Montgomery Parents October 2015 by KeepSharing

Join us for these events plus many more! 305 South Perry Street | 334.834.6310

www.montgomeryfbc.org

It’s a

G REAT DAYat ! Mark Your Calendars! SA IN T JA M E S SCHOOL IN VITE S PROSPECTI VE STU DEN TS A ND PA R EN TS TO VISIT STJ IN NOVEMBER

Welcome Wednesdays AT STJ November is get to know us month! Please feel free to schedule an individual tour of Saint James with our Admissions department at any time. We would love to have you visit during the school day! In addition, we are inviting parents and children who are interested in Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten at STJ in Fall 2016 to our Welcome Wednesdays. The children will enjoy a classroom activity and play with new friends while the parents take a brief tour of our pre-school and kindergarten. 9:30am

Registration in the Admissions Office in Leu Elementary

9:40–10:00am

Enrichment Classroom Activity November 4–Science Lab Activities with Mrs. Parquette November 18–Technology Time with Mrs. Waggoner

10:00am

Students enjoy refreshments and arts & crafts with our STJ Student Ambassadors while the parents tour our Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten classes

Reservations are required. Please call Walton Skelley at 334.273.2992 or email admissions@stjweb.org three school days before the Wednesday you would like to attend.

Saint James School FOR PRE-K3−12 TH G RADE ADM I SS ION S, CALL

334.273.2992

Building a Legacy of Leaders Since 1955 s t j w e b . o r g English as a second language (ESL) tutoring provided. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

Recognized by Apple as a distinguished school for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence.

SJ01-33385-Parents-Oct15.indd 1

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

9/18/15 10:29 AM

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

Reason #14 to Live Life Smiling with us: We enjoy serving others and love to get our patients involved!

Join us for our 5th annual Halloween Candy Buy Back!

We like to encourage children to keep their favorite candy and consider turning in the rest for a cash prize. All of the candy collected will be shipped to our troops overseas. Check out our Facebook page for more information!

2600 Bell Road • Montgomery, Alabama • 334.277.6690 460 McQueen Smith Road • Prattville, Alabama • 334.358.6411 www. SmilesFromUs.com 3 www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen

Bradford Health Services ROAD MAP TO ADOLESCENT RECOVERY

5 C

Th fa

Addiction is not an easy road for adults and can be even more difficult for teenagers. Drug and alcohol dependency can take adolescents away from their families, friends, and a successful future. Bradford Health Services has guided young people and their families

BRADFORD

on the road to recovery for more than 30 years. We help adolescents and their families identify, embrace, and maximize their strengths and skill sets. •

Inpatient Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Treatment & Continuing Care

•

Clinical services facilitated by licensed therapists

•

Medical services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

•

Psychological Evaluation

•

Education Program

•

Recreational Activities

•

Family Education Program

•

Adventure-Based Counseling

• 12-Step

O an HEALTH SERVICES

Call today for a free consultation 334-244- 0702 • 1- 800 - 333 -1865 www.bradfordhealth.com

Groups

There Is Hope Ahead. Montgomery Parents I October 2015

F H

www.montgomeryparents.com

ion 1865

October2015 54

Volume 20 Number 10

Columns

6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

Pumpkin Activities 5 Dinner Time Conversation Starters to Do with Kids These easy games will get your family talking around the table!

Pumpkin fun for the kids...way beyond just carving.

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Margaret Allen

40 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

44 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Andre L. Harrison

52 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

56 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun

Our guide to all things “fall” in and around our community.

Tween-Teen Bedroom Redo

Be inspired by these ideas for your kids’ personal space.

On The Cover Zamiah Luster, age 14, is a ninth grader at Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery. She is the daughter of Zashonne and Keith Luster and has an older brother, Tay (21). Zamiah is on the cheerleading squad at Jeff Davis and also enjoys tumbling, modeling, shopping and hanging out with her friends. 5

69 Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

72 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 78 Calendar/Support Groups 87 Advertiser Directory 88 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

Montgomery Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Montgomery Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Carol J. Alexander Margaret Allen David Drennan, M.D. Laura Handey Andre L. Harrison Christa Hines Christina Katz Carolyn Jabs John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com Ad Design Tim Welch Member

DeAnne

deanne@montgomeryparents.com Montgomery Parents I October 2015

Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery 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.

www.montgomeryparents.com

I love living in a state where we truly get to experience all four seasons. (Yes, temperatures under 50 degrees count as winter to me). While I enjoy all seasons for different reasons, autumn and spring are tied for my favorite because they are each a welcome relief from two more extreme seasons. After a hot and humid summer, fall comes and rejuvenates us with crisp temps and clear skies, all while we look forward to Halloween and the upcoming holidays. That’s where we are now, and I’m loving it! If the autumn weather has you itching to get outdoors with your family, turn straight to page 60 and check out our Fall Festivities and Halloween Fun Guide. There’s so much going on during the month of October; you can keep your family’s weekend calendar as busy as you’d like. From pumpkin patches to arts and crafts festivals to numerous Halloween alternatives and more, memory making opportunities are at every turn! And once your children pick their perfect pumpkin, be sure to read Fun Pumpkin Activities to Do With Kids, where you’ll find all kinds of unique ideas beyond just carving. Now that we have all settled into our school year routines, hopefully family dinners are becoming more frequent. We all know the value of dinners together, but how can we make them even more productive? Read 5 Fun Games to Spark Dinner Time Conversation to learn entertaining ways to get your kids talking, all while giving you more insight into their thoughts and lives. Getting some good discussion, rather than one word answers, out of our tweens and teens can be especially challenging and these ideas will help. Speaking of tweens and teens, they are growing in independence and with styles all their own. As our kids get older, it seems they spend more and more time in their rooms. Rather than just a place to sleep, their bedrooms become their own unique spaces to talk with friends, listen to music and sprawl out to do homework. If your teen is way “overdue” for a bedroom “redo”, like my Anna is, read Simple Plan for a Tween-Teen Bedroom Makeover on page 74. You’ll find a strategy for cleaning out the old and then redecorating with seven inexpensive accessories that will add flair and personality to any room. Anna is getting ready to move into her brother’s larger bedroom after Christmas, so I’ll definitely be putting some of these tips to use. In this month’s issue, you’ll also find our Growing Up Online column which discusses how technology may or may not be rewiring your baby’s brain. John Rosemond shares advice on dealing with preschooler tantrums. And our resident fashionista Laura Handey offers advice on incorporating trends, colors and prints into our sometimes dull wardrobes. She explains how taking “baby steps” is key. So as you can see, there’s something for everyone in October’s issue of Montgomery Parents. Please share your copy with a friend and support our advertisers as often as you can!

FREE REGISTRATION* SEPTEMBER 1ST - OCTOBER 8th

urce

n the se, unity. nity ess.

EVEN

SMARTER

ENROLL NOW to give your child an academic advantage this school year!

Kumon Math & Reading Centers of MONTGOMERY - CENTRAL 1655 Perry Hill Rd., Montgomery, AL 36106 334.279.1400 kumon.com/montgomery-central

OR AG

• Back to school is the perfect time to advance your child’s math and reading skills • Kumon helps your child become a better learner in the classroom • Many Kumon kids are studying above grade level – your child can, too

Keep6123. g LLC. written mery cese an

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID

MONTGOMERY - SOUTHEAST 8125 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116 334.649.1178 kumon.com/montgomery-southeast

* Offer valid at participating Kumon Centers only when you enroll between 9/1/15 - 10/8/15. Contact the center for promotional discount.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

Dealing with Tantrums Q: Our first, a girl, just turned three and has suddenly started throwing tantrums. She can begin a tantrum when she’s alone in her room if something she’s playing with doesn’t do what she wants it to do. It’s as if she is right on the edge of a tantrum all day long. We’ve started walking on eggshells around her as a result, and we realize we’re giving in a lot just to keep the peace. We don’t understand how such a happy baby and toddler has become such a malcontent. Nothing has changed in our family situation that might explain it. Can you? A:

You’re doing what all too many of today’s parents tend to do: Instead of trying to solve a behavior problem, you’re trying to figure out what has caused it. It’s what I call “thinking psychologically.” And because none of your theories concerning your daughter’s tantrums can be either proven or disproven, you’re becoming increasingly confused. The inevitable end result of this is

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

a state I refer to as “disciplinary paralysis.” As you confess, you don’t know what to do, you’re walking on eggshells, giving in to keep the peace. You’re obviously an intelligent person. I shouldn’t need to tell you that every time you shut down a tantrum by giving in, you make the problem that much worse. Short-term “solutions” make for longterm nightmares. Some children begin throwing tantrums when they’re twelve months old; some don’t start until they’re three; but almost all children go through a phase during which they throw lots of tantrums. Why? Because they believe that what they want, they deserve to have. The “hump” of parenting is that of patiently, lovingly, but very firmly and steadfastly teaching a child that reality is not going to cooperate with that narcissistic fantasy. Parents who fail to get over that hump are in for a long haul down a hard road. And a child whose parents fail to get over that hump is in for a very rude awakening if not a very unhappy life.

The very simple solution to your daughter’s fits is known as the “tantrum place.” First field-tested on my daughter Amy when she began throwing fits of pique at age three, it has since provided much-appreciated relief to many a parent. Tell your daughter that her temper tantrums are very special things and need a very special place. With Amy, we used a half-bathroom, but any relatively isolated place will do, even a rug. Say, “The new rule is that when you begin having a tantrum, you have to go to your new tantrum place. If you need help getting there, we will help you. You can scream as long and as loud as you want but you can’t come out until you stop.” At first, she is probably going to come out of her tantrum place before her fit has completely run its course. In that event, just calmly put her back, reminding her of the new rule. The important thing is that you act resolutely so as to send the clear message that her outbursts are not going to determine how the world works. If you are purposeful, you should have a much calmer household in no time. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at www.johnrosemond.com and parentguru.com.

www.montgomeryparents.com

at-

eur g s t

e ne , d

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

MPAC Presents

Paul Thorn: October 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $10

Halloween Thrills at ZooBoo

Angel Fest 2015

Saturday, Oct. 17 * 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. St. Michael and All Angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook Shop unique arts and crafts, the bake sale and our silent auction. There will be live entertainment, a children’s carnival, concessions and a Boston Butt sale. All proceeds go to help others in the Millbrook and West Elmore County communities. For vendor info or to pre-order Boston butts, visit stmichaelandallangels. com/angel-fest/or call (334) 285-3905.

Charis Crafters Show

November 13-14 A wide variety of handmade (quilted, sewn, crocheted, knitted, etc.) crafted items and homemade (cakes, pies, jams, etc.) delights perfect for gift giving or for decorating your home. Wetumpka Civic Center For more info, visit us on Facebook. Montgomery Parents I October 2015

October 15-18, 22-25 and 29-31 6-9 p.m. nightly Join us for 11 nights of horror and fun at ZooBoo. Climb aboard the thrill of a lifetime Haunted Hay Ride or mosey on over to the Pumpkin Pull for a good old-fashioned, non-scary traditional hay ride. Enjoy assorted Halloween-themed games, bouncy castles, petting zoo, concessions and much more at ZooBoo. The first Haunted Hay Ride will pull out at dusk. Call (334) 240-4900, visit montgomeryzoo.com or find us on Facebook.

Alabama Nature Center Weekend Calendar

Starting October 17 Saturday programs are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. to enjoy the first of the day’s activities. Take a look around the Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails. Vending machines will provide snacks/drinks. Gift shop will be open. October 17th feature is “Creatures of the Night;” October 24th is “Slimy Amphibian Search/Animal Encounter;” and October 30th is “Arachnids.” Special events continue November 7th with Lanark Hike/Animal Encounter; November 14th with “Art of Baitcasting;” November 21st with “Go Fishing” and November 28th with “Migrating Birds of Alabama.” For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org. 10

Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin II: October 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $25 Blood, Sweat and Tears: October 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $28 Tedeschi Trucks Band: October 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $25 Celtic Woman: October 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $39 Oak Ridge Boys: November 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $35 Tickets may be purchased by calling (334) 481-5100 or visiting www.mpaconline.org.

Art in Concert

October 16 * 7-10 p.m. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Junior Executive Board will host its 4th annual Art in Concert featuring The Futurebirds. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for what promises to be a great night of live music on the Museum grounds. The Futurebirds formed in Athens, Ga. in 2008 and have been touring with the likes of Drive By Truckers, Widespread Panic, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Their alt-country style is best exemplified in their high energy live shows. Doors open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 7. No outside coolers are permitted. Food and beverages will be sold during the event. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 or $15 at the gate. Both cash and cards will be accepted. This event is rain or shine. Visit www.mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333 for more info. www.montgomeryparents.com

b g W t s a p B w T a t M w f a s W

t i m v (

4) g.

Capri Classics Presents Who ya gonna call? The classic film featuring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver. Visit www.capritheatre.org.

Capitol Sounds Band Presents ‘Sounds of Autumn’

Sunday, October 4, at 3 p.m. at City Hall Auditorium in Montgomery Montgomery’s Capitol Sounds will begin its concert in the tradition of the great American marches with John William’s “Midway March,” followed by the Richard Rodgers and Robert Russell Bennett patriotic classic, “Victory at Sea.” A woodwind choir will next perform an arrangement of Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” which was featured in the movie Platoon. The band will treat everyone to a night at the opera with the lively overture to “La Gazza Ladra or The Theivish Magpie” by Rossini. The Capitol Sounds will also perform a selection of music from the Broadway staple My Fair Lady and pay tribute to the legendary singer, songwriter and entertainer Stevie Wonder. There is no admission but donations will be taken at the door. Concert is open to the public. For more information about Capitol Sounds, please visit www.capitolsounds.org or call or (334) 324-8661.

Audition to Dance in Nutcracker Production

Wetumpka Craterfest

Saturday, October 31; Noon-4 p.m. Family-friendly music and art festival in downtown Wetumpka, along the banks of the beautiful Coosa River at Gold Star Park celebrating our very own Marine Impact Crater. Free Kidzone with inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, a kiddie train and kiddie swings. Crater Art Exhibit, Crater Tours, Dino Dig, unique Arts & Crafts booths, scrumptious concessions, and live bands featuring up and coming talent from the Alabama Region. Festival & parking are free. Visit www.wetumpkachamber.com.

IS YOUR HOME SECURE?

th es

Let Interscapes take care of your homes’ safety, so you can take care of what matters most.

We Specialize in: Intrusion Detection Security Monitoring Fire & CO Protection Video Surveillance Custom Home Theaters Home Automation and more!

All young dancers (ages 6-17) are called to open auditions Monday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. at C.J.’s Dance Factory, 145 South Court Street, Prattville. For more info, please call (334) 4678603. Performance will be Saturday, December 12, at the Jefferson State Community College Performing Arts Center in Clanton.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Preparing for Flu Season A two year old girl presents to the doctor’s office with complaints of fever of 104F, headaches, chills, severe body aches, sore throat, nausea, dry cough, and lethargy. In the daycare there are several others with similar symptoms. A rapid flu test done in the office confirms the diagnosis of influenza type A. We are rapidly approaching the 20152016 flu season! In the United States it can begin as early as October, peak in January and February, and last as late as May. Yearly influenza causes millions of infections, requires hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and causes thousands of deaths every season. Before the onset of the flu season, receiving an annual flu vaccine either by injection or a nasal spray is the best way to prevent the acquiring and spreading of the disease. Health care providers should offer vaccinations as soon as they receive their vaccines, hopefully by October. It takes at least two or more weeks for the body’s immune system to make antibodies or immunity to the influenza viruses in the vaccine. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. This flu season’s vaccines will protect against the viruses that current research indicate will be the most common during this season. The Influenza viruses A (H1N1), A

(H3N2), and two B viruses are available in the new quadrivalent vaccine for injection or nasal spray. The injection form is a killed virus indicated for six months and older. The nasal spray is a live viral vaccine that has been genetically altered to not cause active disease in a healthy non pregnant person between the ages 2yrs-49yrs. What are the symptoms of the flu? People with the flu may have all or some of the following symptoms: 1) sore throat; 2) fever; 3) chills; 4) cough; 5) runny or stuffy nose; 6) muscle or body aches; 7) headaches; 8) fatigue; 9) vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children. It is important to realize that not everyone with the flu will have a fever. The flu spreads mainly by droplets dispersed with coughing, sneezing, or talking. These droplets can land in the mouth, nose, or eyes of people nearby. Sometimes someone may acquire the flu by touching surfaces or objects contaminated by droplets and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Frequent hand washing and disinfecting surfaces may be an important aspect in prevention. What is the period of contagiousness of the flu? People may be able to pass the flu to others before they know they’re sick as well as while they’re sick. This is usually one day prior to symptoms to 5-7days after becoming ill.

The complications of the flu can be severe and may be worse than the preceding flu illness. Since the flu suppresses the immune system, deadly bacterial infections can result in bacterial pneumonia and sepsis. Other bacterial infections such as ear infections and sinusitis are very common during and for some time after having the flu. Children and infants may become dehydrated and require IV fluids. Treatment of the flu consists of treating the symptoms of fever, body aches and sore throat with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Pushing extra fluid to prevent dehydration is very important. Antibiotics generally are not required unless there is a complicating bacterial infection. If flu is diagnosed within 48hrs your doctor may prescribe an antiviral such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). In summary, most healthy people survive the flu illness; however the bacterial complications after the flu, along with absenteeism from school or work as well as frequent visits to doctors’ offices and hospital emergency rooms, are important reasons for everyone to get their preventative flu vaccinations. Dr. Drennen earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1975 and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine in Loveland, Colorado. He then practiced in Ozark, Alabama before coming to Professional Pediatrics in 1998. He and his wife Rebecca have two sons. The entire family enjoys downhill skiing and beach activities.

Dr. C. Allen White Dr. Robert L. Coggin Dr. David W. Drennen Dr. Karen Doles Dr. Malissa Hoy

OFFICE (334) 271-5959 NURSE LINE (334) 272-6667

Newborn, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Thurs Friday Saturday Sunday Montgomery Parents I October 2015

8:00 am - Evening Appts. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 9:00 am - 12:00 noon 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 12

www.professionalpediatrics.com www.montgomeryparents.com

Joint pain doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just hurt your game.

is. -

It hurts your pride.

ve m s

y the ce

l s. es.

Introducing the Joint Center of Alabama at Baptist South. Joint pain got you sidelined? Well now thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new

replaced. The new Joint Center of Alabama at Baptist

Joint Center

South offers joint replacement surgery, recovery and

AT BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH

state-of-the-art facility where you can have your joint

of Alabama

rehab all in one convenient location. And our specialized doctors and surgeons know how to get you back in the game. Call us today to schedule a visit.

BringUsYourPain.com (334) 273.4444

Bring the pain. 13

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Sports and the Classroom

It is FOOTBALL SEASON! I know those two words shouldn’t be in all caps, but in school systems where administrators, coaches, students and families have long anticipated the challenge, passion, and skill of the season, it’s a big deal. There is not much better than to sit on a bleacher among well-wishing fans cheering on student athletes, enjoying the bands and being led by high-spirited cheerleaders. Having attended several MPS games already, I have the fever! Congratulations to the hundreds of youth who chose to participate this season. While some may believe schools and colleges put too much emphasis on sports, there are academically sound reasons to have competitive athletics in our schools.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

Numerous studies have concluded that students who play sports generally perform better in the classroom. A 2013 article in Science Daily reported that students who participate in competitive sports have better study habits and spend less time on sedentary activities during their leisure time than those who do not play sports. Sports certainly help keep our young people physically fit. We live in one of the most obese states in America. Teaching children to love sports can create a life-long fitness regimen as many of our student athletes join adult sports leagues that help maintain healthy habits throughout their lives. Athletics help our students understand the importance of teamwork. In today’s business environment, there is a real emphasis on interacting and working collaboratively toward a common goal. That is the core of most sports programs. Our sports programs motivate students to stay in school. Students have to maintain their grades to play, and the

discipline of practice transfers to other areas of their lives. Finally, sports bring us together. Sports get parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, and community members involved. They celebrate the wins and hold each other up during the losses. While some students believe they will be the next Johnnie Manziel or Venus Williams, less than one percent of high school players become professional athletes. It is our job as parents and educators to help our children do their best in class and on the field and ensure they have realistic expectations and prepare themselves for a life beyond sports. In the meantime, grab your stadium cushion and head to your favorite school’s field of play. Support our teams and our students. It will pay forward in great dividends for their futures... Allen began working for Montgomery Public Schools as a special education teacher in 1976. She holds administrative certification from Alabama State University, a masters of arts in early childhood, a masters of arts in early childhood/handicapped, and a bachelor’s of science in elementary education and special education – all from Auburn University Montgomery.

www.montgomeryparents.com

m lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

sa rasly n m

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

T N

Montgomery County Schools

Success Unlimited Increases Fine Arts Opportunities

Eastwood Holds Bash For New School Year

Eastwood Christian School held a Back to School Bash in August. The senior class took charge of face-painting during the event. From left are senior Lucy Liu, firstgrader Kate Sonnichsen, senior Alecia Hicks, fourth-grader Emma Sonnichsen, senior Anna Kometer and senior Kori Collins.

Students interested in the Fine Arts Department of Success Unlimited Academy turned out with great excitement and expectation of this year’s program offerings. The August 4 meeting allowed participants and parents the opportunity to hear about returning courses, as well as a host of visual and performing arts classes new to SUA this year. “We are excited about having a staff of talented individuals that will create outlets for our students to not only tap into various art forms, but contribute to the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development of their whole being,” said new Fine Arts Director Benita Edwards. “We envision a program that will cultivate the power of our students’ imaginations while developing life skills, character and other tools necessary for their success years beyond their classroom experience.” The SUA Fine Arts Department and Extended Success Program features an array of classes for 3rd to 12th grade students focusing on art and music exploration, drama, hand bells and guitar. Additionally, students have the opportunity to broaden their artistry through dance instruction for girls and boys, group to private piano lessons, a mentoring program for high school girls, a middle school girls’ show choir, studio art with advanced instruction and ukulele instruction. “Providing an afternoon program has proven to be a huge success,” said Activities Director Julie Beard.

Academy Students Connect in Unique Way

Montgomery Academy students in Ms. Dubick’s ninth-grade Digital Literacy class had a unique presentation assignment: they were asked to present to Middle School Science teacher Mrs. Rains and a panel of fifth-graders who evaluated their presentations. Their assignment was to take a complex technological topic and explain it at an understandable level so that a typical fifth-grader could understand it. Some of the topics included: understanding how electricity is produced at a factory, how the Atlas Robot moves and how a specific species of bee uses the sun for energy. While the fifth-graders learned something new, the Upper School students also learned how to think about their audiences when making a presentation. Montgomery Parents I October 2015

off up en an rec the pro to acc sch

He an tak wh AP ser cla inc Ca co thr

on Za Sta thr

are stu thr no son pro nit stu we som pe

Catholic Middle School Announces Ambassadors

Montgomery Catholic’s Middle School has named Knight Ambassadors for 2015-2016. These students show leadership, good judgment, maturity, honesty and integrity while upholding their responsibilities of being a student, serving as campus role models. The 2015-2016 Knight Ambassadors are seventh-grade students Cameryn Cool, David Dean, Ines Gonzalez-Ansaldi, Hannah Parrish and Joshua Tobias, along with eighth-grade students Sarah Rose Burden, Bobby Crawford, Jason Flowers, Patrick Flores, Katie Perkins, Darian Riley and Anna Sadie. 16

www.montgomeryparents.com

nr.

, c-

p s’

Trinity Raises the Bar in New AP Online Courses

Trinity Presbyterian School is now offering online elective and AP courses to upper school students through the SevenStar program. The courses are rigorous and exceed all national standards and recommendations, while teaching through the lens of a biblical worldview. This program has proven to be advantageous to many students when looking for an accommodating and challenging academic schedule. Seniors Parker Reynolds and Jake Hemmings are taking AP US Government and Politics, and senior Olivia Trehern is taking an elective Social Problems class, while sophomore Will Merrill is taking AP World History through the SevenStar series. Merrill’s class is truly unique, as his classmates are from all over the world, including China, Taiwan, New York, North Carolina, Indiana, and Arkansas. They connect with each other and the professor through Skype. Since the courses are being fulfilled online, Middle/Upper School Principal Zavada receives updates from SevenStar and monitors the students’ progress throughout the semester. “Dr. Wright (Academic Dean) and I are excited about the opportunities our students have with taking online classes through SevenStar,” says Zavada. “While nothing can replace the wonderful personal instruction our excellent teachers provide day in and day out, the opportunity to take an online course will prepare students well for college. Additionally we’re excited about the rich opportunity someone like Will Merrill has to study with peers across the globe.” Merrill is shown working online during his AP World History course.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Cornerstone Participates in ‘Life Outside the Box’ Campaign

ACA Introduces ‘Maker Space’

Maker Space is a place for Alabama Christian Academy’s elementary students to create, invent and learn. Various materials such as Makey Makey kits, Squishy Circuits, Blue Bots, Lego We Do kits, boxes, screwdrivers and old computer parts are available for tinkering. The Maker Space allows students to learn by doing. “I think Maker Space is the best thing our school has done,” said student Raif Sullivan. “It’s a whole new way of learning.” ACA’s Elementary Principal Doug Black is shown helping out a student.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

In an effort to reduce its students’ screen time, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy participated in a program called the “Life Outside the Box Campaign.” With children today spending nearly as much time in front of a screen as they do outside, it can be challenging for parents to know how to set limits on technology and media consumption. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children have no more than two hours in front of a screen, specifically a TV, per day, because “excessive TV viewing has been linked to obesity and may lead to decreased school achievement, poor body image, increased aggression, and increased risk of substance abuse.” The challenge given to Cornerstone students was to not only work to reduce screen time, but to record the amount they had each day of the campaign, which ran August 31-September 11. The class that reduced its cumulative screen time by the greatest percentage won a pizza party for the class. The winners of the campaign were the fifth grade for the Grammar School and the House of Job family group led by Addie Carlson and Sam Stewart for the Upper School. Fifth-graders Anna Kate Parsons, Chloe Carver, Conor Williams, Grace Ellen Ford and Olivia Lawrence are shown.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Tri ful be MA Pro Jam He Ho Bis er Re Ri Tip O’ Am zie Ch Fr an

n a

en h ep-

Mt. Meigs Academy Honors Grandparents On September 14, Mount Meigs Accelerated Christian Academy celebrated Grandparents’ Day. Some of the pre-K and elementary students’ grandparents were in attendance, and enjoyed lunch from Subway. The grandparents brought an extra joy to the students that day.

