Montgomery Parents December 2018 by KeepSharing

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ONE POD = 1 PACK OF CIGARETTES = A PROBLEM

Learn more at AlabamaHealthyTeens.com

Rising 6th-12th Graders & Parents

Educating the Whole Child

STJ POP UP SHOP Saturday, January 26 at 3pm

From Pre-K3 through 12th grade, STJ students, faculty, and administration work together to foster the potential of each child at Saint James School. Visit our

Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 27 at 1:30pm

state-of-the-art campus and experience first-hand the impact of engaged and experiential learning. Please join us! On Saturday, January 26th, we invite rising 6th-12th grade students and parents to visit our Pop Up Shop where school groups will be available to answer questions and families will have the opportunity to learn about our award-winning extracurricular programs and electives. Our Open House program begins at 1:30pm on January 27th and is full of fun events that will help you and your child experience the complete education offered at Saint James School.

Saint James School FOR OPEN HOUSE RESERVATIONS, VISIT STJWEB.ORG/ADMISSIONS OR CALL

334.273.3021

Leading the Way Since 1955 S T J w e b . o r g 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 December 2018

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Christmas at Frazer

Join us for Contemporary or Traditional Worship at 8, 9:30 or 11AM Watch Us Live | 9:30AM Traditional | 11am Contemporary on WFRZ-TV | Frazer Roku & AppleTV | www.frazer.church/live

Christmas Eve Candlelight

Dec. 23 | 5:30pm contemporary Dec. 24 | 3:30PM Contemporary Dec. 24 | 5:30PM Traditional

6000 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery | www.frazer.church 3

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D Alabama School of Mathematics and Science

Free Tuition, Room, and Board

Visit ASMS.NET to Apply Now Alabama 9th & 10th Graders are Eligible to Apply

Alabama’s Public High School Educating Alabama’s Future Leaders since 1989

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7 Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted!

Come find out if ASMS is right for you by visiting our campus Saturday, Nov.10 or Dec. 1 for ASMS Day. Prospective families get a chance to see student-run classroom demonstrations and learn about a school that could change your life forever.

Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply online at www.asms.net. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. In 2018, 80 ASMS grads earned $10 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.8.

Register for ASMS Day at www.asms.net. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities.

Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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A LA BA M A S C H OOL OF M AT H A N D S C I EN C E • 1 2 5 5 D A U P H I N S T R E E T • MO B I L E , A L A B A MA 3 6 6 0 4 • 2 5 1 .4 4 1 .2 1 0 0 • WWW. A S M S . N E T

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December2018

Volume 23 Number 12

70 Columns

8 Therapeutic Parenting

Sonia Martin, LMSW

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Kids Unique ideas for a night at home!

Keep the Hush in Your Holiday Rush

Ways to stay relaxed all season!

by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent

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

49 Autauga Education Matters

by Superintendent Spence Agee

52 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

60 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

62 The College Years

Holiday Happenings

River Region parades, lights, musicals and more...to brighten your season.

Parenting the Video Game Fanatic

How to encourage other interests.

by Lee Gonet

67 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

68 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston

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16 Montgomery Education Matters

83 Get This!

On The Cover Hudson and Fisher Toy will be three years old in February. Their favorite activities are playing outside and building the tallest “Rapunzel Castle” out of their wood blocks. They love to hold their mini flashlights as microphones and perform “Love So Great” by Hillsong on the fireplace hearth. This Christmas they are looking forward to the Callaway Gardens Festival of Lights, their first Frazer school choir debut and finding a way to shatter all of the shatterproof ornaments on the Christmas tree. Hudson and Fisher are the twin sons of Brian and Natalie Toy.

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 14 Teacher of the Month 18 School Bits 86 Calendar/Support Groups 96 Mom to Mom www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote Does the holiday season stress you out? Do you have ideas of the way things “need to be” when it comes to your Christmas decor, serving the perfect meal, and even how Christmas gatherings should play out with your family? If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that nothing turns out exactly as we plan. Sometimes it goes even better than we could have imagined, and sometimes...well...you get my point. The older I get the better I have become at not sweating the small stuff, when it comes to life, in general, and also the holidays. If I skip a year of outside lights, no big deal. My table doesn’t have to be elaborate for Christmas morning brunch. And I try not to assume that I, or my family members, will have a perfect holiday attitude just because it’s Christmas. Life is still life, and life isn’t always easy. My biggest challenge, and one I hope I’m somewhat accomplishing, is learning to find joy everywhere I can. Instead of looking for the ideal in everything, can I find joy in the pieces that are good and let that be good enough? I want to be thankful for my blessings as much as possible, rather than focused on what I wish was different. If you find yourself wishing for the perfect holiday, and going into overdrive to try and make it happen, maybe a different approach is on tap for this year. Christina Katz shares advice for a more relaxed December in her article, 21 Ways to Keep the Hush in Your Holiday Rush. Besides “being good with good enough”, she encourages creating classic memories, calling in fresh recruits and questioning tradition, just to name a few. Once Christmas Day is over, it’s time to start planning for New Year’s festivities. As parents, we basically have a couple of options...hire a babysitter and make it a date night out or stay home with the kids and try to make it fun for all ages. Tiffany Guerzon offers help for Celebrating New Year’s Eve with the Kids, including milk and cookie cocktails, a family time capsule, a photo booth and lots more! I think maybe this year we’ll invite another family over and try some of Tiffany’s unique ideas for food and fun! Aside from our holiday focus, which also includes our 2018 Holiday Happenings Guide, you’ll find plenty of other interesting reads in this month’s issue. For those of you parenting “gamers”, don’t miss Common Sense Media’s column on Protecting Your Kid from “Fortnite Scams”. Cheryl Maguire also gives tips for encouraging other interests in her article, Parenting the Video Game Fanatic. Check out Sonia Martin’s Therapeutic Parenting advice for December in, Meet the Need Behind Your Child’s Behavior, on page 8. And help us celebrate our Montgomery Parents Teacher of the Month on page 14. All of us at Montgomery Parents wish to thank our staff, advertisers, local schools and all of our readers for another great year of serving as the River Region’s foremost parenting resource. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you in 2019!

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 Mark Gregston Tiffany Guerzon Christina Katz Dr. Charles Ledbetter Cheryl Maguire Sonia Martin, LMSW Dr. Ann Roy Moore Gerry Paige Smith C. Allen White, MD

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Associate Publisher Gena Hill Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com

Ad Design Tim Welch

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Montgomery Parents I December 2018

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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.

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HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS, GRADES 9-12 5350 Vaughn Road 36116 334-272-7220

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW

Meet the Need Behind the Behavior A critical component of therapeutic parenting is the focus on meeting the need behind the behavior. Whereas traditional parenting seeks to immediately stop the behavior in front of us through the engagement of consequences, threats or punishments - therapeutic parenting seeks to disarm the foundational need that is prompting the negative response in your child in the first place. According to local counselor Beth Long, PhD, all difficult behaviors look essentially the same on the outside. However, each behavior actually serves one of three purposes: a need to escape, a need for attention, or a tangible need. For example, a child will often become frustrated and act out when they want something they cannot have (tangible). We have all seen (or experienced) children pulling out all the stops from bargaining, to tantruming, to stealing, simply to get a candy bar while in the check-out line. Alternatively, children may behave inappropriately when they are attempting to escape a situation. This could be escaping from a negative emotion (fear, shame, anxiousness) or escaping from a task they do not want to complete (brushing teeth, cleaning room, finishing homework). Behaviors can also be perpetuated by a desire for attention. For children, any attention is good. If their positive attention tank is low, they try for negative attention because they do not have the capacity to

verbalize, “I’m feeling a little neglected at the moment, and I really want a bit of your time, could you please pay attention to me?” So as you approach each engagement with your child I encourage you to attempt to identify which need your child is attempting to fulfill and work from there. That being said, your response to their behavior should never be to ignore their need – this only serves to lengthen and heighten the intensity of the outburst. Instead, your response should be to help your child learn how to meet his/her needs in an appropriate way. Give voice to their situation, help them understand and begin to identify their own emotional process. For example: “I wonder if you are feeling frustrated with that math homework, I think we should take a break and go shoot some hoops for a few minutes – I’ll race you out there!” Instead of forcing your child to sit longer at the table with the homework, thereby escalating the negative behavior, try to break up the predictably stressful homework into smaller portions and give your child a break (opportunity to escape) when they complete each section. They will likely be a bit more agreeable to engaging in the homework if they know they are not stuck there for long periods. Overall, we want to get in the habit of looking past the behavior that is right in front of us because that outburst typically has absolutely

nothing to do with the real issue at hand. The screaming, yelling, or propelling of one’s self to the ground, is merely the breakdown phase of a dysregulated child. But if we are honest, that is where we invest so much of our energy. We spend hours googling how to get our 3-year-old to stop tantruming, or how to get our middle schooler to stop talking back. If I may, instead of pouring so much effort into the end result of a behavior, look at the origin of the behavior itself. So, next time you are waist deep in toddler tantrum meltdown mode, or face to face with a disgruntled teenager, take a minute, and see if you can figure out the need behind the behavior and keep your focus there. That’s where you are going to find victory (and your sanity). Do you have a behavior or parenting question? Shoot me an email at sonia.kidstolove@yahoo.com. I will answer your question in an upcoming issue!

*Therapeutic parenting is parenting in a highly structured, highly nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing with children who have trauma and attachment challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child.

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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Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Accredited K3 through 12th Grade Independent College-Preparatory School

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One World. One School. One Family. Building life-long relationships through an intentional focus on mentors and leadership Trinity School is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution providing students the highest quality college-preparatory education, training them in the biblical world and life view, enabling them to serve God in spirit, mind, and body. Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, award-winning fine arts program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. The Trinity Experience is extraordinary in every way—an education that is as unique as your child. If you have questions or would like 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.

PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS

GRAND STORY HOUR Prospective K3, K4, K5 Students, Parents or Grandparents December 6, 2018 at 1:30 PM

K3-K5 OPEN HOUSE Prospective Parents of K3, K4, K5 Students January 17, 2019 at 6:00 PM

EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENT EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTATIONS

OPEN HOUSE | JANUARY 17 AT 6:00 P.M. 9

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Holiday Family Theatre

Christmas at Lanark

Harlem Globetrotters @ Garrett Coliseum

December 6 * 7 p.m. Featuring some of the most elite dunkers on the planet, exceptional ball handlers, and Guinness World Record holders, a Globetrotters game is more than just basketball – it is the ultimate in family entertainment. The team will also bring the largest female roster in team history to fans across North America. After virtually every game, the Harlem Globetrotters remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans. Tickets are available at harlemglobetrotters.com, ticketmaster.com, the Garrett Coliseum box office, or by calling (800) 745-3000.

December 8 * 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy a hayride, Christmas crafts, decorating cookies, a movie special and much more at the Alabama Nature Center! Learn how to create your own nature ornament and get pictures with Santa. We will have hot chocolate for sale and plenty of activities to keep you warm. Bring your camera! General admission applies and includes awesome events throughout the day! For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

Christmas on the Coosa

December 8 * 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Downtown Wetumpka. Christmas extravaganza with arts & crafts, parade, food, classic car show, entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. For more info, call (334) 567-5147 or visit www.cityofwetumpka.com/.

Sensory Santa Experience

December 12 & 13 * 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Shoppes at EastChase is making sure that every child has time with Santa by providing a Sensory Santa Experience for families with special needs children. Santa’s Whimsical Wonderland will not be open for regular business hours on these days. **20 minutes starting at $20. To make an appointment, visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com/ or call (334) 279-6046.

Harry Connick Jr. @ MPAC

Thursday, December 13 * 7:30 p.m. A New Orleans Tricentennial Celebration! Join Harry and his amazing band as they celebrate New Orleans’ 300th birthday and the influences that shaped his career. Enjoy the evening as Harry toasts his beloved city and also performs a selection of holiday favorites. Ticket prices begin at $67.50. Visit mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents The Sound of Music through December 30. With music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein; directed by Rick Dildine. The beloved story of Maria, a young and spirited nun-turned-governess, and the Von Trapp family. Recommended ages 7+. ASF presents The Gospel of Luke December 6-30. Actor Bruce Kuhn performs with the passion and surprise of an eyewitness account. In a compelling ninety minutes, the tale comes alive with the urgency, fervor, and humor of someone who was there. Recommended ages 7+. For tickets or more info, visit asf. net or call (334) 271-5353. Millbrook Community Theatre presents It’s a Wonderful Life December 6-16. Adapted for the stage by James W. Rodgers; based on the film by Frank Capra and story by Peter Van Doren Stern; directed by John Collier. The saga of George Bailey, the everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him of a wonderful life. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheater. com/. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever December 6-16. Written by Barbara Robinson, directed by Joey Fine, by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at cc.prattvilleal.gov or by calling (334) 595-0854. Wetumpka Depot presents A Greater Tuna Christmas December 11-16. Directed by Kristy Meanor and written by Williams, Sears and Howard. Two actors portray the entire cast of characters in the tiny town of Tuna, Texas! For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

T l t a o w t m (

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House

Capri Theatre Presents Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wonderful Life

December 8 * 7:30 p.m. The Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless is partnering with the Capri Theatre for the 3rd annual sockball fight! Please bring a pair of clean, unused socks and join in our sockball fight before the show. All socks will be collected by MACH and given to the homeless in the Montgomery area. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

December 15 * 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Enter at Lucas Tavern (corner of Jefferson and N. Hull Streets). Embrace the holiday spirit of the 19th century in Old Alabama Town! Traditional holiday craftmaking, stories of Christmas past, live holiday music, and costumed villagers will get everyone in the family in the spirit of this special season. Admission is free with a canned food donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/.

December 8 * 10 a.m.-noon. * Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. Get your picture taken with Santa while enjoying hot biscuits and cocoa along with rides on the Biscuits Express and a Christmas movie on the videoboard! Bring a NEW toy for donation to the Salvation Army and receive FREE biscuits and hot cocoa! For more info, call (334) 323-2255 or find us on Facebook.

Enjoy the lights and decorations, visit with Santa, and have fun while you shop Downtown Prattville for gifts for all the special people on your Christmas list. There will be caroling, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projects, hot chocolate, and more. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Flu Update 2018 Last year, the flu epidemic was the worst in the past nine years. It lasted from November to April with over 80,000 deaths (185 children died--80% were not vaccinated against flu) and over 900,000 hospitalizations in the US.

WHAT CAUSES FLU? Cold weather may keep you inside near sick people, but the flu virus causes the flu, not the cold weather. Flu viruses are spread by people and children who indiscriminately cough and spray viruses through the air or touch door knobs, toys or shake your hand. Studies show that nurseries and daycares are hotbeds of flu activity which spread to families. Flu viruses change but flu symptoms are the same every year. It is mostly respiratory, but all parts of the body can be involved. Symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, cough, fatigue and generally feeling bad.

HOW TO AVOID CATCHING THE FLU? 1. The first line of defense is getting your flu vaccination. You cannot catch the flu from the dead virus in the flu shot. Scientific researchers work hard every year

to develop vaccines to fight the most likely strains. Last year, the flu virus circulating in the US mutated after the manufacture of the flu vaccine was started. As a result, it was only 40% effective. Flu immunizations now cover four different strains. The Flumist is available this year, but the flu shot is recommended. 2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water while reciting the alphabet. The second best choice is hand sanitizers. Use paper towels or your elbow to turn off water and open public bathroom doors. 3. Avoid close contact with sick people. Stay at home if you have the flu, do not go to work. Do not send your sick child to daycare or school. 4. Cough into your shirt sleeve or a tissue, not your hand, and discard the tissue. Instead of shaking hands you could try Howie Mandel’s fist bump.

