Montgomery Parents August 2019 by KeepSharing

SEAT BELT LAW

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This project was supported by Subgrant #19-OP-M1-007 awarded by the Law Enforcement/Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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EDUCATION is more than YO U K N OW

The Saint James School Class of 2019 earned over $4.4 million in college scholarships and will attend universities and colleges in twelve states and two countries outside of the U.S. These graduates embody the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission of teaching the values of responsibility and service, nurturing the potential within each individual, and celebrating the achievements of every Saint James student.

Class of 2019

Pre-K3â&#x2C6;&#x2019;12th Grade

Saint James School

334-273-3021 or STJweb.org

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE Call today to learn more about merit scholarships and affording a Saint James education for your child. Academic support for English Language Learners available. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, gender, creed, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

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Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Jackson Hospital is the only hospital to hold the Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care in the River Region Blue Distinction Centers+ are healthcare facilities recognized for their expertise and efficiency in delivering specialty care. Blue Distinction Centers+ demonstrate more affordable care in addition to quality outcomes, treatment expertise and better overall patient results. The Family Birth Center at Jackson Hospital is the premier location in the River Region to welcome your new baby.

jackson.org/baby

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August2019 60

Volume 24 Number 8

Columns

8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Up and At ‘Em

5 Benefits of After School Activities

School year tips for getting everyone out the door smiling each morning.

How they’ll make your kids more well-rounded.

16 Montgomery Education Matters by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent

38 Pike Road Education Matters by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.

42 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

48 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

56 The College Years by Lee Gonet

58 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between

After School Activities Our local guide delivers after school options galore!

Anxiety & Depression in Teens What parents can do to help.

Common Sense Media

64 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

78 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover

Departments

Raegan Taylor (age 8) and Luke Mason (age 7) are headed Back to School at Pike Road Elementary. Raegan begins 3rd grade and Luke will be a 2nd grader. Raegan’s parents are Ethan and Karen Taylor. Tyler and Jodi Mason are Luke’s parents, and he has a sister, Addison (10) and a brother Hudson (2).

14 Teacher of the Month 18 School Bits 88 Calendar/Support Groups 100 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

The summer heat may be at an all time high, but summer break is coming to an end for our kids. It flew by, as always! And while I’ll miss the later wake up times and more free flowing schedule of summer days, getting back into a steady routine sounds pretty good too. I’m ready to get our eight year old, Grace, on her usual bedtime routine again and to be more particular about her nutrition, both which make for better behavior and smoother days. I’ll admit there have been too many ice cream cones (and sugar, in general) and too many late nights since the end of May. It’s been fun, even if a little chaotic at times. We all thrive on routines, so I’m welcoming the school year...and Montgomery Parents wants to help you do the same! In this month’s Back to School Issue, we’ve included several articles to get your school year started on the right foot. Christina Katz shares advice for getting everyone out the door smiling each day in Up and At ‘Em, including setting expectations, posting a checklist, and creating enthusiasm. Our Common Sense Media column discusses School Year Screen Time Rules from a teacher’s perspective. “Screens” are a challenge for all of us parents, and I think you’ll find some helpful tips here. Back to school also means back to extra curriculars after school! Read about 5 Benefits of After School Activities and then flip to our extensive guide of options available in the River Region for your kids. Whether your child is into team or individual sports, art or theater, dance or martial arts, and so much more, we’ve got you covered. Registration is taking place so don’t wait, and please pay special attention to our advertisers throughout the guide. They are excited and looking forward to serving your family! A couple of other articles you won’t want to miss have to do with teens. Let’s face it...we can all use advice in this area. Lee Gonet shares how parents can let go a little more to build independence in their teenager, and even addresses teens on how to be more patient with their parents and continue to step up to responsibility. And discussing a subject on most of our minds, Kimberly Carter Spivey gives us, Anxiety and Depression in Teens: What Parents Can Do to Help. If you aren’t experiencing these issues in your home, I’m sure you have a friend who is...so please share your copy with them. Our aim with each issue of Montgomery Parents is to help your family thrive, no matter your stage of the parenting journey. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Just email me at deanne@montgomeryparents.com and share what’s on your mind. Have a great August and a great 2019-20 school year! We’ll be here to support you all along the way.

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 Richard Dennis David Drennan, MD Lee Gonet Christina Katz Dr. Charles Ledbetter Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dr. Ann Roy Moore Gerry Paige Smith Kimberly Carter Spivey

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com

Associate Publisher Gena Hill Community Coordinator Savannah Bowden Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com

DeAnne

Ad Design Tim Welch

Member

deanne@montgomeryparents.com Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2018 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.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Congratulations, Graduates! We congratulate the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Class of 2019! Our 144th graduating class includes 92 members who earned $17 million in scholarship offers from 31 colleges and universities. The top 20 percent of the class achieved an ACT composite score average of 30.5 and grade point averages ranging from 4.0 to 4.4. Meet the Class of 2019: A Jimmy Hitchcock Award Winner · An AP Scholar with Distinction · 8 collegiate athletes, 3 of whom received NCAA Division 1 scholarships · 8 future members of the Armed Forces, including 2 recipients of the National Army ROTC Scholarship · 2 Eagle Scouts · Members of the State Championship Boys Cross Country Team · Members of the State Championship Girls Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track Teams · Members of the VEX Robotics World Championship Team · A member of the Wheelchair Basketball National Championship Team · A future member of the Auburn University Flag Line · An All-State Solo Competition winner · A nationally-recognized Drum Major · Members of the All-State Band We are so proud of our graduates who exemplify what it means to be built by Catholic.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School

Grades K4-12 www.montgomerycatholic.org 7

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Let Us Be Ducks...and Move On! I am currently caring for a precious little one who is in foster care...who is teething. Which pretty much means we all do whatever on earth she wants to do in an effort to endure the eruption of two front teeth. Our current survival strategy involves many, many golf cart rides – which is by far her favorite activity. I’ve made some interesting observations from circling the block over and over again, day after day. Every night at dusk, our little neighborhood duck family can typically be found ravenously foraging in the grass for what I can only assume is their nightly dose of mosquitoes? Gnats? Cheeseburgers? I’m not sure what exactly they are eating since I majored in social work in college and not duck sciences, but nonetheless let me just tell ya – they are on it. There is much excitement and chaos as they all try and get their fair share of dinner. It is in the frenzy of the nighttime feeding where it can often be observed that a duck will “fuss” at another for encroaching on its space. They make a valiant attempt to squawk loudly and chase the duck for a quick moment to retain dominion over their six inch square of prime grass real estate, and they let the offending duck know that he was out of line. Every night, same story.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

All of that makes for great theater, but what I find interesting is what happens after their little tussle…which is this: Nothing. Nothing happens. They just all jump right back into their natural symbiotic relationship and move on as if nothing happened. As parents, I think we can take a lesson from the duck family and that is this: Move on. When your child screws it up, when they lose their patience and lash out, when they slam the door in anger, let us address the issue – and then move on. Unfortunately, what I find is that in our own humanity, in our own ideals of what we think parenting should be, we tend not to just deal with it and move on. But instead we tend to keep reminding them of their mistakes, we tend to keep holding it over their heads like a guillotine waiting to deploy, and we certainly impute their mistakes on any requests for privileges or permission to go to the baseball game with friends. So I guess my question is why? If we make a mistake at work, and we work diligently to correct said mistake, would we value an employer who pops their head in every now and then and reminds us? “Hey, just wanted to let you know the staff meeting has been moved to 11, I received

your quarterly report, and, by the way, don’t you think for a minute I have forgotten what you did.” Would we feel cared for when our request to take a day off is denied because, “Clearly you can’t be trusted, I remember what you did.” Would that not breed a spirit of disdain and frustration within us? I would argue that this is exactly what we are doing to our kids. Do they need to learn from their mistakes? Yep. But that process involves making the mistake right again (teaching), fixing it (training), apologizing (love & learn), and then, good gracious, move on. Our model is teach, train, love and learn; not berate, plant a seed of bitterness, exercise power and hope your kid grows into a productive human being. Just some food for thought today...let us be ducks. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of whom were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent.

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Prattville Hosts Jazz in the Park

August 10 * 6-9 p.m. Pratt Park Amphitheater This free concert will feature local jazz musicians The Coleman Woodson Group and Tony Exum, Jr. and will be a great musical experience for jazz lovers as well as those who want to know more about jazz. There will be food vendors, and picnic baskets and coolers are welcome, but no alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music. For more info, call (334) 595-0851 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.

Repticon Montgomery

August 24-25 * 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Alcazar Shrine, 555 Eastern Blvd. See live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products direct from the experts at amazing prices you won’t find anywhere else, and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals at live seminars and demonstrations. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Inaugural Tailgate BBQ Cookoff

August 10 * 12:30-3:30 p.m. Southeast YMCA, 3455 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Food, family, music and games! Bring your own grill and register to enter the cookoff. Sample Montgomery’s best tailgate BBQ; Cornhole competition; Kickball; Kids’ play zone. Cost: $5. For more info, call (334) 262-6411 or visit ymcamontgomery.org.

Youth Fishing Rodeo

Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook August 10 * 7-11 a.m. Open to anyone age 15 and under. Admission is free; however, participants are asked to pre-register as space is limited and all youth must be accompanied by an adult. Each young angler will receive a T-shirt and will be eligible for door prizes. Snacks and drinks available. Each participant may take home five catfish each, but may catch and release all they would like. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and bait, though a limited number of loaner rods and some bait will be available. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

August 2-4 * 3-8 p.m. Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. Jurassic Quest is America’s largest and most realistic dinosaur event. Guests will walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and the Triassic period and experience for themselves what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs. Jurassic Quest is the only dinosaur event that has true-to-life-size dinosaurs. Hours on Saturday & Sunday are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. For more info, call (936) 588-3332.

Hog Days of Summer

August 17 * 3-9 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, 300 Water Street, Montgomery. Join us for great music from our lineup of bands, award-winning BBQ from around the Southeast, activities for the whole family. Proceeds go towards Hogs For The Cause and fighting pediatric cancer. Advance ticket: $15; Day of Show ticket: $20 (Admission to event only). Children 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult get in free. For more info, visit www.hogdaysofsummer.com/.

Magical Creatures Educational Program at Montgomery Zoo

August 10 * 10 a.m.-noon. Meet some of the magical animals that are featured in movies like Harry Potter and The Hobbit. Meet animals up close, learn about them in their habitats, and take home some special prizes for yourself. Geared for boys and girls, aged 4-10. Advanced reservations required. For more info, visit montgomeryzoo.com or call (334) 625-4909. 10

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River Region Music Review

Friday, August 16 and 17 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; first act at 6:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. A weekend showcasing local talent from the Montgomery area, as well as from Nashville. Held in conjunction with the Buckmasters Expo, the River Region Review offers one-day passes for $20 and a two-day pass for $30. Seating is general admission. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and at the MPAC Box Office at the Renaissance Montgomery. Call (205) 965-9574 or visit www.mpaconline.org.

Breach of Peace Interactive Play

An interactive, one-act play by Mike Wiley that shares stories of the 1961 Freedom Riders. Men and women, black and white, young and old, the riders aimed to end racially segregated bus, train and air travel. Wiley, the solo actor, plays all the roles and is accompanied by Gospel vocalist Jennifer Evans. Various audience members will be invited on stage during the play. A talk-back follows the performance. North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green will give a reading before the play begins. Adult tickets are $20; student tickets are $15. Recommended for ages 13+. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseumfriends. org/events.html or call (334) 245-4546.

Family-Friendly Theatre

Prattvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Way Off Broadway Theatre presents Oklahoma! August 2-11. This classic musical is a family favorite and is suitable for all ages. Music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and directed by Sam Wallace. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit cc.prattvilleal.gov.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Warts and Other Issues Many patients come to the office with the chief complaint of having persistent warts. These lesions present in various shapes and body locations. Common skin warts are painless, rough appearing, dome-shaped nodules that can occur on the hands, fingers, and under the fingernails. Some have black dots appearing inside the wart due to clotted vessels. Planter warts on the bottom of the feet are usually painful when walking. Flat warts are small and occur in multiples on face and extremities, and are generally painless. What causes warts? Warts are caused by various serotypes of the Human Papilloma viral family. (HPV). These viruses not only cause benign warts of the skin and mucous membranes, but also can lead to precancerous lesions of the genital urinary tract including uterine cervical cancer, rectal and oral cancer. Treatment of warts consists of using chemical agents such as salicylic acid or other chemical compounds to destroy the tissue. Cryotherapy

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

with liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart also is effective. Sometimes surgery is also used to remove the warts. The HPV vaccine has been shown to prevent infection with the Human Papillomavirus types that are associated with many cancers such as cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females; anal and throat cancer in males and females; penile cancer in males. The HPV vaccine also prevents infection with the HPV types that cause genital warts in both males and females. Information from the CDC indicates that in the USA 12,000 women acquire cervical cancer each year and 4,000 die from this virus induced cancer. Unfortunately, vaccination does not protect against all HPV types that cause cervical cancer. Screening of women with pap smears is still suggested. About 14 million Americans get infected with HPV each year. Infection usually occurs from intimate contact and most will get infected with the virus sometime in their lifetime. Most of the acute infections will be asymptomatic and will go away

without causing any severe problems. But many will eventually get cancer and other diseases from HPV infection. Who should get the HPV vaccine? The CDC suggests that both males and females should be vaccinated between the ages of 9-26yrs. Most patients from 9-14yrs should get a two-dose series with the doses separated by 6-12 months. People that start HPV vaccines at 15yrs of age and older should get a threedose series with the second dose given 1-2months after the first dose and the third dose 6 months after the 1st dose. In summary, HPV causes an extensive presentation of diseases. Some are benign, but some are malignant. Immunization provides some protection from malignancies and should be better promoted and utilized as a significant form of cancer prevention.

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.

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EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENT EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTATIONS trinitywildcats.com

Trinity is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution, binding academic excellence with Christian values. Providing a challenging college-preparatory education, Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. Our extraordinary educators at Trinity strike the perfect balance as they encourage students to strive for excellence, while emphasizing Christ-like character above all else. “The Trinity Experience” produces leaders who possess mental, physical and spiritual strength. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Director of Admission, Jenny McClinton, at 334.213.2213 or jmcclinton@trinitywildcats.com. Tuition assistance is available. Discount offered to our military families. Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.

LOWER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOLwww.facebook.com/montgomeryparents ONE CAMPUS

Jennifer Hilyer Prattville Elementary School

taught with question and answer sessions to

Jennifer Hilyer, a resident of Prattville for

make sure they understand.”

26 years, is our Teacher of the Month! She

As far as technology in the classroom, she

teaches 4th grade at Prattville Elementary and loves what she does! She says, “I feel blessed

is a fan! “Students today have readily available

to be nominated for Teacher of the Month!”

resources (technology) at their fingertips as opposed to what it was like when I was in school.

Mrs. Hilyer has always loved children and knew early on that she wanted her future to

In my opinion, students are able to use these

include helping kids. She began in social work

resources to practice skills taught and receive

and, after having her own kids, felt the call to

immediate feedback. Some of these technology

teach. Having an undergraduate degree in

resources are fun and interactive to keep the

Psychology from AUM helps her relate to and

student engaged.” When she is not preparing lesson plans and

understand her students. “In my opinion, a teacher can impact a child’s life by listening,

teaching, Mrs. Hilyer and her husband stay busy

making time for them, and helping in areas in

with their two children who play ball. Her oldest

which they struggle.”

is on the college level. She enjoys watching her children play the sports they love.

All teachers have a particular “style” in the

Thank you, Mrs. Hilyer, for serving the chil-

classroom. Mrs. Hilyer says, “My teaching style

dren of Prattville Elementary like you do!

is like coaching. I demonstrate to the students through a variety of resources and activities.

Jennifer Hilyer teaches 4th grade at Prattville Elementary. She is married to Lewis and they have two children, ages 14 and 19.

Then, as a class, we review the material being

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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That Was Quick! School begins August 6. And for teachers, students and parents, I am sure it seems like we just ended the previous year. As short as the break might have seemed to parents and students, it felt even shorter to the many MPS employees who worked through the summer months. It has been an exciting and productive summer for the staff of Montgomery Public Schools. We are working to ensure that MPS continues Moving Forward! Our operations department has been working to repair and clean our schools. They are also moving to consolidate our central office spaces. By closing buildings, we hope to save more than $300,000 each year.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Our financial staff is refining our budget by finding ways to make every dollar count. We are making every effort to keep our resources focused on teaching and learning. Principals and counselors have been busy putting together schedules for students. School administrators have also been working to implement changes to improve the learning environment and find ways to make students more successful. Our human resources staff has been searching the nation for the best and brightest teachers we can find. We want every classroom in every school to have a motivated, qualified teacher who loves the profession and is working to move our students forward. The educators in our curriculum and assessment departments spent the summer looking at test scores and finding the strengths and weaknesses in our programs. They are looking at each school, and at student performance in specific subjects, to identify the areas that need more attention.

While your school district has been working, I trust parents and students were also busy. Any opportunity for your child to read and learn while school is out, will help him or her achieve when school begins on August 6. Reading is critical. Please encourage your child to read “just for fun” and help provide materials by visiting the library or downloading age-appropriate books and magazines for electronic devices. Please work with your child’s teachers, counselors and administrators this school year. Keep the lines of communication open. As you know, just as our staff is always working to help students, parents don’t get a break either. We are partners in a team that is constantly working to help keep your child Moving Forward. Have a great school year! For more than four decades, Dr. Moore has educated the children of Alabama. From her first post as a pre-school teacher, to her administrative work as a principal, central office curriculum specialist, superintendent, and her mentoring the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at colleges and universities, teaching is her passion.

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Montgomery County Schools

ECA Holds End of the Year Spring Sing

Evangel Christian Academy recently held its annual spring sing. The students delighted the audience with a night of praise under the direction of ECA’s music teacher Christina Brown. The theme of this year’s program was traditional hymns. The elementary students as well as the Middle School Show Choir participated in the event. The students sang several old favorites such as “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” “How Great Thou Art” and “It is Well With My Soul.” Both the elementary choir and middle school choir joined together for a grand finale that included “Amazing Grace,” “Oh How I Love Jesus,” and “Love Lifted Me.” The inspirational music touched the hearts of all who attended.

MAX4KIDS Awards Scholarships To River Region Seniors

The accomplishments of nine high school seniors were recognized by the MAX4Kids Foundation at a scholarship reception that took place in MAX’s Eastdale Community Room. “MAX4Kids is proud to celebrate nine outstanding high school seniors,” said Kenneth Hill, MAX4Kids Foundation president. “We are excited to see how the foundation’s investment in their future will help make central and east Alabama an even better place.” The nine seniors from Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties were selected from 78 applicants representing 31 different schools. MAX4Kids is awarding $45,000 in scholarships this year. Recipients include: Rashaylia Bell, Loveless Academic Magnet Program; Aaron Bowen, Ariel McGhee, Isaac Sansom and Quatavious Weatherly, Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School; Marcie Cleesattle, Macon East Academy; Sarah Messick, Booker T. Washington Magnet High School; Terrance Crayton, Wetumpka High School; and Logan Hicks, Marbury High School. Front row from left are: Marcie Cleesattle, Rashaylia Bell, Quatavious Weatherly, Isaac Sansom and Kenneth Hill, vice president of Mortgage Services MAX and MAX4Kids president. Back row from left are: Ariel McGhee, Sarah Messick, Logan Hicks and Terrance Crayton. Not pictured: Aaron Bowen

Montgomery Native Serves Aboard One of Navy’s Most Versatile Combat Warships

A 2018 Jefferson Davis High School graduate and Montgomery native provides key support as part of combat operations aboard LCS Squadron Two, stationed at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Seaman Recruit D’Andre Fields serves as a logistics specialist that is responsible for providing supplies. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused- platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. “My mother served ten and a half years in the Navy, and that was a huge influence on my decision to serve,” said Fields. “My aunt and uncle retired as chief petty officers, and my stepfather served in the Navy as well. Serving means making my family proud. I feel like I’m doing something with my life, and that’s what makes them proud.” Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Montgomery County Schools

Macon East’s Environmental Fair a Success

MPS Teachers Share Sustainability Ideas

Two MPS teachers traveled to Montana to meet with other education professionals and share strategies for teaching sustainability on their campuses. Booker T. Washington Magnet High English and creative writing teacher Foster Dickson and LAMP High English literature and composition teacher Gina Aaij were at the University of Montana for the National Sustainability Teachers’ Academy June 23-29. Both teachers have created school garden programs at their schools.

Macon East Academy’s annual lower school Environmental Fair in April was a day full of hands-on learning from a variety of community presenters. Students learned to build a race car out of Legos and circuits with Snapology, and held a variety of reptiles thanks to Dixie Electric. PALS taught valuable lessons on recycling and tips on how to keep our community clean. A local 4-H representative taught STEAM activities using cups and string, while Jacobs Engineering used edible treats to teach engineering. As always, Bonnie Plant Farm was on hand to help students plant herbs and vegetables to take home for the summer. Petland taught pet care and brought several furry friends. Representatives from the Red Cross helped the students understand the importance of having a family plan in the event of an emergency. Beekeeping was taught by Barrett Farms, and the Montgomery Public Library shared stories in the library. Outdoors the students learned about archery and how to cast fishing rods with the Wildlife and Fisheries Department. Our final presenter, Wild Birds Unlimited, taught the students about the different types of birds native to our area and their importance. Many thanks to Marjory Johnson for organizing another wonderful day of learning and fun at this year’s Environmental Fair.

