Auburn Opelika Parents June 2022 Newcomers Special Edition by KeepSharing

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June2022 4

Volume 13 Number 4

Columns 4

Kids Say the Wisest Things Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Teach Them to Pause

Help your child regulate emotions with these ideas.

2022 2021

Finding Your Tribe

The importance of connecting with other adults and how to start.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

21 Tweens, Teens

and Screens Kristi Bush, LSW

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Newcomers Guide

Our top picks to help your family connect with the community.

Before They Head to College This Fall

10 things your child needs to know.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces

On The Cover The Agerton family lives in Auburn. Josh is the Lead Pastor of Embrace Church and his wife, Leslie, is a speech pathologist with Auburn City Schools. Their son, Benjamin, is a graduating senior of Trinity Chris-

School Bits 32

Family Calendar

tian School. Grace and Liza are 9th graders attending Auburn Junior High School. As a family they enjoy attending Auburn sporting events and spending time at their family farm.

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Publisher’sNote

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Let me be the first to officially welcome all the newcomers to the Loveliest Village on the Plains! You have chosen a wonderful place to live, raise your family, and grow your business. Auburn and Opelika have thriving neighborhoods and quant downtown areas. You’ll find some of the best schools in the South for your children and college students. Among the small town vibe, you’ll also find modern amenities like theatre and the arts, museums, technology and business industries, and advanced healthcare centers. Business in East Alabama is ever growing and changing with the area’s diversity and culture. Living here you’ll find so many ways to explore all that this area has to offer, and throughout each season, there is always something new. This summer, start with some great outdoor events that both Auburn and Opelika have to offer. From music in the park to arts and craft fairs in the downtown streets, your family will enjoy meeting new neighbors while strolling great local vendors. The city pools are a must during the long, hot summer days. Auburn and Opelika Parks and Recreation facilities have different options for splashing in the afternoons by the pool, including family swim time, swimming lessons, swim teams, and movie nights, to name a few. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming 4th of July celebrations under vibrant fireworks. Bring the family and a picnic dinner to celebrate America’s birthday with our communities. Another great way to meet new friends this summer would be to sign the kids up for a local VBS. Local churches are offering multiple themes that include worship, crafting, games, and more. For a list of VBS options, check out the Family Newcomer’s Guide in this month’s issue. When things start cooling off and the first signs of fall are in the air, East Alabama becomes a bustling area full of excitement and cries of War Eagle. Auburn football in the fall is a uniquely wonderful experience! Stock up on toilet paper and prepare to roll Toomer’s Corner with thousands of your best friends. Saturdays in the South are contagious, and before long, you’ll be a Tiger fan too. Fall (or even this summer) is a great time to establish a new family doctor, dentist, and pet vet. Be sure to start your search in the Newcomer’s Guide for healthcare options including pediatric, family care, and urgent care providers. Welcome to Auburn and Opelika! It is our hope that your family finds a great home and neighborhood and feels welcome in East Alabama. As you settle in, reach out to local resources and businesses for all your family’s needs. From one parent to another, we are glad you are here! You’re going to feel at home on The Plains in no time!

Kendra kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

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 Dr. Jordan Jensen Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Sarah Lyons Kerrie McLoughlin Dave Ramsey

Cover Photography Keightley Garnett Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

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

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com 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.

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with nicer cars.” Teach your child to recognize the facts of the situation instead of their judgements or interpretations of the situation. Practice this several times a day. Please do not attempt to do this when they are overly emotional. Do it when they are calm. Ask simple questions like, “What do you see, what do you hear, what do you feel?” Redirect their answers to the facts. by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

Teach Them to... PAUSE Can you control your thoughts, feelings, and emotions? If you answered “yes”, think again. Adult thoughts, feelings, and emotions come and go as quickly as children when it is time to do chores. We have no control over them. The only thing we can control is our response. Appropriate responses are created when we learn to pause. Learning to pause is a multilayered process that requires you to understand more about how the brain works. Our brains never stop talking to us. Some of the statements made by your brain are helpful, “Watch out for that car, that driver is texting” or “You were very rude to that clerk and need to apologize.” Some thoughts are simply untrue, “My son hates math, so he is never going to be able to keep a job” or “She made a rude gesture towards me in the meeting. She obviously does not like me.” Like I said earlier, our brains never stop gathering information and attempting to make sense of it. When we draw conclusions, our brain provides options on how to interpret this information. Unfortunately,

we often draw the wrong conclusions and react before we realize that the story our brain tells us is a lie. These stories are the real problem, not the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that led to the creation of the story. Unfortunately, children do not yet know how to pause and evaluate the accuracy of the stories their brains are telling them. This is why we see huge emotional reactions when we say “no” to the second cookie. Your daughter’s brain may be telling her, “You will never be able to eat another cookie.” If your child cries every time you tell him a problem is incorrect on his math homework, his brain may be screaming, “I am so dumb, I can’t even do math.” How do we teach them to pause? 1. Start by practicing mindfulness with your child. No, you are not sitting cross-legged on the floor chanting with your children. Mindfulness is the habit of experiencing the present moment without judgement. For example, make statements like, “I am driving in a car” instead of “I am driving in an old car around other people

2. Begin using story language. Teach them to say, “My brain is telling me…” Use this language and model it regularly. “My brain is telling me that you had a horrible day at school because you are not happy this afternoon. Is that true?” Then, believe the given answer. 3. Model this story language for them. Tell them stories every day about what your brain was telling you during a situation and then contrast that with the truth of the situation. 4. Create time for these practices. Leave time in your schedule to have these conversations with yourself and your child. Yes, it is that important. Once your children begin to understand that they do not need to believe everything their brain is saying, they will begin to pause.

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

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69TH ANNUAL

FREEDOM CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY OPELIKA PARKS AND RECREATION

SATURDAY, JULY 2ND 6:30 P.M. | FIREWORKS AT DARK OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL TRACK CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH OPELIKA PARKS AND RECREATION. THERE WILL BE INFLATABLE GAMES, HAMBURGERS, HOTDOGS, POPCORN, MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

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SummerNight Downtown Art Walk

Float-In Movie: The Goonies

June 10 * www.auburnsummernight.org The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is a free, entertainment district event, taking place in the streets of downtown Auburn. During the event, downtown merchants and restaurants stay open late, and people of all ages are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity to shop, dine and relax while enjoying the arts in downtown Auburn. Artists have their work on display and live musical entertainment is provided. Be sure to bring your children too as they have an opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, as well as enjoy other attractions that change each year!

Enjoy a movie under the stars, June 25, 8:00pm, while relaxing and floating on a tube or lounging on the pool deck at Auburn City’s Samford Pool. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite inflatable from home, as none will be provided. Concessions will be available throughout the evening. FREE admission with Splash Pass or prior admission to the pool earlier that day (please get a hand stamp before leaving) or $2 per person. Pool floats are allowed for float-in-movies. Concessions will be available for purchase during the movie. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Science On Saturdays- Raptors on June 11

Raptors are birds of prey with sharp beaks and powerful talons! At this program, representatives from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will visit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to show you some of these incredible birds, up-close and in-person. The program will include a variety of live raptors, most native to Alabama, and you learn all about their habitat, natural history, and the challenges facing these majestic creatures. Children’s activities will be available. The Southeastern Raptor Center rehabilitates hundreds of injured, ill, and orphaned raptors annually. The Center also houses a number of raptors that are non-releasable including those that will be present at the program. This is a one-hour, lecture-style program that will provide the opportunity to see and interact with live animals. Admission is $5 ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free. Cancelled in the event of rain. www.auburn.edu/preserve

Family Splash at Samford Pool

Active Auburn will host the first ever Family Splash at Samford Pool, June 11, 10:00am-5:00pm! Put your swimsuit on, bring your goggles and sunscreen as we offer FREE admission to Samford Pool all day! We will have food, contests, sample classes, and pool games for the whole family. www.auburnalabama.org/parks Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

Touch-a-Truck 2022: June 4 in Downtown Opelika Vehicles of all types will line the street of downtown Opelika at this fun family event. Kids of all ages can come and explore military vehicles, race cars, dump trucks, and more. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to touch and go inside the vehicles. 9am-12noon. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/TouchTruck.

Father’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo

A big thank you to all the dads out there! With much gratitude and appreciation of your dedicated and loyal service to our sons and daughters, please celebrate Father’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. All dads receive FREE admission, June 19, to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Join us for Dad’s special day. www.montgomeryzoo.com 6

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69th Annual Freedom Celebration

On July 2, celebrate Independence Day with Opelika Parks and Recreation. There will be inflatable games, hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, musical entertainment and activities for the whole family. Event begins at the Opelika High School at 6:30pm, 7:30pm Silver Parachute Team, and 9:00pm Fireworks Show. Visit www.opelikasportsplex.com for details.

Auburn Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day, July 4, with the Entire Auburn Community! Join Auburn Parks and Recreation behind Duck Samford Stadium on Monday July 4. Gates open at 5 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets, and enjoy food trucks and music. The fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. Duck Samford Stadium is located at 1840 E. Glenn Avenue. The fireworks will be set off in a centrally located area — the old water tower site on East University Drive next to Duck Samford Park. The rain date will be Tuesday, July 5, with only fireworks. We look forward to seeing you at this FREE event! www.auburnalabama.org/4th-of-July

Day in Clay: June 18

Dean Road Rec Center Ceramics Studio. During this one day open house we encourage the whole family to visit our fully-equipped studio, enjoy beverages and snacks as well as watch demonstrations by studio members. Visitors who want to have the experience of working in clay can pay $10 per person and select either an adult or kids project to create. All projects are led by Dean Road Ceramic Studio instructors and will be taught at 12:30pm, 1:45pm, and 3:00pm. While we invite everyone to visit our studio, we have limited space available for those interested in creating with clay. If you want to make a project, visit MyRec to reserve your spot by Thursday, June 17! We hope that your entire family will join us at the Dean Road Ceramic Studio for food, fun and clay. Since your handmade clay creation must have time to dry and be fired, please plan to pick up your work between July 30 – August 3. $10/participant. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic

Not a “Hopeless” Case “I know I’m not a hopeless case…” This lyric from the U2 song “Beautiful Day” is one that often rings in my mind in situations where no hope is in sight. It has carried me through several scares in my life, including debilitating low back pain after a soccer accident and enduring heavy emotional stress after a breakup. Both times, my nervous system, the region of the body that controls functioning of the rest of the body, were put into heavy stress, and thankfully, I had chiropractic to play a primary role in getting well. And these are not always easy, openand-shut cases. Sometimes, chiropractic is all that is needed. Other times, chiropractic is simply just a piece to the healthcare puzzle, but however your story is unfolding, when the central nervous system is in distress, chiropractic ought to be considered. Many of these stories make their turning point at Cornerstone Family Chiropractic. Madi, a young girl who was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome, was brought into the office because development had been slow and was not fully engaged with her family. Testing revealed the nervous system was indeed in stress, so chiropractic treatment began. After

several months of care, Madi is a happy chatterbox roaming the halls interacting with the other practice members. Jeremy, a middle-school aged boy, who was diagnosed with autism, spoke infrequently. When he did speak, he used a limited vocabulary, less than 100 words regularly. Jeremey was brought into the office, and his nervous system was found to be in stress as well. Chiropractic treatment was performed for several months, and following a reevaluation, Jeremy’s parents reported that he had been using new words. In fact, his vocabulary has quickly grown to 300 plus words. Jon had regular recurring ear infections. He was brought into the office after several unsuccessful treatments. His nervous system was found to be in stress, so chiropractic treatment was implemented. Jon was toddler when he began treatment, and as he is about to start grade school, his ear infections have become much less frequent. After the success, his family went ahead and got everyone under chiropractic care. Funny enough, none of Jon’s younger siblings have had problems with ear infections. Kim kept having headaches throughout school. It was a continuous hassle trying to

perform well in classes along with managing these head pains. Kim was brought into our office, and, sure enough, her nervous system was under stress. If you haven’t guessed, she started chiropractic care, and now, headaches are not a problem. “Beautiful Day” has evolved into a working theme for me with practice members while helping others achieve their health goals. All these stories hold a common truth, the health of the nervous system is powerful. When under distress, it can compound into unique problems or further complicate complex medical conditions. Chiropractic care can be powerful contributor to finding and maintaining health. Whenever that song pops on our office playlist, the thought is always, “There is hope.”