Trinity JV Volleyball Wins Mayor’s Cup!

Trinity’s junior varsity volleyball team won the Mayor’s Cup Tournament during an eventful weekend of playing at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex. The girls went undefeated by beating JD, Addison, MA, PCA, Enterprise, Providence, and St. James. Team includes Head Coach Gennie Honel, Ann Price Bishop, Lizzie Sanders, Emma Beth Teel, Rebecca Love, Myra Rivers Dorey, Hayden Tipton, Pressley O’Ferrell, Abbie Ammons, Mackenzie Avant, Caroline Chapman, Lauren French, Joy Bishop and Drew Walker.

ECA Students Begin Reading Competition

Evangel Christian Academy’s students recently kicked off the annual Alabama Independent School Association Reading Competition. Students have already started logging everything they read and will continue to do so until the end of March. There are two divisions within the competition, third through fifth grades and sixth through eighth grades. The top student from each division will advance to compete with other AISA schools. Last year, Julienne Pharrams represented ECA and placed second in the state of Alabama. She plans to read even more this year in order to defend her title.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

y.org

Montgomery County Schools

MA Football Game Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital

For the second year in a row, the football teams from Randolph School in Huntsville and Montgomery Academy played each other at Birmingham-Southern College to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Along with the proceeds from admission charged at the game, Children’s Hospital received help with the activities it plans for the patients at the hospital. Students in all three divisions of the Academy gathered crayons, coloring books, bubbles and all sorts of items involving superheroes and boxed them up for the trip to Birmingham. The afternoon of the game, the MA football team delivered the goodies to the hospital. At halftime of the game, Vivian Barfoot, Montgomery Academy’s Head of School, and Jay Rainey, Randolph’s Head of School, presented a $3,000 check to representatives from Children’s of Alabama.

Catholic Seniors Celebrate The Beginning Of The End

On the first day of school, Montgomery Catholic School’s senior girls celebrated their twelfth year of learning with tiaras and smiles, becoming persons of Faith, Virtue and Wisdom. Coach Aubrey Blackwell, Lexy Tynan, Kathleen Beesley, Coach Kirk Johnson, Emily Lafreniere, Agnes Armstrong and Nadine Moussalli are shown.

“One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.”

Ca fire for to 20 the of

Ad wa tra an Wa the let of ba Mo mi

- Maria Montessori

Set in a beautiful community just off Taylor Road in Montgomery, Montessori School at Hampstead provides a hands-on, tailor-made approach to education that nourishes a student’s curiosity inside and outside the classroom. Our students are able to work at their own pace and receive the time and attention they need to excel. We offer programs not found at other schools such as farm-based and international curricula along with fundamentals, French, Art, and P.E. We welcome children age 18-months through 9th grade.

334-356-1969 MSHMontgomery.org Montessori School at Hampstead, Inc. is a 501(c3) non-profit organization. Montessori School at Hampstead, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Montessori School at Hampstead, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, loan programs, athletic programs, and other school-administered programs.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

Th fou Th 2n pla Fis

Success Unlimited Holds Adopt a Fire Station Day

Success Unlimited Academy’s Vaughn Road K-8th Grade Campus joined the Hands on River Region by adopting two MFD fire stations, Bell Road and Montgomery Mall, to show gratitude for their daily services. The students attended a 9-11 assembly to honor the firemen and the remembrance of what happened in 2001. The SUA Middle School Ambassadors led the program with the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and a slide show of memories from 9-11. Guest speaker Sgt. Blake Thomas read Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of John J. Harvey written by Maira Kalmon. Afterwards, the ambassadors asked Sgt. Blake questions about his training, job history, toughest moments at MFD, miracle stories, and his memory of 9-11. He was in the eighth grade at Georgia Washington Junior High School that day and remembers watching the TV broadcast in class. SUA’s student body presented him with letters, posters, gift cards to Firehouse Subs, and a large basket of goodies and snacks to share with his fellow firefighters. Other baskets were presented to the firefighters at the Bell Road and Montgomery Mall Fire stations. The program ended with a commitment to pray for the Montgomery Fire Department.

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

their healthcare is.

eir

tiviicies,

Healthcare as amazing as their potential

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

ACA Fishing Team Holds Tournament

The Alabama Christian Academy Fishing Team held its second of four Fall Qualifying Tournaments recently on the Alabama River. The results from the tournament are: 1st place Cole Borland, 2nd place Justin Glass, 3rd place Anna Grace Murphy, 4th place Taylor Manning, 5th place Tyler Webber and the “Big Fish” winner was Cole Borland.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

BhamParent_COA_JudgmentAd_Dad_alt.indd 1

7/6/15 4:04 PM

T Montgomery County Schools

MA Speech & Debate Coach Receives Special Honors

This summer, Montgomery Academy’s Speech & Debate Coach Jay Rye received a Distinguished Service Plaque (Second Honors) from the National Speech & Debate Association. He has received 100 citations of honor from the national organization reflecting his commitment to speech and debate on a national level. Rye is only the 52nd coach in the history of the organization since 1925 to receive this honor.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

MEA Softball Team Receives State Title Rings

The 2015 varsity softball team at Macon East Academy celebrated its fourth state title in as many years receiving state championship rings September 4 prior to the first home football game. The Lady Knights softball team ended the 2015 season with a record of 57-5. Former players Mari-Beth Baker (Mississippi State) and Cameron Redding (Troy) returned to campus for the presentation. Three former teammates who are now playing at the collegiate level were unable to attend. Outfielder and pitcher Deven Kennedy will be playing at Florida International University in Miami in the spring. Bailey Singleton, MVP in the state tournament, will be pitching for the University of Montevallo this season, and Jordan Amerson, MEA catcher, will continue her softball career at University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Under the leadership of Coach Glynn Lott, this year’s team will remain a strong contender in the AISA AA division as the girls strive for five in 2016.

www.montgomeryparents.com

wh Mo gra the

an rea au his inc foo

he Mc

h ny all . y)

ch n

Trinity’s Grand Story Hour Was a Grand Success!

Grand Story Hour at Trinity Presbyterian School has become a very popular event, where grandparents and grandchildren enjoy a special time of storytelling and treats. More than 20 pre-school children attended “Grand Story Hour” with their parents or grandparents in the Lower School Library August 28. The children completed several “Pete the Cat” themed crafts, including creating and decorating an actual “Pete the Cat” cookie! Afterward, Lower School Library Director and story-teller extraordinaire Keeli Osmer read a “Pete the Cat” book to a captivated audience. Each child left with a big smile on his or her face and a wrapped favor, which included a “Pete the Cat” book, a bag of “cat” food and a “Pete the Cat” string cheese. The next “Grand Story Hour” will be held Friday, December 11. Sadler McLemore is shown with her grandchildren, Sadie and Joseph McLemore.

SUA Puts Spotlight On Devin Johnson

Success Unlimited Academy eighth-grade student Devin Johnson is the STAR student of the week in Sharion Vandervort’s class. “Devin is such a responsible young man,” Vandervort said. “He is diligent in completing all of his weekly homework and Friday assignments and participates in community service projects generously such as Adopt a Fireman. He is polite, patient, and a perfect role model for his fellow classmates. And he makes me SMILE every day.” Johnson is also a member of the Mustangs Basketball team. He is active in his church and assists younger church members.

Cornerstone Hosts Back to School Fellowship

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy held its annual Family Back to School Fellowship September 18. Students, their families, and the administration joined together for a wonderful evening at Ida Bell Young Park on Vaughn Road. It was a great opportunity for new families to establish friendships over food and fellowship, and the highlight of the night was Nancy’s Italian Ice. After dinner, everyone separated into their different school grades to pray for the school and for the students and teachers. The prayer groups were each led by fathers of the students. This fellowship is a much-anticipated time each year that promotes unity and a bond that is an important part of school life at Cornerstone.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Catholic Seniors Utilize Technology in the Classroom

ACA Middle Wins Volleyball Tournament

Alabama Christian Academy’s middle school volleyball team won the championship September 5 at the 3rd Annual Enterprise Invitational Jr. High Volleyball Tournament in Enterprise. The team played the championship round against Dauphin Middle School, who interestingly enough beat the ACA Middle School last year at the championship round.

For the first time since Montgomery Catholic began its one-to-one innovative in 2013, the senior class has daily use of laptops. Increased access to technology for each student has led to a better use of existing technology. For example, in senior English teacher Amanda LaFond’s classes, students have been using turnitin.com for years to submit papers. Now, they are able to participate in a class discussion board. Students enjoy connecting to friends in other class periods, viewing multiple responses to questions, extending responses, and documenting class discussion. Not only is their online discussion an opportunity to better understand class material, but they will also be better prepared for college since most college courses incorporate online discussion boards in course assessments. “Amazing things are going on in my classroom,” said LaFond. “The students are engaged and actively discussing class assignments with their peers. It is exciting to see them excited about class discussions in a new way.” After the success in the English 12 courses, other teachers are looking to utilize this valuable and exciting feature.

0000067769-01

New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!...

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive. 1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

D RAMA

www.riverviewcamp.com

AND

Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

C RAFTS • C HORUS

first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

AND

FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T O WER • OUTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

M N

Ma Re go cip Ch Te Be Fo Ba

Trinity Art Department Launches New Program

o e

nd . -

Montgomery Advertiser Names 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards

Macon East Academy won the following Readers’ Choice awards from the Montgomery Advertiser: Best of the Best: Principal, Glynn Lott; Best of the Best:MEA Cheerleading Squad; 1st Runner-up: Teacher, Peter Baubles; 2nd Runner-up: Best Private School; 2nd Runner-up: MEA Football Team; and 2nd Runner-up: MEA Basketball Team.

The Pop-Up Gallery and Collaborative at 121 Coosa Street, an initiative that is being launched this year by the Upper School Art Department at Trinity Presbyterian School, provides opportunities for exhibition and collaboration between emerging Trinity student artists and professional artists. The gallery and collaborative studio is a place where professional contemporary artists exhibit work, collaborate with students and the local community by introducing a variety of contemporary art and social practices. The goal is to present artists and art in a way that engages and enriches emerging student artists and the community, in the creative process by means of engagement initiatives, exhibitions and educational programs. Trinity’s first visiting professional artist was internationally renowned artist, Gerry Stecca. Stecca’s work was shown from August 28-September 28, and he worked with Trinity students the week of August 24-28. After a weeklong instructional and hands-on visit from Stecca, Trinity students from 3rd-12th grade were astounded to see their work hanging in the 121 Coosa gallery next to works of a professional artist. “The reaction of the students when they saw their work exhibited alongside Stecca’s was priceless. The students were so proud! The exhibition of Stecca’s latest work, Specious Morphology, and the collaborative student pieces provided students an opportunity to witness the presentation aspect of the art making process—placing their work in the world,” said Becky Miller, art director at Trinity School. “Stecca’s passion and enthusiasm for making art was contagious after a week of innovation, critical thinking, and problem solving with Trinity students. He and the students alike were energized and inspired by the experience.” Stecca is shown working with Trinity’s middle school art students.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

•

Messiah Favorite Dances of Christmas featuring

and

AND

with live accompaniment by the Montgomery Chorale Ensemble

C RAFTS • C HORUS

Tickets: alabamadancetheatre.com Information: 334.241.2800

AND

D RAMA

•

This performance is made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Trinity’s Adams Named Player of the Week

Trinity Presbyterian senior Robert Adams was named the Private School Player of the Week by the Montgomery Quarterback Club for his outstanding game against Dale County on August 21. Adams received the award at the Quarterback Club’s first meeting of the season. Mark Schlabach, a senior writer for ESPN, was the featured speaker. As a receiver, Adams had five receptions for 159 yards and three touchdowns in Trinity’s 35-0 win over Dale County. Adams is also the kicker for the Wildcats, and had five kickoffs for 216 yards, five punts for a 37-yard average, and made 3 of 4 PATs. Adams is shown with his father and Trinity alumnus, Jason Adams.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

Holy Cross Celebrates Annual Holy Cross Day

Cloudless blue sky, cooler weather and happy, excited people set the scene recently for a celebration on the campus of Holy Cross Episcopal School. The day was September 14, and the celebration was Holy Cross Day, the day each year when Holy Cross celebrates the founding of the school. The celebration began in the Chapel of the Annunciation with a Litany of Prayer for the school, its people and its founders. Holy Eucharist was celebrated in Kelley Hall, which was filled with students, faculty, staff, families and friends. Presiding over the service were Rev. Bob Hennagin, Rev. David Peeples, Rev. Matthew Grunfeld, and Rev. Daniel Strandlund. Rev. Thomas Joyner, chaplain of Trinity Commons Episcopal Campus Ministries in Birmingham, was the preacher and celebrant for the service. The celebration concluded with everyone walking outside on the Holy Cross campus, where the students released balloons with a message tied to the string. Approximately 200 red, yellow and purple balloons filled the sky and were gone in just a few minutes. Before leaving, families, friends and guests were invited to a reception in the school library. Students enjoyed a special treat in their classrooms before returning to learning and waiting to see if their balloon would be discovered by someone near or far away.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Pe Su we yo dri cir ha to an rac car wit To ult son

Cornerstone and Eastwood Participate in Robotics

he e ,

e ues ev.

us,

SUA Student Patino Enjoys Racing Cars

Perry Patino, a 16-year-old junior at Success Unlimited Academy, spends his weekends doing something not many young men his age do. Patino is a race car driver in the Allen Turner Hyundai Series circuit. He races Pro Late Model cars and has raced all over the Southeast traveling to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and in even in Indianapolis! He started his racing career at the age of 12 racing gocarts. Patino started his season this year with two wins in a row and the rest were Top 3 finishes. Of course, Patino says his ultimate goal is to race NASCAR. He is the son of Lee and Richard Patino.

Students from Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy and Eastwood Christian School take the verse from Colossians, “Whatever your do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,” seriously—so seriously, in fact, that this is the team verse for their robotics team, GEARS, Inc. GEARS, Inc. (General Engineering and Robotics Specialists) is a Montgomery area team of middle and high school students, learning not only educational lessons, but also “life lessons such as teamwork, leadership, and problem solving. The end goal of the team is to glorify God in everything they do.” The team has competed in the BEST competition (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) since 2005 and has won 28 awards. BEST is a program where students can “work in a real-world engineering environment to build a robot and create their own company.” It is an intensive six weeks of work where the students “design and build a robot, give an oral presentation, build a display board, and write an engineering paper.” This year’s competition, called Pay Dirt, kicked off in August and will conclude with the competition day in early October.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Wares Ferry Dedicates New Chinese Language Classroom

On September 10, Wares Ferry Road Elementary and the AUM Confucius Institute unveiled a new Confucius Classroom dedicated to teaching Chinese language and culture. The new classroom and the hiring of a Chinese language teacher, a native of China, were funded by a firstyear $10,000 start-up grant secured by the AUM Confucius Institute from The Office of Chinese Language Council International, an arm of the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban). Aided by the AUM Confucius Institute, Wares Ferry Road Elementary has offered Chinese language and culture classes for the past two and a half years; however, the classes were only offered to students in first and second grades. The $10,000 start-up grant will allow the school to pay for classroom materials and instructional technology for cultural and language instruction for all K–5 students at the school in an immersive learning environment. A dedicated native-language teacher has been invited from China to teach the classes. The Chinese language and culture classes are integrated into the regular school day, just like P.E. Some 400 students will spend a 45- to 50-minute period learning to speak the language and understand the country’s customs. “The Chinese language class opens up the world for these kids,” said Wares Ferry Road Elementary Principal Ed Drozdowski. “The world is so small today. Kids need to know other cultures and languages and more different ways of doing things.” Eric Yang, dean of the AUM Confucius Institute agrees, adding, “We live in a small global village today, and we need to learn about other cultures. The AUM Confucius Institute is dedicated to supporting local schools, and this Chinese language and culture classroom is helping to prepare these kids for global citizenship.” For more information about the program, visit www.aum.edu/confucius. Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

thr Ke im Be er lin

Ch Sa Re Ma no Dr

Academy Students Earn AP Awards

Fifty-three students at Montgomery Academy have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams. Three students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. These students are Cody Jones, Jacqueline Lee and Scott Simmons. Lee also earned the AP International Diploma by receiving scores of 3 or higher on five or more AP Exams in three or more subject areas. Seventeen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Dawson Buettner, Michael Choi, Taylor Dockery, Christine Hong, Cody Jones, Brenna Katz, Miso Kim, Sam LaPlatney, Jacqueline Lee, Brian Lim, John Thomas Monroe, Nora Newcomb, Ted Park, Emily Pierce, Scott Simmons, Patrick Thackston and Jillian Tinglin. Sixteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students, shown below, are Taimoor Arshad, Jack Barganier, Elizabeth Crenshaw, Collin Darwish, McEachern Foy, Henry Hamlett, Ellie Herron, Jeongwoo Kim, Allen Millsap, William Moore, Evan Price, Will Spain, Megan Thompson, Bo Torbert, Gracie Trulove and Ken Ward.

d im

fa-

te, ed r

ay l

ool A

Catholic’s Termites Work Together

The youngest Montgomery Catholic Knights are second through fourth grades. Warming up before a big game, Coach Kerry Franklin reminds the Termite football players of the importance of teamwork to get the win. Players include Cooper Beesley, Michael Hill, Ryan Parker, Dalton Dermus, Kameron Dean, Roderick Bristow, Ayden Hodge, Kason Franklin, Geroge Allison, Barrett Beesley and Carter Anderson. Cheering the Termites on at all of their games, the Termite Cheerleaders for the 2015 season are, shown below from left: Savannah Decker, Sarah Ellis, Ella Castanza, Kathryn Reardon, Lily Abbott, Eliana Conceicao, Sophia Lopez and Mally Barranco, with Coach Mary Kelley. Team members not shown are Lily Coulombe, Morgan Donaldson, Virginia Driver and Taylor Ellis.

Twenty students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars, shown at left, are Danielle Berlin, Sara Brown, Cari Budny, Michael Butler, Margaret Canary, William Chandler, Tyler Duncan, Mary Braden Hendon, Victoria Hughes, Scotland Kemper, Elizabeth McGowin, Anna Peeples, Olivia Rush, Claudia Ann Rutland, Will Sahlie, Jeong Shin, Wilkie Stevenson, Daniel Updegraff, Lindsey Warwick and Natasha Yearwood. Of this year’s award recipients at Montgomery Academy, twenty-four are sophomores or juniors. These students have at least one more year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn a higher-level AP Scholar Award.

na to nng e

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

we ev do ch see He fac ne cla an Co the su as Fa

Trinity Kindergarten Class Visits Maxwell Air Force Base

Trinity’s kindergarten class recently enjoyed a field trip to Maxwell Air Force Base. The children toured a war plane, visited the fire station, and learned how the military uses dogs for protection and security. Maxwell rolled out the red carpet, making it an eventful day for the kindergartners. They began the day with a military working dog demonstration, learning how the military uses dogs for protection and security. The base also provided a police car bouncy house for a little jumping fun! Soon after, the children were escorted to the runway to watch a plane land. Afterward, they walked through a C130 military cargo plane. Kindergartners presented airmen with cards and Trinity gifts for them to pass along to a group of men and women that were being deployed the same day. At their next stop, “Sparky” greeted the students as they entered a fire station. The firemen took the class on a tour of their living quarters, kitchen and entertainment room. The kids saw trucks that put out building fires, and other trucks that put out airplane fires. They even went through a smoke house, where they learned what to do in case of a real fire. The day ended with a picnic and play time at Freedom Park.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

Eastwood Seniors Start Final Year of School

Eastwood Christian School’s 2016 senior class posed in front of the Chalkmobile at the Back to School Picnic. The Chalkmobile appeared courtesy of A to Z Toys. From left are: Ian Chen, Kori Collins, Bryson Painter, Katherine Golden, Lucy Liu, Rachel Foxx, Alecia Hicks, Anna Kometer, Ben Lempicki, Anna Payton Weaver, Jackson South, Katherine Baldwin, Carlton Reed, and Jessica Vick.

www.montgomeryparents.com

ge “Th Us cha wr an ow for sch

SU do an La

eavn,

SUA Seniors Treated To Tailgate Party

Success Unlimited Academy seniors were treated to a “tailgate party” on the evening of August 16. Parents grilled hot dogs, served ice cold sodas and bags of chips to the seniors who were eager to see their friends after the summer break. Headmaster Susan Alred and other faculty members were on hand to wish the new senior class luck. The SGA and senior class officers welcomed returning students and new senior students as they arrived. Continuing the SUA theme, “The Year of the Star,” SGA President Joe Lisenby suggested everyone place their names in a star much like the “Hollywood Walk of Fame.” “The seniors were so excited to be together,” said Activities Director Julie Beard. “The artwork created was really awesome. Using sidewalk chalk, everyone wrote their names and created their own masterpieces for the first day of school.” Shown are SUA ambassador Marsa Beck and new senior Layden Skipper.

Catholic’s Holy Spirit Campus Celebrates Grandparents

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Holy Spirit Campus welcomed grandparents to campus September 17. The day began with Principal Matthew Monson saying prayer and pledge around the flag pole and introducing his special guest for the day, his own “Papa,” Norman H. Rahn, Jr. to his students. Afterward, students celebrated Mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with their grandparents. Fathers Patrick Driscoll and Phillip McKenna were the celebrants. Montgomery Catholic President Anne Ceasar welcomed families. The Parent Teacher Council (PTC) hosted a reception and invited students and their guests to the gymnasium for a visit, donuts, coffee and juice. Grandparents had an opportunity to have their picture made with their students by Total Image before they were invited back to the classrooms. Catholic fifth-grader Will Belsterling is shown enjoying his visit with grandmother Marge Belsterling.

ACA Holds ‘Meet the Eagles’

Alabama Christian Academy’s football season kicked off with a pep rally and intersquad scrimmage on the football field. The varsity, junior varsity, middle school, pee wee, and termite football players were introduced as well as the cheerleaders, senior band and Color Guard members.

Now Enrolling for the school year

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

fro the Pa ing cla

Montgomery County Schools

ACA Names Homecoming Queen

After a whole week of homecoming festivities with the theme “There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” Alabama Christian Academy crowned its Homecoming Queen, senior Lindsey McDaniel. She is the Key Club president, the Under-Secretary General of the Model United Nations, Chorus president, the soprano section leader, and captain of the Varsity Color Guard. McDaniel is also a member of the Student Action Leadership Team, concert band, and the Spanish National Honor Society. She is an active member of the Eastern Hills Baptist Church where she serves in the youth choir, praise band, and prayer team. After graduation, McDaniel plans to attend the University of Mobile and major in elementary education. She was escorted by her father, Steve McDaniel. The Homecoming Court consisted of freshman Gracie Shaddix, sophomore Morgan Vogel, junior Shak Adams and seniors Lindsey McDaniel, Jordan Crook and Macy Jacobs.

bir tw pro cat the the

SUA Teacher Instills Love for Reading

Ms. Louis’s eighth-grade English class at Success Unlimited Academy kicked off the school year with a bang! Her students were introduced to a method of reading called D.E.A.R., better known as “Drop Everything and Read.” D.E.A.R. Day is celebrated every year on April 12, and it is the birthday of beloved author Beverly Clearly. On this day, families are encouraged to take at least 30 minutes to put aside all distractions and enjoy books together; however, Ms. Louis incorporates this as part of her students’ daily activity by saying things such as “Oh D.E.A.R., I feel so tired today,” or “D.E.A.R, why didn’t you put a period behind that sentence?” The goal of D.E.A.R. is to encourage independent silent reading for extended periods of time on a daily basis. Students choose the book they wish to read based on interest and ability.

3457 Malcolm Drive (Taylor Rd next to Max Bank) Montgomery, AL 36116 334-356-1570 www.mathnasium.com/eastmontgomery Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

Da Ga He wi an Am ce

Be wil aS ing Wh be po ye of stu fai

dse

St. Bede Adopts Mobile Seminarians

The students at Montgomery Catholic’s St. Bede Campus have adopted seminarians from the Archdiocese of Mobile. “We have been working with Fr. Pat Arensberg, who is the associate director for vocations in the Archdiocese,” said Principal Laurie Gulley. “Fr. Pat contacted the seminarians to see, first of all, if they would be interested in participating. Each classroom will receive a photo of their seminarian. They will write to him (as a class) and let him know that they are praying for him.” Communication plans include the adoptive class contacting their seminarian on his birthday and at Christmas. In return, the seminarians have agreed to answer at least two of the class’s letters and to pray for the students as well. “I am excited about this program because it will make real to our students the idea that we must all pray for vocations,” said Gulley. “Also, every year we collect for the Burse Club, which goes toward the education of our seminarians. How much more will this mean to our students when they actually know and pray for the seminarian they are helping!” Tina Rutland’s first-grade class is shown with the first message to their seminarian Ryan Dardard. Front row from left are: Blake Ankersen, Olivia Harbin, Maggie McNeely, Gabby Mitchell and Elisabeth Shaw; second row: Chayse Jordan, Frances Bach, Henry Dickson, Mary Hardwick and Caiden McMullen; and back row: James Smith, Ambrose Barwick and Frances Ann Rogers. Montgomery Catholic’s St. Bede students in grades K4-6 will participate in the Adopt a Seminarian program during the 2015-16 school year. Which means the school will be actively praying and supporting eight seminarians this year, continuing the mission of the school and encouraging students to become persons of faith, virtue and wisdom.