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AdvancED Accredited | AISA Blue Ribbon School

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TEA Student Pursues Physical Therapy

Talent Education & Art (TEA) Christian Academy, Inc. takes pride in recognizing student Alonzo Thomas as the all-around student of the year. He has been a student at TEA for five years and remained on the honor roll the entire time. Thomas has evolved into a dynamic young man who often took time to mentor students. He was a part of the leadership team, the intervention program, the choir, the Reading Around Montgomery Program; and he loved to participate on the debate team. Thomas completed his career skills job shadowing under the guidance of local chiropractor Dr. Leroy Russell, where he was able to perform hands-on training in the chiropractic field. Thomas has been admitted to Alabama State University, where he will pursue a career in physical therapy.

ACA Students Attend Presidential Leadership Institute

The 2019 Presidential Leadership Institute was a perfect opportunity for Alabama Christian Academy students to grow in their leadership development. This year the institute was held in Nebraska and ACA was proud to be one of the many NCSA schools representatives. 21

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MEA Golfer Takes Second Place at State

Macon East Academy golfer Bishop Stringer ended the AISA State Golf Tournament as the Individual State Runner-Up. Coming into the final round at the Troy Country Club three shots off the lead, Stringer battled back to tie the lead. The top two golfers headed into a threehole shootout for the championship. Stringer lost on the final hole to take home secondplace honors. He was once again selected to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AISA All-Star golf team. As the only golfer representing Macon East, Stringer has competed as an individual all season and racked up first- and second-place finishes in AISA tournaments across the state.

Summer Students Fly High with Drone Challenge at Garrett Elementary

Summer enrichment students put their newly acquired science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to the test at Garrett Elementary as they programmed miniature drones to fly through a hoop and land on a landing pad. GPS Educational Services, LLC, provided the drones and instructors to help guide the lessons. Students made measurements to ensure that their drone landed on the target. Afterward, the students in the Garrett Elementary STEM Summer Camp went outside to watch a drone fly high into the air.

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Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Six Montgomery Academy Student-Athletes and One Coach Participate in AHSAA All-Star Week

Montgomery Academy student-athletes Alec Chandler (Tennis), Grace Jackson (Volleyball), Brooke Horne (Soccer), Thomas Rizzo (Soccer) and William Robertson (Tennis) were selected to compete in the Alabama High School Athletic Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All-Star Sports Week held July 16-18 in Montgomery. Additionally, MA Coach Stephen Vosel was selected as the All-Star Baseball Head Coach.

Family of 1940 Lanier Grad Makes Donation

The family of 1940 Lanier High graduate Emma Jean Athey Seabrooks is helping keep her memory alive with a huge book donation to the Lanier Media Center. Dr. Laura Hodges, Seabrooksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; great niece and a Troy University Montgomery instructor, presented the donated books, which included titles such as Becoming, Fences, Minority Leader and The New Jim Crow. Hodges is shown here with Lanier media specialist Yolanda Huntley.

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Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School will dedicate its new gym on Sunday, August 11, at 4 p.m. The Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, archbishop of Mobile, will be presiding. We invite the Montgomery community to come and celebrate with us as we conclude this exciting project. The capital campaign raised more than $3.5 million in just eleven months, allowing MCPS to look toward the future and realize the dream of a new 33,000 squarefoot gymnasium with stadium seating and capacity for more than 800. The gym will have two regulation basketball courts, a weight room, concession area, offices, locker rooms, and conference rooms. The facility will be air-conditionedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a luxury the current Fr. Pat Delahunty Gym, which was built in 1968, does not have.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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BrewTech Graduate Signs Alabama A&M Scholarships

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High graduate Nicholas Powell has committed to Alabama A&M University on a track and academic scholarship. While at BrewTech, Powell was a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, the National Technical Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, and the Rams baseball and track teams.

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Floyd Students Win Awards at International HOSA Conference

Floyd Middle Magnet sent nine students to the Health Occupations Students of America International Leadership Conference in Orlando. They competed with international students in their areas of interest, and several Floyd students won awards. Taylor James, Rachel Schell and Eva Phelps were international second-place winners in the Middle School Health Education event. Jorge Espinola and Morgan Bell were Top 10 finalists in the Middle School Public Health event. Floyd received a recognition award for participating in the National Service Project for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Andrea Fyffe is adviser of the local chapter of HOSA, which is a student organization for future health professionals.

Trinity Coach and Alumna Honored During All-Star Week

To end the AHSAA All-Star Week, Trinity alum Zoe Portis (‘18) and Head Women’s Soccer Coach Analyn Coker were recognized at the AHSAA Championship Awards Banquet! Portis received the National Federation of State High School Associations Spirit of the Sport Award and Coach Coker was the NFHS State Coach of the Year for the 20172018 school year!

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Trinity Varsity & JV Dance Teams Take First Place at Camps

MEA Drama Presents The Wizard of Oz

Macon East Academy’s Drama Club performed a version of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz on May 10. The students worked tirelessly for months to bring this wonderful show to life; they were busy building sets, designing and making costumes, and practicing their lines. Cast members performed their roles to perfection, amazing and delighting the audience! The main cast included: Rachel Sargent as Dorothy, Anna Claire Berrey as The Wicked Witch, Ethan Jones as Scarecrow, Jaden Rossell as Tin Man, and Jordan Rossell as The Cowardly Lion. Other cast members included: Lane Johnson as The Wizard of Oz; Kaiden Merritt as Glinda and Ozian; Anna Watson as Nikko, Munchkin Coroner and Cabbie; Johnny Mathis as Uncle Henry and Ozian Guard; Kaiden Byrom as Aunt EM, Munchkin, and Ozian; DeDe Frazier as Munchkin Mayor and Ozian; Jaiden McDowell as Tornado, Munchkin and Ozian Doorman; and Jameson Byrom as Munchkin and Ozian. Stage lighting and sound technicians included: Cody Nesbitt, Belle Browder, Ally Matthews and Trent Watson. The Drama Club is made up of students in 7th-12th grades and is led by Rayleen Luis. Along with the annual spring play, the Drama Club competes in AISA performing arts competitions at the district and state level.

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Montgomery Parents I August 2019

June was a busy month for the varsity and junior varsity Wildcat “Paws” dance teams at Trinity Presbyterian School. After months of conditioning, perfecting their technique and learning choreography to prepare for their summer camps, Varsity traveled to UDA Camp at Mississippi State University in Starkville and JV traveled to Auburn University. They learned new material for their 2019-20 seasons and perfected new skills and routines they were taught throughout their camp experiences. Varsity brought home first place in their Home Pom Routine, received all superior ratings on their camp material, and a superior trophy with a bid to Nationals in Orlando, Fla. Six girls were named All-American dancers: seniors Taylor Griggs, Carsyn Hawkins, Anna Hixon and Caroline Parkman; and juniors Olivia Reid and Lily Windham. Windham was also the Pin It Forward winner for her leadership skills at camp; and seniors Hawkins, Griggs, Hixon and Parkman were asked to try out for UDA staff next year. Junior Varsity dancers also brought home a first place in the Junior Varsity Home Pom Division, received all superior ratings on their camp material, and a superior trophy with a bid to Nationals in Orlando as well. They had five All-American dancers: Bentley Harris, Mary Blake Pemberton and Ella Wiswall (a Pin It Forward award winner too for her leadership at camp) and Anne Rollins Howe (who also won 2nd Runner-up for the Camp Drill Down award). Varsity dancers above, top row from left: Chapel Evans, Olivia Reid, Reese Hunter, Caroline Love, Hadley Locke, Graci Foshee, Parker Dansby, Linda Hill and Camilla Loard; and bottom: Katie Pope, Caroline Parkman, Lily Windham, Anna Hixon, Taylor Griggs and Carsyn Hawkins. Junior varsity dancers below, top row from left: Claire McCrory, Anne Rollins Howe, Caroline Rogers, Stuart Edwards, Abbie Ensminger, Maddie Holliday and Kadi Reed; and bottom: Ella Wiswall, Mary Blake Pemberton, Carrison Wilson, Noah Brock, Kaylee Henderson and Bentley Harris. 26

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MA’s Katz Named Gatorade Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year

In its 34th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company has announced Tara Katz of Montgomery Academy as its 2018-19 Gatorade Alabama Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year. Katz is the first Gatorade Alabama Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from Montgomery Academy. The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Katz as Alabama’s best high school girls’ soccer player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year award, Katz joins an elite alumni association of past state soccer award winners. The 5-foot-2 senior forward led the Eagles to a 23-2-1 record and the Class 4A-5A state championship this past season. Katz scored 66 goals and passed for 28 assists, setting up both of Montgomery’s goals 2-1 win over Southside in the state final. A three-time State Tournament MVP, Katz is a five-time First Team AllState selection. She concluded her prep soccer career with 225 goals. A class representative on Montgomery Academy’s student-led honor council, Katz has volunteered locally with her school’s H.E.A.R.T. Community Service Club and maintained an A average in the classroom. She signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on scholarship at the University of Tennessee this fall. The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls’ volleyball, boys’ and girls’ cross country, boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ soccer, baseball, softball, and boys’ and girls’ track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. From the 12 national winners, one male and one female athlete are each named Gatorade High School Athlete of the Year. In all, 607 athletes are honored each year. 27

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Montgomery County Schools

Churchill Scouts Excel at Camp

Troop 20 Scouts from Churchill Academy attended Camp Tukabatchee this summer. Activities included canoeing, kayaking, swimming, archery and shooting sports. The troop excelled in many areas, winning third place in the Clean Camp Site competition. Individually, Gabriel Ewer was awarded a knife skills award, while Dawson Mims won a fishing award. Andre Underwood also won a canoeing award and served as a Counselor in Training the week prior to the group’s arrival. Churchill Academy is very proud of “the Phoenix Patrol” and is thankful to troop leaders Yahnira Backus, Tad Davis and Jen Tuck for their hard work and leadership.

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ACA Wins Big Man’s Brawl Trophy

The 6th Annual 7 on 7 Championship and Big Man’s Brawl was a great competition on many levels at Alabama Christian Academy. Six teams competed throughout the day as ACA welcomed more than 500 guests to our campus. The ACA Linemen took home the Big Man’s Brawl trophy, winning or tying for first in six out of eight events.

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Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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BTW Students Embark on Summer Study in Italy

Six students from Booker T. Washington Magnet High School were selected to par-ticipate in a pilot arts-dedicated study-abroad program this summer in Montgomery’s sister city, Pietrasanta, Italy. With the support of Troy University, the City and County of Montgomery, F.A.M.E., and individual fund-raising, three Dance magnet students studied with the internationally acclaimed Danza In Arte a Pietrasanta (DAP) Festival held annually in Tuscany. Three additional students participated in an intense arts program integrating their magnets, Creative Writing and Visual Arts, with Theater. Troy University’s new initiative, the Troy Summer Arts Academy in Italy, offers dual-enrollment opportunities for participating high school students. As a new program, this is the first time high school students from Alabama were selected to participate. The DAP Festival dates were June 17-29. The students in the integrated arts program traveled June 23-July 5. Asha Gray, Abigail Perkinson and Naomi Tyson were the selected Dance magnet students from BTW (top photo). Brianna Moore studies Creative Writing and Yaelin Ha and Zoe Davis represented the Visual Arts magnet (bottom photo). Eligibility criteria included grade-point average, demonstrated long-term interest in their respective arts concentration, and enrollment grade-level. Mayor Todd Strange and City Councilman Richard Bollinger visited BTW’s temporary campus on Hayneville Road May 16 to congratulate and recognize these students. The mayor and city council were instrumental in establishing the “sister-city” relationship with Pietrasanta. “Studying abroad in Pietresanta, Italy, is a major achievement for BTW’s young artists. We are grateful to Mayor Todd Strange and Councilman Richard Bollinger, as well as other individuals supporting our students,” said BTW Principal Dr. Quesha Starks. F.A.M.E. (Friends of Arts Magnet Education) is a 501(C)3 organization with a mission to support the students and faculty of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School.

ECA Classes End Year With Fairy Tale Twist

Mrs. Perdue’s second-grade class and Miss Allison’s first-grade class at Evangel Christian Academy ended the year with a play based on the popular children’s story Bubba the Cowboy Prince: A Fractured Texas Tale by Helen Ketteman.The story was a modern day twist on the traditional Cinderella story. The main character Bubba works hard for his evil stepdad and gets the chance to go to a ball. At the ball he meets Miss Lurleen and leaves behind a dirty boot when the clock strikes midnight. At the end, Miss Lurleen finds her cowboy prince when the boot fits Bubba and the two live happily ever after. The ECA audience kicked up their heels as they watched the play and enjoyed the music.

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Trinity Student Attends Duke TIP Program

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Encouraging each child to achieve their God-given potential

Trinity eighth-grader Olivia Kearley qualified for the Duke TIP Intensive Summer Studies program at Davidson College in North Carolina. Her ACT scores of 23 or higher in BOTH math and science earned her an invitation to attend Davidson this summer, participating in the “Cryptography, Codebreaking and the Mathematics of Spying Studies” program. During this three-week course, Kearley was able to explore the complex mathematical theories behind modern cryptography, and learn to translate these theories into working computer code.

AISA Blue Ribbon School “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

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

Accredited: ACTS, AISA, SACS, Advanced ED, NCPSA

MEA’s Ceman Signs with AUM

Macon East baseball player Jackson Ceman signed to play with the AUM Warhawks. He was a two-year starter for the Knights program under Coach Bob Pickett. He hit over .330 with 30 stolen bases and 58 RBIs in the 2019 season. His fielding percentage was over .930 at 2nd base, and on the mound he was 4-1 with 1 save. Ceman was a part of 66 combined wins his junior and senior seasons and was an integral part of the 2018 AISA AA State Championship team. Ceman is the son of Deidre and Chad Ceman. He is not only a stand-out on the athletic field; he will be attending AUM on an academic scholarship. He is one of eight members of the Class of 2019 continuing their athletic endeavors at the collegiate level. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Evangel Names Mr. and Miss ECA

BrewTech Students, Teacher Travel To Washington for TSA Conference

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High teacher Steve Ballard and students in the Technology Student Association (TSA) traveled to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital for the 41st annual National TSA Conference. While in Washington, the group took time to tour the White House, the U.S. Capitol and the National Air and Space Museum.

Evangel Christian Academy named the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 Mr. and Miss ECA during the High School Awards Day ceremony. Seniors Brittney Sherrill and Brandon Martin were chosen for this distinguished honor by the faculty and student body. They were chosen because of their Christian testimonies as well as their academic and leadership skills.

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Camp Eagle 2019 at Alabama Christian Academy

Every summer, Alabama Christian Academy provides parents an opportunity to give their children a summer to remember at Camp Eagle. It has been another amazing camp season filled with trips, pool parties, snacks, games and laughter. We cannot wait to have these campers back next year.

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Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Macon East Joins Big Mo’s Book Club

Some Macon East Academy lower school students who participated in the Montgomery Biscuits Big Mo’s Book Club reading program enjoyed a night of fun at the ballpark. Launched this year, the program’s purpose was to encourage reading among Alabama students in the 40 participating schools. Students who completed six books received a free ticket to a Biscuits home game. Earlier this year, Big Mo visited Macon East to kick off the reading incentive program. Big Mo’s Book Club was a fun addition to our outstanding lower school library and Accelerated Reader program. Macon East Accelerated Readers who met or exceeded their 4th quarter reading goals this year enjoyed a bowling party. Many thanks to librarian Leigh Desmarais and the lower school teachers for continuing to foster a love of reading and developing reading skills above the student’s grade level.

Montgomery Catholic Cheerleaders Attend UCA Camp at Auburn

The Montgomery Catholic varsity cheerleaders attended the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) cheer camp at Auburn University June 3-6. The team received multiple spirit sticks and received all superior ribbons for team evaluations each day. Eight team members were nominated to try out for All-American cheerleader, an honor given to select individuals who have exemplified showmanship, poise and technique. Seniors Sarah Rose Burden, Anna Dubois, Anna Sadie, Chloe Weber and junior Devan DeRamus were among the eight nominated to try out. Seniors Sofie Izer, Emma Secor and Alexis Weber were all named All-American cheerleaders and were invited to try out to be UCA staff next year. Senior Hayden Pritchett was given a “Pin It Forward,” an honor by another team’s cheerleader for her character toward the other girls. The team also received a superior trophy in the medium varsity division for receiving all superior ribbons during the week, interacting with staff and other teams well, and showing great ability, sportsmanship and leadership. The varsity cheer team members include Allie Berg, Sarah Rose Burden, Alex Celka, Devan DeRamus, Anna Dubois, Sofie Izer, Katie Perkins, Hayden Pritchett, Anna Sadie, Emma Secor, Kinley Tadlock, Valerie Waite, Alexis Weber and Chloe Weber. They are coached by Samantha Banks.

TEA Students Visit Old Cahawba

Talent Education & Art (TEA) Christian Academy, Inc. students visited Old Cahawba in Orrville, Ala., where the state capital of Alabama was once located. While there, the students had the privilege to meet and converse with Mayor Louvenia Lumpkin of Orrville, and they learned she is the first black person—and first female—to be elected mayor there.

Alabama Dance Theatre FALL DANCE CLASSES BEGIN MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2019 Now Accepting Registrations, Age 3 to Professional Level Kitty Seale, Artistic Director

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Montgomery Catholic Track and Cross Country Teams Sweep State Titles Seniors Amaris Tyynismaa and Jimmiah Fenderson both accepted athletic scholarships to attend NCAA Division 1 schools in the fall. Tyynismaa signed to run at the University of Alabama, and Fenderson will run at The Citadel. Coach Ed Wright was selected as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Boys’ High School Coach of the Year for the state of Alabama for the 2018 cross country season. Coach Wright served as the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams at Montgomery Catholic, both of which won the state championship in the 2018 season, and also coached the indoor and outdoor boys and girls track teams. The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are shown below with coaches Ed Wright and Hollis Johnson. Above, the boys’ and girls’ track and field teams are shown with coaches Hollis Johnson, Coy Hunter and Ed Wright.

The Montgomery Catholic cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams celebrated many key successes in the 2018-2019 season, but it was the exceptional team of girls who truly dominated throughout the year. Although the track and cross country program has performed well at the state level in recent years, the championship trophy across all three seasons continued to elude the teams until this year. In the fall, the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams had an outstanding season and both took home the state championship trophy. Senior Amaris Tyynismaa won her fifth straight state individual title in cross country, crossing the finish line nearly a minute and a half ahead of second-place finisher, freshman Lily Bachl. Strong finishes from each team member ensured the win for the whole program. The Lady Knights went on to outclass the competition and won the state championship during the winter in indoor track and field. Tyynismaa came in first in the 800M, 1600M, and 3200M, with Bachl coming in second place in the 1600M and senior Katie Galvin taking third in the 800M. Jimmy Hitchcock Award winner Isabelle Cochran took first in the high jump and third in the long jump. The girls’ 4x800M relay team, consist-ing of Bachl, Cochran, Galvin, and Tyynismaa, won first place. Meanwhile, the boys were also able to celebrate as the relay team, made up of seniors Manny Caceres, Zac Kroeger and Grant Walker, and sophomore Hollis “Hojo” Johnson, Jr., took second place in the 4x800M. Rounding out their track and field trophy trifecta, the girls brought home the state championship in outdoor track and field. Once again, Tyynismaa took first in the 800M, 1600M, and 3200M, with Bachl taking second in the 800M. The girls 4x800M relay team took home second place. Meanwhile, Cochran won first in the 300M hurdles and long jump, second in the high jump, and third in the 100M hurdles. She then went on to win third place in the state heptathlon. Following each season, the champion cross country and track teams and their coaches, Ed Wright, Hollis Johnson and Coy Hunter, were invited to City Hall to be publicly recognized by Mayor Todd Strange before the city council meeting. After each team was recognized for their outstanding performance throughout the entire year, one by one, the champions were called to the floor, congratulated on their individual perfor-mances, and given a certificate of recognition from the mayor. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Trinity Cheerleaders Excel at Camp

Trinity Presbyterian School’s middle, junior varsity and varsity cheer squads received all superior ratings at UCA camp in Auburn this summer! All three squads attended camp at Auburn University July 8-11 and received 1st place on their rally routines, with varsity and middle school earning first place for cheer and game day champions. Selected as All-Americans were: varsity—Kate Hall, Lauren LeGrand, Ellie Slawson, Riley Tucker and Caroline Watson; junior varsity—Anna McMillan, Allison Grant, Anna Kate Kyser, Emory Roth and Emma Katherine Randall; middle school — Olivia Kearley, Adeline Vaughn, Erin Mitchell, Mary Massey McCullough and Mary Carter Molina. Each of the three teams had a jump-off finalist: Anna Worth Craven, Anna McMillan and Erin Mitchell, and six girls were awarded with the “Why America Needs Cheerleaders Award”: Kate Hall, Lauren LeGrand, Ellie Slawson, Riley Tucker, Anna McMillan, and Mary Massey McCullough.