HOW TO TREAT THE FLU? 1. Tamiflu works, however, some resistance is emerging. Because of this resistance the CDC recommends not using Tamiflu as freely as we have in the past. Tamiflu is taken twice a day for 5 days. A new flu medication, Xofluza, is taken once at the beginning of the

flu symptoms. Both must be started in the first 48 hours of the onset symptoms. 2. Nothing over the counter has been proven to shorten the course of flu. Save your money! Flu can be treated at home with rest, fluids and acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever, aches and pains. Do not give children aspirin because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. The flu virus can weaken the body’s defenses and allow secondary bacterial infections to occur. Some of the more common complications in children are ear infections and pneumonia.

SEE THE DOCTOR FOR: Shortness of breath, Confused mental status, Stiff neck--especially with a severe headache, Inability to walk, Earache or sinus pain, Wet productive cough, Fever over 5 days or symptoms over 7-8 days. Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Guild Mortgage is not affiliated with The Home Depot. The Home Depot is not a sponsor of this promotion. The Home Depot is a registered trademark of Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. All rights reserved. _Guild Mortgage Company is an Equal Housing Lender; Company NMLS ID 3274. All information, loan programs & interest rates are subject to change without notice. All loans subject to underwriter approval. Terms and conditions apply. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction. No income limit for properties in low-income census tracts. Payment subject to maximum allowable lender credit and minimum contribution requirements. Some loans require a minimum cash investment by the borrower, which may limit the amount of any lender credits or payments by Guild under the offer. Conforming loan limits apply with a maximum loan amount of $453,100; except in Alaska and Hawaii with a maximum loan amount of $679,650. Guild Mortgage Company, Montgomery Branch 6719 Taylor Circle | Montgomery, AL 1336117, Prattville Branch 705 McQueen Smith www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents Road South Prattville, AL 36066. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/). (18-0351)

Jamie Shelton Pike Road Elementary School

Jamie Shelton has been described as a great communicator, enthusiastic, engaging, uplifting, patient, and kind by several of her nominators. Parent April Sanford says, “I voted for Mrs. Shelton because she has the utmost concern for each and every one of her students. She works diligently to make sure that each child receives the best education possible.” “Being nominated by so many of my students’ parents makes me feel appreciated and very fortunate! The nominations motivate me to want to work harder,” says Mrs. Shelton. At Auburn University, in the Early Childhood/ Elementary Special Education Department, Jamie realized she had discovered her strengths. “After working with real students, making plans, working those plans and seeing a change, I realized this was where I could make a difference.” And she does make a difference at Pike Road Elementary! Her students respect her and their parents appreciate what she does in the classroom. Feeling and being a part of something is so important to a child. Shelton says, “I want all children to know, beyond subject matter, that they have an important role in whatever they do. I want them to un-

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

derstand teamwork. There are very few jobs out there that don’t require them to work with others. I want them to realize that they are part of a family, outside of their home.” One way she is encouraging teamwork and responsibility in her classroom is a project her class is working on. “Our school has a chicken coop that houses seven hens. At the beginning of the year, we started a joint study of classroom pets. Our hope was to spark interests and develop passions. My class studied the school chickens.” There has been extensive research and her class has developed plans for a chicken coop. She says of this project, “This year has been one of the most productive and exciting, beyond reading, writing and math.” Shelton’s advice for new teachers is: “Be kind. Love children. Get to know them and their families. Be flexible. Be happy. Sing songs. Make connections to the real world. Anyone can read script from a curriculum guide, so dare to be different. Make learning fun. And...you are not always right.” We can ALL benefit from that advice! Jamie Shelton has B.S. and M.A. degrees from Auburn University. She’s been a teacher for 21 years. She’s married to Bruce and they have 3 children: Ellie (13), PJ (10), Micaiah (8). All of her children attend Pike Road Schools.

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11/28/18 4:15 PM

Holiday Learning The tree is trimmed, the gifts are wrapped and the children are snuggled in their beds … playing video games and texting their friends … for more than two weeks. Not exactly a Norman Rockwell moment. More importantly, that also means that they are losing academic ground. Even a two-week vacation can make a difference in how students perform. There are things you can do to help your children during the holidays to keep their brains engaged; and they won’t even realize some of it is academic work. USE THEIR DEVICE TO … Do Research: One of the keys to success is to go beyond memorizing facts and learn

to use research tools to get answers. Have them research the number of calories per serving of your holiday dinner. Figure out how those extra calories can impact their weight. Have them research your family tree so they can talk about what they found during holiday gatherings. Ask them to find out about life when you or your parents or grandparents were their age so they can understand how our traditions and living conditions have changed. Plan: Have your child choose a different route to grandmother’s house – or wherever you are going. Then pick an alternate route in case there is a problem on the road. Have them estimate the fuel usage and the trip cost. Then plan rest stops and meals and any associated costs. Shop: Have your children help research the cost of the gifts you plan for others. Have them check both local and internet stores to compare prices. Make sure they include taxes and shipping cost in their price comparisons. Also, put them in charge of math

2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

– figuring tips for meals, how much of each food item you need for cooking, etc. Read: If your family has a tradition of reading certain stories during the holidays, have your child find the story on his or her device and read it. Post: Make your children the family photographers for the holidays and charge them with using technology to help your family and friends who aren’t with you share in your family events. Of course, encourage them to review what they are studying in school and read for pleasure – all of the usual stuff. The goal is to help your children stay engaged and to discover new things while they are out of school. Most importantly, have a wonderful and safe holiday season. Dr. Ann Roy Moore is a teacher. 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.

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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WHEN THAT STOMACH FLU FINDS YOU YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU HAVE A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR.

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health over time, providing preventative care or a quick response if something should change – all personalized just for you and backed by Jackson Hospital. Our primary care doctors are accepting patients right now. We offer walk-in urgent care services, with or without an appointment, onsite lab and imaging services and the peace of mind that comes with knowing we’re here for you when life happens.

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Churchill Bake Sale Aids Hurricane Victims

The annual Bake Sale for Churchill Academy took place in late October this year. Proceeds from the sale went directly to aid families impacted by Hurricane Michael in Panama City. Churchill families donated baked items toward the effort and the goods were sold during the school’s Fall Festival. Churchill Academy stands with our Florida friends impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Michael.

Trinity Presbyterian and Valiant Cross Academy CyberPatriot Teams Gear Up for Competition

MA STEAMfest Welcomes Participants

Montgomery Academy’s third annual STEAMfest was a hit! More than 1,000 people enjoyed 32 interactive exhibits hosted by MA and its community partners including the Alabama Wildlife Federation, SLOSS Metal Works, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Baptist Health, Alabama News Network, Snapology and more! Plans are already in the works for STEAMfest 2019; we hope your family will join us!

On October 19, Trinity Presbyterian School and Valiant Cross Academy (VCA) combined teams for a practice round before the official competition season began in early November. Two Upper School CyberPatriot teams and two Trinity and Valiant combined Middle School teams worked together to explore Windows 10, Server 2016, Ubuntu 16, and Debian 8. Because the day was considered a practice round, teams were able to troubleshoot and coach one another on techniques and best practices to strengthen the security settings for programs. CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program. At the center of CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. The competition puts teams of high school and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company. In the rounds of competition, teams are given a set of virtual images that represent operating systems and are tasked with finding cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the images and hardening the system while maintaining critical services in a six-hour period. Teams compete for the top placement within their state and region, and the top teams in the nation earn all-expenses paid trips to Baltimore, Md., for the National Finals Competition, where they can earn national recognition and scholarship money.

Eastwood Christian Kindergarten Students Study the Letter ‘R’ on Rodeo Day

At Eastwood Christian School, “R” is for Rodeo Day! The kindergartners dressed like cowgirls and cowboys and had a rowdy rodeo with games and a stick horse race. Everyone enjoyed meeting a real horse, “Little Man,”, who enjoyed posing for pictures with the girls and boys. After the activities, the students were rounded up for a special rodeo snack of pigs in a blanket, haystacks and carrots with ranch dressing. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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AP Psychology @ ACA

Alabama Christian Academy offers a balanced college prep program from Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes. Academic pathways are offered in biomedical science, engineering and computer science. AP psychology performed a “conservation of mass” experiment with our K4 and K5 students recently. During their time together, the AP students also observed naturalistic behavior in the classrooms.

County Commissioners Donate to Lee High Band

Montgomery County Commissioners Isaiah Sankey and Ronda Walker have donated $10,000 apiece to the Robert E. Lee High band for new uniforms. Both Sankey and Walker are alumni of Lee High. The commissioners held a news conference at the school to announce the donation and to call on alumni and other community members to donate as well. Band Director Marcus Rackley said the band had several fundraisers planned to help raise the money they still need. “It’s been many, many, many years since the band has had new uniforms, and the cost is $30,000,” Walker said during the news conference. As of the announcement, the band still needed about $10,000 to reach its goal. Anyone interested in donating may call Lee High School and ask for Rackley.

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Cornerstone Honors Veterans’ Day

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy celebrated Veterans’ Day on November 12 with a special chapel service. The students honored all veterans who attended. The guest speaker of the morning was Lieutenant Colonel Rex Davis, United State Army, retired, who reminded us that we honor veterans because “selfless service is neither convenient, comfortable, nor cheap.”

ECA Student Wins AISA Speech Contest

Aaron Todd, a student at Evangel Christian Academy, recently competed in the Alabama Independent School Association Oratorical Contest at the district level. After competing against students from various AISA schools, he won first place. The competition was held at Lyman Ward Military Academy in Camp Hill, Ala. 21

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Sylvan Conducts Cell Study

Macon East Holds National Honor Society Inductions

Macon East Academy held its annual National Honor Society induction ceremony on October 30. Eighteen new members were inducted into the organization which focuses on high school student achievement in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership and character. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chapter is led by President Madisyn Kennedy, Vice President Dawn Johnson, Secretary Rachel Sargent, Treasurer Trent Watson, and Chaplain Bailey Nyberg. The following students in 10th-12th grades were inducted for the 2018-19 year: Kayle Bell, Georgia Blaze, Jackson Ceman, Caroline Capps, Colby Cox, Will Desmarais, Lane Goree, Jordan Hicks, Briana Johnson, Jonathan Mathis, Grace McIntosh, Tanner Moore, Tucker Neven, Emily Nickles, Aiden Steyer, Sara Stuckey, Kandence Ward and Mary Hunter Wright.

Miss Deborahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elementary class at Sylvan Learning Center has been studying the scientific method, focusing on cells. The students examined the cells of leaves and an onion under a microscope. They were instructed to study the cells and then draw and label them. Their science teacher, Miss Shey, also taught them that plant cells are similar to human cells. The class learned all organisms perform five basic life functions to survive: eat food, grow, reproduce, respond to environmental changes, and release waste by-products.

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Macon East Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

Three Macon East senior athletes signed their letters of intent to play collegiate sports on November 14. Madisyn Kennedy is the first MEA student to sign with an SEC school. She committed several years ago to Mississippi State and is looking forward to her future as part of the Bulldogs softball program. A threesport athlete at Macon East, Kennedy has racked up state championship rings in both softball and volleyball.

TJ James, who joined the Lady Knights program just last season, signed to play softball at Coastal Alabama Community College in Monroeville. Following a streak of seven home runs in one tournament last season, James was a part of the 2018 team that reclaimed the state title for Macon East.

Tucker Neven, who returned to Macon East last year after several years away, signed to play baseball at Lawson State Community College. Having just led the Knights football team to the semifinals as quarterback, Neven is ready to start the 2019 baseball season. He was 10-1 on the mound for the Knights last year and plays outfield when he isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t throwing. Neven also led the team at the plate. 23

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Evangel Student Chosen for All Star Football Team

Lane Walsh, a student at Evangel Christian Academy, was recently chosen to play on the AISA All Star Football team. Walsh, who was a linebacker for ECA this year, led the Lions’ football team with 96 tackles. The All-Star game will be held on December 1. Walsh will play on the East AISA All Star Team.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Montgomery Academy Volleyball Team Wins State Championship

The Montgomery Academy volleyball team won the 3A State Championship! This is Coach Julie Gordon’s 40th season and MA’s fifth state volleyball championship. Members of the team are: Susannah Blount, Ann Cobern Chapman, Emma Cleary, McRae Freeman, Margaret Head, Brooke Horne, Sarah Campbell Hughes, Grace Jackson, Roma Pirnie, Sally Shegon, Millie Stevenson, Anne Carlson Sylvest, Anaya Thomas, Mary Gray Turner and Catherine Updegraff.

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Montgomery Catholic Celebrates Spain

Montgomery Catholic’s St. Bede elementary campus students studied Spain for their annual Cultural Day. Students and faculty sampled Spanish cuisine, learned phrases and words from the language, played games, created art inspired by Spanish culture, learned the traditions behind the Camiño de Santiago, and listened to music from Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Fr. Nicholas Napolitano, associate pastor of St. Bede Parish, gave the students a lesson about St. Teresa of Ávila, a prominent reformer of the Carmelite religious order and one of the most famous Catholic saints from Spain. Students were given prayer cards featuring a drawing of St. Teresa made by 5th-grader Anya Montelara. Alexandra Cervantes’ father brought his mariachi band to play for the school. The teachers planned amazing activities and the parent volunteers made it happen!

STJ’s Selina Sun Wins Third Spelling Bee

Eighth-grade student Selina Sun won the 2018 Saint James Middle School Spelling Bee for the third straight year! She spelled 28 words correctly, and first runner-up Tanner Bartgis spelled 27 words correctly. The two students battled 17 rounds before Sun won the school’s competition. Sun now advances to the County Spelling Bee in early February – aiming for a repeat win from last year! In fact, she has also won the Montgomery County Spelling Bee for the last two years. If she wins in February, she will attend the State Spelling Bee three consecutive years!

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Catholic Senior Chosen to March in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Montgomery Catholic senior Anna Catherine Barranco was chosen to be one of about 40 auxiliary members to march alongside 185 musicians in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Led by Auburn University’s Dr. Richard Good, the band is comprised of the country’s most talented high school musicians, flagbearers, and dancers. Inspired by her favorite color guard YouTube channel, Barranco submitted an application and a video audition where she demonstrated several skills and marching techniques that would be required for the parade routine. She traveled to New York City on November 17 and rehearsed with the rest of the band every day leading up to the parade on Thanksgiving Day. While there were a lot of fun activities built into the week, the practice schedule was demanding and required a high level of dedication from each performer. The Great American Marching Band is the last band on the parade route and serves as a leadin for Santa Claus. Barranco serves as the captain of the Montgomery Catholic Marching Knights color guard, which has won several “BestIn-Class” awards this season, and has been a member of the marching band for five years. She plans to study pre-law at Auburn University in the fall, and of course will try out for the flag line.