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

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

St Michael Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten Learn About Recycling

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The kindergarten students at St Michael Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten learned about recycling and each student created something new with different recycled items. There was a telephone, binoculars, cleaning robot, pencil holder, and an airplane.

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Congrats to Boys Track and Field Team of LaFayette High

LaFayette High School Boys Track & Field Team won the AHSAA Class 2A State Championship in Cullman! We are proud of you!

Congrats to Lee Scott Academy’s Joseph Horne

Congratulations to junior Joseph Horne for being named to the 2021-2022 OpelikaAuburn News All-Area Boys Basketball 2nd Team! Junior Alex Cash received Honorable Mention honors. Way to go!

Celebrating World Art Day at Northside Intermediate

Northside Intermediate School celebrates World Art Day. Students had a wonderful time celebrating World Art Day by “Chalking Our Walks”.

Auburn Classical Academy Enjoys Pioneer Day

Auburn Classical Academy’s second grade class visited Historic Westville, a re-created 1850’s town as it would have been seen on the frontier of southwest Georgia. Students saw enactments of candle, barrel, and shoe making. This trip gave students opportunities to see examples of life as it is described in several of their literature selections from the year. 9

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Autauga County Schools Third Grade Basketball Scholarship Awarded Moffat’s Day to OHS at Auburn Senior Congratulations to Classical Academy OHS Senior Haley

ACA students dressed up as characters from the classical book ‘The Moffats’ and spend the day learning about what life was like in the 1930s!

Sanders on signing a basketball scholarship to Chattahoochee Valley Community College.

ACS 2nd Graders Experience Hands on Learning at Frank Brown Recreation Center

Auburn City Schools’ second graders celebrated Earth Day at Frank Brown Recreation Center, where they learned about recycling, pollution, and native species! Activities included a relay race with the Environmental Services department that demonstrated the difference between recyclables and garbage, an up-close reptile encounter with the Kreher Preserve, and pollution-prevention tips from Alabama Power. Students also had the opportunity to show their creative side by making bracelets and necklaces with repurposed materials such as old newspapers. Auburn City Schools thanks Auburn Parks and Recreation for providing this impactful Earth Day programming for our students!

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

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STEAM Day at Dean Road

Students at Dean Road Elementary School put their critical thinking skills to the test today! Activities included printmaking, coding with robots, engineering towers out of cups, creating geometric shapes with play dough, and witnessing the chemical reaction when baking soda and vinegar are combined. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) combine to create fascinating lessons that excite students to learn. The addition of Art establishes a STEAM opportunity, which promotes creativity and innovative thinking for problem-solving. With the ever-evolving advances in technology, introducing elementary students to STEAM activities will better equip them for learning as they continue their educational journey to becoming competitive in related fields later in life.

ACS Announce All State Band Winners

Band students from East Samford School, Auburn Junior High School, and Auburn High School are now AllState winners following their performances at the All-State Festival in Mobile this past weekend! The purpose of the festival is to distinguish the most outstanding band students in the State of Alabama and give them the opportunity for a musical experience of the highest caliber. Auburn City Schools is proud of these students for representing the performing arts at the state level!

2022 Mr. and Miss Opelika High School Chosen

Congratulations to Miss OHS-Vera Smith T and Mr. OHSChanning Torbert! Congratulations also to Breckin Gould-Miss OHS Runner-Up, Susannah Couey-Miss Junior Class, and Addie ShoemakerMiss Sophomore Class most outstanding band students in the State of Alabama and give them the opportunity for a musical experience of the highest caliber. Auburn City Schools is proud of these students for representing the performing arts at the state level!

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M Autauga County Schools 4th and 5th Graders at Yarbrough Congrats to Compete in the Rubik’s Cube Challenge AHS Boy’s Recently, Fourth and Fifth Graders at Yarbrough Elementary School Golf Team Competed in a Rubik’s Cube Challenge. With different brackets of

The Auburn High School Boy’s Golf team played 36 holes and won the 46th Annual Larry Gaither High School Invitational, at Bull Creek in Midland, Ga., with a low score of 594! Jack Wisdom made the Larry Gaither All-Tournament team by posting a one-day, tworound score of 146!

difficulty and more than 300 algorithms for the Rubik’s Cube, this competition was the culmination of a learning unit on perseverance led by Mrs. Shelley Patterson, the Venture Enrichment teacher at YES. As finalists in the school competition, 18 students competed to become Rubik’s Cube Champions! Students showed off their ability to complete a Rubik’s Cube under pressure and utilized their engineering skills to create a prototype for the timing devices used in this competition. A special shout out to Jacque Middleton and Sarah Sharman’s engineering students at Auburn High School for 3D printing the trophies, as a class assignment, for the winners! Johnny Kendall won the “under three minutes” round with a time of 69.78 seconds. Parker Rapp won the “under two minutes” round with 51.92 seconds (Jaxson Taylor finished second with 55.29 seconds, and JJ Kim finished third with 56.41 seconds). Dayul Lee won the “under one minute” round with 40.38 seconds, and Claire Huang won the “advanced” round with a time of 54.31 seconds.

Creating U.S.A. State Floats at Auburn Classical Academy

Each year, Auburn Classical Academy’s 3rd grade wraps up Geography with creating a US State Float! They displayed them to students during a float parade.

Lee Scott Ambassadors

Congratulations to the following students who were selected as LSA Ambassadors for the 2022-2023 school year! Front Row (L to R): Lily Senn, Laken Smith, Chaney Litkenhous, Campbell Thomas, Reese Colley, Jazrine Revalde. Second Row (L to R): Caroline Heartsill, Ansley Forbus, Jana Hilliard, Gabriela Pugh. Third Row (L to R): Catherine Persons, Delaney Faison, Chloe Clinard, Claire McKay. Fourth Row (L to R): Charlie Greenleaf, Kaleb Wiley, Will Rhodes, Jay Collins. Not Pictured: Pelzer Reaves, Tyler Kennedy

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

Ms. Tiffany Yelder Named OCS Assistant Superintendent of Administration

Join us in welcoming Ms. Tiffany Yelder back to Opelika City Schools as the new Assistant Superintendent of Administration! Dr. Farrell Seymore, Superintendent of the Opelika City Schools, is pleased to announce the hiring of Ms. Tiffany Yelder as the new Assistant Superintendent of Administration. Mr. Kenneth Burton has served in the position for the past 15 years and will be retiring at the end of May. “We are excited to welcome Ms. Yelder back to Opelika as one of our Assistant Superintendents. She is a proven educational leader and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the position,” stated Seymore. Ms. Yelder currently serves as Director of Teaching and Learning and Career Technical Education, and Director of Prevention, Attendance and Support Services at Pike Road City Schools. Yelder will be returning to the Opelika City Schools where she previously served at Opelika High School from 2005-2018 as a teacher, Career Tech Department Chair and Assistant Principal. While employed with Pike Road City Schools, Yelder served as an Assistant Principal at Pike Road Elementary School from 2018-2019 and then as Director of Teaching and Learning from 2019-2021 before serving in her current position. Ms. Yelder earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State University in 2005, Master of Education in Business and Marketing Education from Auburn University in 2007, an Education Specialist degree from Auburn University in 2013, and her Master of Education in Administration of Elementary and Secondary Education from Auburn University in 2015. She is scheduled to complete her Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction/Career and Technical Education in December 2023. Ms. Yelder will also complete her certification from the Superintendent’s Academy in September of this year. “I am incredibly humbled, honored, and excited for the opportunity to return home to the Opelika City Schools,” said Yelder. “I look forward to serving the students of this great community and working alongside the amazing teachers and leaders of this school system.” 12

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Mrs. Marshall Receives PACE Member Award

Auburn High School’s Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Audrey Marshall, was recently honored with a PACE (People of Action for Community Enrichment) Member Award during the 35th Anniversary Scholarship Celebration! Mrs. Marshall was the 2020-21 president of PACE and led the organization through some challenging times as she worked diligently to continue to meet and provide community services during the COVID-19 pandemic. She collaborates with local individuals and businesses to provide internships for students while assisting them with college and job applications, including the creation and design of newsletters, programs, and presentations. Mrs. Marshall also develops business and community partnerships, resulting in work-based learning opportunities for Auburn City Schools students. Her mission is to assist in working with others to provide a skilled, technologically proficient, and career-ready workforce for our local community. She is very humble and compassionate as she volunteers to make a difference in the lives of many within Lee County, the state, and at the national level. Mrs. Marshall earned a B.S. in Business/Marketing Education and an M.Ed. in Business Education from Auburn University and has been teaching with Auburn City Schools since 1994.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

PROVERBS 22:6

Call 334-745-2464 to schedule a tour. kmarrs@tcsopelika.org | tcsopelika.org A C LAS S I CAL AN D C H R I STIAN ACAD E MY

Andrew Tillman, TCS Class of ’21

OHS Student Selected for Congressional District Art Competition Congratulations to Diana Garcia from Opelika High School. Her artwork was selected as one of the finalists in this year’s Congressional District Art Competition. In order to help Diana’s piece win “Best of Show’’ and represent Opelika, please log on to Congressman Mike Rogers Facebook page and like her artwork. The student with the most likes wins and will hang in our nation’s Capital for one year.

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Autauga County Schools Lee Scott Academy Hosts Instrument Petting Zoo

Thank you to Mr. Jeff Hudson and our high school band students for hosting the 1st Annual Instrument Petting Zoo. for the fifth grade to prepare for beginner band.

Ashanti Thomas Signed to Highland Community College

LSA Equestrian Club Learned About Horse Health Huge thanks to Phillip Box for spending time with the LSA Equestrian Club at their recent meeting! The kids learned so much about hoof health, hoof care techniques, hoof anatomy and more. It was an awesome demonstration, and we are so grateful for his time!

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Golf Scholarship Awarded to OHS Student

Congratulations to OHS Senior Ashanti Thomas on signing a basketball scholarship to Highland Community College!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Blake Culver on signing a golf scholarship to Point University!

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Congrats to OHS Killgore Scholars

Congratulations to the 2022 Opelika High School Killgore Scholars. The scholarship recipients were honored today at a reception at OHS. Pictured (l-r): Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, Mrs. Patsy Parker-OCS Board Member, Bianca Brown, Alyssa Davidson, Abigail Collins, Fatima Santamaria, Bailey Williams, Jake Walters, Will Randolph, Paul Goodman, Breckin Gould, Orah Preston, Sydney Lowe, Vera Smith T, and Mayor Gary Fuller. Congratulations to all of the recipients!