Macon East Holds Honors Day Ceremony

The Macon East Academy upper school Honors Day ceremony is a time to recognize the accomplishments of students in grades 7-12. The senior class members are presented scholarship certificates from college and university representatives as well as community organizations. A variety of awards and honors are be-stowed upon the students for academic accomplishments, community service, and leadership. At the conclusion of the honors day program, the seniors receive their honor cords to be worn at graduation.

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Montgomery Academy Cheerleaders Named All Around Best Squad

Montgomery Academy cheerleaders attended UCA Cheer Camp at Auburn University and were awarded the TOP BANANA (all around best squad)! Additionally, the Middle School cheerleaders were awarded Game Day camp champion, first in Game Day cheer and second in Rally Routine. The varsity cheerleaders were named Rally Routine camp champion, cheer champion and second in Game Day overall.

ECA Inducts Students into National Honor Society

Evangel Christian Academy recently conducted its annual induction ceremony for the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society. The program began with a candlelighting ritual in which scholarship, leadership, service and characterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the foundational principles of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;were represented. After the candlelighting ceremony, the candidates for induction were led in the NHS pledge and presented with certificates celebrating their acceptance into the organization. The members of the National Junior Honor Society are: Destiny Betton, Karley Blankenship, CJ Brown, Jaidyn Dix, Aysha Gibbons, Kennedy Holland, Kaleb Jackson, Monica Jennings, Kysha McNeely, Aaron McNeil, Jr., Josh Rigsby and Farren Spear. The National Junior Honor Society honorees are: Morgan Thompson and Eli Willks. The members of the National Honor Society are: Terryn Abner, Brooke Bolling, Corryne Blanks, Arange Clemons, Skylar Brooks, Jon Michael Clemons, Micah Brown, Ronald Holland II, Katie Cartee, Bailey Houser, Austin Gray, Justin McGown, Makaria Hamilton, Coby Taylor, Jada Johnson, Trevor Whatley, Mathew Johnson, Keona Wilkins, Derek Kitchens, Brandon Martin, Anthony Morgan, Ellejae Reynolds, Blake Rogers, Brittney Sherrill, Emily Stehl, Tracy Smith, Ivan Tarasenko, Logan Temple, Gracie Thompson, Nana Tuffour, and Cetki Williams.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Montgomery Academy Seniors Complete Philanthropy 101

Ten rising seniors at Montgomery Academy recently completed the Philanthropy 101 course, which provides an in-depth study of charitable and nonprofit organizations in our community. Led by faculty members Denise Wentworth and Mandy Poundstone, students selected to take part in the course were Femi Adediji, Sofie Behr, Eric Doh, Russell Hughes, David Ioffreda, Jiwon Lee, Mac Main, William Robertson, Clara Slawson and Millie Stevenson. Fourteen years ago, The Montgomery Academy partnered with the W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation to create this program. Each year, selected rising seniors participate in the course which challenges them to question their abilities to make a difference in their community. Through classroom activities, visits to a variety of nonprofit agencies and foundations, and hands-on service, they discover various ways to give. As a part of the curriculum, students learn how to analyze a non-profit’s financial statement and learn how a taxexempt, nonprofit organization operates. They learn how to distinguish between administrative and program costs. While students earn no school credit for completing the course, each is given a stipend, which must be donated to a single nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of his or her choice. A luncheon was held where the students gave presentations about the mission and financial structure of their chosen charity and representatives from each organization were in attendance to accept the donations. During the class this summer, students heard presentations about, visited and/or did community service with these non-profit organizations: Brantwood Children’s Home, Camp ASCCA Easterseals, Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama, Central Alabama Community Foundation, Child Protect, Children’s Advocacy Center, Children’s of Alabama, Dream Court, Family Guidance Center of Alabama, Father Purcell Memorial Exceptional Children’s Center, Food for Kids Backpack Program, Montgomery Habitat For Humanity, HandsOn River Region, Mary Ellen’s Hearth at Nellie Burge, Medical Outreach Ministries, Mobile Food Pantry at Family Guidance Center, Montgomery Area Council On Aging (MACOA), Montgomery Area Food Bank, Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians (M.A.N.E.), Respite Ministry (First United Methodist Church), Service Dogs Alabama, and TMC That’s MY Child. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. 37

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It’s August and a new school year is upon us! The 2019-2020 school year is a historic one for Pike Road Schools, as we have the first class of seniors at Pike Road High School and will have our first graduation ceremony at the end of the year. We will be creating traditions this year that will impact classes for years to come. We also are excited that we are renovating our Georgia Washington Campus facilities with the help of the Town of Pike Road, and many of the newly built or renovated areas will come online for use this year! The excitement of the Pike Road family is contagious as we continue to grow and improve. Pike Road Schools begins the new school year with about 2,200 students, the aforementioned first senior class, and

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

our first class of the Alabama First Class Pre-K program. All of our programs are growing and improving, including expanded advanced academic course offerings, fast growing arts programs, and the addition of athletic teams to appeal to a wide variety of learner preferences. All this growth is connected to the Pike Road Schools Strategic Plan, adopted in December 2018. We are working to fulfill our mission which is to create a culture of intellectual curiosity where all students have ownership over their learning and are inspired to think, innovate, and create. The Pike Road community strongly supports education and is invested in ensuring that all of our learners are prepared to flourish and lead in the world that they will live in as adults. The vision of Pike Road Schools is aligned with that thought, that our students are lifelong learners who use their knowledge, skills, and influence to make the world a better place. In the four years since Pike Road Schools first opened its doors, our stu-

dents have excelled. There is plenty of evidence of excellence: world class robotics teams; award winning cyber security students; some of the highest standardized test scores in the state; outstanding exhibitions of acting, singing, and performing of the arts; and excellence in athletics evidenced by multiple playoff teams and individual performances that were among the finest in Alabama. Pike Road Schools works to create a team with our parents to help to raise intelligent, inquisitive individuals of integrity to make a difference in our community, our state, our country, and our world. It’s going to be a great year!

Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 28 years. He has earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. Chuck Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his ninth year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

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Pike Road Schools Adds First Senior Class

Pike Road Schools (PRS) will make history once again in May 2020 when we graduate our first-ever class of seniors! The majority of students in this class came to Pike Road Schools as 8th-graders the first year we opened, 2015. At that time, we served students in grades kindergarten through eighth grades. Since 2015, we have added a grade level every year, and now serve learners in Pre-K- twelfth grade. Currently there are 104 seniors registered at Pike Road High School. Lead learner Kathleen Griswell has taken on the role of senior class sponsor. She is one of the original lead learners at PRS, and has been with these students from the beginning. Griswell has worked tirelessly, along with a senior committee made up of students to plan activities and create traditions. One of the first that will take place in a few weeks will be senior-painted parking spots. Students will have the opportunity to reserve a spot and paint the spot to reflect their personality. Another fun tradition we plan to incorporate includes a senior being paired with two kindergarten students, “senior buddies.” Seniors will visit their buddies frequently and will participate in a Senior Walk near the end of the year. In addition, the committee is working to plan a Powder Puff game, themed spirit Fridays, a field day, baccalaureate, and a senior brunch. To prepare our seniors for college and career, PRS offers Work-Based learning. Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a Career & Technical Education program which provides learners with an opportunity to leave campus and participate in a work-based experience through apprenticeships (paid) or internships (unpaid). Each learner had to apply, interview, and be accepted to the WBL program. There will be 18 learners participating for the 2019-2020 school year. Learners are required to declare a career objective, obtain a job placement, and earn at least 140 clock hours in order to earn high school credit.

Pike Road Schools Receives Grant for First Class Pre-K Program

Alabama’s nationally recognized First Class Pre-K program is coming to Pike Road Schools! The First Class Pre-K Program is Alabama’s state-funded voluntary program for 4-year-old children who are residents of Alabama. The program is funded by the Education Trust Fund and the Preschool Development Grant through the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (DECE) Office of School Readiness (OSR). Pike Road Schools will receive startup funds that will allow for one pre-k classroom of 18 students, one certified early childhood teacher and one auxiliary teacher for the upcoming 2019/2020 school year. The classroom will be housed at Pike Road Elementary School (PRES). The startup funds will also help provide developmentally appropriate furniture and materials. In addition, these funds will supplement some of the costs involved with preparing the elementary campus to meet requirements outlined in the grant. Becoming a First Class Pre-K includes comprehensive support from the Office of School Readiness in the form of leadership, grant management, administration personnel, coaches, monitoring and mentoring. PRS will have three OSR personnel assigned to the site to support, specifically for the teachers, directors and overall monitoring. Numerous studies have shown that students who have participated in high-quality prekindergarten programs: are less likely to repeat a grade, require remedial education, or be placed in special education; score higher on achievement tests; are more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college; get higher paying salaries as adults; and are more likely to stay out of prison and off welfare. Pike Road Schools looks forward to welcoming our newest and youngest Patriots this fall! Montgomery Parents I August 2019

V Pike Road Partners with Neighborhood Bridges

Neighborhood Bridges is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was launched in January 2017. It is a way for Pike Road Schools to quickly and efficiently engage the community to meet the needs of our students and families. How it works: school personnel becomes aware of a student in need. They then notifiy the school counselor, who receives and vets the request. The need will be posted to the Pike Road Neighborhood Bridges community website (https:// www.neighborhoodbridges.org/community/pikeroad-al) for community members to see, so they can purchase the item and deliver to the local fire department. The fire department will deliver to the school counselor who discreetly gives the item to the student. For more info on Neighborhood Bridges, visit https://www.neighborhoodbridges.org/.

Pike Road High School Principal Elected to Serve on CLAS Board PRHS Principal David Sikes was elected by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals to represent them on the board of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). CLAS focuses on children, while providing high quality professional development and other needs for school system administrators.

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Pike Road Varsity Cheerleaders Attend UCA Camp

The Pike Road High School (PRHS) varsity cheer team attended their first UCA Cheer Camp at Auburn University the week of June 17. The team is coached by Keisha Burrow, owner of Bama Blaze Elite Cheer in Montgomery. The PRHS varsity team worked hard to earn 1st Place Rally, 1st Place Game Day and the Top Banana!

Volunteers Help Establish PRES Library

Volunteers from global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie gave back to the Pike Road community by offering their time and talent to help Pike Road Schools establish a new library for learners in grades K-4 as part of AbbVie’s annual Week of Possibilities. Volunteers assisted with cleaning and putting together bookshelves. They also helped sort, process and shelve approximately 2,000 books for the new Pike Road Elementary School library. “We are grateful for AbbVie’s commitment to assist the Pike Road Schools family in getting a school library established at our elementary campus,” said Dr. Charles Ledbetter, superintendent of Pike Road Schools. “The volunteer work of the AbbVie team will help make books available to our young learners. We especially thank AbbVie employee Betsy Atkins for facilitating this partner-ship. The difference you make will be felt by Pike Road students for years to come.” For more information on AbbVie’s Week of Possibilities, visit abbvie.com.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;A And so it begins, school supplies fill the aisles of local businesses; families rush to squeeze in last minute vacations and memory-making moments; and teachers, support staff, and administrators hustle to make our schools a welcoming sight for a new wave of students! Each August the faculty and staff in Autauga County Schools anticipate the best school year ever and make a pledge to provide our students with opportunities to shine and excel. Every year our students rise to the challenge and set the bar higher and higher. I anticipate this year to be no different. Faculty and staff will kick off the new

school year on July 31 with Teacher Institute. Students will start the 20192020 school year on Tuesday, August 6. Each new school year brings about exciting changes. I want to take a moment to introduce our new principals. Angie McLean will be leading the Bears at Billingsley School to new heights this year, and new principal Stefanie Aaron will have the Prattville Elementary School Bobcats roaring to success. Our new assistant principals are Jacob Holloway at Prattville High, Randall Shepard at Billingsley and, veteran assistant principal, Tony Camara has transferred to Prattville High. It is getting close to kick-off of the 2019 football season. The gridiron action heats up the fourth week in August under the leadership of some of the finest group of coaches in the state. The first varsity game of the season will be Friday, August 23. Coach

Caleb Ross will lead his Prattville Lions against Foley at Ivan Jones Stadium. The Autaugaville Eagles under direction of Javaris Jackson kick off the season at home against Holy Spirit, and the Marbury Bulldogs led by Jason Wallace, will play at home against Montevallo. Meanwhile, over at Billingsley, Coach Phillip Coggins will unleash his team when the Bears host Keith High. Make plans to come out and support your team for the first game. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to an awesome year for all of our students! I look forward to sharing their accomplishments with our community throughout this 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 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 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.

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Autauga County Schools

Prattville Primary Thankful for Help from PHS Football Team

For two days, many Prattville High School football players, coaches and administration moved three loads of landscaping rocks at Prattville Primary School. It was amazing to see PPS and PHS synergize as a team for the benefit of the school. THANK YOU! Also a thank you to Lowe’s for providing funding through our recent grant.

PCA’s Hanson Plays in AHSAA’s North-South All-Star Softball Game

Madison Hanson, Prattville Christian Academy senior and Auburn University softball commit, was selected to play in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s annual North-South All-Star softball game at Lagoon Park this summer. As only the second player in program history named to a North-South AllStar team, Hanson made her presence known almost immediately. She was the first player on the South team to score the first run in each game as the roster’s lead-off batter. She crossed the plate four times during the series. Hanson also anchored the outfield on defense as the team’s centerfielder. This is also the first time in the annual All-Star games that the South team has swept the North in the softball series. Hanson has been an instrumental part of the Lady Panthers softball team since her seventh-grade year. As a rising senior on a young team for the 2020 season, she will be a key leader in securing another championship run. Hanson announced her plans to play for the Auburn Tigers earlier this spring— only the program’s second Division I commitment. “Madison is is a real go-getter,” said Randy Stough, PCA’s head softball coach. “She makes things happen offensively by just finding a way to get on base and score runs. Our team revolves around her energy. PCA’s coaching staff has high expectations for her leadership this season.”

PJHS Summer Programs

Over the summer, Prattville Junior High is not a quiet place as students are still learning and growing! Our Sports Medicine Team has been learning basic healthcare procedures for student athletes. They work hard behind the scenes to make sure they are hydrated and have a safe experience on and off the field. We are grateful for our ladies who work to make sure PJHS stays healthy.

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Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Behind the Scenes @ PJHS

Often, publicity goes to those who do amazing things. Many people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize how much hard work goes on behind the scenes. From painting to waxing floors to repairing a leaky roof to printing copies of the new handbook, we have those who are preparing for a fantastic and efficient school year! To our cast and crew members at Prattville Junior High who put in long hours and endure sunny temps and put in a lot of sweat equity, we salute you! Thank you for making us #CATStrong!

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PJHS Little Cheer Camp

The Prattville Junior High School cheerleaders sponsored a cheer camp for younger girls. A few dozen kids ages 3-12 participated in a day camp to learn basic cheer moves, some Cat cheers, and a dance. They performed for parents and guests. It was an incredibly fun way to showcase community involvement as our cheerleaders worked with the younger girls. 45

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Autauga County Schools

Autauga County Tech Center Students Awarded Scholarships

This year’s winners of the Alice Ruth Blackburn Scholarship are Jasmine Ross, Ryan Holtzscher, Ashleigh Taylor and Sawyer Knott. They were each presented $500 scholarship checks by the Alice Ruth Blackburn Scholarship Committee at the annual Awards Ceremony at the Autauga County Technology Center on May 7. Ross plans to attend Trenholm State Community College majoring in therapeutic massage, Holtzscher plans to attend Auburn University at Montgomery majoring in pre-engineering; Taylor plans to attend the University of South Alabama majoring in biomedical science and Knott plans to attend Auburn University majoring in electrical engineering. Career technical teachers in Autauga County established the Alice Ruth Blackburn Scholarship Fund in 1986 to honor the memory of Ms. Blackburn, who was a home economics teacher and a state district supervisor. The purpose of the scholarship is to recognize excellence in Autauga County technology programs by awarding scholarships to students who wish to pursue a post-secondary education in the field studied at the Technology Center. The Annual Awards Ceremony and Scholarship Presentation was held on May 7, at the Autauga County Technology Center. During the ceremony, which was attended by students, parents, grandparents, teach-ers, administrators and other guests, each outstanding student was introduced, commended by his teacher and presented with a certificate. From left are Alice Ruth Blackburn winners: Sawyer Knott, Ryan Holtzscher, Ashleigh Taylor, and Jasmine Ross. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Prattville Christian Academy’s Cheer Squads Earn Awards

Prattville Christian Academy’s junior varsity cheer squad, shown above, earned first in Rally Routine and Sideline as well as second in Cheer and Overall Game Day at camp. Brady Hardman and Ella Montiel were named All-Americans while the team earned Superior ribbons on all evaluations. #gopanthers #PCAproud PCA’s varsity cheer squad, below, earned first in Rally Routine, second in Sideline Cheer, and Overall Game Day. They received Superior ribbons on all evaluations during the week. Hannah Grier, Julie Lawrence, Peyton Cobb and Austin Nordquist were also named All-Americans.

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Elmore County is proud to announce the continuation of our successful virtual program, “The EDGE” for the 20192020 school year! EDGE – Elmore County’s Diverse Gateway to Education – encompasses the cutting edge in education to empower students with tools for success. EDGE is our FREE virtual program available for students in grades 3-12 living in Elmore, Autauga, and Montgomery counties. In this program, students can learn at home with diverse options including live, certified tutors virtually accessible daily, support for students and their parents/guardians, and schedule flexibility. Students enrolled in our virtual program will have opportunities to participate in athletics, cheer, dance, band, etc. Additional options for virtual or “on campus”

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

elective and Career Technical Education courses as well as gateways to Career Technical certifications and college credits will also be available (eligibility, fees, and/or availability may apply for these options). Due to the schedule flexibility provided by our virtual program, students may complete their required high school credits early, allowing them to progress to postsecondary education or enter the workforce sooner than a traditional high school schedule would allow. Students enrolled in EDGE will be expected to work independently to complete required coursework utilizing Edgenuity for grades 6-12 and Odysseyware for grades 3-5. Student support services include online and face-to-face orientation for online learning preparation; academic advising to include the development of a 4-year high school plan; tracking of student attendance, course progression, grades, and exam proctoring; and administration of state-mandated tests to all students. All state-mandated tests, midterms, and final exams must be taken at a central-

ized learning site or base school and will be facilitated by Elmore County staff. Students are not required to come in on a weekly/ monthly basis, unless they opt for tutoring services provided by certified teachers or fall behind with their coursework. Students who meet graduation requirements through EDGE can earn a standard Alabama High School Diploma. However, we do offer Advanced Placement courses, which meet the standards of the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum. For more information and application, visit www.elmoreco.com and click “The EDGE” or contact Cindy Hines at cindy. hines@elmoreco.com or 334-514-3931 ext. 27001. We constantly strive to empower every student to achieve success, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve students throughout the tri-county area. Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.

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Tech Center Senior Visits Job Site

A Wetumpka High School senior enrolled in electrical technology visited a construction site for a one-on-one job shadow provided by Garner Electric. He was able to see everything from initial schematics and drawing to the installed products on site and discuss trends in hiring needs for this industry.

Homeschool Co-op Recognizes Graduates

Academy Days Co-op honors three graduating seniors and one graduating kindergartner as they embark on new chapters in their lives. Seniors James Haigler of Hayneville, Megan Mason of Marbury, and Jason Jackson of Millbrook pose with kindergartner Sutherlin Halbrooks of Montgomery as their fellow home-schoolers and parents applaud their success. Held at Coosada Baptist Church, the Academy Days Co-op meets weekly during the school year for homeschoolers in preschool through high school to take classes in subjects such as criminology, acrylic painting, photography, sewing, STEM challenges and P.E.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Wetumpka Anglers Take Top Spot in Tournament

Over two days of fishing May 3-4 for the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association’s Class Tournament on Lake Jordan and the Alabama River, Wetumpka High School caught 33.2 pounds of bass, making them first place in this particular event. Winning team members were Jay Shipp and LJ Harkless. Overall for the year, the Wetumpka team came in 12th place. Also from our area, Holtville High School scored 244 total points in the last tournament of the year, with 23.16 pounds of bass caught. Overall for the year, Holtville came in 22nd. Lori McKenzie, a teacher at Wetumpka High, is also the coach for the fishing Team and is very proud of her young anglers. She also helps with ASABFA throughout the year on statistics. There are multiple tournaments throughout the year at different locations in the state. Points are scored at each tournament. The top 40 teams from throughout the state were the ones who participated in this, the final tournament of this year.

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Elmore County Schools

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Camp Discovery Helps Elmore County 8th-Graders Learn About Tech Center

ECTC hosted its 4th Annual Camp Discovery CTE exploration for 8th-grade students in the Elmore County system. During camp, students are able to sample activities in all 12 programs hosted at the Elmore County Technical Center with their classmates from across the county. Each day, students received free transportation to and from camp as well as a provided lunch accompanied by speakers from our local area to motivate them as they enter high school this year.

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WHS Juniors Attend HOBY

From left, Emma Higby and Jazmin Faulkner represented Wetumpka High School at the Hugh Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brian Youth Leadership Seminar in Troy.

