Auburn - Opelika Parents; Oct 2022

October

Meeting Kids Where They Are

Countdown to College

students

the right fit

Fall Theme Walks

exploring fall in

the

On The Cover

Siqueira is the 5-year-old daughter of Erick and Annie Siqueira.

attends Parkway Baptist Church Preschool and Kindergarten. She is a great big sister, helps take care of her dog (Brüno) and cares for the family’s horses. Olivia loves to swim and play tennis, play outside, and go on adventures with Pops (her grand father, Mike Malone).

Publisher’sNote

It’s so beautiful as I’m writing today that I could not resist taking my laptop and coffee onto the back deck to be in nature. The crisp morning breeze reminds me that fall is here and changes are coming. The leaves will turn the most gor geous shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the squirrels will be scurrying to store up for winter. Thinking about all that fall brings has me excited to plan family fun!

Does your family gather around an annual fall bonfire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows under the starry sky? Or, do you enjoy quiet walks in the woods while watching wildlife in the trees? Maybe you all are looking forward to a fall farm day to pick fruits, find a perfect pumpkin, and go on a hayride. There are so many wonderful adventures to consider this time of year.

In this month’s feature article, 8 Ideas for Fall Theme Walks To Explore Your Neighborhood, you’ll find clever ideas like taking a science walk and looking for different shades of fall leaves, taking them home, and maybe even creating an artful centerpiece for your upcoming Thanksgiving tablescape. Another idea is a sensory walk, where the family can focus on different senses throughout an afternoon hike. Listen to the leaves rustling in the wind, and look for birds, squirrels, and creepy crawlers. Then, end your adventure by tasting fall with some warm apple cider, hot cocoa, or spiced pumpkin treats.

Next, take time to peruse the Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Guide and plan a few weekend outings. If you are looking for a family-friendly farm to explore, check out the Rocky Top Pumpkin Patch, just a short drive to Salem. They have many activities for all ages, including wagon rides, animal barn, corn crib, hay bale mountain, pumpkins for the picking, and much more! Also, a unique theatre production at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center will get your little ones into the Halloween spirit. ‘Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure is a touring bilingual and bicultural musical for families that uses traditional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of twelve-yearold Vita Flores and Sugar Skull, a charismatic skeleton friend. You don’t want to miss this show with creative costuming and whimsical dancing. As October moves along, you’ll find some of our areas’ tried and true festive events like Syrup Soppin’ in Loachapoka, Opelika’s Fall Festival, and Children’s Carnival, and pick your pumpkin from the pool at the Pumpkin Splash SportPlex.

As fall creeps into East Alabama, take time to savor the sights, sounds, and tastes of this season. The cooler temperatures, fall festivals, and Hallow een fun will keep your family busy enjoying October on The Plains!

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

Katy M. Clark

Dr. Jordan Jensen

Gabriele Jones

Janeen Lewis

Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Cover Photography

Keightley Garnett

Simple Joy Photography

www.simplejoyphoto.com

President Jason Watson

Director of Sales

Justin Sumner

209-0552

Ad Design Tim Welch

Web Content Manager Scott Davis

Visit us online at

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 2022 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.

Lead

by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Emotionally Healthy Parents Do These Things

One of the greatest tragedies in our society is that we do not require more educa tion for marriage or parenting. Two of the hardest jobs anyone will ever have are being a spouse and/or a parent. Both roles are full of challenges and rewards. Doing these jobs well requires a great deal of emotional health.

Some parents come into my of fice and want me to “fix” their children and become annoyed when I ask them how they handle specific situ ations. Emotionally healthy parents are rarely offended and are overjoyed with our professional advice. Guess which family benefits the most from the counseling relationship? Please, be an emotionally healthy parent!

Emotionally healthy parents:

• Think objectively. They do not make as sumptions. They do not assume their child has unresolved trauma just because he did not empty the dishwasher or that he is going to be an axe murderer simply because he was rude to his sibling.

• Deal with problems directly and stop problems behaviors as quickly as they can. They do not argue, negotiate, make threats, or bring up other problem behaviors. For example, if their child is throwing a toy, they ask him to stop. If he does not, they simply take it away and let the child be upset. Once the child is calm, they explain that the child can try again, but the toy will be taken if it is thrown again.

• Cope with stress in a realistic way. When their child has them over whelmed, they take a break.

• Focus on what is right. They let their children know that they are on their side by praising every attempt he/she makes to do the right thing.

• Anticipate the future. They understand that there is an order to the development of skills. Healthy parents teach their young children to ask permission. They do this because they

situation, not how they feel.

• Have boundaries. They set clearly defined boundaries and consistently follow them.

They have healthy bedtimes, healthy media limits, and healthy diets.

• Are empathetic. They do not judge their children or attempt to fix their problems.

Instead, they allow their children to live through difficult experiences and emotions by being loving, encouraging, and present.

• Are self-reflective. They honestly reflect on what they are doing well and how they can improve as parents.

• Celebrate childhood. They do not let their children’s childish behaviors surprise them, and they enjoy it when it happens.

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 differ ent disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

The Eerie Express

Municipal Park, Park Road, Opelika. Join us at the Eerie Express on October 15, 6:00-8:00pm. Families will enjoy “Not so scary” train rides ($2) and a Movie. It will be a festive night with a spooky family-friendly movie and train rides around the decorated park. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. Cash Only for train rides. www.opelika-al.gov/796/Halloween-Movie-Eerie-Express

Opelika Songwriters Festival

Downtown Opelika. Opelika. Over the past four years, the Opelika Songwriters Festival has attracted die-hard live music fans from around the Southeast to hear original songwriters spanning many genres of music perform their songs. Restaurants, bars, a distillery and an Inn in historic downtown Opelika become music listening rooms for two nights and a third day for dozens of solo, band, and in-the-round performances

throughout the weekend of October 14 – 16, 2022. Some of the artists and headliners are Indigo Girls, Dan Navarro, Paul McDonald, Mar tha’s Trouble, Ricky Lee Jones and many more!

Visit www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com.

Halloween Enchanted Forest at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 N. College Street, Auburn. Experience the trails like you’ve never seen them before, enchant ed with forest creatures who are ready to tell you about their life in the Kreher woods, October 20-22. Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowl ing, a campfire, fortune telling, and face painting will be available! S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10/person; children 2 and under are free. Cancelled or postponed in the event of rain. http://wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/halloweenenchanted-forest-7/2022-10-20/

Creatures of the Night

Friday evening, October 28, 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Do you enjoy the dark? Are you ready to go on an adventure, with nothing but your good senses and a flashlight? If so, then you just might be the junior explorers we are looking for to attend our Creatures of the Night and Mann Museum Flashlight Tour Education Program and Family Fun Night. Peer through the darkness and discover walls lined with animal pelts of the past, see several deer species nose to nose, and if you can bear it, just around that corner may be 10 foot Polar bear just wait ing to meet you. Creatures of the Night / Mann Museum Flashlight Tour is an educational program and family fun night with hands-on experience, all sorts of adventure, and lots of fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 5-12 years old, and their parents. Yes, parents, you are invited to join the fun too. The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coli seum Parkway, Montgomery. www.montgomeryzoo.com/Home/

Friday Fright Night Movie

October 14 at Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn. An evening of spooky movies to get you in the mood for Halloween. The first feature The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) Rated G will start at 6:45 p.m., and at 8 p.m. our second feature Dead Silence (2007) Rated R will be shown. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to be comfortable, and concessions consist ing of delicious food and tasty treats will be available for purchase to enjoy the movies. This event is FREE and open to the public. Visit www.auburnalabama.org/ parks/events-and-calendar/.

Downtown Auburn Trick-or-Treat

Something spooky this way comes on Sunday, Octo ber 31, with the return of Auburn’s annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat! From 6-8 p.m., we will have a ghoul ishly good time in downtown Auburn. Make plans to join the City of Auburn and the Downtown Merchants Association for this fun and spooky event! Magnolia and College Streets, Auburn. www.downtownauburnonline.com/events

Syrup Soppin’ Day is October 22

The 9-hour festival features weaving and cloth-making demonstra tions, mules grinding cane, syrup being made, musical entertainment with hammered and mountain dulcimers, banjos and guitars, a doctor’s beautiful herb and crops garden, Native American danc ing, bread making, soap making, period pottery, fireplace and outdoor cooking, and numerous other old-time crafts and unique vendors. Of course, the famous sweet potato biscuits are made on-site for your enjoyment as well as camp stew, beans, collards, BBQ, and more. There will be plenty of activities for children as well. Tour the two-story 140 year old Trade Center Museum, watch the blacksmiths at work, visit the Log Cabin, and the Taylor Whatley. 6500 Stage Road, Loachapoka, Al. Syrup Soppin’ Day at Pioneer Park will be 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Loachapoka (just 5 miles west of Auburn). This event has been in the same location for the past 30+ years! www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/syrup-soppin

Fall Festival

Children’s Carnival

Dress in your Halloween best and join Opelika Parks and Recreation on October 25. Children ages 12 and younger invited for games, prizes, hayride, music and more. Admission is free, but activities require the purchase of a wristband or tickets. $10 - All Access Wristband (unlimited ac cess to all activities), $1 - Hayride wristband for parents and siblings, $5 - Bag of 20 tickets (each activity costs 1-3 tickets), 25 cents - Individual tickets (each activity costs 1-3 tickets). Wristbands and tickets may be purchased in advance at the Opelika SportsPlex front desk (cash/check/credit/debit). All ticket/wristband purchases at the event are CASH ONLY. Opelika SportsPlex Fields, 1001 Sportsplex Parkway, Opelika. 5:30-8:30pm. www.opelika-al.gov/792/Fall-Festival-and-Childrens-Carnival

Alabama Frontier Day: November 2-5

Using Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park as its historical backdrop, Alabama Frontier Days focuses on demonstrating frontier life in the southeast during the period 1700-1820. The public can experience this “living history” through trades and crafts demonstrated by re-enactors in period correct dress. Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park, Wetumpka, AL. Visit fttoulousejackson.org/frontierdays.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Getting “On” Your Child’s Nerves

“I don’t want to!” a likely response. In infancy, our kids were cute – simply eating, sleeping, and pooping, but now, when it’s time for dinner, homework, or bed, it is common to be met with resis tance. “I want pizza! I want to play video games! I’m not tired!” Putting it bluntly, children can get on our nerves. At the same time, we’re getting on our children’s nerves, but not in the way you might think.

Eating healthy food, education, get ting plenty of sleep, and more all contrib ute to a child’s nervous system, the area of the body that directs the functions of all other body systems. We want our children to grow and function optimally, and a healthy nervous system is key. While we are all trying to find the best ways to fos ter healthy nervous system function, there is one big part that is often overlooked, its protective structure, the spine.

The nervous system begins in the brain, travels down the spine, and then exits in parts throughout the spine to in nervate the heart, lungs, muscles, and all other parts of the body. The structure and condition of the spine are crucial to keep a healthy nervous system, as an imbal ance or deformation to its structure can stress the nervous system. These imbal

ances can undoubtedly happen when a child falls or bumps their head, but often, these imbalances occur as early as birth.

According to the Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, “Forceful longitudinal traction during delivery is thought to be the most important cause of neonatal spinal injury…” additionally reporting, “…injury of this nature, some times extensive, is often latent, undiag nosed clinically and pathologically.” [1] If this compromise remains hidden, it can lead to several problems during develop ment and interfere with normal function in life, whether homework, play, or sleep. It’s a scary prospect, but thankfully, there are doctors who study these spinal compro mises and practice exclusively correcting them.

One facility with several doctors on staff who specialize in infant & child spinal care is Cornerstone Family Chi ropractic Clinic. It is understood that infants, as well as children to an extent, are ever-growing where all the systems are developing and still putting some pieces together, such as the spine. [2] The doctors value this fact and approach each case with only gentle, nonforceful interventions to correct any imbalances

and follow-up regularly to assure no other imbalances return, the setup for a healthy structured nervous system.

Children will be functioning and developing well when the nervous system is healthy. Yes, they may still get on your nerves from time to time, but make sure you get “on” their nerves too with healthy food, studies, exercise, sleep, and have them checked regularly for any hidden imbalances in-between. They will appreci ate it in the long run.