Macon East Students Attend Girls & Boys State Emily Kyser and Forest Bankston represented Macon East Academy this summer at Alabama Girls and Boys State. Sponsored by the American Legion, students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. Delegates have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the workings of government, and to realize that their action can make a difference in their community. Throughout the week at the University of Alabama, Kyser and Bankston met many state leaders and elected officials. Bankston was elected to the State Board of Education and Kyser served on the Credentials Committee.

Knowledge is profitable because wisdom gives life to those who possess it. ECCLESIASTES 7:12

At Montgomery Catholic, our students flourish in a rigorous academic environment designed to fully develop their individual God-given gifts — while strengthening their lifelong walk in the Christian faith. Enroll now by calling 334-272-7221 ext. 32, or visit www.montgomerycatholic.org. St. Bede Elementary Campus Holy Spirit Elementary Campus Middle School Campus High School Campus www.montgomerycatholic.org

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Academy Junior Attends Writers’ Conference

BrewTech Cheerleader Chosen To Perform in London

Montgomery Academy junior Annie Ramsey spent two weeks this past July at the Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference studying and practicing the art of fiction. Participants were in class four hours each day, with additional seminars on many afternoons featuring talks by or about authors. Students like Ramsey could focus on fiction, or they could choose play writing, poetry or nonfiction. In all, there were about 90 people at the conference, most of them in the fiction workshop. Students from as far away as South Korea and New Zealand attended. Each day the fiction writers focused on a specific writing task, like dialogue or plot. One interesting exercise was describing an object as loved, and then describing it as hated. The most enjoyable—and for Annie, the most productive—activity had to do with writing the opening for a story. Her sentence was chosen as the best one in the class and became the start of her final 12-page project. This is what she wrote: “It was honestly too early to find bleeding people on one’s porch, in the Doctor’s professional opinion.” Complex issues of friendship, money of dubious origins, and more bleeding follow in a piece that she spent the second week of the conference perfecting.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

Taylor Smith from Brewbaker Magnet High School is one of 650 high school cheerleaders, dancers, and drum majors from across the U.S. who will represent Varsity Spirit in the world famous London New Year’s Day Parade. Smith was invited to perform in the parade after being selected as an All-American at the Auburn University summer camp hosted by the United Spirit Association (USA), a Varsity Spirit brand. Smith will join parade performers from all over the world— cheerleaders, dancers, marching bands, acrobats and more—who will make up the 8,500 performers representing 20 countries worldwide in the 2016 parade. Established as one of London’s biggest events, the parade is seen by nearly 600 million people around the world. In addition to performing in the parade, All-Americans will celebrate the holiday’s European style with the chance to tour some of London’s most historic sites during their seven-day stay. For more info, visit www.varsity.com or call (800) 238-0286.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Mo ap Se the co co

va Wa las to Kh

t it

— g o ers -

d s ur . .

MPS Artists Win Awards for ‘Peace Within MGM’ Project

Several Montgomery Public Schools students were recently presented awards by Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange for artwork that was created for “Peace Within MGM,” a program calling for a citywide day of peace in Montgomery and the River Region on September 21. The aim of the event was to challenge the citizens of Montgomery and the surrounding communities to work toward cultivating peace by promoting respect, compassion, strategic planning, sharing goods and information, and regular and robust community dialogue. In addition, the Montgomery County Board of Education proclaimed September 21 as “MPS Peace Day’ and encouraged all students to participate in activities that promoted peace and citizenship and to explore ideas on how young people can resolve conflicts peacefully. Students from Montgomery Preparatory for Advanced Career Technologies (MPACT), Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet and Booker T. Washington Magnet all received awards. The overall winner was MPACT student Nicholas Yeend, whose design was used as a logo for the event. Second-place honors went to MPACT student Jalon Lee. Third-place honors went to Baldwin Arts student Pearl Khotsombath, MPACT student Courtney Slater and Baldwin student Annie Xia. Peace Within MGM coincided with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace and was one of several activities being held in communities across the world to promote peace.

Tremendous Pep Rally Spurs Wildcat Win!

The energy and enthusiasm for the football season was contagious during Trinity Presbyterian School’s first school pep rally of the year, which also happened to be an “all-school” pep rally. Many contributed to the excitement, including the faculty and staff with their version of a flash mob dance that was a true crowd-pleaser! Kindergartners through 12th graders enjoyed watching their teachers “bust a move” on the dance floor for their favorite Wildcat team. The pep rally concluded with the entire student body singing a spirited rendition of the Trinity Alma Mater. Later that evening, the Wildcats snapped Dale County’s 20-game winning streak with a 35-0 victory over the Warriors.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Trinity Students Visit College for the Day Centre, Citadel, Covenant, Emory, Faulkner, Furman, HampdenSydney, High Point, Hollins, Huntingdon, Jacksonville State, Judson, LaGrange, Lee, Louisiana State, Millsaps, Mississippi College, Mississippi State, University of Mobile, University of Montevallo, Naval Academy, North Alabama, Oglethorpe, Ole Miss, Samford, Savannah College of Art and Design, Sewanee, Shorter, South Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Spring Hill, Texas Christian University, Troy, Wallace State, Wesleyan, West Alabama and Wofford. Shown are Trinity sophomores Wells Rutland, Hampton Bopp, Wallace Bryan, Zoe Portis and Paul Bishop.

Trinity Presbyterian School hosted “College Day” September 15, with representatives from more than forty colleges and universities in attendance. This was an outstanding college fair, where both students and parents were able to attend presentations from admission counselors and discuss the process with experts. Topics covered during Trinity’s College Day included “How to Sell Yourself During College Admission Interviews,” “How to Make your College Essay Pop,” “Exploring College Majors,” “Mission Trip Opportunities in College,” and “NCAA Eligibility Requirements and Rules.” The eventful day culminated with a browse session in the gym of all the colleges and universities. While receiving encouragement from college representatives, the students also learned how to prepare themselves for the college application process. “We look for students who challenge themselves academically, as you do here at Trinity,” Furman representative Elizabeth Hawthorne said. Overall, College Day was a huge success, thanks to the work of the college representatives and Trinity’s college counselor, Elizabeth Mosley. The students had an informative and eye-opening experience that left them better prepared to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Colleges and universities that made presentations included: University of Alabama, UAB, UAH, Alabama State, Andrew College, Auburn, AUM, Belhaven, Berry, Birmingham-Southern, Brenau,

Lin be co rec

wh inc De sco Ha em tea Yo the as Se

be pro in an ma wa Ho Th na Ho ye am an aS Ch qu Sp me co Ele fam

Ba So La Ho Se nio Go vo at

In ch vio jun Fe Th Sc tut ag

mu the ed win Na fou in Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

ee,

Montgomery Academy Students Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalists

SUA Holds SuperSTAR Meetings

Henry Hamlett, William Moore, Gracie Trulove and Lindsey Warwick, seniors at The Montgomery Academy, have been named semifinalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship competition, a privately funded national academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Hamlett serves as captain of the Speech and Debate team, where he has received numerous awards since his freshman year, including 2nd place at the State Tournament for Lincoln Douglas Debate. He was recently recognized as an AP Scholar with Honor, scoring 3 or higher on four or more Advanced Placement exams. Hamlett is the Opinion and news editor of The Flyer, the Academy’s school newspaper, and also a member of the Varsity Golf team. In 2015, he was elected Speaker of the House for the 2016 Youth Legislature and was also invited to serve as a delegate for the Conference on National Affairs. Hamlett spends his summers as a counselor at Camp Seagull. Moore is an active member of the Academy’s theater program, having performed in numerous productions and also assisting as stage manager. As a junior, he was inducted in Cum Laude Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. This year, he was named an AP Scholar with Honor. Moore is in his fourth year serving as an Academy ambassador. As a freshman and sophomore, he was a Speech & Debate State Champion and as a junior qualified for the National Speech & Debate tournament in the Congressional Debate. Moore is also dedicated to community service, volunteering as a tutor to students at Dozier Elementary and helping with Joy for Johnny, a respite ministry for families of special needs children. A high honor roll athlete, Trulove is a member of the Varsity Basketball and Track & Field teams and captain of the Varsity Soccer team. As a junior, she was inducted as a member of Cum Laude Honor Society and was recently named an AP Scholar with Honor. She earned the Character Award in ninth grade and the Sewanee Book Award for outstanding personal character her junior year. Trulove serves as Senior Class President of the Student Government Association, is a member of the school chorus and involved in girls’ Bible study. During the summer, she is a counselor at Camp Skyline Ranch. Warwick is an accomplished pianist, guitarist and violinist. In addition to singing in the Academy’s nationally recognized chorus, she is a member of her church youth choir and plays 2nd violin in the Montgomery Youth Orchestra. Her sophomore and junior years, Warwick participated in the Trumbauer State Theater Festival receiving superior ratings. She is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the Spanish Honor Society and was recently named an AP Scholar. Warwick is also a dedicated volunteer in the community, tutoring elementary school children, serving as a mentor to teenagers and volunteering at the hospital. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2016 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.

Success Unlimited Academy held its back to school inservice August 13 and 14 in Moody Auditorium on the Fairlane Campus. A red carpet affair, complete with paparazzi and a photo booth, greeted new and old faculty members as the staff were inspired to embrace this year’s theme, “The Year of the Star.” The ceiling was adorned with stars displaying the names of faculty and staff. Pledging to work as a team, the teachers vowed to better the life of the students and families. “STAR,” which stands for “students and staff that achieve recognition; students and staff that accept responsibility; and students and staff that act righteously,” encouraged everyone to bond and promise to make it a super star year. As a Christian academy, SUA places its foundation on the basis that one should make a commitment to Christ and place their future for this year in His Almighty hands. As a foundation scripture for the year, Mrs. Alred chose Philippians 2:1-18, culminating with the part of the scripture that says, “shine like stars in a dark world.” Every faculty member received a special prayer and blessing by Alred as well as the students’ names that were displayed on the wall. “I am blessed to have the best faculty and staff in the world! Their hearts are so committed to the tasks that lie before them,” said Mrs. Alred. The purpose of this year’s theme is to recognize students and staff members that exceed expectations. During the meeting, teachers and staff were asked to build mobiles as a team to demonstrate what the acronym “STAR” meant to them. They were asked to describe behaviors and achievements worthy of recognition and display creative ways to recognize the students and staff members throughout the year.

Catholic Seventh-Graders Qualify for Duke TIP

Twenty-two Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Middle School students qualify for the Duke TIPS program. The largest program of its kind, participants in the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search identify academic strengths, develop abilities and interests, and celebrate their achievements at a crucial time when they are forming their identities and looking ahead to the future. As part of the talent search enrollment, Duke TIP registers eligible seventh-graders to take either the ACT (no writing) or the SAT as an above-level test. Montgomery Catholic’s qualifying students are: Devan Deramus, Mitchell Dogan, Angela Gier, Patrick Hess, Sam Leslie, Veronica Masters, Camille Morgan, Emily Riggles, Spencer Bach, Carlow DeJesus, Grayson Howell, Joseph Schmidt, Grant Smith, Eli Starrett, Aidan Cochran, Emma Garrison, Cecilia Hoffpauir, Adam McClellan, James Saliba, Mai Ellington, Aidan Losik and Rachel Rodriguez. 37

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Let’s ROCK! ROCK

(Respect Others, Create Kindness) ROCK is a public awareness campaign and task force created to prevent bullying and foster a culture of kindness and respect in schools, families, communities. The River Region ROCK Task Force is a coalition of more than 65 members, including educators, parents, community groups, churches, law enforcement and youth, whose goals are to: • Raise awareness about bullying in all its forms • Educate the community and empower young people with ways they can help prevent bullying • Promote programs that advocate respect for others • Foster partnership with community groups to advance the ROCK message ROCK, with its partners, works to empower youth to stand up to bullying and promote programs that provide researchbased interventions for children who bully. What is bullying? Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived

power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Both children who are bullied and those who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. Bullying can occur anywhere, during or after school hours. While most reported bullying happens in the school building, a significant percentage also happens outside of school or on the Internet. National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Month River Region ROCK, schools and communities across the country are observing October as National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Month. The goal is to encourage communities to work together to stop bullying by increasing awareness of its impact on all children of all ages. ROCK has developed a toolkit and is sharing it with schools and communities.

This toolkit includes general information on bullying, suggested prevention strategies and activities, as well as online and community resources. It is designed for teachers, parents, churches, community groups or anyone who works with children and is concerned about preventing bullying. The toolkit is available online for downloading at www. rocktaskforce.com/rock-toolkit. What better time than now to bring a bullying awareness program to your child’s school? River Region ROCK Task Force members are available to conduct presentations about bullying in schools, churches and throughout the community. For more information, please call Melanie Beasley at 334-2062121 or Mona Davis at 334-223-6844. River Region ROCK Star Awards In November, ROCK will begin accepting nominations for the Second Annual River Region ROCK Star Awards. To nominate a student, adult or community organization who has made notable efforts to bring kindness and respect to schools, families or the community, visit www.rocktaskforce/events. For more information about bullying prevention and awareness, visit www.rocktaskforce.com, or email info@rocktaskforce.com. In conjunction with the Montgomery Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama, Montgomery Parents is devoting space in the coming year for a series of articles about bullying to raise awareness.

HOW CAN YOUR SCHOOL GET INVOLVED?

FIND OUT AT ROCKTASKFORCE.COM. RIVER REGION ROCK TASK FORCE. CREATING A SAFER, KINDER RIVER REGION.

STMP-32445-Rock Ad for Parents & Journey Mar15.indd 1

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

2/16/15 12:59 PM

www.montgomeryparents.com

rs,

nkit .

d ma-

Redefining Excellence... In the CLASSROOM and the COMMUNITY n

$6 million in scholarships to four-year institutions awarded to our 2015 graduating class

Trinity has had 55 National Merit finalists and semi-finalists

The vast majority of Trinity’s AP students score between a 3 and a 5 on their exams, with many students nearly completing their freshman college studies before graduating from Trinity

n Partnering with a local elementary school, Trinity students serve as “Study Buddies,” as well as provide food to 85 children weekly through “Feeding America’s BackPack Program” n Annually, over $20,000 is raised and distributed to charitable organizations in the River Region through the school-wide (K4-12) missions project , “Change 4 Change”

de s. e-

trinitywildcats.com

ACCREDITED K4 THROUGH 12TH GRADE INDEPENDENT COLLEGE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL

M O N T G O M E R Y, A L A B A M A

334.213.2100

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

I hope everyone had a restful Labor Day weekend. If you did not attend the Prattville Service League Barbeque, you missed out on some great food and fun. The Prattville Service League has always been a huge supporter of the Autauga County public schools. I deeply appreciate their support and commitment to helping provide our children with a great public education. As the dust is settling from the start of school, I am happy to report that we are off to a great start. We have opened school with 9,674 students, a slight increase from last year. In my opinion, that is approximately 9,674 reasons to continue our push for excellence. It is also my pleasure to announce that Kathryn Fagan (Prattville High School) has been selected as a semifinalist in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. She will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 National Merit Scholarships worth

32 million dollars that will be offered next spring. She is well on her way to being selected as a National Merit Scholar. Good luck, Kathryn! We are proud of you! Often excellence begins with an idea, hope, goal, or dream. Almost ten years ago we started volleyball at Prattville Junior High School, and I have loved the sport ever since. I remember when the booster parents were drilling the holes in the gym floor at Prattville Junior High School; I was slightly concerned to say the least. They did an excellent job installing the hardware needed to support the volleyball nets, and volleyball has flourished ever since. That one step led to excellence. The following volleyball coaches will be rallying their teams to continue the winning tradition at their schools: Gwendolyn Todd (Autaugaville), Kim Zaner (Billingsley), Juzil Rudolph (Marbury Middle), Brett Easterling (Marbury High), Kyle Sandlin (Prattville Junior High), and Neysa Hernandez (Prattville High). Good luck to all the players and coaches. The quest for excellence is often hard fought and wrought with difficult decisions and sometimes painful sacrifice, but in the end, the success is always worth the effort put forth. Balancing a budget is frequently one of those painful, but worth it, experiences. Through the

last four years, I have made this one of the top priorities for our school system. The journey has not been an easy one, but the endeavor was necessary. We have finally reached the end of our finance recovery! The Autauga County Board of Education approved our FY16 budget on September 4, 2015. The approved budget has a surplus above the one month operating balance required by state law. We anticipate closing the FY15 books having the state mandated one month operating balance for the first time since 2007! The general fund is projected at $5.3 million after reaching a low in 2011 with only $154,000. This improvement in our financial situation will allow us more flexibility and funds to make more capital improvements, technology upgrades, and provide more instructional resources to our schools in the future. Working together, we can accomplish great things in Autauga County. We have proven this time and time again. We are off to a great school year! I will keep you updated on events and our accomplishments throughout the year. Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

For

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

JW01-315

offers you more

13’10”

6’5”

6’8”

st d 3’6”

s, c-

HOME DESIGNS BY

Elegant Homes, LLC D.R. Horton Hugh Cole Builder, Inc. Mathews Development Company Newcastle Homes New Age Builders, LLC

t s .

uga n ri-

BRING YOUR OWN PLAN! We can make your dream a reality.

Come see why New Park is Montgomery’s best-selling master planned community. Beautiful homes built for how families live today. In every price range and near the city’s newest schools including Wilson Elementary School, Carr Middle School and Park Crossing High School! A sparkling new pool in the center of the neighborhood, and Montgomery’s newest YMCA is just around the corner.

JW01-31593 Ad for Parents Aug. 2015.indd 1

S’ C H O

2014

DER

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

PLACE WINNE

newparkliving.com

For the latest neighborhood news and promotions, follow us on Facebook.®

9430 Park Crossing, off Ray Thorington Road

ICE

334.215.9215

RE A

Visit us today and let’s get started.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

7/15/15 3:48 PM

P H

Autauga County Schools

PJHS Celebrates College Colors Day

Prattville Junior High School celebrated National College Colors Day September 4. Teachers and staff wore apparel to represent their college alma mater and shared their personal experiences with students. Colleges from all over the country were represented among the school faculty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;College Daysâ&#x20AC;? surveys were posted by each staff member to encourage dialogue with students.

PJHS Forensics Class Solves Mock Crimes

Students in Forensics class at Prattville Junior High School worked together in a mock crime scene. Students first acted as crime scene investigators to document the scene and later switched to the role of detective to solve the case.

Th wil Co Sta ma yo yo co en wil inf ple (33

Send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

sag Sc the tio aw

ou rep his ov wit

wh co mi Pa

the cau to me

Su al cid ge sai

tro the 1-8 Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

nal

Prattville Holds Annual High School Band Contest

The Prattville High School Marching Band will hold its annual Heart of Dixie Band Competition Saturday, October 10, at Stanley Jensen Stadium. If you are in a marching band, we would love to have you come and march in our competition. If you like watching marching bands, please come and enjoy the day with us. At the end of the day, the Pride of Prattville band will exhibit its show for the year. For more info or to sign up for the competition, please call Band Director Chris King at (334) 365-8804.

Strong Suicide Prevention Message Delivered at PHS

East Memorial Celebrates Annual Homecoming

East Memorial Christian Academy celebrated Homecoming September 18. The Homecoming Court is shown with Queen Taylor Trucks, center. The EMCA Wildcats football team won its Homecoming game 49-32 over the Victory Eagles.

PHS Student Named Nat’l Merit Semifinalist

Prattville High School student Kathryn Fagan is a semifinalist in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. Fagan is one of 16,000 semifinalists in the 61st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,400 Nation Merit Scholarships worth $32,000,000 that will be offered next spring. To be considered for the National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of competition. About 90% of the semifinalists are expected to obtain finalist standing, and more than the half of the finalists will win a Nation Merit Scholarship. In addition to her National Merit achievement, Fagan has one of the top ACT scores at Prattville High School, is currently enrolled in several Advanced Placement classes and plays volleyball on the varsity team. She is shown with PHS Principal Richard Dennis.

A dramatic suicide prevention message was delivered at Prattville High School recently. Students who are part of the school’s Suicide Prevention Organization came up with a powerful way to raise awareness about a serious issue. Four students or teachers were taken out of classrooms every 15 minutes to represent how often a young person takes his or her own life. Students were “made over” with ghoulish make-up and draped with a sash that had a time of death on it. “Once in class, if somebody asks them why they look like that, they say ‘I’ve committed suicide; help prevent others like mine from happening,’” said student Sloan Patterson. The program was a way to drive home the fact that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Alexandra Templin is part of the Suicide Prevention Organization. “There are a lot of facts unknown to society about suicide, and I think this is a wonderful way to get it across to teachers and students,” she said. “I think that they underestimate it.” If you or someone you know is having trouble dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. 43

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

In Elmore County, fall means “Family and Friends!” As a family and student-centered school system, we find that all of our goals and achievements in school are based upon the dedication and support of our communities. Rarely will you find a more dedicated group of individuals than our school board members who sacrifice much to participate and celebrate in the Elmore County Schools activities. At any given time, you will see our board members visiting schools, volunteering, and working to encourage success. In recognition of their dedication, the Elmore County Public School Board was recently recognized by the Alabama School Board Association with its Presidents Award for 2015 at the School Board Member Academy. This award recognizes school boards that have had 60 percent or more of their members attend at least three AASB conferences in an academy year and, in that same year, have had all members of their boards meet

state-mandated training requirements. This award recognizes our board’s commitment to excellence and provides an outstanding model of service to all of us. Our PTOs and Booster groups also exemplify this dedication to our schools and to their children through their ceaseless work to assist us in our efforts to create the best possible learning environments. Parents who serve as volunteers and boosters at football games, concession stands, and clean up details provide services and financial support that help to keep our schools and our teams and bands functioning. Because we are a “family” we work together to make good things happen for our children. A recent initiative of our Child Nutrition Department is providing supper meals to approximately 400 students each night who are participating in after-school sports and other activities. We are confident that this will help families and their students as they develop, both mentally and physically. In order to educate our children, we know that parents understand the importance of regular school attendance and September is Attendance Awareness Month. Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming place in which every student can learn. If a family is under stress and needs assistance, let me

urge you to contact your guidance counselor or principal. We are here to serve you and to help you, so that your student can achieve his or her dreams through education. On Friday, September 11, each of our schools paused to remember the sacrifices of those who perished during the terrorist attacks of that terrible day, 14 years ago. Earlier in the week, we had celebrated the strength of our family ties during Grandparents Day festivities and this, too, was a moment of reflection about our families. We thought about our families and friends, we bowed our heads to remember those who had paid the supreme sacrifice, and paused during football games to think about the women and men who care for us in the military, police stations, sheriff departments, fire stations, ambulances, and hospitals. The support and dedication that we, our parents, and students have as members of the Elmore County Schools family, is one of the most enduring acts of service that we can give to one another. Andre` L. Harrison has served as a teacher, acting principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services and Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent of Education, and the Deputy Superintendent of Education/Chief of Staff. He is married to Monica, and they have a daughter, Aundrea, who attends the UAB. They reside in Millbrook, Alabama.

N O W E N R O L L I N G F O R 2015 2011

TH E LEARNING TREE C H I L D D E V E L O P M E N T C E N T E R S , I N C . Your children deserve the best, why not give it to them.

We pride ourselves at The Learning Tree in having the best child care program for ages 6 wks. to 12 yrs. We are D.H.R. Licensed and provide transportation to and from public school. Full Day Care and Half day (morning or afternoon).

ENROLL NOW, CALL TODAY!

5 Convenient Locations:

6wks-12yrs available at all locations but Carmichael Rd.

1816 Glynwood Dr. Prattville - 365-1451 I 288 Deatsville Hwy. Millbrook - 285-1188 1767 Halcyon Blvd. - 272-3188 I 3335 Woodley Rd. - 284-5560 I 4120 Carmichael Rd. - 271-4733

SPECIAL OFFER

FREE REGISTRATION

Se ten Ca Hig ab co loc

E N

Sc mo sig pre

ing an Su ad ca ge nu tim

ne an pre ma ca de lap

is int ou me wi sch

With this coupon and new enrollment only. Up to $85 Value!

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

H C

www.montgomeryparents.com

r to his

Holtville Seniors Attend College and Career Day Seniors from Holtville High School attended the Elmore County College and Career Day that was held at Wetumpka High School September 9. Students were able to speak with representatives from colleges throughout the state of Alabama, local businesses and the military.

, he s, re

al, -

d nds

Elmore County Launches New Mobile Response System

In October, the Elmore County Public School System will implement CrisisGo, a mobile technology application which is designed to help improve school safety, crisis preparedness and response. “We are excited about implementing CrisisGo. Keeping ‘time’ on our side and not that of an intruder is critical,” said Susanne Goodin, senior coordinator of administrative services. “The fact that we can have direct communication with emergency responders, administration, school nurses, and parents will save us valuable time and could possibly help save lives.” CrisisGo provides school personnel a two-way communication platform and securely stores important emergency preparedness plans and associated information, such as checklists, class rosters, call lists and building maps all on mobile devices such as smart phones, iPads, and laptops. “The safety of our students and staff is a priority in Elmore County,” said Superintendent Andre Harrison. “It certainly is our prayer that we never have to implement CrisisGo, but if we do, this product will help us to protect our Elmore County school family.”

HOOPER ACADEMY Grade Levels K-12

Please visit and see what we have to oﬀer your family! Early Learning Center 6 weeks thru K-4; Before & After School Care If you have any questions please contact Hooper Academy at (334) 288-5980. Hooper is located at 380 Fisher Road, Hope Hull, Alabama, just oﬀ I-65 South.

Headmaster: Greg Faulkner • Asst. Headmaster/Athletic Director: Keith Moore 334-288-5980 • www.hooperacademy.org • HCAinfo@hooperacademy.org

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Th Au Pra vid lef Lin mi Da Au Ed

Elmore County Schools

WES First-Graders Help Local Heroes

Mrs. Deem and Mrs. Disbrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-grade classes at Wetumpka Elementary School were visited by Spiderman after being heroes within their school community. The students were given the task of finding ways to help kindergartners not be afraid of local community heroes, such as firemen and police officers. Both classes were successful in completing the task!