SEHS Student Chosen For Alabama Boys State Stanhope Elmore rising senior Greg Hall was a delegate at the 82nd American Legion Alabama Boys State. He participated in the fire college interest group, which is designed to introduce the participants to an up-close and personal view of the firefighting profession. He received information and experiences that gave him insight into the possibility of it becoming his career choice.

WHS Seniors Attend Alabama Girls State

Upcoming seniors Anna Lei Singleton and Amelia Nettles represented Wetumpka High at Girls State in Tuscaloosa.

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Elmore County Schools

Wetumpka High Holds Performing Arts Scholarship Signing Day

For the first time, Wetumpka High School held a performing arts scholarship signing day for four of its Theatre Guild members who received college scholarships to further their music and theatre educations. All four have been students of WHS theatre instructor Jeff Glass and been heavily involved in school musicals during their high school experience. From left, with their families, are Damian Bowden, Gavin Fuller and Michael Armstrong, who are all attending Troy University this fall, and Carlee Robertson, who is going to Oklahoma City University.

Elmore County Tech Center Hosts Awards Banquet

ECTC hosted the 5th Annual CTE Awards Banquet in May recognizing excellence in career and technical programs across Elmore County Schools. Each of the 19 programs selects students to represent their high school as a student of the year nominee (one from each base campus). From each program’s nominees, one is selected as the student of the year for that program in the county. Several programs also have sponsored scholarships by local businesses to assist students in continuing their education after high school. Shown here are all the program winners. From those winners, an overall Elmore County CTE Student of the Year is chosen. This year’s winner, out of the DECA Business Marketing program, was Catherine Daniel from Holtville High School. She also received a $1,000 scholarship from Four Star Freightliner. CTE Director is Dr. Jimmy Hull.

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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

Back to School,

But Not Yet Independent In my recent College Application Workshops, I was reminded once again of the strain between parents and teens. Parents, recognizing lingering immaturity, want to manage their children’s lives as they have done for the past 15 years, and students, resenting the control, want to be independent without consequences.

Teens’ Frustrations

I always receive snickers and knowing looks from the high school students when I say: “Parents, your children need to do this work themselves,” referring to researching colleges, making phone calls to admissions’ offices, and filling out applications. Laughs become louder and elbows start poking moms’ ribs (never dads’ by the way) when I tell parents that it is time to let go and allow their children to grow up.

Parents’ Struggles

Of course, payback comes with my next few comments to students: “One of the reasons your parents are doing the work is because you aren’t. For instance, I see a lot of moms taking notes, but only one or two teens. What is it about this information that you see as unnecessary or unimportant? Or are you just too willing for mom or dad to do all the work?” Now, it’s the parents turn to laugh, and loud guffaws ensue.

Growth Through Failure

Once I have their attention by humorously identifying these tensions (and character flaws), I am able to address the challenge of training teens to be independent. As I have said before, adolescence should be a time of preparation. Parents need to change gears and spend less time protecting and providing and more time teaching their children how to protect and provide for themselves. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Preventing our teens from failing is a major hurdle that we must surpass. We overly protect our young adult children from their own foolishness for three reasons: first, and foremost, we feel pain when our children suffer; second, we are annoyed when our children’s lack of responsibility negatively affects us; and third, we know their shortcomings can have severe consequences in their futures. The upshot is that when we cover for them now, we are actually reinforcing flaws in their characters. Let them wear dirty clothes to school as a consequence for not putting their laundry in the hamper, or better yet, doing the laundry themselves. Let them be benched for missing a practice. Let them go hungry if they don’t get up on their own for breakfast or forget to pack their lunch. Repercussions are more effective than constant reminders, and two of the most important areas of childtraining for teens are financial and intellectual responsibility. Do not provide your teens with a bottomless source of income. If teenagers suffer consequences for poor financial planning while still at home, they will become more cautious before creating unnecessary debt later. Students must also learn the consequences of academic failure early in their careers as several new challenges face teens in college. Classes meet less often, and much more reading is required. Exams are less often, and more information is tested. One syllabus is provided for the entire semester, and missed assignments receive zeros. No reminders, no late points, no excuses in college. I personally know students who have lost scholarships and even been expelled because they routinely showed up late for class or missed assignment deadlines. Asking teachers to make exceptions for your child’s failures now can result in severe academic repercussions later. 56

Love Unconditionally

Engage your teens in conversation. They should be actively planning their future with your help, not the other way around. Find out what they want, what their desires are, what they struggle with. Listen to and encourage their ambitions, even if they sound unrealistic. They will discover that on their own, and if you give them a “realitycheck,” they will stop sharing. They need you to see their dreams as possible aspirations, not visionary delusions. Offer support and understanding. Help them dream. Most of all, parents, limit criticism and oral reprimands. This time is much more difficult for your teens than for you, and they need to know that you support them regardless of their shortcomings. Presenting a calm persona is the best way to accomplish this feat. Don’t get angry or annoyed when your children act irresponsibly, simply administer the resulting penalty in a composed manner, restraining those mental gibes and oral reminders of “I told you so”! If they complain, give them a hug and remind them of their responsibilities. If they are disrespectful, an additional punishment should be administered. I have one word for teens: Patience! When your parents finally figured out how to raise you as an infant, you became a toddler, and while they were busy trying to protect you from yourself, you morphed into a child, whose abilities, friendships, and freedoms presented even greater challenges for your parents. As a teen you now present a new stage which can be a bit frightening for them. Many parents no longer know how to protect you from danger as you become more and more independent. Love them as they learn to let go. Full adulthood is just around the corner, and your parents need your help in preparing you to leave them. Lee Gonet is an avid learner, speaker, educator, and world traveler. She loves challenging teenagers to excel beyond what society considers possible by teaching young people to think deeply, learn intensely, and act purposefully outside the classroom box. For example, her daughter worked abroad by 16 and her son earned his Engineering Master’s by 20. Dreams do come true. If you would like to learn more about Lee or her ACT Prep Classes, go to leestestprep.com!

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School Year Screen-Time Rules From a Teacher

fits-all thing. What works for some kids will not work for others. Finding what is best for your family can involve a bit of trial and error. These are the strategies that worked for many of my parents last year and that I’m sure I will be trying with my middle schooler this year:

Last year Fortnite invaded my middle school classroom -- as I believe it did to middle school classrooms across the country. Students who were usually on task and high-performing were nodding off and “forgetting” to do their homework. The morning conversations about how late they stayed up or who was the last man standing became part of our early morning check-ins. Then the phone calls with parents started. Over several months, I had numerous telephone and after-school meetings with parents concerned about their kids’ performance. When I brought up screen time, there were a range of reactions. Some parents seemed oblivious as to what their children were doing after hours, some didn’t know how to rein in screen time, and some thought they had it all under control -- but clearly did not. I get it. I’m not just a teacher: I’m a mom who struggles with screen time, too. I spent last summer trying to keep my own middle school daughter unplugged in the rural English countryside. After the first week, when the iPad started appearing little by little, I tried to use my own advice -- “However much you read is how much screen time you get” -- and reasoning, “Make sure you balance your learning games with your other games.” But then I’d hear my daughter yelling at a friend who’d just left her online game, and I’d feel like I’d lost the battle. The thing is, I’m not anti-screen. I’ve seen technology bring some amazing teaching moments to my classroom -- and to my own life. One student, whom I could never get to write a complete sentence on paper, wrote the most heartfelt poem about how he “nearly won” in Fortnite. It became his breakthrough, and he hasn’t stopped writing since. Other kids made parallels to the dystopian books they were reading and wrote very poignant compare-and-contrast papers to prove their points. And, far away from her friends in the United States, my daughter was able to stay in touch with her friends online, keep herself occupied with Roblox, and feel a part of pop culture by watching every Miranda Sings video ever made. Those breakthrough moments of connection, creativity, and critical thinking are what I strive for as a teacher and a mother. What it tells me is that however parents handle the management of their kids’ screen time, it really does have to be a balance. And knowing middle school kids as well as I do, I know that they aren’t always able to shut down Fortnite or YouTube without the guidance and support of their parents. I’ve also discovered that tech is never going to be a one-size-

Be present. Know what your child is playing and when. That seems simple, but it is so important. So many of my parents last year had no idea that their child was staying up until all hours in the morning playing games. I heard more than once, “I have never had to worry about their screen use. They have been so good up until now.” I remind them that this is middle school, they are not bad kids, and they are just testing the boundaries -- so set them!

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Control the Wi-Fi. I touched base with some of my parents after their children made improvements in class, and I found that they had put in place simple household internet controls. The kids had passwords to access the internet, and the parents put a time limit on when the password could be used. Please note that a few of my tech-savvy kids confided that they were able to “override” this function. Remove the temptation. Some families took all screens out of the children’s bedrooms and stored cellphones in a locked charging box until morning. This might seem extreme, but I know for at least one of my students this worked. He was struggling socially and trying so hard to fit in with a certain crowd. He later acknowledged that he needed help -- beyond the gaming community. Parental-control apps. I’ve had students tell their parents that they have online homework to do and then end up playing a game instead. Parental-control apps can help, but it takes some research to find the right one for your needs. Making the homework space at the dining room table or another central location can make it easier to keep an eye on kids, too. Balance. Kids need downtime. I have these hormonal, opinionated, stressed-out middle schoolers for two hours a day, and I push them. I know that the other teachers at my school also carry high expectations. Finding time to completely unplug is important. One parent told me today that they have a hard rule of no screen time except for homework on weekdays, and the way to lose weekend play time is by breaking that rule. I personally allow weekday screen time, but I reserve the right to change my mind. Rebecca Young is a middle school teacher in Lafayette, California. Her teaching practices have evolved from chalk and blackboards to Google Classroom and smartboards. In the past few years, she has discovered that integrating technology into her classroom not only engages the younger generation, but it also provides an interactive and collaborative environment among students. At home, Rebecca’s sixth-grade daughter keeps things real by demanding screen-free family time and ultimate slime competitions (which she always wins!).

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Kids become competent in increments. Every time a child becomes cheerfully autonomous, parents win, too. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember the exact year my daughter crossed the line from needing help getting out the door in the morning to being able to manage everything herself. But I do remember the thrill when she could finally tick each step of preparation off an imaginary list in her head. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to practice getting your kids out the door smiling every day until the entire process becomes routine. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Set Expectations. Everyone must wake up by a certain time if your family is going to have enough time to make a smooth transition from home to school. Alarm clocks must be set. Bedtimes must be adhered to and may need adjusting as the school year rolls along. Cell phones and electronic devices must be put away at night and stay away until leaving the house.

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gistics, and sign permission slips or write checks. Stocking the fridge and cabinets over the weekend makes Monday mornings go much more smoothly. Sandwiches are tough to make without bread and fresh fruit and veggies are musts for growing kids. If you want your kids to feel prepared to face their days, show them that you are prepared to face each week, as well.

Post A Checklist. You know your child needs to put on shoes, brush her teeth, make her lunch, and pack her backpack, but it’s going to take time before these practices becomes routine. Create a customized checklist in the order she needs to do things to facilitate a smooth transition from waking to leaving for school. Post it somewhere accessible, like on the stairway or inside the door to her room. Update checklists annually because school responsibilities evolve and kids can manage a little more each year.

Create Enthusiasm. Home is safe and cozy, but adventures take place on the other side of the door. What is your child enthusiastic about? Animals, nature, and friends are all waiting for them out in the world. Sensitive or introverted kids may not be that enthused about seeing hundreds of kids at school each morning, but you can make the transition smoother by focusing on the puppies you’ll get to pat or on the worms you can stop and study for a few moments on the way. Whatever it takes to get your child to focus on a fun transition from home to school—that’s what to use as motivation.

Notice Reluctance. If your child does not want to get out the door, you may be dealing with procrastination. Pay attention to your child’s feelings and moods in the morning. Put on your detached detective hat. Notice signals your child is giving you about dreading to go to school and discuss them during a non-threatening time, like over the weekend or while driving around town doing errands, rather than in the morning right before school. Don’t dismiss reluctance about school as nothing. Instead, work together to put your child’s mind at ease about legitimate concerns.

A great program for K-1st repeaters

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Supervise Progress. Some kids need help getting and staying focused, so 61

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go ahead and supervise. Mornings can become a time when whatever siblings are doing becomes riveting. That comic book on the bedroom floor seems much more appealing than packing the back pack. If kids have cell phones, their ears are perked up listening for incoming message tones. While you are helping little ones who need extra help, keep an eye out for wandering attention. Pop your head in their rooms to check on kids and peek in those lunch bags and back packs. You will be making rounds for years before everyone is focused enough to manage the routine themselves.

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Encourage Autonomy. Don’t keep doing tasks for your child that she can do herself. If she can tie her own shoes, patiently wait for her to do it. If she can make her own breakfast, compliment her healthy choices. Building skills means doing tasks many times before they become routine. So, unless the bus is coming down the road, try to resist the urge to jump in and hurry things along. forgets her lunch bag one day. Assuming it’s not a chronic issue, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes. Being quick to forgive is a far better example for children, as you help guide them get back on track swiftly. Once in a while someone will oversleep. Cut everyone some slack and offer a hand with the morning routine. You want to have high expectations and stick to them, while avoiding the expectation of perfection. Kids are only human and so are parents, after all.

Offer Rewards. Think of the door as the finish line, and don’t rush or scold after crossing it if you can possibly help it. Each time you succeed at getting everyone out the door on time is a win. If you have an attitude of “Go, team!” your kids will internalize that and want to succeed each day. Every once in a while offer a spontaneous reward for a week of consistent punctuality. It’s a great way to reinforce the idea that being on time matters. mp

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If there is one thing, author, journalist and writing coach Christina Katz cannot bear, it’s days that get off to a stressful start. She tries to remember to breathe and be patient until everyone is successfully out the door.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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The A to Z of Alphabet Toys

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

As the building blocks of language, the letters of the alphabet are a constant part of our lifelong experience. Ensuring that the alphabet is part of a child’s surroundings is the first step toward making them familiar with its signature shapes. When kids begin to learn the functionality of each letter, they are building a strong foundation to later understand the mechanics of reading, spelling and phonics. The following toys are a great introduction to the alphabet and the roles that each letter can play along the way.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Alphabet Letter Blocks

The Movable Alphabet

Even before kids are ready to take on letter learning, Learning Resources’ Alphabet Letter Blocks let them take the whole alphabet in hand. These colorful letter shapes are perfectly sized for little hands to explore. The flat tops and bottoms support stacking and arranging. All the vowels in this set are the same color which also helps little learners begin to discern their important function among the consonants. Each letter block also features an open back so the letter shape functions as a mold. Children can stamp out, in clay or other mediums, all the letters they need to build simple words. Complete with a storage bag and two sets of vowels, this lightweight and versatile set of letters is an ideal hands-on introduction to the alphabet.

In a world full of capitalized alphabet toys, a really good lower case playset is a treasure for educators. One of the best is Montessori’s Moveable Alphabet, which features one wooden box with twenty-six compartments, each housing multiple plexiglass lowercase copies of the entire English alphabet. Beyond its storage function, the compartmented box encourages exploration of alphabetical order. With consonants in red and vowels in blue, the lowercase letters foster word-building in the most common format kids will encounter as readers. Available in other languages and cursive letters, The Movable Alphabet takes letter literacy to the next level as it explores all the ways that the alphabet comes together to form words.

(Learning Resources)

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Alphabet Phonics Bus

Alphabet Groceries

For toddlers just meeting the alphabet for the first time, Leapfrog’s Alphabet Phonics Bus offers a playful introduction to letter shapes and sounds. The bright yellow school bus features twenty-six colorful letter buttons that come alive with unique and silly personalities. Press a letter button in letter mode to hear its name and sound. Animal mode introduces an animal that begins with the selected letter, its letter sound, and the sound the animal makes. There are also game and music modes that gently expose little learners to the letters that will play a big role later in their lives. Making letter literacy a passive part of regular play is ideal for the youngest pre-readers. Fostering familiarity with the shapes and sounds of the alphabet, the Alphabet Phonics Bus gets kids on board for early letter learning.

Nothing is left off the grocery list with Learning Resources’ Alphabet Groceries. Combining hands-on pretend play with grocery products that highlight the letters of the alphabet, this set offers a subtle introduction of both letter shapes and the sounds they make. A child’s recognition of various foods helps support their ability to match first-letter sounds as well as puzzle out whole words. Young grocers can also explore sorting the foods by type, shape, color, and even alphabetical order. Made with easy-to-clean, crush-resistant plastic and durable cardboard, this twenty-six piece grocery set includes jars, cans, boxes, and cartons that each feature a different letter, word, and colorful picture. The perfect blend of pretend play and letter literacy learning, Alphabet Groceries offers a pantry full of alphabetical basics.

(LeapFrog)

(Learning Resources)

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Parents, do you ever wonder if you may be taking the whole over-scheduling taboo too seriously? For years, parents have been hearing that kids have too many activities, too much homework, too-heavy backpacks, too much screen time, too much sugarâ&#x20AC;Śand on and on. Personally, I find most parents are intelligent, conscientious, and trying to find a healthy middle ground for everyone in the family. Most parents want their kids to have just the right amount of after school activities. The vast majority seem committed to helping their kids become happier, healthier, more well rounded citizens without pushing them into activity overload. So why not remember a few things kids stand to gain from after school activities instead? Kids can benefit artistically, physically, socially, mentally and personally from after school activities. I contacted a half-dozen after school activity pros, and here are some of the many benefits for kids that we discussed: Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Fit, Confident Kids. As Elle Woods reminds us in the film Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” But motivating kids to get off the couch is not always easy for parents. Your kids are not typically looking to you to motivate them to run some wind-sprints or do a series of gut crunches. They need someone else to step in and motivate them to get moving. This is where after school activities come in, preferably with dedicated, motivating coaches and instructors leading the way. Physical activities increase coordination, inspire discipline, and provide energy outlets for restless kids. So let another trusted adult be in charge for a change, and enjoy your down time while your kids get more fit.

Lights Who Shine. As much as we would like our kids to carry on our values and ideals, it’s really up to them to communicate to us who they are and what they believe. And while we may like to think that our children are born whole and complete, the truth is kids often discover what they are made of after they become immersed in activities that stretch and challenge them. Engaging kids in activities where they feel fully immersed in the experience and are responsible for their own mastery helps kids discover what makes them tick. When it comes to finding an activity for your child, look for outlets that challenge them while providing gradual instruction and skill development.

Part Of Something Greater. After school activities offer kids outlets for expressing their energy within a safe learning context. Feeling part of a group with a purpose is a beautiful thing, so make sure that the space where your child spends time is a safe, fun, and growth-centric. Often kids become as attached to a center, a studio, or a routine as much as they do to a group of peers. When kids go off to their activities, they should feel like they are going to one of their favorite places – to their home away from home. If this is not the case for your child, then you might want to check out other possibilities. Memorably Connected. If there is one thing all after school activity professionals agree on, it’s the importance of making memories via meaningful connections. Engaged, smiling, busy children are typically happy children. Whether your child’s activity happens in a place rife with variety or in a more specialized space, your child is sure to grow over time, make memories, and understand herself better with regular participation in after school activities. Why not let your kids have the continuity of years of ongoing participation. It’s hard to advance up the activity ranks if you dabble in one activity and then another. Give your child a few years in elementary school to try different activities. Then see if they want to commit to an activity or two during middle school. They can always switch to different activities once they get to high school, if they wish.

Aptitude-rich. Some students need extra help to keep up academically, so don’t panic if your child turns out to be one of them. Your child may need extra help that addresses specific needs like standardized test preparation or responding to learning gaps. Other kids simply need help becoming more satisfied students. Tutoring can definitely increase not just aptitude but also enthusiasm. And just as parents don’t always make the best coaches, we also don’t always make the best tutors, either. Besides, kids often progress faster and more willingly when they work with mentors they don’t already know. And good news, raising academic confidence by teaching learning skills in one subject can pay off in increased academic confidence across the board. So if your child is struggling with critical reading, vocabulary or math skills, why not try a local tutoring service? Your child has nothing to lose and much to gain. Kids need to feel successful today to become successful tomorrow, and activities can help them experience positive growth gradually. If you don’t channel your child’s energy, video games, TV watching, and other sedentary activities will always be a temptation. If you want engaged, involved, smiling kids, find them some activities they enjoy. You will be so glad you did. mp

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz is grateful for the opportunities she had contributing to school literary journals and newspapers. She also worked off some of her teenage angst on the soccer field, on the softball diamond, and in the school pool.