Lee Scott Academy Awarded at Music in the Parks

Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Hudson and the LSA Concert and Jazz Bands for sweeping the awards at the 2022 Music in the Parks held at Dollywood! 1st Place Concert Band Overall High School Concert Band Award 1st Place Jazz Band Overall High School Jazz Band Award Esprit de Corps Top Award - Awarded to a band for exhibiting best character from all groups. The band is returning exhausted but with full hearts and lots of memories! Thank you for always representing LSA with class and pride. We are so proud of you!

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

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Lee Scott Academy Congratulate National Spanish Exam Award Winners

The National Spanish Examinations (NSE) is a motivational contest to recognize student achievement and proficiency in the study of Spanish. The following Lee-Scott Academy students received medal placements (gold, silver, bronze, honorable mention):

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

Premios de oro: Lauren Daugherty, Joseph Horne, Lindsey Joiner, Austin Marlin, Tripp Temple Premios de plata: Kyle Barnes, Kimberly Simmons Premios de bronce: Emily Lake, Bryson Moon, Brendon Moore, Kaitlyn Stewart, Emma Thompson, Katie Thornton, Kyle Wilson Honor: Jacob Baker, Chris Fields, Charlie Greenleaf, Cason Kennefick, Conner Starr, Axl Stiles

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OHS Baseball Scholarship Awarded

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | ChildrensAL.org

Congratulations to OHS Senior Harrison Long on signing a baseball scholarship to Chattahoochee Valley Community College!

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Autauga County Schools ACS Students Awarded Character in Action

Lee County Family Court Judge Mike Fellows honored five Auburn City Schools students with the Character in Action awards! Zy’Terriah Grigsby, a sixth-grader at J.F. Drake Middle School, was recognized for being an exemplary student. “Zy’Terriah is an unbelievably hard-working student. She is motivated to learn and does not let obstacles stand in her way. Zy’terriah is deserving of the Character in Action Award because of her persevering spirit. Her dedication to her education is evident in the time she spends asking questions, studying for tests, and completing assignments. We all could learn from Zy-Terriah’s work ethic. She inspires me to be a better teacher through her perseverance and personality. Not a day goes by that Zy’Terriah does not enter my room with a smile on her face. Her smile lifts me up when I need it the most. It is a pleasure to teach Zy’Terriah because of her positivity, respect, and determination.” Julie Speir, the art teacher at DMS. Bruntavion Brooks, a second-grader at Cary Woods Elementary School, was recognized for his approach to his school assignments. “Bruntavion consistently shows excitement, enthusiasm, and perseverance when completing all academic tasks, even when challenging and difficult. He also shows responsibility when helping complete classroom tasks without being asked, such as picking up things or asking if there is anything he can do to help. Bruntavion goes above and beyond daily with his schoolwork and his willingness to help his teacher and classmates.” – Brooke Braswell, a second-grade teacher at CWES. Lizzy Ruiz Paola, a sixth-grader at J.F. Drake Middle School, was recognized for being a kind and considerate student. “Lizzy puts forth her very best effort in all that she does each day. There are times when learning new things can be difficult for Lizzy; however, she always gives her best effort and never gives up. She will study, prepare, redo, and ask questions because learning and being her best self is important to her. Lizzy always consistently contributes hard work, respect, kindness, and dependability. Lizzy is the kind of citizen that makes the world a better place. We should all strive to live our lives like Lizzy.” – Carrie Williams, a sixth-grade science teacher at DMS. LaMarcus Heard, a third-grader at Creekside Elementary School, was recognized for solving problems. “LaMarcus is a great joy to teach! He does a wonderful job noticing others in need. I have personally experienced that, and it inspired me to nominate him for this award. Getting from our classroom to lunch is always a hustle. I call students from the place that holds our lunch count, which is across the room from my lunch box and walkie-talkie. Recently, LaMarcus saw this, and he, on his own accord, began bringing me my lunch box and walkie-talkie. While this might seem small, it’s big. He saw that need and met it, and I was just in awe. He completes jobs with great pride, and I am so proud of him for being so considerate and thoughtful even in seemingly small ways.” – Linzee Mooty, a third-grade teacher at CES. Shannon Audaine, also a third-grader at Creekside Elementary School, was recognized for being a friend to everyone. “Shannon is one in a million, and I mean that. She is the best student. She works super hard at home and in school to excel academically, but her character is highly admirable in addition to her academic success. She is a friend to everyone. She makes sure everyone feels included, and she has genuine empathy for others who are hurting. If someone doesn’t have a friend at recess, Shannon will quickly invite them to play with her. I watch this happen quite regularly. If Shannon ever makes a mistake, she takes responsibility for it and tries to find a way to fix it. On top of all of that, she is forever putting a smile on the faces of many. She has a great sense of humor and incredible manners.” – Linzee Mooty.

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Opelika City School’s ORGE Students Travel to Worlds

Wishing the best of luck and safe travels to OGRE- Opelika’s Greatest Robotics Engineers as they head to Houston to the World Championships! “Dragon” has been repaired and improved after several tough rounds of defense at Orlando FRC Regional and we are headed to Houston.

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ACS Students Showcase Their Visual Art

At the April Board of Education meeting, Teachers of the Year and Visual Art students were celebrated! In the first quarter of each year, ACS participates in the State Superintendent’s Visual Art Exhibit (SSVAE) with the mission of showcasing and celebrating students’ amazing artistic abilities. The top 20 submissions were sent to Montgomery to compete. During spring break, five ACS students placed at the state level and were recognized during a ceremony at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, including two first-place finishes, one second-place finish, and two honorable mentions. Each year, every school recognizes an outstanding educator as Teacher of the Year. Those teachers then submit an application to be judged at the local level before two are ultimately selected to represent ACS in the competition at the district and state level. Honored last night were Volandra Baker, Sidney Bugg, Kim Chenier, Jamie Donaldson, Kristen Ferrell, Andrea Folmar, Lana Grooms, Keri Miranda, Adam Nichols, Tammy Orr, Kasey Shepherd, Reggie Smith, and Julie Wentworth.

Yarbrough Elementary’s Reginald Smith will represent the elementary level, and Kristen Ferrell will represent the secondary level for Auburn City Schools. Additionally, the FACES organization honored Coach Smith with the Carol Pittard Award and Ms. Ferrell with the Dianne Wilson Award! 17

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Autauga County Schools HOSA Students at Auburn High School Pass Exam

10 out of 10 HOSA students at Auburn High School recently passed the National Certified Patient Care Technician Exam! Patient Care Technicians are essential team members at hospitals and clinics. They are responsible for the following duties: • Provide primary patient care • Ensure patient rooms are clean and safe • Monitor patients’ vitals • Perform phlebotomy procedures • Collect medical data for doctors • Perform EKGs and obtain readings As advancements in medical technology rise, more employers require national certification in the Patient Care Technician field each year. Auburn City Schools thanks Laurie Osborne, Anthony Caldwell, Timothy Henry, and Rusty Cooper for preparing the HOSA students to earn this credential!

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Dean Road Teacher Wins Outstanding Elementary Arts Educator Award

Dean Road Elementary School’s Art Teacher, Andrea Newman, was nominated and chosen as the recipient of the 2022 Alabama Arts Alliance Outstanding Elementary Arts Educator Award! The Alabama Arts Alliance is a partner of the Alabama State Department of Education with a mission to increase public awareness of and engagement in the arts through education and advocacy. ACS is proud of Ms. Newman as we look forward to her being formally honored at an awards ceremony in Birmingham on April 28!

Alabama Media Professional Awarded to AHS Students

AHS Students Compete at State Debate Tournament

Auburn High School sent 35 students to the State Debate Tournament held at Samford University on April 8th and 9th! Please congratulate the following students! • Big Question State Champion: Alma Sorek (All-District winner and qualified for Nationals in Louisville, Ky). • Varsity Public Forum State Champions: Bryant Ingram and Joseph McElroy • Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate: Leah Lethhander (Quarterfinalist) • Novice Public Forum: Alaster Adams and Anna Galbraith (Quarterfinalists). Luke Adams and Bradley Hartnett (State Runner-up). • JV Public Forum: Cal Floyd and Micah Gordon (State Runner-up) • Speaker Awards: Leah Lethander, Ben Prince, and Bradley Hartnett Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

AHS Mass Media Hi-Def members Patrick Bingham and Abby Grace Stephens brought numerous accolades back to Auburn from the 2022 Alabama Media Professional Awards Celebration held on April 13 in Birmingham! A broadcast of Tiger TV from spring 2021 placed first for “Best Newscast.” Students involved in that production included Rylee Watson, Caden Harvey, Will Ross, Bailey Rhodes, Clint Whyte, Kade Hand, Jeremiah Marshall, and Braden Gentry. Abby Grace earned two first-place finishes in “Sports Photo” and “News Feature.” AHS Mass Media will now prepare to compete nationally with their submissions. Alabama Media Professionals is a 501(c)(6) organization that serves the interests of professional communicators in various fields. As communications fields change, this organization provides muchneeded guidance through professional-development programs and opportunities to learn from other media members. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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LSA Honored Moms on Mother’s Day

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:25-28. Sweet morning on Lee Scott Academy’s campus as we welcomed our moms, grandmothers, and bonus moms to campus for breakfast to celebrate Mother’s Day!

2022 SUMMER FILM SERIES Encanto Thursday, June 23

Beauty and the Beast (Sing-along) Thursday, July 7

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Send school news to: Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com.

Sing 2 Thursday, July 21

Opelika City Schools Want You to Meet Blaze

Opelika City School kids are excited for the arrival of Blaze! They all had a part in giving him his name! He is on the way! Blaze is the department’s new firefighting-bulldog mascot!! Finally, Sparky has some company. Look for Blaze in the coming weeks!! Bulldogs rule!!! Thank you to all of the students at Northside Intermediate School, West Forest Intermediate School, and Morris Avenue Intermediate School for helping choose the name of the new mascot for the Opelika Fire Department. We can’t wait to meet Blaze!

Black Panther Thursday, August 4

Join us this summer for free screenings under the stars! Amphitheatre at the City of Auburn Lawn and Porch Gates open at 6 p.m. • Films begin at 7 p.m.

Free and open to the public! Blankets and chairs permitted. No outside food or beverages allowed.

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Autauga County Schools Opelika City Schools Names Kelli AHS Tennis Team Takes 2nd Place Auburn High School Girls Tennis finished second as a team in the Fischer as New OHS Principal 2022 AHSAA State Championship Tournament! Claire Bosman won the #1 Singles Championship. Claire and Camilla Bosman (sisters) won the #1 Doubles Championship. ACS is proud of these student athletes!

Kelli Fischer has been selected as the new Principal of Opelika High School. Mrs. Fischer currently serves as an assistant principal at OHS. “We welcome Kelli Fischer as the new Principal of OHS. Mrs. Fischer is a student centered, visionary leader and I know that she will lead the students and faculty of Opelika High School with compassion and integrity,” stated Dr. Farrell Seymore, current OHS Principal and incoming Superintendent of the Opelika City Schools. “I am completely humbled and honored to be selected as the next Principal of Opelika High School,” said Fischer. “My family and I love being part of the Opelika City Schools and the community and I look forward to continuing the great work being done at OHS. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude at the opportunity to lead such a dynamic group of teachers, students, and staff.” Fischer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in secondary social science education from Auburn University in 2011 and her Master of Education degree in instructional leadership and administration from Troy University in 2016. She began her education career at Phenix City Intermediate School in August 2011 and continued her career at Smiths Station High School from 2012-2016. Fischer has been an Assistant Principal at Opelika High School since July 2016. Mrs. Fischer will transition into the position of OHS principal at the conclusion of this school year. Congratulations Mrs. Fischer!