References:

Towbin A. Latent spinal cord and brain stem injury in newborn infants. Dev Med Child Neurol. 1969;11(1):5468. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.1969.tb01395.x

Karwacki GM, Schneider JF. Normal ossification pat terns of atlas and axis: a CT study. AJNR Am J Neurora diol. 2012;33(10):1882-1887. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A3105

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

Luke Flurry Awarded Eagle Scout Rank

Luke Flurry, an Auburn High School senior, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. For his service project, Flurry led volunteers in building flower boxes and repainting the map of the United States on the basketball court at his former elementary school, Wrights Mill Road Elementary. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement attainable in the Boy Scouts of America, with the requirement of earning at least 21 merit badges. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of scouts have made this rank after a lengthy review process.

Autauga County Schools Cary Woods Elementary School’s New Administration Spotlight

Susan Shonk is the new Assistant Principal at Cary Woods Elementary School, serving alongside Principal Karen Snyder. Mrs. Shonk received her Bachelor of Science from Georgia Southern University in Early Childhood Education. She has a Master of Education in Early Childhood from Troy University and her Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University. Mrs. Shonk also recently attained National Board Certification in the area of Middle Childhood-Generalist. Before becoming Assistant Principal at CWES, she taught for 26 years at the Kindergarten, first, and second-grade levels for 18 years in Houston County, Georgia, before moving to Auburn in 2014. That is when she married her husband, Chet, and began teaching third and fourth grades at Pick Elementary for eight years. “Being accustomed to working for the best of the best in Georgia, I felt it was only fitting for me to choose to come work for the best of the best in Alabama.” When asked why she chose to work with K-2 students, she said, “Five-year-olds can be the funniest people in the world. K-2 kids can put a smile on your face no matter the circumstance. I spent 18 years working in the K-2 world and knew my heart was ready to go back.”

ACS Adventures in Art

Auburn City Schools fifth graders exercised their artistic eyes and ears at the Jan Dempsey Community Art Center. The programming is the 22nd Annual Adventures in Art featuring Alabama-born painter Timothy M. Joe and the band, the Alabama Blues Project. Adventures in Art is a community-based art education program, and this year’s focus is on The Architecture of Rural Alabama. Students learned about the inspiration that artists in Alabama take from their surroundings. The

LSA First Chapel of the School Year

It was a great morning at our first chapel of the 2022-23 school year. Our new seniors and first graders entered together, Emily Polson led us beautifully in worship, Dr. Cox delivered a wonderful message surrounding our verse for the school year, and the entire student body and faculty & staff was prayed for in the school year ahead. Chapel is a sweet and unique time we treasure being together for at LSA. We’re already looking forward to next month’s chapel service.

Autauga County Schools

2022 Alabama History Teacher of the Year

The Gilder Lehrman Institute announced Auburn High School’s Caitlin Halperin as the 2022 Alabama History Teacher of the Year. ACS celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of Ms. Halperin and her well-deserved recognition as an exemplary teacher. Founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, the Institute is dedicated to history education and public service. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American History through educational programs and resources. Since 2004, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has honored the nation’s most extraordinary educators through the State History Teachers of the Year program. Congratulations to Alabama’s History Teacher of the Year, Ms. Caitlin Halperin!

students will be learning over the 2022-23 school year. We couldn’t do it without

wonder&worship

Since 1978, we have encouraged students to glorify God through studying the Truth of His Word and exploring the splendor of His creation.

Splashing Celebration for Summer Readers at Yarbrough Elementary

Our Summer Reading Card Celebration was a BLAST! Thank you Auburn Fire Department for all the fun!

Math Games in 5th Grade

at Lee Scott Academy

Review games have officially begun in 5th grade math. Ms. Holliday’s students tackled whole number and decimal place value questions for their upcoming test... all while playing a Boys vs. Girls game of Giant Jenga! This one went the girls’ way, but don’t they all win if you can learn decimal values while trying not to knock over large blocks?

AHS Flag Football Team Ready for 2022 Season

The Auburn High School Varsity Flag Football team’s 2022 season is underway! In the second year of Flag Football being an AHSAA sanctioned sport, Auburn’s offense are seniors, Jordan Wilson at quarterback and Campbell Spratlin at running back. At the same time, seniors, Aaliyah Parker and La’Nyaha Bowens, will anchor the defensive side of the ball. Head Coach Alison Link looks forward to growing the sport at Auburn High School in year two with a focus on developing the 10th and 11th graders on the team!

Autauga County Schools

AEEC Celebrates First Pep Rally

We had a blast at our first pep rally of the year!! Students and teachers competed in 3 games to win books that tied in with our word of the month, honor. Special recognitions went to Officer Goodwin, Students of the Month for showing honor, and to students who completed their Summer Reading Challenge! It’s great to be at AEEC!

St. Michael Catholic’s Successful Start to the School Year

Our first grade students have been very busy this week, learning just how their days will go here at St. Michael Catholic School. Please pray for them as their school year begins!

Bringing the Beach to Lee-Scott

With Mrs. Stewart, fourth graders didn’t have to go all the way down to the beach to see what the ocean and waves can do at the shore...they made it happen at their tables with some sand, water and even some sea shells. There may have been a little flooding caused by a hurricane or two.

Opelika High School Tested Immersive Simulators

Students tested new immersive virtual reality distracted driving simulators and learned about brain health at Opelika High School.

Autauga County Schools

AHS Cross-Country Team Ready to Run

The Auburn High School Cross-Country team can be seen training on campus and along city streets, as they gear up for the 2022 There will be 27 girls competing on the high school team this season. Eight out of ten girls from the 2021 state championship t returning this season, including senior Olivia Tole, who has competed at every state championship meet since her freshman year. While the team’s goal is to continue the state championship streak through its sixth season, they have several competitive meets throughout the season that will allow runners to go head-to-head against top schools from neighboring states. This year’s squad also has 12 returning runners for the boys, including six of the top seven that competed in last year’s state meet, and 20 runners who are new to the team, mostly made up of freshmen. The team will be led by four seniors – . All four of these individuals have a great chance of being All-State this year, and the team is poised to compete for a state championship.

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

Auburn High School Under the Friday Night Lights

Auburn High School Varsity Football kicked off the 2022 season against the Hoover Bucs in the Champions Classic at Cramton Bowl. With 41 seniors and a team of 164 student-athletes, Coach Etheredge and his staff look to improve upon the Tigers’ 10-3 campaign in 2021, where they made a semifinal appearance in postseason play. Congrats on the first win!

Lee Scott Academy’s Science Class Measured Speed

In Mrs. Starr’s class, Upper School students have recently felt the need...the need for speed! Senior Physics students have been outside with plastic spoons and eggs analyzing different timed speed trials; sophomore students in Honors Physical Science are measuring speed using Hot Wheels cars! Things move pretty fast inside the classroom at LSA...literally.

Pick Elementary New Administration Spotlight

Kortni Daniels is the new Assistant Principal at Pick Elementary School, serving alongside Principal Debbie Reetz. Mrs. Daniels earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master of Education from Auburn University at Montgomery. Her Instructional Leadership Master’s Degree is from the University of West Alabama. She is in her 10th year working in education. She has been a 3rd and 4th-grade teacher in Butler County Schools and Montgomery Public Schools, an ARI Local Reading Specialist/Reading Coach in Montgomery Public Schools, an ARI Regional Literacy Specialist for Region 8, and an Instructional Specialist for Phalen Leadership Academies Charter Schools. When asked what brought her to Auburn City School, she said, “The diversity in ACS was a huge factor in my decision. I love the diversity in the school system, from the Central Office to leaders, teachers, and students. We are not only diverse in our ethnicities but also our talents and strengths. I knew it would be a great place for me to learn and become a better educator every day.” Mrs. Daniels has spent her career working with students in the 3-5 grade levels and feels it is when students gain more independence and confidence. “I love being a part of that,” Daniels said. “It’s also a crucial time to impact their academic achievement before they enter middle school.”

First Mass of the School Year at St. Michael Catholic

Our students and faculty celebrated the first school Mass. Our PreK-4s through third grade students worshipped alongside parishioners in a beautiful showing of communal faith. Our PreK-3s spent a little more time getting used to their first schedule away from home life, but made sure to visit the sanctuary after Mass was over!

Autauga County Schools

Hunting for the Gingerbread at Lee Scott Academy

The Annual Gingerbread Hunt was a huge success for our Pre-K students. After discovering that the gingerbread man has escaped from the oven in their classrooms, Pre-K classes joined together to hunt him down! Through different hints and the help of so many, he led them on a wild goose chase around the most important parts of the school. Thankfully, he was found after a fun-filled and exhilarating chase across LSA!

AHS Volleyball Team “Bump-Set-Dominate”

The 2022 Volleyball season for Auburn High School is underway with their first match against Prattville Christian Academy. Head Coach Tommy Carter and his squad look to repeat as back-to-back 7A Area 4 Champions on their journey to deep postseason play.

10th of each month!

ACS Thankful for Growing Campus

We are so thankful to LifeSaver Ministries and Covenant Presbyterian Church for allowing us to use their facilities as we grow! We are now at two campuses, but remain one great school.

Opelika City Schools

Richland Elementary New Administration Spotlight

Heather Klein is the new Assistant Principal at Richland Elementary School, serving alongside Principal Jeff Johnson. Ms. Klein earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, her Master of Education in Elementary Education, and Master of Education in Instructional Leadership, all from the University of South Alabama. She is in her 11th year working in education, having served as a classroom teacher for nine years at the first, fifth, sixth, and seventh grade levels in Baldwin County Schools and Opelika City Schools. Ms. Klein also has one year of experience as an instructional coach for middle and high school levels in Russell County Schools. When asked what brought her to Auburn City Schools, she said, “I wanted to begin my career in Auburn in a leadership role, which led me to apply for this position. I love the Auburn area; this is where my church is located, and most of my friends live. I have worked with elementary, middle, and high school students, so I can easily adapt to any level, but the younger elementary age has a special place in my heart. They are genuinely kind and have a certain innocence that I feel should be protected. I enjoy being a role model and teaching students how to be respectful and responsible.”

Thanks to Baxter for Generous Donations to Opelika Schools

Thank you to Baxter for donating school supplies to the Opelika City Schools. We appreciate your generosity to our students and teachers. Pictured with Baxter employees are Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore and Assistant Superintendents Ms. Tiffany Yelder, and Dr. Pam Fourtenbary.

Flashlight Friday for LSA 2nd Graders

For second grade, Friday are called Flashlight Friday! Students from each class “camp out” inside their tents to read and work on their assignments. Even though Fridays are the last day of the week and we get excited about the weekend, we still enjoy learning in a unique and fun way.

The high school road to college may seem like four of the most challenging years families face. There are deadlines, tough financial choices, and parents and children don’t always agree on colleges. If that isn’t stressful enough, every year there are tasks that high school students should be checking off their to-do lists. How do parents help their high school students navigate all the details and decisions they must make during their countdown to college?

Here is some advice from the pros -- a parent who’s been through the process and a college admissions counselor.

Starting the Conversation

It all starts with a conversation between parent and child. But often, the question that starts the conversation is the wrong one, ac cording to Rick Clark, an undergraduate admissions counselor.

“Parents ask, ‘Where do you want to go to college?’” Clark says. “The biggest question that parents don’t ask or lose sight of is ‘Why do you want to go to college?’”

That why is important and should be followed up with ques tions like “What do you hope to get out of this? What do you want to study? What do you want to do long-term?” says Clark.

Following are tips to get your student on the right track for col lege while in high school:

Freshman Year: The Importance of Academics

Rachael Fain, a mom of three, stresses the importance of the GPA during freshman year. Fain’s daughter, Hannah, gradu ated from college in 2017. Fain also has two sons, Matthew, who graduated from college in 2020, and Andrew, a college senior. “My children started taking high school classes in eighth grade,” Fain says. “A GPA is harder to bring up in junior and senior year, so our goal their eighth and ninth grade years was to keep their GPAs high.”

The freshman year is also important for getting on a challenging track of classes.

“Course choice is important,” Clark says. “Math, in particular, is something students need to pay attention to.”

Taking challenging classes in high school helped Fain’s son Matthew make his college decision. He decided to pursue his degree at the university where he took dual credit courses when he

was in high school. Andrew also took dual credit courses in high school to lighten his load once he got to college. That worked out well when Covid hit and Andrew took a semester off but did not fall behind in his course work.

Sophomore Year: Getting to Know You

Tenth grade is a good year for self-reflection. Students can take personality tests and the PSAT to figure out their strengths and weaknesses. They can also start thinking about the kind and size of school they want to attend.

Understanding what they are good at will help high school stu dents be realistic about the school that is the best fit for them.

Junior Year: Balancing Grades & Activities

Grades are crucial during the junior year. Junior year also involves a more challenging track of classes and leadership roles in clubs and activities. It’s hard to do it all, so how important are the extracurricular activities? It depends on the student and the college.

