

Thursday, May 4

Rain- A Tribute to the Beatles

7:30 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Songs from Abbey Road & the Rooftop Concert LIVE, in addition to all your favorite hits. This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. rivercenter.org/event/rain-a-tribute-to-the-beatles/

Friday, May 5

Margaritaville

7:30 PM through Sunday, May 21, 2023 Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus Easy going beach bum Tully Mars is an aspiring singer-songwriter making a bare living performing at the bar of the Margaritaville Hotel. www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ margaritaville

Spring Sundown Concert Series (FREE admission.)

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Keisel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. Food concessions will be on site for purchase. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Auburn University Track and Field www.auburntigers.com

Saturday, May 6

Tootsie

7:30 PM through Sunday, May 7, 2023

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.

www.rivercenter.org/event/tootsie-2/

Derby Day at the Stables

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Russell Crossroads, 17 Russell Farms Rd, Alexander City The Stables at Russell Crossroads Fundraising event for Children’s Harbor with food, live music, and the “Run for the Roses.” www.russelllands.com

Cakes & Cocktails

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Culinary Science Center, 205 South College Street, Auburn Baking cakes from scratch is easier than you think! In each of the classes, you will bake a cake to take home. While the cake is in the oven, you may enjoy a themed cocktail! www.ranecenter.auburn.edu

Storybook Farm Kentucky Derby Day

2:00 PM, 300 Cusseta Road, Opelika It’s the biggest derby party in Alabama, and we have a lot of fun things planned! On May 6th the farm will be flooded with beautiful hats, dresses, dapper suits, and mint juleps - all to reach the goal of serving more than 3,000 kids this year. Enjoy live coverage from Churchill Downs, small plate delicacies from area restaurants, specialty Derby cocktails (yum!), live and silent auctions, live entertainment, after-party fun, and more. www.hopeonhorseback.org/derby

A Superhero for All Seasons

10:00 AM & 11:30 AM Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus Twins, Shadow and Shine, are celebrating their birthday with their favorite Superhero Seasons…Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/asuperhero-for-all-seasons

Johnny Ray Century Ride

8:00 AM, 704 North Railroad Avenue, Opelika The Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee’s Johnny Ray Century Ride for Parkinson’s Disease is presented by the East Alabama Cycling Club and benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation. Johnny Ray Century riders will tour the true backroads of rural Lee, Chambers, and Randolph Counties of East Alabama. Adventurous gravel cyclists will be treated to some beautiful worldclass gravel Chambers County dirt roads.

Garden in the Park

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Municipal Park, Park Rd, Opelika

Annual event featuring handmade and homegrown art. There will also be entertainment on stage, children’s activities and delicious food. Throughout the day, a variety of vendors, children’s activities, and live entertainment will be showcased. Items for sale will include handmade jewelry, bags, paintings, plants, personalized items, children’s clothing, and pottery. Children will be able to participate in activities such as Rocky Brook Rocket rides, visits with the AU Museum of Natural History, crafts and Home Depot building kits.

Wing Fling

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, through Sunday, May 7, 2023

Auburn Raptor Center, 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive, Auburn One of Auburn’s most popular programs offers

fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. During the show, hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors flying close.

www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/raptor-center-events/

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 re-enactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths are working at the forge, spinners and weavers are in the textile room, the gardeners are in the gardens, crafts and seasonal activities are scheduled, and someone is always cooking up a meal in the fireplace or outdoors.

www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/second-saturday

Sunday, May 7

A Superhero for all Seasons

2:30 PM Details on May 6.

Wing Fling

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Auburn Raptor Center, 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive, Auburn One of Auburn’s most popular programs offers fans the opportunity to see a raptor show where they will experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and watch as they swoop overhead. During the show, hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are free-flown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors flying close.

www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor/raptor-center-events/

Tuesday, May 9

Summer Swing: Lee-Scott Academy Jazz Band (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, May 10

A Superhero for all Seasons

9:30 & 11:30 AM Details on May 6.

Noon Tunes: Silky Tone

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Opelika Courtyard Square

12:00-1:00pm. Celebrate the arrival of summer with a free lunchtime concert. Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

www.opelika-al.gov/747/Noon-Tunes

Thursday, May 11

A Superhero for all Seasons

11:30 AM Details on May 6.

Clyde’s through Sunday, May 21, 2023 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery

In this comedy by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck stop café. www.asf.net

FamilyCalendar

Friday, May 12

Spring Sundown Concert Series (FREE admission.)

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Keisel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. Food concessions will be on site for purchase.

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

A Superhero for all Seasons

9:30 & 11:30 AM Details on May 6.