Bank President Presents Donation to Elmore County

First Community Bank President Michael Morgan recently presented $2,344.40 to the Elmore County Public School System from the School Spirit Debit Card promotion. Shown from left are Elmore County Board Chairman Larry Teel, Elmore County Schools Superintendent Andreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Harrison and First Community Bank President Michael Morgan.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

Ec for Da La Sm ar Ka Du ph fou Ha

Holtville Cross Country Team Starts Season

The Holtville High School cross country team kicked off its season August 28. The team will participate in meets in Montgomery, Prattville, Oakville, Helena and Auburn this season. So far, individual team members have picked up five medals. Front row from left are team members Hunter Wesson, Sarah Staton, Rachel Lindsey, Brianne Staton and Ignacio Ruiz De Olano; middle row, Jack Broom, Madison Hill, Braden Davis and Daniel Lewis; and back row, Coach Theresa Long, Colton Autrey, Lemar McCormick, Connor Koch and Coach Chad Edwards.

ts ty

l o

Eclectic Elementary Names August Students of the Month

Eclectic Elementary named the following as Students of the Month for August: Kindergartners Kayleigh Ingram, Emma Nummy, Daniel Weldon, Madelyn Lofton, Beau Traylor and Kynslee Lausee; first-graders Laura Jones, Charlie Buckner, Laura Smith, Joshua Cousins, Amber Kelly and Desiray Woodard; second-graders Alycia Gill, Seth McGhee, Zoey Taylor, Kaley Brown, *Callie Haynes, Cherish Foye and Madison Dunn; third-graders Trinnen Coston, *Jaden Hatfield, Sophie Creamer, Allyson Orr, Lexi Martin and Lex Ward; and fourth-graders Matthew Bennett, Trevor Brown, *Maddy Harris, Abbie Burkett and Camron Brown. * Not Pictured

Send Your School News to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. 47

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Elmore County Schools

Holtville Celebrates Homecoming Week

Holtville High School celebrated its Homecoming on September 18. The week was full of activities and culminated with the crowning of the Homecoming Queen Friday night during halftime of the football games. Members of the court included Jordan Cousins, Allison Turner, Brianna Duncan, Reagan Law, Queen Breelyn Buck, KK Buck, Jacey Porter, Madison Law, Brantley White and Alexia Kendrick.

Stu ics of Int the me tai co tio Clu JA AR Cu op the roo are Te tat de tod

Local Representative Donates to Elmore County Schools

State Representative Michael Holmes has donated $5,000 from his legislative discretionary funds to the Elmore County Public School System. From left are Elmore County School Board Chairman Larry Teel, Superintendent Andreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Harrison, State Representative (Rep.) Michael Holmes and Board Vice Chairman Michael Morgan.

Re er its gu Ha the

en co stu Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

ARIS Learns Through Variety of Methods

Students are going strong in their academics but are also enjoying an abundance of school club options at Airport Road Intermediate School. The newest club is the Science Club. Students had their first meeting in September and were entertained and amazed while learning science concepts. ARIS also offers other club options such as Book Club, Art Club, Garden Club, Drama Club, Choir, Dance Team, and JAM Session. ARIS welcomed parents to the 2015/16 Curriculum Night on August 27. This is an opportunity for parents see exactly “how” their children are being taught in the classroom. Strategies are shared and parents are given the opportunity to ask questions. Terri Rubio, an Alabama AMSTI representative, was on hand to give a whole group demonstration on math strategies used in today’s classroom.

Redland Holds First PTO Meeting of Year

Redland Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization had standing-room only at its first membership meeting with special guest speaker, Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison. After Boy and Girl Scouts led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, he spoke about his goals for Elmore County Schools and congratulated the RES faculty for doing a fantastic job. Misty Trussell’s third-grade class provided entertainment and sixth-grade student council member Carson Jones was the student speaker for the evening. 49

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Elmore County Schools

Holtville Band Participates In Night of Bands

The Holtville High School Marching Band participated in the Elmore County Night of Bands September 17. The band’s theme for this year is James Bond, which includes playing “For Your Eyes Only,” “Goldfinger,” and “Live and Let Die.” The show features a trumpet solo, dance line and a featured twirler. The band is under the leadership of Matthew Chambless.

Wetumpka Cross CountryPlaces in Mustang Invitational

Wetumpka’s cross country team is for seventh through twelfth grades. Boys and girls placed second in the Stanhope Elmore Mustang Invitational held September 12 at Grandview YMCA in Millbrook.

We ute Th of De tum Ma tum Bo Ce Pr wi Cr ta

Fou an ka rea ac Re to wr

Re ho car Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

es ” s d of

WES Holds 9-11 Tribute

Wetumpka Elementary school held a tribute for the victims of 9/11 and its heroes. Those in attendance included members of the local military, the Wetumpka Fire Department, First Community Bank of Wetumpka, Superintendent Andre Harrison, Mayor Jerry Willis, Vanessa Lynch, Wetumpka Police Department, Elmore County Board of Education, Precision Flooring, Central Alabama CoOp, and veterans. Principal Bonnie Sullivan is shown with Assistant Principal Calandra Crenshaw and administrative assistant Sean Kreauter.

WES Classes Use Mock Crime Scene

Fourth-grade students from Ms. Wheat and Mrs. Littlefield’s classes at Wetumpka Elementary School are incorporating reading skills and narrative writing using a crime scene created by their teachers. Retired State Trooper Greg Jones came to speak to the students. This lesson was written and led by intern Jamie Knight.

Redland Classes Honor Grandparents

Redland Elementary School third-graders honored their grandparents with gifts, cards and lunch for National Grandparents

Day. Misty Trussell’s class posed after lunch in front of the school’s Handprint Mural with their grandparents. 51

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Is Technology Rewiring Your Baby’s Brain? It’s a rule nearly every parent breaks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two have no exposure to screens. That guideline was hard enough to follow when it applied to background TV and baby videos. Now that very young children are reaching for smartphones and tablets, most parents hand them over sooner or later. Some experts argue that these screens are different because they are interactive. When a little child pokes the screen, something exciting happens. There’s no question that this kind of cause and effect is mesmerizing, but is it good for little brains? The honest answer is no one knows because there hasn’t been time to do the relevant research. What scientists do know is that baby brains grow dramatically. At birth, each baby brain cell has about 2500 synapses or connections to other brain cells. Around age three, the typical brain cell has 15,000 connections because of the baby’s astonishing ability to learn. The AAP argues that there’s no reason to take chances with that development. Even if there’s no evidence that screen time is bad for baby brains, there’s also no evidence that it does anything to promote healthy growth. Until we have evidence that screen time is good for babies and toddlers, access to technology should be limited and thoughtfully supervised by parents. Since you can’t see what’s happening in your baby’s brain, you’ll need other indicators to be sure development is on track. Here are a few questions worth asking: Montgomery Parents I October 2015

Is your child excited to play with you? Experts agree that a deep connection with parents is crucial during the first two years of life. Early interactions in which children learn to make and break eye contact or to take turns making sounds become the foundation for emotional intelligence. Having face to face fun with your baby sets up a lifelong assumption that interacting with people is rewarding for its own sake. Do people talk to your child—a lot? Research done in the 1990’s demonstrated that babies who hear around 2,000 words per hour do better in school and even have higher IQ’s. That’s because the language centers of the brain are especially absorbent during the first three years. Recorded words don’t make much of an impression. Language needs to be tailored to the child, responsive both to what she is doing and her emotions. Does your child enjoy three dimensional play? Babies and toddlers figure out the world by picking things up, chewing on them, poking, throwing, rolling and stacking them. Not only is this fun, but it gives your child the basis for concepts like round and flat, fuzzy and smooth. A touch screen may reference these ideas but it takes lots of real life experience to get them fixed firmly in the brain. Healthy babies are always reaching and exploring. Most of what they find should stimulate multiple senses. Can your child detach from the screen? Some parents report that little ones become fixated on smartphones and tablets, whining for them when they could be doing other things and melting down when parents take them away. According to Michael Rich, director of Boston’s Center on Media and Child Health, this occurs because the visual 52

stimuli of many apps gives children a regular squirt of dopamine, a brain chemical that creates sensations of pleasure. Too much of this can create cravings that babies—and sometimes older people--can’t resist. Is your child able to settle down for quiet time and sleeping? Because baby brains are growing so rapidly, they can easily become overstimulated. Being able to settle and sleep peacefully is a lifelong skill, and most parents intuitively help little children calm down by gentle rocking, singing and stroking. Research indicates that the light emitted by screens stimulates brain waves in ways that interfere with sleep, so screentime should never be part of a baby’s bedtime routine. Can you focus on your child? No matter what you say, young children will mimic what you do. If you are tethered to your devices--checking e-mail during diaper changes, texting during playtime, talking on the phone during walks with your baby—your behavior will imprint on your child. More important, your distraction will keep you from playing what Uri Bronfenbrenner, co-founder of Head Start, called “ping pong” with your child: Your baby giggles and you repeat whatever you did to make her laugh. Your toddler says something that sounds like Mama and you respond with delight. As Bronfenbrenner famously put it, healthy development occurs “through the process of progressively more complex exchange between a child and somebody else-especially somebody who’s crazy about that child.” If you can answer “yes” to all these questions, you can be confident that your baby’s brain is getting what it needs. Under those circumstances, handing over the smartphone to secure a moment of quiet isn’t any more harmful than offering a cookie for the same reason. Neither is likely to undermine healthy development for your baby, unless you turn it into a habit. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

www.montgomeryparents.com

C st o D

R fo

A sc ad

lar

ily le

in e

er n our

m er

n’t

cto hts

ASMS

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Come find out if ASMS is right for you by attending a statewide info meeting (see dates below) and visiting our campus for Preview Day on November 14 or December 5. Register for the meeting you plan to attend as well as for Preview Day at www.asms.net. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. ANNISTON Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:00 PM Gadsden State Ayers Campus Learning Resource Center Auditorium 1801 Coleman Rd

Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your application today at www.asms.net. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. All ASMS students go to college and most receive merit-based scholarships. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

ENTERPRISE Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:00 PM Dauphin Jr. High School Library 425 Dauphin Street

MONTGOMERY Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:00 PM Montgomery Main Library 245 High Street

AUBURN Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30 PM (Central) Auburn University Ross Hall Auditorium, RM 136

HUNTSVILLE Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6:00 PM University of Alabama in Huntsville Louis Salmon Library, RM 111 301 Sparkman Drive NW

SELMA Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6:00 PM Wallace Community College Hank Sanders Tech. Bldg., RM 105 3000 Earl Goodwin Pkwy

BIRMINGHAM Thursday, Oct. 22, 6:00 PM University of Alabama at Birmingham Heritage Hall, RM 104 1401 University Blvd

MOBILE (TWO OPTIONS) Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:00 PM & Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus - Media Center 1255 Dauphin Street

THOMASVILLE Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:00 PM Alabama Southern Community College Library Building 3000 - RM 107 30755 Hwy 43 South

DEMOPOLIS Thursday, Oct. 8, 6:00 PM Demopolis Higher Education Center 186 Field of Dreams Drive Gallion, AL

MONROEVILLE Monday, Oct. 12, 6:00 PM Alabama Southern Community College Administration Building RM 119 2800 South Alabama Ave

TUSCALOOSA Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:00 PM University of Alabama South Engineering Research Center Room 1013

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net 53 admissions@asms.net

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

fam ge ac ea the ga mo yo

Th tio ab gle tab tha no Fo tes at

Ch dre the cra do tio sh

3) an

Ma of 9-y ve hig fru yo to

Ka an ve

tha sa tio

Ju ag pa qu ho to

an Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

Finally carved out a night for your family to sit down and eat a meal together? Now that you are all present and accounted for, take time to catch up with each other. If you have trouble getting the conversation rolling, try one of these games. Not only will you make mealtime more entertaining, you’ll also strengthen your relationship with one another.

1) Two truths and a false. This game appeals to my kids’ imaginations, and I usually learn something new about their day that they forgot or neglected to tell me. To play, go around the table and take turns sharing two events that happened that day and one that did not. Who can guess which one is false? For example, “I got a B on my spelling test. I saw a goat at school. I sat with Gina at lunch today.”

2) Get creative. Christie Zemencik, a mom of three children, ages 18, 14 and 7, says she covers the table with butcher paper and puts crayons out. “My girls draw or write random things that usually lead to conversations as to why that was on their minds,” she says.

3) What is your Rose, Thorn and Bud? Many families discuss the ups and downs of the day to get conversation rolling. My 9-year-old son introduced me to this conversation starter: The rose symbolizes the highlight of your day, the thorn is the most frustrating or worst part of the day, and your bud is what you are looking forward to most the next day.

4) Conversation in a jar.

Karen Conklin, mom of three, ages 9, 7, and 3, created a jar with dinnertime conversation starters on strips of paper. “An example is ‘Name two people that made you smile today and why,’” she says. Her children enjoy adding conversation ideas to the jar, too.

5) Table topics.

Julie Melchior, a mom of three children, ages 15, 12 and 9, says she purchased a pack of Christmas-themed conversation questions last year. Each night during the holiday season the family selected a card to discuss. “The kids couldn’t wait to sit down and get the cards passed out,” Melchior

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education. Our desire is to help each child achieve his or her God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

Accredited: AISA, SACS-CASI, & ACTS

N O W E N R O L L I N G K4-12 2015-2016

3975 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 ecalions.org 334-272-3882

says. “It was so interesting for my husband and me to listen to their answers and hear what they remembered from their past holidays. It gave everyone an opportunity to share and listen and we talked about things that probably wouldn’t come up in normal dinner time conversation.” Find Kid Talk: Conversation Cards, Crunch a Color Conversation Starters, Chat Packs or Table Topics at area retailers, book stores or online. Why family mealtime matters. “The union of a meal together fosters feelings of warmth, love and belonging,” says Jessica Velazquez, a healthy living director with 55

the YMCA. “It promotes communication between family members and provides an opportunity for parents to give special attention to their kids.” Eating dinner together also provides parents with a valuable opportunity to model basic face-to-face social skills and etiquette. Skills that are increasingly important to develop in an era where much of our children’s communication is conducted through technology. mp Freelance journalist and author Christa Melnyk Hines loves to find new ways to “chat and chew” with her family. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Drawing Out a Child’s Inner Artist

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Every child is an artist. Some kids like to aim at drawing things they love in the world around them. Others translate through drawing and painting images that are completely born from their imaginations. It’s important to foster every child’s creativity with positive feedback on their drawings while also providing them with the tools and time to really get into the work. With increasing competition for kids’ attention in a world full of tablets, smart-phones and other gadgetry – the following drawing tools for kids have just the right amount of modern marvel to bridge the divide between traditional drawing and newer technologies.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Ingenio Smart Projector

My First Crayola Mess-Free Touch Lights

(Ingenio)

Tracing images is an ideal confidence builder for kids who want to write and draw, but may still lack the fine motor control to produce the images they want. The Ingenio Smart Projector uses a powerful LED light to project traceable images onto a drawing surface for small hands to follow with crayons or other marking mediums. The traceable image collection includes the alphabet, numbers, as well as 24 animal pictures with each named in Spanish and English. The projector can adjust the size of images as young hands hone their fine motor control. With sturdy image discs and simple controls, the Smart Projector allows little hands to operate and direct their drawing independently. It’s a bright tool for supporting the early skills of young artists and writers!

(Crayola)

The sensory experience of finger painting is carried over into Crayola’s Mess-Free Touch Lights. The tablet-style touch-screen is surfaced with a gellike material that mimics the sense of finger-painting without the mess. As kids doodle, their image lights up. The selector button at the bottom of the unit allows kids to choose their colors and select any sounds or music that they would like to include as they work. And when kids want to change to more controlled drawing, the included stylus features a three-sided shape that begins training little fingers on proper grip position for penmanship to come later. It’s portable, mess-free, and ideal for keeping little fingers busy as they create new masterworks at home or on the road.

Aquadoodle Travel ‘N Doodle

IDO3D Design Studio (IDO3D)

In the news more and more, 3D printing is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in engineering and technology. And the method behind the printing has already translated into a tool for the younger set to employ for their own artistic ideas. The IDO3D Design Studio includes five 3D pens, a 3D guidebook with templates, and two accessory shapes to get young designers started. The pens extrude a melted plastic which quickly cools into the shape as it was “drawn”. Using layers and connections, young artists quickly begin to develop the ability to draw in 3D, lifting their artistic visions off the flat page and building them into a whole new dimension. The studio includes enough material for up to 25 projects, and replacement pens are available for 3D artists who want to expand their body of work in this new frontier of drawing.

(SpinMaster)

The name is a big hint toward the basic premise of this portable drawing tablet. Instead of carrying around piles of paper and markers, the Aquadoodle Travel ‘N Doodle set includes a twosided drawing surface, a ‘pen’ and a carrying case. The pen is essentially a water marker (refillable with water that saturates the tip) that interacts with the drawing surfaces. One side of the tablet reacts to the pen tip in blue, the other side in red. No ink to spill, crayons to melt, pencils to sharpen, markers losing caps etc. Emptying the water from the pen, or sealing it in a plastic bag before transport, ensures that the surfaces stay dry and are instantly ready for art to happen. When a drawing is complete, simply allow the surface to dry and it will soon return to a white blank, ready for the next artistic pass.

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

e me rs

ith

al-

ng n

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Ha lar pu

Pr pie

fun

•B •W ski •W pu •S po •C thi •S the •F rec

tog

Cu kin bo or at

Lo an

me mu ca

It’s that time of year again when pumpkins reign. If you want to get past the usual jacko-lantern carving and tackle some other pumpkin activities, you’ve come to the right place. Just read on for art, cooking, and learning activities your kids will enjoy. If you want your pumpkins to last longer than carved jack-o-lanterns, draw the faces on them with permanent markers. Use mini pumpkins to create a centerpiece or other decorations for the season. Carve out mini pumpkins and fill the center with a votive candle or tea light. Line the walkway or porch rail with them for Halloween or another evening occasion. Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

Hi yo th

Wa fav

If y se

ea se pre

pla Ar pil pe se hu str tha

Having guests? Carve out a very large pumpkin and use it as a punch bowl. Process your own pumpkin meat for pies, cakes, or muffins. This is enough fun the kids will want to help you. • Bake the pumpkin • When you can insert a fork through the skin, remove from oven and let cool. • When cool enough to handle, cut the pumpkin, remove all seeds, and peel. • Save the seeds for other activities, compost the peelings. • Cut the meat into chunks and place in a thick-bottomed pot with a little water. • Simmer until all water is cooked out and the volume is about half. Stir frequently. • Freeze in quantities for your favorite recipes. Make your favorite pumpkin recipes together and package them to give as gifts.

Enjoy a game of pumpkin bowling. Cut the stem off a medium-sized pumpkin. Carve out three holes to resemble a bowling ball. Set up rolls of paper towels or empty pop bottles as pins and have at it.

Look up the formula for volume of an ellipsoid. Take the proper measurements of your pumpkin to estimate how much liquid your pumpkin will hold. Then carve it out and see if you got it right.

Hide miniature pumpkins around your yard and have the kids hunt for them like an Easter egg hunt. Remember the seeds you saved? Wash, dry, and roast. Sprinkle on your favorite popcorn seasoning and enjoy.

If you don’t enjoy eating pumpkin seeds, put them in a quart jar. Have each family member guess how many seeds are in the jar and record everyone’s predictions.

Count the seeds. Count by two’s and place them in piles of tens on the table. Arrange the piles in straight rows of ten piles in each row to make 100 seeds per row. Set up ten rows to make 1,000 seeds. Count them out by ten’s and by hundred’s. Since they are arranged in straight rows, point out that 10x4=40 or that 10x8=80.

Finish counting out the seeds in the same fashion until done. How did your predictions measure up?

If you laid all the seeds end to end in a train, how long would the train stretch? Again, record everyone’s predictions. But do you have enough room to lay out all those seeds? If not, assume that every seed is the same size and shape and lay out one pile of ten seeds in a train and measure that. Multiply that number by how many piles of ten you have. Divide that answer by 12 to find out how long, in feet, your seed train 59

would be. How did those predictions measure up?

One last thing. Color your seeds different colors with permanent markers. Then use them to create a mosaic. If you know what you want to create before you start, it will help you to decide what colors to color the seeds. You can use this technique to make a picture for the refrigerator or to make holiday cards to send to friends and family. mp Carol Alexander is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in over 30 regional parenting publications and several national magazines.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

(33 pum cor hay

Jac 181 (33 in t pet sna mo 6:0 res car jac

& Halloween Fun Halloween Events Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival October 24 from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per child. Come out and join us for a night of carnival games, raffle tickets, inflatables, Little Pumpkin Playhouse in Lions Lodge, facer painting, hayrides to Waterfront for Marshmallow Roasting, Concessions and cake walk, Haunted House and a costume contest. Call 567.4933. Please check with your local YMCA for other fall festivals.

Capitol Chevrolet Trunk or Treat (ad on page 59)

Thursday, October 29, 3-6 pm Two locations; 711 & 833 Eastern Blvd. Enjoy lots of candy, fun and spooktacular costumes in our showrooms. Visit www.capitolchevrolet.com and www.classicmontgomery.net. Fall Harvest Market and Trick or Pink at The Shoppes at EastChase The Fall Harvest Market will take place each Saturday morning ending October 10th. Shoppers will continue to find unique, local items such as organic meats and goat cheese, pumpkins, honey, cakes, and seasonal vegetables and fruits. For more information, visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com or call 334-279-6046. Trick or Pink at The Shoppes at EastChase: Come together for a night of family fun at The Shoppes at EastChase on Saturday, October 31, from 5 – 8 p.m. Halloween costume contest for the kids! For more information, visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com or call 334-279-6046. Halloween Candy Walk Thursday, October 29th at 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. Downtown Prattville. Free admission. Children through 3rd grade are encouraged to dress up and come get lots of candy. Call (334) 361.3640 or visit www.prattville.com. Halloween in Hampstead October 31. Celebrate Halloween in Hampstead! Bring the whole family for kids’ activities beginning at 4 p.m. and then stick around because the grownup party begins at 8. For more info, call (334) 2706730 or visit www.hampsteadliving.com/events. Halloween Spooktacular 2015 October 31. 6-8 p.m. at Garrett Coliseum. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, along Montgomery Parents I October 2015

with WVAS 90.7 FM and Garrett Coliseum, present this safe alternative to trick or treating. Kids 11 years and under are welcome (preferrably in costumes).

Judgement House (ad on page 57)

Haunting on the Harriott II Riverwalk, Montgomery, October 24. (334) 625-2100. Boarding at 8:00pm, Cruises time 8:30-10:30pm. Tickets $25/Adult, Ages 21 and over only. Live entertainment, Cash Bar, Costume Contest with prizes and more!

403 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery October 14, 17, 18, 21, 24-25, 28-31 from 6-9 p.m. The ministry of Judgement House spans over 28 years with its roots tied to Montgomery. River Region Judgement House is a God centered drama which focuses on the triumphs and tragedies faced in the lives of today’s youth and young adults. All aspects of this ministry are based on Biblical principles and teachings. Please visit us at www. judgment-house.com.

Zoo Boo: Montgomery Zoo

Scarecrows in the Garden Montgomery. www.oldalabamatown.com; Sept. 26-November 20. The Old Alabama Town Herb Society (OATHS) is gearing up for its 4th Annual Scarecrows in the Garden. This year’s theme is “Wonders of Nature,” and all scarecrows will be made with materials found in nature, as far as is possible.

Backyard Orchards 6585 Hwy 431 North, Eufaula, AL. (334) 370.6490. U-Pick It Farm with fresh fruits, veggies and pumpkins! Fall Festival September 26 – October 31st. Please visit us at backyardorchards.com for more information.

Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery (334) 514.4457 Come along with us on a ride through Montgomery’s dark history. You will visit places of those souls who according to legend won’t or can’t rest. Listen to our ghostly tales of events, some long past, that happened along the quiet streets of the Capitol City. You will tour Montgomery’s most macabre locations in a real hearse. She is a licensed taxi, but not like any other cab you’ve encountered. She has been modified to accommodate 6 living passengers. The hearse “Hilda” is a 1988 rare Chevrolet Caprice built by Eureka of Canada. Only a handful of these cars were ever built. Tours will leave The Alley every hour on the hour beginning each evening in October starting at 7:00pm; the last tour is at midnight each night. Reservations are strongly suggested due to the limited seating capacity. Call us and make your reservation and our “hearsetess” will meet you at the water tank at The Alley and get you prepared for the tour. The cost is $15.00 per person, cash only please. Some descriptions of death and graphic descriptions of actual events are discussed in grave detail. Haunted Hearse Tours might not be suitable for everyone. Please visit us at http://www.hauntedhearsemgm.com/

(ad on page 62)

www.montgomeryzoo.com; October 15-18, 22-25, 29-31. 6:00-9:00pm. A safe alternative to Halloween, ZooBoo provides a fun-filled evening of games, treats, and costumed characters, Enjoy education presentations, and the traditional haunted ride.