“At one of my children’s colleges, extracurricular activities were re ally important,” Fain said. “At the other one, they didn’t matter as much.”

Clark says one out of every four students who apply to the school where he works are accepted.

“Most students that apply have good test scores, good grades and good courses. Then the review committee asks, ‘Is this kid a good fit for us?’”

Clark says they look for students who are innovative or who are entrepreneurs, and they ask, “How does this student use their time?”

“If they are a good student who goes home and plays video games, what will they contribute to the school?” Clark says.

But it stands out if students are responsible, if they work a job or if they make an impact in some way.

Senior Year: Find Your Fit

Clark says the most important thing about making a col lege decision is finding a good fit.

“Fit doesn’t really mean can the student do the work, but are they aligned well to the school.” For example, Clark says two universities can look the same on paper. A student will apply to each with the same grades and same test scores and get accepted to one and not the other.

“That is what fit is,” Clark says. “How a student fits with a school, not just from an academic standpoint.”

If you and your child do not agree on the same school, Clark says how you approach the topic may resolve a lot of conflict over the situation. “Continue to tell your kids you love them, and that no matter where they go to college, it will be great.”

The good news is that there are many schools across the country and probably more than one of them will match your student’s personality and academic standing.

“If you or your child feels overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remember there is a school for every student,” says Fain.

Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie. She is a nationally published writer.

Countdown to College Checklist

Freshman Year

Talk to your parents and guidance counselor at the beginning of the year to set goals. Take the most challenging courses available to you. Make good grades. Try a variety of activities. Take advantage of opportunities to visit college campuses when you travel.

Sophomore Year

Visit college and career fairs. If you are social distancing, schedule virtual tours of colleges of interest or consider self-guided tours on campuses. Check out updated health and masking guidance at schools you visit in person. Build your resume. Make a list of awards, accomplishments, and activities. Take the PSAT for practice (you can take it your sophomore and junior year, but it won’t count until you are a junior). Start studying for the ACT and SAT. There are many test prep guides available online and in book form. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and take a personality inventory. Research possible careers. During the summer begin researching colleges that might be a good fit.

Junior Year

Take the PSAT. Accept leadership roles in the activities that suit you best. Narrow your list of possible careers. Narrow your list of possible colleges. Take the ACT and SAT. During the summer volunteer or find an internship or job related to your future career. Write a college entrance essay draft. Have it critiqued by a guidance counselor or teacher.

Senior Year

Narrow your college search to six to eight schools. Post all important deadline dates on a wall calendar. Retake the ACT or SAT if needed. Polish your resume. Ask for teacher recommendations. Visit the colleges you are applying to. Send out all your college applications. After you receive your acceptance letters, compare scholarship and financial aid packages and make your final decision. Notify all the schools you were accepted to of your decision. Celebrate the beginning of a new timeline at college!

Words Matter... Even Online!

Words matter. They are the corner stone of our everyday lives. What we say and how we say it has so much impact on our lives and the lives of others. Words are an inexhaustible resource. They have started and stopped wars. They influence how we think and what we believe. No matter the language, words hold more power than any weapon ever created. I will always be passionate about this topic of conversation, especially when it comes to educating our youth.

We all have access to devices that allow us to communicate every second of every day. We can log on to any news site, social media app, or gaming device and have an instant connection. We have an immediate platform for an audience. Any one can go live on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. We can share anything from how to make ramen to deep-seated personal and political beliefs. The internet provides no boundaries for every thought or feeling someone may have, should they wish to share it. For our young, impressionable kids and teens, this can be difficult terrain for them to navigate. It is often hard to decipher what is true and what is not. It is also problematic when the words being said target others in a hurtful manner. Our children are often sharing the same literary playground with uncensored adults.

So what does all of this mean? How does this affect our children? How can we help them navigate what they are reading and hearing?

We begin by modeling good digital behavior. As parents and guardians, we must be sure that what we say online best represents us. We want to be proud of our chosen words and be comfortable with our children reading them. In this way, we teach them how much their words matter.

There is a term I began using years ago in conferences with my students. It is “screen brave.” Kids and adults tend to feel very brave behind a screen. We forget that there are real humans on the other side of the screen, reading every word we say. This can make it feel easy to say hurtful things be cause we cannot immediately SEE the hurt it creates. So we must teach our children that their words matter. What they say can help or hurt someone. What they say can af fect others’ lives and their own. We must help them avoid being screen brave. A tip I give all of my students is this... Every time you get on your phone, pretend like you have an audience sitting right in front of you. If you would not say face to face to the audience what you are about to say online, then it is best not to say it at all.

We must also teach them the heavy consequences of their words. While we are not responsible for other people’s reactions and cannot make people do things, we can be held responsible for the consequences of our words. If we are lead ing groups of people to harm others, then we are responsible for that leadership. If we encourage someone to do something wrong, illegal or irreversible, we must be held responsible for the role we play.

teens have encouraged other teens to commit suicide and were convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Telling some one how to KYS (kill yourself) is now a punishable offense. Teach your children that when angry, the best place for them is NOT the internet. Teach them to take a breath, take a step back, and think about the words they want to use and the possible resulting consequences.

Lastly, remain involved. Check their ac counts. Have open conver sations. Give them a safe space to have hard days and to feel angry. Give them space to vent to you, a counselor, or a trusted adult without spilling their words onto the internet for everyone to see... and for everyone to feel.

I love this quote by J. K. Rowling, “Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”

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 associ ated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knb communications.com.

October brings gifts like crisp air and sweater weath er. We exchange those iced coffees for hot lattes. Best of all, we get to eat all of the comfort ing casseroles!

This month Dinner’s Ready is the perfect fit for the fall sea son. Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole is a meal that makes anyone, at any age around the kitchen table, happy.

This recipe comes to us from Auburn native and stay-at-home mom Calley Brady, who wanted to ring in fall with deli cious comfort food.

“I pride myself on being able to make fast, delicious meals in the timeframe that we have,” shared Calley. “Which, if you’re familiar with after-school activities, some times is not a lot.”

Calley and her husband Jamie have been married for 10 years. Together they have two children, Lily (7) and John Luke (3). The couple spends most days running

their kids from

place to place, whether it’s golf or competitive cheerleading or back-and-forth to school activities.

Calley shared that it is a priority for the family to eat together around the kitchen table at least three nights a week. Of course, some nights do not allow for this, but the rule in their home is no one eats alone.

“If we all four can’t eat together, we pair off,” Calley said. “No one eats alone at our house, not even Momma!”

As a stay-at-home mom, Calley can keep her family front and center. We mentioned the kids’ activities, but she also supports her husband in running his own lawn care business, Cutting Edge Lawn Service. In addition, she is incredibly pas sionate about volunteering her time.

“As a stay-at-home mom, I spend most of my days volunteering with several organizations in town, including Esper anza House,” she shared. “I believe the purpose God has given me in this life is to serve others in any way possible.”

She also volunteers for the PTO at her daughter’s school, is very involved as an active member of Cornerstone Church, where her husband is on the executive team and she serves on the care team, and the list goes on.

When this active family has any down time, you can catch them near the water!

“In our spare time, we love to go to Gray ton Beach, Lake Martin, and cheer on our Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium,” said Calley. They also plan to enjoy some pumpkin patches now that the fall season is here.

Old Fashion Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

1 rotisserie chicken, deboned and diced

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of celery soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

2 cups uncooked rice

1 cup of milk

1 cup of water

1/2 cup grated parmesan

Directions

Combine all ingredients (except cheese) well and pour into a 9x13 baking dish and top with parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes!

Gabriele has been married to her hus band Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children. In addition to freelane writing, she is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Fall is the perfect time of year to get outside. And what better way to experience all the season has to offer than by taking a walk? Walking is fun and easy, plus it provides a boost to your physical and mental health. Going on a walk with your kids lets them notice new things and meet new people along the way.

Here are 8 fall theme walks that you and your children can take around your neighborhood.

Sensory walk. On this walk, have your child focus on their senses. Ask your child what colors they see. Touch the leaves that have fallen. Smell the air and ask if it smells differ ent than in the summer. Listen to the birds or squirrels. Don’t forget to taste fall, too, by sampling apples or cider when you get home.

Scavenger hunt. There are many printable scavenger hunts available online or you can get creative and make your own. Have your kids look for distinctly autumnal items like fallen leaves, acorns, or pumpkins. Once they find an item, have them check it off their list. Most kids love carrying the list on a clip board, too. It’s very official!

Talk the walk. Use descriptive words to engage your child in talking about fall. Ask them why they like this season. Then tell them why you like it. For example, “I like fall because the colors of the leaves are red, orange, and yellow.” I used to tell my kids that I liked fall because the weather is cooler and it feels good to wear sweaters.

Bird watching walk. Does fall bring the arrival or departure of different kinds of birds in your area? Talk about the birds you saw this summer and imagine where they live now. Notice which birds fly in V-shaped formations as they prepare to head south. Keep track of how many different birds you see on a walk in a field journal.

Art walk. The object of an art walk is to collect as many items related to fall as you can, such as leaves, sticks, and acorns. Then take them home and create! You can glue twigs and leaves together to make forest creatures or try your hand at making leaf prints. One of the easiest projects my children enjoyed when they were younger was sticking fallen leaves of all colors, shapes and sizes onto contact paper.

Nighttime walk. Just because the days are getting shorter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside when it gets dark. On your nighttime walk, see if you can find constellations like the Big Dipper. Watch for the blinking lights of planes as they cross the sky. Take flashlights or headlamps and look for critters in your neighborhood.

Buddy walk. Sometimes all that is needed to make a walk more exciting is a friend. Invite one or two buddies to traverse the neighborhood with you or pick a new location for your walk. Simply traveling through a novel area can be an exciting change of pace for most kids. Go for a walk around the block or take a friend on any of the eight walks here.

Science walk. Gather leaves that have fallen from trees as well as those from plants. Ask how the leaves are different. Is one kind changing color but the other is not? Look for any black spots on leaves and talk about decay. Notice the evergreen trees in your area and discuss why they do not change color. For extra credit, bring home leaves and press them between sheets of newspaper weighed down by books for a few days. This will preserve their shape and color without the leaves curling and drying out.

Arts & Crafts Festivals

Lee County Fair

2316-2358 Lafayette Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801 TBA. Livestock shows, contests, exhibits, pag eants, rides and much more. 334-742-0410 hjsadler@charter.net

30th Annual Alabama Cotton Festival

145 Main Street, Eclectic, AL 36024

October 8. 8:00am-2:00pm. Arts and crafts, flea market items, concession- booth spaces are free. 5K Cotton Run, Alabama Rook Tournament, local talent contest, children’s activities, antique cars and tractors, performances and more. 334-541-3581 www.townofeclectic.com

31st Annual Christmas

Made in the South Columbus Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901

October 28-30. Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertain ment to whet and satisfy every demanding appe tite. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearables to fabric bags, glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature’s funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more!

www.madeinthesouthshows.com

42nd Annual Oktoberfest

Arts & Craft Show

Charles E. Bailey, Sportsplex, 1685 Arena Road, Alexander City, AL 35010

October 8. Day-long celebration features local arts and crafts, great food, entertainment, Kid-Fest children’s activities, sports programs, antique car show and much more. A Native American Artifact show is our newest showcase. 256-329-6736 www.alexandercityal.gov/parks-rec/ page/oktoberfest

44th Annual Alabama

Tale Tellin’ Festival

3 Church Street, Selma, AL 36701

October 27. The performers this year are Andy

Irwin, Rollin’ in the Hay, Art show, StreetFest, Bal let, Market Day, Pilgrimage and more! 334-412-8052 www.artsrevive.com

50th Annual National Shrimp Festival

Hwy 59 and Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 October 6-9. Over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, a retail marketplace and SHRIMP! 251-968-7200 www.myshrimpfest.com

51st Annual Harvest Day Festival

Downtown Square, Grove St, Headland, AL 36345 October 7. 9am-4pm. Arts and crafts, children’s games and rides, wonderful food and entertainment. 334-693-3303 www.headlandal.com

59th Annual Bluff Park Show

517 Cloudland Drive, Hoover, AL 35226 October 1. 9:00am-5:00pm. Sponsored by the Bluff Park Art Association and includes more than 130 local and national artists displaying fine art for sale. Bring the kids to enjoy some hands on art fun. Free admission, parking and shuttles www.bluffparkartassociation.org

68th Annual Cullman County Fair

1501 Sportsman Lake Road NW, Cullman, AL 35055 October 6-15. Thrilling rides, amazing exhibits, and the best in local and regional entertainment. 256-734-0661 www.cullmanfair.org

Alabama Gourd Festival

510 Fifth Street S. W., Cullman, AL 35055 October 14-15. “I’m Dreaming of a Gourd Christ mas”. Annual festival features gourd arts and crafts, such as birdhouses, musical instruments and decorated gourds. Dulcimer band performs. gourdzilla@aol.com www.alabamagourdsociety.org

Alabama National Fair

Garret Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive, Montgomery, AL 36107 October 7-16. Midway rides, main stage entertain ment, food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more! 334- 356-6866 www.alnationalfair.org

Alexander City Fall Festival

Russell Crossroads, 17 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City, AL 35010

October 29. Join friends and neighbors for pumpkin painting, a costume contest, wagon rides and more, courtesy of Russell Lands on Lake Martin.

www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Boll Weevil Festival

Enterprise , AL 36330

October 15. Arts and crafts vendors, variety of mu sic, food, children’s costume contest and activities, farmers market, car show, family entertainment. www.enterprisealabama.com/bwff

Christmas Village Festival

BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North, Birmingham, AL 35203

November 2-6. The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more.

www.christmasvillagefestival.com

Cotton Pickin’ County Fair

18830 Hwy 85, Gay, GA 30218

October 1-2. Return to 1910 where the Farm house, the Cotton Gin, and the Cotton Warehouse form a unique backdrop for a great day of 21st century fun. Amidst skilled artisans and antique specialists, the Fair shares remnants of farm life in days gone by. New talent keeps the festival fresh and interesting while returning artists welcome loyal customers seeking to add to individual col lections.