Sundilla presents Noah Zacharin in Concert

(Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and www.sundillamusic.com)

7:30 PM AUUF, 450 E. Thatch Ave. Auburn Sundilla welcomes the acclaimed Noah Zacharin www.sundillamusic.com

Somos Amigos

7:00 PM through Saturday, May 13, 2023

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 S. College St. Auburn Friendship is at the heart of this joyful collaboration between Mexican songstress and Latin Grammy nominee Sonia De Los Santos and the Grammy-winning Americana folk duo The Okee Dokee Brothers. This bilingual show includes both old and new songs that span the musical traditions of Mexico and the United States, illustrating the collective power of learning from each other. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/somos-amigos-songson-common-ground

Saturday, May 13

A Superhero for all Seasons

10:00 AM & 11:30 AM Details on May 6.

Cakes & Cocktails

2:00 PM Culinary Science Center, 205 South College St. Auburn Baking cakes from scratch is easier than you think! In each of the classes, you will bake a cake to take home. While the cake is in the oven, you may

enjoy a themed cocktail! This week’s Cakes & Cocktail menu is Milk Bar Birthday Cake & Funfetti Cake Batter Martini.

www.ranecenter.auburn.edu

Opelika Main Street on Tap

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Located along Opelika’s 1st Avenue, On Tap will feature over 30 craft breweries from across the country. All tickets include up to 50 beer tastings and a souvenir Opelika Main Street On Tap beer glass. Proceeds from the event will go to support Opelika Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing Historic Downtown Opelika. www.opelikamainstreet.org

Mother Daughter Tea Party (Cost: $15/daughter. )

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Opelika SportsPlex, 1001 SportsPlex Pkwy

Join us for an outdoor tea party featuring snacks, arts & crafts and photo booths. Dress in your Sunday best! Open to Mothers and Daughters of all ages.

www.opelika-al.gov/717/Mother-Daughter-Tea-Party

29th Annual Fishing Rodeo Sponsored by Evans Realty

7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Auburn Technology Park Park South- Lake, 229 Enterprise Drive, Auburn Cast into summer with the 29th Annual Fishing Rodeo. The first 175 children will receive a FREE rod and reel courtesy of Evans Realty and Auburn Parks and Recreation will supply the bait. Door prizes will be given out to lucky participants and prizes will be awarded to the biggest and smallest fish caught in each age category.

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Tuesday, May 16

Summer Swing: Kidd Blue (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

Bluey’s Big Play

6:00 PM RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus Join Bluey and his pals as they pull out all the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad to play. www.rivercenter.org/event/blueys-big-play/

Wednesday, May 17

Noon Tunes: Martha’s Trouble

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Opelika Courtyard Square

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a free lunchtime concert. Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

www.opelika-al.gov/747/Noon-Tunes

An Evening of Wine Tasting

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, through Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Culinary Science Center, 205 South College Street, Auburn Experience an evening of tasting exquisite wines from around the world with Master Sommelier Thomas Price. You will learn about the wine and practice tasting techniques in a fun, casual class environment. Come with your friends, your significant other, or on your own and enjoy the benefits of having the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in our community!

www.ranecenter.auburn.edu

Thursday, May 18

Downtown Auburn Family Supper

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM,, Downtown Auburn The most unique dining experience returns to downtown Auburn. Join the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association for the Downtown Family Supper. Set under an array of string lights, over 100 guests will join together “family style” in the middle of Tichenor Avenue. Guests will enjoy multi-course offerings from downtown’s finest chefs.

www.downtownauburnonline.com/events

FamilyCalendar

Third Thursday Poetry Series

6:00 PM Pebble Hill, 101 Debardeleben Street, Auburn Join us for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn Reading. www.facebook.com/cmdcah

Friday, May 19

Spring Sundown Concert Series (FREE admission.)

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Keisel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. Food concessions will be on site for purchase.

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Food Truck Friday

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

Saturday, May 20

Hay Days at The Farm at Rocky Top through Sunday, May 21, 2023, 2910 Lee Road 145, Salem, Al The Farm at Rocky Top is excited to host local artisans and businesses for a spring shopping experience for the whole family. Hay Days is the First Annual Arts and Craft Festival featuring handmade, one-of-a-kind designs by local artisans, unique gourmet foods, boutique and vintage items, a variety of food vendors, and a Kids Corral.

www.instagram.com/thefarmatrockytop

Tuesday, May 23

Summer Swing: Conner Lorre (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, May 24

Noon Tunes: Muse

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Opelika Courtyard Square

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a free lunchtime concert. Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

www.opelika-al.gov/747/Noon-Tunes

Friday, May 26

Spring Sundown Concert Series (FREE admission.)

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Keisel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. Food concessions will be on site for purchase.