Fall Farms

Corn Dodgers Farm 1555 Knowles Road, Headland, AL. www.corndodgersfarm.com. Corn field maze, pumpkin barn (pick your own), cow train ride, corn cannon, pony rides, corn box, sunflower path, hay rides, pipe maze, farm-sized tic-tac-toe, and more! Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkin Patch Lazenby Farm, 11546 Lee Rd 54, Auburn. (334) 321.7946, www.lazenbyfarm.com; Saturdays, 10:00am-6:00pm. Open during the week for field trips. Hayrides, pick a pumpkin/cotton, corn maze, corn crib, pony rides, country store and more. Call to schedule your group, schools, daycare or parties! Dream Field Farms 6376 Highway 82, Union Springs, Al. (334) 534.6976. www.dreamfieldfarms.com; Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, train rides, corn maze, child-sized haybale maze, corn cannon, tractor-pulled hay rides, inflatables, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, farm animals and more. October 1 – November 1. Farmer in the Dell Pumpkin Patch On Wire Road 6 miles west of the Vet School.

www.montgomeryparents.com

(ad

910 (33 sun pet ride mu sion Sat cial Frid

(ad

Hea ww in O 10: 1:0 abo pro

5, es, n

(334) 750.3792. Pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, child-sized hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides and more. Jack-O-Lantern Lane at The Oaks L.L.C. 18151 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lafayette, Al. (334) 864.0713. Pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, petting zoo, inflatable park, train rides, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, face painting, and more. Friday 12:00-5:00pm; Saturday 9:00am6:00pm; Sunday 12:00-6:00pm. Also available by reservation Monday-Friday for school, church, daycare field trips and more. Please visit us at www. jackolanternlane.com.

Paradise Pumpkin Patch (ad on page 61)

910 County Road 79 South, Eufaula, Al. (334) 695.2258. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower and cotton fields, giant inflatable park, petting zoo, playground, cow train, hay rides, pony rides, covered wagon rides pulled by a team of mules, giant corn box and hay bale mazes, concessions, and gift shop. September 26 - November 4. Saturdays 9 am-6 pm and Sundays 11-6 pm. Special event dates and field trips available MondayFriday. www.paradisepumpkinpatch.com.

The Pumpkin Patch Express (ad on page 67)

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera, Al. www.hodrrm.org; Every Saturday and Sunday in October. Train boards and departs Saturdays 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm; and Sundays 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Enjoy an autumn train ride aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express that lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, including our time at the

Pumpkin Patch. At the Pumpkin Patch, riders will deboard to enjoy a hayride, jump station, coloring, and temporary tattoos (all activities are included in the price of your ticket). Snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase. Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch for an additional fee. Reservations recommended. The Pumpkin Patch at Barber Berry Farm 2362 Alabama River Parkway, Millbrook, Al. www.barberberryfarm.com; October 10-30. Hayride, pumpkin patch, pick your own pesticide-free fruit and veggies. Yeargan Farms Pumpkin Patch (334) 375.2424, Located on Hwy 14 just past the Ocmulgee subdivision, Selma, AL. From now through October 31st. Pumpkin patch, corn maze, inflatables, games, country store, hay rides, local arts and crafts vendors and more.Â Plan a field trip or birthday party or bring a group from church. For more information, contact Angie Yeargan, 334375.2424 or email angieyeargan@yeargan.com. Please visit www.yeargan.com.

School Festivals Autauga Academy PTA Fall Festival Saturday, October 17 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., Autauga Academy Gymnasium. Dinner, Games, Haunted Trail. Come join us for an evening of fun! Call (334) 365.4343. Edgewood Academy Fall Festival (334) 567.5102, 5475 Elmore Road, Elmore, AL Tuesday, October 27, Please call for times. Carnival, games, cake walk, hayride, inflatables, and much more. Costume contest divided by age group. Ticket prices at the door.

Fall Family FunFest at Bear Exploration Center Tuesday, October 20th, 3:40 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., At the Bear Exploration Center sporting field. Preschool age children and parents are free. Wristbands are available for purchase at the gate. Concessions available for purchase. Fun activities for all ages will include Pony Rides and Hay Rides, Inflatableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Karaoke, Face Painting, Bead Art, games and so much more. Come join the fun! Everyone is welcome. 2525 Churchill Dr. near the intersection of Woodley Road and McGehee Road. Please call 284.8014.

Fall Festival at Alabama Christian Academy

(ad on page 15 and Inside Back Cover)

Thursday, November 5th, from 3-6 p.m. Inflatables, Pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen and chili cook off. Each class sponsors games for children of all ages. Concessions will be available. Admission is $5. Please call 277.1985 for more information. Fall Festival at Montessori Academy 1025 South Hull Street Friday, October 23, 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Pony rides, Inflatables, Face Painting, Cup Cake Walk, Games and Prizes. Admission fee charged. Alumni and grandparents are always welcome. Call 262.8685 for information.

Arts & Crafts Festivals 4th Annual Make a Memory Day Free Fall Family Fun Outdoor Event (ad on page 65)

Taking place at the Union Station Train Shed at 300 Water Street in downtown Montgomery on Sunday, October 18th from 1-4 pm. October is Pregnancy

0. p-

rn y e!

ore

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

and Infant Loss Awareness Month, as well as the birth month of Wendy & Nathan’s baby boy, Owen. Continuing H.A.L.O’s goal of educating and raising public awareness regarding such loss, H.A.L.O’s Make A Memory Day is a free event and everyone is welcome. The event will feature live music by Bama Breeze, Andrew McCarter, Ryan John Band, Larry Arrington. Enjoy: Live characters, face painting, balloon twisting, games, pumpkin patch, bounce houses, refreshments. Families are encouraged to come out to enjoy a time of togetherness and fun. Please no Halloween costumes or pets. Event T-shirts available for a donation to H.A.L.O. For more information about H.A.L.O., the event, sponsor the event or volunteer please visit the www.honoringangelslikeowen.org. 6th Annual Riverwalk Wine Festival Riverwalk Park, Montgomery. www.funinmontgomery.com; October 17, 2:00-5:00pm. Includes wine tasting from 10 different distributors representing over 100 wineries. Admission is $25 per person and will include: Etched commemorative wine glass,discounted wine purchases from participating local wine shoppes, food vendors, live music, picnic baskets and coolers are welcome, and more! 17th Annual Charis Crafters “Home for the Holiday” Craft Show November 12-14. The Charis Crafters 17th Annual “Home for the Holidays” Craft Show will return to Wetumpka Alabama the second weekend in November at the Wetumpka Civic Center. New this year is the addition of a Preview Show on Thursday, Nov 12th, 4-7p.m. The show continues Friday, Nov 13th, 9am-7pm and Saturday Nov 14th 9am – 2pm. Tickets are available in advance and at the door for $5.00. One ticket is good for all three show days! Door prizes will be given away every hour.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

The Craft Show features a variety of handmade items as well as homemade delight available for purchase. These pieces are perfect for gift giving, home decor and Holiday decorating! 20th Annual Arts on the River 1100 Block of Broadway, Columbus, Ga. October 18. 11:00am-5:00pm. The fine art show and sale includes paint, photography, hand-thrown pottery, and sculpture, with some artists performing live demonstrations. Free. 23rd Annual Alabama Cotton Festival October 24th from 8:00 a.m. -2 p.m. Eclectic, Al. Vendors will line Main Street with a wide variety of delectable food and unique wares, as local dancers strut their stuff, ‘Bama’s best bands play live and lovely ladies vie for the coveted tiaras of Alabama’s Cotton Queens. Music by the Josh Brannon Band and Nashville duo The Springs will make this year’s Alabama Cotton Festival a can’t-miss event for the River Region. The festival also features a variety of contests, including a car show, photography and art contests and the annual taste-off to see who can bake the best Sweet Treat. Registration forms for each contest can be found either in the front lobby of the Eclectic Municipal Building at 145 Main Street in Eclectic. Please visit us at townofelectic.com. 25th Annual Christmas Made in the South Columbus Convention & Trade Center, Ga. www.madeinthesouthshows.com; November 13-15. Amazing craftspeople, outstanding art, unique gourmet food, and diverse entertainment to whet and satisfy every demanding appetite. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearables to fabric bags, glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature’s funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more!

Adults $7.00, Children 12 & under-Free; admission good for all 3 days. 35th Annual Oktoberfest Charles E. Bailey, Sr. Sportplex, Alexander City, AL. www.alexandercityonline.com; October 10. Daylong celebration features local arts and crafts, great food, entertainment, Kid-Fest children’s activities, sports programs, antique car show and much more. A Native American Artifact show is our newest showcase. 37th Annual Alabama Tale Tellin’ Festival Presented by ArtsRevive Earl Goodwin Theatre at Wallace Community College, Selma, Al. www.artsrevive.com; October 9-10. 5:30 p.m. Hear tales told by popular storytellers Bill Lepp and Wanda Johnson along with Reggie and Kim Harris. Each performance features new stories and music. The Swappin’ Ground, where amateurs can tell their own tales, starts at 6 p.m. with the main event at 7.. Sponsored by ArtsRevive, admission is $15 for adults for one night or $25 both nights, $10 for students ages 9-17 for one night and $15 for both nights, and free for children age eight and under. Tickets will be sold at the door or in advance through PayPal. Call 334-878-2787, email info@artsrevive.com or visit artsrevive.com, and find ArtsRevive on Facebook. 44th Annual Harvest Day Festival Headland, Al. www.headlandal.com; October 10. 9am-3pm. Arts and crafts, children’s games and rides, wonderful food and entertainment. 44th Annual National Shrimp Festival Gulf Shores, Al. October 8-11. Over 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, a retail marketplace and of course, SHRIMP!!

www.montgomeryparents.com

49 &

(ad

His ww 9:0 BBQ chi Fire free Hom

52 Blu Hoo tob Par loca Brin adm

59 Lio ww fille tain live cra

61 ww Thr loca

61 Gar ww Mid Col

eat , re.

10.

. ve,

en oor , ,

49th Annual Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair

Brothers, Lynrd Skynyrd , food, information and commercial booths, kids area, livestock and other competition, family faith day, and more!

Historic Marks House, Pike Road, Al. www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com; November 7, 9:00am-4:00pm. Shop the arts and crafts and eat BBQ, sweets, and more! Special activities for the children too- face painting, a tour of the Pike Road Fire Department’s Mobile Fire Safety House and free “make and take” crafts will be provided by Home Depot.

68th Annual Lee County Fair US 431 near Opelika High. 334-749-3353. September 29-October 3. Livestock shows, contests, exhibits, pageants, rides and much more.

(ad on page 64)

52nd Annual Bluff Park Art Show Bluff Park Community Center, 517 Cloudland Dr. Hoover, Al. www.bluffparkartassociation.org; October 3. 9:00am-5:00pm. Sponsored by the Bluff Park Art Association and includes more than 130 local and national artists displaying fine art for sale. Bring the kids to enjoy some hands on art fun. Free admission, parking and shuttles. 59th Annual Central Alabama Fair Lion’s Fair Park, 2401 W. Dallas Ave. Selma, Al. www.centralalabamafair.com; October 5-10. Funfilled event offering a midway with rides, entertainment, beauty pageant, agricultural exhibits, livestock judging and a competition for local arts, crafts, canning, sewing, and more! 61st Annual Cullman County Fair www.cullmanfair.com; September 24-October 3. Thrilling rides, amazing exhibits, and the best in local and regional entertainment. 61st Alabama National Fair Garret Coliseum, Montgomery, Al www.alnationalfair.org; October 30-November 8. Midway rides, main stage entertainment including Cole Swindell, Anthony Hamilton, The Heritage

72nd Annual National Peanut Festival 5622 U.S. Hwy. 231 S., Dothan, Al. www.nationalpeanutfestival.com; November 6-15. Headliners Tyler Farr, Rush of Fools, Marshall Tucker Band and Maddie & Tae. Livestock exhibits, competitions, demolition derby, crafts, food preservation, recipe contests, entertainment, carnival rides, sea lion show, and much more! Alabama Gourd Festival Cullman Civic Center. www.alabamagourdsociety. org; October 17-18. Theme: Alabama the Gourdgeous. Annual festival features gourd arts and crafts, such as birdhouses, musical instruments and decorated gourds. Alexander City Fall Family Festival Russell Crossroads, Alexander City, Al. www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com; October 31 Join friends and neighbors for pumpkin painting, a costume contest, wagon rides and more, courtesy of Russell Lands on Lake Martin. Boll Weevil Festival Enterprise, Al. www.enterprisedowntown.org; October 17. Arts and crafts vendors, variety of music, food, children’s costume contest and activities, farmers market, car show, family entertainment. Christmas Village Festival Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham. www.christmasvillagefestival.com; November 4-8.

The largest indoor arts, crafts, and gifts show in the south, this show draws exhibitors from over 30 states with products like clothing, jewelry, food, decorations and much, much more. Cotton Pickin’ County Fair Gay, Ga. www.cpfair.org; October 3-4. Return to 1910 where the Farmhouse, the Cotton Gin, and the Cotton Warehouse form a unique backdrop for a great day of 21st century fun. Amidst skilled artisans and antique specialists, the Fair shares remnants of farm life in days gone by. New talent keeps the festival fresh and interesting while returning artists welcome loyal customers seeking to add to individual collections. Country Living Fair Stone Mountain Park, Ga. October 23-25. A fun, folksy and fabulous show and sale of folk art, antiques, “Made in America” crafts, art, furniture, home decor and more. Meet the editors of Country Living Magazine, attend seminars and how-to’s, artisan demonstrations, Harvest & Gourmet Market, and fall festivities. New for 2015! Country Living Fair and Kikkoman to hold first ever grill off contest on Sunday, October 25th. Please visit us at www. stonemountainpark.com. Fall Farm Day & Festival Landmark Park, Dothan. www.landmarkpark.com; October 17. Learn how peanuts were harvested in the Wiregrass a half-century ago. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of cane grinding, syrup making, butter churning, basket weaving, soap making and other traditional farm activities. Plus, food, music and antique tractors and farm equipment Harvest Hoe Down Warm Springs, Ga. www.warmspringsga.us; October 10-11. Enjoy this fall celebration with arts, crafts, good food, entertainment and more!

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Hummingbird Festival Hogansville, Ga. www.hummingbirdfestival.com; October 17-18. Main Street will be bustling with food, crafts, antiques, music, local artists, open storefronts, rides, and activities for the whole family. Indian Festival & Pow-Wow Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard inside Stone Mountain Park, Ga. October 29-November 1. Experience Native American culture through dance & drum competitions, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking samples and storytelling activities. Learn about primitive skills such as flint-napping, bow making, fire starting, open fire cooking and pottery. Find that one-of-a-kind holiday gift in our artists’ marketplace, where world-renowned Native artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer items for purchase. Please www.stonemountainpark.com. Merry Market Callaway Conference Center, Campus of West Georgia Technical College, LaGrange, Ga. www.merrymarketlagrange.com; October 22-24. Thursday: Preview Party and Silent Auction: Enjoy this kick-off event and first chance to buy a variety of items. Your ticket $25 includes food, beverages, music and admission to the market for the entire time the market is open! Friday-Saturday: General Admission tickets $5. Peanut Butter Festival Brundidge, Al. www.piddle.org; October 31. A harvest and heritage celebration honoring the town’s proud heritage in the peanut butter industry. The free for all festival features a 5-K Peanut Butter Run, non-stop entertainment, contests, games, exhibits, recipe contest, Peanut Butter Kids Contest and the Nutter Butter Parade and food galore including everything peanut butter.

Pioneer Days Pioneer Museum of Alabama, Troy, Al. www.pioneer-museum.org; October 9-10, 9:00am5:00pm. Horse and wagon rides, trips on the Pioneer Express, Native American camps with demonstrations of candlemaking, spinning, weaving, quiltmaking, blacksmithing, drum, dance, etc. Friday is School Day. Spinners 34th Annual “Pumpkin Patch” Arts & Crafts Show Spinners Park, Prattville, Al. www.spinnersprattville. com; October 24-25. Exhibitors of original art and crafts from throughout the southeast will display their wares. Food vendors, live entertainment, games, a coloring contest and many other activities for children and youth. Door prizes will be given at intervals during the show. Other events include The Great Pumpkin Race, a 5K/8K Race and a one mile Run/Walk, a motorcycle show, jack-o-lantern contest and more. Free admission and free parking. The Greater Columbus Fair Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, Ga. www.columbusciviccenter.org; Oct 13-18. Celebrate the beginning of autumn in the Chattahoochee Valley. Food, rides, games, pageant and more!

Holiday Shopping 27th Annual Montgomery Junior League 2015 Holiday Market Renaissance Hotel, Montgomery. www.jlmontgomery.com; October 15-17. Start the Winter Holiday Season off right with shopping the Jr. League’s Market. Each year, holiday themed booths set up for a great, one-stop-shop for all your Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years items.

Mistletoe Market Friday, November 6, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mistletoe Market, a merchant’s market held at the Family Life Center at Saint Jospeth’s Catholic Church at 511 N. Memorial Drive in Prattville, is a great opportunity to begin your holiday shopping. Great holiday gift ideas including home décor, clothing, jewelry, bed & bath, gift baskets, food gifts and more. 40 vendors. Visit www.visithistoricprattville. com or call 365.7058 for more information.

Church Events Annual BBQ Aldersgate UMC Saturday, October 17th Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s United Methodist Men Organization. For only $8 per box, folks can taste the finest barbecued pork and chicken that Montgomery has to offer on the SAME PLATE, as well as generous sides of baked beans, slaw and bread. Boxes will go on sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Boxes will be available until 2 p.m., or while supplies last. Drive thru pick up service is provided at the front of the church by Boy Scout Troop 306. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or boxes can be bought on the day of the sale. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects for the upcoming year. Projects include Boy Scouts, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other disaster relief organizations, hunger relief (such as the Society of Saint Andrew), short term mission trips, and assistance for the elderly. For more information, contact Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 272-6152 or send email to aldersgateumm@gmail.com

Ald 661 5:3 cra ope cal

An Oct and We bak con sel coo fun cel pro

Blu 447 Sun and Gu or for Ah hou are Go mo

Ch 828 Oct enj ann of c are sca

Da Sun 383 ride

Da Da ma oth 272

Ea Fam Sat 132 Join Gam fam ww

Fir Fa

(ad

Thu Pre Str pop visi

FU Sat 306 sio tre ten gm Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

. thnd .

30 t-

d f t ce

w),

Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival 6610 Vaughn Road, Wednesday, October 28th from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Trunk or Treat, Games, prizes, crafts, hayride, inflatables. A fun-filled family night open to everyone free of charge. For information call 272.6152.

4th Annual

MAKE A MEMORY

Angel Fest October 17 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at St. Michael and All angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook. We are celebrating 17 years of Angel Fest with a bake sale, silent auction, children’s carnival, great concessions, entertainment, and loads of vendors selling unique wares, and the sale of the best cooked Boston Butts in the River Region. Family fun, no admission charged. Come out and help us celebrate Angel Fest. All proceeds go the outreach program of the church! Blue Ridge Baptist Church 50’s Fall Festival 4471 Jasmine Hill Road in Wetumpka Sunday, October 25. Girls pull back your ponytails and put on your poodle skirts and bobby socks. Guys back comb your hair and wear your leather or letter jacket. Come to this free outdoor event for a 50’s and more concert by Reborn Harmony. A hotdog and chili supper. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts. Friendly costumes are welcome. Come celebrate this beautiful season God has given us. Call John Carney at 567.4325 for more information. Christ Community Fall Festival 8285 Ryan Rd.; 273-8110 October 25, 4 p.m. Join us as we come together to enjoy some great food, fun, and fellowship at our annual fall festival. There will be games and plenty of candy! Free and open to the entire public. Kids are welcome to dress up, if they would like. No scary costumes, please. Dalraida Baptist Annual Family Fall Festival Sunday, October 25, 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. 3838 Wares Ferry Road, Games, Prizes, Food, Hayride, Inflatables and More! Please call 272-2412. Dalraida UMC Fall Festival Date to be announced. Please call for more information. Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises. 3817 Atlanta Highway; Please call 272.2190. East Memorial Baptist Church Family Fun Fall Festival Saturday, October 31st, 5-7 p.m. 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville, AL Join us for our annual Family Fun Fall Festival. Games, Blow ups and all sorts of fun for the whole family! For info call (334) 365.7500 or visit us at www.eastmemorial.org.

DAY2015

SUNDAY / OCTOBER 18 / 1pm - 4pm FREE FALL FAMILY FUN RAIN or SHINE

Everyone is invited! more info: 334.328.1202 www.HonoringAngelsLikeOwen.org

Union Station Train Shed

MUSIC

Andrew McCarter

300 Water St

Montgomery, AL

36104

Fair Food FUN & GAMES Event Live T-shirts* Characters Bounce * Available for a donation to HALO Houses Raffle

Bring your family to enjoy the live music!

Larry Arrington

Bama Breeze

Pumpkin Patch

Face Painting

Games

Ryan John Band

Please no costumes. No pets allowed. * We are a 501(c)3 organization, therefore your contributions are tax deductible.

SPONSORS In memory of Liam Weston Guy - Sam & Joanie Cobb In Memory of Owen Wood Blakley - Old Lebanon Baptist Church In Memory of Elijah Griffin Hill - Hughes Service Company - PJ’s Rentals - Magnolia Cremations and Embalming Services

In memory of Blake Clement Murphy

In memory of Lane Ashton McCullers

In memory of Lillie Grace Thompson

First Baptist Church Prattville Fall Festival (ad on page 42)

Thursday, October 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Preschool-Sixth Grade. 138 South Washington Street. Games, Rides and Prizes! Free admission, popcorn and cotton candy! For more information visit fbcprattville.org or call 365-0606. FUMC Wetumpka Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 31st from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. 306 W. Tuskeena Street. Contest, games, concessions, inflatables, cake walk, dunking booth and treats for all ages. Parents are encouraged to attend with child. Call 567-7865, email: sean.eiland@ gmail.com or visit www.fumcwetumpka.com.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

FUMC Montgomery Fall Bazaar (ad on page 66)

Wednesday, October 7th. Luncheon $12 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Featuring Birmingham Harmony Belles Music of the 40’s. Shopping & Silent Auction 1:00-7:00 p.m. Wesley Hall Baked Goods • Frozen Foods • Garden Treasures • Gifts & Crafts • Kid’s Closet • Nice as New • Red’s Little School House BBQ Dinner $10 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. Park Avenue Parking Lot Kid’s Chicken Finger Meal: $5 Please call 834-8990 for more information. Tickets can be purchased for $10 by calling the church. First United Methodist Church, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery.

FUMC Fall BBQ (ad on page 66)

October 7th from 5-7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Montgomery. Fun for the whole family! A real picnic with great barbeque and all the fixins. For more information call 834-8990. Gateway Baptist Church Fall Family Festival Saturday, October 31st, 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. 3300 Bell Road, Free admission. Games, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones and Trunk or treat. Little bit of something for everyone. Call 272-9494 for more information. Harvest Family Church Trunk or Treat Fall Carnival Saturday, October 31st, 4-5:30 p.m. 7245 Copperfield Drive. All superheroes, princesses and minions (and their families!) are invited to stuff their bags with candy and enjoy fun games at a FREE carnival presented by the folks at Harvest Family Church in the Copperfield community. FREE hotdogs will be provided (while they last) and a TV will be showing football for those who just can’t

pull away! For more info: (334)277-1156| www.harvestfamilychurch.com Metropolitan UMC Fall Festival 3108 Rosa Parks Drive October 3 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Community is welcome. Food will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own grills, picnic baskets, tents and lawn chairs. Live entertainment featuring local choirs and musicians: Gospel, jazzgoodmusic. Fun and games for the kids. Come out and spend the afternoon with your neighborhood church and let’s get to know each other. Contact us at (334) 263.0950. Millbrook First UMC Trunk or Treat “Family Game Night” will be the theme of an annual “Trunk-or-Treat” event hosted by Millbrook First United Methodist Church and Coosada Baptist Church on Sunday, October 25th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Food Outlet parking lot. Participants can win door prizes if they register at the “door” and you must be present to win. All ages are welcome. A costume contest will be held and free popcorn, snow cones, and cotton candy will be available. Get your game-night themed costume ready and come join the fun! Mulder UMC Fall Festivities Trunk or Treat, Thursday, October 29, 6 - 8 p.m. 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Fun for the whole family. Free hot dog supper, hayrides, inflatables, games with prizes, candy and face painting. For more info call 567-4225. Ridgecrest Baptist Church Harvest Revival Sunday, October 25-28 at 6:15 p.m. 5260 Vaughn Rd, Potluck fellowship will follow the October 25 service. For more info, call 277.0011.

Saint James UMC Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat 9045 Vaughn Road Sunday, October 25th, 5 until 6:30 p.m. Inflatables, candy, hayride, pizzas and much, much more. For more info, call Jennifer at 277-3037. Taylor Road Baptist Church Treats the Town 1685 Taylor Road, next to Shoppes at Eastchase. Friday, October 30, Gates open at 6 p.m. FREE FOOD. Hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, peanuts, cookies, candy, games, Treat Street, hayrides, and family pictures. Family Atmosphere. NO scary costumes please. Call 271-3363 for more info. Thorington Road Baptist Church Fall Festival Sunday, October 18th, 3 p.m. -5 p.m. 450 Ray Thorington Road. Come join us for inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Rain or shine! Call 396.9376.

The New Testament Christian Center Annual Fall Festival (ad on page 40))

10300 Highway 80 East (next to Jenkins Brick Company and Buck Masters) Saturday, October 24 at 2 p.m. We will have Hay Rides, Games, Food, Inflatables and much more. For more information, please call 215.7215 or call Ms. McCall at 717.9009.