706-538-6814 www.cpfair.org

Dadeville Fall Festival

Broadnax Street, Dadeville, Al 36853

Dadeville’s 9th Annual Fall Festival hosted by the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber features activities for the whole family. We have a “Kid Zone” where there are bouncy houses, pony rides, face painter, petting zoo, etc. We also will have live music, Auburn Raptors wild bird show, arts & crafts booths, food vendors, and so on. New activities are added every year!

www.dadevillechamber.com/calendar/

Eufaula Fest

333 East Broad Street , Eufaula, AL 36027

October 8-9. Fine arts and handmade crafts, chil dren’s activities, live entertainment and more. 334-687-6664 www.eufaulachamber.com

Fall Farm Day & Festival

430 Landmark Drive, Dothan, AL 36303

October 15. Learn how peanuts were harvested in the Wiregrass a half-century ago. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of cane grinding, syrup mak ing, butter churning, basket weaving, soap making and other traditional farm activities. Plus, food, music and antique tractors and farm equipment 334-794-3452 www.landmarkparkdothan.com

Harvest Hoe Down

3636 Whitehouse Pkwy, Warm Springs, GA 31830

October 8-9. Enjoy this fall celebration with arts, crafts, good food, entertainment and more! www.warmspringsga.com/annual-events-in-warmsprings/

Hummingbird Festival

400 East Main Street, Hogansville, GA 30230

October 15-16. Main Street will be bustling with food, crafts, antiques, music, local artists, open storefronts, rides, and activities for the whole family. 706-333-2520 www.hummingbirdfestival.com

Montgomery Jr. League’s Holiday Market

220 Hall Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

October 5-8. Start the Winter Holiday Season off right with shopping the Jr. League’s Market. Each year, holiday themed booths set up for a great, one-stop-shop for all your Thanksgiving, Christ mas and New Years items. www.jlmontgomery.com

National Peanut Festival

5622 U.S. Highway 231 South, Dothan, AL 36301

November 4-13. Headliner Dylan Scott. Music from Jordan Davis and Lainey Wilson. Livestock exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides, sea lion show, and much more! 334-793-4323 www.nationalpeanutfestival.com

Ole Chipley Town Fair

Pine Mountain, GA 31822

September 24. Join the crowd of Pine Mountain and enjoy local crafts, quilting, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, food and entertainment. taramhall1@gmail.com www.pinemountain.org

Peanut Butter Festival

475 Dickert Circle , Brundidge, AL 36010

October 29. A harvest and heritage celebration honoring the town’s proud heritage in the peanut butter industry. The free for all festival features a 5-K Peanut Butter Run, non-stop entertainment, contests, games, exhibits, recipe contest, Peanut Butter Kids Contest and the Nutter Butter Parade and food galore including everything peanut butter. 334-344-9601 www.piddle.org

Pioneer Day

6500 Stage Road , Loachapoka, AL 36865

October 22. The same great sausage, biscuits, syrup, music, mules, arts, crafts, etc. that has been offered for the last 40 years will continue to be the same. The Plantation Heirs will sing at

noon. Creek Indians demonstrations in heritage crafts and good food. Many vendors are returning along with new vendors. 334-887-3007 www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org

Pioneer Days at Pioneer Museum of Alabama

248 Highway 231 North, Troy, AL 36081

October 7-8. Horse and wagon rides, trips on the Pioneer Express, Native American camps with demonstrations of candle making, spinning, weav ing, quilt making, blacksmithing, drum, dance, etc. Friday is School Day. 334- 566-3597 www.pioneer-museum.org

Spinners Annual “Pumpkin Patch”

Arts & Crafts Show

390 West 6th Street, Prattville, AL 36066 October 22-23. Exhibitors of original art and crafts from throughout the southeast will display their wares. Food vendors, live entertainment, games, a coloring contest and many other activities for children and youth. Door prizes will be given at in tervals during the show. Other events include The Great Pumpkin Race, a 5K/8K Race and a one mile Run/Walk, a motorcycle show, jack-o-lantern contest and more. Free admission. www.facebook.com/PrattvilleSpinners/

Stone Mountain Park

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA Highland Games- October 15-16. This year thou sands of Scots (even those that wish to be ‘Scot for the Day’) from around the world will don their family tartans and gather to greet old friends and make new ones too. Come and enjoy the Highland Athletic events, Highland Dancing, Piping and Drumming, Scottish Harping. Native American Festival & Pow Wow- November 3-6. This event showcases Native American culture through dance, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking traditions, storytelling, wildlife presenta tions and more. 800-401-2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

The Greater Columbus Fair Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th Street, Columbus, GA 31901

October TBA. Celebrate the beginning of autumn in the Chattahoochee Valley. Food, rides, games, pageant and more! 706-653-4472 www.columbusciviccenter.org

Church Events

Parkway Baptist Church Fall Festival

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766 East University Drive, Auburn, AL 36830 October 26. This is a FREE family-friendly event! Join us for games, inflatables, candy, food, and fun! All activities will take place in and around our CLC. Free food and drink vouchers will be pro vided at the Registration Table. Enjoy more play time by pre-registering today! 334-887-3782 www.parkwayauburn.org

All Saints Fair

Lakeview Baptist Church, 1600 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830

October 27- Safe, family fun alternative to trickor-treating; everyone welcome. Games include

train, gladiator joust, gyro, horse and wagon, go fish, soccer kick, ring toss, bowling, inflatables and more! Lots of games, prizes and candy! Come dressed up, but please avoid ghoulish costumes www.lakeviewbaptist.org

Fall Festival on the Square

First Baptist Church of Opelika, Avenue B, Opelika, Al 36801

October 30: Downtown Opelika. 5:00-7:30pm. Head to downtown Opelika for an evening of fire works, Motorcycle stunts, candy, inflatables, food trucks, and prize drawings! 334-745-5715 www.fbcopelika.com

Costume Shopping

Check-It-Out!

239 North Gay Street, Auburn, AL 36830 Halloween costumes and accessories. Also, bal loon deliveries, balloon decor, gift baskets, flower arrangements, cake & cookie deliveries, sorority merchandise, and large bulk deliveries. We offer the largest selection of balloons in every shape and size. Check-It-Out has decorated for 100’s of events throughout the year 334-826-0803 www.check-it-outballoons.com

Kids Clothes Connection

Opelika, AL 36801

Gently used children’s costumes available www.kidsclothesconnection.com

Party City

2534 Enterprise Drive, Opelika, AL 36801 Specializing in all things party! Costumes for all ages, accessories, decorations, and more. 334-745-1568 www.partycity.com

Fall Farms

The Farm at Rocky Top & Pumpkin Patch

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2910 Lee Road 145, Salem, Al 36874

October 1-30, Saturday/Sunday, 9:00am-6:00pm

CST. Bring the Family on the Weekends, Sched ule Field Trips, Reserve Birthday Parties. Wagon Rides, Mini Zip Line, RT Little Train, Inflatables, Animal Barn, Barnyard Games, Corn Crib and so much more! 334-559-5567 jan@thefarmatrockytop.com www.thefarmatrockytop.com/pumpkin-patch

Choctafaula Pumpkin Patch

929 Lee Road 14, Auburn, Al 36830

Open Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm and Sundays 12:00-4:00pm in October. Fall attractions include animal attractions, pumpkin patch, pony rides, corn crib, haybale maze, fun farm photo areas and petting zoo. Have a hands-on animal encounter with bison, camels, zebras, wildebeest, and more. 334-209-1777 www.visitchoctafaula.com

Farmer in the Dell Pumpkin Patch

Lee County Road 61, Auburn, AL 36830

Located 6 miles west of Toomer’s Corner off of Hwy 14 near Loachapoka School. Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides and more. 334-750-3792 www.auburnpumpkinpatch.com

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Paradise Pumpkin Patch

910 County Road 79, Eufaula, AL 36027

Corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower and cotton fields, giant inflatable park, petting zoo, play ground, cow train, hay rides, pony rides, covered wagon rides pulled by a team of mules, giant corn box and hay bale mazes, concessions, and gift shop. October 1- 31, Saturdays 9:00am-6:00pm, Sundays 11:00am-6:00pm. Special event dates and field trips available Monday-Friday. Free Para dise for Special Children- October 3, 8am-3pm. Free field trip for special needs children. Home School Day- October 10, 8am-3pm. 334-695-2258 www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com

Penton Farms

3595 County Road 59, Verbena, Al 36091

Sept 24-October 31. Pumpkin patch, corn maze, wagon rides, animal barn, cow train, slides and more!

205-351-1480 pentonfarms.com

Pumpkin Junction at

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

1919 9th Street, Calera, AL 35040

October Saturday and Sunday. Gather up the entire family and board the Calera and Shelby Railroad for a short ride to Pumpkin Junction. More than just a place to purchase a pumpkin, it’s a destination for family fun, food vendors and more!

205-757-8383 info@hodrrm.org www.hodrrm.org

Sleepy Hollow Haunted Farm

929 Lee County Road 14, Auburn, AL 36830 Friday and Saturdays in October. The farm features a clown cabin, Rip-Ride haunted hayride and murder maze. A free petting zoo is available nightly for family enjoyment. Tickets and additional information are available online. 334-750-2591 www.sleepyhollowauburn.com

The Red Oak Farm

6268 County Road 83, LaFayette, Al 36862 Saturdays 10-6 and Sundays 1-6 . Corn Maze and Fall Fun! Come out to The Red Oak Farm this fall to explore our large corn maze, take a hayride around the farm, or experience some of our many family fun activities. Conveniently 334-750-0894 www.theredoakfarm.com

W-Bar Farm

Scheduling visits to the Pumpkin Patch in October. Please call and plan your farm visit and tractor ride.... school field trips, daycare fun and church outings. 334-887-3631 www.barwrvpark.com/farm.html

Local Events

City of Opelika Parks and Recreation

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1001 Andrews Road, Opelika, AL 36801 Fall Festival & Children’s Carnival- W. James Samford, Jr. Soccer Complex Sportsplex. October 25, 5:30-8:30pm. Children 12 and under invited. Safe alternative to Trick or Treating. Children wear costumes and bring your treat bags. Come for hayrides, prizes, games, rides and entertainment, inflatable slides, mascots, special booths and exciting events.

The Great Pumpkin Splash- October 21. 6:008:00pm. $5. Ages 6-12yrs. Pick your pumpkin

from the pool! Kids enjoy harvest relay races, pumpkin roll, prizes and more! Tour De Fright- October 29, 6:00-8:00pm. Bicyclers beware! Children 12 and under and their parents are invited to take a ride on the haunted walking trail. The Eerie Express- A Not So Spooky Train Ride and Movie. October 15, 6:00-8:00pm. Join us for a spooky family friendly night at Monkey Park. Fright Night at The Villa- October 22, 6:308:30pm. A scary movie for adults only at The Springvilla Park. 334-705-5560 www.opelikasportsplex.com

this event.) Bring your monsters, rock stars, princesses, and clowns to the best party in town. Join us in this excellent alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating. Downtown “Monster Merchants” will provide treats for the children and delightful sounds from our “special” entertainment will fill the night air. Also, don’t miss out on your chance to win the “Best Costume” contest and bring your favorite four-legged friends and enter them for a chance to win the Best Pet Costume Contest!