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Saturday, May 27

2023 Art on the Lake 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Russell Crossroads, 19 Russell Farms Rd, Alexander City The juried art show will take place on Memorial Day weekend in conjunction with RXR FEST the same weekend. Artists from across the Southeast will be on hand to display and sell their

beautiful artwork. Canvas art, pottery, jewelry, rock work and more. Event occurs annually on Memorial Day weekend.

www.russelllands.com/blog/event/art-on-the-lakerussell-crossroads/

Opening Day Samford Pool

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM,, 332 East Samford Ave. Auburn Lap Swim 7:30-10:00am. Rec Swim 10:30am –4:30pm.

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Tuesday, May 30

Summer Swing: Bill Brooks (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, May 31

Noon Tunes: Strawberry Whine

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Opelika Courtyard Square

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a free lunchtime concert. Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

www.opelika-al.gov/747/Noon-Tunes

Saturday, June 3

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

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/

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

Friday, June 9

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 advan-

tage 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

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

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! TThe 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/

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 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/

Sunday, June 25

Hemming Motor News: Great Race 2023

The Great Race has decided to make it’s cross-country 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. It is not a test of top speed.

www.greatrace.com

Every Saturday

(May 20-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

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

AOP: You have children in all different milestone brackets. How do you keep your family organized when it comes to all their activities?

KG: We have two daughters who dance (one is on the competition team), our middle daughter played school and now club volleyball, and our son plays basketball and travel baseball. I often joke that I should have majored in logistics!

This mama couldn’t do without my “old-school” paper calendar and Google voice reminders. Whenever I get any new schedule or appointment, I plot it out and each kid gets a different highlighted color. There’s probably a more high-tech method, but I like seeing what our weeks look like at a glance and it also helps me to build in margin and rest when our lives look especially busy. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I’m reminded that this is the good stuff. Years from now, I expect my calendar will not be as rainbow colored. With the help of carpools, Google alerts and grandparents, we usually make it all work!

AOP: What has been the most difficult challenge you have faced as a mother? How did you overcome it and what did you learn?

KG: The moment my children were born, I felt the natural mama instinct to protect and hold them close. As they grow, obviously that instinct doesn’t go away, but I’m continually trying to find the right balance of when to step in teaching and training them while also allowing consequences of their choices to happen. From forgotten lunch boxes to staying out past a curfew to navigating middle school friend drama, it’s hard to watch your child make mistakes or have their feelings hurt and not want to swoop in to make it all better. I want them to learn some of these ‘tough love’ moments now so that they will hopefully be confident when they are ready to launch as young adults.

AOP: How do you handle the challenges of raising children with different personalities?

KG: Sixteen years into this parenting gig and I’m often still surprised at how different all of my children are from each other. I tend to parent ‘one size fits all’ and then I often feel shocked to receive four vastly different results! I’m learning to appreciate each of my children for who they are and try not to compare them to their siblings. I also have to remind myself not to assign labels - referring to them as ‘the sensitive one’ or ‘the funny one’ is limiting, even if it’s meant as a compliment!

AOP: What’s one important lesson you have learned as a mother?

KG: Having a high schooler and a kindergartener right now, I am learning that there is something sweet about every stage. I still miss the coos and exhausting bliss of babies and toddlers, but there is something pretty cool about watching my kids grow in independence. They can carry on deep conversations, know how to prepare meals and drive a car! We will continue to look for the best of each stage of parenting.

AOP: How do you help your children navigate social relationships and peer pressure?

KG: This has become more challenging as my children have gotten older. When they are little, we parents get to be their best buds! Somewhere near the middle of elementary school they begin to prefer time with their friends. Friends become their world! My husband and I have encouraged our kids to show kindness to all, but also remember who they are and what they value. Social media makes this especially hard so we encourage them to remember the difference between Instagram and reality!

AOP: What values do you prioritize in your parenting?

KG: As Christians, we strive to model and teach our children through the lens of God’s Word. While we don’t want them to just have a carbon copy of our faith, we want to point them to the Lord as we walk alongside them. My hope is that God has got them from there.

AOP: What advice would you give to mothers who may be struggling with their parenting journey?

KG: I think for every parenting victory we celebrate there are twice as many moments where we are humbled and wonder if we are messing this up. Moms sincerely need community and support. Forming friendships with other moms in those early years was vital for me when I was sleep deprived and covered in spit-up. I still keep in touch with moms that I met at the breastfeeding support group at the hospital with my oldest. I’m thankful for my mama friends who have come alongside me during this wild crazy parenting ride!

Keightley Garnett and her husband Dusty will be celebrating 20 years of marriage this summer. They have four children - Libby (16), Annie (14), Charlie (12) and Hope (6). Keightley owns Simple Joy Photography and considers it a privilege to capture memories for families in her area. She also enjoys reading, traveling and baking when she’s not chauffeuring kids to school, dance and sports.

Keightley Garnett