Out of Town/State Fun 7th Annual Agape Adoption Celebration Saturday, November 7, at the Dreamfield Farms and Pumpkin Patch in Union Springs, Ala. The com-

mu fam cele iste aga

12 Sto 25 tha gam ing as ING and Par the &G

24 Tan 31s fun gro of t par trad mo eve pon fes gro cre

29 Art Euf 11. cra giv fea

30 Ant ww (Th spin Sou Ant ing nig

Ben

B& ww Live mo

Cre The ww 12: of s me

Dra New ww -No cur you full Thi tion Cou res clu hem Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

d -

munity event provides an opportunity for adoptive families to come together, build relationships and celebrate God’s unique plan for their family. To register your family for the event, please email info@ agapeforchildren.org or call (334) 272.9466. 12th Annual Pumpkin Festival Stone Mountain Park, Ga. September 25-October 25 (Fridays-Sundays). Take in all of the splendor that autumn provides with attractions, fun-filled games, shows and more. Follow the life sized telling of The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin as you wind your way through Spookley’s A-MAZEING Adventure. Join Spookley the Square Pumpkin and lift his friends into the air for a Dance-A-Long Party Parade that dances through Crossroads, and then meet him at Spookley’s Pumpkin Patch Meet & Greet. 24th Annual Halloween Fairyland Tannehill State Park. www.tannehill.org; October 31st. The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include a moon walk, clowns, face painting, pony rides and sand art. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival tee shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal. 29th Annual Indian Summer Arts and Crafts Festival Eufaula, Al. www.eufaulachamber.com; October 1011. The district will be lined with handmade arts art crafts, perfect for the home, garden or holiday gift giving. Food and all types of games and activities featured. 30th Annual Tour of Southern Ghosts Antebellum Plantation, Stone Mountain, Ga. www.stonemountainpark.com; October 9-25 (Thurday-Sunday). Meet professional storytellers spinning their tales of famous (and not-so-famous) Southern Ghosts along the lantern-lit paths of the Antebellum Plantation grounds- never too frightening and always appropriate for young children. Each night offers a different cast of six storytellers. BOO 20 Halloween Party ‘Monsters Inc’

Benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of AL

B & A Warehouse, Birmingham, Al. www.boohalloweenparty.com; October 30. 8:00pm. Live music, M-80’s singing, costume contest and more. Open to adults 21 yrs and older. Creepy Wonderful Critters ‘Spiders’ The Forest Ecology Preserve, Auburn. www.auburn.edu/preserve; October 24. 10:00am12:00pm. Come learn all about the intriguing world of spiders known to exist in the world. $5 nonmembers, $4 members, 3 yrs and under free. Dracula Newnan Theatre Company, Newnan, Ga. www.newnantheatre.org; October 22-25, 29 -November 1. I want your fear. For your fear, like a current, rushes through your body. Your fear makes your heart pound, it renders your veins rich and full. Your fear hemorrhages deliciously within you.” This adaptation restores the suspense and seduction of Bram Stoker’s classic novel to the stage. Count Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, who try to piece together the clues of his appearance in a valiant attempt to save hemselves from a hideous fate.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Fall Family Fun Days- The Rock Ranch The Rock, Ga. www.therockranch.com; September 26-November 15. Open 10:00am-8:00pm each Saturday, guests will enjoy themed entertainment plus Train Rides, Hay Rides, a Petting Zoo, Zip Lines, Pony Rides, the Pumpkin Cannon, Tiny Town and much more! Hats Off To Heroes- September 26. Lumberjack Day-October 3. Featuring collegiate Timbersports competition. Day of the Cowboy- October 10. Hot Air Balloon Rally- October 17. The Great Outdoor Adventure- October 24. The ‘Not-So-Spooky’ Halloween Festival- October 31. Pumpkin Destruction Day- November 7. Fields of Fear Haunted Hayride Freeman Rd, off Highway 49N, Dadeville, Al. www.eaglecreekhayride.com; October 10, 17, 24, and 31. 7:30-11:30pm.What really lurks in the deep hollows of the woods in Central Alabama? On your tour, bring someone you can hold tight because when you dare to venture down the Fields of Fear Hayride, the last thing you want is to be alone. Judgement Journey 2015 552 Hammett Road, LaGrange, Ga. www.judgementjourney.com; October 2-3, 9-10, 1617, 23-24, 30-31 . A ministry of Faith Baptist Church, Judgement Journey was started in 1997 as a method of presenting the events of the end of the world, as the Bible describes them. The vision was to present various ‘scenes’ where each person could experience a multisensory presentation of how the Bible describes what is yet to come. The event is held each year on the church campus on a ‘trail’ that meanders around the property. Owl-O-Ween and Fall Festival Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham. 205-663-7930, Ext. 4. October 24. Features children’s activities, wildlife presentations and educational programs. Free after paid admission to park. Pope’s Haunted Farm 450 Lee Rd 724,Salem, Al. 706-566-7766. www.popeshayride.com; October 3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 29-31. Pope’s Haunted Farm has four different events to experience and scare you. Zombie Paintball Safari, Haunted Hayride: Predator, Haunted Barn: Sweet Dreams and Haunted Forest: The Darkness. Tomb of the Risen Dead DeSoto State Park. www.DesotoCavernsPark.com; This October every Thursday & Sunday from 6:309:30 and Friday & Saturdays from 6:30-10:30 Admission $5 per person ages 3+. Attraction Tickets are $25 for the combo, or $15 per attraction for all ages entering the attraction. No refunds will be given for tickets once they’ve been purchased. Our Haunted Halloween Park will feature two incredible haunt attractions: The Labyrinth of Lost Souls and The Tomb of the Risen Dead. The Labyrinth of Lost Souls will be located within our 3/4 acre maze. In The Labyrinth of Lost Souls Attraction each guest will be deciding their own fate and ultimate reward, but not without encountering the assembly of the dead who may long to persuade each and every guest to stray. Our cave will be transformed into the Tomb of the Risen Dead Attraction and our not-so-faint of heart guests will experience a terrifying awakening because the deep is ready to speak. When our thrill seekers exit these attractions they can join in the festival fun and entertainment located on the other side of the park. Whispers From the Past: A Native American Experience Aldridge Botanical Gardens, Hoover. www.aldridgegardens.com; October 4. 10 a.m. - 5:00pm. Explore Native American life through demonstrations featuring flint knapping, cooking, hunting and weapons and activities like leaf pounding, grinding corn and more. mp Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

of fas my an ste to co

wit pu tim sta pe it c an en un

thi ba tha of cli ab the ing as of ch

do tio ne ov ca an str

rain s,

d the ous t is rch ty.

xt.

-24

ets

r e

will ut d o

of g ill

re r-

Baby Steps to Trends, Colors, and Prints I have always enjoyed stepping out of the box a little bit when it comes to fashion. The key is that I am happy with my style, along with being comfortable and confident. It took me taking baby steps to really appreciate and learn to step out with CONFIDENCE when it comes to putting together my look. Now, I wouldn’t say I am extreme with my clothes, however I do enjoy putting a different spin on my style from time to time. And, I think the fact that I started off taking baby steps has allowed people to understand my creativity when it comes to my fashion. Being confident and creative has allowed me to try different types of trends that are tasteful, but understandably noticeable. My clients always tell me the one thing they would like is to step out of their basic look and transition into a new look that works for them...their body type and, of course, their personality. I assure my clients and blog followers that it’s not about changing them, it’s about changing the way they look at fashion, incorporating new changes to fit their personalities, as well as their lifestyle. All with the idea of being comfortable with those new changes. Starting off small will open up many doors when it comes to a new transition. This will also allow you to enjoy the new trend without the stress of trying to overdo it. Because let’s be real...change can be hard. But fashion can be a fun and simple change without the major stress.

1- Start with prints, and start small. You can combine small prints into your accessories with a belt, purse, shoes, jewelry or scarves. When you start small it will allow you to adjust to the possibility of incorporating larger prints into your wardrobe.

* Colors that form right (90 degree) angles with each other (yellow and redorange; blue and violet-red; green and orange, etc.) * Colors directly across from each other (yellow and violet; blue and orange; red and green, etc.) * Colors that form a T (blue, orange, and violet-red; yellow, violet, and red-orange; yellow, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.) * Colors that form an X (blue, orange, violet-red, and yellow, violet, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.)

4- Research. When it comes to mixing your prints and your colors, research fashion magazines, fashion blogs, Pinterest, or ask someone who knows his or her fashion 411’s.

2- Add pops of color. The same goes here. Keep your pops of color simple and work your way up to possibly mixing those colors in with your prints.

3- Enjoy a little color blocking. Find a print on an article of clothing you have hanging in your closet and check out how the designer combined different colors in that print. This will help you get an idea of what colors you can put together when it comes to mixing up your style. Small steps of color blocking can be very beneficial. Start with something solid and incorporate colored accessories here and there. Use the color wheel for an example of mixing up your colors: * Colors directly next to each other (yellow and yellow-orange; yellow and yellow-green; violet and blue-violet, etc.) 69

5- Don’t give yourself just one style--try different types fashion. See how easy it is to transition prints and colors into your simple style. Try these baby steps of change. Then, don’t be afraid to step further out of that fashion box. These are just a few simple changes I know you can mix into your wardrobe.

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Sterling Little Miss Pageants To Be Held November 21

The 6th annual Sterling Miss Christmas Pageants will be held Saturday, November 21, at the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship Hall, located at 511 N. Memorial Drive., in Prattville. This pageant series is for girls who live in Alabama, age newborn to 18 years, with seven age categories: Baby Miss (newborn to 23 mos.), Tiny Miss (24-35 mos.), Petite Miss (3-5 yrs.), Little Miss (6-8 yrs.), Pre-Teen Miss (9 -11 yrs.), Jr. Teen (12 -14 yrs.) Teen Miss (15-18 yrs.). The pageants will begin at 2:30 p.m. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 16. Applications may be found online at www.SterlingMiss.org, in Prattville at the Bridal Boutique & Tux Shoppe, in Clanton at Brenda’s Formals and in Wetumpka at A Touch of Class. Contestants up to 5 years old may wear a long or short pageant dress or heirloom dress. For ages 6 and up, formal wear is a LONG pageant gown. No other outfits are required for this competition. Optional categories include: Most Photogenic, Most Beautiful Dress, Most Beautiful Smile, Most Beautiful Hair, Most Beautiful Eyes and Best Personality. A People’s Choice crown will also be awarded in each age category. Collect votes from family and friends at $1 per vote for the contestant. Votes will be collected at and throughout the pageant. No double crown winners. The money collected benefits Children’s Miracle Network. “Space is limited, so I would suggest sending in the applications early for those who want to compete,” said Director DiDi Henry. She also noted that the November date is scheduled so that winners will have time to enter area Christmas parades before they fill up. “So many of the local parades are held shortly after Thanksgiving, so we want to give our queens time to prepare for all of the upcoming parades.” Check in opens at 1:30 p.m. for all age categories. The entry fee for the event is $40. Optional categories are from $5 to $15 per category. Checks should be made payable to: Sterling Miss Pageants, P.O. Box 763, Montgomery, Alabama 36102. For more info, applications and the Frequently Asked Question fact sheet, visit www.SterlingMiss.org or call (334) 3135444. Like the Sterling Miss Christmas Pageant page on Facebook to get all the latest information.

Tallassee Taekwondo Students Compete

In the Tallassee community, students young and old have the opportunity to learn martial arts from Tracy Daar at the Chung’s Taekwondo & Fitness studio, located on King Street in downtown Tallassee. These students won first-, second- and third-place trophies in forms and sparring competitions at the Fountain City Championship in Prattville recently. (Photo by Missy Hilyer Jones)

ex be da ge fav

ep pa an cre

qu for ite ex

fee fou the

Gir the ab ap gir wil gir pa

ava co ele pe Th plu Mo ad

Sa pe pu mu mi Ch by for pa

mi the en ch Fo ww Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

o 5 12

d an-

tial t

Montgomery Zoo Offers ‘Behind the Scenes’

The Montgomery Zoo invites you to experience the zoo in a new way with a behind the scenes experience on Saturdays. Start your football game day by getting up close and personal with your favorite team’s mascot. Alabama fans can tour the African elephant barn, gain insight from zookeepers, participate in an elephant training session, and take home a unique artistic keepsake created by the elephant. Auburn fans can see the tigers’ night quarters, talk to the zookeeper who cares for the tigers, and build a food enrichment item that the tigers will feast on in the exhibit. Florida fans can choose the alligator feeding experience, which entails feeding four hungry alligators fish and watching them engulf the fish with great intensity. For those giraffe fans, we offer the Giraffe Experience. Participants will tour the giraffe barn, listen to a zookeeper talk about their work with giraffes, and have a personal and unique encounter with a giraffe. Lastly, those on this encounter will watch a training session as one of our giraffes is target trained to create a unique painting. Tickets for these experiences are available now at www.montgomeryzoo. com, or at the zoo’s ticket office. The elephant, giraffe, and tiger tours are $65 per person, plus regular zoo admission. The alligator experience is $10 per person, plus regular zoo admission. Of course, Montgomery Zoo members receive free admission. The zoo offers these experiences on Saturdays only. Space is limited to 6-10 people, depending on which encounter is purchased. Each encounter reservation must contain a minimum of 2 people. The minimum age to participate is 6 years old. Children ages 6-12 must be accompanied by an adult, and the adult must also pay for the experience and zoo admission. All participants must wear close-toed shoes. Participants must purchase tickets 30 minutes in advance of scheduled times for the giraffe, elephant, and alligator experiences. The tiger encounter must be purchased by 5 p.m. on the Friday preceding. For complete tour details and times visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

F o r E v E r y G E n E r at i o n . Prattville First United Methodist Church • 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 TRADITIO NAL W O RSH IP 8: 30 AM & 11: 00 A M SUNDAY SCH O O L 9: 45 AM TH E W ELL 11: 00 AM

www.prattvillemethodist.org

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

A Page in a Book Feeling Right at Home in a Book Home means different things to everyone. Home can be a house, a town, or a country. Home can be defined by the presence of family, the company of friends or the sense of community. It can be a place of refuge, a place to rest, and a place for reunion. But in the best of circumstances, home is the place where we are most comfortable; the place where it is easiest for us to be ourselves. The following titles explore different homes, leaving home and coming home – with each tale connected by the common thread of appreciation for the things that make our homes so uniquely special to each of us.

Home

by Carson Ellis (Candlewick Press) The whimsical folk art style of Carson Ellis creates the perfect common thread that ties together the magnificent sampler of living spaces featured in “Home”. The reader is introduced early to a country home in a pastoral setting and an apartment in the heart of the city. But the tour of homes quickly takes a surprising and delightful turn as homes from history appear alongside modern abodes. Palaces of mythical beings take turns with cultural dwellings in this unpredictable parade of homes. While the wild swings between real and imagined houses could become silly, Ellis treats the sense of home for each occupant with dignity and beauty. Throughout the book, the occupants’ lifestyles anchor each abode, their personal signatures transforming every house into a home for those living inside.

The Day the Crayons Came Home

by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers (Penguin / Philomel) In this hilarious follow-up to Daywalt and Jeffers’ colorful debut “The Day the Crayons Quit”, Duncan’s crayons are as disgruntled as ever. But this time they have been scattered, damaged, and lost, and they (mostly) just want to come home to their crayon box. Through a series of postcards (addressed to Duncan’s room), each wayward crayon has a tale of woe and a plea for Duncan’s help to get them back home. Semi-melted, partially digested, oversharpened, and under-appreciated crayons can only take so much adventure before they just want back in the box they call home. But with their new shapes and sticky additions, new and improved digs may be just the ticket for the crayons’ homecoming. Full of fun details cleverly tucked into the illustrations, this new ‘crayons’ book promises to be a favorite repeat read!

Audrey’s Tree House

by Jenny Hughes and Jonathan Bentley (Scholastic Press) Audrey is certain that she has grown too big for the small house she shares with her Dad. And after some scouting around the yard, she convinces him to build her a place of her own in a tall tree. Audrey insists that it needs a spiral staircase, a place to sip tea, and more features to make it her perfect new home. As her Dad builds the bigger place to her specifications, it appears that Audrey will soon have the ideal place to live. But when the last nail is pounded and Dad collects his tools to return to his small house, Audrey’s big space seems to come with big worries. When she completes her list of worries to her Dad, he reminds her that even though she has grown bigger, she always has a snug bed in a warm house with soup for two just beneath the tree. ‘Audrey’s Tree House’ is a loving testament to the idea that little houses can often be cozier with love filling them up. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

its pro pe vis tha thi tur “Th

Me to ret Th the sm Dr.

lag car au “I “Sl ma sta an vo Wa “M Sa

e st s

ile e ch

ADT Presents 2015 “Mistletoe” Performance The Alabama Dance Theatre will open its 29th season with Montgomery’s holiday production of “MISTLETOE,” which will be performed November 13-15 at The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. More than 90 dancers and artists participate in this year’s elaborate production which features “Favorite Dances of Christmas” and “The Messiah” with live music. One of ADT’s signature pieces, “The Messiah”, choreographed by Amelie Hunter to George Frideric Handel’s famous score, returns by popular demand to the Davis Theatre Stage. It will be accompanied by the Montgomery Chorale Ensemble and a small orchestra under the new direction of Dr. James Seay. “Favorite Dances of Christmas”, a collage of dances set to beautiful Christmas carols and songs, will feature the return of audience favorites including “First Noel,” “I Saw Three Ships,” “We Three Kings,” “Sleighride” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Other favorites returning to the stage are “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Down To the River to Pray.” New “Favorite Dances” will include Janie Alford’s “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and “Mary Did You Know?” choreographed by Sara Sanford.

Performances are Friday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 14, at 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 15, at 2:30 p.m. at The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 19, and range in price from $15 to $30. All tickets are discounted. Tickets are $15 for children 12 and under. Reserved and general admission tickets are available at www.alabamadancetheatre. com. For more info, call (334) 241-2800.

** The Alabama Dance Theatre, along with Troy University of Montgomery, will host a special open dress rehearsal in honor of our Military on Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m. at the Davis Theatre. The performance is open to all active duty, retirees, reserve and national guard military personnel and their families who present a valid government military ID card at the door. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance and at Maxwell/Gunter ITT. **

er y

m at

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Go roo flu for ev yo of Tre is t at sh ba cu

AR dim wa of

Sm pe ho tha du Co su in

de to ma ve to yo wh

Gather these objects for possible display and put them aside for finishing touches later. Your child is growing up, sure, but a few reminders of childhood can provide comfort and a sense of history.

When is the last time you let your child inspire you? With so many sources of online inspiration, it’s easy to find inexpensive embellishments for transforming any bedroom from blah to beautiful through the eyes of your teenage beholder. Follow these steps for bicker-free results.

Clean Inside & Out. You will likely get some resistance from your teen when cleaning supplies invade her hallowed space. But a deep clean while you are preparing to redecorate is sure to make future clean-ups quicker and easier. Once you explain this, your enthusiasm will likely be met with reluctant compliance. A snack might be helpful at this point to keep everybody’s energy up.

Phase One: Prepare The Canvas Out With The Old. The first job, purging all the items no longer appreciated or wanted, is the hardest. But knowing that a room redo will swiftly follow makes this chore a bit merrier. Have your child select some music and then lead them step-by-step through cleaning out drawers, closets, bookshelves, and cubbies. You’ll be demonstrating an important life skill he will be sure to appreciate someday.

Let Furniture Breathe. Reposition the primary furniture—bed, dresser, desk, vanity, and bedside table—for optimal results. Avoid a cramped feeling, allowing air to flow between all the pieces of primary furniture. If any pieces need a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to tackle the task. Be sure to provide plenty of good ventilation if painting and allow ample time for adequate drying.

Finders Keepers. While de-cluttering, you may come across some nostalgic items that still bring a smile to your teen’s face. Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

1. wh de Am trib be

2. W ma op ha wir tig the wit ho mo su off

Go For Effect. Now is the time to consider what the tone of the room will be. Are you going for more of a dark man cave with fluorescent night lighting for your skater boy? Or are you going for more of a modern shabby chic for your Mr. Darcy fan? Whatever style suits your tween-teen, sum it up in one sentence that you both come up with together. This phrase will guide the rest of the process. Treat The Windows. A great way to create year-round versatility is to hang two layers of curtains. First use a heavy curtain with a tighter weave to block out light and keep in heat. Then add a sheer style curtain on top for warm days. If you provide pullbacks on either side of each window, your child can arrange the curtains to match the temperature and his mood. A Range Of Lighting. If you can put the overhead light on a dimmer, do it. If not, provide an array of overhead, tabletop, and wall lighting combinations that can be adjusted to suit the time of day and your child’s tastes. Smooth Storage. Dirty clothes go in the hamper. School papers get piled in the paper sorter. The activity bag hangs on the hook in the closet. If everything has a place to go in advance, that’s where things will end up. Otherwise expect to find them dumped on the floor in the foyer, kitchen, or on the stairway. Consider the flow of your child’s stuff and make way for what is sure to go in and out. Cubes with sliding drawers or bins come in handy for keeping collections out of sight yet within reach.

Phase Two: Accessorize Away! Now comes the fun part, however, only participate in the decorating phase if you are invited. Your job as the parent is to provide the materials for your child to embellish the room to match his personal tastes and then step out of the way. You can veto anything garish or dangerous, but give your child a chance to explore his own tastes. If you are standing there wrinkling your nose each time he makes a move, that’s not helpful. Here’s what you can provide instead. 1. Dreaming Of Decals. Rather than painting the entire room, which can be costly and time-consuming, why not turn to wall decals to alter the vibe instead? Search on Etsy as well as on Amazon for the most inspired, least expensive deals whether tribal, urban, or romantic. Favorite quotes or sayings may also be available.

ke ur k

oid

ti-

2. Wire The Room. This is not about eavesdropping, although maybe you should! This is about providing your teen with ample opportunities to hang images throughout the room without having to put a hole in the wall each time. Purchase picture wire from your local art supply or hardware shop and loop it tightly around two screws to create a clothesline effect. Anchor the screws if necessary, so the wire will not become heavy with clothes-pinned items and pull the screws out. You can go horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or create a zig-zag pattern using more screws. Hit the laundry section of the local dollar store or superstore for clothespins. Or find colorful mini-clothes pins in office supply stores or online. 75

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

L L 3. Their Name Or Initials. There are lots of options for purchasing monogrammed items for your child’s room. Look on Etsy for items that often don’t cost extra to customize. Or as an inexpensive alternative, pick up your child’s initials from your local art supply store or spell her name out with letters. Then embellish the letters with fluorescent paint, glitter, magazine collages, fabric, or a combination that suits your child’s personality. 4. The Dangle Factor. Don’t forget to look up. Teens often spend a lot of time laying down and looking up at the ceiling. Your teen can make a custom mobile out of images using two styles of photo clip copper mobiles found on Amazon. You can also purchase a three-tier wire hanging basket at your local kitchen supply store or on Amazon and use it to display interesting objects. 5. Don’t Spare The String Lights. Twinkle, twinkle, little lights— string lights are cheap and add instant ambiance. Ask yourself if your child would prefer volume (perhaps a giant twinkling spiral on one bare wall), minimalist (one string where the walls meet the ceiling, utilitarian (several rows of lights with photos clipped right on the light wire), embellished (pink rose lights in a mostly white shabby chic room), or a combo (white lights twisted with tulle and ribbons to grace a headboard). When it comes to string lights, your imagination is the limit. Just be sure to keep those extra bulbs handy so you will be able to find them when you need replacements. 6. Charge it! No, not the credit card. Set up a simple devicecharging station for your little battery-burner. Start by mounting a surge protector against the molding near a power outlet. This will keep it from getting kicked around and yanked out of the wall. Then mount a photo ledge within cord’s reach of the surge protector. Secure the cords to the wall using a cord management system (check out Quirky and Bluelounge brands on Amazon). And, voila! You have a perfect place for your child to park her devices when not in use. 7. Printer Power. Rather than running to the store every time your child wants to print a new photo, stock up on some 4 inch x 6 inch photo paper. Instragram heart collage? No problem. Just print out square photos and cut them to size. New BFF? Print out the selfie on glossy or matte. Ex-boyfriend? Keep a few sharpies around for embellishing old photos in a therapeutic manner. Happy room redo! There is nothing that says, we love you even though you keep growing up on us, like a newly decorated bedroom. mp Christina Katz is a journalist, author, and coach, who enjoys creating seasonal vignettes throughout her home. She is always curious to see what her teenage daughter will dream up each time she decides to re-decorate her room. They both find plenty of decorating inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

www.montgomeryparents.com

an La Th by sch

op do foa Tw tha 11

pa dle mo an a7 ch bir

sor n-

st-

— lf

AUM Named Among Best Southeast Universities

Launch Trampoline Park Lands in Montgomery

Launch Franchising, LLC. announces a new franchise agreement that will bring Launch Trampoline Park to Montgomery. The new park will be owned and operated by Sammy and Christina Razick, and is scheduled to open in early 2016. Launch provides kids of all ages with opportunities to bounce on trampolines, play dodgeball in mid-air or fall into a massive foam pit. The park will be located at 402 Twain Curve in Montgomery, with more than 18,000 square feet of space and about 11,000 square feet dedicated to trampolines. Launch will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has an arcade, restaurant and private party rooms. Mascot “Joey,” a 7-foot-tall green kangaroo mascot, is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events. For more info, check out www.launchmontgomery.com.