STJ Theatre Students Headed to State Trumbauer

In early November, several Saint James theatre students competed in the 2018 Walter Trumbauer Festival District competition. Nine students advanced and will represent the district at the State Trumbauer Festival with a total of 10 state entries, including one student as a stand-by competitor. Saint James freshman Anna Colson competed in Solo Female Musical Theatre Dramatic Novice and Comedic Novice and made a Superior with the top scores in both categories. Senior Josie Rosenberg competed in Solo Female Comedic Monologue Varsity and scored a Superior. Senior Kelsey Dunahoo competed in the category of Stage Management and made a Superior and had the top score in the category. Sophomore Josie Stough competed in Solo Female Musical Dramatic Novice with a Superior score. Stough also competed in Female Solo Contemporary Dramatic Monologue with an Excellent score. Seniors Alisa Chirkova-Holland and Elisa Chung competed in the category Duet Pantomime and scored an Excellent in their category. Sophomores Barrett Hammond and Tapley Cronier competed in Duet Contemporary Comedic Monologue and earned a Superior score. Sophomore Paige Hemmer competed in Solo Classical Dramatic Female Monologue Varsity and made a Superior score. Sophomore Ella Taylor competed in Solo Female Musical Comedic Varsity and earned a Superior score. Freshman Emily Headley competed in Solo Female Musical Comedic Novice and made a Superior score. Senior Faith Morris competed in Solo Female Musical Dramatic Varsity and made a Superior score. Morris is also currently on stand-by to represent the district at State. Additionally, Rosenberg, Hemmer, Hammond and Taylor competed in Group Musical Varsity and earned a Superior score. The students who advanced at District will represent Saint James School November 29-December 1 at the Alabama Conference of Theatre Trumbauer State Festival at Troy University. The Walter Trumbauer Festival has provided quality training and performance opportunities for Alabama theatre students at the secondary level since 1940. The festival consists of 30 individual events, a one-act play festival, a studio theatre one-act play festival—all for 9th through 12th grades, as well as scholarship auditions and college screening for high school seniors and junior college students. Students qualify for the state competition by earning a rating of “superior” at one of seven district festivals. At all levels of competition, students receive critiques from qualified teachers, professionals, and theatre practitioners, allowing them to improve their theatrical skills. Shown, Saint James students enjoy a moment of celebration after the District Trumbauer Competition results were announced. Nine students advanced to the State competition in Troy.

Please send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Brew Tech Wins Auburn Robotics Tournament Awards

The Brewbaker Technology Magnet High robotics department brought home three awards from Auburn High School’s Spooky on the Plains VEX Robotics tournament. Brew Tech took five robots, 22 students and seven parents to the tournament. The team of David Beam, Hayden Thornhill, Nicholas Reyes, Jackson Tyus and Janobe Edmonds won the Excellence Award, the highest award presented in VEX Robotics programs. The team of Jordan Robinson, William Lawlor, Austin Thomas and Troy Morgan won a Tournament Champions Award, awarded to the top two-team alliance. The team of Josie Billups, Jaiden Williams and Rojina Khnadoker won the Design Award.

Holy Cross Celebrates Annual Fall Festival

Holy Cross Episcopal School’s beautiful campus was the setting for one of the year’s most popular events—the annual Fall Festival. It was a pleasant autumn evening for students and their families, faculty and staff to enjoy the wide variety of games, craft making, inflatables, cake walk with lively music, a festive photo booth and a display of creative pumpkins designed by students in each grade level class. Holy Cross alumni Jacob and Emily Holston, Sarah Grace Daniel and Ellie Pool volunteered to work booths and helped with setting up before and cleaning up afterward. When it was time for a break from all the fun and excitement, everyone helped themselves to hot dogs, nachos, Halloween candy and delicious baked goods.

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Holy Cross Enjoys Field Trip to Dreamfield Farms

Holy Cross Episcopal Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kindergarten and first-grade classes got to experience took a recent field trip to beautiful Dreamfield Farms. Students celebrated the harvest season with a full day of fun enjoying the inflatable village, farm animal petting area, and climbing on their unique oversized hay mountains. The highlight of the day for parents, teachers and students was being able to take an old-fashioned hay ride out to the pumpkin fields so that each student could pick his very own pumpkin right off the vine!

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Academy First-Graders Have GLOWing Time

Montgomery Academy first-graders recently enjoyed an unexpected treatâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;a glow party! Their teachers had blacked out their classrooms and created different learning stations, all to be done in the dark! From making sight words with glowin-the-dark playdough, to using fingerlights to find mystery words written around the room, to playing numeracy games under a blacklight, students had a blast practicing a variety of first-grade skills.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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BTW Photography Students Exhibit at Kentuck

The students of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School continue to prove that they do not intend to let anything slow them down. Photography students continued the magnet’s fifteen-year tradition of exhibiting at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts in Northport. Just two months earlier, the students lost everything—their classroom, darkroom, artwork, negatives, cameras and supplies— in the BTW fire. With a lot of hard work, dedication, creativity and community support, they were able to create new work for the Kentuck Festival. They even managed to exceed the photography magnet’s sales record.

Trinity Fifth-Grade Students Know How to Solve a Mystery!

Trinity Presbyterian School fifth-grade students became CSI agents in a “room transformation” activity. As the students entered Mrs. Tucker’s social studies class, they discovered a crime scene! The student investigators were tasked with the assignment to find out the truth behind the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Given very little information, they were challenged to explore different theories of the missing 100 colonists, who were never heard from again. Inference and research skills were most useful in this engaging activity. Shown, Jemison Willis and Michael Wilson.

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Cornerstone Experiences Ancient History

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s second- and third-grade classes recently had the opportunity to take a field trip to the Biblical History Center in LaGrange, Ga. Through the many displays and activities, the students were able to experience ancient history brought to life.

Churchill Holds Fall Festival

Churchill Academy’s Fall Festival was met with smiles and treats galore! The Churchill Parent Association-sponsored event took place on October 26. Although the weather didn’t cooperate with outdoor plans, the celebration indoors lived up to every bit of the hype surrounding it. High school students served as aides for younger students and parent volunteers served as game station encouragers. Candy, surprises, costumes and more created an atmosphere of celebration that kicked off all things fall in the most wonderful way. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Montgomery Academy Students Travel to Jekyll Island

Montgomery Academy sixth-graders embarked on their annual trip to Jekyll Island, Ga. During their three-day trip, students studied the geology and ecology of barrier islands by slogging through marshes, catching fish in the ocean, dissecting sharks and climbing driftwood trees on the beach. Students also visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where they learned about the many kinds of sea turtles, the life cycles of the turtles and about their nesting sites.

Saint James Junior Wins Speech Tournament

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The Saint James Speech & Debate Team competed at the All Saints’ Classic Tournament at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland, Miss., October 19 and 20 with junior Gabe Robbins taking first place in Humorous Interpretation and senior Will Moore earning a semifinalist spot in Extemporaneous Speaking. The All Saints’ Classic hosted 31 schools from six states at the tournament. Robbins won first place among 29 competitors in Humorous Interp and Moore was a semifinalist in a field of 44 Extemp competitors. Robbins is shown with other event finalists as he received his first-place award.

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Trinity Lower School Students Celebrate ‘See You at the Pole’ Day

Trinity Presbyterian Lower School students celebrated “See You at the Pole” with a patriotic chapel. A number of students helped lead through music. Head of School Mr. Palmer was our guest speaker, and he reminded us of the great sacrifices of the men and women in the armed services.

Catholic Student Publishes Card Game

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Montgomery Academy Students Teach International Officers How to Carve Pumpkins

Montgomery Academy Middle School students began Halloween with the tradition of carving pumpkins! They were joined by international officers who are students at ACSC (Air Command and Staff College) located at Maxwell Air Force Base. The international officers were accompanied by MA parent LTC Chip Barton and were from ten different countries: Bangladesh, Poland, Pakistan, Kenya, Guatemala, Qatar, Japan, Taiwan, Morocco and Tunisia. MA students gave a brief presentation on the history of jack o’ lanterns, the steps of carving a pumpkin and various Halloween traditions. After creating their masterpieces, it was the officers’ turn to share with the students. They showed the students where their home country is located on a map as well as some interesting facts about their culture. This was a wonderful learning opportunity for all the students, both MA and international!

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Aidan Blum, a seventh-grader at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, has designed a card game called “Face to Face.” In the game, animals have disappeared mysteriously and players use decks of cards to find them and put the animals back where they belong. Players earn points for each animal they place on its correct location. There are also certain “special” cards in the deck, which allow players to negate others’ points, take cards from others’ hands, or take additional turns. Blum has always enjoyed playing board and card games. He was inspired by two of his favorite card games, Uno and Go Fish. When he took a game design merit badge class through Boy Scouts, he began working on it in earnest. He noted that, “I think the most exciting thing about this project was seeing it evolve from the beginning to the final form – and it turned out really well.” Blum says he’s really grateful for all the help and support he’s received from everyone involved in the game. The process included contributions from other young people: the design and artwork was done by Troy University senior Mason Guttensohn. Blum chose his design “because it was very realistic. I thought that would be better because little kids would see and understand those better. I was really satisfied when I saw the final product.” The game started a Kickstarter Campaign beginning November 5, where supporters can donate to receive a copy of the game and other bonus materials. If you’re interested in supporting the game, visit www. Kickstarter.com and search for “Face to Face.” For more info, e-mail scoutblum@ gmail.com or call (334) 492-1823. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Eastwood Students Support Lady Warriors Volleyball Team

Excitement was intense as the Eastwood Christian School varsity volleyball team advanced to the Final Four to compete for the AISA 1A volleyball state championship. The students had a pep rally and made a banner to encourage the girls who were undefeated in the playoffs and won their first-ever AISA Varsity Volleyball State Championship.

BTW’s First Youth Judicial Team Headed to Nationals

Booker T. Washington Magnet High’s inaugural Youth in Government Youth Judicial team is heading to Chicago for the National Judicial Competition. The BTW team placed second in this year’s Premier League tournament. Because of the team’s high score, it was chosen as a wild card to be one of four teams to represent Alabama in the national tournament. The team consists of co-captains Claire Harden and D’Verick Baker-King; attorneys and witnesses Aylon Gipson, Allyson Merriweather, Morriah Gordon, Nadiya K. Foster, Erica Luckie and Taylor Armstrong; and deputies Aaron Shanks and Glory Cantrell. Youth in Government is a YMCA program designed to give young people the opportunity to learn about government firsthand. Youth Judicial is a part of that program and involves mock trial competitions.

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Cornerstone Attends Practice Speech Tournament

Students from Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s Speech and Debate Club, led by faculty member Suanne Samelson, participated in a practice tournament at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church in Montgomery. Each of the students researched and diligently prepared to speak on various challenging subjects. Speech and Debate is just one of the many activities at Cornerstone that furthers “training students to think critically, reason clearly, and communicate persuasively and articulately from a biblical perspective.”

Churchill Students Take Tours of Trenholm

Trenholm Community College campus tours have been a highlight of the year for Churchill Academy high school students. As students research and plan for the future, Trenholm Community College continues to be a dynamic part of that dialogue. Students have been able to tour the facility, meet with instructors, and learn more about college and career options available throughout the school year.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Trinity Middle School Volleyball Team Finishes Season as CCC Champs

The Trinity Presbyterian Middle School volleyball team finished as regular season champs and won the CCC tournament, while compiling an impressive season record of 26-3. Emma Kate Smith was named MVP of the CCC tournament, Addison Cherry and Isabel Hill were named all tournament team.

Evangel Students Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Evangel Christian Academy’s student body recently participated in breast cancer awareness month. Faculty and students took part in a special “Pink Out Day” by wearing pink shirts. The volleyball team wore special pink jerseys during a game. The students collected money for “Women of Hope” in hope of finding a cure for this terrible disease. The school also hosted a balloon release and several members of Women of Hope joined the event.

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Montgomery Academy Students Win at DOOT

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy

Montgomery Academy Upper School art students attended The Arts Council of Montgomery’s “Doing Our Own Thing” (DOOT) day of education and expression for 9th-12th grade students in Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties. Abby Baird, Venus Avezzano and Ellie Kim’s chalk drawing of Martin Luther King, Jr. took first place in the sidewalk art competition and several other students had winning works of art that were on exhibit at the Armory until November 30: Femi Adediji, Mary Katherine Cook, Will Hamlett, Francie Hill, Hyeon Jin Jang, Anne Tyler Fitzpatrick, Kyle Kyser and Scout Whaley. Students attended intensive one-day workshops taught by some of the best professional artists from around the state allowing students to hone their skills in art forms such as pottery, painting, mosaic, jewelry-making, drawing, folk art, sculpture and more.

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Encouraging each child to achieve their God-given potential

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

Sylvan Welcomes New Teacher

Sylvan Learning Center welcomes its newest teacher, Janiece Bonner, to the Sylvan family. She is our new sixth-grade teacher. Bonner comes to us with excellent educational credentials with a Bachelor of Science in history and a Master of Science in adult education from Troy University. Her second Master of Science is in instructional technology. Bonner’s education experience includes several years as a math and reading teacher and a background in special education. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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ACA Quarterback Named Private School Player of the Week

In the middle of football season, Alabama Christian Academy senior Reece Solar was named the Montgomery Quarterback Club Private School Player of the Week. He received his award at a banquet at the Montgomery Country Club. This was the third time Solar has won this award. Stats include: passing 21 of 30 for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns; rushes: 15 for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns, for a 399 total yards and 5 touchdowns. Solar invited his offensive linemen to share in the honor with him.

Catholic Hosts Vex Robotics Tournament

Montgomery Catholic hosted the River Region Vex Robotics Competition Qualifying Tournament in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center at the Middle/High School campus on November 3. Led by the Montgomery Catholic robotics club faculty sponsor Vicki Petters and volunteer Rob Russell, the RoboKnights hosted their second-ever Vex Robotics Competition. Twenty-six teams from all over Alabama competed to qualify for the state tournament. Three RoboKnights teams—Starish, an all-girls high school team; Mamushi, an all-8th grade team; and The Sevies, an all-7th grade team—competed in the tournament. The Mamushi-Sevies alliance made it all the way to the final round, where they came second to Foley High School. The VRC challenge this season, “Turning Point,” includes several complex tasks each robot can complete to earn points. Robots may turn two-colored caps over to their team color, place those caps onto poles of different heights, toggle low flags to their color, throw a ball at higher flags to toggle them to their color, and climb and park onto a platform for additional points. This challenge is unique in that robots may push competing robots off the platforms. The first 15 seconds of each round allow the robots to run an autonomous program for a chance to score points. The

remaining minute and 45 seconds are driver-controlled. Each team demonstrated a complex understanding of the tasks, and each robot tackled the challenge in a unique way. The whole Montgomery Catholic community came together with parents, students and faculty serving as volunteer referees, announcers, event staff and concessions crew. The RoboKnights are thankful to the students and faculty of Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School for sharing their equipment and expertise to help make the event such a successful one. 37

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ACA Volleyball Team Wins Area Championship

Alabama Christian Academy volleyball girls made it to State and won their way to the Final Four. The team finished 30-14 overall, winning the area championship. This was the third straight year ACA had at least 30 wins, and was also the third straight year going to the elite eight state championship tournament (and the 17th appearance for ACA volleyball overall). This was the second year in a row making it to the Final Four. Season stats for players and ranks all time include: Gracie, 502 kills and 6th best all time; Colden, 149 blocks and 3rd best; and Emily 1,100 assists and 2nd best. Career stats include: Gracie, 1,536 kills, 3rd best, 428 digs and 19th best all time; Mary Vander, 485 kills and 14th best; Colden, 175 blocks and 4th best; Zoe, 68 blocks, 20th best and 76 assists; Emily, 117 aces, 15th best and 2,534 assists; and Baylee, 683 digs and 11th best.