Fright Night Movies at Kiesel Park- October 14. An evening of spooky movies to get you in the

Louise Kreher Forest Ecology

Preserve & Nature Center

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2222 North College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 Halloween Enchanted Forest- October 20-22, 5:30-7:00pm; Enjoy a fun family-friendly Halloween event hiking the Kreher Preserve trails and visiting some costumed characters who will entertain you on how they “trick or treat” other animals in the for est. Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowling, campfire, fortune telling and face painting will be available! S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase. Registration is required. Nature Nightmares- October 20-22, 8:3011:00pm. Halloween at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center now has two faces... Nature Night mares, the scary sister to Halloween Enchanted Forest. Nature Nightmares is a haunted hike through the pitch-black forest of the KPNC – a hike like you’ve never experienced before. With evil creatures lurking in the shadows and frighten ing entities waiting for wary visitors, we dare you to come and conquer the darkness! 334-844-8091 www.auburn.edu/preserve

City of Auburn Annual

Halloween Events

425 Perry Street, Auburn, AL 36830

Downtown Trick-or-Treat- October 31, 6:008:00pm. Free to the public. Ages 12 years and younger (Parents must accompany children at

mood for Halloween. The first feature The Adven tures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) Rated G will start at 6:45 p.m., and at 8 p.m. our second fea ture Dead Silence (2007) Rated R will be shown. Harvest Float- October 7 at Samford Pool. The event will begin and 5:30 p.m. and will feature a floating pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating and a showing of “The Goonies!” Participants will be able to swim through the pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkin to decorate. Then, enjoy din ner from local food trucks and dive back into the pool for a float-in-movie.

334-501-2930 www.auburnalabama.org

Haunted Auburn Walking Tour

102 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36830

Every Friday and Saturday in October. Join your hosts Stoker and Poe as they lead you around to Auburns most haunted locations. Hear the tales, urban ledgens, first hand accounts and true life facts about these locations. Two tours each night first at 6pm the other at 8pm weather permitting. Dress accordingly. Fun for all (may not be suitable for children under 12). Meet at the 2 Eagles by the Toomer Oaks. Admission is FREE!!

334-444-1422

Auburn Public Library

749 East Thatch Ave, Auburn, AL 36830

Goulish Gala- October 27, 5:00 p.m. Dress up in your costumes and bring the whole family to the Auburn Public Library for a ghoulishly grand time!

Attendees will receive a treat bag (while supplies

last). Make crafts, play games, dance the night away with DJ EST, and register for the Costume Parade and Contest! Prizes will be awarded for the best costume in four categories: infant-5 years, 6-11 years, 12 years & up, and group/family. www.auburnalabama.org/library

Great Pumpkin Carve

Graves Drive, Auburn University, AL 36849 Auburn University School of Architecture and De sign, Dudley Court, Campus. October 29, October 28- 9:00am-9:00pm. Come out and watch the students carve amazing designs into pumpkins. As night falls, see the pumpkins turn into glowing jack-o-lanterns! Dress the kids up for a costume contest, games, and more! 334-844-4524 cadc.communications@auburn.edu cadc.auburn.edu

Opelika Songwriter’s Festival

Downtown Opelika, Opelika, Al 36801 October 14-16. Over 40 singer songwriters performing at the 2nd Annual Opelika Songwriters Festival! Come enjoy world class songwriters as we transform these multiple venues into listening rooms! The Opelika Songwriters Festival is a co-production of The Sound Wall and The Arts Association of East Alabama. www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com

Out of Town

Creatures of the Night/ Mann Museum Flashlight Tour Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, Al 36110

Peer through the darkness and discover walls lined with animal pelts of the past, see several deer species nose to nose, and if you can bear it, just around that corner may be 10 foot Polar bear just waiting to meet you. Creatures of the Night / Mann Museum Flashlight Tour is an educational program and family fun night with hands-on expe rience, all sorts of adventure, and lots of fun. 334-625-4909 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Pumpkin at Callaway: Gardens By Day, Glow By Night

4500 Southern Pine Drive, Pine Mountain, Ga 31822 September 16-October 30. Explore gardens by day and watch them glow by night with a brandnew family-friendly festival: Pumpkins at Callaway! As the weather cools, our 2,500-acre gardens transform into a harvest haven with pumpkin sculptures, topiaries, and magnificent mums in brilliant autumnal hues. Stay after dark to watch the grounds come to life with illuminating experi ences like an Enchanted Forest, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and a towering Pumpkin Tree! 844-512-3826 www.callawaygardens.com

Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, Ga September 17-October 30. Play by day as you enjoy family-friendly park attractions and special fall entertainment featuring some of your favorite classic storybook characters! Then, after the sun goes down, you’ll glow by night in a whole new light with the NEW Nighttime Parade and plenty of other NEW not-so-spooky glowing experiences! Pumpkin Festival features attractions everyone will enjoy!

www.stonemountainpark.com

Tour of Southern Ghosts

Antebellum Plantation, Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA October TBA. Meet professional storytellers spin ning their tales of famous (and not-so famous) Southern Ghosts along the lantern-lit paths of the Antebellum Plantation grounds- never too frighten ing and always appropriate for young children. Each night offers a different cast of six storytellers. 800-401-2407 www.stonemountainpark.com

Boo at the Zoo

Atlanta Zoo, 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

October 22-23, 29-30. 9:30am-3:00pm. It’s that time of year when Atlanta’s favorite fun family Hal loween festival returns! Sample treats throughout the Zoo, and enjoy the sights, characters and adventures of the whimsical Zoo Boo Town on four magical days with more than 1,500 animals from around the world. Don’t forget your costume! Even the animals join the fun during Boo at the Zoo! Find out when your favorite Zoo residents are getting Halloween surprises. Guests can enjoy spooktacular activities: Enter costume contests, inflatable Corn Maze, Halloween games and crafts, Boogie down to Little Beat, a live party D and Take pictures with characters such as Wild Thing, Ladybug Girl, Splat the Cat, Zhu Zhu the giant panda, Cricket the frog and more! 404-624-9453 www.zooatlanta.org

Halloween Fairyland

Tannehill State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL 35111 October 29. The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a nonscary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival tee shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal. 205-477-5711 www.tannehill.org/events

Pope’s Haunted Farm

450 Lee Road 424, Salem, AL 36874 October weekends. Zombie Paintball Safari. Pope’s Haunted Farm has three different events to experience and scare you. The Haunted Barn: Taken, the Haunted Hayride that many have claimed to see the infamous evil specter Jasper, and lastly you can experience the Haunted Forest that’s an unguided tour that includes a graveyard deep in the woods. 706-566-7766 www.popeshayride.com

Seasonal Theatre Productions

Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure

ad on Inside Front Cover Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street,, Auburn, Al 36831 October 23. Join the Gogue in their 2022-2023 Family Series! Sugar Skull! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure is a touring bilingual/bicultural

musical for young audiences and families that uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of twelve-year-old Vita Flores. Vita thinks her family has gone loco plan ning a celebration for deceased loved ones. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a spirited candy skeleton suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos.?Meet Sugar Skull, a charismatic skeleton with a secret or two. With her skeletal new friend, Vita dances with an cient ancestors, sings with a sorrowful sorceress, escapes the trickster Chaneques and even meets the famous Catrina Calavera. But can this clever youth gather the missing pieces needed for her family ofrenda before it’s too late?? 334-844-8497 www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/ticketinformation/

Halloween Spooktacular

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Ga 30309 Superheroes & villains, ghosts & goblins, prin cesses & princes — they all need theme music and this concert provides the finest. Kids (and adults!) can get an early jump on showing off their halloween costumes with the Orchestra joining in with some outrageous get-ups.

404-733-7900 www.aso.org/events/detail/halloweenspooktacular

Little Shop of Horrors

Springer Theatre, 103 10th St, Columbus, Ga 31901 October 21-November 6: Feed your craving for musical hilarity with this delicious sci-fi smash about the world’s most ravenous plant. Seymour, a timid young florist, stumble upon a rare breed of plant he names Audrey II- after his charming co-worker crush. The plant is rude, R&B-singing carnivore who promises Seymore fame and for tune as long as he keeps feeding it... Blood! 706-327-3688 www.springeroperahouse.org/spring erproductions/little-shop-of-horrors

Opelika Theatre Company presents Clue: On Stage

Southside Theatre for the Arts, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika, Al 36801

November 4-13. The classic board game is brought to life in Clue: On Stage! Six guests are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host. They are given aliases--Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet. Though discouraged from revealing personal information, it is soon discovered that all of them have fallen victim to the same blackmailer, their very host of the evening. 334-400-9660 www.opelikatheatrecompany.com

The Phantom of the Opera

Silent Movie

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga 31901

October 29: Organist Ron Carter returns to provide the live soundtrack for the silent movie classic. A perfect way to start the Halloween weekend- you can even come in costume or make a donation to the Schowb School of Mu sic’s student food bank and receive a discount on your ticket. It’ll be a fun and spooky event-see you there!

706-256-3620 www.rivercenter.org/event/the-phan tom-of-the-opera-silent-movie/ AOP

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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

Pinocchio

Disney+ Rating Overall Violence Sex Profanity Alcohol/Drugs

PG C B A A A

When Geppetto, a lonely clockmaker, wishes upon a star, the wooden puppet he carved comes to life. The Blue Fairy promises that Pinocchio will be “real” if he resists temptation and proves to be “brave, truthful, and unselfish.” Despite the magical plot elements, this movie lacks enchantment. The technical effects are solid and the visual design apealing but the story is emotionally hollow. Pinocchio himself is bland, uninteresting, and difficult to care about. The movie has plenty of flaws to annoy older viewers and its frightening scenes will be nightmare fuel for sensitive children. Photo ©Disney+

Ivy and Bean

Netflix

Rating Overall Violence Sex Profanity Alcohol/Drugs

TV G A A A A A

Rambunctious, messy Bean is surprised to discover that there’s plenty of fun to be had with Ivy, a tidy bookworm. As the two girls embark on an unexpected adventure they begin an even more unexpected friendship. The film has minimal negative content and high quality writing, making it a win for family audiences. Unlike many kid focused films, this one shares the wonder, delight, and magic of children’s imaginations This is the first of three Ivy & Bean films and it’s good to see Netflix providing high quality movies for kids.

The Skeleton’s Compass Online Rental

Rating Overall Violence Sex Profanity Alcohol/Drugs Unrated

Prolonged unemployment means that Champ’s dad must sell the family home unless the skeleton and compass Champ discovers in the woods show the way to hidden gold This story provides time travel adventure mixed with a treasure hunt and a great message about the importance of family. Unfortunately, it also features abysmally bad writing, weird editing, poor musical choices, and abundant bad acting. It’s clean but that doesn’t mean it’s a good choice for families looking for something interesting to watch. Photo ©Giant Pictures

Lifemark

Rating Overall Violence Sex Profanity Alcohol/Drugs

When he turns 18, David is surprised to hear from his birth mother, who wants to meet him. Encouraged by a friend, David agrees. This movie is clean but it’s also somewhat disjointed, bouncing between flashbacks of a pregnant teen’s experience and David’s life with his adoptive family. It has a strong and sincere pro adoption message but its focus on advocacy often overshadows the need for compelling storytelling. Photo ©Fathom Events

One evening, Natalie’s life splits into two tracks: one in which her pregnancy test is negative and she carries on with her post university career plans and the other in which she has a baby and re adjusts her goals and timelines. This film does an excellent job of showing that there are multiple routes for women to follow in leading fulfilling lives – and not declaring any to be superior or second rate. Where it falls down is in negative content, with unnecessary cussing, alcohol and drug use, and non explicit sexual activity. Photo ©Netflix

Is It a Loan, or Is It a Gift?

Q. We have $15,000 in credit card debt. My husband works very hard, but only makes about $25,000 a year. We’re also living in a very old trailer right now, and I stay at home with our newborn. My dad told us he is willing to pay off our debt if we agree to get financial counseling together, and show that we are serious about doing better with our finances. What should we do?