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

Scavenger Hunt in Auburn for LSA

Southern Union Scholarship Awarded to OHS Student

Sixth grade boys enjoyed a scavenger hunt around Auburn University’s campus with Mrs. Cherry, Mrs. Daniel, and Miss Mungenast - ending with Toomer’s lemonade! This experience was part of the PTO auction. Thank you to our faculty and the PTO for providing these unique, one-of-a-kind experiences as a part of the silent auction!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Grady Bynum on signing a basketball scholarship to Southern Union State Community College.

Mary Poppins Presented by Opelika High School Theatre

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Opelika High School Theatre Society presented Mary Poppins. What an amazing performance by all! Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

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The Hidden Dangers of the “Perfect Picture” We have all done it... used the latest filters to “perfect” or fix our photos. It seems innocent enough. A quick swipe and our faces are flawlessly “fixed”, and for many of us, the filters also remove a few years in the process. The reality is that our young children, and teens, are watching. Additionally, even at a young age, we “pose” them to achieve the “perfect” angle. Or the perfect shot. Sometimes it may take 50 pictures to get “the one”. I have been guilty of this in the past. However, it begs the question: What are we TEACHING our children? Parents are influencers. We are influencers of our children. What are we teaching them by asking them to pose 25 times for the right shot? Are we teaching them they cannot be themselves? That they must always be presented perfectly? When they get their own social media, this may lead to them feeling they can only share the perfectly angled selfie every time. The reality is, who doesn’t love a good selfie? Who doesn’t love a nice picture that we feel proud of. Even so, it feels like the era of selfies and picture sharing has exploded. In 2019, Android reported that its users take 93 MILLION selfies a DAY. This does not include iPhone data. Those numbers combined are staggering. About a third of parents with children ages 7-9 reported that their kids use social media apps via phones or tablets, according to the 2021 C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll in Health. About half the parents with children ages 10-12 reported the same, and the numbers increase as the child’s age increases. This means our kids, at

young ages, have easy access to social media and devices where they can post selfies.

Kids love to imitate what they see. If they are being taught from a young age to pose for the perfect picture, or if they grow up seeing this exhibited through parent’s behavior, they begin to imitate that behavior. While we want this to be harmless, it actually can lead to some confusion among our youth. They can begin to wonder if the “real” version of themselves is good enough. They wonder if they should only post the “filtered” or “perfectly posed” version of themselves. We see this among our daughters especially. Research is constantly pointing us in the direction of increasing body image issues among young girls, and at an alarming rate. Constant filtered or forced posing creates a situation where girls can no longer see the “real” version of themselves as being enough. So what can we do to protect our kids? One, ask their permission before you ever post a picture of them. This 21

is so important. Kids tell me at every conference how much they hate when parents post pictures of them without their permission. It is one of their number one complaints. Two, model good behavior. Chat with your kids about why it is not important to always have the perfect picture. If they agree, taking a few quick shots without a lot of posing, might be enough. Also, be careful of your own personal filter use because, again, they are watching. Three, discuss with them that what they see online are simply quick photos or videos, a few seconds out of someone’s 24-hour day. What they see online never presents the “real picture” of the rest of that person’s day. Help them to understand that we are all human, we all have bad days, and that the “real” version is always better than a filtered one.

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

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When my first child was born 13 years ago I was thrilled to be a mom and so in love with my son. My husband and I had decided that I would become a stay-at-home mom and I was looking forward to all the time I could spend with my son. After a few months of adjusting to becoming a mom, I started to feel lonely. I had given up my job, and while I was still head over heels in love with my boy, something vital felt missing.

Whether you are a working mom or stay at home, have one child or five children, whether you are struggling through the exhausting days and sleepless nights of babies and toddlers or the busy schedules of school age kids, you need a tribe. Many moms define their tribe as other women who understand where they are in life without having to explain a single thing. They get you, they accept you, and they cheer you on as you struggle your way through it. If you are feeling lonely and are seeking a friend, or two, to laugh and cry with through your current stage of motherhood, I encourage you to find your tribe.

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Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

Here are a few places to start. 22

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Be open and accepting

The first step to finding authentic people that you can relate to and build lasting relationships with is to be your authentic self. When you are an open, honest, and accepting person, you will encourage others to behave the same. Be yourself, listen to what others have to say, accept others for who they are, and relationships will happen organically. It can be uncomfortable, scary even, to put yourself out there but the relationships far outweigh the risk when you find true friends.

Common interests

There are times where finding people to start friendships with can be challenging. Especially when you have a big life change like a move, becoming a parent, or changing jobs. Take inventory of what you love to do or what groups are already existing that you could join. For example, if you love running, join a running club. If you love to read, join or start a book club. If you are a mom, join a playgroup or a mother’s group at a local church. Does the PTO at your school need help? Would you consider being a soccer coach or Boy Scout leader? All of these examples are great ways to get involved in your community and make friends along the way. After the birth of our triplets, I joined an online group of triplet moms. Four years later, I am surprised to say that they are some of my closest friends and one of my biggest support systems.

Give support and ask for it

One of the main things that makes a tribe so important is the support given and received during the times when it is needed most. When my daughter was hospitalized for several weeks, my mother’s group supplied meals, gave my other kids rides to and from school, helped with childcare, sent flowers and cards, and basically kept my family going when my husband and I couldn’t have done it on our own. They would not have known how to help if I hadn’t reached out to them and asked. Asking for help can be hard for people who are used to managing the family and are good at it too, but remember that during difficult times friends want to help. Just ask. Conversely, it can be such a blessing to help others when they need it. Giving a ride to school, making a little extra food to share, sending a text, or talking with a friend when they need a listening ear doesn’t take much extra effort while going a long way to build your tribe. Finding your tribe can mean pushing yourself to step outside your comfort zone and reach out to others. While it is difficult to do at first, once you find a group of friends that understand and support you, it is well worth the time and effort put in to build and strengthen those relationships. AOP Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and contributes articles to numerous parenting publications.

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one of the most time-efficient ways of training. We aim to burn up to 750 calories per 45-minute session. The motivation and encouragement in a group training facility creates a pulsing, upbeat environment where goals are met and exceeded.

2022 2021

www.f45training.com/northauburn

Planet Fitness Get high-quality fitness at an affordable price. Planet Fitness offers low startup fees, no-commitment options as well as the PF Black Card ® where you can get ALL. THE. PERKS all in the Judgment Free Zone®. 334-617-3222 www.planetfitness.com/ gyms/opelika-al

Home Maintenance and Repair

After School Activities/Lessons Alabama Dance Theatre ad on page 4

1018 Madison Avenue Montgomery We are an award winning, regional ballet company with an eclectic repertoire that includes the 19th century classes as well as new modern and contemporary works. The company emphasizes serious training for the pre-professional dancer. 334-625-2590

www.alabamadancetheatre.com

The City of Auburn Public Library ad on page 10

749 E Thach Avenue Auburn Family programming throughout the year. Check our online calendar for storytimes, puppet shows, book clubs, author visits, crafternoons, and much more. Our mission is to inspire, enrich, and delights our residents with vital and valuable resources, services, and experiences. 334-501-3190

www.auburnalabama.org/library

Auburn Area Community Theatre Center 222 East Drake Avenue` Auburn AACT offers two full-length children and youth shows annually, with other smaller performances dotting the calendar throughout the year. AACT’s children and youth outreach program, dubbed the Young Performers’ program, includes musicals, dramas, comedies, and classics—all crafted to engage, educate, and stimulate young minds. 334-246-1084

www.auburnact.org

First Baptist Church Opelika Fine Arts 301 South 8th Street Opelika Private music lessons are offered Monday – Friday. They begin no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and conclude no later than 9:00 p.m. Wednesday lessons must conclude by 6:00 p.m. due to church activities. Lessons are offered in the areas of piano, voice, guitar, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion and pipe organ. Our experienced instructors are highly qualified in their individual areas. 334-745-5715 www.fbcopelika.com/fine-arts-academy

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

Opelika Theatre Company 1103 Glenn Street Opelika Offering a creative learning experience for people of all ages to explore, create, indulge, and engage their artistic talents in all areas of the performing arts, from musical theatre, self-expression, dance, creative movement, puppetry, art, music, role playing, set design, writing, sound and lighting. 334-663-4480

www.opelikatheatrecompany.com

The City of Opelika Public Library 1100 Glenn Street Opelika Family events and programming all year. Offering story time in the garden, preschool discovery zone, teen interests, book clubs, and much more. Our mission is to provide free programs, activities, information, and technological access to the citizens of Opelika. 334-705-5380 Public-Library

www.opelika-al.gov/917/Opelika-

Family Wellness and Health Auburn Pharmacy 643 North Dean Road Auburn Our main focus is to provide extraordinary customer service. We want to give you old-fashioned customer service with the convenience of modern technology. Services include medicine packaging and synchronization, immunizations and more. 334-521-0455

www.auburn-pharmacy.com

City Market Town Creek Park Auburn Every Saturday, May 29-August 28, 8:00-11:00am. The market will host local farmers, growers, and artists to sell their produce and products. Parking will be available for all market attendees in the gravel parking lot across from Town Creek Park. 334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org

F45 Training North Auburn 1200 Opelika Road Auburn F45 is specifically designed to provide a functional full-body workout while improving energy levels, metabolic rate, strength, and endurance.F45 is

All-V Roofing and Restoration We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home roofing project as if it were our own. With 8 years of industry experience, we offer a wide range of roofing expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of our clients. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction! 334-319-2759

www.all-vroofingandrestorationllc.com/

Auburn Home Maintenance We have an extensive list of the best reputable professionals in the area, so if the job is too big for us we can still help. Simply give us a call and let us handle it from there. 334-539-7000

www.auburnhomemaintenance.com

Eagle Inspection Services I provide the property condition information you need for the best possible decision making. My inspection process is simple and affordable. 334-728-2137

www.eagleinspectionsauburn.com

Five Star Painting With our industry experience, keen eye for detail, and penchant for punctuality, you can get the precise paint job you deserve in little time and with no additional stress on you 334-212-5451

www.fivestarpainting.com/auburn

TruGreen Lawn Care 1127 Preston Street Opelika Our PhD-certified specialists will evaluate your lawn and design a tailored approach based on its climate, grass type, soil condition and usage to give it exactly what it needs at the right time — and it’s all backed by our Healthy Lawn Guarantee®. 334-363-3400

www.trugreen.com

Local Unique Shopping Mountain High Outfitters ad on page 25

339 South College Street, Aubur No matter what kind of adventure calls you, Mountain High Outfitters carries the lifestyle and outdoor apparel and footwear to get you there. Our

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broad selection of durable, high-quality apparel, footwear, and gear can help you get ready for any activity. Whether you’re hitting the trails, flying over the water, or out running errands, MHO is with you every step of the way. 334-246-3570

www.mountainhighoutfitters.com

Angel’s Antiques & Flea Mall 900 Columbus Parkway, Opelika At over 68,000 sq. ft., Angels hs over 400 vendors and attracts thousands of customers from around the globe. “Lucky” magazine rated Angels as one of the Top 3 Best antique malls in the South and newspaper readers have voted Angels as the area’s best antique mall in Alabama and Georgia! 334-745-3221 www.angelsmall.info

The Maker and Merchant Inside Auburn Mall, 1627 Opelika Road, Auburn A New Way to Shop Local. We are home to a collection of small businesses, makers and entrepreneurs that together create a unique brick-andmortar experience. 706-728-5989 www.themakerandmerchant.com

Pet Care Auburn University Veterinary Clinic 1010 Wire Road Auburn We are a full-service, primary-care veterinary clinic designed to provide preventative and wellness care, as well as basic appointments for pets in our community. We pride ourselves in providing excellent care to our clients while engaging them in the educational process of our veterinary students. 334-844-9966

www.vetmed.auburn.edu

Fur Buds Vet Clinic 3600 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Offering health and wellness services for your family’s pets. 334-737-6201

www.facebook.com/furbuds3600/

Pet Palace 203 East University Drive Auburn Boarding, Daycamp, and Grooming!! Areas largest kennels. Nearly 10,000 square ft. of fun! 334-826-PAWS

www.petpalaceauburn.com

Places for Culture/ Entertainment Gogue Performing Arts Center ad on page 19

910 South College Street Auburn The GPAC at Auburn University is East Alabama’s premier venue presenting professional performances in music, dance, theatre and more. Subscribe to the 2022-23 Season with performances including An Evening with Vince Gill, Clint Black, Legally Blonde, Fiddler On the Roof, Chicago, Hairspray and much more! 334-844-8497

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

East Alabama Arts 1700 Lafayette Parkway Opelika Subscribe to the 2020-21 performance series. Performances include Chicago, A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, An Officer and a Gentleman, The Musical and much more. 334-749-8105

www.eastalabamaarts.org

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art 901 South College Street Auburn The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University consists of changing exhibition

galleries, Luster, the museum café, and a museum shop in a striking modernist building set within extensive grounds. A pillar of the southern gateway cultural arts district, it offers students, faculty and the region impactful opportunities to engage with a wide-ranging visual and decorative arts collection spanning centuries, genres and materials.