Auburn University at Montgomery is one of the best colleges in the Southeast, according to The Princeton Review. The well-known education services company lists the college among its “Best in the Southeast” recommended schools in its “2016 Best Colleges: Region by Region.” Only 140 colleges in twelve Southeastern states made the “Best in the Southeast” list for 2016. “It’s easy to understand why undergraduates are attracted to AUM. After all, from the moment you set foot on campus, it’s evident that this is a school where ‘professors and administrators are genuinely interested in students’ learning and development,’” wrote the editors at The Princeton Review in its website profile on AUM. “We chose AUM and the other outstanding institutions on this list primarily for their excellent academics,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s senior vice president and publisher. Editors of the “best of” lists made their selections based on data the company collected from its survey of administrators at several hundred colleges in each region, as well as its staff visits to schools over the years, and the perspectives of college counselors and advisors whose opinions the company solicits. “We also gave careful consideration to what students enrolled at the schools reported to us about their campus experiences on our student survey for this project,” Franek added. “We designed our 80-question survey to include questions that prospective applicants might ask on a campus visit. Only schools that permit us independently to survey their students are eligible to be considered for our regional ‘best’ lists, and only schools at which we see a strong level of satisfaction among their enrolled students – whom we consider their customers – make it to our final slate of regional ‘best’ college selections.” AUM students reported a classroom experience that is “perfect” for students “who appreciate an interactive learning environment” and seek “opportunities to work closely with faculty.” And, although the majority of students surveyed rated their professors “demanding,” they also noted that AUM faculty are “engaging” and “friendly” and “willing to go the extra mile.” And while AUM’s students tout diversity on the campus — traditional and non-traditional students, from all over the world, and from different backgrounds — and fellow students who are friendly and “laid back,” they also appreciate familiarity and a supportive environment. As one student put it, “Auburn University Montgomery is not just a college. ... It’s a home away from home.” AUM’s full profile is available in The Princeton Review’s “2016 Best Colleges: Region by Region” at http://www.princetonreview.com/bestSEcolleges.

re em

g s

mark

Set in a beautiful community just off Taylor Road in Montgomery, Montessori School at Hampstead provides a handson, tailor-made approach to education that nourishes a student’s curiosity inside and outside the classroom. Our students are able to work at their own pace and receive the time and attention they need to excel. We offer programs not found at other schools such as farm-based and international curricula along with fundamentals, French, Art, and P.E. We welcome students age 18-months to 9th grade.

u ed

s m

334-356-1969 MSHMontgomery.org 77

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

October2015

9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are October 14 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info. YMCA 7 to 11 Club Calling all children ages 7 to 11 for this fun, free event. While Mom and Dad are working out, join us for games, arts & crafts, service projects and more. Earn special beads for participation and try to break records for superior achievements. Monthly special events will be hosted as well. Check with your YMCA center or visit ymcamontgomery.org for more details.

incl incl req mo clas as c ava mili Chi Aub Sat wee the Apr CPR The chil Call Dia Nu We 213 Dia and app Fam Fun dev Clas Con the and hea nut A2 con alis ww Fos Alab spo Are the Chi e-m Inf Tea Ass chil and doll with are not is re for by t spa Bap Ma Bap ant tion is o limi der Pre Incl trai Pre Fun dev Clas any and pre sep sna Alis Fac Pre Bap ers fact bas tech

Calendar/Support Groups Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Grandma’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Also visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities you can do at home. In addition, there are FREE, guided tours of the Museum of Alabama EVERY Saturday at 1 p.m. This is a general overview of Alabama history in our museum galleries led by one of our staff or experienced docents. Stay tuned for upcoming events from the Archives, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-yearolds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac.org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. The CATA has four essential charitable and educational purposes: (1) to promote and develop the growth of tennis in central Alabama area by providing a variety of educational and charitable tennis programs and services; (2) to educate the community concerning the importance or tennis and the benefits that can be derived from tennis; (3) to expand the opportunities in the community for learning tennis and to offer opportunities for learning tennis to individuals who do not have access to tennis; and (4) to provide programs and services in the community that teach participants scholarship and fair play and that permit access to volunteers and instructors who can serve as positive role models and mentors. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 324-1406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286. Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more

info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www. firstwhitehouse.org. Friday Night Hoops Attention students in 5th through 12th grades: Are you looking for something to do on Friday nights? Get together with your friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.-midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for nonmembers. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org. Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at MontgomeryParents.com!

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

in Montgomery, call 1-800-240-9452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka.al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www. blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown. com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www. touralabama.org). W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/ person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit features works of art from top Alabama artists and offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history. Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500. Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area. We will also have interest groups that meet during the month at various times and locations. They could be groups such as canasta, bridge, lunches, movies, etc. General meetings are second Tuesdays September-May at 10 a.m. at the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road. For more information, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-5026 or nschrull@theschrullgroup.com Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri.,

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes trouble-shooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info. Caring For Your Newborn Helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Partners are encouraged to attend. $20 fee per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week evening series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process, medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, Caesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques. Postpartum care and newborn characteristics are included. A maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education. This class is $60 per couple. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more information. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp Fast-paced Saturday class including the same information offered in our weekly series in a compressed format. Maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also

www.montgomeryparents.com

ver

ng art ber or

ng g

497

om -

cts

de rea art

ss to D

Calendar/Support Groups included as a part of this class. Fee is $60 per couple and includes 2 box lunches. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more information. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. Content includes: Traffic Light Eating, Brainy Breakfasts, the Truth about Fats, Powering up with Protein and Play, and more! The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities, and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more information, contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org. Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors, but this class is not a certification class. $10 fee per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Fun, interactive 3-week series of nutrition classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; Optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; Transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more information contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook - www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Baptist Medical Center East class provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experi-

ence and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. $20 per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Slow Flow Yoga Take a break from your desk and relieve stress with some slow flow yoga at Old Alabama Town! Instructor Juliet Thomas provides downtown workers with a convenient way to stretch and reenergize before going back into the office. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to Molton South Building. Enter through the Rose House, located on Columbus St. between N. Hull and Decatur. Parking is available along Decatur and N. Hull. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days) Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. Pay by cash or check payable to Juliet Thomas. Blocks will be provided. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothing, something to easily move around in. Mats and props are provided if needed, although students may prefer their own mat after a few yoga sessions. Bring water to hydrate on your walk back to the office! No sugary drinks or other food allowed. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or (334) 207-0909 or e-mail juliet.yoga@ icloud.com.

Services

American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers for the information desk. These volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/ patients_volunteers.html and fill out the application. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a

October2015 clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact the Sleep Center at 293-8168. Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, call 293-8894.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org. Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the life-long adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Audrey Derevenko at (205) 943-5343 or e-mail adereven@childrensaid.org. Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and get-togethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups. com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 for more info. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345. General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 272-8622 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

Boundaries Study for singles meets each Tuesday through November 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Calendar/Support Groups Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study helps singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For more info, call the Singles office at 495-6386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org. DivorceCare will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. You will experience the GriefShare group as an oasis in the midst of a difficult season of your life. The DivorceCare experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises. Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. Divorce Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays beginning September 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call (334) 495-6386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info. DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K), Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays beginning September 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. This group is for children ages 5 and up and helps children of all ages heal from the pain of their parents’ separation and divorce. Call (334) 495-6386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous meetings Saturdays @ 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Hwy. 231 (Directly across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center), Wetumpka. Call (334) 567-7534. Sundays @ 5 p.m., Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Mondays @ 6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information. “Big Leap!” Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group provides a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills. Through music, art, and play we meet your child or grandchild on their level. We encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 2728622 for more info. GriefShare will begin meeting weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. You will find a warm, caring environment for your journey through grief and loss. You will not be left alone to deal with all the grief issues in your life. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. GriefShare, Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. Meets Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. through March. This FREE group is for individuals, families and caregivers in the River Region. Registration required to attend. HOM provides quality palliative care to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our community affected by terminal illness; maintains the highest ethical standards; and educates the community about the hospice concept and end-of-life issues. For more information or to register, please contact Candace Fales at 279-6677 or cfales@hospiceofmontgomery.org. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen. org or call (334) 328-1202. Hospice of Montgomery (HOM) Grief Support Thursdays in October beginning Oct. 8 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The group will meet at Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. The Grief Support Group is open to the community. HOM’s bereavement program is a voluntary one offered to family members and loved ones of HOM’s patients who want this type of support. Grief education programs are also available to individuals living within Hospice of Montgomery’s service area. For more info, call (334) 279-6677 or visit www.hospiceofmontgomery.org. Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. Our purpose is to glorify God as we serve Him in comforting and encouraging each other in our grief and growth.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

October2015 in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call 272-8622. The Renaissance Spirit Group (an adult day group for Alzheimer’s patients in their early to middle stages) will begin meeting each Thursday from 10 a.m.2 p.m. in Room 3101 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Registration is required. For more info, contact Nancy McLain at (334) 233-2139. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. It will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This Christ-centered recovery will provide a safe place to share and to heal. You will also experience hope and strength for each day. “Celebrate Recovery” will be led by Jeff McFarland. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 p.m. Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-365-4201), for additional information. Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 3101 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 272-8622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com. Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway. For more info, call 652-1431. Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 201-9638 or 652-1431 for more info. Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChase-NE. Turn on Berryhill Rd. by EastChase). Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page. Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info. NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group meets second Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (2712280) for details. OCD Support Group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand-washing, rituals, checking the stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. This group is just getting started so a specific meeting time has not been set yet. Location will be 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 3249568 or Carol at 467-5742.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Par on Par info Tra Sou 6p for or r (33 yah Vet 3rd Fra und OIF Edw 727

D.A Sec in d D.A Are and opp me brin fun by t land (33 La mo in b our with bre acc mee wel you hav us a llli.o Fac Mo age sha chil org Mo Firs 8:3 Bap of a Bibl lot o rese Kell The zati trip am hav fall. MO 305 9:3 little ma the edu Fre MO MO Bap 3rd tim mo mo mo VFC MO Chu

m.ion )

art ys

Tolon

8 ace

y 3. 2ns. ,

e at-

sl r

oor

rofit

ists

al oth

ee must .

ion l

the en e

0 for

Calendar/Support Groups Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more information, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@ yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org. Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more information, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Our leaders are experienced breastfeeding mother volunteers who have completed an accreditation program through LLL International. At monthly meetings mothers share their questions and concerns as well as the benefits and joys of breastfeeding. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail us at LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www. llli.org/groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook facebook.com/LLL.Montgomery.AL. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc. org for more information. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For info, visit http://montgomerymultiplesclub.org. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/ MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Redland Baptist Church in Wetumpka. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month

from 9-11 a.m. during the school year. We will also have scheduled play dates and mom’s nights out through the summer and beyond. Women can come just as they are to build friendships, be encouraged by each other and gain practical parenting strategies. Moms get together to share food, laugh, and hear inspiring speakers. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. In a MOPS group, you experience authentic community, mothering support, personal growth and spiritual hope, all to help you be the best mom possible. For more info, please call (334) 567-8649 or visit www.mops.org/redlandmops.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 365-5977. Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information. “Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.

Single Parents Support

Single and Parenting! A new group for single moms meeting every Tuesday beginning September 8-December 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. for hope, encouragement, guidance and parenting ideas. For more info, call 495-6386 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info. Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, encouragement, and many family-oriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more info, e-mail t2763@aol.com. Join us on Facebook—SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids) for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ideas for families on a budget. TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 2016 pageant date TBA. Visit www. alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo. com for more info. Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare provided. Call Hope Smith at 328-8766 or visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net.

October2015 River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo. com. Special Needs Skate 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Looney’s Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. in Montgomery. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5 admission. For more information, contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): This is a FREE program through Family Guidance Center of Alabama and a partnership with the Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Initiative (AHMREI). LIFT provides relationship and marriage education and real-world skills through fun, distinctive workshops, information & referral services, ongoing support, and the LIFT library. Singles, non-married parents, stepfamilies, premarital couples, and married couples can all enjoy the benefits of LIFT workshops: ELEVATE blends 7 practical skills with an understanding of the physiology of human interaction (the heart-brain-behavior connection). Couples can get skills to help manage stress and reduce conflict. Learn how to relax, get to know each other more deeply, and make your relationship something you look forward to every day! In Relationship Smarts (RS+), participants learn what true love really is, the role of “brain chemicals,” how to build healthy relationships, how to handle breakups, the “red flags” to domestic violence, relationship skills, and so much more. Written for 9th through 12th graders, RS+ is a solid, basic curriculum for adults too. Date Nights! is a program for couples that are in committed relationships. Using the Basic Training curriculum, participants get the unique opportunity to enjoy a date together at a local restaurant- ON US! Topics include benefits of a healthy marriage, communication, surrender, problem-solving as a team, and intimacy. How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette) is a great program for singles and daters. Participants learn the technical definition of a “jerk” and how to spot one, how to build a healthy relationship, and the five things to know in order to be able to predict what someone would be like in marriage. For Couples Only is a must-have for any couple in any stage of their relationship. Using the Mastering the Mysteries of Love curriculum, couples go through intensive training in communication, conflict management, and problem-solving. Smart Steps for Stepfamilies was created for couples where at least one partner is not the biological parent of at least one child in the family. This curriculum is useful for all stepfamily couples regardless of whether the couple is married. A children’s component is often available. Contact Tonya Rogers at 270-4100, trogers@familyguidancecenter.org, or www.familyguidancecenter.org today! Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

This Month

Thursday, October 1

Wetumpka Depot Players Present Love. Loss and What I Wore-- Through October 3 Written by Nora Ephron; directed by Kim Mason. Based on the best-selling book of the same title, Love, Loss and What I Wore is a scrapbook of side-splitting stories about unfortunate prom dresses, the traumatic lighting in fitting rooms, high heels, short skirts, and the existential state of having nothing to wear. The show uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories creating an endearing theatre experience. 7:30 p.m. performances. For ticket info, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Calendar/Support Groups Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Exhibitions Through November 1 William Christenberry: Tracing a Line and Journey Through the Collection: Docent Choices are the two newest exhibitions. William Christenberry is best known for his work in photography and sculpture, but he continually employed drawing to reveal the spirit of his ancestral home and touchstone, Hale County, Alabama. This exhibition brings to light the stunning wealth of these drawings, many previously unseen, from the very beginning of Christenberry’s career in the late 1950s through 2010. Journey Through the Collection: Docent Choices is an exciting first for the MMFA. Museum docents have organized their first exhibition. The docents’ goal is to demonstrate how they use art to teach a variety of subjects in our galleries, and their choices represent an exploration of the permanent collection. The exhibition is divided into five categories: Remembering the Past, How Do They Do It?, A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words, Isms and Styles, and Echoes of the South. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit www. MMFA.org.

Friday, October 2

Friday Night Hoops -- Also October 16 Attention students in 5th through 12th grades: Get together with your friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.-midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for nonmembers. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents ROUTE 66 -- Through October 4 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. October 4. Dinner served one hour prior to showtime. Written & created by Roger Bean. Beginning with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the “Main Street of America” to the California coast with the surf music of the 1960s, this exciting musical revue features 34 of the greatest “Rock ‘n’ Road” hits of the 20th century! Songs include “Dead Man’s Curve,” “King of the Road,” “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Beep Beep,” “Six Days on the Road,” “Little GTO,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and many more. Tickets are $24 and include dinner or $15 without dinner. Visit www.millbrooktheatre. com or call 334-782-7317 for more information and tickets. Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also October 23 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20/first child; $15 per sibling. Pizza and drink provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! October 23 event is trunk-or-treat and reservations are required because there is a limit. Cost is $30 per child; $25 for each sibling for this night only. Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot! Visit www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info.

Saturday, October 3

Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 9 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org. 15th Annual Walk ‘N Wag 8 a.m. Blount Cultural Park. This event brings together dog owners and animal lovers from across the Montgomery area to participate in a one-mile dog walk to help raise money for the Montgomery Humane Society. There will be vendors, pet contests, races and a silent auction to raise funds for Montgomery Humane Society’s homeless pets. Registration on the day of the event is $25. Call (334) 4090622 or visit www.montgomeryhumane.com. Beauty by Fire Ministries Sponsors the 4th Annual River Region Prayer Walk Union Station Train Shed. This is a FREE community event! Registration at 8:30 a.m. and activities begin at 9 a.m. First, we will gather for a praise concert and time of preparation for the walk. Next, we will walk a route through downtown Montgomery using guided prayer. For those

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

who are unable to walk the route, there will be a time of corporate prayer at the train shed. Finally, we will conclude the Prayer Walk at the train shed with a FREE concert led by Surviving the Fall, FREE hot dogs off the grill, and lots of fun fellowship! For more information, contact Brooke Freeman at (334) 300-5407 or visit http://www.beautybyfire. org/. Trekking through the Past: Landmarks Foundation Fall Walking Tours 9 a.m. Oakwood Cemetery, Western Ridge. Michael Panhorst, an expert on stone, iron and cemetery monuments, will join Mary Ann Neeley as we trek through Montgomery’s past with some of its very earliest occupants! Parking inside main gates of Oakwood. $10 tour admission, free to Landmarks Foundation members. Call 240-4517 or 240-4500 for more information and to reserve a spot! Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “build a fire truck” for Fire Safety Month. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free. Santuck Flea Market Outdoor flea market features booths with arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission with free parking available. For more info, call (334) 567-7400. All TIEd Up Project The “All TIEd Up” project is a series of workshops that teaches young men how to dress for success, and make responsible choices that will prepare them for the real world. This workshop will be held from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. FREE for young men ages 13-17. Registration is required and includes lunch, necktie and a workshop bag. Register online at www.alltiedupproject.org/. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu. Farmer’s Market at the Shoppes at EastChase Saturdays through October 10 7 a.m. until noon. The Market includes local vendors with festivities for the entire family, including several stores and restaurants from the Shoppes at EastChase participating in the events. Shoppers will continue to find unique local items such as organic meats and milk, goat cheese, natural bath products and handmade soaps, honey, fruit pastries, birdhouses and nursery plants. For more info, call (334) 279-6046 or visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com. Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum Saturdays weekly through October 31 Wetumpka. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 20 acres of year-round floral beauty and classical sculpture, including new statuary honoring olympic heroes. Take a stroll through the outdoor gardens and experience beautiful flowers blooming throughout each season. Tours are available for groups of 20 or more. For more info, call (334) 263-5713 or visit www.jasminehill.org/.

Sunday, October 4

Montgomery’s Capitol Sounds Concert Band Presents “Sounds of Autumn” Concert 3 p.m. at City Hall Auditorium in Montgomery. Program will feature patriotism, opera, movies, Broadway and pop and rock favorites. For more information about Capitol Sounds, visit www.capitolsounds.org. There is no admission but donations will be taken at the door. Concert is open to the public. Special Needs Skate -- Also October 18 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. Looneys Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5. For more information contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Monday, October 5

Audition to Dance in Tri-County Nutcracker 7:30 p.m. at C.J.’s Dance Factory, 145 South Court Street, Prattville. Calling all young dancers (ages 6-17) to open auditions for the children’s production of this year’s Nutcracker Ballet! For more info, please call (334) 467-8603.

October2015

Performance will be Saturday, December 12, at the Jefferson State Community College Performing Arts Center.

$32 free Sta chil the sup mo Bow Brin for Das This Bow Mo Tho 8p and As a Pau Car care dep just ww Pra The ann Sta hav wat com Prid mo con Da Call laug Ham dan enjo nts/ Sat Als Pick at O hav 240

Wednesday, October 7

Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch And Learn Series Open To The Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. The Capital City Master Gardener Association provides a monthly educational series called “Lunch and Learn,” on a variety of gardening topics in a classroom setting. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided.

Thursday, October 8

Curator’s Tour at Old Alabama Town 10 a.m. Purchase tickets at 301 Columbus St. Tour included with admission price. We continue to uncover information about our artifacts even decades later as they are exhibited in the Ordeman House. Come hear some of these stories by Carole King, Historic Properties Curator, and tour the decorative arts collection housed in Old Alabama Town’s “crown jewel” house museum. Visit www.oldalamatown. com or call 240-4500. Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents The Other Side of the Bridge -- Through October 24 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are $26.50 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $21.50. Reservations must be paid in advance. To make reservations or for more information, call 877-840-0457 or visit http://www. ticketforce.com/. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Driving Miss Daisy -- Through November 1 When Daisy Werthan causes a car wreck, her son hires hard-working chauffeur Hoke Colburn to look after her. What begins as a hostile clashing of wills between a stubborn Jewish matriarch and a proud black man evolves into a decades-long friendship as the two navigate Civil Rights-era Atlanta. With humor and heartfelt emotion, Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play poignantly explores the transformative power of true friendship. Visit www.asf. net or call 271-5353.

Friday, October 9

Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info. Old Alabama Town’s Tavern Fest 6 p.m. Head to Historic North Hull Street to celebrate history with live music, brews and food at Tavern Fest! A silent auction will be held featuring local objects and new work by Clark Walker. All proceeds benefit Landmarks Foundation, helping us educate school children with trips to Old Alabama Town, preserve local history and celebrate our state! Tickets are $15 in advance and are available online at landmarksfoundation.com, over the phone at 240-4500, and at the Old Alabama Town Museum Store. $20 at gate. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also meets October 23 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. Visit http://www.onlineecho.com.

Saturday, October 10

Montgomery Lions Club Chili Cookoff Riverwalk Stadium. Gates open at 11 a.m. Team entry

www.montgomeryparents.com

Ala The folk 199 Fos sing and Dix acc Nas $10 roo

VEG 6-8 pot at 6 com call face

Cen &L Hel Que for mo are is H pro offi

er.

a d ce

ded n ted s

e ns

iss

res sf.

s h

s to our e 00, e.

Calendar/Support Groups $325. Individual tickets $10, children 10 & under are free. Come join us for a day of family fun at Riverwalk Stadium. Sample some of the best amateur and restaurant chili recipes in the Montgomery area. Proceeds benefit the Montgomery Lions Club Community Foundation and support Montgomery Lions Club charities. Visit www. montgomerylionsclub.com/chili-cookoff.html. Bow Wow & Meow 5K at The Waters Bring your favorite furry friend and join us at The Waters for the 2nd Annual Bow Wow & Meow 5K and Kid’s Dash benefiting The Montgomery Humane Society. This year’s event will start at 8 a.m. Register at www. BowWowMeow5K.com. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Paul Thorn 8 p.m. Paul Thorn from Tupelo, Miss., was a prizefighter and skydiver before becoming a rootsy singer/songwriter. As a musician, he has toured and collaborated with Sting, Paul Carrack, Joe Diffie, Tanya Tucker, Ronnie Milsap and Carole King, to name a few. In the late ‘80s after his boxing career, Thorn signed a record deal with Miles Copeland. His deput album “Hammer and Nail” was issued in 1997. Paul just recently released “Too Blessed To Be Stressed.” Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets. Prattville Holds Annual High School Band Contest The Prattville High School Marching Band will hold its annual Heart of Dixie Band Competition at Stanley Jensen Stadium. If you are in a marching band, we would love to have you come and march in our competition. If you like watching marching bands from around the area, please come and enjoy the day with us. At the end of the day, the Pride of Prattville band will exhibit its show for the year. For more information or to sign up for the competition, please contact Band Director Chris King at (334) 365-8804. Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www.facebook.com/eve nts/1374454692792666/?source=1. Saturday Jam Sessions at Old Alabama Town Also October 24 Pick and grin at Saturday Jam Sessions in the Rose House at Old Alabama Town. Bring your acoustic instruments and have fun. 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com.

Sunday, October 11

Alabama Roots Music Society Presents Kim Richey The Capri at 2:30 p.m. An American country songwriter and folk singer, Richey has continued to gain popularity since 1992 when working on the track “Nobody Wins” for Radney Foster and co-writing her first single. She also wrote the single “Believe Me Baby (I Lied)” with Trish Yearwood and she has written songs for other artists, including the Dixie Chicks and Terri Clark. Most recently, Kim’s fame is accredited to her music featured on the popular TV series Nashville airing on ABC on Wednesday nights. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more info, visit http://www.alabamarootsmusic.com/.

Thursday, October 15

Capri Classics Presents Ghostbusters 7:30 p.m. Who ya gonna call? The classic film featuring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org. ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “Iterations of Afterlife: Changing Views of the ‘Future State’ in the Antebellum South,” presented by Donna Cox Baker. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Artist Reception at Stonehenge Gallery Presenting “From the Ground Up,” new work by Montgomery area fine art painters Alisa Koch and DaNeal Eberly. 5:30-8:30 p.m. 1041 East Fairview Avenue, Montgomery. Call (334) 262-8256. Through November 4. Montgomery Junior League Holiday Market Through October 17 Multiplex @ Cramton Bowl. Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Holiday How-To’s: 1-5 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Girls’ Night Out: 5:30-9 p.m.; and Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids Visit with Santa. Tickets: $10; Advance: $5; Valet Parking: $5; and Girls’ Night Out Discount Card: $10. Visit JLMontgomery.com for more information. Wetumpka Depot Presents Tuesdays with Morrie Through October 24 An old man, a young man and life’s greatest lesson. Newspaper sports columnist Mitch Albom recounts the time spent with his 78-year-old sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, at Brandeis University, who was dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The 1999 movie version featured Hank Azaria and Jack Lemmon. 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinee October 18. For ticket info, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440. Montgomery ZooBoo -- Through October 18, 22-25 and 29-31 6-9 p.m. nightly. Join us for 11 nights of horror and fun at ZooBoo. Climb aboard the Haunted Hay Ride or mosey on over to the Pumpkin Pull for a good old-fashioned, non-scary traditional hay ride. Enjoy assorted Halloweenthemed games, bouncy castles, petting zoo, concessions and much more at ZooBoo. The first Haunted Hay Ride will pull out at dusk. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Friday, October 16

VEG OUT Montgomery 6-8 p.m. Join EAT South for its monthly plant-based diet pot luck dinners on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Located at the EAT South Farm at Hampstead community. Look for a big red barn! For more information, call 422-9331, e-mail info@eatsouth.org or visit www. facebook.com/VegOutMontgomery.

Black Jacket Symphony Presents Led Zeppelin II 8 p.m. at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Visit www. mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Junior Executive Board will host its 4th annual Art in Concert featuring The Futurebirds. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for what promises to be a great night of live music on the Museum grounds. The Futurebirds formed in Athens, Georgia in 2008 and have been touring with the likes of Drive By Truckers, Widespread Panic, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Their alt-country style is best exemplified in their high energy live shows. Art in Concert at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 7-10 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. with music starting at 7. No outside coolers are permitted. Food and beverages will be sold during the event. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 or $15 at the gate. Both cash and cards will be accepted. This event is rain or shine. Visit www. mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333.

Wednesday, October 14

Saturday, October 17

Tuesday, October 13

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at noon and ending at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. This month’s topic is Holiday Deocrating with Natural Materials. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more information, call the ACES office at 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

True Divine Community Development Hosts a Community Yard Sale 7-11 a.m. Every third Saturday through October. 4525 Virginia Loop Road. To sign up for $10 booths, call 2864008. Frankenstein 5K Run with Costume Contest 5K starts at 8 a.m.; 1 Mile Fun Run at 9 a.m. Registration for 5K costs $25 with free T-shirt; 1 Mile Fun Run is $15; and late registration day of the race is 7-7:45 ($5 late fee, no shirt). Call Wetumpka Elementary for more details at (334) 567-4323.