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Art and Music

Montgomery Symphony Youth Orchestra

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts: Studio Programs ad on page 70

1 Museum Drive Montgomery Drawing and painting for preschoolers, children and adults. Afternoons and on weekends. Call for class, times, and cost information. Scholarships are available. Visit our website at www.mmfa.org and click on education tab for more fall classes. Young Artists: Ages 3 to 5 Children with their caregivers will enjoy learning basic elements of art through fun and engaging art projects. Tuesdays, September 5 and 19, October 3 and 17. 3:30–4:15 PM, $15 CLASS, $45 SERIES Instructor: Kaci Norman. Please visit our website for updated class listings. (334) 240.4365

bmorrison@mmfa.org

mmfa.org

Abrakadoodle Art Education

Montgomery Abrakadoodle Art Education: Classes hosted at your school. Plus, Home School and Studio classes throughout the Fall and Spring. Online registration is open now! (334) 265.5758 mcornwell@abrakadoodle.com www.abrakadoodle.com/al-montgomery-register/

Carver Elementary School Extended Day Program

3100 Mobile Drive Montgomery Enrollment is open to all children who live in Montgomery County in grades K-6. They offer art, band, choral, dance, drama, guitar, piano and strings. Instruments are available for use through the school after proper paperwork is completed. Piano students must have an instrument upon which to practice. Registration is now going on. (334) 269.3625 or (334) 269.3874

Guitar Center

507 Columbus Street Montgomery Runs concurrent with the school year. Audition date will be September 7th. (334) 414.1261 rdrawls@charter.net www.montgomerysymphony.org

Montgomery Youth Chorale

315 Clanton Avenue Montgomery Sing all types of music from classical and jazz to gospel and pop. Purpose is to build selfconfidence and a love of beauty through artistic preparation of excellent music.

(334) 265.3737 info@montgomeryyouthchorale.org www.montgomerychorale.org.

Music Education on Wheels

104 Mendel Pkwy. Montgomery M.E.O.W. is designed the positive influence of music within the education system. Group and private music lessons designed to make sure each student develops a lifelong relationship with music. (334) 676.1449 meowforschool@gmail.com M.E.O.W. or at our website www.meowacademy.net

Natalie B Stanley Art Classes

Montgomery Individual and group lessons taught for children and adults. Please call or visit my website for more information and class details. (334) 221.9267 nataliebstanley@nataliebstanleyartist.com nataliebstanleyartist.com

P’zazz Art Studio

138 W. Main St. Downtown Prattville Prattville Fall classes start September 3. Pick a day and time that fit your schedule. Classes meet once a week. $45 for the month. $20 supply fee per semester. This covers supplies for Sept. – Dec. After school and Homeschool classes available. (334) 354.1975 pzazzart@gmail.com www.pzazzart.com

2572 Eastern Blvd Montgomery Guitar Center offers private 1-on-1 music lessons. Learning to play music can be an amazing, life-changing experience. Our fully-engaging lesson program provides a solid academic foundation and at the same time, encourages students to express themselves through music and helps them discover their inner artist.

Tiffany’s Music Conservatory

Montgomery Music Project

BAMA Lanes

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507 Columbus St. Montgomery We develop young people and bring communities together through music, by delivering affordable, high-quality music instruction to the children of the River Region and by uniting diverse geographic, ethnic, and social-economic communities under the umbrella of the arts. Montgomery Music Project classes will begin September 7, 2019. (334) 240.4004 montgomerymusicproject@gmail. com www.montgomerysymphony.org

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Montgomery Musician, Songwriter, Recording, Producer, Vocal, and Piano Lessons, and Special Events Tiffany D. Orum , (256) 750.1719 benton_tiffany@yahoo.co

Bowling 3020 Atlanta Highway Montgomery Youth leagues on Fridays at 6:30. Ages 3-20. Free Youth Clinic August 23. Pre-registration with free bowling. (334) 272.5423

BAMA Lanes in Prattville

1734 East Main Street Prattville Youth leagues on Saturdays. Ages 3-20. Registration will begin in August. Youth leagues start

in September. Please call for more information. Free bowling with paid membership. Please call for more information. (334) 358.8600

bamalanesprattville.com

Brunswick Zone

1661 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery Youth Leagues will be starting up in the fall. You may come in and sign up anytime. (334) 819.7171

www.bowlbrunswick.com

Dance, Gymnastics & Cheer Alabama Dance Theatre ad on page 33

1018 Madison Ave. Montgomery The Alabama Dance Theatre will be offering fall classes in classical ballet (pre-ballet to the professional level), pointe, modern, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and tap. Classes begin Monday, August 19th. Classes will be held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, home of the Alabama Dance Theatre located at 1018 Madison Avenue. (334) 241.2590

www.alabamadancetheatre.com

Armory Athletics Center ad on page 38

1018 Madison Ave. Montgomery Fall classes begin in August. Ongoing registration. Various leveled classes offered in Gymnastics, Tumbling, and Ninja. Ages 3-18, all skill levels. Cheer, Competitive Gymnastics Team, Private lessons, Monthly special events, Parents Night Out and Camps offered. Classes offered are 45-1 hour classes: Various evening class times Monday through Thursday. Please call for rates. (334) 241.2789 armoryathletics1@gmail.com armoryathletics.com

Dance Generation ad on page 75

65 Ashburton Drive Montgomery Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Pointe, Jazz, Baton, and Gymnastics. Ages 3 – 12th grade. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels. Open House Registration August 12 from 12-6 p.m. and August 20 from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. Registration going on now. Classes begin in September. To pre-register you can call (334) 283.2201. Cost depends on class. (334) 395.4300

www.dancegenerationstudio.com

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection ad on page 52

3370 Harrison Rd. Montgomery Fall registration will be July 9, 16, 23 and 30th from 3 until 6 p.m. Classes in Ballet, Tap, Tumbling, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Baton and Competitive dance. Ages 2 ½ to Adult

www.montgomeryparents.com

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(beginner and advanced) Please call for class dates and times. Preschool classes also available on site. (334) 277.1098

United Gymstars & Cheer, L.L.C. ad on page 36

offered in: Tippie Toes Pre Dance I Class (18 months- 3 year olds), Pre Dance II (ages 4-5 including afterschool hours), Basic Dance 5-9 year olds, Classical Ballet/pointe classes from beginner to pre professional, Jazz, Tap and Gymnastics~ Power Tumble

(334) 467.8603

http://cjsdancefactory.com

6100 Brewbaker Blvd. Montgomery Offer Baby gym for ages 1&2, Kinder Gym for girls ages 3-4, Boys’ Preschool for boys ages 3-5, Junior Gym ages 5 & 6 yrs., Boys’ Progressive ages 6 and up, Girls’ Progressive ages 7 and up. Beginning, Intermediate, & Advanced Tumbling. Cheer and Tumble for Girls’ ages 9 and up. Please call for times and prices. Family discounts available. Registration on a monthly basis.

Centre of Performing Arts

ACE of the River Region

(334) 491.1192

(334) 284.2244

www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com

1965 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery We are a cheerleading training facility. All StarTeams from ages 3-18 and tumbling for ages 4 and up. (334) 356.4523 region

www.acetribe.com/ACE/River-

Bama Blaze Elite Cheer

6016 East Shirley Lane Montgomery All-star Cheer, Tumbling classes, Try-out prep, School and all-star choreography. Our coaches have extensive cheer and tumbling experience. From beginners to the experienced, we are the gym for you. (334) 233-1921

C.J.’s Dance Factory (home of the Prattville Ballet)

145 S. Court St. Prattville Registration on Thursdays in Prattville 5:30-7:00. Fall Open House Registration: Thursday, August 8th from 6 until 8 p.m. Professional instruction

975 S. Memorial Drive Prattville Fall registration is open online and classes begin in August. We focus on quality dance instruction by teachers with years of experience as we aim to provide superior training in various dance styles to children ages 2 years and up. Classes offered in Creative Movement, Ballet/Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Gymnastics, Lyrical, Modern/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Strength & stretch and Competitive Dance Teams. www.centreforperformingarts.com

Lisa’s Dance Dimensions

2981 Main St. Millbrook Offer Parent/Tot, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, and Gymnastics. Class times vary according to age and level. Registration begins Mondays, July 22, 29 and August 12; Tuesdays, July 23, 30 August 6 and 13 ; Thursdays, August 1, 8 and 15 (4:30-6:30 p.m.), Registration will take place at Gym Location 101 A Penser Blvd., Millbrook. (334) 285.5515 LDDNDG@aol.com www.lisasdancedimensions.com

Mann Dance Studio

422 Pratt St. Prattville The studio offers and excels in all forms of dance, offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. Registration going on now and classes start August 19. Tap, Lyrical/Contemporary, Pointe, Ballet, Gymnastics, Hip Hop, Baton and Jazz. Call for class times and dates. (334) 365.5154

www.manndancestudio.net

Next Dimension Gymnastics

101A Penser Blvd., Millbrook Classes offered: Parent/Tot Tumbling (ages 18mths-3), Tumble Tots (ages3-5), Super Hero Gymnastics (ages 3-5 boys), Junior Olympic Gymnastics (ages 5 and up), Cheer/Jump/Tumble (ages 7 and up). Registration on Mondays. Registration will take place at Gym Location 101 A Penser Blvd., Millbrook. (334) 285.5515

www.lisasdancedimensions.com

River Region Ballet

7981 Vaughn Road Montgomery Registration going on now. Classes begin August 6th. Priscilla Crommelin Ball, Founder and Executive Artistic Director. Classes offered in Creative Movement (2 ½ – 3 years), Pre-Ballet (4-5 years), Beginning Ballet (6-7 years), Ballet Pre-Pointe, Pointe, Jazz. Classes for different levels, (divided both by age and skill). (334) 356.5460

www.riverregionballet.com

Tammy’s Academy of Dance

2620 East 3rd Street Prattville Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe and Contemporary. Classes for ages 3 through adult. Now offering additional adult classes in ballet, tap, jazz for non-performance. Tammy Rauch, (334) 221.2657

aodmidtown@yahoo.com

The Montgomery Ballet

2101 Eastern Blvd, Suite 223 Montgomery Training provided in Classical Ballet for children and adults of all ages (2 1/2 to adult). Classes for different levels, (divided both by age and skill). Classes offered in Classical Ballet, Pointe, Variation, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Contemporary. We also have a Civic Company. (334) 409.0522 info@montgomeryballet.org www.montgomeryballet.org

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2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen 69

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

ASF Acting Academy: Acting Classes for All Ages Fall Semester: Mondays, October 7December 16 Rising Stars (Grades 3-5); 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Stage Door (Grades 6-8); 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Curtain Call Players for Teens; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Actor’s Workshop for Adults; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Spring Semester: Please check our website for dates TBA. Monday-Fridays from 4 until 7 p.m. Small troupe of actors from Academy classes for a performance in the spring. Greta Lambert, (334) 271.5393 glambert@asf.net www.asf.net

Wetumpka Depot Players

300 South Main Street Wetumpka Fall Afterschool Sessions and Homeschool sessions available. Please email to be contacted when those programs are finalized. (334) 868.1440 kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com www.wetumpkadepot.com

Wetumpka Titans Cheer & Gymnastics

10938 Highway 231 North Wetumpka Providing gymnastics, tumbling, and cheer classes for youth in the River Region. Registration for classes going on now. We offer Preschool Gymnastics (Age 2 & up), Progressive Gymnastics, Beginner Tumbling (Age 6 & up), Advance Tumbling, Competitive Gymnastics and Cheer Squad Practices (334) 478.3800 wetumpkatitans@gmail.com www.wetumpkatitans.com

Drama Classes & Public Speaking Alabama Shakespeare Festival: Acting Academy ad on page 87

1 Festival Drive Montgomery These classes help students develop skills and confidence need for auditions or presentations. Fee: $200

Horses MANE (Montgomery Area Non-traditional Equestrian)

3699 Wallhatchie Road Montgomery Applications available online. Successfully teaching independent riding skills to children with cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, autism, hearing impairment and other disabilities. Goals developed individually for clients. We offer camps during the summer and winter months. (334) 213.0909

www.maneweb.org

Martial Arts Montgomery Judo Academy ad on page 37

1555 Eastern Blvd (Guerilla Fitness) Montgomery Your child will reach new heights when they learn JUDO the gentle way! Gain confidence, build character, and learn respect. Teaching kids, teens and adults. Louis A. Balestrieri, Coach/Sensei (631) 767.8052

Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center

3447 Malcolm Drive Montgomery An affordable family friendly martial arts program with no long-term contracts. Anti-abduction curriculum, Random Acts of Kindness Program, Academic Achievement Program and MORE all taught by nationally certified instructors, check us out! ***Ages 4 & older/Lil’ Dragons (ages 4-5) offered during the school year! (334) 220.5835

www.trytkdfree.com

Family Karate Center

8159 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Mon.- Saturday (ages 2 and up): No enrollment fee, no contract. Specialize in ADD, LD, handicapped, mentally challenged, visually impaired, blind, autistic, deaf, overweight children, and children with depression anxiety disorder. (334) 277.4911

www.montgomeryfamilykarate.com

Johnson Karate and Fitness Center

2801 Vaughn Plaza Rd. Suite J. Montgomery Classes for ages 3 to Adults. At Johnson’s Karate & Fitness Academy we teach Tae Kwon Do, SelfDefense, Private Lessons, Fitness Kickboxing, Pilates, and Sport Karate. We are now offering early morning Kick Boxing classes. We offer free trial lessons. Phil. 4:13. (334) 284.2344

www.johnsonsmartialartsacademy.com

Martial Arts Center

2055 Harmon Street Montgomery Our primary focus is to teach children life skills. Because a structure of respect, courtesy and honesty is built into KUK SOOL, children develop the ability to learn, listen and achieve within a highly regulated environment. Ages 6 yrs.-8 yrs. and 9 yrs. – 15 yrs. (334) 318.1892

NextGen Martial Arts, Prattville

698 Old Farm Lane N Prattville Tang Soo Do, Li’l Dragons (4-6 years) and XMA (Xtreme Martial Arts) offered. Many programs available. (334) 590.3759

www.nextgenmartialarts.com

Tiger Park Taekwondo & Chung’s Taekwondo

3125 Bell Road Montgomery Classes for everyone Ages 3 to adult. We now offer an After-school Program. We provide free transportation from your child’s school to our

Military Open House Thursday, August 22, 2019 5:30–7:30 PM

The Museum invites all active duty, veterans, and reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and their immediate families, to a free evening of summer fun. Learn more at mmfa.org/MOH

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

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facility. Our program is designed to help your child be the best they can be, develop great self confidence, strengthen mental and physical discipline and create an interactive and educational environment. (334) 277.2627

www.tigerparktkd.com

Tiger Rock Martial Arts

2750 Bell Rd. Montgomery Classes offered for children ages 4-5 (Tiger Cubs), ages 6-11 (Junior Program) and 12-15 (Youth Class) and Adults 16 +. Please call us for more information regarding class times and schedules.

(334) 244.1465 tigerrockmontgomery@gmail.com www.tigerrockmontgomery.com

US Yoshukai Karate

290 N. Burbank Dr. Montgomery Visit us on Facebook under US Yoshukai Karate for more details and classes offered. Ages 5 and up. (334) 657.2032 usyka1997@gmail.com www.usyka.com

Miscellaneous Caesar Chess

Montgomery Teaching kids to play chess in metro Montgomery. ** Public ** Private ** Homeschooled ** Caesar Lawrence – Director & Chess Coach

334-868-0271

CaesarChess@gmail.com

JoAnn’s Fabric & Craft Stores

Eastchase Market Center, 7951 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery We offer a variety of classes in Cake Decorating, Crocheting, Food & Cooking, Knitting, Quilting and Sewing. Please visit your local JoAnn’s for

description of classes offered at this time and pricing. (334) 409.2640

www.joann.com

Michaels

East Chase Market Center, 7991 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery Learn crafting skills when and where you want with online classes from Creativebug, or sign up for in store classes in jewelry making, art painting, paper crafting, mixed media, floral design, cake decorating or knitting and crocheting. Please visit your local Michaels’ for class descriptions, times and fees. (334) 260.2846

www.michaels.com

Snapology

Montgomery If you like Lego bricks, you’ll LOVE this! Snapology offers year round programs in schools and after school programs. Please call for more information on classes being offered near you. (334) 318.2824 snapology.com

riverregion@snapology.com

Recreational & Sports Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama ad on page 54

145 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery Girl Scouts is a fun and exciting adventure in learning that encourages girls to be their best. Girls ages 5-17 may participate in girl scouting after school in traditional troops, during the school day through the in-school program, or

through numerous outreach programs available throughout the area. Financial assistance is available to qualified girls for programs and events. Call for registration. Someone will be handing out brochures at all schools in August/September. (334) 272.9164

www.girlscoutssa.org

Montgomery YMCA

ad on page 93

Offering over 100 different programs for all ages. Including inside and outside youth and adult soccer, football (grades 1-6), basketball (year-round & all ages), track, soccer (ages 6 & up), minisoccer (ages 4 & 5), aquatic program, cheerleading (grades 1-6), Leaders Club & Tri-Hi-Y (grades 7-12), and much more. Fees vary by activity and membership. Boys and girls can enjoy teamwork, sportsmanship and healthy competition. Contact your local YMCA branch. Cheerleading Ages 5-12 (no 7th graders allowed) Season: September-November. Games on Saturdays. Registration going on now until August 4th. Basketball For ages 4-15. Registration begins in September. Youth Tackle Football September-November. Ages 6-12 (No 7th grade players will be allowed.) Games will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Registration will be going on until Aug 4th. Late Registration from August 5th-13th. Mini Flag Football Ages: 4-7. Provide players the opportunity to learn the basics of football in a developmental environment. Registration will be going on until Aug 4th. Late Registration from August 5th-13th. Ice Hockey Ages 4-11. Children will learn the fundamentals of ice skating and begin to practice the skills needed to play ice hockey. This program will begin as an instructional program and evolve into a devel-

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opmental league program. Please call for more information. Fall Outdoor Mini-Soccer For ages 3 & 6. Registration June 14 through August 12. Season begins in August and will end in October. LaCrosse The YMCA Montgomery Capitals will be formed as a competitive youth lacrosse Club. Our philosophy will be to allow all youth participants the opportunity to participate, develop a love for the game and continue to develop their skills and fundamentals. Please call for more information. Soccer Website: www.capitalcitystreaks.org

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Email: msanchez@capitalcitystreaks. org. Participants can sign up at any local YMCA. Recreational Soccer: Season- September-November and April-May. Ages 6-18. Games Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Registration is open now. Practice begins in August and games begin in September. Indoor Soccer Season December-January, FebruaryMarch, June-August. Ages 7-17. Games Monday, Tuesdays, Thursday, Friday and Saturday depending on age group. Registration TBA Barracudaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Competitive Swim Team The YMCA has a year-round competitive swim program based at the East YMCA. Contact (334) 272.3390. Tryouts will held in August. Please call for more information. They can also be contacted online at www.ymcamontgomery.org. Indian Guide (Parent-Child Program) The Adventure Guides and Princesses offers activities for children K-3rd grade and their parents. Program that aids in the growth and development of families. Contact Jeff Reynolds at (334) 269.4362 for additional information. Starts in September. Soccer Branch, (334) 396.9754 or (678) 571-7605 Kershaw Center, W. Fairview Ave. (334) 265.1433 Cleveland Ave., Rosa Parks Ave. (334) 265.0566 Downtown, South Perry Street (334) 269.4362 East Y, Pelzer Avenue (334) 272.3390 Bell Road Y, Bell Road (334) 271.4343 Goodtimes Center, off Bell Road (334) 279.8666 Southeast Y, Carter Hill Road (334) 262.6411 Camp Chandler, Lake Jordan (334) 269.4362 Camp Grandview, Millbrook (334) 290.9622 Wilson Y, 1445 Wilson Park Dr., (334) 356.8471

Prattville YMCA ad on page 73

972 McQueen Smith Rd. S, 600 E. Main Street 348 Hwy 82 West Prattville Registration going on now. Main After School Program, Kindergarten After School, Primary After School, Pine Level, and Daniel Pratt. Prepay first week at registration. Vans will pick up kids at public school and take them to the Main Site Program. Main Site cost is $55 for first child for members and $65 for non-members per week. Discounts for second and third children. Family discounts available. Fall sports are as follows: Football, Cheerleading, Baseball, Basketball, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Cheer, tumble, gymnastics and swim lessons available. Please call for fall sports registration dates. (334) 365.8852 or for the Prattville Bradford Branch call (334) 358.1446.

Boy Scouts

3067 Carter Hill Rd. Montgomery About 100 Cub Scout packs located in various private and public schools, churches, etc. August/September, city wide Fall Recruitment night for Scouts, parents can enroll their child in a pack that night. Someone will be handing out brochures at all schools in August/September. Homeschoolers are welcome. (334) 262.2697

www.tukabatcheebsa.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region

220 Crenshaw Street Montgomery Chisholm, (334) 265.2469, 2612 Lower Wetumpka Rd. West End, (334) 263.3371, 220 Crenshaw Street Wetumpka, (334) 478.4904 499 Alabama Street Provides programs and opportunities, which encourage young people, particularly the disadvan-

www.montgomeryparents.com

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taged, to maximize their potential and become caring productive citizens of our community. Activities include character and leadership development, health and life skills, education and career development, sports, fitness and recreation, and the arts. Clubs are open Mon-Fri from 3-9 p.m. during the school year and 9-5 on school holidays and in the summer. All locations serve children ages 6-18. $5.00 a year per child. (334) 832.4288

www.bgcmala.org

Doster Center, Prattville

101 West Main Street Prattville Various after school activities include Afterschool Recreation Club for grades K-6th. Monday – Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. (After school transportation provided.), Vacation Club Day (for school holidays when children are out of school but parents are still working) Grades K-6, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (334) 361.3640

Frazer Upward Basketball

Montgomery YMCA Goodtimes Center

2325 Mill Ridge Dr., off Bell Road Montgomery Staffed from 2:30 to 6 p.m. After school programs are at the schools. Programs include snack and juice, homework time, music and language, storytelling time, outside activities, arts and crafts, projects, Science and Nature, multicultural activities, and creative time. Open registration. Also, before school programs at certain schools from 6:45 and 7 a.m. til school starts. (334) 279.8666

www.ymcamontgomery.org

Therapeutic Recreation Center

604 Augusta Street Montgomery For the mentally and physically challenged. Various programs available. Classes run from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Transportation is provided for Montgomery public schools. Space is limited, so please register on time. Please call for more information about registrations dates and times. (334) 240.4595

www.montgomeryal.gov

Atlanta Hwy Montgomery Program available for girls 5 years through 8th grade and boys 5 years through 8th grade. Registration only during the month of October. Practice begins in December. Games begin in January.