334-844-1484

www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Telfair Peet Theatre 21 Telfair Peet Theatre Auburn University Performances throughout the academic school year including plays, music, dance and more. Look for the 2020-21 productions soon! 334-844-4748

www.cla.auburn.edu/theatre

Places to Gather Downtown Auburn 122 West Magnolia Avenue Auburn Welcome to the heart of Auburn and Auburn University. Here you can browse local shops and boutiques for unique style and gifts. Gather friends and family an enjoy a family meal overlooking Toomer’s Corner and Samford Hall. Upcoming Events: June 11: SummerNight Downtown Art Walk. July 30: Cheers on the Corner. www.downtownauburnonline.com

Opelika Main Street 601 Avenue A Opelika Once a sleepy little railroad town, Opelika has now grown into vibrant and energetic downtown community. Gather with family and friends to shop among local merchants and dine in style with the railroad tracks as your back drop. www.opelikamainstreet.org

Places to Grow Alabama Dept of Public Health ad on Back Cover

201 Monroe Street Montgomery All Kids Children Health Insurance Program: A low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for children under age 19. Benefits include regular checkups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse services and more. Women, Infants and Children (WIC): supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women who had a baby within the last 6 months, infants and children under the age of five. 888-737-5437

www.adph.org

Auburn Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 23

841 North Dean Road Auburn We are a pediatric specialty practice which means our focus is entirely on children and adolescents. we specialize in diagnosis and treatment of children’s oral health needs and development. Each visit to our office includes cavity detections, monitoring of growth and development and daily prevention of decay by focusing on proper home care. 334-826-6651

www.auburnpediatricdentistry.com

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic ad on page 8

323 Airport Road, Suite A Auburn Our mission is to help you feel and function as well as you can, for as long as you can, and enjoy the things in life that really matter- spending time with the people you love and doing the things you love to do! 334-246-2252

www.cfc4health.com

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East Alabama Mental Health

The Children’s Hospital

2506 Lambert Avenue Opelika East Alabama Mental Health Center offers a wide range of services for children and adolescents, as well as their families, who are experiencing serious emotional disturbances. Services include outpatient counseling, medication assessment and monitoring, case management, mental health consultation, and specialized programs for unique populations.

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

ad on Inside Back Cover

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

East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry ad on page 10

742 North Dean Road Auburn We cater to children and is dedicated to providing the best quality dental services available for your child. With each visit, we hope to teach your child the importance of dental care, along with encouraging them to keep up the good work and to stay cavity-free! 334-321-0780

www.gatergrins.com

Shelley Orthodontics ad on page 27

1957 East Samford Avenue, Suite A Auburn From clear braces to Invisalign, we offer a wide variety of treatment options using the most up-todate orthodontic technology. Rely on the experts at our practice to create your perfect smile in an affordable and comfortable fashion. 334-521-0112

www.shelleyortho.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

ad on page 15

205-638-9100

www.childrensal.org

Urgent Care for Children ad on page 31

2564 Enterprise Drive Opelika Open late nights and weekends. Walk in welcome. Urgent Care for Children is an after-hours pediatric urgent care clinic headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. We provide less waiting and quality care 365 days a year. 334-759-6740 www.childrensurgent.com/location/ auburn-opelika/

Zoe Center for ABA Therapy and Development Services ad on page 31

1110 13th Street Columbus We’re committed to providing you and your loved one with exceptional ABA Therapy in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. We believe that our clients deserve the best services, and we make an effort to make sure you always feel welcome and at ease. Whether you’re coming in for an assessment or ongoing therapy, our dedicated team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Registered Behavior Technicians have the skills and resources to provide quality services. 1-888-ZOeABA8

/www.zoeaba.com

Allen Orthodontics 1234 Ogletree Village Lane Auburn Specializes in helping children, teens and adults achieve beautiful, straight smiles by providing orthodontic solutions specifically tailored to suit each patient’s lifestyle and personal preferences. 334-705-8655

www.bracesbyallen.com

Auburn Pediatric and Adult Medicine 2353 Bent Creek Road, Suite110 Auburn We provide primary care services to patients of all ages. 334-887-8707

334

www.auburndoc.com

Opelika Pediatrics and Family Clinic 5809 US Hwy-280 Opelika Providing care for infants through adolescents 334-664-0463 www.preferredmedgroup.com/ opelika-pediatrics-and-family-clinic/

Pediatric Clinic 760 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 2401 Village Professional Drive South Opelika We provide primary care health services for infants, children and adolescents. 334-749-8121

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www.thepedsclinic.com

Places to Learn

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ad on page 36

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

for Early Learning Leaders (NAC); Themebased Lesson Plans and Curriculum. The Child Development Center is a ministry of Auburn First Baptist Church in which we provide safe, loving, quality care for children in a Christian environment. We strive to provide the best in early education by providing hands-on learning so that each child may develop to his or her highest potential cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Now Enrolling Summer Camp. 334-821-8125

www.auburnfbc.org

Growing Room Child Development Center ad on page 29

1755 Thomason Drive Opelika Give Your Child the Growing Room Experience! More Informed Parents Choose Growing Room! “On Our Block”-language based curriculum, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, nutritious warm meals, superior security and an outstanding playground with safe, solid rubber surfacing. Extracurricular programs include JumpBunch & Dance. We offer before and after school care to most Opelika City Schools. 334-501-2044

www.growingroomusa.com/auburn

Growing Room Child Development Center ad on page 29

644 North Dean Road Auburn Give Your Child the Growing Room Experience! More Informed Parents Choose Growing Room! “On Our Block”-language based curriculum, Character Education programs, A Beka Pho-

nics, nutritious warm meals, superior security and an outstanding playground with safe, solid rubber surfacing. Extracurricular programs include JumpBunch & Dance. We offer before and after school care to most Auburn City Schools. 334-501-2044

www.growingroomusa.com/auburn

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center ad on page 26

2222 North College Street Auburn Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool is Auburn’s first nature preschool and the second nature preschool in Alabama. “Nature preschool” is an innovative educational strategy that allows your child to learn about, with, and through nature, embracing the great outdoors as their classroom. Children spend their school time exploring and uncovering knowledge in an environment where curiosity and child-led discovery are encouraged. This incredible, cutting-edge, and revolutionary philosophy combines earlychildhood education and environmental awareness on a new level. Nature Explorers Home school Program is an environmental education program designed for home-schooling families which offers a unique, nature-based educational experience. Classes incorporate hands-on science with nature and environmental awareness, and each concludes with a nature hike. 334-502-4553

School fosters the development of the whole child through spiritual, moral, and academic excellence. Offering classes for Preschool-3rd Grade. Registration now open for Fall 2022. 334-887-5540

www.stmichaelcatholicschool.com

Trinity Christian School ad on page 13

1010 India Road Opelika Trinity Christian School was established in 1978 as a private Christian school committed to providing a classical, biblical education to the young people of our community. With a starting assumption that education of children is the responsibility of parents, we seek to assist families in teaching all subjects in the light of God’s Word. Our goal is to provide a secure Christian environment of classical academic excellence. Please take a few moments to browse our site and learn about our academics, arts, sports, and other K-12 programs. Trinity offers a classical, Christian education that employs time-tested curricula and teaching methods. Our students participate in hands-on learning about God’s creation and they practice careful articulation when expressing the truth of God’s Word; all the while, they grow to appreciate great literature and Latin as well as how God weaves science and mathematics throughout His world. 334-745-2464

www.tcsopelika.org

www.auburn,edu/preserve

St. Michael Catholic School ad on page 17

1100 North College Street Auburn His Truth. Our Mission. St. Michael Catholic

Auburn City Schools 855 East Samford Avenue Auburn Public K-12 grades, includes 9 elementary schools, 2 middle/intermediate schools, 1 junior high and 1 high school. 334-887-2100

www.auburnschools.org

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Auburn Classical Academy 1901-B Waverly Parkway Opelika A classical Christian school, K-8th grades, with a goal to nurture students’ intellectual growth as an integral aspect of Christian character development. Classical methods train and discipline the mind and prepare the student for the analytical thinking skills necessary for higher education. Our school emphasizes mastery learning, study skills development, and time-tested educational methods. 334-821-7081

www.auburnclassicalacademy.com

Auburn Day School 1199 South Donahue Street, Suite E Auburn Alabama’s STEM preschool, serves ages 2-5 and offers 2, 3, and 5 day programs M-F, 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. during the academic year. STEM Camps for Preschool and Elementary are offered during summer and holidays. 334-209-0460

www.auburndayschool.com/#/

Lee County Schools 2410 Society Hill Road Opelika Public K-12 grades, includes 7 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 1 freshmen center, 1 junior high and 4 high schools. 334-705-6000

www.lee.k12.al.us

Lee-Scott Academy 1601 Academy Drive Auburn Private Christian school with grades pre-k-12th; Lee-Scott Academy is a college preparatory school offering a quality education in an environment where students are protected, nurtured, and challenged with Christian principles that promote the development of the total person. Our goal is to inspire students to seek their full potential in academics, the arts, and athletics in a challenging and nurturing environment that cultivates social responsibility, mutual respect, and personal integrity in a school community that promotes Christian principles. 334-821-2430

exciting community events where you can meet neighbors and make new friends. Parks and Rec has many beautiful parks to play in, as well as, a community pool, gymnasiums and fitness centers.

youth softball/baseball fields.