A. I wouldn’t accept the money from your dad if it’s going to be a loan. If you really want to ruin family events, have debt to your parents. It twists you up inside. And it’ll be especially hard on your husband. No matter what anyone else says, the borrower is always slave to the lender. If it’s going to be a gift, meaning there’s no expectation of repayment, that’s a different story. Still, I think your dad has a great idea in making the debt

payoff contingent on you two going to some kind of financial counseling, and making a proactive effort to change things, get out of debt and save money— for your child’s future and for yours. I’d prob ably do the same thing.

It doesn’t sound like you’re being crazy with your money, but it’s tough to provide for a family on that kind of income. You and your husband need to sit down together, develop a monthly budget and a real istic five-year plan to improve his earn ing potential. Make it a date night. Hold hands, do something inexpensive you

both enjoy, and let him know he can be anything he wants to be. Then, help him decide exactly what and where he wants to be in five years. What does he want to be making, and what feasible steps can he take education ally or in terms of job training to get there?

If you want to go to work at some point when your baby is a little older, that’s fine. I completely un derstand the de sire to be at home with a brand new baby. But hard work alone just isn’t enough these days. You’ve got to boost your brain power and value in the marketplace, too. God bless you guys!

As a mom of six kids, I have witnessed my fair share of sibling disagreements. I have also had the pleasure of witnessing the heart-melting moments when siblings stick up for each other, cheer each other on, and generally love being together. While sibling fights are normal and even healthy, as kids learn to work through disagreements in an appropriate way, most parents want to foster strong sibling relationships that will stand the test of time.

Here are some tips to help your kids build healthy, lasting friendships with one another.

Encourage Teamwork

Working towards a common goal can help people feel connected and build stron ger relationships. This is why companies spend time doing team-building exercises with their staff. The same is true in families. Give the kids a project, like cleaning the toy room or freshening up the landscap ing in the yard, and have them work on it as a team. You can even try making it a competition such as challenging the kids to clean a room faster than their parents. Playing board games or backyard sports with teams can also have the same teambuilding effects.

Have fun together

Spending time together as a family doing things that you enjoy is a simple way to build sibling bonds. Pick something that everyone can participate in, such as a bike ride, a movie night, or a fun outing that builds memories and relationships. “My kids love having sleepovers in each other’s rooms each weekend,” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “It makes a mess, and it’s not always convenient for us as parents, but we love and encourage their excitement for spending time together.”

Healthy conflict

Settling disagreements in a healthy and respectful way is a tool that all of us need to learn to be successful. A sibling is usually the first person in our lives that we disagree with on a regular basis. This gives parents an op portunity to teach kids how to handle conflict.

We teach them to tell each other when they are hurting emotionally or physically,” says Abby Vanden Hull, mom of four. “In the beginning, that means helping them find the words and talk to each other kindly. It also means stepping back and letting them sort out their problems whenever possible.”

Teach your kids to listen, take turns speak ing, use kind words, refrain from criticism or physical violence, and come to a compromise whenever possible. These skills will serve them well in all areas of their lives.

Do not compare

As parents, it can be difficult not to compare children. Each child has their own unique gifts to foster and challenges to face as they grow. Try to focus on acknowl edging and appreciating their gifts and encouraging everyone in the family to do so. When they are struggling with behav iors that other kids may not have found challenging, be patient and help them work through it as a family.

When kids feel like their parents are comparing them, it can cause jealousy, com

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH

35233

petition, and resentment. Alternatively, when they feel like their gifts are cultivated and ap preciated they feel loved, valued, and secure. It also helps kids to understand that all of us are different and that is okay.

The importance of family

Our siblings are our first friends. They have a unique perspective and relationship with us because they have experienced nearly everything we have during child hood. This often leads to a relationship that includes deep understanding and support for challenges we may face in the future.

This concept is difficult to explain to small children, however, the importance of family is something that can be shown through actions rather than explained using words. Do you have a good relationship with your own siblings? Do you support them in times of need and enjoy spending time with them? Your kids will notice. Over time, they will realize that there is nothing like a sibling who is also a friend.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance journalist and contribut ing writer.

Children born into all kinds of circumstances have dreams and dreams are powerful.

FamilyCalendar

Saturday, October 1

Russell County Stampede Rodeo

3949 U.S. 431, Phenix City, AL Featuring bull riding, bronco riding, calf roping, cowgirl roping, barrel rac ing and more.

www.facebook.com/RussellCountyStampedeRodeo/

Tuesday, October 4

Little Sprouts

Columbus Botanical Gardens, 3603 Weems Road, Ga

Little Sprouts is a 30-45 minute lesson on a feature of the Garden and it’s connection to nature/science. The class is designed as an exposure experience in which there are three parts: sit and get either through a talk, piece of literature or a presentation; exploration through a hands-on experience which can look like a game, scavenger hunt, data collection activity; a craft which ties the two experiences together.

https://columbusbotanicalgarden.org/events/littlesprouts/

Wednesday, October 5

NoonTunes: Dana Thomas

12:00 PM Courthouse Square, 215 South 8th Street, Opelika The same lunchtime concert you love, now offered in the Fall! 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

Mariachi Herencia De Mexico

The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika Latin Grammy-nominated youth ensemble, Mariachi Henrecia de Mexico repre sents both the golden age and the future of Mariachi tradition.

www.eastalabamaarts.org/upcomingevents/2022/10/5/mariachi-herencia-de-mexico

Thursday, October 6

AACT Jr. Performers Present Roald Dahl’s “James and The Giant Peach, Jr.”

($10/Adults, $8/ Children, Students and Seniors.)

Jan Dempsey Com munity Arts Center, 222 Drake Avenue, Auburn A delightfully offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl ad venture, a boy and his insect friends take an amazing journey across the ocean. Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, this is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic. Tickets can be purchased at www.auburnact.org.

Fall Sundown Concert Series: Dion Hawkins & The Experience (FREE to the public. )

Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. A food vendor will be on site with great tasting items for you to purchase to help you enjoy a stress free, calm fall evening with great music. Pets (on leashes) are welcome, as well. www.auburnalabama.org/parks/events-and-calendar/ sundown-concert-series/

Sundilla Presents The Tannahill Weavers (admission at the door is $25, and $20 advance tickets) Pebble Hill, 101 Debardeleben Street, Auburn Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for

the town’s historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the Tannahill Weavers have made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. www.sundillamusic.com

Tab Benoit & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South Col lege Street One of the most impressive guitar ists to emerge from the rich Southern Louisiana

bayous in recent years, Tab Benoit’s guitar tone can be recognized before his Otis Redding-ish voice resonates from the speakers. His set up is simple: a guitar, cord, and Category 5 Amplifier. The effects that you hear come from his fingers. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/tab-benoit/

Friday, October 7

Brother Cane

Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al. www.mpaconline.org

Food Truck Friday

Downtown Opelika Spend your first and third Friday of every month, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks from downtown restaurants, bars & brewer ies, and up to five different food truck partners each week. Enjoy your brews, bites, and beautiful downtown Opelika. www.facebook.com/opelikachamber

Harvest Float ($5 per person. )

Samford Pool, 465 Wrights Mill Road, Auburn The Harvest Float will be a first-of-its-kind event at Samford Pool. The event will feature a floating pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, and a showing of The Goonies! All participants will be able to swim through the pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkin to decorate, enjoy dinner from local food trucks, and dive back in for a float-in movie. All attendees ages 3 and up will need to be registered for this event! auburnalabama.org/parks/programs/Harvest-Float/

Pioneer Days at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama 248 Highway 231 N, Troy, Al. Pioneer Days will fea ture rope making, blacksmithing, dutch oven cooking and many more interesting demonstrations. Fun for the whole family. Schools, groups and tours welcome. www.pioneer-museum.org/events/

Saturday, October 8

Professor Swen’s Lab Escape Room

2:00 PM Opelika Public Library, 200 S 6th St, Opelika, AL Professor Swen’s Lab Escape Room Library@opelika-al.gov

Jesus Christ Superstar

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” “Geth semane” and “SuperStar”. www.rivercenter.org/event/jesus-christ-superstar/

Monday, October 10

Fall Juried Show: Limitations through Friday, November 18, 2022 Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn Works in any medium (2 or 3-D) with color

limited either to black, white or gray. www.auburnalabama.org/parks/facilities/jandempsey-community-arts-center/

Tuesday, October 11

Family Discovery Hike

3:30pm Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join our guides for an educational adventure as you and your children take in the many sights and sounds of the Nature Center. Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoy ing fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Discovery Hikes are for families with children ages 5 to 12 and are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Each month features a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. Discovery Hikes are free (donations are welcomed) and cancelled in the event of rain.

http://wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/family-discov ery-hike-2/2022-10-11/

Wednesday, October 12

NoonTunes: Jessie Lynn

12:00 PM Courthouse Square, 215 South 8th Street, Opelika The same lunchtime concert you love, now offered in the Fall! 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.

Thursday, October 13

Nature Walk 8:30am Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join our guides for a peaceful morning walk as you take in the many sights and sounds of the Preserve. Nature Walks offer excellent opportuni ties to socialize and learn, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Nature Walks are for adults only and of fered the second Thursday of each month from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. Pre-registration is not required. Each month features a new seasonal theme. Groups meet at the pavilion. Nature Walks are free (donations are welcomed) and are cancelled in the event of rain. http://wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/naturewalk-9/2022-10-13/

Friday, October 14

In the Garden with Cyndi

Kreher Preseve and Nature Center, 2222 North Col lege Street, Auburn In The Garden With Cyndi is a fun, casual gardening class for adults where you get to learn tips and tricks, get your hands dirty, and get expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices. Cyndi believes that gardening should be all about the enjoyment of your gardens. So, in this workshop series, it is through fun and interesting lessons that her classes will teach you everything you need to know to install and maintain beautiful gardens that you love.

Learn more at https://aub.ie/inthegarden

Opelika Songwriters Festival

Downtown Opelika Over the past four years, the Opelika Songwriters Festival has attracted die-hard live music fans from around the Southeast to hear original songwriters spanning many genres of music perform their songs. Restaurants, bars, a distillery and an Inn in historic downtown Opelika become mu sic listening rooms for two nights and a third day for

FamilyCalendar

dozens of solo, band, and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend. www.opelikasongwritersfestival.com

Saturday, October 15

Fall Boogie at Standard Deluxe

2:00 PM, 1015 Mayberry Avenue, Waverly, Al Join the Standard Deluxe for their tenth Fall Boogie!

Enjoy music, art, food, and the southern culture at the festival. This year boogie will have American Aquarium, Mike and the Moonpies, Vandoliers, and Sarah Lee Langford & Will Stewart. Gates to the event will be opening at noon for guests to enjoy local food vendors, artisans, and great vibes before the show begins at 2:00 p.m. www.standarddeluxe.com

9th Annual Dadeville Fall Festival

Broadnax Street, Dadeville, Al Dadeville’s 9th Annual Fall Festival hosted by the Lake Martin Dadeville Area Chamber features activities for the whole family. We have a “Kid Zone” where there are bouncy houses, pony rides, face painter, petting zoo, etc. We also will have live music, Auburn Raptors wild bird show, arts & crafts booths, food vendors, and so on. New activi ties are added every year! www.dadevillechamber.com/calendar/

Colors For Children’s 5K (Color Fun Run)

Sponsored by Auburn High School Key Club 1701 East Samford Ave, Auburn Colors for Children’s 5K (Color Fun Run) takes place at Auburn High School, beginning on the track and expanding to the areas surrounding the school. Each participant will be given a white race shirt and color powders will be thrown throughout the race! Prizes will be given to the top finishers. The proceedings will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Registration and more information: https://runsignup. com/Race/AL/Auburn/ColorsforChildrens

Fall Harvest Festival (Fall Fundraiser) at the Montgomery Zoo

The Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery Join us for a new event at the Zoo, this fall festival and carnival-like wild Saturday is our new annual Fall fundraiser at the Montgomery Zoo. The weekend will be filled with great music, live entertain ment, animal presentations and programs, games, prizes, rides, tons of yummy concessions, and fun, fun, fun!

www.montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calen dar/Event/8566/2981?curm=10&cury=2022

Girls in Aviation Day

Auburn University Regional Airport, 2150 Mike Hub bard Blvd, Auburn Hosted by Auburn University Avia tion Center and Women in Avia tion War Eagle Chapter, Girls in Aviation Day is a free educational, outreach event through which we hope to inspire passion, exploration, learning, and excitement of aviation and aerospace to children in the local community. Girls in Aviation Day is an international event held by Women in Aviation chapters across the world! This year, the Women in Aviation - War Eagle Chapter based out of Auburn University will be hosting a GIAD event at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The event will feature avia tion vendors and organizations, food trucks, airplanes on display, activities and so much more! Explore the world of aviation and get inspired. www.facebook.com/events/2402633543393327/

Harvest Market

Town Creek Park, 1150 South Gay St, Auburn City Market invites the community, growers, and consum ers alike to join us again on Saturday. City Market hosts local farmers, growers farmers, growers, and artists to sell their fresh, local, and handmade prod ucts to community members. www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket

In the Garden with Cyndi: Fall Container Gardening ($20 per person.)