U.S. Kids Golf Montgomery

Frazer Upward Football & Cheerleading

(334) 721.4536 quincyleonard@leogolfacademy.com www.uskidsgolf.com

(334) 495.6459

www.frazerumc.org

Atlanta Hwy Montgomery Registration begins July 1. Program offered Aug.-Oct. for rising 1st- 6th grade. Spiritual development through devotionals, coaching and athletic skills. Registration is open now. Please visit us at www.frazer.church under the family and sports & fitness tabs for registration link. (334) 495.6459

www.frazerumc.org

Provides boys and girls, ages 5 to 14, the opportunity to advance their golf experience in ageappropriate competition. At the Local Tour level, kids can gain their first exposure to competitive golf, earn Priority Status for Championship Events, meet new friends and learn valuable life lessons.

Wetumpka YMCA

200 Red Eagle Drive Wetumpka YMCA Goodtimes after hours for school age children (5 to 11 yrs.) pick up and keep them until 6 p.m. Have several programs, including: Summer Camp, Youth Sports, Football, Volleyball, cheer-

leading, basketball, karate, T-Ball, Swim Team and soccer. Open registration. The following sports are available beginning in the fall: Football for boys’ ages 6-12, cheerleading for girls’ grades 1-6, Mini-soccer for ages 4-5. (334) 567.8282

www.ymcamontgomery.org

Skating Klynn Skating School at Eastdale Mall ad on page 67

Eastdale Mall Montgomery Montgomery’s Only Ice Skating School. Classes starting soon please call for dates and rates. Private Lessons Available. (334) 272.7225 Klynnice@bellsouth.net www.klynnice.com

Montgomery Skate Park

2390 Cong. W. L. Dickinson Dr. Montgomery We invite all skaters of all ages to come out, hop on their boards and smooth their skills while having some fun. Please visit us on Facebook under Montgomery Skatepark for more information and open date. (334) 240.4561

Soccer FC Montgomery Futsal Soccer ad on page 37

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Boulevard (indoor/air conditioned) Montgomery Outdoor Travel Soccer begins August 12 and Indoor Soccer begins August 19th. We offer a Fall and Winter/Spring season which includes

O'CONNOR TENNIS CENTER

AfterSchool Tennis Classes

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Age 10 and under Thursday 4:30-5:30 Age 11 and over Monday and Wednesday 4:30-5:30 Monthly advance registration $12 per class $15 drop in

PLACE TO BE

Junior Team Tennis (10 & under) Tuesdays 4:30-6:00

AFTERSCHOOL CARE

Singles Tennis Ladder

Prattville YMCA

age 11 and over (adults welcome to play) Every other Friday 5:00-6:30 Sept - December

When you have to work, the Y is here to provide your child with a fun and safe place to go after school. We provide a supervised, structured environment for children in grades K-6. Their activities include arts & crafts, games, creative activities, sports, snacks, and much, much more. We have afterschool sites at 5 different locations throughout our community.

For more information go to oconnortenniscenter.com

O'Connor Tennis Center

500 Anderson St • Montgomery, AL 36107 • 334-240-4884 bbradshaw10s@gmail.com • oconnortenniscenter.com

prattvilleymca.org • (334) 358-YMCA 73

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

AYSO297 Fall/Spring Soccer

sons, Scuba and Life Guard Classes.

Montgomery Registration opens in August.

(334) 269.3483

(334) 625.1124 board@ayso297.org www.ayso297.org

Frazer Sonshine Soccer

Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery Held at Frazer Soccer Fields will be held in the Spring. Ages 5-12. (334) 495.6459

www.frazerumc.org

(334) 207.5442 brunomr@fcmontgomery.com www.fcmontgomery.com

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

ad on page 31

Montgomery Each swim lesson is taught by a certified Emergency Solutions Lifeguard/Swim Lesson Instructor. We also offer lifeguards for your next pool party. Find us on Facebook at EmergencySolutionsLLC. www.EmergencySolutions.biz

9045 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Registration available online. K4 through 4 grade (boys and girls welcome) Registration ends August 12. Practice begins the week of August 26. First game is Saturday, September 7th

Swim Prep, LLC 539 Jasmine Trail Prattville Private One-on-one swim lessons starting at 6 months. Maintenance and group classes offered after student has graduated our program.

YMCA Capital City Streaks

YMCA Barracuda’s Competitive Swim Team

(334) 277.3037 sjlife.com

twice a week quality training with Coach Bruno together with his assistant coaches and interns after school hours. Indoor Futsal & Outdoor Soccer competitions are usually twice a month on Saturdays with very limited travel. Most of our games are local at our indoor Futsal facility on the Eastern Blvd. or at local outdoor Soccer fields. We also offer a Home School program. Registration is on going. Please check our website for our training and games schedule and team evaluation dates. Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach – Masters Phy. Ed.

Emergency Solutions, LLC

(334) 450-2724

St. James Upward Soccer

www.adventuresports2.com

kari@sjlife.com

www.

Montgomery Participants can sign up at any local YMCA. Season- September-November and April-May. Ages 6-18. Games: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Registration is open now. Practice begins in August and games begin in September.

(334) 375.2023 jeffrey@swimprepllc.com www.swimprepllc.com

The YMCA has a year-round competitive swim program based at the East YMCA. Please call (334) 272.3390. Tryouts will be held in August.

(334) 272.3390 bldelcarmen@ymcamontgomery.org www.ymcamontgomery.org

(334) 218.3750 msanchez@capitalcitystreaks.org www.capitalcitystreaks.org

Tennis

Swimming & Scuba

O’Connor Tennis Center

Adventure Sports Aquatic Center ad on page 22

1546 E. Ann Street Montgomery Heated indoor pool year round. Swimming Les-

ad on page 73

500 Anderson Street Montgomery After-school Tennis Clinics offered during the school year for all ages. Fall sessions begin August 12. (334) 240.4884 bbradshaw10s@gmail.com www.oconnortenniscenter.com

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Hampstead Tennis

Montgomery Tennis lessons open to both residents and visitors interested in enjoying the fun of tennis. Players welcomed from beginner to advanced level play of ages, and offer weekly organized private lessons (334) 207.9821 Hampsteadtennis@att.net

Wynlakes Tennis

7900 Wynlakes Blvd. Montgomery Two classes available: Peewee’s (ages 4-8), and Excellence (ages 9-18), Please call for class times and days. (334) 273.8425 dleal@mindspring.com www.wynlakes.com

Tutors/Education Ed Tech Academy ad on page 29

2101 Eastern Blvd, Suite 420 Montgomery Do you want to see an improvement in your child’s academics? Offering STEM and technology daytime and afternoon programs. Tutoring, adult classes, parent’s night out, Saturday workshops and more. Homeschoolers welcome. Discounts for multiple children, military and state employees.

(334) 593.1106 info@edtechacademy.org www.edtechacademy.org

Mathnasium ad on page 47

3453 Malcolm Drive Montgomery We specialize in teaching kids math the way that makes sense to them. We provide: Expert tutors,

Custom learning plans and personalized instruction, and Homework help.

(334)356.1570 eastmontgomery@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/eastmontgomery

Success Unlimited ad on pages 20, 51

2328 Fairlane Drive Montgomery Tutoring available for any subject. Tutoring

provided by Christian certified teachers. Please call for rates.

(334) 213.0803

www.suacademy.com

Sylvan Learning Center ad on page 16

4240 Lomac St. Montgomery Sylvan offers Homework support, Reading and Math Individualized tutoring (diagnostic evalua-

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

able for Academic Coaching. Call or come by today for more information. (334) 380.4144 Prattville

sylvanlearning.com/

“Bee” Smart Tutorial & Childcare Development Center

1738 West 3rd Street Montgomery “Bee”Smart offers tutoring in Reading and Math, a wonderful Pre-K program as well as Homework Assistance, Computer Skills and Life Skills. (334) 303-2627 beesmarttutoring@ hotmail.com beesmarttutorialservice. webs.com

Enjoy Learning Center

2801 Vaughn Plaza Rd., Suite H Montgomery One-on-one tutoring for ages 4 to adult. Math, science, chemistry, reading, comprehension, phonics, spelling, writing, graduation exit exam, ACT and SAT. Certified, skilled teachers. Credit/debit cards accepted. (334) 270.0234 fb@enjoylearningcenter. com www.enjoylearningcenter.com

Grant Joy Learning tion), ACT/SAT Test Prep, Study Skills, Course Recovery. We are an Accredited School with Degreed Teachers. (334) 262.0043 cd@montgomerysylvan.com www.sylvanlearning.com/Montgomery

Sylvan Learning of Prattville ad on page 45

2046 Farivew Ave. Prattville Sylvan offers tutoring and individualized test prep for all math, reading, writing and more. We offer ACT/SAT Test prep. Monthly packages are avail-

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

7010 Fulton Court Montgomery Tutoring with a smile! Specializing in English as a Second Language, General Studies and Learning Disabilities. Call or visit our website for more info. (334) 452.5151

grantjoylearning.com

Huntington Learning Center

3251 Malcolm Drive Montgomery Individual testing and tutoring in reading, study skills, writing, phonics, spelling, math and ACT/ SAT prep, GED and exit exam. Students ages 5 – adult. (334) 277.9200

www.huntingtonhelp.com

Kumon of Montgomery-Central

1655 Perry Hill Rd Montgomery After school learning program for long term solution. We prepare your child to be a more independent learner in Reading and Math and developing their learning attitude. (334) 279.1400 nilapatel@ikumon.com www.kumon.com/montgomery-central

Kumon Reading & Math Center

8125 Vaughn Rd Montgomery After-school academic enrichment program that helps children achieve success. The Kumon Math program develops necessary skills to help children progress from counting through calculus. Begins with basic phonics and progresses through advanced reading comprehension.

(334) 649.1178 montgomerysoutheast_al@ikumon.com www.kumon.com

MasterRead

2815-C Zelda Rd. Montgomery Grades K-12 individual tutoring. Sessions for reading, comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, math, composition, spelling, study skills and ACT/SAT preparation and Exit Exam preparation. (334) 271.6295

Read Write Learning Center

3240 Vaughn Road Montgomery Read Write offers dyslexia testing and one-onone therapy for students with language based learning disabilities. Our services include multisensory instruction in reading, math, grammar, writing and comprehension. We also offer early intervention for 4 and 5 year olds.

(334) 328.2134 montgomeryoffice@readwritelearningcenter www.readwritelearningcenter.com mp

www.montgomeryparents.com

BH01-465

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OUR MISSION

Put your sleep troubles to bed.

Baptist Health Sleep Disorders Centers provide a comprehensive approach to treating your sleep disorders.

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Baptist Health’s in-hospital overnight sleep study and home study options provide accurate results and diagnosis to treat your conditions and improve your sleep health. Our board-certified physicians on staff can diagnose and treat up to 84 sleep disorders including insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and irregular sleep/wake cycles.

Benefits Include: — Certified Clinical Sleep Health Specialists

— Accredited by the American Academy

on staff

of Sleep Medicine and the Joint Commission

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— Registered Sleep Technologists on staff — Certified Clinical Sleep Educator on staff

BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER EAST

334.213.5051

BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH

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P R AT T V I L L E B A P T I S T H O S P I TA L

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BaptistFirst.org 77

BH01-46566-Parents-FullPage-Sleep-July2019.indd 1

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

6/7/19 9:42 AM

Montgom

A Page in a Book Counting Books: By the Numbers Teaching little ones the concept of numbers starts early as young children instinctively seek to quantify things in their orbit. They know if one of their two shoes is missing. They can distinguish the difference between their friend’s four cookies versus their own three (or five). And they definitely know the countdown toward their birthday, their own special numbered day. Part of a universal language that transcends barriers, children’s first words in a foriegn tongue are often numerical. Understanding numbers is just the beginning of a learning journey as it helps them grasp the concepts of time, order, quantity, patterns and more. As easy as 1-2-3, the following titles are fun reading romps that can help move little readers toward math literacy.

The Pickwicks’ Picnic: A Counting Adventure

by Carol Brendler, Illustrated by Renee Kurilla (Clarion) It’s a perfect summer day to leave the city and head for the countryside for a picnic. Packing the car with everything they need for their retreat from the heat, the Pickwick family heads for the bridge that leads to their destination. As the road out of town begins to fill with like-minded travelers, the Pickwicks pass the time counting two scooters, three jeeps and so on. As the numbers of vehicles rise, so do the temperatures of drivers caught in the traffic jam. When gridlock threatens to shut down picnic plans, the Pickwicks and their fellow drivers count on an innovative solution to pass the time. With detailed illustrations that subtly inform the mood and motivations of all the travelers sharing the road, The Pickwicks’ Picnic is a delightful divergence from a by-the-numbers outing.

One is a Pinata: A Book of Numbers

by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, Illustrated by John Parra (Chronicle Books) A rich countdown of food, fun and fiesta inform this numerical celebration of Central American culture. Each two-page spread includes multiple examples of the quantity in question, introduced with rhyming text that reinforces the number. Moving the focus away from standard number translations, this title uses the count to introduce new Spanish words for the items being tallied. Because it’s not immediately obvious what the words reference, this title is a perfect introduction to using a ‘glossary’ as readers and their partners flip to the back of the book to discover new terms and their meanings along the way. Opening up a whole new window of words, One is a Piñata pulls back the curtain on a bigger world of things to count.

One Dark Bird

by Liz Garton Scanlon, Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon (Beach Lane / Simon & Schuster) Things are looking up as little eyes turn toward the skies to take in numbers that can grow from one dark bird to ten, from ten to ten-thousand, and more. Beginning with a single glossy starling, the count starts as fellow birds join their companions for a dance at dusk. With only the first half of the book dedicated to one-through-ten counting, the remaining pages instead highlight the marvel of an ever expanding quantity in motion. Each edge-to-edge illustration moves the late-day sun closer to the horizon, while moving more starlings into the ‘murmuration’, a term describing the fluid, mesmerizing flocking patterns of birds. Just as starlings gather in numbers for their aerial acrobatics, so will young readers accumulate a broader understanding of both basic counting and beautiful bird behaviors.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Montgomery Parents FP (REV).qxp_Layout 1 4/21/19 11:00 PM Page 1

N E W PA R K

A NEW HOME COMMUNITY WITH NEW AMENITIES POPPING UP EVERYWHERE

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New Homes Starting in the Mid $200s 334.215.9215 | newparkliving.com

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SALES OFFICE LOCATED AT 1361 BARRET PARK WAY 79

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Teen depression is on the rise and many parents are desperately trying to seek preventative measures to combat this disease. Research shows depression is the ninth leading cause of illnesses among adolescents globally, and anxiety comes in at eighth. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern youth are existing in a pop culture era that heavily influences their individual personalities.Â Teenagers face a multitude of pressures during puberty and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re searching for ways to fit in among their peers. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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For parents, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between normal teenage growing pains and depression.

enhance anxiety and depression symptoms. But banning your teenager from social outlets or becoming a helicopter parent is not the short answer. They desire autonomy and stripping that away from them could potentially be a recipe for disaster. As a parent, you have the responsibility to know what your child is doing and how their behaviors are impacting them. Rather than cutting off their connection to the world, opt for a different approach. Talk with them and understand how and why certain social outlets may have positive or negative effects. Stay connected to them and look for any signs of unexplained behavior changes. But whatever the cause, anxiety and depression in teenagers are very real and very destructive when left untreated. The good news is, both conditions can be treated as well as the concerning problems that come with them. If they’re facing an issue, it’s important to seek treatment and help them navigate through the trying process. Not only is it healthy and helpful for them, treatment provides parents with the knowledge to understand what their child is going through and ways to specifically help them. A rule of thumb to consider: If your teen experiences discontentment for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek help from a health professional. Anxiety and depression differ in severity while creating distinct emotional and behavioral changes. It’s important to know that both conditions can co-occur. For anxiety, some of the common symptoms may include shortness of breath, racing heart, feeling restless, unable to concentrate, sweating, headaches, and insomnia. Common symptoms of depression may include: lack of interest, low self-esteem, lack of joy, long term sadness, guilt, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. As mentioned, depression carries a high risk of suicide and it’s crucial to recognize those warning signs as well. Warning signs of suicide with teen depression include: expressing hope-

In these modern times, while there isn’t just one distinct cause for anxiety and depression that targets teens, it’s important for parents to understand the various common reasons why their child might be suffering and symptoms to look for. Some of the issues that affect teens are the demands of school performance, homework, extracurricular activities, work, social status among peers, sexual orientation or family life. Another aspect to consider for anxiety and depression, which is somewhat considered taboo and personal but relevant to note, is teen depression sometimes run in families. In fact, research shows that it may be more common among adolescents who have a family history of depression. Last, but not least, social media platforms have become some of the most popular and integral components to teenage life causing anxiety and lowering self-esteem, suggest experts. With no exception to the rule, this multimedia frenzy is negatively impacting many teens with exposure to peer pressure, cyber bullying, social isolation, and suicide. Particularly, teen suicide is a serious problem. It’s the second leading cause of death among young adults in the U.S. Suicide is an act of depression and teen depression is often the root cause. Each can have a major impact on how a teen feels and, with these alarming identifiers, they can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. As a concerned parent discovering any adverse findings, your first instinct might make you want to forbid all social outlets, dissolve relationships, delete and prohibit using all social media accounts, or disband anything that could potentially trigger or

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and allow them to express their feelings, no matter the circumstances. Put aside your viewpoint and try to understand from their perceptive. Connect with their feelings and realize they’re coping with something that’s extremely frightening and they’re in a vulnerable place, therefore, their feelings should be validated.

3. Teach and model strong social and emotional skills: Build

them up by praising their efforts, hard work, how respectful, intelligent and brave they are. Teens need confidence to maneuver through life experiences and relating to the world. Shaping their behavior increases their self-esteem and motivation in ways that are pivotal through teenage years.

4. Encourage positive peer relationships: Encourage posi-

tive peer pressure. Contrary to popular belief, not all pressures that are put on teenagers are destructive. In fact, peers can be a positive influence to motivate each other to step outside of their comfort zone to cultivate friendships and try new things. When teens are confronted with negative peer pressure from their peers, give your child practice in decision making. As they get older, they desire autonomy to think through choices for themselves. Although you’re still involved and can intervene, if necessary, help them understand the correlation between choices and consequences.

5. Encourage them to seek purpose in life: Expecting your teen

lessness for the future, giving up on one’s self (talking as if no one else cares), preparing for death (writing goodbye letters), starting to use or abuse alcohol or drugs, or threatening to kill one’s self. For parents who face challenges with helping their struggling teen, here are five interventions to consider.

1. Talk to them about it: Avoidance

is not a solution and it could potentially create a negative impact making the problem much worse. Acknowledging their issue helps to establish trust, thus making it comfortable for your teen to open up and confide in you. And, it provides comfort

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

in knowing they’re not alone. In many cases, it’s difficult for a teen to express how they’re feeling to their parents or anyone else, for fear of embarrassment or judgement. When you’re addressing an issue, it’s also important to recognize if they’re not comfortable discussing their challenges with you. Encourage them to speak with a counselor, teacher, or a role model who has a positive impact in their lives.

2. Empathize with them: If

they open up to you and share what’s going on in their life, the best thing you can do is listen. Hear them out entirely 82

to know their life’s purpose is overwhelming and impractical. Before graduation, they feel immense pressured to set goals, choose a major and a college. Parents are not responsible for identifying a purpose for their children. However, they can introduce options, guidance, and provide support for them. Finally, if your teenager displays any suicidal behaviors, you should seek help from a medical professional immediately. Or call your local suicide hotline for help. Anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. mp Kimberley Carter Spivey is a freelance writer, blogger, educator, and entrepreneur. When she’s not working at her alma mater, Auburn University at Montgomery, she’s busy freelancing, blogging, or toiling away at her soon to be published first book.