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

334-539-3131

334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks/

ad on page 26

2222 North College Street Auburn 20 acre track, comprising seven natural habitats, including special points of interest such as the Longleaf Pine Demonstration Forest, Wildflower Trail, Boulder Ridge, Butterfly and Vegetable Gardens, Hidden Falls and the old Homestead. 334-502-4553

www.auburn,edu/preserve

Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on page 5

1001 Andrews Road Opelika Looking for a family fitness center? Opelika has a state of the art SportsPlex and Aquatic Center. Fitness class, gymnasium, indoor pool and outdoor splash pad, sports fields and more. Also, there are numerous parks including the Municipal Park that features the Rocky Brook Train. Find classes for all your family members to try. Or, find a team sport to join. Don’t miss the calendar of events for local fun around town. 332-705-5560 Recreation

www.opelika-al.gov/913/Parks-

Chewacla State Park 124 Shell Toomer Parkway Auburn 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation; include a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, a modern campground, picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters, cabins, hiking and mountain biking trails. 334-887-5621

www.alapark.com/chewacla-state-park

www.lee-scott.org

www.opelikaschools.org

Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on Inside Front, 7, 16

425 Perry Street Auburn Everything from children’s activities and team sports to city-wide events and local parks to explore. Quarterly published brochures include all the fun classes and programming for everyone in your family... including your dog! Don’t miss Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

www.goodtimesbowling.com

Hickory Dickory Park 1399 Hickory Lane Auburn A unique, multi-level playground structure including slides, swings, towers and open play areas. 334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/park

Kiesel Park 520 Chadwick Lane Auburn Auburn’s largest park, with a pavilion, a garden, a pond and a walking trail with a distance of 2 1/4 miles. 334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Municipal Park (Monkey Park) 700 5th Avenue Opelika Several playground areas, a picnic shelter, a gazebo, and an antique miniature train known as the Rocky Brook Rocket 334-705-5150

www.opelika-al.gov

Rock ‘N Roll Pinball 815 South Railroad Ave Opelika Rock ‘N Roll Pinball provides over 30 high-end and vintage pinball machines for your playing pleasure in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. There’s 9 large screen TVs, a music venue/party room, and a bar that serves sodas, snacks, beer, and wine. We’ve added two video arcade machines that play a multitude of games for one or two players. 334-324-1406

www.rocknrollpinball.com

Surge Trampoline Park 2506 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Indoor trampoline park with jousting, slam dunk hoops, dodge ball courts, toddler play, arcades and more. www.surgeope-

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

Real Estate Agents HomeLink Realty ad on page 3

www.parkwayauburn.org/parkway-

Places to Play

Good Times 750 East Glenn Avenue Auburn Bowling lanes, arcade games and escape rooms.

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

Parkway Baptist Preschool & Kindergarten 766 East University Drive Auburn Christian based preschool consisting of biblical and instructional curriculums. Instructional curriculum is Handwriting Without Tears®. The curriculum draws from years of innovation and research to provide developmentally appropriate, multisensory tools and strategies for our classrooms. The program follows research that demonstrates children learn more effectively by actively doing, with materials that address all styles of learning. Weekly Chapel, monthly lunch bunches, extracurricular tumbling classes, and more!! 334-321-0537 preschool

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

334-737-5599 lika.com

Opelika City Schools 300 Simmons Street Opelika Public K-12 grades, includes 3 primary schools, 3 intermediate schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school. 334-745-9700

334-501-2930

Cyberzone Entertainment Center 107 North 9th Street Opelika East Alabama’s premier laser tag and gaming experience. Complete with a 5,100 square-foot laser tag arena, virtual reality experiences, Esports Arena and arcade, CyberZone is the region’s go-to spot for group events, date nights and family outings. 334-737-5000

www.cyberzone334.com

Felton Little Park 341 East Glenn Avenue Auburn Playground, a batting cage, a picnic area with three grills and three picnic tables, as well as three

310 Samford Village Court Auburn With years of experience helping local buyers and sellers just like yourself, we know how to locate the finest properties and negotiate the best deals. It’s our job to know about the latest market conditions, government regulations, and upcoming developments — so that you don’t have to. As your Buyer’s Representative, we can make the process of house hunting much easier and more efficient than if you did it all yourself. We can help you get financing, guide you to local neighborhoods, help you determine your budget, and prioritize a list of essential features that you need in your next home. Selling a house on your own can be an

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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overwhelming task. There’s advertising to plan and budget for, open houses and private showings to arrange, purchase offers to negotiate, contract contingencies to worry about, and complicated paperwork to fill out. Make it easy on yourself by putting your home in the hands of seasoned professionals. We have extensive experience marketing properties and showing them to their best advantage. 334-329-5055

www.thehomelink.com

Berkshire Hathaway 1810 E Glenn Ave, #130 Auburn 334-826-1010

www.bhhspreferredauburn.com

Auburn Realty 233 West Glenn Avenue Auburn 334-887-8777

www.auburnrealty.com

Toland Realty 544 East Glenn Avenue Auburn 334-329-7390

www.tolandrealty.com

Weichert Realty 475 North Dean Road Auburn 334-887-2070

www.weichert.com/AL/Lee/Auburn/

VBS Program Auburn First Baptist Church ad on page 27

128 East Glenn Avenue Auburn Partners with God. June 6-9, 6:00-8:00pm. Online registration now open. 334-887-8506

www.auburnfbc.org/ministries/children/

Trinity UMC Opelika ad on page 11

800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, Al. 36901 Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness. June 6-9. Ages Kindergarten-6th grade. Join us as we explore the vastness of God’s power and the depth of his love for us! Go off-road for a Monumental adventure through the colorful canyons and sunbaked trails of the southwest. By exploring God’s awesomeness, kids form a rock-solid faith for the road ahead. You can expect a week full of faith discoveries, memorable music, and epic adventures that help kids encounter God’s power and love! VBS Registration Fee - $10 - This includes all the great resources for the week and a VBS t-shirt. hannah. tumcopelika@gmail.com if you have any questions. 334-745-2632

www.tumcopelika.org/connect/kids/vbs

First Baptist Church Opelika 301 South 8th Street Opelika Making Waves: What you do today can change the world around you. June 6-9. Do not miss out on this amazing event. We will have an awesome 4 day VBS with a kick off party on Sunday night and a family night on Thursday night. Monday - Thursday from 9 am to 12 pm we will have wonderful worship, creative crafts, mission moments, and fantastic recreation all will great bible teaching. 334-745-5715

www.fbcokids.com/upcoming-events

Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 East Glenn Avenue Auburn Zoomerang. June 20-24, 8am-12noon. We look forward to exploring the wonder and value of life. From the tiniest to the oldest, each person is made in the image of God - wonderfully designed to know Him and live for Him! 334-887-7094 ministry

www.lakeviewbaptist.org/childrens-

Parkway Baptist Church 766 East University Drive Auburn Spark Studios Vacation Bible School: Kick Creativity Into High Gear! June 6th - 10th, 8:00 am – Noon Family Fun Night on Wed., June 8th at 6pm. 334-887-3782

www.parkwayauburn.org

Trinity Lutheran Church 446 South Gay Street Auburn Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness. July 10-14, 5:00-8:00pm. 334-887-3901

www.tlcauburn.org/youth/monumental

Where To Start City of Auburn A one-stop resource to find information about the local government, the services in the city, community connections and how to find all you need as a new resident of Auburn, Al. 334-501-7260

www.auburnalabama.org

City of Opelika A one-stop resource to find information about the local government, the services in the city, community connections and how to find all you need as a new resident of Opelika, Al. 334-705-5150

www.opelika-al.gov

Lee County Great place to find area information regarding the government, city information, schools and community resources. www.leeco.us

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Your family has survived the testing, the essays, the applications and the waiting game. Now it’s time to teach your college-bound child some important skills before they head out of the house and explore the world on their own.

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Here are some basic things I’ll be working on with my own college-bound teens, and summer is the perfect time to do it!

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1. How to wash clothes. Wash light and dark clothes separately. Put a set of clothing in the washer, add detergent based on product recommendations, and wash everything on warm just to be safe. Never put “dry clean only” clothing in a regular washing machine. Once clothes are washed, put them in the dryer on a medium temperature for about 40 minutes or as long as a specific setting runs. Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

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www.auburnopelikaparents.com

2. How to cook a decent meal to save time and money. Start with basics like how to scramble eggs, boil pasta

and bake pizza in the oven (Recipes.com and YouTube are amazing teachers!). Work your way up to assembling casseroles and putting together slow cooker meals.

NOW N IN OPE R TIGE N TOW

3. How to change a tire (and other car maintenance). Always have a spare tire in the vehicle you drive, as

well as a jack, flashlight, rain poncho and gloves. Parents, you should help teach this one a few times until the college-bound young adult gets the hang of it. Also, if there is a AAA plan in place, they are always happy to come out and help or supervise.

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WHat we treat MINOR ILLNESSES AND INJURIES SUCH AS: -Fever -Allergies -Coughs & Colds -Sprains & Strains -Vomiting -Rashes -Lacerations -And More

4. How to budget money. Track your income and spending in a small notebook or Excel spreadsheet so you can be realistic about how much you’re spending. If you know something is coming up that you’ll need money for, make a note about it and save in other ways or figure out income-earning opportunities.

ON-SITE SERVICES:

5. How to manage money and the difference between a credit card and a debit card. A debit card

needs a PIN because money comes from a bank account right away. A credit card needs a signature because you’re agreeing to pay interest and anything you owe at a later date. Kids, make sure you know how to balance a checkbook (or keep a watch on your account balance) so you don’t get that debit card declined!

-X-ray -Laboratory -Pharmacy

6. What an advanced care directive is and why you should have one. Once you turn 18, the law states

that you can make your own medical decisions. Since you’re away from home, you need to think about what you would want done in the event of a life-threatening accident. A living will gives specific instructions, while a durable power of attorney is when you assign someone to make the decisions for you.

www.childrensurgent.com

7. How to manage time. You might just have a part-time

job along with classes, homework and social time. Just like with money, getting real makes a huge difference. Google Calendar is a great on-the-go option and different activities can be colorcoded so you can see where you might have a free block of time, or where you may be double-booking yourself.

8. How to refill a prescription. Make sure you have insurance information at the ready so it can be logged in the database, and find a drugstore that will take your insurance. The first time you do this, you will likely need to contact your doctor so he/she can contact the pharmacy, but after that refills should be smooth sailing. 9. How to deal with people. There truly is an art to

bringing up grievances and respectfully disagreeing with people such as authority figures and roommates. You don’t have to be a doormat when arguing your case with a professor, doctor, boss, but you also don’t have to always go for the win.