Catholic Volunteers at Zoo Boo

About 30 students from the Montgomery Catholic Key Club took time to volunteer at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum’s annual Zoo Boo. Zoo Boo runs for three weekends every October and requires around 120 volunteers each night. The Key Club has participated in this event for the past 10 years, and it is a great way for the students to be involved in the community while having a lot of fun. The students dressed in costumes, painted faces, ran games, and of course, handed out plenty of treats to the visitors. “It’s a great way for students to see what a huge undertaking an event like this is, and hopefully they will remain involved in community service after they graduate,” said faculty sponsor Jeanene Crenshaw.

Please send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

Floyd Middle Magnet Spanish Club Attends Birmingham Festival

Floyd Middle Magnet School Spanish Club attended the Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival on November 2 in Birmingham. Students in Sra. Henley’s class had the opportunity to witness firsthand this popular Mexican holiday and participate in the event by painting their faces and dressing up for the event. Students were able to practice the Spanish language and culture both within and beyond the school setting.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Science Meets Art at Sylvan Learning Center

Miss Tina’s biology classes at the School at Sylvan Learning Center have been studying plant and animal cells. She wanted her students to be creative, so she had her students create an art piece showing the components of a cell. Some students used food to create their art pieces, such as cake, candy pieces, and cereal. Others used materials such as styrofoam, playdough, and beads. Each student presented their project to the class explaining how all the parts of the cell work. The students who made their projects from edible food items were able to eat their art-science projects after their presentation. Now I call that a win-win!

Saint James Travels Back in Time

Joyce Haven’s second-grade class from Saint James School is studying the history of people from long ago. To enrich the lessons of this social studies unit, the STJ classes visit Old Alabama Town in downtown Montgomery to gain a firsthand perspective of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The students tour several landmark sites at Old Alabama Town including the general store, the blacksmith shop, the cotton gin, the doctor’s office, a shotgun-style home, and the one-room school. “The students always love the school,” said Haven. “They are fascinated that all the grades are in one room – first through sixth grade,” she continued. “They so enjoy hearing about the school day and even the chores the children are given by their teacher.” Highlights of the field trip also included the students watching a demonstration of cotton being made into thread and the work going on in the blacksmith shop. The Old Alabama Town village features completely authentic 19th and early 20th century homes and buildings that have been saved from demolition, carefully restored, and reopened to the public as a history museum. At Old Alabama Town, visitors learn how early Americans of all backgrounds lived and worked in Central Alabama.

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Montgomery Academy Mock Trial Team Takes Top Spot at Youth Judicial Thirty-four Montgomery Academy students spent the weekend at Alabama Youth in Government’s Youth Judicial competition where they tried a civil case against teams from all over the state. One MA defense team defeated Spain Park’s top plaintiff team and emerged state champions! Four other MA teams rose to the challenge and eleven students new to the program joined repeat participants this year. One plaintiff team placed in the top ten; one plaintiff team placed in the top twenty; one firstyear team won all of its trials; one first-year team won the majority of its trials. MA’s winning team will represent the state of Alabama in the National High School Mock Trial Championship, where only one school per state is selected to attend, in Athens, Ga., this May. The winning defense team members include attorneys Sofie Behr, Caroline Deale and James Torbert. Witnesses were Carter Chandler, Hannah Hale and Francie Hill. Additionally, Torbert was named Best Defense Attorney in the com-

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

petition. The Mock Trial team is sponsored by Stephanie Hill. Other students who participated where: Premier Defense team: James Snead, Jones Corley, Alisha Singh, Virginia Anderson, Maggie Kinney, Bella Hosein and Brabee Pirnie. Premier Plaintiff team: William Dillon, Ruston Bassett, Ellie Stevens, Abby Baird, Ellie Kim, Brystol Habermacher and Mary Virginia Huffaker. Major League Plaintiff team:

c a b Easton Strickler, William Robertson, AC Sylvest, Roma Pirnie, Martha Ernest and Mac Main. Major League Plaintiff team: Cyprian Dumas, Hannah Maddox, Margaret Chandler, Carson Roth, Bradley Westhauser and Kelsey Cox. Judge: Will Hamlett and Bailiff: Elizabeth Waldo.

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ACA Holds Annual Golf Tournament

Alabama Christian Academy hosted its annual golf tournament at Arrowhead Country Club and it was a great day for all. Alabama delivered that day with amazing weather and everyone enjoyed the great game of golf. Thank you to the local businesses that sponsored holes and donated gifts and food.

Trinity Celebrates Homecoming 2018

Homecoming at Trinity Presbyterian School saw several alumni classes return to celebrate their reunions, including the classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008. As they watched the Trinity Wildcats defeat Dale County, they feasted on barbecue, vegetables and desserts from Redâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Schoolhouse. Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 homecoming court was also recognized during halftime, including 2018 Homecoming Queen Mary Ann Pittman;12th grade attendants Abbie Ammons and Drue Walker; 11th grade attendant Marilee Babington; 10th grade attendant Emilyn Etheredge; 9th grade attendant Sarah Clay Norris; 8th grade attendant Madysen Thornton; and 7th grade attendant Adeline Vaughn. Shown above are Adeline Vaughn, Sarah Clay Norris, Marilee Babington, Mary Ann Pittman, Drue Walker, Abbie Ammons, Emilyn Etheredge and Madysen Thornton.

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Churchill Academy Holds Iron Bowl Themed Canned Food Drive

The Iron Bowl Canned Food Drive at Churchill Academy is always an opportunity to serve and celebrate a little team rivalry while doing it. This year’s canned goods went directly to the Montgomery Area Food Bank to help neighbors in need throughout the River Region. The results of this challenge were plain to see. Whether an Auburn fan or an Alabama fan, Montgomery won as both teams gave their all to contribute to “canning hunger” in the River Region.

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Saint James Qualifies for Youth in Government Nationals

Saint James School students competed in early November in the annual YMCA Youth in Government Youth Judicial Mock Trial competition. For a second consecutive year, one of the Saint James teams qualified to compete at the National competition next summer. Saint James junior Joe Higgins led one of the Saint James teams – the team that was designated the number one Premiere League Defense Team. Higgins’s team included Seanna Brooks, Mary Julian Setzer, Lucy Edwards, Alex Whisenhunt, Caroline Williams, Anna Fett and Ellen Lane. The top Premiere League Defense team qualified to compete at the National Competition in the summer. Saint James also took high honors in the Major League earning second place Defense Team. This team included Ryan Barranco, Jeffrey Ford, Cole Armagost, Morgan Parrish, Hannah Grace Griggs, Mackenzie Corley and Bailey Anderson. Also working in the Major League on a different Saint James team were Lauren Sullivan, Sam Prickett, Taylor Schofield, Alex Rountree, Will Holt, and Sidnee Beavers. Saint James senior and Youth in City Mayor 2019 Trinity Hunter served as a judge along with classmate Lizanne Livings. Chaselea Rountree, Gabriella Hernandez and Jackson Howard were deputies; Lacy Brown and Travis Hamilton served as bailiffs. “We are all so proud of these students,” said Kiki Hughes, Saint James School American History teacher and Youth in Government School Sponsor. “Not only have they worked tirelessly within their teams, they represented our school with character, poise, and maturity during the competition. They have much to be proud of – STJ is headed to Nationals again!” YMCA Youth in Government gives youth the opportunity to learn firsthand about government and civic issues by taking an active role in the democratic process, boosting youth development, and contributing to a stronger community. Alabama Youth in Government programs include: Youth Judicial, Youth Legislature, Collegiate Youth Legislature, Youth Conference on National Affairs, Youth in City, and numerous leadership retreats and trainings throughout the year. Shown, Saint James School students participated in the Youth Judicial Mock Trial competition in November with a qualifying team selected to compete at the National Competition next summer. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Cornerstone Holds Evening of Excellence

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy held its annual Evening of Excellence November 15. This is a chance for upper school students to showcase their talents for an audience of family, friends, faculty and staff. The evening included songs from Cornerstone’s choirs, led by Jessica Head, several recitations, and some small group musical numbers. A reception with students’ artwork on display followed the event.

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Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) Selects Trinity 7th-Grade Students

Twenty-two Trinity Presbyterian Schoo 7th-graders were selected to participate in the Duke TIP Talent Search based on their scores on one or more of the subtests on either of their two most recent standardized achievement, aptitude, or mental ability tests. Students had to score in the 95th percentile or higher to qualify. The 7th-Grade Talent Search helps educators and families find out how advanced their studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; abilities truly are and what level of educational challenge is appropriate. Eligible 7th-graders are invited to take either the ACT or SAT college entrance exams, which allows them greater insight into their abilities and also provides them with valuable

benefits and resources. One of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s qualifiers, Tabitha Tegman, shown above, received Grand Recognition based on her ACT test score, and attended Wake Forest for a threeweek psychology class this summer. Students who qualified this year (listed in alphabetical order) are: Matthew Blake, Reagan Bulmer, Nora Beth Grayson, Bentley Harris, Kaylee Henderson, Isabel Hill, John Scott Jackson, Luke Jones, Olivia Kearley, Cayson Keller, Carson King, Webber McClinton, Mary Massey McCulloch, Emma McDaniel, Erin Mitchell, Winston Phillips, Coleman Potts, Mason Slay, Jackson Thomas, Samuel Treadwell, Buddy Watson and Ella Wiswall.

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Montgomery County Schools

Trinity’s Cross Country Teams Place 4th in State

Trinity Presbyterian School’s cross country team competed in the State meet November 10 at Oakville Indian Mounds. Both girls and boys finished 4th in the state! Senior Charlie Lott placed first with a time of 16.21 and is state champion! Freshman Katherine Warren finished 11th with a 20:32 time, setting a new school record and making her the first female AllState cross-country runner at Trinity. The girls’ team had six personal records set by Warren, Mary Elizabeth Hill (finished in top 25), Prather Ann Hargrove, McKenzie Parker, Anna Kate Blissitte and Ella Hale, while three-seasons best times were set by Ann Presley Stewart, Healey Mathison and Ann Caden Oliver. The girls’ team average time was 22:00. The boys’ team had six personal records set by Mat Mathison, Jon Paul Tankersley, Zane Springer, Pickett Reese, Garrett Flowers and Josh Hixon, along with season bests by Lott, Dean Herndon and Timothy Hornsby. The boys’ average team time was 17:33. Mathison also finished in the top 20 runners. Girls’ and boys’ cross country teams are shown with Coaches Monica Lott, Josh Jenkins and Jeff McIntyre.

Montgomery Catholic Cross Country Team Wins State Championship On November 10, the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Cross Country team competed at the AHSAA State Championship at the Oakville Indian Mounds XC Course. For the first time together, both the Catholic girls’ and boys’ teams walked away as the state’s 4A champion. The Catholic girls were led by senior Amaris Tyynismaa. Crossing the finish line first at 17:44.21, Tyynismaa finished nearly a minute and a half ahead of the second-place finisher, Catholic freshman Lily Bachl, who crossed the finish line at 19:04:41. Senior Isabelle Cochran finished strong at 19:44.87, securing fourth place overall. Teammates Grace Leslie, Ann Cobb, Katie Galvin, Chloe Smith, Virginia Speirs Samantha Day, and Kathleen Madden all finished the race and took Montgomery Catholic girls to the top, Montgomery Parents I December 2018

crowning them as the state champions. Tyymismaa also took home her fifth consecutive individual champion title. For the Catholic boys, senior Grant Walker took fourth overall with a time of 16:34:48, and sophomore Hollis Johnson and senior Zachary Kroeger finished at 6th and 7th place, respectively. Strong 44

finishes from teammates Sam Leslie, Manny Caceres, Chris Valencia, Cole Pierce, Joseph Schmidt, Austin Cleghorn and Harrison Skala secured the boys’ place at the top and earned them the state championship. Photo credit: Racing Knights Coach Ed Wright www.montgomeryparents.com

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The year is moving at the speed of Santa’s sleigh! It is December, and the first semester is wrapping up at Pike Road Schools. It has been a great first half of the school year. Our educators continue to be recognized as the best in the state, as evidenced by Britney Fureigh’s selection as one of three finalists in Alabama for the Presidential Teaching Award in Math and Maria Franco’s selection as one of three finalists in Alabama for the Presidential Teaching Award in Science. Natalie Tucker was selected as the Alabama Gifted Coordinator of the Year, and David Sikes has been selected as the District 3 principal of the year and is in the final three for possible selection

as the Alabama Principal of the Year. Our educators are not only lauded, they also work hard to improve learning here and around the state. Beth Sanders led our hosting of Belouga for the Montgomery Global Education Summit with educators attending from all over Alabama and learning how to connect with classrooms all over the world as we learn. Brittney Austin hosted a student led Education Camp where students came in on a Saturday to research and learn about topics they wanted to pursue. It is great to see young people enjoy learning so much they want to do it on their own time! We invite you to come and see the incredible things our students are doing in Pike Road Schools. We are excited about the renovations that are getting underway on the Georgia Washington Campus. The building will be special when the work is complete. We are proud to rework and continue the use of a building and a site that has

educated so many people over the last seven decades. It is an honor to preserve the legacy of Ms. Washington and see it continued into future generations. As we approach hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let us not forget to reflect upon the riches we have been given in material things, friendships, and opportunities. We hope to be responsible stewards of all we have and to use it to make a difference around us and around the world. Here’s hoping you have a happy Hanukkuh, a merry Christmas, and happy holidays! May you enjoy peace in this season and spread joy to all around you! 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 Co-Host Montgomery Global Education Summit

Approximately 50 educators from across the state attended the Montgomery Global Education Summit at Pike Road Elementary School November 7. The Summit was cohosted by Belouga, an organization that supports building a global ecosystem where students and teachers can collaborate and learn from one another by identifying similarities and embracing differences through everyday communication that is fun and educational. Belouga promotes the advancement of technology in the classroom as an opportunity to connect students from all over the world. The summit offered educators sessions on Emotional Equity, Curiosity Based Learning, Empowering Learners to Make Local & Global Impact, and a Leaner Showcase given by Pike Road Elementary third-graders. The summit concluded with a keynote delivered by Denise Lewis and Esther Levy, who are both secondgeneration Holocaust speakers that shared their families’ stories and the impact it has had on their lives. “A full and inspiring day of learning to say the least!” said Hannah Moore, a Community 2 lead learner at PRES. “Thank you, Belouga, for sharing your passions and incredible platform with us. I can’t wait to get started with my learners and hope I can continue the spark that you all ignited in me today.”