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn In The Garden With Cyndi is a fun, casual gardening class for adults where you get to learn tips and tricks, get your hands dirty, and get expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices. Cyndi Czerkawski is an experi enced gardener and educator. She has spent years accumulating knowledge about gardening and is ready to pass that on to you. https://aub.ie/ inthegarden

OktoberFest

580-B South Donahue Drive, Auburn AU Oktoberfest began in 2008 and has grown to be one of the larg est beer festivals in the Southeast. After a two-year hiatus, the festival is back at Auburn University’s Ag Heritage Park! There is live music, contests, educa tional presentations, stein hoisting, and food trucks, along with a multitude of breweries and beer. www.auoktoberfest.com/tickets/

Run For Your Life

Opelika Sportsplex, 1001 Andrews Rd, Opelika Sum mer Village is partnering with the local community of Auburn and Opelika, Alabama to throw a Halloweenthemed 5K! Our “Run For Your Life” 5K will be hosted at the Opelika Sports Plex. Runners/participants will be asked to wear their favorite Halloween costume while taking part in the race. All proceeds will be donated to The PRF Institute. www.runsignup.com/race/al/Opelika/runforyour life2022

The Eerie Express ($2 )

Municipal Park, Park Road, Opelika “Not so scary” Train rides $2 and a Movie. Join us for a spooky family-friendly night featuring a kid friendly movie and train rides around the decorated park. www.opelika-al.gov/796/Halloween-Movie-EerieExpress

The Mann’s Concert and Comedy Show

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Join gospel legend Tamela Mann as she performs new music and her greatest hits, as well as, David Mann aka Mr. Brown as he gives a comedy show to remember. www.rivercenter.org/event/the-manns-concert-andcomedy-show/

Tuesday, October 18

Legally Blonde through Wednesday, October 19 Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn America’s favorite blonde, Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge (again) as Legally Blonde – The Musical takes America by storm! The ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power, Legally Blonde will take you from the UCLA sorority house to the Harvard halls of justice with the timely coming of age story of Broadway’s brightest heroine. Based on the beloved movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle as she tackles stereo types, sexism, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams and proves that you can be both legally blonde and the smartest person in the room. This contemporary, sassy musical moves at a breakneck pace driven by memorable songs and explosive

dances. Legally Blonde warms the heart by proving that self-discovery.

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/legally-blonde/

Wednesday, October 19

NoonTunes: Mark True

12:00 PM Courthouse Square, 215 South 8th Street, Opelika The same lunchtime concert you love, now offered in the Fall! 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, October 20

Fall Sundown Concert Series: C. J. Harris

(FREE to the public) Kiesel Park, 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn Join us for an evening of music and fun at beautiful Kiesel Park. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the music. A food vendor will be on site with great tasting items for you to purchase to help you enjoy a stress free, calm fall evening with great music. Pets (on leashes) are welcome, as well. This event will be nice a way to get your Auburn Foot ball Game weekend started!

www.auburnalabama.org/parks/events-and-calendar/ sundown-concert-series/

Halloween Enchanted Forest (Tickets are $10/ person; children 2 and under are free)

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Experience the trails like you’ve never seen them before, enchanted with forest creatures who are ready to tell you about their life in the Kreher woods. Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy some early Halloween fun! Pumpkin bowling, a campfire, fortune telling, and face painting will be available! S’mores kits and drinks will be available for purchase. Cancelled or postponed in the event of rain.

http://wp.auburn.edu/preserve/event/halloweenenchanted-forest-7/2022-10-20/

Kyiv City Ballet Presents Swan Lake Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, 1700 Lafay ette Parkway, Opelika The Kyiv City Ballet is used to being away from home, often touring for nine months of the year, but arriving in France just days before war broke out back home, its dancers suddenly became exiles overnight.

www.eastalabamaarts.org/upcomingevents/2022/5/31/kyiv-city-ballet

Friday, October 21

On the Tracks

6:00 PM Downtown Opelika, South Railroad Avenue Everyone’s favorite fall event is back! The biannual “On the Tracks” food and wine event is in downtown Opelika. A wine Trail in beautiful Opelika, “On the Tracks” will be featuring wines curated by the local wine bar, Ampersand. The streets of downtown Opelika will be filled with live music, fellowship, and local food vendors along with the wine trail stops. The event is hosted by Opelika Main Street. www.opelikamainstreet.org

The Great Pumpkin Splash (Kids ages 6-12, $5 per person) 6:00 PM SportsPlex Indoor Pool, 1001 Sportsplex Parkway, Opelika Must pre-register by October 18. Pick a pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch and decorate it for Halloween.

www.opelika-al.gov/793/Great-Pumpkin-Splash

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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Food Truck Friday

Downtown Opelika

Spend your first and third Friday of every month, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks from down town restaurants, bars & breweries, and up to five different food truck partners each week. Enjoy your brews, bites, and beautiful downtown Opelika. www.facebook.com/opelikachamber

Little Shop of Horrors

through Sunday, November 6, 2022 Springer Theatre, 103 10th Street, Columbus, Ga Feed your craving for musical hilarity with this delicious sci-fi smash about the world’s most ravenous plant. Seymour, a timid young florist, stumble upon a rare breed of plant he names Audrey II- after his charming co-worker crush. The plant is rude, R&B-singing carnivore who prom ises Seymore fame and fortune as long as he keeps feeding it ….Blood!

www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ little-shop-of-horrors

Sundilla Presents The Black Feathers

(admission at the door is $20, and $15 advance tickets are available at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee)

Pebble Hill, 101 Debardeleben Street, Auburn The Black Feathers, made up of Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler, are two such talents. They first became aware of the magic between them while collaborat ing on several musical projects, becoming The Black Feathers and life partners in 2012. Americana, Folk, and Acoustic Indie Rock sensibilities coexist comfort ably in their musical world, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often only heard in family bands. Their music quickly draws the interest of listeners, but it is the stage chemistry that will keep them riveted.

www.sundillamusic.com

Saturday, October 22 Syrup Soppin’ Day

7:00 AM Pioneer Park in Loachapoka (just 5 miles west of Auburn), 6500 Stage Road, Loachapoka, Al This event has been in the same location for the past 30+ years! The 9-hour festival features weaving and cloth-making demonstrations, mules grinding cane, syrup being made, musical entertainment and more. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/syrup-soppin

Haunted Zumba (This event is FREE and open to the public.) 8:50 AM Frank Brown Rec Center, 235 Opelika Road, Auburn We will have onsite registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and host a costume contest from 8:50 – 9 a.m. and Zumba will take place from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Zumba is a Latin dance-based exercise program that combines dancing with an aerobic workout, it might become your new favorite workout! Instructors from around the Auburn-Opelika area will lead you through some spooky, kooky and creepy dance moves to get your body moving! Children ages 8 and older are welcome with parent participation. activeauburn@auburnalabama.org

Fright Night at the Villa (Free and open to the public) 6:30 PM Spring Villa Park, 1474 Co Road 148, Opelika A scary movie at the big house for Adults only. Viewer discretion is advised. www.opelika-al.gov/797/Fright-Night-at-the-Villa

Animal Enrichment Day

Dino Dig Education Program

Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Colisuem Parkway, Montgom ery, Al Are you ready to get a little dirty? Then Dino Dig is perfect for you. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is an educational program with hands-on experience and fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. www.montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calen dar/Event/5998/2981?curm=10&cury=2022

Tough Ten & Tough Two (Fun Run)

2272 Moores Mill Rd, Auburn Run, jog or walk a scenic 10 mile or 2 mile route through the moder ately rolling hills of Auburn, AL. Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome and encouraged. All proceeds are donated to the East Alabama Medical Center’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Early Detection. Addi tionally, the Tough 10/2 race is in honor of Nick Holler, dedicated runner and community leader. www.facebook.com/tough10tough2

Sunday, October 23

Sugar Skull!

through Monday, October 24 Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Join the Gogue in their 2022-2023 Family Series! Sugar Skull!

A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure is a bilingual, bicultural musical that celebrates the magic of Dia de Muertos and the importance of family with traditional music and dance from Mexico. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/ticket-information/

Tuesday, October 25

Fall Festival Children’s Carnival (Free admission, $10 bands for games, $1 hayride) 5:30pm through Tuesday, October 25 Opelika SportsPlex Fields, 1001 Sportsplex Parkway, Opelika Children ages 12 and younger invited for games, prizes, hayride, music and more. www.opelika-al.gov/792/Fall-Festival-and-ChildrensCarnival

through Wednes day, October 26 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus,

Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determi nation, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprising small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production- just as you remember it and just when we need it most. www.rivercenter.org/event/annie-2/

Wednesday, October 26

meaning educators gather to devise and stage a new pageant to mark both Turkey Day and Native Ameri can Heritage Month, the results are nowhere near elementary. In Larissa FastHorse’s satire, good inten tions devolve into absurd assumptions as tensions rise to hilarious heights. In advance of its first Broadway run in the spring of 2023, come enjoy a staged read ing of this popular contemporary play and engage in a vibrant post-show discussion. This event is free and open to the public — reserve your spot now! www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/productions/currentseason/the-thanksgiving-play-a-staged-reading/

Friday, October 28

Come Home to the Corner

6:00 PM, Downtown Auburn Join us every Friday evening, be fore a home football game, for Come Home to the Corner. Organized by the Au burn Downtown Mer chants Association, Come Home to the Corner is an event for all ages with live music and extended shopping hours downtown. The event is free and is the perfect way to start the game day weekend!

Tour de Fright

6:00pm Opelika SportsPlex, 1001 Sportsplex Parkway, Opelika Bicyclers beware! Parents and children are invited to take a ride on the Haunted Walking Trail. www.opelika-al.gov/795/Tour-de-Fright

AuSome Amphibians and Reptiles (Admission is $5/ person ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free) Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 North College Street, Auburn Join the KPNC educators for a onehour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond! Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, hands-on program with live animals.

(334) 844-8091 natureeducation@auburn.edu

34th Annual Auburn Pumpkin Carve

Dudley Hall and Commons, 361 Graves Drive, Auburn Calling all students, faculty, and community members! Come participate in this year’s Annual Pumpkin Carve. Pumpkins, T-shirts, Stickers, and more will be available for purchase all day. This Year’s Event Will Include: Pumpkin Carving Competition, Faculty Napkin Sketch Auctions, T-Shirt & Sticker Sales, Raffle Contest, and Treats & Drinks. www.aiasauburn.wixsite.com/pumpkincarve

Football, Fans and Feathers

Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Colisuem Parkway, Montgomery, Tour the Zoo during our enrichment event and observe how animals respond to an as sortment of new creative and behavior-stimulating enrichment items.

NoonTunes: Chris McDaniel 12:00 PM Courthouse Square, 215 South 8th Street, Opelika The same lunchtime concert you love, now offered in the Fall! 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, October 27

The Thanksgiving Play (A Staged Reading) through Sunday, October 30, 2022 Telfair B. Peet Theatre, Auburn University When a group of well-

Southeastern Raptor Center, 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive, Auburn 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. Visitors will also learn interesting facts about natural history, conservation, and rehabilitation. This educational presentation is ap propriate for all ages. Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased in advance; there is no charge for children age three and under.