October2015 Trekking through the Past: Landmarks Foundation Fall 2015 Walking Tours 9 a.m. Oakwood Cemetery, Western Ridge. Montgomery’s oldest documented burials are in the Western area with some identified and others still to wonder about. Join Mary Ann Neeley as she begins her 35th year exploring the cemetery-- she is still finding “new” and intriguing sites! Parking inside main gates of Oakwood. $10 tour admission, free to Landmarks Foundation members. Call 240-4517 or 240-4500 for more information and to reserve a spot! Aldersgate Methodist Men Host 31st Annual Barbecue For only $8 per box, get barbecued pork and chicken on the SAME PLATE, as well as generous sides of baked beans, slaw and bread. Boxes go on sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Boxes will be available until 2 p.m., or while supplies last. Drive-thru pick-up service is provided at the front of the church by Boy Scout Troop 306. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or boxes can be bought on the day of the sale. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects for the upcoming year. For more info, call 2726152 or send e-mail to aldersgateumm@gmail.com. Angel Fest 2015 9 a.m.-2 p.m. St. Michael and All Angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook. Shop unique arts and crafts, the bake sale and our silent auction. There will be live entertainment, a children’s carnival, concessions and a Boston Butt sale. All proceeds go to help others in the Millbrook and West Elmore County communities. For vendor info or to pre-order Boston butts, call (334) 2853905 or visit stmichaelandallangels.com/angel-fest/. Montgomery Riverwalk Wine Festival Montgomery Riverfront Park. 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Your ticket purchase includes a commemorative wine glass, wine tasting and live entertainment. This is one of Montgomery’s most popular downtown events, so don’t miss out on the fun! Lawn chairs and picnics are welcome, no outside alcohol allowed. For more info, call (334) 6252100 or visit www.funinmontgomery.com. Pet-a-Palooza Pratt Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Join the Prattville Autauga Humane Shelter (PAHS) for a Chinese raffle, bake sale, pet costume contests, adoptable pets, grilled concessions, children’s games, and much more. For more info, call (334) 358-2882. Rain-out date Sunday, Oct. 18. Alabama Nature Center Weekend Calendar Also October 24 & 30 Saturday programs are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. to enjoy the first of the day’s activities. Take a look around the the Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails. Vending machines will provide snacks/drinks. Gift shop will be open. October 17 topic is “Creatures of the Night;” October 24 is “Slimy Amphibian Search/Animal Encounter” and October 30 is “Arachnids.” For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call Call 285-4550.

Monday, October 19

2015 Scott World Firefighter Combat Challenge Through October 24 3-5 p.m. Don’t miss this exciting challenge that simulates the physical demands of real-life firefighting and includes climbing a 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hose, and rescuing a life-sized victim, all while wearing full gear. A Top Chef Firefighter District Cook-off Competition will also be held in conjunction with the event and kids can run their own scaled-down version of the challenge as well as get rides on Fire Trucks. Parking lot adjacent to Embassy Suites, 300 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery. Free event. For more info, contact Russell Collier at (334) 625-2469 or visit www.firefighterchallenge.com/. Guangzhou Dance Troupe at ASF 7:30-9 p.m. Join the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for a ONE-NIGHT ONLY performance! Experience Chinese culture through a magical celebration of Chinese dance. The Guangzhou Dance Troupe is mainland China’s first professional modern dance company, internationally renowned for its exquisite and captivating performances. Tickets - adults: $20-$35; students $10-$20. For more info, call (334) 271-5353or visit www.asf.net/Plays-and-Shows/ Community-Events.aspx.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Calendar/Support Groups Tuesday, October 20

Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org.

Thursday, October 22

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of Montgomery invites all women of the River Region to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Our guest speaker will be Michael Coleman, director of Hope Inspired Ministries. Cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, October 19, to Jan Burdette at (334) 593-9266 or jan8410@bellsouth.net. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Blood, Sweat and Tears Featuring Bo Bice 7:30 p.m. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets. Disney On Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate Through October 25 Various performance times. Legacy Arena at The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Ticket prices begin at $17. To order or for more info, call (205) 458-8400 or visit www.bjcc.org/. Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Dial M for Murder Through November 1 7:30 performances except for 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. A thriller by Frederick Knott; directed by Fiona Macleod. From the pen that brought you Wait Until Dark, Frederick Knott’s Dial M for Murder, a taut, spine-tingling thriller, tells the story of Tony Wendice, who has married his wife, Margot, for her money and now plans to murder her for the same reason. The moves and counter-moves in this treacherous mental chess match will keep you on the edge of your seat, or in the case of the Playhouse,your pew! Visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org or call (334) 262-1530 for tickets.

Friday, October 23

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Tedeschi Trucks Band 8 p.m. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets.

Saturday, October 24

Cupcakes by Tish Offers Cupcake Decorating Workshops for Kids and Teens Every fourth Saturday, Cupcakes by Tish will now host Cupcake Decorating Workshops. Classes will be offered for children ages 4-6, 7-10 and 12-15 between noon and 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at EastChase location. The hour-long workshop is $25 per child and gives each child the opportunity to learn the art of cupcake decorating. Each child will receive a Cupcakes by Tish apron and four decorated cupcakes with a variety of candies, sprinkles, and goodies that adds personalization. Older kids and teens will be shown the basics of fondant decorating. To register, contact Special Events Coordinator Ebony Ware at (334) 356-5292 or parties@cupcakesbytish.com. 4th Saturday Mission Outreach Event 9-11 a.m. River City Church, a United Methodist congregation, invites the entire community to this event at the church, located at 301 Dexter Avenue. Admission is free. The River Region will have access to blood pressure/ glucose screenings, career services, free haircuts, hygiene items and canned goods. Participants can register for a drawing for a weekly bus pass and gasoline gift cards. During the 2-hour period, attendees can speak with prayer partners and purchase items (clothes, furniture, etc.) in the River City Rummage Sale located in the lower level of the church. Nurses will screen for diabetes (glucose testing), assess body mass index, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Volunteers will also provide homework help and a craft for children. For more info, please call 263-0549 or visit www.rivercityumc.com. Spinners Pumpkin Patch, Arts & Crafts -- Also October 25 Spinners Park in Prattville. This annual arts and crafts festival features local and regional artists and crafters, music, food and fun. Performance by Prattville Community

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

Chorus on Saturday morning. Hours are Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE admission. For more info, visit www.prattvilleal.gov/

Sunday, October 25

Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-5 p.m. Bring the entire family to this FREE fun event. View a special exhibition of artwork by well-known Alabama artist William Christenberry, “jive” with the rhythm and sounds of jazz, make your own art in the studio, and enjoy the BTW Dance Theatre’s energizing performance to end an afternoon of fun! Visit www.mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333. Prattville Pops Fall Concert Doster Community Center, 2 p.m. The Prattville Pops is a talented group of volunteer musicians who present a big band sound. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Special Events Office at (334) 595-0854.

Tuesday, October 27

Wetumpka Candy Walk 5-6:30 p.m. For toddlers through fourth grade. Businesses in Wetumpka offer local children the opportunity to trick or treat behind the City Administration Building at the bank of the Coosa River. Please bring a canned food item for donation to the Elmore County Food Bank. Free to all. Call (334) 567-5147 for more info.

Thursday, October 29

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Celtic Woman 7 p.m. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100 for tickets. The Art of Seeing at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Warren Simons, award-winning Montgomery photographer, will show some of his own work and discuss the importance of learning how to see when creating photographic art, based on his ongoing experiences, studies in contemplative photography, and classes at the International Center of Photography in New York. Bring your thoughts, experiences, and questions to this unique discussion. This FREE program is co-sponsored by the Montgomery Art Guild. Visit www.mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333. Special Showing of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Capri Take in the 1962 classic the way it was meant to be seen on the big screen at the historic Capri Theatre in midtown Montgomery. This one-night screening will be presented by the Friends of the Alabama Governor’s Mansion and proceeds will benefit preservation efforts at the mansion. A reception featuring “Mockingbird”-themed hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the film at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at the event or in advance at the Governor’s Mansion Gift Shop, located at 30 Finley Avenue, or at Sandra Nickel Hat Team Realtors, located at 1044 E. Fairview Avenue. Halloween Candy Walk in Prattville Downtown Main Street in Prattville. 4-6 p.m. Fairies, princesses, firemen and soldiers will converge on City Hall in Downtown Prattville for the city’s annual Candy Walk. This free fun-filled event is for all children through 3rd grade. The shops of Downtown Prattville will take part and children will be able to trick-or-treat in a safe and fun environment. The event is free but we ask that you make a donation of a nonperishable food item for the Autauga Interfaith Care Center food bank. For more info, contact the Special Events Office at (334) 595-0851. Halloween Costume Fun Run/Walk Join Fleet Feet Sports Montgomery and Nike for a Halloween Costume Run/Walk at 6 p.m. Nike will be here with shoes for you to try out and a prize will be awarded to the runner with the best costume! For more info, call (334) 356-5412 or visit www.facebook.com/events/395094760689479/. Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Series -- Also November 8 The Montgomery Symphony Association presents its two Artists in Residence, violinist Nadir Khashimov and cellist Natalie Helm, in a six-concert series known as the Fellowship Series. These artists-in-residence will be joined by a number of guest artists on these exciting chamber

October2015 music programs. All concerts will be presented in the Wilson Auditorium located in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature Nadir Khashimov on violin and Barno Nishanova on piano. Tickets for the six concert series are $85 for adults. Single tickets are available for $17 for adults. Students age six and over are admitted free. For more info, call (334) 240-4004 or visit www.montgomerysymphony.org/fellowship-series/.

Friday, October 30

Alabama Roots Music Society Tribute Concert 7-9 p.m. Kiwanis Park at Old Alabama Town. In what has become a fall tradition, Spike Graham and Friends will perform a free ARMS Tribute Concert - “The Road to Chicago.” Bring your friends, your family, your coolers and your chairs for this annual crowd-pleaser. Our tribute concert celebrates musicians that are famous for their music in the Chicago style of blues. These artists include Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and many more. For more info, visit http://www.alabamarootsmusic.com/. Alabama National Fair -- Through November 8 Midway rides, livestock and cooking competitions. Special discounts throught the week. Live entertainment during the week includes Cole Swindell October 31, Anthony Hamilton November 1, The Heritage Brothers November 6 and Lynyrd Skynyrd November 8. For details and more info, visit www. alnationalfair.org or call (334) 272-6831.

Saturday, October 31

Craterfest in Wetumpka Noon-4 p.m. Family-friendly music and art festival in downtown Wetumpka, along the banks of the beautiful Coosa River at Gold Star Park celebrating our very own Marine Impact Crater. Free Kidzone with inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, a kiddie train and kiddie swings. Crater Art Exhibit, Crater Tours, Dino Dig, unique Arts & Crafts booths, scrumptious concessions, and live bands featuring up and coming talent from the Alabama Region. Festival & parking are free. Visit www.wetumpkachamber.com for more info. Halloween in Hampstead Celebrate Halloween in Hampstead! Bring the whole family for kids’ activities beginning at 4 p.m. and then stick around because the grown-up party begins at 8. For more info, call (334) 270-6730 or visit www.hampsteadliving.com/events. Halloween Spooktacular 2015 6-8 p.m. at Garrett Coliseum. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, along with WVAS 90.7 FM and Garrett Coliseum, present this safe alternative to trick or treating. Kids 11 years and under are welcome (preferrably in costumes).

Wednesday, November 4

Alabama Frontier Days -- Through November 7 Using Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park as its historical backdrop, Alabama Frontier Days focuses on demonstrating frontier life in the southeast during the period 1700-1820. The public can experience this living history as frontier trades and crafts are demonstrated by living historians period correct costumes. The event takes place over four days, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Admission: $8/adult and $7/child. For more info, visit: http://fttoulousejackson.org.

Thursday, November 5

In the Arts: A Professional Event for Teens, cohosted by the Muses and BTW 6-7:30 p.m. In partnership with Booker T. Washington Magnet High, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is planning its third annual arts-related career night for teens. Professionals from community arts organizations and creative businesses will showcase their work and answer questions about their education and career paths. Each presenter will have a station in the Rotunda, and teens and family members can visit as many as they like. Please contact Alice at anovak@mmfa.org or (334) 240-4362.

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

son

Business Card Directory

o. e and 4 s/.

s s

he n yrd w.

y r

ily und call ts.

bly

ns.

Number ONE Reason To Advertise...WOMEN! 85

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Home Based Business Directory Creative Wonders Parties No party to big or small--we have creative ideas for them all. Let us set up and decorate your event. Also, book your favorite character! Stress less and book the best today! Call 334-233-8617 or email Jackie at jstouter21@gmail.com.

Home Refinishers

Your home repair specialist! We offer an array of home services at a reasonable rate. Services include tile repair and installation, painting and stucco repair, drywall repair, pressure washing, trash and junk removal, light carpentry, and more. Call us today for your free estimate at 334-498-4988. Licensed and Insured. “Get it done right the first time...call the pro!”

BIRDMAN

“Doves in Flight” Funerals, Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, and Family Reunions. Call Charles “Tee” Taylor at 334-220-2533.

Nutrition Education

Certified Dr. Sears Health Coach teaching family and pregnancy nutrition classes in the local area and online. Taught by Alissabeth Taylor, RN, HC Consultations and other services offered. For more information, please visit www.alawellness.com or contact Alissabeth Taylor at Alissabeth@alawellness.com.

ROOFTOP MINISTRIES

Concerned for someone in an alternative religion? Lora Brown can help. 25 years experience with pre-evangelism, evangelism and re-evangelism. Free consultations & referrals. I also teach groups. ROOFTOP_MINISTRIES@ HOTMAIL.COM; ROOFTOPMIN.ORG;

334-288-1346

Chemistry Tutor

Kyle-Co Entertainment

Clarence Hann, IV

Current Chemistry Teacher Experienced chemistry tutor

The Southeast’s Premiere DJ Service

DJ style entertainment for all ages and occasions. We play “age appropriate” music. Call Kyle Kessler at: (334) 233-4235 or visit www.kyle-co.com.

Email channiv30@gmail.com or call 334-546-4860. Half off on first session if you mention this ad.

Saxon Lawn Service

Piano Teacher

Nationally certified-Children and adults welcome. 1829 Hillhedge Drive. Please call Miss Bickerstaff at 262-3341.

You grow it, we mow it Affordable pricing Please call 274-0324.

Jackie’s Home Daycare

Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

Provides lactation education and consulting, antepartum and postpartum doula services. For more information please contact Tangela Boyd at 334-531-0145.

Quality childcare and education in a fun, safe, Christian environment. Located in East Montgomery Years of experience Smoke and pet free/clean home Ages 12 months-4 years Call (334) 676-3136.

Email: Tangela@mommymilkandmeinc.com Website: www.mommymilkandmeinc.com

Squeaky Clean

The Piano Man

No job too big or small. Clean/disinfect kitchen and bathrooms, vacuum, dust and floors. Over 13 years experience. Affordable pricing. 334.451.0052

Piano tunings, repair, and restoration. Active member of the Piano Technicians Guild. Contact us today to arrange a time to give your piano much needed attention. Call 569-9662 or visit www.pianoman.net/al

“HEAVENLY PAGES”

Southern Quality Lawns, LLC

by Paige Herring

“Quality Service from the Ground Up” Serving the tri county area. Call or email us for a free estimate. Bobby, 334-657-7750. robertsqlawns@gmail.com

Beautifully framed Scriptures. Elegantly custom made for every occasion. Bless someone you love with a gift of eternal value or treat yourself. Call Paige at 334-201-7994.

Williams Carpentry Porches, remodeling, sheet rock, painting, hardwood floors. Call Robert Williams at (home) 361-7307 or (cell) 699-3864.

Montgomery Parents I October 2015

Ala

TUTORING

Ala

28 years teaching experience Tutoring grades 1st-8th

Call Alice Gwin at (334) 300-8350. Email dalice.gwin@gmail.com.

Integrated Mental Health Services

Dedicated, Result oriented, Resilience building. With 10 years of (Psychology) and Community Practice. My evidence-base approach to integrated care provide: Pro-social relationships, Self-efficacy and a Subjective state of (Mental) well being to Clients, Educational, Hospitals, Federal, State, and Local Government agencies. For rendered services under (Clinical Supervision) please contact: Genevieve Morris Geneva.jiles7@facebook.com

Bow Wow Meow Pet Sitting and Training I have been pet training and pet sitting for over 9 years. Certified Pet Trainer, Free Consultation, Reasonable Prices Call Courtney (334) 354-4183

Brother to Brother Entertainment, Inc.

Get a DJ and a Photographer in one package for your next event. We specialize in birthdays, weddings, luncheons, family reunions, and holiday parties. Contact Matthew Ezell @ 334-202-6869 or Alexander Strum @ 334-235-3518

The FREE AD GUY knows that every business needs a few lucky breaks before it can become successful. That’s why he is offering more FREE ads to Home Based Businesses. In return, the FREE AD GUY would appreciate it if you would tell a friend about Montgomery Parents Magazine. If you’ll just help him spread the word about Montgomery Parents Magazine he’ll keep working for you and your business. If you have already run a FREE ad you can send a request to repeat the ad or make changes. Please understand but we will not accept any phone requests. For new Home Based Business advertisers, just send your information to: FREE AD GUY, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123, or freeadguy@montgomeryparents.com. The FREE AD GUY reserves the right to refuse any ad in case it’s not appropriate for our readers.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Bra

Fir

AdvertiserDirectory We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents. We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month. Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.

First UMC, Prattville, 71

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 68

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 73

Montgomery Zoo, 62

Frazer Memorial UMC, 2, 63

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 85

From My Closet to Yours, 85

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 23

Go Karting Montgomery, 85

New Park, 41

Great Leaps Learning Center, 31

New Testament Christian Center, 40

H.A.L.O., 65

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 34

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 67

Paradise Pumpkin Patch, 61

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 30

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 40

Hooper Academy, 45

Pike Road Community Arts Festival, 64

Interscapes, Inc., 11

Plexus Slim, Rhonda McClellan, 85

Jenny Alexander, MD, 85

Precision Medical Solutions, 46

Journey Church Preschool, 19

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Judgement House, 57

Providence Early Childcare/Preschool, 70

Kingry Orthodontics, 67

Pump It Up Party, 28

Kreative Moments, 85

Riverview Camp for Girls, 24

Kumon, 7

ROCK Campaign, 38

Learning Tree Child Care, 44

Saint James School, 1

Legacy Early Learning Center, 35

Smiles Galore Parties, 19

Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, 85

Spacewalker, The, 49

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 75

Lori Mercer Photography, 49

Spotless Cleaning Services, 8

E & S Hobbies, 71

Macon East Academy, 9

Success Unlimited Academy, 36

Easter Seals Central Alabama, 48

M.A.N.E., 50

Sylvan Learning Center, 51

Eastwood Christian School, 27

Mathnasium, 32

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 64

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 31

MelodicVibes, LLC, 65

The Dollhouse Toy Store, 85

Evangel Christian Academy, 55

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 26

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Evolve Church Learning Center, 28

Montessori @ Hampstead, 20, 77

Trinity Presbyterian School, 39

Family Support Center, P’ville, 86

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 73

FBC, Montgomery, Inside Front

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 33

Vaughn Road Preschool, 22

First Baptist Church, Prattville, 42

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 71

Vishnu Dental, 43

First UMC, Montgomery, 66

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 3

YMCA, Montgomery, 48

Adventure Sports II, 76 Alabama Christian Academy, 15, Inside Back Alabama Dance Theater, 25 AL School of Math & Science, 53 Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 47 ASKIN/Synergy House, 86 Autauga County Family Support, 14 Bama Blaze Elite Cheer, 75 Baptist Health, 13 Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 25 Bradford Health Services, 4 Capitol Chevrolet Halloween Event, 59 Chapman Orthodontics, 45 Child Evangelism Fellowship, 26 Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 21 Churchill Academy, 18 Dentistry for Children, 50 Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 14

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Maze Runner:

Hotel Transylvania 2

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: D+ Sexual Content: A Language: CAlcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, thematic elements, substance use and language. The Gladers have escaped the Maze and now they are in a helicopter waiting for the credits to finish rolling and the next movie to begin. With the opening of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, those who survived the first test are briskly moved into an enormous facility, the headquarters of WCKD (pronounced “wicked”) and are “greeted” by Janson (Aidan Gillen). Compared to The Glade, life here is relatively good with tasty food and a real bed to sleep on. But Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) can’t help wondering why they are here and what’s happening to the select few who are called upon each day to go somewhere special. When one of those chosen is Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), the only female from The Glade, Thomas is determined to discover the truth. Making the acquaintance of Aris (Jacob Lofland), Thomas is introduced to a new mode of travel through the research fortress using the ventilation system. Peering through the grate they watch people on covered gurneys being rolled into a mysterious area. Stealing the security badge of an employee, Thomas and Aris finally discover what’s going on. Needless to say, the grass isn’t greener on the other side of The Maze. After a violent escape, the group find themselves in a destroyed city where they bunker down in what appears to be an abandoned shopping mall. Soon they discover they are not alone. Surrounded by an unfriendly population of humanoids with missing eyes and bad dental work, the runaways are compelled to flee again. This time the desperate band heads for the hills where, rumor has it, they can find protection from an organization called The Right Arm. Fighting for their lives, the Glader gang takes on various enemies, including zombie-like creatures. Characters are killed, and blood effects are frequent. As well, the screenplay features “jump moments” similar to what you would expect in a horror film. Fortunately profanity use is relatively light, with only a handful of scatological slang, mild expletives and a term of Christian deity. The real conflict the adolescents face in this story is trying to determine whom they can trust, while at the same time wrestling with the concept of sacrificing themselves to save the world. These themes may make for an interesting discussion starter for parents and older teens -- and the resulting chat could be just as entertaining as the movie.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: BSexual Content: B+ Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Hotel Transylvania 2 PG for some scary images, action and rude humor. Mixed marriages can come with a lot of challenges, yet none seem to be as tough as deciding whose culture to emulate once the kids come along. Such proves to be the case for Mavis the vampire (voice of Selena Gomez) and her husband Johnny the human (voice of Andy Samberg) when their bouncing bundle of joy joins the family. Still living in Mavis’s childhood home, the Hotel Transylvania (where the two met in the first movie), little Dennis (voice of Asher Blinkoff) spends plenty of time with his maternal grandpa Count Draculla (voice of Adam Sandler) whom he affectionately calls Poppa Drac or Vandpa. Following in her father’s over-protective footsteps, Mavis has mollified the ghoulishness of their environment by baby proofing the castle, taking strict control of her son’s diet (meaning he’s not eating brains, eyeballs, spiders or any of the other staples consumed by the locals) and redefined the meaning of monster by showing the boy videos of the stuffed puppet kind. Her mothering methods, along with the fact that the youngster is the spitting image of his father, has poor Drac fearing there may not be any vampire blood stirring in Dennis’s veins. Although it’s a well-known fact (according to the script) that a child has until their fifth birthday for their fangs to appear – and that’s still a few days away -- Drac decides to expedite the process. Knowing his daughter and son-in-law are considering relocating to Johnny’s California birthplace, the anxious grandpa encourage the couple to visit the sunshine state before making a decision. Then he takes advantage of his babysitting time to scare out Dennis’s inner monster. Parents should be aware that the frightening moments, most of which are intended to be funny, get more intense as the film progresses. Other concerns include some name-calling, potty humor and a few strangely sensual costumes. Assuming your little ones are old enough not to be scared by the creepy creatures, and young enough not to feel preached to, they may be amused by this second visit to the Hotel Transylvania.

The Scorch Trials

What Parents need to know about Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials...

Violence: Many scenes in this movie depict characters fighting, beating, and shooting. Characters use weapons similar to Tasers, as well as guns that shoot bullets. Explosions are depicted and loss of life is implied. A man is beaten on his face to extract information from him. Some characters are shot on screen (usually the bullet impact is out of the frame), and in one particular scene we see a bloody wound that spreads through the victim’s clothes. A group of Humanoid beings are depicted with mottled skin and blackened sockets to represent their eyes and mouth -- these characters are very violent and aggressive and may be frightening to young audiences. “Jump scenes” are included. Sexual Content: A young woman changes her clothes behind a barrier (her arms are shown extending upward) -- a young man glances toward her and another young man tells him not to look. Language: Infrequent profanities include about seven scatological slangs, a sexual finger gesture, a few mild expletives and a single term of Christian deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: An unknown liquid is given to two characters that are told they must drink; after drinking it they begin to hallucinate. Montgomery Parents I October 2015

What Parents need to know about Hotel Transylvania 2...

Violence: The film uses some stereotypical spooky music and scary images. Characters transform into bats and other animals. In keeping with the ghoulish theme, characters drink blood and eat disgusting things (insects, eyeballs, dead pidgins etc.), body parts fall off, shrunken heads talk, and torture is depicted humorously. A child’s tooth is knocked out in a tussle with other youngsters. A character is hit in the groin. Slapstick violence includes hitting, licking, falling, explosions, fire out-breaks and property damage -- no harm is implied. Later scenes pit small characters against an army of large creatures -- the violence is less comedic and injury is depicted. A lullaby features creepy lyrics. Characters set out to scare and kill others. A father lies to his child. A child is thrown from a tower so he can learn to fly. Sexual Content: A man dresses like a woman. Scantily clad female creatures and shirtless male monsters are depicted. An invisible man claims he has an invisible girlfriend, whom he kisses. Frequent potty humor and depictions of urination are included. Sexual slang and feminist remarks are included in the script. Language: Name-calling and slang terms for bodily functions are used. Alcohol / Drug Use: Social drinking is depicted. www.montgomeryparents.com

Rigorous Academics. Lasting Friendships.

MA students come from many different backgrounds, but they share one qualityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;intellectual curiosity. We invite you to see what makes MA one of the leading independent schools in the South.

Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y Ask about financial aid options that make an MA education a possibility.

Contact Susannah Cleveland Director of Admissions admissions@montgomeryacademy.org

334.272.8210 montgomeryacademy.org The Academy admits students of every color, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.