Pike Road Arts Council Partners with Pike Road Elementary to Create Masterpieces

The Pike Road Arts Council and attending Plein Air artists partnered with the Pike Road Elementary School (PRES) art department to bring art into the classroom, and students into the Paint Out. Through this partnership, various third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students learned about plein air (outdoor) painting, and impressionism through the life and works of Claude Monet and his Gardens in Giverny, France. This initiative is being led by Patty Payne, Pike Road Arts Council coordinator; Natalie Tucker, PRES enrichment specialist; and Sarah Gill, PRES art resource teacher. Students celebrated Monet’s contributions to the world of art by creating 8” x 8” panels of their impressions of his famous water lily paintings. The individual pieces were displayed in mosaic, representing both the size of Monet’s works, as well as the volume: Monet completed more than 250 water lily pieces in the last 30 years of his life. These paintings were displayed at New Waters Realty on Marler Road, October 26 and 27, during the art show & sale. The Pike Road Arts Council and Alabama Plein Air Artists, whose members make up many of the Plein Air Paint Out participants, have engaged Pike Road Schools students in a variety of arts experiences throughout the years, including learning about beavers and building beaver dioramas, making remembrance poppies to be distributed at the Pike Road Veterans’ Appreciation Ceremony, providing painting demonstrations and facilitating painting projects. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Pike Road Schools Partner with MANE

Pike Road Schools have teamed up with an amazing organization called MANE, in order to meet the needs of its leaners. MANE is a non-profit organization formed in 1994 that provides safe and effective therapeutic horseback riding opportunities to Montgomery and tri-county area children and adults with emotional, physical, cognitive and developmental defects. This organization is located right here in Pike Road. Therapeutic horseback riding provides intervention for people with cognitive, emotional, and/or physical defects. Instructors and therapists use three-dimensional rhythmic motion of the horse to reduce spasticity and abnormal movements, quicken reflexes, aid in motor planning, and strengthen muscles, joints, and tendons damaged by trauma or illness in their disabled patients. Riders with physical impairments or limited mobility can experience increased balance and muscle control; a wider range of motion; and improved respiration, circulation, appetite, and digestion. Confidence and enhanced self-esteem are positive by-products of therapeutic riding. Selected Pike Road students in grades K-11 have the opportunity to participate in this program. Sessions are held twice a month on alternating Thursdays, starting in fall and running through the spring. “Since participating in therapeutic recreation at MANE, we’ve seen an increase in balance and muscle control for some of our learners with physical impairments,” said Lynell Carr, director of special education for Pike Road Schools. “We’ve also seen tremendous improvements in behavior as well as an increase in self-confidence. The staff and volunteers at MANE are extremely patient, and we are excited to continue this partnership with them.” www.montgomeryparents.com

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Pike Road Teachers Finalists for Presidential Awards in Mathematics and Science Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. Britney Fureigh and Maria Franco, two of Pike Road Elementary School’s lead learners, were nominated for this award. The nomination process involves an extensive application. Fureigh, a community 4 lead learner, is in her in her fourth year teaching math and science at PRES. Pike Road Elementary Principal Ryan Kendall articulates that, “Britney has a deep and profound understanding of how students learn. At PRES, we call our teachers lead learners. Britney embodies this idea. She reads and reflects about her own learning in addition to her students’ learning. She shares her insights and serves as a model for her learners. She has become a leader among her peers and inspires them to also reflect about their teaching practices. She is an inspiration to all of us at PRES, including me.” Fureigh said, “Just to be nominated and to participate in this reflective process has made me a better teacher. I believe that reflection is the key to improvement. We all have to know what and where we

went wrong in order to fix the problem. Constant reflection, in my opinion, is what makes us better at anything we do. I decided to go into education for one simple reason—to have a positive influence on those I had the privilege to teach, coach, and mentor.”. Franco is also in her fourth year with PRES and teaches community 3 science. Kendall says, “Maria is intentional about the way that she creates conditions for her learners to explore and grasp new concepts. She designs engaging lessons that go beyond the classroom. For example, she has created a garden on the Pike Road Elementary campus as well as

hydroponic gardens inside her class. Her learners observe and document the growth of plants in various conditions to determine how various factors affect the life cycle of the plants they work with—very high level work for third-graders!” Franco responded, “I enjoy working with children and helping them reach for their dreams through their education. I believe every child should be valued and treated with respect. An education should empower a child and help him or her make a positive contribution to our world.” Franco and Fureigh are shown at center with their recognition certificates at Capital City Club.

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First Pike Road High School Students Inducted into National Honor Society

On October 30, the first group of Pike Road High School students was inducted into the National Honor Society. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, service and character. Pike Road High had 47 students who excelled in all four areas of the required criteria.

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A Celebration Honoring the First Day Pike Road School Opened its Doors

Pike Road Middle School Students Raise Money for Florida School

The Pike Road School District honored its Historic Campus with an event on November 9. One hundered years ago, on November 11, 1918, Pike Road Schools opened its doors to welcome its very first students. The celebration began with the National Anthem sung by Benjamin Steed, a student at Pike Road Middle School (PRMS). Special guest Charlene Rabren, who is a longtime resident of Pike Road and an alumni of the original Pike Road School, shared her knowledge and personal experiences. Afterward, each grade level at PRMS (grades 5-7) gave presentations on the heritage of the Town of Pike Road and the history of the school. To help students prepare for the presentations, Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone visited Pike Road Middle School’s Historic Campus and shared his passion, the history and future plans for our town. Mayor Stone also shared the town’s future plans with the audience on Friday. The celebration concluded with the PRMS Band’s rendition of the Alma Mater—another tribute to the history of the school—as it was transcribed by Band Director Patrick Darby based on a rendition by an alum of the Historic Pike Road School. The students also placed the information gathered for their presentations in a time capsule, and then everyone enjoyed birthday cake!

Penny Wars were in full effect at Pike Road Middle School! Students raised almost $300 on the first day of the competition. All middle school learners participated by bringing in money, mostly coins, to help Jinks Middle School in Panama City, Fla., which was hit hard by Hurricane Michael. PRMS students donated pennies to their communities (grade levels) and sabotaged other communities by bringing in silver coins and cash. Communities 5 and 6 both raised the largest amounts of money and earned a popsicle party. PRMS students raised a total of $2,200, with all proceeds going to Jinks Middle School. In addition to the money, PRMS Community 5 learners wrote letters to the students at Jinks. Kendal Hanson, a Community 5 lead leaner at Pike Road Middle School, and her son Brody Hanson, a Community 6 learner at PRMS, personally delivered the check and the letters. Jinks Middle was very grateful for the donation and said it would be used for students who are still in need of supplies. Jinks gave the Hansons a brick from the gym with a note thanking PRMS students. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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December is a wonderful time of year! A time for traditions and customs, a time for gathering with friends and family, and a time for celebrating the joys and wonders of the year. As we close a chapter in our lives with the beginning of a new year, we also close a chapter in the school year with the end of the first semester. Of the many successes our schools have experienced during the first semester, I am pleased to share with you a couple of examples. I am always blown away by the talent of our students! Prattville High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre program left for the

2018 Walter Trumbauer Theater Festival competition on November 3rd with much uncertainty and came away breaking program records! Of their 37 entries, 34 received Superior scores! Their studio theatre show, Macbeth, scored an average of 87/100-which happens to be the top score in the district-and will perform at the state level. Five cast members were honored with individual acting awards! The PHS studio theatre has received the top score for the eighth time in nine years. What an accomplishment! The Billingsley Engineering And Robotics (BEAR) team is no stranger to accomplishments. During the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Competition at Shelton State Community College, they placed 1st in Mascot Dance-Off, 1st in Spirit and Sportsmanship, 2nd in Marketing

Presentation, 2nd in Team Exhibit and Interviews, 2nd in Web Page Design, 2nd in Engineering Notebook, 6th in Robot and 3rd in Overall BEST Award. The BEARs are Auburn bound the first weekend in December for the Southeastern Regionals competition which will feature the top 55-60 teams from five different states. Good luck BEARs! Schools will be closed for the holidays, December 24th-January 4th, with students returning January 8th. Take time to embrace all the moments we love during the holidays. I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New 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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Prattville Christian Students Place in The Arts Council of Montgomery’s Visual Arts Contest

Prattville Christian Academy students Joy Cathey and Cole Swarts were recognized for their artistic abilities at The Arts Council of Montgomery’s Doing Our Own Thing (D.O.O.T.) visual arts contest. Competing against more than 350 works of art from 15 local schools, Cathey placed third in painting and Swarts placed second in black and white drawing. The D.O.O.T. program is a day of education and expression for students in grades 9-12 from across Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties. Art contest submissions allow students to attend intensive one-day workshops taught by some of the best professionals artists in the state. Workshops include art forms such as pottery, painting, mosaics, drawing, sculpture and more.

Billingsley Senior Represents Alabama in Music Composition

The Music Teachers National Association provides opportunities for performance and composition for young musicians. James McGalliard, a senior at Billingsley School, has been selected as the representative composer in his age division for the state of Alabama. His composition, “Iridescence,” will automatically advance to the division competition (southeastern states), and then to national MTNA competition if he is the division winner.

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Prattville Primary Makes a Difference

Prattville Primary School had a great time at the Rice Bowl Breaking Party. The money collected from the service project will help provide meals for orphaned children. Everyone definitely “Made Some Change.”

Prattville Primary Rewards Behavior

As part of the Leader in Me program, Prattville Primary School is implementing a schoolwide “house party system” to encourage positive behavior. Teachers, staff members, administrators and students were assigned to five different houses. The house members receive points when positive behavior is demonstrated at school. The house colors are yellow, blue, red, purple and green. The first house meetings were held October 25. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Billingsley Native Serves Aboard Future Navy Warship

A 2001 Billingsley High School graduate is serving aboard the future USS Sioux City, a littoral combat ship homeported in Mayport, Fla. Chief Petty Officer Jarrod Knight is an operations specialist responsible for ship navigation defense and air traffic monitoring. “I like the diversity of the Navy,” said Knight. “You get to meet new and different people in every command. I also enjoy the fact that with the Navy, I have traveled the world.” Littoral combat ships are a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, while capable of open-ocean tasking, and win against 21st-century coastal threats such as submarines, mines, and swarming small craft. As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s high-tech littoral combat ships, Knight and other Sioux City sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team. 50

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Prattville Christian Academy’s Softball Triple Threat Sign Athletic Scholarships

PPS Names Shoupe Teacher of the Year

Susan Shoupe is Prattville Primary School’s Teacher of the Year for the 201819 school year. Energetic, compassionate and determined are just a few adjectives to describe Shoupe. She will be recognized at a reception and board meeting soon.

Three Prattville Christian Academy Lady Panthers from the reigning 3A state championship softball team have signed athletic scholarships to play at the collegiate level. Carolyn Carter and Paisley Wilson signed with Marion Military Institute (MMI) and Hannah Thrift signed with Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Carter led the team with a .426 batting average, 47 RBIs and 27 extra base hits. She was named All-Metro 2016-2018 as well as All-Tournament and All-State in 2018. “Carter, as I call her, has been a tremendous asset delivering hits in many crucial moments,” said Randy Stough, PCA’s head softball coach. “Her walk-off grand slam to win the region was unbelievable. We were down 5-2 with two outs at our last at-bat and Carter delivered to put us in the state tournament.” Wilson was back on the mound this past season having recovered from an ACL injury during the 2017 season. She pitched the Lady Panthers to a record of 16-4 which ended with a state championship victory. She has been named All-Metro and All-State since 2016 and attended the prestigious MLB’s Softball Breakthrough Series in California in June 2018. “Paisley is a high-intensity competitor on the diamond,” said Stough. “She gives everything she’s got when she’s pitching. I know when I put her on the mound, she’s going to bring grit and determination every time.” Thrift transferred to PCA during her sophomore year and became a vital defensive player for the Lady Panthers. Thrift has been the strong and steady first baseman. With a .316 batting average, she was able to connect with key hits in the 2018 season. “Hannah’s work ethic and confidence are blossoming,” said Stough. “She is going to make a big impact for us this season and at CACC in the next two years.”

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The season of giving is upon us and the generosity of the Elmore County family is overwhelming! The needs are especially great this time of year, and many of our student organizations have projects planned to help meet those needs. Canned food drives, clothing drives, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and monetary donations are just some of the activities they have organized to help those less fortunate in our community. Many of our staff work behind the scenes to meet needs at their schools/ work places as well as in their communities which is a testament to their compassion for others. An exciting partnership was launched about this time last year at Wetumpka Elementary School with the Montgomery Area Food Bank. The Feeding Our Remark-

able Kids (FORK) school pantry program, designed to provide food assistance for our most severely food-insecure and chronically hungry children, originally began with five participating families and we are now serving approximately 25 families each week! We are proud to have the opportunity to assist our community in this way. Our football regular season has ended, and I would like to recognize Holtville High School, Stanhope Elmore High School, and Wetumpka High School for advancing to the region playoffs. As of this writing, Wetumpka is headed to the next round and we wish them the best! I would like to thank ALL our coaches for the time they put in with our student athletes. Sports are an integral part of student life. Numerous sports including volleyball, cross country, football, cheerleading, dance, soccer, golf, tennis, baseball, softball, and wrestling are staffed by caring coaches who invest many hours not only to develop the athletic skills of their athletes, but to help them grow into mature, responsible young adults.

Thank you, coaches, for your dedication to our students. The Elmore County Board of Education membership changed with the recent election, and we are pleased to welcome two new members to our Board: Mr. Wendell Saxon will represent District 2, replacing Dr. Patrycya Lowry Tucker, and Mr. David Jones will represent District 3, replacing Mr. Mark Nelson. We are thankful for the service of Dr. Tucker and Mr. Nelson and look forward to working with Mr. Saxon and Mr. Jones. Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; final day of first semester is Thursday, December 20, 2018, and they will return on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to give and serve wherever you are. I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season!

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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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Elmore County Schools

ECHS Senior Signs Baseball Scholarship

Elmore County High School senior baseball player Austin Downey signed a Division I baseball scholarship with Jacksonville State University. From left are his sister, Alexis (7thgrader at EMS), brother Cole (9th-grader at ECHS), mom (Kellie), ECHS Baseball Coach Michael Byrd (standing), Austin, dad (Michael) and sister Kendall (junior at ECHS). Downey is a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams. His teammates joined him and his family on this special day.

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Wetumpka Theatre Guild Competes at District Level

Wetumpka High Theatre Guild students performed at District IV Trumbauer in Opelika in November. For the first time, they took a one-act musical to the competition. Students came away with superior ratings, awards for best tech, best set, best leading actor (Michael Armstrong), best supporting actress (Tanner Caton), and an all star cast member (Camden Zackery). All but eight students were passed on to State Trumbauer in their individual and small group events including acting, singing and costuming. They will take more than 50 students to the State Trumbauer Festival in Troy—a record for Wetumpka High School. Jeff Glass is theatre director.

Redland Elementary Beta Club Visits Space Camp

Redland Elementary Beta Club spent a few days at Space Camp in Huntsville. The students built rockets, had mission control training, watched an Imax movie, learned about astronauts’ life in space and more. Despite the rain, everyone was troopers. The chaperones had fun too!

ARIS Red Ribbon Week

Airport Road Intermediate School promoted “drug free” awareness during Red Ribbon Week, a nationally recognized week where healthy life choices are encouraged as the key to success. Students had daily dress-up days with special meanings...like “Blast Drugs into Outer Space, Dress Like an Alien!” Students also created posters to hang in the cafeteria. They listened to and participated in special Red Ribbon Week morning announcements. The students also received whole group counseling with the school counselor about drug awareness and making healthy choices in life. 53

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Elmore County Schools

SEHS Senior Performs in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

David Persky, a senior at Stanhope Elmore High School, was selected to perform in the Macy’s Great American March Band for the Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. He was one of only 400 chosen from across the country. Persky auditioned for the marching band and made the cut, which is quite an honor and show of his talent on the trumpet. “He began playing the trumpet in 2013 after having been given one by my sister,” said his dad, Leigh Persky. “At first he taught himself but after getting into the Elmore County High School Honor Band in the 8th grade, he moved up at the request of the guest conductor, and we were encouraged to give him lessons.” Since then, he’s had numerous awards to include 5th best in Alabama (All State Honor Band) two years in a row, 5th place All State Soloist, Festival Wind Ensemble at the University of Alabama Honor Band Festival 2018. Persky is also a member of the Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps out of Mobile.