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Spider-Man: Far From Home

The Lion King MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A It’s not that the new Lion King is a bad movie. In fact, it’s an astounding technical achievement - a photorealistic computer animated production so stunning it will be the frontrunner for this year’s Oscar. To watch the movie is to marvel at the skill of the animators and the power of their computers. The brilliance of the computer animation does have one big downside: the lions have been meticulously crafted, with accurate facial musculature, making it impossible for them to display human emotions. While animators can anthropomorphize hand-drawn lions to express feelings, a realistic lion doesn’t look envious, sad, joyful, or any of the other emotions integral to this film’s plot. The stiff looking animal faces in this movie make the human touch particularly critical and that’s where the movie’s stellar voice cast comes to the fore. John Oliver, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner bring comic brilliance to their roles as Zazu the bird, Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the farting warthog. But the real star here is Chiwetel Ejiofor whose villainous Scar drips with envy, hatred, and barely contained menace. He jacks up the fear factor in a movie that will easily frighten small children with its multiple scenes of animals attacking one another with tooth and claw. Parents of sensitive children should note that there are multiple violent episodes in this movie. The 1994 film had charm and originality. This remake obviously can’t aim for originality – it’s a do over, after all. As for charm, I didn’t feel it. And I can’t precisely put my finger on the reason for its absence. Somehow, I just couldn’t “feel the love tonight”. And that’s too bad.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: B After the events of Avengers: Endgame, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) finds himself busier than ever before. With the loss of so many Avengers in the battle against Thanos, Spider-Man has to step up to battle emerging threats. Peter sees an upcoming class trip to Europe as a welcome excuse to unwind and hang up the suit for a little while. Unfortunately for him, his arrival in Europe coincides with a new problem: huge monsters called Elementals which could destroy everything. With the help of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and the mysterious Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal), Peter will have to find time for his own plans while saving the world. This film does a surprisingly good job balancing the emotionally heavy consequences of Endgame with the typically lighthearted tone of previous Spider-Man films. The content concerns are exactly what you’d expect from a superhero flick – lots of action violence - but this film feels a lot milder than some others. Much like its titular character, Spider-Man: Far from Home was handed a difficult bill after Endgame, and much like Peter Parker, the film did a good job of staying true to its own style while incorporating the larger themes of its predecessor. In my opinion, Tom Holland is the best live action Spider-Man we’ve seen yet, and he keeps bringing the kind, considerate, and concerned kid that Peter Parker needs to be to the screen in a big way.

Astronaut

Breakthrough (on DVD)

MPAA Rating: Unrated Overall: B+ Violence: A Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: C Who hasn’t dreamt of exploring the vast expanse of space? Angus Stewart (Richard Dreyfuss) certainly did, even applying (unsuccessfully) to be a mission specialist on NASA space flights. But now, the 75-year-old civil engineer is struggling with an unhappy, earth-bound retirement. He is now living with his daughter, Molly (Krista Bridges) while they try to sell his house. Molly and grandson Barney want Angus to stay with them but son-in-law Jim believes Angus should live in a seniors’ home, which is where he ends up. When he decides to make one last bid to go into outer space, viewers will wonder if Angus is reaching for the stars or simply trying to escape his disappointing reality. Angus’ long shot opportunity to soar into space is made possible by a billionaire (Colm Feore) whose company is racing to launch the first private sector space flight. To whip up enthusiasm for the venture, he announces an online lottery: twelve lucky winners will be winnowed down to one lucky astronaut. At the last minute, Angus shaves ten years off his age, lies about his heart condition, and clicks “Enter”. Parents will be relieved to hear that Angus’ dishonesty is the biggest issue in the movie and it’s one that can lead to discussions with teens about honesty, ethics, and morality. Having been produced in Canada, Astronaut does not have a rating from the MPAA, but it fits comfortably into a PG rating. Astronaut is filled with positive and uplifting messages.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: A “You have a purpose. You are loved.” So Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) repeatedly tells her moody 14-year-old son, John (Marcel Ruiz). Joyce is concerned about her increasingly uncommunicative teen and then the unthinkable happens – he falls through the lake ice and drowns. John is declared dead, Joyce prays, and John’s pulse miraculously returns. But he is hanging to life by a thread which may snap at any minute. Can John’s family, church, and wider community exercise their faith and call down a miracle from heaven? Breakthrough has an earnest, multiracial cast, who, despite the fact that they sometimes seem to be reciting lines rather than living them, do so with real sincerity. The movie also takes on the joys and trials of being part of a church congregation and portrays the petty conflicts that can arise when wellmeaning people irritate each other as well as the wonderful acts of kindness and support that a faith community can provide. And the film is almost entirely free of objectionable content. Unfortunately, Breakthrough also has some significant near misses. Watching Joyce, viewers may be driven to wonder where the line is between steadfast faith and delusional determination. Is Joyce faith-filled or irrational? Is her faith based in God’s will or her preferred outcome? And it’s a real disappointment that the script doesn’t go deeper here. Criticisms aside, Christians (or non-believers) who are grappling with feelings of divine abandonment, loss or doubt may feel that the movie isn’t able to break through their pain to provide the inspiration and comfort they seek.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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Montgomery Martial Arts Athletes Represent the U.S.

Briana Jackson and Booker T. Pitts IV are both second degree black belt students of instructor David Johnson of Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy. They were selected for a second time to represent Montgomery and the United States Martial Arts Team in London this October at the World Martial Arts Games competition. They were both successful in winning gold medals back in 2017 at the WMA games in Orlando, Fla. Jackson is a senior at Auburn University Montgomery and she teaches martial arts classes to teens and adults at Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy. She also trains with her USA - Alabama teammates once a month in Ashland, Ala., and with her instructor and classmates in Montgomery on a weekly basis. Pitts is entering his second semester as a freshman at the University of Alabama, where he is in the ROTC program. He also joined the Army National Reserves last year, and he travels frequently for military training and still finds time to sharpen his martial arts skills and compete internationally. Montgomery County Commissioners Dan Harris and Isaiah Sankey congratulated Jackson, Pitts and instructor David Johnson at a recent commission meeting.

ADT Dancers Receive Honors Nationwide

Alabama Dance Theatre dancers and students continue to win acceptance, scholarships and awards at some of the nation’s most selective dance institutions, colleges and universities. ADT is proud to announce that the following dancers have received awards, acceptance and/or scholarships recently. Award winners in the Junior High Dance division include: Clover Hardin, third place; Celeste Herod, second place; Cameron Caldwell, first place; and Jane Abbie Alford and Shannon McGaughey, honorable mention. Award winners in the Senior High Dance division include Savannah Golden, first place; and Mary Olivia Dudley, honorable mention. Scholarships and acceptances went to: Mary Olivia Dudley, Emily Efferson, Savannah Golden, Ahsha Gray, Clover Hardin, Morgan Marshall, Camilla Ohme, Lilla Kate Parkman, Abigail Perkinson, Karen Licari, Jane Abbie Alford, Celeste Herod and Molly Selman. Alabama Dance Theatre, an Honor Company in RDA/Southeast, performed Ascension choreographed by Janie Alford and Divergent choreographed by Abigail Perkinson at the RDA National Festival in Athens, Ga. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Local Mom Named 2019 Alabama Mother of the Year

In February 2019, Angie Jordin was named the 2019 Mother of the Year for the State of Alabama by American Mothers, Inc. Jordin was born in Montgomeryand currently resides in Deatsville. She is the director of business development for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She was nominated by her daughter, Hayley Jordin, 21, who attends AUM and is in the communication disorders program. In April, Jordin attended a conference with the other mothers who won their respective states. At the conference she attended several workshops where she was able to learn and contribute ideas surrounding issues that are important to moms across the country. During her time at the conference in Washington, D.C., she also had the opportunity to meet with Martha Roby and share concerns specific to Alabama moms, including maternity leave solutions and affordable college tuition. “It was such an honor to meet and network with so many amazing women and to be connected to them by the one desire that truly unites all of us,” Jordin said. Dr. Renae Reinardy of North Dakota was named the 2019 National Mother of the Year at the Gala at the end of the conference. She is a psychologist and director of the Lakeside Center for Behavioral Change. American Mothers, Inc. is a nationwide organization that is committed to valuing mothers through service and education and has been #MomStrong since 1935. To learn more, and to nominate a mom for the 2020 Alabama Mother of the Year, please visit www. americanmothers.org. Nominations are accepted through October, and any mom can be nominated. Jordin is shown below with U.S. Representative Martha Roby. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection Camps Teach Kindness!

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection held six summer fun dance camps. Princesses came one day to dance and share with the girls to always be kind and use good manners!

Reading Partnership Celebrates Alabama Bicentennial

ALABAMA 200 and Reach Out and Read-Alabama (ROR-AL) are partnering this summer in celebration of the state’s bicentennial and the 10th annual Rx for Summer Reading with the book Alabama, My Home Sweet Home by Charles Ghigna. ROR-AL program sites across the state are providing copies of the books and hosting fun Alabama-themed activities, as well as providing a “prescription” for children to become involved in the reading program at their local libraries. The statewide Rx for Summer Reading partnership kicked off on June 5 at Partners in Pediatrics in Montgomery. Cathy Wood, MD, FAAP welcomed those in attendance, and special guest Jeana Ross, secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, read the book aloud to about 35 children in the waiting room. Young attendees colored Alabama-themed sheets and received an Rx for Summer Reading to visit their local library, as well as a copy of the book and a Camellia Bear squishy toy to take home. “We are proud to support Reach Out and Read-Alabama in providing opportunities for families to promote children’s literacy starting at birth,” said Secretary Ross. “High quality, coordinated early literacy efforts will help us prepare all Alabama children to be successful in school.” 87

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FamilyCalendar Thursday, August 1

Pike Road Arts Council Presents The Magic of America Art Show: A Celebration of Summer 6-8 p.m. Opening reception. Pike Road Arts Center’s Water House Gallery, 944 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road. Exhibit is open Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. throughout August. For more info, call (334) 272-9883 or visit www.pikeroad.us. Wetumpka Depot Players Present Master Harold and the Boys -- Also August 2-4; 8-10 7:30 p.m. performances except 2 p.m. matinee August 4. Written by Athol Fugard; directed by Tony Davison. In a small tea shop in South Africa, two black men and a young boy joke and dance together, defying the brutalities of apartheid through their joyous love. But festering issues of family, race and power are not so easy to ignore, and a single phone call can trigger catastrophe. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440. Earth’s Heart: Connecting Cultures -Also August 8, 15, 22 & 29; Sept. 5 2:30-3 p.m. ArtWorks at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Explore the arts of different cultures. ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan will introduce young learners to the basic greetings, visual arts, music, clothing, and traditions of the country in focus (this month is Jamaica). Connections will also be made to works in the Museum’s galleries. Classes are limited to 25 students. First come, first serve. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Friday, August 2

Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents Oklahoma! -- Through August 11 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinees August 4 and 11. This classic musical is a family favorite and is suitable for all ages. It is based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs, with music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, II, and dances by Agnes de Mille. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door (if available). For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit cc.prattvilleal.gov. Friday on the Green -- Also August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; Sept. 6 & 13 6:30-8:30 p.m. Russell Crossroads, Alexander City. Grab your family, even the pup – don’t forget the leash, a lawn chair if you want, a cooler if you’re thirsty, and join your pals and make some new ones. For more info, call (256) 397-1019 or visit www. russellcrossroads.com/. August 2: Ella Langley; Aug. 9: Shades of Gray; Aug. 16: Jessie Lynn Band; Aug. 23: Murray Brown; Aug. 30: Jonathan Bloom; Sept. 6: Sid Phelps Montgomery Biscuits Baseball MGM Friday & Fireworks -- Also August 30 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Every Friday, we celebrate what makes Montgomery special. We’ve partnered with local leaders, influencers, businesses, schools, and more to create nights that show how special our Capitol city is. For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 819-7483.

MPAC Presents The Charlie Daniels Band 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. From his Dove Award-winning gospel albums to his genredefining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Awardwinning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. Tickets begin at $27. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Saturday, August 3

First Friday Cruise-Ins 5:30-7 p.m. 36 Dexter Ave., Montgomery. The lower block of Dexter Ave. will be closed off once the featured vehicles are in place. Numerous restaurants and food trucks will be open including Alabama Sweet Tea Company, Momma Goldberg’s, FRIOS Pops, Cuco’s Mexican Café and others. Join us for some free family friendly fun. For more info, visit www.LowerDexter.org or call (334) 273-0313.

Heartland Militaria Expo -- Also August 4 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Multiplex @ Cramton Bowl. General Admission - $10; Vets/LEO/ Firefighters - $9; Children under 12 - Free. If you bring an item to sell or trade you will get $1 off admission. For more info, visit http://heartlandmilitariashow.com/index.php/alabama-show-information/ or call (405) 503-3665.

Jurassic Quest -- Through August 4 3-8 p.m. Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa St. Jurassic Quest is America’s largest and most realistic dinosaur event. Guests will walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and the Triassic period and experience for themselves what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs. Jurassic Quest is the only dinosaur event that has true to life-size dinosaurs. Hours on Saturday & Sunday are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. For more info, call (936) 588-3332.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Millbrook Community Theatre Presents Kurt H. Sutton as Mark Twain & Mr. Clemens -Also August 4 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Reserved tickets $20; general admission $15. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheatre.com/.

Still Creek Trek at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. This is a chance to cool off and maybe even find some animals that call the creek home! Be prepared to get wet. Bringing a change of clothes is suggested, shoes or sandals (chacos or tevas) are required; no flip flops. You will not need a life jacket. General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

was a frontier town that never lost its frontier mentality. From feuding families delivering street justice to colorful characters threatening to assassinate the President, Cahawba’s corruption will be revealed on this one-hour guided walking tour. Call (334) 8728058 for more info or visit www.ahc.alabama.gov or www.facebook.com/oldcahawba. Admission is $8/ person. First Saturday Music Series 6-8:30 p.m. Common Bond Brewers, 424 Bibb Street, Suite #150, Montgomery. Featuring Spearman Brewers. This is a free, family-friendly event. Outside food welcome. Bring the family and enjoy good tunes and good brews. Call (334) 676-2287 or find us on Facebook. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. All locations. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is a rocket pencil box. Your young aerospace engineer can study the anatomy of a rocket while you construct a handmade case together. Once your project is built, decorate it with paint and stickers. Each child also receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops. Prattville/Autauga Farmers’ Market -Every Saturday 7 a.m.-noon at the grove on Doster Road across from Gillespie Center and Pratt Park. Along with a variety of farmers with locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and more, there will be a variety of other vendors with plants, soap, baked goods, and more. A guest chef will create tasty dishes using fresh produce from the farmers. For more info, call (334) 595-0851. Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market -Every Saturday Through August 31 7 a.m.-noon. Support Alabama farmers and local businesses every Saturday at EastChase Farmers Market. Find a variety of locally grown produce, whole milk, artisian breads, honey, goats milk soap, eggs and much more! For more info, visit www. theshoppesateastchase.com/ or call (334) 279-6046. Pike Road Arts Council Presents The Magic of America Art Show: A Celebration of Summer Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. through August 25. Pike Road Arts Center’s Water House Gallery, 944 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road. For more info, call (334) 272-9883 or visit www.pikeroad. us.

Sunday, August 4

MPAC Presents James Gregory 6 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. An evening of non-stop laughter with a wry sense of the absurd, a Southern accent and universal storytelling. The ridiculous, the common and sometimes even the simplest events all become hilarious in the hands of this master storyteller and world-class comedian. Tickets begin at $20. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Big Fish Tales 9-11 a.m. Jasmine Hill Gardens, Wetumpka. Join the Wetumpka Depot cast of Big Fish for family storytelling hour. Stay to explore the garden, check out our new games, and have a popsicle! Admission: Adults $10; Children (3-12) $6; and 2 and under free. For more info, call (334) 567-6463.

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee 2-5 p.m. Doster Center, Prattville. The Prattauga Art Guild will present this event with live music, local art, and readings by local authors. This event is free and open to the public. Coffee, snacks, soft drinks and water will be available for a small donation to the art guild special projects fund. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.

Old Cahawba True Crime Walking Tour 10-11 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. Despite its short-lived grasp on prosperity, civilization and refinement, Cahawba

Music On The Deck at Kowaliga - Also August 11, 18 & 25; Sept. 8 4:30-7:30 p.m. Kowaliga Restaurant, Lake Martin. For more info, call (256) 215-7035 or visit www.

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FamilyCalendar russelllandsonlakemartin.com/. Aug. 4: Ella Langley; Aug. 11: Sid Phelps; Aug. 18: Matt Smith; Aug. 25: Britt and Kurt; Sept. 8: Clay Barker.

Tuesday, August 6

Millbrook Farmers Market -- Tuesdays through August 13 8 a.m.-noon. Village Green, corner of Main Street and Grandview Road. Locally grown fruits, berries and vegetables; bakery items and Master Gardener demonstrations. For more info, call (334) 285-3558 or (334) 301-2650.

In Living Color: Connecting Communities of Color -- Through August 8 DoubleTree Hotel, Montgomery. The Alabama Women of Color Network will host this event to bring together WOC from across the state and throughout the region to address the issues that impact WOC, their families, and all communities. Event begins August 6 at 5:30 p.m.; ends August 8 before noon. Registration is $75. For info, call (334) 264-0123.

Wednesday, August 7

Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch and Learn Series Open to the Public Noon-1 p.m. The first Wednesday of each month. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water provided. Artful Yoga at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also August 21 Noon-1 p.m. Does your yoga practice need a little

artistic inspiration? Join us for this new program to stretch, reflect and relax. Each Artful Yoga session will draw inspiration from collections and exhibitions of the Museum. Led by instructor Nancy Beale. The class is free and suitable for all levels; beginners are welcome. Bring your yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing. For more info, visit https://mmfa.org/ discover/artful-yoga/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Thursday, August 8

Capri Theatre Presents Mission: Impossible 7:30 p.m. 1996 movie featuring Tom Cruise. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a mole in the Impossible Missions Force. You know it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Ethan Hunt, who goes on to lead the Mission Impossible franchise, but that still leaves plenty of suspects, betrayals, tricks, explosions, chases, and red herrings. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to come watch Ethan find the mole. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Friday, August 9

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Also August 23 10 a.m.-noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 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 typically meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-

round (except during November and December). Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http:// www.onlineecho.com. Blues Old Stand @ Capri Theatre Doors open at 7 p.m.; music at 8. The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. $15 advance tickets. Any remaining tickets will be available at the box office on the day of show for $20. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org/ or call (334) 262-4858.

Breach of Peace: A Performance to Commemorate the 1961 Freedom Rides Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Sanctuary, 432 S. Goldthwaite St. An interactive, one-act play by Mike Wiley that shares stories of the 1961 Freedom Riders. Men and women, black and white, young and old, the riders aimed to end racially segregated bus, train and air travel. Wiley, the solo actor, plays all the roles and is accompanied by Gospel vocalist Jennifer Evans. Various audience members will be invited on stage during the play. A talk-back follows the performance. North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green will give a reading before the play begins. Adult tickets are $20, student tickets are $15. Recommended for ages 13+. For more info, visit www. freedomridesmuseumfriends.org/events.html or call (334) 245-4546.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, August 10

U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour -- Arrowhead Country Club (Tour Championship) For boys and girls ages 5-14. Age-appropriate competition and yardages. Parent caddies encouraged. Fun and family interactive. For more info, contact Quincy Leonard at (334) 721-4536 or quincyleonard@leogolfacademy.com. Register online at www. uskidsgolf.com. Prattville Hosts Jazz in the Park 6-9 p.m. Pratt Park Amphitheater. This free concert will feature local jazz musicians the Coleman Woodson Group and Tony Exum, Jr. and will be a great musical experience for jazz lovers as well as those who want to know more about jazz. There will be food vendors and picnic baskets and coolers are welcome, but no alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the music. For more info, call (334) 595-0851 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov. Inaugural Tailgate BBQ Cookoff 12:30-3:30 p.m. Southeast YMCA, 3455 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery. Food, family, music and games! Bring your own grill and register to enter the cookoff. Sample Montgomery’s best tailgate BBQ; Cornhole competition; Kickball; Kids’ play zone. Cost: $5. For more info, call (334) 262-6411 or visit ymcamontgomery.org. Magical Creatures Educational Program at the Montgomery Zoo 10 a.m.-noon. Meet some of the magical animals that are featured in movies like Harry Potter and The Hobbit. Meet animals up close, learn about them in their habitats, and take home some special prizes for yourself. Geared for boys and girls, aged 4-10.

Advanced reservations required. For more info, visit montgomeryzoo.com or call (334) 625-4909. Youth Fishing Rodeo at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 7-11 a.m. Open to anyone age 15 and under. Admission is free; however, participants are asked to pre-register as space is limited and all youth must be accompanied by an adult. Each young angler will receive a t-shirt and will be eligible for door prizes. Snacks and drinks available. Each participant may take home five catfish each, but may catch and release all they would like. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and bait, though a limited number of loaner rods and some bait will be available. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. AMC Theaters Offers SensoryFriendly Movietimes -- Also August 24 For guests and families living with autism or other special needs, AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! This program is available on second and fourth Saturdays (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids’ Club 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Each second Saturday, Whole Foods will host fun, hands-on craft activities to teach kids about healthy eating. It’s totally free, and every participant gets a piece of fruit and whatever they make in the workshop! For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/montgomery. 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/events/1374454692792666 /?source=1. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and preregistration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer. morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www. secondsaturday.com.

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FamilyCalendar Second Saturdays at Old Alabama Town 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Second Saturdays bring special programs for the whole family including crafts, music, lectures and more! This month, Jim and Joyce Cauthen from the Alabama Folk School play their fiddles, and Al Medina and John Schneider make presenations about their trips to China and Scotland. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www. oldalabamatown.com/.