10. How to use student transit and/or public transportation. You’re not the only college kid to arrive

without a car, or to decide parking on campus is too expensive. Check out your university’s transit schedule and other forms of public transportation in your college town. Now that you have some important basics down, relax and enjoy your college experience, knowing you are prepared for whatever life throws your way. AOP Kerrie McLoughlin is the seasoned homeschooling mom of 5 and author of The Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar Wednesday, June 1

Summer Crafternoons 2:00 PM Come inside, cool off and make a fun arts & crafts project. Supplies provided. For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Summer Learning Challenge Kickoff 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Games, prizes, a DJ, Kona Ice, and more! For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org

Thursday, June 2

Music for a Summer’s Eve 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church is excited to present their Music for a Summer’s Eve concert series! Head over to St. Dunstan for FREE entertainment and great music. Local and semi-local musicians from a wide variety of genres - classical music, singersongwriters, traditional Irish music, and more - will play music from the church’s porch. All are invited to bring friends and pull up a lawn chair, or just pause and listen for a while. www.saintds.org

Friday, June 3

An Evening in Downtown Auburn Downtown Auburn The first Friday of each month in downtown Auburn will be hosting First Friday! Downtown Auburn will become an entertainment district and stores will host extended shopping hours. Come sip and shop to celebrate the start of a new month! www.downtownauburnonline.com

Saturday, June 4

Touch-a-Truck 2022 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Downtown Opelika Vehicles of all types will line the street of downtown Opelika at this fun family event. Kids of all ages can come and explore military vehicles, race cars, dump trucks, and more. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to touch and go inside the vehicles. www.facebook.com/TouchTruck Art Market at the Art Haus 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Opelika Art Haus Art Haus is hosting an art market with food trucks, flowers, and lots of fun for everyone. This is an indoor and outdoor market, rain or shine! www.opelikaarthaus.com Covington Children’s Carnival 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Covington Rec Center, Opelika Games, food, door prizes, DJ and more! Free. www.opelikaparks.com Auburn Food & Wine Festival Auburn Oaks, Notasulga Enjoy a delightful evening of live music, delicious food, and sensational wines, beers, and cocktails from an array of vendors. www.facebook.com/aufoodandwine Burger Wars Downtown Opelika The 8th annual hamburger grilling competition is sponsored by Opelika Rotary Foundation, the non-profit arm of Opelika Rotary and Happy Hour Rotary Club! Come out and enjoy this free event to watch local restaurants go head to head in grilling the best burger in town. There will be plenty of burgers to sample while you are enjoying the event for just $2 per sample. 334-444-4673 Presidential Explorer Excursion Train Cordele, Ga. Passengers will experience the adventure of riding in vintage railroad cars coupled with a tour of history. The SAM Shortline excursion train travels from Georgia Veterans State Park, across Lake Blackshear to President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains, and then on to his boyhood home of

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

Archery and back. Travelers will enjoy spectacular views of the SW Georgia countryside while riding in air-conditioned comfort. At the destinations, passengers can explore President Jimmy Carter’s past, go shopping, and sample peanut butter treats. www.samshortline.com

Sunday, June 5

Theo Von: Return of the Rat 2022 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts A stand-up comedian who grew up in the stray animal belt of southern Louisiana. He was a child there and became an adult slowly there. www.rivercenter.org

Tuesday, June 7

Summer Swing: Crossroads 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM, Municipal Park, Opelika The Opelika Band Boosters will prepare hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee, ideal for a family picnic. South State Bank of Opelika will provide complimentary lemonade during the concerts. The Rocky Brook Rocket, a vintage train with long, rich history gives complimentary rides. Come out early! Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. www.opelika-al.gov/746/Summer-Swing Terrific Tuesday at the Plex: Sidewalk Chalk Murals Opelika Sportsplex We’re hosting fun activities for kids. Snacks and drinks provided at every activity. Ages 6-10 years; $15 per session. www.opelikasportsplex.org

Wednesday, June 8

Summer Reading Workshop (for teens, adults, and caregivers of children) 6:00 PM Learn how to navigate the Library’s new Vega search tool and how to use the NoveList database to find your (or your child’s) next great read. For more information, email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org

Thursday, June 9

Nature Walks: Insects 8:30 AM Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 N College St, Auburn, AL Nature Walks are for adults only and offer opportunities to socialize, learn, and just relax and decompress in the quiet, peaceful forest. Each month offers a different theme. Free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain – please watch our Facebook page for updates. Story Time with Children’s Author Bonnie Buskin 9:30 AM For more information, email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org. Music for a Summer’s Eve Details June 2. Family Story Time at APL Boykin 6:00 PM Boykin Community Center, 401 Boykin St., Auburn For more information, email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org Sound Wall Supper Club Opelika The Sound Wall Supper Club is a monthly gathering to experience new and exciting cuisine prepared by a professional chef. Get your friends together and reserve the table or come and meet

someone new! The Supper Club is for those who enjoy going out for dinner and trying something new. Come as strangers and leave as friends! 334-575-3477

Friday, June 10

Splash Bash Summer Games 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Opelika Sportsplex Splash Park Pop culture trivia and popsicles. www.opelikasportsplex.com Kids Drive in Movie: Encanto 5:30 PM Opelika Sportsplex Ages 4-7. Make Your Car. Watch the Movie. Boxes, supplies and refreshments provided. $5.00. www.opelikasportsplex.com SummerNight Downtown Art Walk Downtown Auburn The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is a free, entertainment district event, taking place in the streets of downtown Auburn. During the event, downtown merchants and restaurants stay open late, and people of all ages are encouraged to take advantage of this great opportunity to shop, dine and relax while enjoying the arts in downtown Auburn. Artists have their work on display and live musical entertainment is provided. Be sure to bring your children too as they have an opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, as well as enjoy other attractions that change each year! www.auburnsummernight.org

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Saturday, June 11

Family Splash 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Samford Pool, 328 E Samford Ave, Auburn, AL 36830, USA Active Auburn will host the first ever Family Splash at Samford Pool! Put your swimsuit on, bring your goggles and sunscreen as we offer FREE admission to Samford Pool all day! We will have food, contests, sample classes, and pool games for the whole family. Registration is not required. www.auburnalabama.org/parks Science On Saturdays- Raptors Kreher Preserve and Nature Center At this program, representatives from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will visit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to show you some of these incredible birds, up-close and in-person. The program will include a variety of live raptors, most native to Alabama, and you learn all about their habitat, natural history, and the challenges facing these majestic creatures. Children’s activities will be available. The Southeastern Raptor Center rehabilitates hundreds of injured, ill, and orphaned raptors annually www.auburn.edu/preserve

Monday, June 13

Community English Conversation Class Registration required. For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org.

Tuesday, June 14

Discovery Hikes: Insects 3:30 PMKreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 N College St, Auburn, AL Family Discovery Hikes are monthly guided hikes through the Kreher forest. Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Each month offers a different theme. Free – donations are welcomed.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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FamilyCalendar Rescheduled in the event of rain – please watch our Facebook page for updates. Summer Swing: Kidd Blue Details June 7. Terrific Tuesday at the Plex: Weird Science Opelika Sportsplex We’re hosting fun activities for kids. Snacks and drinks provided at every activity. Ages 6-10 years; $15 per session. www.opelikasportsplex.org

Wednesday, June 15

Artist Talk with Cath Fussell 4:00 PM (Audience: Teens and adults) – Local fiber artist will share some of her quilting works and discuss her creative process and the history behind her pieces. For more information, email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org

We live in a veritable sea of medicine. Imagine your medicine chest filled with homemade, herbal tinctures, salves, and syrups; and a pantry brimming with culinary preparations, conjured up with your own herbal flair! Immerse yourself in the art of traditional herbalism with our experts and guest speaker, Tia Gonazales – horticulturist and botanist. You’ll become familiar with some of the most common edible and medicinal wayside plants. Come and learn to forage! Tickets are $5 ($4 for members) and available on our website.

April Verch & Cody Walters is a true partnership of kindred musical spirits, each a world-class musician in their own right. www.sundillamusic.com

World Giraffe Day Montgomery Zoo World Giraffe Day is an exciting annual event initiated by Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) to celebrate the longest-necked animal at the Montgomery Zoo, and on the planet. We hope that we are able to provide our guests with a unique giraffe experience while raising funds to help giraffes in the wild. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Saturday, June 25

Friday, June 17

Float In Movie: Luca 7:00 PM Opelika SportsPlex Pool Registration required by June 10. Bring your own float and your family to enjoy a movie in the pool. Free to members, $5 for guests. www.opelikasportsplex.com An Evening with Abe Partridge The Sound Wall “Writers can expound only on what they know. Typically, a person who has lived an eventful and/ or varied life collects a wealth of inspiration for songs, stories or both. Mobilian Abe Partridge’s life has taken him from the church pulpit to the venue stage. Along the way, his life experiences have allowed him to gather the lyrics and melodies for his debut album, “White Trash Lipstick.” www.thesoundwallopelika.com

Saturday, June 18

Sunday, June 19

Father’s Day at the Zoo Montgomery Zoo With much gratitude and appreciation of your dedicated and loyal service to our sons and daughters, please celebrate Father’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. All Dads receive FREE admission to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. Join us for Dad’s special day. www.montgomeryzoo.com

Tuesday, June 21

Reader’s Review Virtual Book Club 5:30 PM Audience: FOR ADULTS – via Zoom For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org Summer Swing: Route 66 Details June 7.

David Ramirez at Standard Deluxe 5:00 PM Waverly Standard Deluxe hosts David Ramirez. Gates open at 5 p.m. Grab a drink from the bar and dinner from HOTBOX Birmingham before showtime. Admissions is $20 presale and $25 at the gate (if available). www.standarddeluxe.com

Terrific Tuesday at the Plex: Scavenger Hunt + Minute to Win It Opelika Sportsplex We’re hosting fun activities for kids. Snacks and drinks provided at every activity. Ages 6-10 years; $15 per session. www.opelikasportsplex.org

Summer Movies in the Park: Paddington 8:00 PM Municipal Park, Opelika Bring a quilt and/ or lawn chair to watch a family friendly movie on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek. Bring a picnic dinner or grab one from an onsite food vendor and play yard games before the movie begins. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Wednesday, June 22

Day in Clay Dean Road Rec Center Ceramics Studio During this one day open house we encourage the whole family to visit our fully-equipped studio, enjoy beverages and snacks as well as watch demonstrations by studio members. Visitors who want to have the experience of working in clay can pay $10 per person and select either an adult or kids project to create. All projects are led by Dean Road Ceramic Studio instructors and will be taught at 12:30pm, 1:45pm, and 3:00pm. Reserve your spot by Thursday, June 17! www.auburnalabama.org/parks Kreher Preserve Medicinal Plant Workshop Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 N College St, Auburn, AL No matter where you live, there are healing plants underfoot and towering above.

Seed by Seed Story Time 2:00 PM All ages. For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org. Story Time with Children’s Authors Anna Moates and Anna Penland 4:00 PM For more information, email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org.

Thursday, June 23 Music for a Summer’s Eve Details June 2.

Family Story Time at APL Boykin 6:00 PM Boykin Community Center, 400 Boykin St., Auburn For more information, email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org Sundilla Presents April Verch & Cody Walters Pebble Hill Admission at the door is $25, and $20 advance tickets are available at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and online. Husband and wife duo

Friday, June 24

Splash Bash Summer Games 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Opelika Sportsplex Splash Park Bubbles, beach balls, & brownies. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Float-In Movie: The Goonies 8:00 PM Auburn City Samford Pool Enjoy a movie under the stars while relaxing and floating on a tube or lounging on the pool deck. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite inflatable from home, as none will be provided. Concessions will be available throughout the evening. FREE admission with Splash Pass or prior admission to the pool earlier that day (please get a hand stamp before leaving) or $2 per person. Pool floats are allowed for float-inmovies. Concessions will be available. www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Monday, June 27

Community English Conversation Class Registration required. For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org.

Tuesday, June 28

Financial Literacy Workshop 6:00 PM For teens and adults. For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org. Summer Swing: Muse Details June 7. Terrific Tuesday at the Plex: Pickleball Class Opelika Sportsplex We’re hosting fun activities for kids. Snacks and drinks provided at every activity. Ages 6-10 years; $15 per session. www.opelikasportsplex.org

Friday, July 1

Splash Bash Summer Games: Red, White and Blue Splash Bash 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Opelika Sportsplex Splash Park FREE event. $4 splash park admission required for non-members. www.opelikasportsplex.com Kids Drive In Movie-Sing 2 5:30 PMOpelika Sportsplex Make your car. Watch the movie. Boxes, supplies, and refreshments provided. Ages 4-7 years, $5. www.opelikasportsplex.com July 4th Weekend Star Spangled Beach Party (Through July 4) Callaway Gardens All-Out, All-American Celebration! Celebrate summer days and starry nights with our weekend-long July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party! Enjoy three days of food, family, and fun on the sunny shores of Robin Lake with beach volleyball, putt putt, and watersports. Each day ends with a bang thanks to our nightly Fireworks Extravaganza; a memorable salute to summer! www.callawaygardens.com Arti Gras (and July 2) Alexander City Arti Gras features dozens of artists from throughout the south. You find handmade work

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FamilyCalendar of all of our exhibitors that includes, but isn’t limited to paintings, jewelry, photography, sculpture and more. Arti Gras is held on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Come join us! Come early as a lot of this merchandise will sell out fast! For more information contact Hannah Henley at 256.212.1431 or email at hhenley@russelllands.com.