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

Old Federal Road Storytelling Festival

through Saturday, October 29, 2022, 10735 County Road 10, Union Springs, Al Old Federal Road Story telling Festival - a cultural arts and humanities event celebrating Alabama’s Old Federal Road communi ties in Macon County and the area’s contribution to Alabama’s early settlement. Presented by the Ridge Macon County Archaeology Project. Free and open to the public! All ages are welcome. The event theme

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for 2022 is “Homecoming: One Road Tells Many Stories.” The event features a scholarly panel discus sion on Friday and the History, Arts & Culture Festival on Saturday.

www.digtheridge.com/storytelling-festival

Saturday, October 29

Halloween Arts and Crafts Day ($20 )

2:00 PM Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 East Drake Avenue, Auburn Spend a day for Hallow een with fun crafts and art activities for kids! Children are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes with parents and family members welcome. There will be a costume contest with some fun prizes. Festivities will start at 12 pm and end at 4 pm. Come when you can, but all activities will end at 4 pm. Winners for the costume contest will be announced at 2 p.m. Come and have fun in various Halloween crafts, games and costume prizes to get ready for the Spooky Season! Ages 5-10 years. glangston307@gmail.com

The Phantom of the Opera Silent Movie

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga Organist Ron Carter returns to provide the live soundtrack for the silent movie classic. A perfect way to start the Halloween weekend- you can even come in costume or make a donation to the Schowb School of Music’s student food bank and receive a discount on your ticket. It’ll be a fun and spooky event-see you there!

www.rivercenter.org/event/the-phantom-of-the-operasilent-movie/

Sunday, October 30

Fall Festival On the Square Sponsored by First Baptist Church of Opelika

4:30 PM through Sunday, October 30, 2022 Avenue B, Downtown Opelika Head to downtown Opelika for an evening of fireworks, Motorcycle stunts, candy, inflatables, food trucks, and prize drawings! www.fbcopelika.com

Tuesday, November 1 Annie

Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, Al Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the bestloved musical of all time is set to return in a new production- just as you remember it and just when we need it most. www.mpaconline.org

Fiddler On the Roof through Wednesday, November 2 Gogue Center for the Performing Arts, 910 South College Street, Auburn Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take on a beloved masterpiece to life as Fiddler on the Roof visits cities across North America. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. This production raises its cup to joy! To love! To life! www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/fiddler-on-the-roof-2/

Wednesday, November 2

Frontier Day through Saturday, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park, 2521 W. Fort Toulouse Rd., We Using Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park as its historical backdrop, Alabama

Frontier Days focuses on demonstrating frontier life in the southeast during the period 1700-1820. The public can experience this “living history” through trades and crafts demonstrated by re-enactors in period correct dress. ahc.alabama.gov/properties/fttoulouse/fttoulouse.aspx

Friday, November 4

Click, Clack, Moo through Saturday, November 5 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga “Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing!” Farmer Brown cries. When his grand daughter Jenny comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declares the farm a tech-free zone. He takes her lap top in the cold barn with the shivering cows who use her computer to type messages requesting blankets. “No way,” replies Farmer Brown. “No blankets!”. So the cows go on strike and the chickens join them in solidarity. No blankets? No milk! No eggs! www.rivercenter.org/event/click-clack-moo-2/

Saturday, November 5

On My Street through Sunday, November 13 Springer Opera House, 103 10th Street, Columbus, Ga Avery and Skylar are spending the afternoon creating the town of Awesomeopolis…only the coolest town they could possibly live in. As they are imagining, they realize that something is missing—the people! The thing that makes a town a community and the world a little bit more colorful. Join them in making their community the best one yet! www.springeroperahouse.org/springerproductions/ on-my-street

The Steeplechase At Callaway Gardens 17617 US 27, Pine Mountain, Ga Experience an ex hilarating tradition unlike any other. Each November, magnificent cham pion thoroughbred horses gather on the Callaway grounds to charge through our stunning woodland setting. Thrilling jumps and deft maneuvers will leave you breathless, while the foxhound parade will put a smile on your face.On Saturday, savor a picnic on the infield, show off a traditional race hat, and soak in the festive hunt club atmosphere. www.callawaygardens.com/the-gardens/events/thesteeplechase/

Sunday, November 6

Veterans Appreciation Week

through Saturday, November 12, 2022 Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, Al Please join the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum in thanking the proud men and women of the United States Armed Forces. During Veteran’s Appreciation Week, all veterans, active duty military personnel, and their dependent family members receive a 50% DISCOUNT on REGULAR DAYTIME admission to the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Participants must provide a valid military identification to receive discount. www.montgomeryzoo.com/Home/Components/Calen dar/Event/5660/2981?curm=11&cury=2022

Tuesday, November 8

Mark Morris Dance Group

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 900 South College Street, Auburn Following the roaring success of his Beatles tribute Pepperland, Mark Morris teams up again with musical collaborator Ethan Iverson for The Look of Love, a wistful and heartfelt homage to the

chart-topping songs of Burt Bacharach. A towering figure across decades of popular music, Bacharach is known for crafting soaring melodies embedded in unique orchestrations influenced by jazz, rock and Brazilian music—his longtime lyricist Hal David providing unsentimental, often bittersweet lyrics. This eveninglength showpiece features original choreography by Morris and new, lush musical arrangements by Iverson, performed by a unique ensemble of vocals, piano, trumpet, bass and percussion, with singer, actress and Broadway star Marcy Harriel on lead vocals. goguecenter.auburn.edu/mark-morris-dance-group/

Thursday, November 10

Pippin

through Friday, November 18 Telfair B. Peet Theatre, Auburn University A troubled young man sets out on a journey of self-discovery to find meaning, and maybe even a little magic, as a troupe of mysterious players guides the way. Stephen Schwartz’s master piece harnesses the full potential power of musical theatre and stagecraft, telling Pippin’s story through a wondrous combination of songs, dance, comedy, and pathos. Come along- there’s magic to do!

www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/productions/currentseason/pippin/

Women’s Event: Chonda Pierce, Christian Comedian

First Baptist Church of Opelika, 301 South 8th Street, Opelika Join the multi-talented Chonda Pierce, a stand-up comedian, television hostess, author and now actress, as she channels her life experiences into positivity, bringing laughter to audiences around the country. This is an evening you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets to see the Queen of Clean comedy live in concert today!

www.instagram.com/fbcopelika

Sunday, November 13

Holiday Open House

Downtown Opelika Start your holiday shopping in downtown Opelika. Stores will be offering up great sales on a variety of different gift options, they will also have live holiday music playing throughout downtown. Make a day out of it and enjoy this annual holiday tradition.

334-745-0466

Monday, November 14

Ranky Tanky

The Opelika Center for the Performing Arts, East Alabama Arts, 1700 LaFayette Parkway, Opelika This Grammy Award-winning, Charleston, SC-based quintet performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands. Playful game songs, ecstatic shouts, and heartbreaking spirituals can all be found on their latest release Good Time. www.eastalabamaarts.org

Tuesday, November 15

Our Song, Our Story at the Gogue 8:00 AM Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 South College Street, Auburn Created and directed by composer, conductor and multi-genre musician Damien Sneed, “Our Song, Our Story” is an evening of music highlighting some of the world’s best-known operatic arias, art songs and spirituals. The concert brings together two of today’s most exciting operatic voices in a diverse and powerful event featuring Brandie Inez Sutton and Justin Austin accompanied by a string quartet and Damien Sneed on piano. This will be an evening of memorable and beautiful music as they pay homage to Marian Anderson and Jessye Norman, who have paved the way for them and other African American opera singers. The repertoire features compositions by George Frederic Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppi

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

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Verdi, Richard Strauss, George Gershwin, Margaret Bonds, Harry T. Burleigh, Richard Smallwood and a newly commissioned work from Damien Sneed. www.goguecenter.auburn.edu/damien-sneed/

A Magical Cirque Christmas

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music. Get in the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.

www.rivercenter.org/event/a-magical-cirque-christmas/

Tuesday, November 29

Anastasia

through Wednesday, November 30

2022 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broad way, Columbus,Ga Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical is on a journey to Columbus at last! From the Tony Award winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in 1920’s, as a bravy yound woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by the ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristo crat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. www.rivercenter.org/event/anastasia-2/

Every Monday

Craftober

200 S 6th St, Opelika, AL Every Monday afternoon for the month of October. Library@opelika-al.gov

Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays

Opelika Public Library Storytime

Opelika Public Library, 200 S 6th St, Opelika, AL For the whole family - Monday at 6:00 pm & Saturday at 10:00 am, For preschoolers - Friday at 10:00 am Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Tuesdays

O Grows Farmers Market

1103 Glenn Street, Opelika Visit the O Grows Farmers Market to enjoy baked goods, fresh produce, and more from our local vendors every Tuesday! Opelika Grows utilizes community gardens to pursue curricular objectives that support the community challenges of hunger relief and city beautification. http://wordpress.auburn.edu/ogrows/

Tuesdays thru October 25

Opelika Public Library Jr. Book Club

4:30 PM Opelika Public Library, 200 S 6th St, Opelika, AL Tuesday evenings at 4:30 (through October 25th) Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Wednesday

Opelika Public Library Baby & Me Storytime

9:30 AM Opelika Public Library, 200 S 6th St, Opelika, AL Join us for a fun and interactive playtime for chil dren ages 0-2 years on Wednesday mornings at 9:30. Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Thursday

Opelika Public Library Jr. Robot Crew

4:30 PM Opelika Public Library, 200 S 6th St, Opelika, AL Join Dash and Dot to learn the basics of coding! For children in Grades 2-5. Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Saturday

Saturdays at the Garden

9:00 AM O Grows

Community Garden, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika This fall, O Grows Community Garden will be hosting Saturdays at the Garden! Every Saturday, come join us at 1103 Glenn St., Opelika, for local produce, baked goods, and home goods vendors.

There will also be STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) activities for kids of all ages, storytime at 10 am with the Opelika Public Library, goat feeding and petting, and volunteer opportunities in the garden (harvested produce is free to the community!) www.facebook.com/opelikagrows

Annie Siqueira

AOP: The autumn season is here! What are some things your family looks forward to this time of year?

AS: We love the autumn weather.

It’s great for horseback riding. I am and have been horse crazy my whole life. We also look forward to tennis, which is my husband’s specialty. He came here from Brazil to play tennis, and it is something we love to do as a family!

AOP: Do you have special traditions that take place each October?

AS: We celebrate Olivia’s birthday and my own in October. They’re only two days apart. My mom usually makes this amazing strawberry cake for the both of us and hosts our little family party!

AOP: Does your family enjoy Halloween? Do you decorate this time of year, and if so, is it spooky or just autumn themed?

AS: I am not the best with holiday planning and decorations, so we’re doing good if I get a pumpkin or a nice wreath on the front porch. And, if that happens, it is probably because my husband or mom hung it up). Usually, we’ll dress the girls up and let them do a little trick-or-treating around our cul de sac.

AOP: Do you have a favorite fall meal or treat that you have to make for family and friends? If so, what is it and why?

AS: Yes! One of my favorite fall meals is a big bowl of chili with all the fixings - sour cream, cheese, oyster crackers, and, for me, some random jalapeño slices on top. It’s warm and hearty and tastes even better the following day.

AOP: What are you most proud of in your motherhood journey thus far?

AS: I’m proud that we have survived thus far! I’m proud that our girls love to play outside, read, care for their dog, Bruno, and help me with the horses. I’m also very excited that Olivia is fluent in Portuguese and English because it’s essential for the girls to feel at home in Brazil with Erick’s family. Leila understands both languages and speaks words from each, but she isn’t speaking in complete sentences yet.

AOP: What’s your fondest fall memory from your childhood? What memories do you hope to create for your children?

AS: My fondest fall memories are from deer hunting with my dad and, later, when my sisters were a little older, our family trips to Wyoming, Montana and Alaska. I want my girls to love family time and relish hiking, traveling, and the outdoors.

AOP: What was the most important lesson you learned from your parents?

AS: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” My parents are incredible examples of loving commitment to God, family, and those around them. I fail every day in this area, but they remain a huge encour agement in our lives, and this is what we strive for.

AOP: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

AS: Work hard at what you do, and don’t worry too much about what others think, in general. The opinions that do matter are from the people who love you the most.

AOP: This time of year starts to get busy for families. Do you have any time management and/or organizational hacks to help things run more smoothly?

AS: I try not to overbook our activities. I also find that prepping the girls’ food and snacks the day before helps a little!

AOP: How do you avoid mom burnout?

AS: Is that even possible? If you’re doing it well, you’re going to be tired. My goal is to go to bed at a decent time, but truth be told, it’s hard not to enjoy some quiet time after they go to bed. I also try to eat well when possible. Of course, coffee. And the occasional piece of dark chocolate.

AOP: It’s football season! Living in/around Auburn, are you an Auburn fan or does your fan girl loyalty belong somewhere else?

AS: I am definitely an Auburn fan. War Eagle!

Annie and her husband Erick have been married for 12 years and have two daughters, Olivia (5) and Leila (2.5). They have resided in several states while furthering their education and pursuing careers, from Texas to New York, but have landed in Annie’s hometown of Auburn to raise their kids. Annie enjoys quality time with family and friends, good food, great horses, hikes and travel.