Wetumpka Cross Country Competes at State Championships

The Wetumpka High School cross country team competed at the AHSAA State Championships November 10. Senior Cory Anthony, fifth from left, placed second in the boys’ 6A race. The team finished 12th overall. Every runner, boys and girls, that competed at state set a season personal best.

Eclectic Elementary Students of the Month

WMS Homecoming 2018

Wetumpka Middle School crowned Osha Robinson Homecoming Queen 2018. Robinson is shown with 2017 Queen Kaylee Holley. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Kindergarten students include:Ty’Quan Ross, Georgia Blakely, Kathleen Lamar, Anna Jeffcoat, Carson Jones and Margaret Andrews 1st Grade: Landon Pritchard, Aidyn Blackburn, Noah Irving, James Kelly and Braylynn Clayton 2nd Grade: Kinley Bowden, Alissa Champion, Ansli Dales and Beckham Duncan 3rd Grade: McKenzie Webb, Graysen Gober, Savannah Brewer, Caitlyn O’Banion, MJ Willis and Jackson McDade 4th Grade: Bailey Kennedy, Paris Vinson, Jaydn Haney and Kate Harrell 54

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Holtville Schools Hold Veteran Program

Holtville Elementary, along with Holtville Middle School, held a Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day program to honor and recognize the local veterans in the community. Students participated in songs and letters they wrote describing why veterans are so important. The program was a great success with many veterans in attendance.

Redland Pumpkin Gram Tradition

Redland Elementary held a Pumpkin Gram Delivery Day on Halloween, and the pumpkin fairies delivered almost 2,000 pumpkin grams to students around the school. Pumpkin grams are sent by kids to their friends, teachers, or other staff members to let them know that they are thinking about them. This is a fun Halloween tradition at RES that has been going on for six years. Mrs. Trussell and Mrs. Williford are the pumpkin fairies that deliver the pumpkin grams on Halloween. Shown are Mrs. Trusell, Mrs. Toole and some of Tooleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-graders.

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Elmore County Schools

Redland Classes Perform ‘Battle of the Brains’

Shown below are cast members from Redland third-grade teacher Misty Trussell’s first semester play production when they performed their plays at Redland Hills Church. Pastor Wes Gunn partnered with Trussell’s reading classes to allow them to present “Battle of the Brains” for all of their friends and family members. Students in both classes have been practicing since August to prepare for their play production.

Wetumpka Elementary School Gets New Playground!

Wetumpka Elementary School has received a grant for matching funds from Game Time Playground Company located in Fort Payne, Ala. Dr. Bonnie Sullivan, principal at Wetumpka, presented the playground presentation to the Elmore County Board of Education on October 22. Game Time Playground representative Drew Warren presented details pertaining to the grant for the playground. The grant offers up to 100% matching funds for playgrounds awarded to schools who qualify. WES is thrilled to have a new playground installed this year for its students.

Wetumpka JROTC Squad Competes

Wetumpka High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Drill Squad participated in a competition in Pell City and came in 2nd place overall, achieving nine trophies altogether.

HES Recognizes Students of the Month

Holtville Elementary School recognizes students each month that go above and beyond in the classroom and are always displaying great behavior. Shown above are K-2nd grade Students of the Month for October, and below are 3rd- and 4th-grade students.

AR Popsicle Party @ Eclectic Eclectic Elementary students who reached their Accelerated Reader points and average goals for the first quarter celebrated with free play and popsicles. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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HMS Counselor Awarded

Holtville Middle School counselor Jessica Shields received the 2018 Alabama Counseling Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Practitioner Award. She is shown with a school therapy dog.

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Airport Road Student Council Holds Annual Food Drive

The 2018-19 Airport Intermediate School Student Council held its annual food drive for the Welcome Center in Millbrook. The ARIS students have a friendly competition among homerooms to see who can bring the most food. Homerooms with the most canned food are rewarded at the end of each week. We are proud of our students for having compassion for their community and the people who are in need. The canned food drive ran until December.

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Elmore County Schools

Airport Road Honor Roll Treated to Breakfast

The students at Airport Road Intermediate are off to a fantastic start to the school year. More than 300 students were honored at the first nine weeks honor roll breakfast. The students were treated to Krispy Kreme doughnuts and juice. They were entered into drawings for other special prizes as well. Some students won candy-filled water bottles while others won costumes. Thank you to our community sponsors, CiCiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza and Poarch Creek Indians, for making the celebration possible.

RES Teacher Receives WAKA Golden Apple

WAKA news station came and presented Redland Elementary thirdgrade teacher Misty Trussell with the Golden Apple Teacher Award November 5, and they aired coverage of the presentation on November 12.

Holtville Middle Hosts Guest Speaker

Office Dennis Hill with the Elmore County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department talked with students at Holtville Middle School about bullying, grit, and social media.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Successful Airport Road Fall Festival

Another successful Airport Road Intermediate School fall festival is in the books and it was the most successful yet. This annual fundraiser is held each year to help individual teachers raise funds for their classrooms and instructional supplies. Students and their families came out to enjoy one of the most exciting nights of the entire school year. They were entertained by games, a hayride, a haunted house, a silent auction, vendors and a costume contest, just to name a few. Martial artists, dancers and musicians provided entertainment throughout the evening.

Charlie Brown Homeschools for a Day

Local homeschoolers will take to the stage to perform A Charlie Brown Christmas for friends and family at Academy Days Co-op. The performance culminates weeks of memorizing lines, rehearsing blocking, creating sets and costumes, and learning about acting and theatre in the drama class. The young â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peanuts Gangâ&#x20AC;? are played by (front) Hannah Black as Schroeder, Elias Colburn as Linus, Antonio Martin as Charlie Brown, Rinoa Angell as Snoopy; and back, Callee Winters as Peppermint Patty, Kailey Franklin as Marcie, Isabel Martin as Lucy, M.C. Woodfin as Violet, and Madelyn Self as Sally. Held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church, Academy Days Co-op offers classes in subjects difficult to teach at home or best taught in group settings, such as drama, science labs, computer programming, foreign languages, creative writing and P.E. Visit www.AcademyDays.com for more information about the co-op or homeschooling.

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How to Protect Your Kid from “Fortnite” Scams

fake ones. These fake domains mimic developer Epic Games’ and Fortnite’s real styles, colors, and fonts to fool people. Some even put “Fortnite” in the URL. These sites also collect personal information, but they often go a step further in directly charging a credit card or bank account.

The popular game has become an easy way for scammers to trick kids into sharing way too much information

Social media scams. One of the most popular ways that scams are spread is through social media. Fake sites and V-Bucks generators often encourage people to share their links to get more points, which helps expose the scam to more people. Plus, these links often direct users to suspicious apps and malware that can also target your kid’s personal information.

You were just getting used to your kid’s obsession with Fortnite, and now, all you hear about is V-Bucks. V-Bucks, like Robux on Roblox, are Fortnite’s in-game currency. Players use them to buy the fun “skins” (characters and outfits) and “emotes” (those hilarious dances like “Flossing” and “Take the L”) that kids will say they totally need to make Fortnite even cooler. For the record: You don’t need V-Bucks to play Fortnite, and if you do spring for them, they cost real money. Also, online scammers are all over V-Bucks. Fortnite’s incredible popularity among kids has made it an easy target for rip-off artists trying to make some actual bucks while the game is hot. A recent study from online security company ZeroFox discovered more than 4,700 fake Fortnite websites, and the company sent out more than 50,000 security alerts about Fortnite scams in a single month. Kids are particularly vulnerable to requests to turn over personal information, including names and email addresses or even credit card numbers. Here’s how you can spot the scam and protect your kids.

YouTube video scams. Similar to link-sharing scams on social media, there are tons of YouTube videos offering free V-Bucks and more. These fake videos and accounts have millions of views and send gamers to other sketchy sites. Fake Android apps. After Epic Games made the controversial decision not to offer their Android app in the Google Play Store, scammers took advantage by putting up fake Fortnite apps. Although they’re designed to look like Fortnite, they’re really data theft and malware distributors in disguise.

Tips to avoid getting scammed Talk to your kids about how to spot and avoid Fortnite scams and other scams online. Here are some tips to keep your kid’s information private and your money safe: Be cautious when you give out private information. Tell kids to check with you before filling out forms, quizzes, registration pages, and the like on a website or app. For older kids, teach them to think carefully about why a site or app might want your data.

What to watch out for V-Bucks generators. “V-Bucks generators” are one of the biggest online Fortnite scams. These are often websites that offer people points for watching or clicking on ads, and these points can supposedly be traded in for free V-Bucks within Fortnite. Not only do these free V-Bucks never appear, these sites often try to collect people’s Fortnite usernames and passwords or have them take surveys where they submit personal data under the pretense of verifying that they’re human.

Only spend real money through official platforms. PlayStation, Xbox, Epic Games’ official website, and the official Fortnite app are the only places to buy V-Bucks. Anything else is a scam. Double-check URLs and domain names. Talk to kids about scams and how some sites or apps look very similar to the official ones but are designed to trick you into giving up money or information. Domain names and URLs might have only one letter or symbol that’s different from the original, so look carefully.

Fake domains. Similar to V-Bucks generators, there are also tons of sites that offer free V-Bucks or trick people into buying Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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— December 2 — Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Emphasis

— December 12 — Cookies, Cocoa & Carols 5:00 to 7:00 PM // Fellowship Hall

8:30 & 11:00 AM // Main Sanctuary

— December 16 — Lord’s Supper Vesper Service

— December 5 — War Room Corporate Prayer Time

5:30 PM // Main Sanctuary

12:10 PM // Main Sanctuary

— December 7-9 — The Living Christmas Tree

— December 24 — Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

4:00 & 7:00 PM // Main Sanctuary

3:30 & 5:00 PM // Main Sanctuary

— December 11 — Senior Adult Christmas Banquet

For more information on these events, visit

www.montgomeryfbc.org

5:00 PM // Fellowship Hall

o es,

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MONTGOMERY JAY WOLF, PASTOR 305 S PERRY STREET MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 334.834.6310 // MONTGOMERYFBC.ORG

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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

Earn College Credit in High School (Part 1): Dual Enrollment Don’t be one of these statistics from millennialmoneyman.com: since 2000 studentloan debt has increased by 500% while incomes for young workers have decreased by 10%; Americans own more in studentloan debt than credit-card debt; most students take over fifteen years to pay back loans; and over 250,000 college graduates earn minimum wage. To avoid these risks, students should begin earning college credits before they graduate high school. Dual-enrollment will improve the chances of college acceptance, scholarship qualification, higher ACT/SAT scores, earning double majors, and even graduating early with advanced degrees. Consider registering for spring-semester classes now.

Benefits

According to the Alabama Department of Education, students may earn one high school credit for every three-credit college course which they complete. That means for every one semester class at college, students earn a year’s worth of high school credit. These credits can be earned at multiple schools for many different courses, and are then transferred to the college of choice. My son earned 37 transferable credits from four different colleges by the time he graduated, allowing him to skip his first two years. Dual enrollment lets students familiarize themselves with the academic independence that college teachers expect. These maturing experiences usually cause students to take a more proactive role in their educations. In fact, once teens become comfortable and gain confidence, I often advise them to enroll in their weakest subjects. That way, they can get immediate help from parents when they need it and will not have to struggle while taking a full college load away from home. Students also have the ability to take classes that are not otherwise available or Montgomery Parents I December 2018

are more in-depth. These opportunities can sometimes direct students toward specific interests and help them decide on a major area of study. Another advantage is that many colleges offer dual-enrolled classes at a discount in order to attract future students, and most colleges will allocate scholarships to students who have already successfully completed college courses because they are not at risk of dropping out like 40% of their contemporaries. A final advantage to dual enrollment is keeping bored seniors interested in their studies. In their final year, many students are simply waiting to “get out” of high school. Taking college classes helps teens stay focused and maintains the study skills necessary for continued success.

Logistics

High schools create dual-enrollment partnerships with area colleges and universities. These partnerships then grant access to college courses, so students can earn credits simultaneously. Therefore, teens must access classes through their high schools, coordinate them with their regular schedules, and provide their own transportation. Every state government controls its own college system, however, and every state regulates its program differently. Some states restrict opportunities and other states offer free college classes to every qualifying high school student. In Alabama, students must pay for their classes, but many colleges offer discounts for dualenrolled courses. The Alabama Community College System states that students must be in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, have a GPA of 2.5, have written approval from both a school authority and parent, and for placement in math or English classes have taken an ACT or SAT test. In fact, most universities require minimum scores on placement tests in order to register. 62

For more information, contact your school, Alabama’s state department of education at https://www.alsde.edu/sec/isvcs/ Pages/dualenrollment-all.aspx, Alabama’s community college system at https://www. accs.cc/index.cfm/workforce-development/ career-technical-education/dual-enrollment, or individual universities.

Further Considerations

Of course, students must have excellent foundational skills in math and English, so before enrolling make sure you are well prepared because poor performance will hurt your chances at later college acceptance, not to mention eligibility for scholarships. Verify that the dual-enrolled class is a core requirement for the intended bachelor’s degree. Not all colleges accept all credits, and specific majors have specific core requirements, so carefully consider each class’s academic value. For instance, Calculus I is the lowest required math for any engineering major, so taking College Algebra or Statistics won’t transfer. Also, note the level of each course. Most introductory classes are just that, introductions, and are not transferable. Sometimes, if the last digit of the class identification number ends with 0, it may be remedial, if it ends with 1, it’s probably a full-fledged college class. Finally, compare your family, job, and school activities to your possible college calendar before registering for classes. Dualenrollment can often interfere with athletic, social, and job opportunities, and high school and college breaks may not coincide. In Part 2 next month, I will discuss how to save thousands of dollars and earn up to two years of college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, so stay tuned! 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.

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Loving by Leading: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy and Responsible Children

Parenting young children today is not easy. The combination of busy lives and an abundance of advice (often conflicting advice) can be overwhelming and even paralyzing to the best-intentioned parent. Often the safest solution seems to be just to “keep the peace” and do whatever is necessary to make the children happy —even at the expense of one’s better judgement. In his book, Loving by Leading, Montgomery pediatrician Den A. Trumbull challenges parents to step up and take the lead in parenting. The noblest goal in parenting is not to just keep the children happy, but rather to build their character. This will require an intentional approach. After decades of studying parenting research and 30+ years of pediatric practice, Dr. Trumbull has blended academics with the practical in his comprehensive guide for parents of children from birth to preadolescent years. Loving by Leading begins by describing the basic nature of the child and why children so desperately need guidance for healthy development. This is Part One of the book. In Part Two, parents are offered practical suggestions on how to lead a child, starting with sleep training in infancy, which Dr. Trumbull maintains is the first opportunity to lead. From there, key areas of child rearing are addressed, such as nutrition, exercise, behavior and finally character development. Dr. Joseph Zanga, past-president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, describes the book this way, “Consulting the book feels much like a face-to-face visit with your child’s physician. It’s warm and familiar, never preachy. Designed to be read and referenced frequently, it is the best guide to successful child rearing I’ve encountered in my more than 40 years as a pediatrician.” 63

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Whether you couldn’t find a sitter for New Year’s Eve or you just don’t feel like fighting holiday traffic, you can still have a fun, kid-friendly celebration. The key is to keep the kids occupied as the clock counts down. We’ve gathered a few family friendly ideas to help you ring in 2019.