Thursday, August 15

Sunday, August 11

Friday, August 16

Second Sundays at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also September 8 2-4 p.m. Family Art Affair, Jazz Jams, and our popular docent-led Sunday tours are now on the second Sunday of every month. Bring the whole family for this multifaceted Museum experience Drop in anytime between 2 and 4 PM for this free offering. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

River Region Music Review -Also August 17 Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; first act at 6:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. A weekend showcasing local talent from the Montgomery area, as well as from Nashville. Held in conjunction with the Buckmasters Expo, the River Region Review offers one-day passes for $20 and a two-day pass for $30. Seating is general admission. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and at the MPAC Box Office at the Renaissance Montgomery. Call (205) 965-9574 or visit www.mpaconline.org.

MPAC Presents Lyle Lovett and His Large Band 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Fourtime Grammy Award winner Lyle Lovett is a singer, songwriter, actor, and producer with decades of hits! Tickets begin at $46. For more info, visit www. mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Wednesday, August 14

Jamey Johnson with guests Whatley & Co. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; music at 6:30. The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. Live benefit show for the Nikki Mitchell Foundation. $50 tickets. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org/ or call (334) 262-4858. Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Noon-1 p.m. 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. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more info, call 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Food For Thought Noon-1 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “A Hard Rain: America in the 1960s,” presented by Frye Gaillard. Call (334) 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Open Gym at The Armory 7 to 9 pm. Register by Thursday. $10 per student and students do not have to be members. Ages 6 to 18. Events are subject to cancellation if we do not have enough registered by the event. Call (334) 6252789 or visit armoryathletics.com.

Saturday, August 17

Gator Tails at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. Join us as we delve into the swamp to take a look at one of its top predators! During this program you will get to learn about these prehistoric looking creatures as well as get to meet our baby alligator “Delta.” General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Highlight Tours 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view and latest

exhibitions at the Museum with docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. These tours are free and open to the public, no reservations required. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. Hog Days of Summer 3-9 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, 300 Water Street, Montgomery. Join us for great music from our lineup of bands, award-winning BBQ from around the Southeast, activities for the whole family. Proceeds go towards Hogs For The Cause and fighting pediatric cancer. Advance ticket: $15; Day of Show ticket: $20 (Admission to event only). Children 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult get in free. For more info, visit www.hogdaysofsummer.com/.

Tuesday, August 20

Joe Thomas Jr. Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Cloverdale Playhouse. The Singer/Songwriter Series is a great night of original music and songwriters talking about how they craft their music and performing original works on the Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org/ for more info.

Wednesday, August 21

Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Military Wednesday 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. The Biscuits thank our military men and women with discounted admission and concession prices! For more info, visit www. biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 819-7483.

See Me: Exploring Still Life at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 p.m. Led by ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan, individuals with special needs (ages 6 and older) will explore still life works in the galleries and then create mixed-media still life artwork. Free but registration required. Call (334) 625-4365.

Thursday, August 22

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon All women of the River Region are invited to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until

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1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Guest speaker will be Michelle Taliaferro, a senior lecturer in biology at AUM. She is speaking on whooping cranes, a critically endangered species. Luncheon cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, August 19, to Janie Kennett at (813) 309-0300 or JMKennett12@yahoo.com. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com for more info.

McAnally and John Paul White come to the Festival Stage as part of the Alabama Natives Bicentennial Concert Series. Sponsored by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, this series features Alabama musicians in commemoration of the Alabama 200 and Montgomery 200 bicentennial celebrations. Tickets start at $25. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Military Open House at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 5:30-7:30 p.m. All active duty, veterans, and reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces—and their immediate families—are invited to an evening of summer fun. There will be a ceremony to honor Montgomery’s WWII veterans in the Wilson Auditorium. Immediately following, enjoy art-making activities in the studios; yard games in the Caddell Sculpture Garden; live music performed by Pre-Sputnik; and a complimentary BBQ dinner. For more info, visit https:// mmfa.org/ or call (334) 625-4333.

Thursday, August 29

Friday, August 23

Cloverdale Playhouse Presents The Risk Theater Initiative Production of Stiff -- Also August 24 7:30 p.m. Stiff is the hit fast-paced comedy about moving slow that has been an award-winning audience favorite at festivals, conferences, and theatres across the country. Actress and playwright Sherry Jo Ward was suddenly facing a career-ending diagnosis with a superrare neuromuscular disease called Stiff Person Syndrome. Instead, she turned it into an autobiographical one woman show that demonstrates her resilience, and her “sick” sense of humor. It’s a unique hour of theatre that promises to stay with you. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/. MPAC Presents The Mavericks 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The Mavericks are masters of country-Latin rock’n’roll, born in the rich cultural mix of Miami then tempered in Nashville’s country hothouse. They rode high in the country and rock charts of the 1990s with culture-crossing hits like ‘What A Crying Shame” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” Tickets begin at $27. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Saturday, August 24

Canoeing and Kayaking at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. Join us for some time on the water, where we will learn about the basics while enjoying some fun in the sun! If you have ever wanted to learn how to canoe or kayak this is the program for you! Life jackets and paddles provided. General admission applies and includes this awesome program: $5/ person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Repticon Montgomery -- Also August 25 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Alcazar Shrine, 555 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery. See live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products direct from the experts at amazing prices you won’t find anywhere else, and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals at live seminars and demonstrations. For more info, find us on Facebook.

Tuesday, August 27

Mac McAnally with John Paul White 6:30 p.m. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Mac

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

MPAC Presents Sawyer Brown 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Sawyer Brown is an American country music band founded in 1981 in Apopka, Florida, by Mark Miller, Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard, Bobby Randall, Joe “Curly” Smyth, and Jim Scholten. After competing on the television competition series Star Search and winning that show’s grand prize, they signed to Capitol Records in 1984. Tickets begin at $27. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Join this monthly program for Museum members during which artists share one artwork apiece and receive feedback from their peers. Enjoy light refreshments and networking with other professionals in this unique program whether or not you choose to bring artwork. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at bmorrison@mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4365. Cost: $50 for the series of 12 meetings or $5 drop-in fee for single meetings.

Friday, August 30

Deconstructing the Beatles’ Abbey Road The Capri Theatre, Montgomery. Side one at 5 p.m.; side two at 7:30 p.m. Single show tickets $10 members/$12 non-members; $15 combo members/$18 combo non-members. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org/ or call (334) 262-4858.

Saturday, August 31

DIY Teacher Worksheets 10 a.m.-noon. EdTech Academy, 2101 Eastern Blvd., Ste. 420, Montgomery. If you’ve ever visited Teachers Pay Teachers and wanted to learn to create your own custom digital resources, this is the workshop for you. In this FREE class, participants will learn the basics of creating worksheets and handouts using PowerPoint. Participants are asked to bring a laptop with PowerPoint already installed for this hands-on workshop. Seating is limited. For more info, call (334) 593-1106 or call info@edtechacademy.org. Big Cat Youth Fishing Tournament 7-11:45 a.m. Alabama Nature Center, 3050 Lanark Rd., Millbrook. The tournament kicks off at 7 a.m. and anglers have the opportunity to weigh in their biggest catch every hour, starting at 8 a.m. with the final weigh-in at 11:45 a.m. Anglers must be between the ages of 6 and 15 to be eligible for this tournament. Anglers must attend mandatory anglers meeting Friday, August 30, at 6 p.m. at the NaturePlex facility at Lanark. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

Sunday, September 1

Labor Day Weekend Concert Gates open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6. The grassy lawn at The AMP on Lake Martin. For more info, visit www.theamponlakemartin.com/.

Wednesday, September 4

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Buzz Through September 15 Written by Susan Ferrara; directed by Carrie Preston. Charismatic director Mary Ann “Buzz” Goodbody was one of only five women directing in the UK in the

1970s. In 1975, she famously directed Ben Kingsley in the title role of Hamlet. Four days later, she was gone. Recommended ages 13+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353.

Thursday, September 5

MPAC Presents Old Crow Medicine Show 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $27. For more info, visit www.mpaconline. org/ or call (334) 481-5100. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Hamlet Through October 6 Written by William Shakespeare; directed by Eric Tucker. NYC’s Bedlam Theatre in residence at ASF creates Shakespeare’s Hamlet with a company of four actors, in a production hailed as “invigorating,” “lively and brisk,” and “masterful” by critics. Recommended ages 12+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353.

Saturday, September 7

Guided Nature Hike at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook 10 a.m. Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. Learn how to bird or ID plants and animals, splash through the creek, or catch insects in the meadow! General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call (334) 285-4550. Zoo Volunteer Serve Day Fall 2019 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. Volunteers are needed to help with landscaping, raking leaves, painting, and overall prepping the Zoo for the Summer season. Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or a designated group chaperone. For more info or to register, call (334) 625-4900 or register at www.montgomeryzoo.com/.

Sunday, September 8

MPAC Presents Boz Scaggs 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Boz Scaggs is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist known for his worldwide chart-topping albums of the late 1970s as well as the songs “Lido Shuffle” and the Grammy award-winning “Lowdown” from the critically acclaimed album Silk Degrees (1976), which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Tickets begin at $37. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Classes

Adoptive Parent Training Classes Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections recruits, prepares, and supports parents adopting waiting children in Alabama’s foster care. For information on adoptive parent classes or to register for classes in Alabama, contact our team at (866) 803-2722 or visit apac@ childrensaid.org. Baptist East Maternity Area Virtual Tour We invite you to visit our hospital from the comfort of wherever you are. A personal tour of Baptist Medical Center East’s Maternity Area is now just a click away. This virtual tour is designed to answer any questions you may have regarding our “family-

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FamilyCalendar centered maternity care.” Receive an inside look at our Labor and Delivery Suites, Newborn Nursery, Post-Partum and NICU units. From admission to discharge, this video provides all of the information you and your family needs to know. Visit www. baptistfirst.org/. Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting 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 or e-mail liz.owen@ jackson.org to register or for more info. Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health 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 experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class 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.

Class fee: $20. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Childbirth Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This four-session class is taught by Registered Labor and Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South. This class for new mothers covers topics ranging

from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 2863466. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered

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SupportGroups Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admission process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series Remaining 2019 dates are: August 5 and December 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. This is a safe space to work on your craft, develop your audition skills, share your newest piece, or just get feedback on your latest artistic endeavor. Guest panels and rotating faculty ensure constant growth and a variety of insight. Even if you don’t perform every time - you can learn a lot by observing! There will be a sign-up sheet if you would like to work. Call (334) 262-1530 with questions. 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 747-7700 Option # for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # 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. 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 info, contact alissabethtaylor@ gmail.com or visit 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@ alabamachild.org. Infant Car Seat Safety Inspection Baptist Health’s Certified Car Seat Safety Technician will help set your mind at ease. Expectant parents can register for a one-on-one car seat installation session tailored to your vehicle. Our goal is to ensure your confidence in a safe ride home from the hospital. Space is limited. Pre-registration required Must provide your own car seat! $10 per car seat payable at the time of inspection by cash or check. Visit www.baptistfirst.org/ or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

children including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class. Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. 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 Interactive 3-week series of 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 info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook. com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Preparing For A Natural Birth (One Time Class) Baptist Medical Center East. Please bring two bed pillows and a floor mat to class for breathing and relaxation exercise. This class equips expectant parents with natural childbirth options providing them with tools, techniques and coping skills for their labor and delivery experience. Participants will practice breathing and relaxation exercises along with other comfort measures. This class is most beneficial when your support person attends. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Class fee: $20 (couple or single) payable at class by cash or check. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org or call 273-4445. 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 August 21 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www. mmfa.org for more info. Wetumpka Line Dance Classes held at A Chance to Dance, 68 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka. Country and Non-Country Music for All Ages! CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE: Mon. Beginner 7:15 p.m.; Wed. Beginner 10 a.m.; Wed. Senior 2 p.m.; Wed. Intermediate 7 p.m.; Fri. High Beginner/ Intermediate 7 p.m. *Open Dance to follow class. For more info, call (334) 452-0293 or find us on Facebook.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Our Adoptive Family Group will start back Thursday, August 8, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Rd. We will be starting a three-part series based off the book From Fear to Love by Bryan Post. RSVP is required for this event no later than August 5. Please include number of adults attending and NAMES AND AGES OF ANY CHILDREN. Full dinner, childcare and CEU’s will be provided! For more info, contact Jill Sexton at 409-9477 or jsexton@ 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 Kathy King at (205) 943-5331 or e-mail kking@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-ACS2345 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 1-800-ACS-2345. Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000. General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at

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SupportGroups 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 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. DivorceCare meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. 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 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc. org or 241-5125. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800

Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. The cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley. com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous Meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 6 p.m. and Mondays @ 6:30 p.m.: meet at Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US Hwy. 231 N in the Wetumpka/Wallsboro community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison on the same side of the street. Sundays @ 5 p.m.: meet at Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. For more information about the GA meetings, call (334) 399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker, please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at (334) 277-5100.

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 at the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@aol.com for more info.

Bereavement Group, 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. For more info, call 279-6677. 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. GriefShare meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the parlor of First United Methodist Church Prattville. Led by Michael Beatty. For more info, call the church office at (334) 365-5977. GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. 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. 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

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SupportGroups 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. 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. 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. River Region Survivors of Suicide Loss meets on second and fourth Thursdays (excluding holidays) at Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road in Montgomery from 6:30-8 p.m. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.

Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays yearround 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. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call 495-6350. Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss Support Group Meets at 6 p.m. third Wednesdays at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka. Group is for those living with or caring for someone with memory loss. This will be a monthly event that will provide information, a time to share and listen to others experiencing what you are, a time to be supported in your struggles and to share your victories. All are invited. Sometimes caregivers just need to talk with those that understand their struggles. For more info, call (334) 235-4151 or visit The Gathering Place Community Respite on Facebook. 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. Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12-step 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 (334-3654201), for additional information.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Diabetes Support Group Noon-1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., fourth Thursdays, Jackson Hospital Park Place Building Suite 302. Are you interested in learning how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes? Would you like support from others as you work to control your diabetes? Sponsored by inpatient diabetes educator Michelle Carothers, this group offers clinical information, advice and tips to make living with diabetes easier for you and your family. Register today! Call (334) 2938574 or e-mail michelle.carothers@jackson.org. 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 on Mental Illness) 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 7205 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details. NAMI also presents a 12-week series of free classes on mental illness. These classes are for family members living with or supporting individuals with mental illness. To register, call Pat Cobb at (334) 279-8331. NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a support group for individuals with mental illness. It meets every Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Call Pat Cobb at (334) 279-8331 for more info. 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. Meetings are held at 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info. Ostomy Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Highway. Meets every other month on 2nd Sundays at 1:30 p.m. in Room 3101. 2018 meetings are in June, August, October and December. Call 495-6350 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Millbrook City Chamber of Commerce meeting room, 34531 Main Street in Millbrook. Saturdays at a.m. Trouble with food? Do you worry about the way you eat? Overeaters Anonymous can help. It’s not a diet club; it’s a fellowship of people who don’t want to suffer anymore.

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The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues, fees, or weigh-ins. Visit our new meeting in the area. All are welcome! For more info, call (662) 425-2010 or visit www.oa.org. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer UMC Activity Bldg. Room 8114, on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 495-6350.

Parent Support

Century Strong Moms 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays. 11 Chapel Hill Street in Pike Road. At Century Church, we are dedicated to helping moms in our community be Strong Moms! This ministry is open to all moms in our community. The focus of this group is to build relationships through Bible study, play dates, and moms’ night out. Childcare is available for ages 1-5 years old. Please e-mail lifegroups@century.church for more info. 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. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. GirlTime at East Memorial Baptist Church 9:30-11:30 a.m. 2nd Tuesdays at various locations in Prattville. GirlTime is open to ladies of all ages. Visit eastmemorial.org or call the church office at (334) 365-7500 for info. Childcare is provided at the church. 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. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery. AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli.org/groups/@ llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a Bible study community for moms of preschoolers. It is a Frazer United Methodist

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SupportGroups Church-supported ministry to reach moms of the community through encouragment and prayer during these early years of raising our kids. Join us for weekly Bible studies focusing on parenting, marriage, women’s studies and more. Childcare provided for newborn-K5. For more info, e-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.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? 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.

Moms in Prayer International is a Christ-centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gather to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3-4 p.m. at St. James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road. Call Annette Jones at (850) 529-4730 or e-mail Montgomerymipac@gmail.com for more info on joining us or training to start your own group.

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? 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 vaughnforestmops@gmail. com or visit http://vfcmops.weebly.com/.

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.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

First Choice Women’s Medical Center conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet for one weeknight over eight consecutive weeks and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. Confidientiality is assured. Please contact Kathy at (334) 260-8010 or kkay@firstchoicewmc. com for more details and information about upcoming groups.

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

Post-Abortion Support Group, Saint James United Methodist Church. Do you have a secret you have promised yourself “you are taking to the grave?”

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Single Parents Support

Single Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. 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. 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 for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ideas for families on a budget.

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“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.

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping

Come and listen to stories of others who were scared to surrender their secret. Come and find healing and peace that you never even knew you needed. Come and learn about the One who came to set you free. Join us in a study of “Surrendering the Secret” by Pat Layton and know that you are not alone! (Learner guide and digital download sessions.) For more info, e-mail annpemberton@charter.net.

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Support Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. Visit www.alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. D.A.T.S. M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move), a non-profit parent empowerment organization for parents of children on the autism spectrum (or with related special needs challenges) that focuses on inspiring, equipping and motivating parents to move their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disability to an ability. Follow DATS MOM on Facebook, Twitter and Periscope for live sessions and discussion. E-mail datsmom@ yahoo.com for more information. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@ gmail.com for more info. 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. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net. 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 info, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org.

Teens/Families Support

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Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 270-4100 for information about current classes.

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.

Ed Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I August 2019

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AdvertiserDirectory

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Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 90

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MP: If we were to ask your boys, What is mom really good at?, how would they answer?

Morgan: They would probably say flipping or dancing. I spent many years of my life as a competitive gymnast, and I still take advantage of a good trampoline or diving board from time to time. I also love to cut loose and school my kids in an impromptu dance-off in the living room to keep life fun and entertaining. We don’t take ourselves too seriously around here.  MP: Each one of us possesses some special talent. What “talents” do

Morgan Duett

you see in your boys?

Morgan: Both of my boys are talented little athletes and students so far. They both have the ability to watch someone complete a skill or task, and after just a few tries, they have usually mastered it themselves. They also have their own special talents that make them different from one another. Kory is very sociable and adaptable, which allows him to make friends easily. He is also very inquisitive and possesses a great photographic memory. Blake is a very charismatic little guy with a servant’s heart. He is self-motivated and a natural born leader.

MP: What is something you hope your children are learning from watching you?

Morgan: I hope that my children are watching me on a daily basis and learning how to treat people the way that they wish to be treated. I pray that I am setting a good example of how to follow through with commitments and responsibilities, and how to handle life’s trials and tribulations with grace and humility. I love people, and I truly believe that positive relationships, friendships, and partnerships are the secret to life. I hope that my boys will surround themselves with good people and always have true friends in their corner to support them and hold them accountable.

MP: Have you ever thought, Gosh I can’t do this (about parenting), and why? Morgan: I have had moments of sheer defeat over the last ten years as a mother, but I have been blessed by my devoted husband, Adam, who is always there to help me get through the difficult situations or tackle the overwhelming responsibilities. I used to compare my days of staying home with two very active little boys to “guerilla warfare”, because I would often feel outnumbered, outwitted, or completely out of control. I have felt like I have fallen short as a mom on several occasions, but I find comfort in the realization that my boys have rarely noticed when mom is anything other than “enough” for them. MP: What one “mom chore” would you forever outsource if you could? Morgan: I would definitely outsource cooking. We live such a busy lifestyle that doesn’t allow much spare time or energy for cooking, and I do not necessarily enjoy it.

MP: How would you describe your parenting style?

MP: Do your children have a chore chart? What responsibilities do they have at home?

Morgan: My parenting style is very coach-like. I challenge my boys

Morgan: We do not have a chore chart, but our boys are responsible for keeping their bedrooms clean on a daily basis, packing their own lunchboxes for school, and making sure their baseball clothes and gear are in the car for their evening practices. Like most kids, they struggle to take care of their responsibilities flawlessly, but they are learning that life doesn’t just take care of itself; it takes good time management and simple daily tasks carried out by each of us to make life more enjoyable for our family.

to try new things and to give it their all. I motivate them to believe in themselves and to be bold when the pressure is on. My husband and I are both intentional and persistent in our efforts to raise respectful and God fearing men that will have the strength of character that it takes to be good husbands and fathers in the future. We work hard, we love big, and we play a lot!

MP: If you could go back to when you first became a mother, what would you say to yourself?

Morgan Duett is Administrative Assistant to Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr., City of Prattville. She has been married to Adam (your friendly UPS Driver) for 11 years, and they have two children: Kory (10) and Blake (7). The Duetts spend most of their spare time at the baseball field, by the pool, or at the beach.

Morgan: I would advise myself not to sweat the small stuff and keep life simple. The spilled milk always gets cleaned up somehow, and I don’t believe that cereal for dinner has ever hurt a soul. Keep a cool attitude and try to enjoy the chaos, because it will offer some of the best stories down the road.

Montgomery Parents I August 2019

Photography provided by Jamie Sutton.

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