Saturday, July 2

69th Annual Freedom Celebration 6:30 PM Opelika High School, 1700 Lafayette Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801, USA There will be hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, musical entertainment and activities for the whole family. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Monday, July 4

Russell Marine’s 4th Of July Boat Parade 10:00 AM Lake Martin Free for participants. Patriotically- decorated boats will parade from Kowaliga Marina to the judges located at Children’s Harbor. (256) 472-5665 www.russellmarine.net 4th of July Fireworks and Concert at the AMP 5:00 PM Eclectic Find your place on the grassy lawn at The AMP for the largest 4th of July Fireworks Display in the Southeast. Come listen to Lake Martin’s favorite cover band, The Bank Walkers plus another group soon to be announced. 256-397-1019 www.theAmpOnLakeMartin.com Auburn Independence Day Celebration 5:00 PM Behind Duck Samford Stadium, 1840 E. Glenn Avenue Celebrate Independence Day with the Entire Auburn Community! Join Auburn Parks and Recreation behind Duck Samford Stadium. Bring your chairs and blankets, and enjoy food trucks and music. The fireworks will be set off in a centrally located area — the old water tower site on East University Drive next to Duck Samford Park. The rain date will be Tuesday, July 5, with only fireworks. We look forward to seeing you at this FREE event! www.auburnalabama.org/4th-of-July 4th of July Concert & Fireworks Phenix City Amp Show will be held in the Amphitheater located on the West bank of the Chattahoochee River in Russell County/Phenix City, Alabama For more information on Russell County, Alabama go to the browser on your phone and type in RussellCountyTourism.com to access our App. www.phenixcityal.us

Tuesday, July 5

Summer Swing: Fedoras Details June 7.

Saturday, July 9

Hometown Heroes 2:00 PM Come hang out with our very own hometown heroes who make Auburn such a great place to live! For more information, email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org.

Saturday, July 16

Fridays

Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Alexander City, Lake Martin Admission charged. The event will begin at the Kowaliga Marina and will end at The Ridge Marina. 256-212-1499 www.russellmarine.net

Friday, July 22

Cheers On the Corner 2022 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Downtown Auburn The Downtown Auburn Merchant’s Association invites you to cool off this summer at Cheers on the Corner, an inaugural taste of downtown Auburn. Each of the stops along the way will provide you with a savory bite representative of the flavors of downtown Auburn. You will also receive a complimentary souvenir glass. Corporate tents are available. www.downtownauburnlonline.com

Saturday, July 30

Splish Splash Bash 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Covington Rec Center Food, Swimming, inflatable slide and more. www.opelikasportsplex.com

Daily Through July 31

Summer Learning Challenge Read or listen for at least 1000 minutes during the Challenge. Register at auburnpl.beanstack. org or download the Beanstack Tracker app. Those who complete the Challenge by July 31 will earn their choice of a 75th anniversary commemorative t-shirt or hoodie (while supplies last) and will be entered into the grand prize drawing! For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org.

Every Monday

Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays 10:00 AM Opelika Public Library Movie Mondays Toon Time 10:00 AM 30-minute cartoon. For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org. Family Movie Matinee 2:00 PM Auburn Public Library, 749 E Thach Ave, Auburn, AL Full-length, family-friendly feature film. For information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org.

Science On Saturdays: Honeybees with Damon Wallace Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 2222 N College St, Auburn, AL Bees have been much in the news of late, and for the saddest of reasons: due to habitat loss, global warming, pesticides, and monocrop agriculture, their numbers are in sharp decline across the United States. www.auburn.edu/preserve

Summer Serendipity 2:00 PM Be entertained by a variety of interactive, fun performers! For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org

Sunday, July 10

Tuesdays through Thursdays

Fit Week 2022 Frank Brown Rec Center and Boykin Community Center Are you looking for a new place to work out?

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

Every Thursday

In celebration of National Recreation and Parks Month we are offering a FREE, week long membership for Auburn residents to try getting active at Frank Brown Recreation Center and Boykin Community Center Fitness Center. (334) 501-2962 www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Public Library Family Story 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Every Tuesday

Auburn Public Library Story Time 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org.

Auburn Public Library Puppet Shows 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m For more information, email libraryevents@auburnalabama.org.

Every Saturday

Market Days on Broadway Columbus Each Saturday, four blocks along Broadway host over 200 local and regional vendors. Visitors can expect to find fresh and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, unique crafts, and delicious baked goods. Market Days is the perfect Saturday activity for family, friends, and visitors. Don’t forget to bring your furry pals to get in on the fun. www.uptowncolumbusga.com City Market Town Creek Park City Market is back for the summer season. Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community, growers and consumers alike, to join us Saturdays from May to August. City Market will be held at Town Creek Park on select Saturdays May through August from 8-11 a.m. The market will host local farmers, growers, and artists to sell their produce and products. www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket

First Three Saturdays and Sundays in June

Day Out with Thomas Train Georgia Veterans State Park, 2459 US 280 West, Cordele, GA 31015 Children ages 1 and up: $22 per person. Boarding for Day Out With Thomas train rides. www.dayoutwiththomas.com

Performances

June 1-26: The Marvelous Wonderettes Alabama Shakespeare Festival This smash Off-Broadway hit takes us to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet and learn about the lives and loves of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. www.asf.net June 16-26: The Color Purple Springer Opera House Theatre, 103 E 10th St, Columbus, GA This glorious musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel spotlights Celie, a young women whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of an epic story. With a joyous Tony Award-winning musical score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues. www.springeroperahouse.org July 8-24: Dragons Love Tacos Children’s Theatre at Springer Opera House A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the “Dos and Don’ts” of what to serve to dragons to eat. Based on the wildly popular children’s book by Adam Rubin, this show will be the best dragon taco party ever- just watch out for spicy salsa. www.springeroperahouse.org

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases The Bad Guys

way

for our

Sneakerella

Marmaduke

ad-

Along for the Ride

Sex A

Profanity A-

Alcohol/Drugs A-

Disney+

Rating TV-G

Overall B

Violence B

Sex B+

Profanity B+

Alcohol/Drugs B

Netflix

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

TV-Y7

B+

Netflix

Rating TV-14

Overall B

Violence A-

Sex B-

Profanity C-

Alcohol/Drugs C+

Auden has decided to spend the summer after high school with her dad, breaking free from her critical mother and her own intense, socially awkward self. In the beach community, Auden meets Eli, an insomniac with his own burdens. This is a good-hearted teen summer romance flick with comparatively light negative content. The romance is sweet and messages about courage, self-confidence, and loss are delivered without being preachy. Photo ©Netflix

ce e, he With ng

sed n, ust

Violence B

The Winslows are astonished when a champion dog trainer tells them that their rambunctious Great Dane, Marmaduke, has potential. In fact, the trainer is so confident, he enters Marmaduke in a dog show. For the first 40 minutes, this film drifts along on a tide of predictable mediocrity until it takes a sharp turn into offensive ethnic stereotypes and casual racism. The animation, despite an attempt at clever stylization, looks like it came from a video game and the voice acting is somehow worse. This film aims low and succeeds. Photo © Netflix

es.

Overall A

El has a passion for sneaker design and the beautiful girl he just met is looking for a designer with street cred to boost sales for her dad’s shoe company. They should be able to solve each other’s problems but there are some cruel stepbrothers and a few lies in the way before the young couple can find their happily ever after. This gender flipped remake of Cinderella comes with an exuberant soundtrack, clean content, and strong messages about honesty and hard work. There are no surprises here, but the familiar story still has some charm. Photo © Disney+

s ll

girls .

Rating PG

The Bad Guys are a notorious gang with a knack for pulling off successful heists – until their luck turns. To stay out of prison, they have agreed to take “goodness lessons” and turn over a new leaf. This movie does the impossible: it tells a fun heist story at a kid-friendly level. Even adults will find themselves involved in the character arcs, laughing at the jokes, and appreciating the story’s themes about biases, stereotypes, and the intrinsic value of doing good. Photo ©Universal Pictures

ail

Theaters

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Theaters

Rating

Overall

Violence

Sex

Profanity

Alcohol/Drugs

PG-13

B-

C-

C+

After fending off a colossal tentacled monster, Doctor Stephen Strange finds a girl bearing the corpse of another Dr. Strange from a parallel realm. As Marvel continues to explore the Multiverse, the storyline gets much darker. The strong horror elements in the story make it unsuitable for children as do scenes involving demons, torture, and gruesome death. Older Marvel fans will appreciate the complexity of the story and the return of Wanda Maximoff as a villain. Photo ©Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 35

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Teach Them, Don’t Enable

Q. My younger brother and his wife did their taxes last month and learned they owe $15,000 to the IRS. I love them both, but they are extremely irresponsible with money. I know they have a lot of credit card debt, too. I am debt-free, including my home after following your plan, and would like to help them. I was thinking about taking out a one-time loan from the bank to help cover what they owe the IRS, because my emergency fund is a little low after a recent car accident. Under the circumstances, would this be okay? A.

In my mind, “help” would be aiding them in changing their ways with money. I don’t say this to be sarcastic or mean, but it’s the truth about where they are in life right now. They both need to be educated, not enabled, when it comes to

Auburn Opelika Parents I June 2022

their behavior with money. This doesn’t mean they’re bad people, but it does mean you don’t need to be a party to, or a temporary fix for, their bad financial decisions. Some people might say taking this attitude would mean you don’t love and care about your brother and his wife. Those people would be wrong. You’ve already told me they won’t behave with money, so at this point it would kind of be like giving a drunk a drink. You don’t give more money to people who won’t behave with it. That solves nothing, and in most cases it just reinforces the negative behavior.

This might be a good opportunity to sit down with your brother and his wife, and have a firm—but gentle—talk about their situation. Maybe you could offer to teach them the things that worked for you when it comes to finances, using the Baby Steps as your guide. And make sure they get in touch with the IRS about a payment plan. I know you love them, but you can’t fix this for them. In some cases, the best thing you can give someone is the understanding that they need to change their behavior. Hopefully, with you as their inspiration and support, they can learn how to manage their finances wisely.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ARE YOU 18-25 YEARS OLD, LIVING IN ALABAMA? Take the Alabama Statewide Survey of Young Adults! We want to hear about your experiences and opinions on substance use and mental health in your community. This data will help us develop health and wellness programming that better meets your needs. Text

ALABAMA

to 855-632-2201 for the survey link!

Participate, Contribute,

and WIN

from our gift card drawing! 1

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You Hold The Key To Protect With 3! Tdap

HPV

MCV4

As parents, it is up to you to ensure your children remain up to date with their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis • Human papillomavirus • Meningococcal disease • Influenza

Protect your children against vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccine:

7-10 Years

11-12 Years

13-18 Years

Tdap

Childhood Catch-up

Recommended

Catch-up

HPV

>9 Years

Recommended

Catch-up

MCV4

High Risk

Recommended

Flu

Recommended

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

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04.2022