Here are some ideas of what to stuff the bags with: Party hats and noisemakers Party poppers Candy A deck of cards and game instructions Pens and paper to write New Year’s Resolutions Craft projects Glow Sticks Bubbles

Countdown the hours

Milk and cookie cocktails

There are so many fun ways to help kids mark time until the new year arrives.Pick the time you want to start (and end!) and count down the hours by opening a bag, package, or even popping a balloon. Mark each bag with the time and include a fun activity for each hour. This need not be expensive. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Every party needs snacks! Serve up milk and cookies in style by coating the rims of small glasses or even wine glasses with colorful sprinkles. Spread a thin layer of honey or corn syrup on a plate, and then pour out sprinkles onto a 64

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separate plate. Simply dip the rims of glasses in honey or corn syrup then dredge in the sprinkles. (Leave the glass upside down in the sprinkles for a few minutes so that the sprinkles don’t slide down the glass!) Cool the glasses in the fridge, fill with cold milk and serve with cookies.

DIY noisemakers Create DIY noisemakers for midnight from objects around the house. Decorate empty, lidded canisters such as butter containers, coffee cans, Pringles cans, etc., and add dried beans or rice to make shakers. Or thread large jingle bells onto pipe cleaners, then twist the pipe cleaner together at the ends for a jingle bracelet.

Sparkling science Younger kids love to watch bubbles grow when vinegar is added to baking soda. You can glam up this simple science experiment by mixing glitter or confetti to the baking soda. To do this, mix together baking soda and glitter or confetti in a shallow bowl (be sure to use plastic confetti, not paper). When kids add drops of vinegar with droppers to the soda mixture, it will produce sparkling bubbles. If you don’t have droppers, kids can pour small amounts of vinegar over the baking soda with cups.

Balloons, balloons, balloons It’s not a party without balloons, right? These confetti-filled balloons will brighten up your space, then you can pop them at midnight for a confetti shower! (www.amazon.com/dp/B01HUNHKP2/ref=dp_cerb_1)

Bake a clock

You can fill these with helium or not – either way, the kids will love them. If you really want to wow the kids, stage your own balloon drop! You can make one by taping a plastic party tablecloth filled with balloons to your ceiling, or buy this kit.

If your kids love baking, a fun and delicious activity is to make a countdown clock. You can do this by baking cookies or cupcakes and arranging the treats in a circle on a round serving platter or pizza pan. Decorate each with the numbers of the clock and use licorice sticks such as Twizzlers as clock hands to mark the time.

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can be as simple or elaborate as you wish! Grab a shoebox or big manila envelope and gather your time capsule items. Ideas for what to include: your child’s handprint, a family picture, and an interview. Questioning your kids about their current likes and dislikes, life goals, and more is fun in the moment and to look back on next year. Simply google “interview questions for kids” for ideas on what questions to ask – some bloggers even offer printable Q-and-A forms. Once finished, tuck away your time capsule and open next year.

(www.amazon.com/Plastic-Balloon-Party-Accessory-count/dp/ B000R4PX0G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537891293&sr=84&keywords=balloon+drop+kit)

Photo booth Even if it’s just you and the kiddos, why not have a photo booth? No need for an elaborate set-up, tacking up a sheet or plastic tablecloth to the wall to use as a background works well. Gather fun props from around the house such as hats and sunglasses or buy a New Year’s Eve photo booth prop set.

New Year’s Eve picture books

(www.amazon.com/Big-Dot-Happiness-Years-Party/dp/B011 AC07UO/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=15378913 78&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=2019+photo+booth+props&psc=1)

The night can get long and a quiet break for storytime is good for everyone. Try one of these holiday-themed books to balance out the activities.

Christmas crackers

“The Night Before New Year’s” by Natasha Wing: The kids want to stay up until midnight, but can they make it?

Christmas crackers may be traditional for Christmas dinner, but they’re equally as fun for New Year’s Eve. These brightly wrapped cylinders are pulled apart, breaking the cracker open with a popping sound. Be sure to check the prizes inside before purchase to get kid-friendly items (most boxes of crackers have a description on the back of the box). Here is one option:

“Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution” by Pat Miller: A fun way to explain New Year’s Resolutions to children. “Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas” by Gail PiernasDavenport: This book introduces kids to the way New Year’s is celebrated in different cultures.

(www.amazon.com/Christmas-Crackers-Holly-Set-Handmade/dp/ B0119O9YA2/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1537891574&sr= 1-2&keywords=christmas+crackers)

Whatever you choose to do with your family on the eve of the New Year, you can make sure it’s memorable with these surefire party pleasers. mp

Family time capsule Putting a time capsule together as a part of your New Year’s Eve activities can be a nice way to reflect on the past year. This

Tiffany Guerzon is a freelance writer and contributor to many parent magazines.

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Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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A Page in a Book

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A Sense of Belonging A child’s first sense of belonging emerges within their family, an inborn connection. As they grow, they develop social skills and begin to find commonalities with their peers. They may find themselves happily embedded in a group of fellow dinosaur fanatics, or in complete synch with basketball teammates. Belonging can emerge quickly through shared interests or evolve slowly as children discover connection with others. As social creatures, a sense of belonging in family, among friends, and within community offers strong emotional benefits. The following titles follow journeys from solo experience toward the best sense of belonging.

Kitten and The Night Watchman

by John Sullivan, Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo (Simon & Schuster) Leaving the embrace of his family as the sun sets, a night watchman heads to his job when the evening comes. As the only person patrolling a vast construction work site, he moves among the buildings and equipment alone, his flashlight casting shadows that bring a bit of life to the darkness. But when a small figure emerges to join him on his rounds, his journey becomes a little less solitary. As the sun starts to pink the morning sky, the two sentinels who started their journey solo find their paths merging toward a common destination. A quiet balance between solitude and companionship, Kitten and the Night Watchman navigates the full circle from leavetaking to homecoming.

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Am I Yours?

by Alex Latimer (Peachtree Atlanta) After a gusty wind pushes a big spotted egg off its nest and sends it tumbling across a prehistoric landscape, a voice from inside the shell begins a rolling inquiry to find out where it belongs. “Excuse me, please, but am I yours? I’m sure I am a dinosaur’s” is the egg’s opening query as he encounters potential parents. A procession of dinosaurs query the egg’s occupant about its characteristics (as they can’t see inside) hoping to discover its nest home. As spikes, horns, long necks, and crests are eliminated from the egg’s self-image, a picture of exactly where the egg fits begins to emerge. Moving from generalities to specifics, Am I Yours? is an adorable rhyming Q & A that leads a little one back to the home where they belong.

Found

by Jeff Newman and Larry Day (Simon & Schuster) While a thunderstorm pours rain through the city streets, a young girl spots a puppy alone among the puddles. Bringing him in from the weather, she slowly assembles the things that might help him recover and feel at home. She has some dog food, a small bed, and a leash on hand. The observant reader of this carefully illustrated wordless title will begin to discern that the girl has recently lost a dog of her own. The relationship between the girl and pup is hesitant and careful. Should this dog belong to her? Should she give up on the search for her lost companion? Crafted with care, Found is a surprisingly tender exploration of how we navigate loss and find the connections that bring us back where we belong.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

Parent-Teen Relationship Destroyers I have never had a mom tell me, “I want my daughter to be perfect,” or had a dad say, “I want to have absolute authority over my son.” Certainly, no parents have ever announced, “We want to be judgmental.” But I have heard hundreds of girls say, “My mom wants me to be perfect,” and hundreds of young men have said to me, “My dad rules our home with an iron fist.” And, thousands of teens have told me, “My parents are the most judgmental people I know.” As parents, we want a strong relational bond with our teens. But sometimes, despite our good intentions, we can be doing the very things that destroy these relationships. So what are the primary culprits that break our connection with our kids? Here are the four “most wanted” relationship destroyers.

#1: DEMANDING PERFECTION

At a recent parenting seminar, I asked each mom and dad to pull out their cell phone and text this question to their teen, “Do you think I expect you to be perfect?” After about five minutes, every phone in the auditorium started beeping with replies. About 95% of the teens said they did believe their parents wanted them to be perfect. As parents, we want great things for our kids. That’s why we try so hard to push them towards excellence. But there’s a line between encouraging excellence and creating unreasonable expectations. When we place unattainable standards before our kids, we always risk raising expectations so high that our kids just give up. Some kids will begin to rebel to prove they are in control of their own lives. Others will become hyper-aware of the high standards and turn to drastic measures in order to achieve them. We need to balance between wanting the best for our teens, and setting up impossible expectations. If you have never shared your personal flaws with your kids, they haven’t had an opportunity to see what it’s like to live with imperfection. Instead, they think that faultlessness is normal. By admitting your flaws, you give your kid permission to make mistakes Montgomery Parents I December 2018

and be imperfect, and you allow your teen to connect with you in a deeper way. Plus, as your kids see your own successes and failures, they’ll understand that it’s possible to have a good life even when they’ve messed up and fallen short.

#2: HAVING A JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDE

This relationship destroyer is sneaky. I’ve witnessed parents using voice inflection, body language, and even Bible verses to make a valid point to their son or daughter— but the child only hears a harsh judgment being given. When you take a stand on issues like marijuana, homosexuality, religion, or even movies, your child may interpret your words as unfair criticism. Now, it might sound like your teen is putting words in your mouth. I mean, you’re not a judgmental person, right? But let me ask you; have you rolled your eyes when your daughter came out wearing certain outfits? Have you withheld hugs or signs of affection when your son disappointed you? We’ve all been there at one time or another. The problem is, these actions can be seen as coming from a judgmental spirit, and teens pick up on that quickly. It’s okay to voice your concern or disappointment, but be careful that you don’t belittle your kids or look down on their friends when you do so. Display grace in your actions and attitudes. And take time to listen to your son or daughter with a caring heart. You don’t have to offer your opinion to every conversation. But if your teen does ask you to speak into a topic, preface your thoughts with, “I don’t want you to think I’m being judgmental, but these are my feelings.”

#3: THE NEED TO CONTROL

As parents, we want to protect our kids. But our desire to protect can morph into an unconscious habit of control. And that habit crushes relationships! Do you want to control your son when he’s 20? Of course not! How about 18? I would guess “no.” So what about when he’s 68

15? You can see where I’m going. If you don’t want to be controlling your children when they’re adults, the teenage years are the best training grounds for slowly and carefully making that handoff. When teens feel like mom and dad control every aspect of their life, that’s when they start to act out. Rebellion is an effort to take back decision-making power, even if the resulting decisions are very poor ones. There was a sweet girl who was staying with us at our Heartlight campus and she was fond of piercings, but her parents were not. For this teen, piercing her body was a way to take control back from her parents who (with good intentions) maintained tight control over her life. Once the parents started to let their daughter make more decisions on her own, guess what? Somehow, those piercings started to disappear.

#4: CONSTANT NEGATIVTY

Try this little exercise this week—start counting the times you say, “You need to…” “What you should’ve done…” (or phrases like these) to your teen. You may be surprised how many times those types of comments come out of your mouth. A foolproof method to get your kid to shut down is to speak more negative than positive words into their lives. If you spend more time criticizing than encouraging, judging than training, condemning than approving, you’re slowly eating away at a relationship with your child. Be intentional about finding positive behaviors, actions, and attitudes for which you can praise your child. I realize that these words are tough to take. It’s not easy to hear that something we may be doing as parents is destroying our relationship with our kids. We can all readily admit that we don’t have parenting down perfectly. To build great relationships with our kids, we have to be willing to evaluate our attitudes and actions, and continue building strong and healthy ties with our teens. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Are you excited about the holidays, but dreading the end-of-year rush? If so, you are not alone. Most parents approach the season with equal parts excitement and trepidation, which can lead to difficulties with decision-making from moment to moment. That’s why I’ve created this list of twenty-one reminders to help you preserve your family’s good cheer all the way through the most wonderful time of the year. 1. Go For Good Enough. If you have an idea in your mind of the “perfect” holiday, you may to be disappointed when your imperfect brood can’t uphold your image. Aim for “good enough” instead. You’ll smile more if you can let unimportant things-like slightly burnt cookies, lights that won’t blink in unison, and late holiday cards-slide.

2. Just Hit Delete. If you think your holiday schedule is grossly overloaded, call a family meeting and vote on what to scratch off your joint to-do list. Decide what you don’t want to do, first. Then decide what matters most to each family member. A one-gift-per-family-member tradition might be a sanity-saving plan that sticks. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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3. Call In Fresh Recruits. Even if you don’t normally hire a housecleaner, you probably could use some help now. Why not call in a cleaning service in midDecember and in mid-January to bookend the holidays, even if you don’t use one the rest of the year? Consider it a holiday present to yourself.

4. Hum Your Favorite Tunes. Haul out your seasonal music early before you tire of the omnipresent muzak that is sure to come. Load up your smart phone or iPod and carry headphones in your purse to jolly things up when you are ticking chores and errands off your to-do list. If your old faves are getting overplayed, jazz up your playlist with some fresh downloads or albums. 5. Shop The Plan. First, the plan: write down the names of everyone you truly want to give to and what you think they would like. Then, the shop: keep the list in your wallet to jog your memory when hunting down a gift each person you cherish. For store shopping, pay cash, so you won’t overspend. For online shopping, search for coupons before ordering and act early for cheaper shipping.

6. Sip Your Way To Heaven. When you are having a hectic day, take a timeout. Warm up or buy an extra-hot cup of Chai tea with a spritz of whipped cream on top. The spices will put you back in touch with your senses and the warmth will spread through your belly and soothe your frazzled cheer.

9. Bring Mother Nature Inside. Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, twigs, and poinsettias all remind us that there is life hibernating underneath that blanket of snow or wicked frost. Gather reminders of the season from your backyard or local garden shop and decorate the front hall,

7. Get Bazaar. Take the whole family to a local holiday craft bazaar. Look for gifts for teachers and other folks who enrich your family life. Give each child a spending limit and enjoy interacting with the vendors. Plan to spend a couple of hours browsing, so you can soak up all the creative energy.

8. Take Thirty. Line up winter reads from the library or download them onto your e-reader. Encourage the whole family to take 30 minutes a day to relax and read. Collections of short stories or essays are good choices for moms with very young or multiple children. This is a great way for everyone to decompress after a busy day.

mantle, and stairway. Remember: simple is as merry as ornate.

10. Huggy Holidays. Use “Happy Holidays!” as an excuse to hug your loved ones often. Every time you feel stressed, hug or get hugged. Your holiday stress will melt away.

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11. Stay Healthy. Put holiday-scent-

15. Question Tradition. Traditions are

ed soaps by every sink and encourage plenty of hand washing. Install a bottle of hand-sanitizer next to every box of tissues. Chase every “Ah-choo!” away. (But stock up on cold medicines, just in case, to avoid midnight trips to the market.)

wonderful, but let’s face it, sometimes even the fondest can become tired. So, if you don’t feel like tromping around all afternoon hunting for the most splendiferous evergreen on the tree farm or frying the most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre-cut tree at your local grocery store or pick up latkes at the deli instead. Use saved time to enjoy tree trimming or dreidel playing instead.

12. Lighten Up. Twinkling lights create a comforting mood. Don’t limit shimmery lights to the tree and outdoor eves. If it sounds fun, bring some solace into the kid’s bedrooms as well as yours.

13. Take A Deep Breath. Bring some uplifting scents into your cleaning routine. Check out the Mrs. Meyers brand of earthfriendly cleaning supplies. Your home and laundry will smell winter-wonderful.

14. Enjoy Spreading Cheer. Save the annual holiday letter composing and Christmas card address labeling for when you can carve out time to relax and enjoy the process. And don’t try to do it all yourself. Break the job down into steps and enlist the whole family. Remember: taking everything on without helpers is naughty, not nice.

16. Create Classic Memories. Play hooky from holiday prep for the day and go ice-skating or play in the cold with your kids. Drink hot chocolate. Take lots of family photos. Build a fire. Goof off. Enjoy the grins.

17. Save It For A Heatwave. If you are really feeling a time crunch, don’t donate time to help the less fortunate during holiday time. Give time later during a less hectic time of year. There are people in need throughout every season, after all.

one in your brood has warm tootsies as the mercury plunges.

19. Hit The Hay Harder. There’s less light during the winter. Take advantage of it and put the kids to bed an hour earlier than normal. There’s the extra hour you need to keep some hustle in your holiday muscle or at least wrap some presents without interruption.

20. Pop Plenty Of Corn. Line up holiday movie classics in your mail order DVD queue. Watch some with the kids and some with your honey in the wee hours.

21. Deck The Bathroom. Hang up some scented pomanders. Bring in lots of little candles (beyond the reach of little hands, of course). Look for winter-scented bath indulges in Juniper, Cedar or Musk. Sink into a bubble bath wonderland. Forget your name for ten minutes.

18. Sock It To ‘Em. Don’t wait until the

You’ll feel more holly-jolly if can get calm and stay centered all holiday season long. Happy holy days! mp

temperature hits zero to stock up on slippers and socks. You’ll keep your heating bills down and your kids smiling if every-

Christina Katz is an author, journalist, and writing coach, who adores the holidays. She’ll take the rush, so long as she gets the hush, too.

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Annual Holiday Light Festival at Montgomery Zoo ad on page 51

Thru December 2, December 6-9, 13-25 @ Montgomery Zoo 2301 Coliseum Blvd. 5:30- 9:30 p.m. each night. Thousands of Holiday Lights illuminate The Montgomery Zoo in shapes of animals and Christmas themes. See the Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Stroll the many pathways or enjoy a brisk ride on the Santaland Express train ride. Visit with Santa nightly; enjoy live entertainment, food, gifts and more.

(334) 240.4900

Aldersgate UMC: “Almost There” ad on page 37

December 9 6610 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 10:30 a.m. The Christmas Song Musical by the Aldersgate Chancel Choir, Orchestra and Drama Team Featuring a Live Nativity with the Actors and Animals (camel, donkeys, alpaca and sheep) on the front lawn of the Church after the worship service.

Christmas Storybook Musical at Frazer UMC

The Living

December 7 - 9 @ First Baptist Church 305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL Tickets available online beginning November 5. Call 334.241.5156 or order online at Come joins us for the “Living Christmas Tree”. Perwww.thelivingchristmastree.org formers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage. No offering will be taken during the presentation. $5 per ticket suggested.

(334) 241.5156 montgomeryfbc.org FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH montgomery

305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104

ad on page 3

December 9 @ Frazer UMC Wesley Hall 6000 Atlanta Hwy.

Montgomery, AL 4 and 6:30 p.m. Based on the beloved Jesus Storybook Bible, a timeless true tale of the Prince of Heaven who came to save the world--told through music, dance, puppets and drama...a joyful holiday event for the whole family. (334) 272.8622 www.frazer.church

Christmas on the Coosa

Newtopia Christmas Party

ad on page 47

December 8 @ Wetumpka 10 A.M. - 8 P.M. Christmas extravaganza with arts & crafts, parade, food, classic car show,entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at dusk. (334)567.1313 or (334)567.4811 wetumpkachamber.com

December 21 @ Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Road 7 p.m. A service of remembrance and hope for those grieving the loss of loved ones. (334 271.3363

Based on the beloved Jesus Storybook Bible, a timeless true tale of the Prince of Heaven who came to save the world—told through music, dance, puppets and drama…a joyful holiday event for the whole family!

Living Christmas Christmas Tree Tree ad on page 61 December 7 • 7 pm December 8 • 4 & 7 pm December 9 • 4 & 7 pm

ad on page 31

(334) 272.6152 aldersgateumc.org

montgomeryzoo.com

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The Longest Night at Taylor Road Baptist

6000 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery | www.frazer.church

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Don’t miss all the fun!

December 14 @ Newtopia Fun Park, 3731 Malcolm Drive A unique party fo kids ages 0-12. From 5-7 pm. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and get a free present!

www.newtopiafunpark.com

“The Sound of Music” at ASF ad on page 85

Thru December 30 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL After causing disorder at the abbey, the young nun Maria is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven children. Maria enchants the entire family by teaching the children to sing and the Captain to love again. asf.net

Montgomery Eastdale Mall - Photos with Santa

Thru December 24 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays, 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. (334) 277.7380 david.hagood@aronov.com eastdale-mall.com

Eastdale Mall - Pet Photos with Santa

Thru December 24 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-9 p.m. in December, furry friends are invited to have their photo taken with Santa! (334) 277.7380 david.hagood@aronov.com eastdale-mall.com

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The Shoppes at EastChase Holiday Gift Wrapping

Thru December 24 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL Save time and have our friends at the Montgomery Humane Society wrap your gifts this holiday season. Prices vary based on the packages size and all proceeds benefit the Montgomery Humane Society. Located next to Pet Smart in EastChase Plaza. (334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

Frazer Memorial UMC Women’s Christmas Brunch

December 1 @ Wesley Hall 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Montgomery, AL 9-11 A.M. Fellowship Hall. Women and girls of all ages are invited to our annual Women’s Christmas Brunch featuring tables beautifully decorated by the ladies of the church and a special message entitled “Christmas Memories - Celebrating Jesus’ Birth Through the Generations” from Judy Harrison. Tickets are $10 in the Atrium Nov. 4 or 11.

(334) 495.6391 ktmixon315@aol.com frazerumc.org

Holiday Open House @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

December 1 @ Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 Museum Drive Montgomery, AL 1 to 4 p.m.; The festivities for the event include musical performances by local school choirs and performance groups, holiday art projects, cookies and lemonade, and horse and carriage rides in the park. (334) 625.4333 mmfa.org

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

December 1 Montgomery, AL 5k Run or Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation Also 1 mile fun run (chasing an Elf) for under 8’s and 1-mile walk for those of us who want to support the Arthritis Foundation. (334) 219.8707 jbrMontgomery.kintera.org

Season of Light and The Alien Who Stole Christmas

December 1 - 18 @ W.A. Gayle Planetarium 1010 Forrest Avenue Montgomery, AL The Alien Who Stole Christmas--Ride along with Santa as he is abducted by a flying saucer on Christmas Eve. The UFO takes Santa on a tour of the solar system and shows him some unearthly children who were left off his list. December 3-17. Season of Light--This traditional Christmas offering is narrated by NPR’s Noah Adams. This show covers the various celebrations around the world which occur on or around the Winter Solstice. Extensive time devoted to the traditional Christmas story. December 4-18. Cost is $6.50 for ages 5 and above. (334) 241.4799 montgomery.troy.edu/planetarium

Governor’s Mansion Candlelight Tour Open House

December 3, 10 and 17 1142 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 5:30 -7:30 P.M. The 1907 Governor’s Mansion will be aglow with lights and filled with the spirit of the season. (334) 834.3022

21st Annual Lights of Love

December 6 @ Jackson Hospital 1725 Pine St Montgomery, AL 6 p.m. For a contribution of $15 or more to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, a light will be placed Montgomery Parents I December 2018

on the Lights of Love tree inside of Jackson Hospital in front lobby in honor, or in memory, of someone special to you. For contributions of $100 or more Moravian stars will be placed on the tree. For contributions of $500 or more a decorative angel will be placed on the tree. Christian music will be presented. An invitation to the ceremony will be sent to those honored or to the family of those memorialized.

let. The world’s most famous Christmas ballet. A Montgomery tradition since 1976, this year’s production promises to delight all ages with brilliant dancing, beautiful scenery, and colorful costumes. All reserved seats. Tickets are $20 to $30 for adults. We offer military, senior and student discounts. Prices are dependent on convenience and/or handling fees. (334) 409.0522

montgomeryballet.org

(334) 293.6940 jackson.org

MPAC: Michael W. Smith

December 6 @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St Montgomery, AL 7:30 P.M. Please visit our website for ticket pricing. (334) 481.5100 mpaconline.org

The Grinch Ballet

December 6 & 8 The Prattville Ballet and students from C.J.’s Dance Factory are inspired by the Dr. Seuss family tradition about how the Grinch finds his heart with the help of a who-child, Cindy Lou. The Grinch will be danced by Marbury High School senior, Cori Seamon, who brings the character to life! With music, dance and fun for all, this production will warm your heart for Christmas. Two Performances! Thursday, December 6th in Tallahassee, Mt. Vernon Theatre 10:00 am. students $8.00 Saturday, December 8th, Jeff State Theatre in Clanton, 7:00 pm. general admission $12.00 (334) 467-8603

The Shoppes at EastChase Holiday Mailbox Decor Workshop

December 6 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 6-8 P.M. Join us for a relaxed evening at The Shoppes at EastChase where you will learn how to make a beautiful mailbox decoration. The talented Crystal Strickland from Southern Posies will help create your very own holiday masterpiece! Tickets include garland, ribbon, light hors d’ouevres and wine. (334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

Cloverdale Playhouse presents “Private Lives”

December 6-16 @ Cloverdale Playhouse 960 Cloverdale Road Montgomery, AL Noel Coward is a playwright famous for using comedy and escapism in the face of dark and difficult times. His audiences retreated into his plays during the World Wars, for there they could find glamour and chilled martinis and pithy witticism rather than air raids and the Wall Street Crash. His characters, while decadent and scathingly funny, live in a fantasy-land limbo, disguising their deep unhappiness with champagne and nonsense. (334) 262.1530 boxoffice@cloverdaleplayhouse.org cloverdaleplayhouse.org

2018 Capital City Governors Tree Lighting

December 7 @ Capital Montgomery, AL 5:30 p.m. Come enjoy the National Guard Band 30 minutes prior to tree lighting. - Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol. (334) 242.7150 montgomeryal.gov

The Montgomery Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”

December 7 - 9 @ The Davis Theatre 251 Montgomery St Montgomery, AL Montgomery’s Favorite Holiday Tradition for over 43 years presented by The Montgomery Bal-

Holiday Dinner Cruise

December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 @ Downtown Montgomery, AL Cruise the Alabama River with Santa on the Harriott II Riverboat, Downtown Riverwalk. montgomeryal.gov

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F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Christmas Open House

December 8 919 Felder Avenue Montgomery, AL 10 A.M. until 3 P.M. Come join us, December 9, as we celebrate Christmas with our Christmas Open House. (334) 264.4222 thefitzgeraldmuseum.org

The Shoppes at EastChase Brunch with Santa

December 8 and 15 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Parents and their children can enjoy a full brunch and a visit with Santa at Bonefish Grill with proceeds benefiting Child Protect, A Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets are $20 per parent, $10 per child and include a full brunch, activities and more! (334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

Beacon of Hope Church of God Presents Hee Haw

December 9 @ 1045 Coliseum Blvd. A Kornfield Kounty Christmas Featuring Lu Lu Roman and Beacon of Hope Choir. Jokes, songs and korney fun. Performances at 10:30 am and 6 pm. Call 274-0932 for more info.

The Shoppes at EastChase Super Heroes and Santa

December 11 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 6-7 P.M. The Shoppes is giving your favorite super hero an action packed night out with the superstar of Christmas himself! Experience includes a superherotheme cookie decorating, one-on-one visits with Santa and more! Proceeds benefit Family Sunshine Center. (334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

MPAC: Harry Connick Jr.

December 13 @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St Montgomery, AL 7:30 P.M. Please visit our website for ticket pricing. (334) 481.5100 mpaconline.org

The Shoppes at EastChase Sensory Santa Experience

December 13 and 14 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 7 p.m. | The Shoppes at EastChase is making sure every child has time with Santa by providing a Sensory Santa experience for those families with special needs children. Visit theshoppesateastchase.com to make an appointment. (334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

2018 Capital City Christmas Parade

December 14 6 p.m. The City of Montgomery would like to invite

www.montgomeryparents.com

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you to the Christmas Parade. Depart from Cramton Bowl and Parade downtown from Capitol Steps to the Court Street Fountain. A limited number of parade entries will be accepted. (334) 625.2118

montgomeryal.gov

Eastdale Mall - WLWI Giveaway

December 15 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. WLWI and Eastdale Mall are giving you the chance to win a $2,500 Shopping Spree! (334) 277.7359 david.hagood@aronov.com eastdale-mall.com

Eastdale Mall - Breakfast with Santa

December 15 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Santa always starts his day off with a good breakfast. Reservations required. (334) 277.7380 david.hagood@aronov.com eastdale-mall.com

Holiday Pops Concert

December 18 @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. Join the MSO for an evening of everyone’s seasonal favorites. (334) 240.4004

The Shoppes at EastChase Holiday Bedtime Stories

December 18 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 6 – 7:30 p.m., The little ones can wear their pajamas and enjoy a night they won’t soon forget! Santa Claus will be reading favorite Christmas stories at the Holiday Pop Up Shoppe, located next to Francesca’s at The Shoppes at EastChase. Attendees will enjoy Christmas songs, milk and cookies, and more! (334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

The Montgomery Chorale Holiday Performances December 20 @ Church of the Ascension 315 Clanton Ave Montgomery, AL 7 p.m., Messiah Sing Along (334) 265.3737

montgomerychorale.org

The Shoppes at EastChase American Girl Tea Party with Santa

December 20 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL 2 PM. Enjoy a tea party with Santa and your favorite American Girl Doll on Thursday, December 20 at The Shoppes at EastChase! (334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

Eastdale Mall - Cookies and Crafts with Santa

December 22 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Come join Santa and his elves to create a cute Christmas craft! Enjoy cookies. Requires reservations. (334) 277.7380 david.hagood@aronov.com eastdale-mall.com

Eastdale Mall - Rockin’ NOON Year’s Eve Celebration

December 31 @ Eastdale Mall 1000 Eastdale Mall Montgomery, AL Eastdale Mall is excited to host it’s 4th annual

Rockin’ NOON Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31st from 10 am to 1 pm. Please check our website for more details. (334) 277.7380 david.hagood@aronov.com eastdale-mall.com

2018 Capital City Tree Lighting TBA @ City Hall Montgomery, AL 5:30 – Located in front of City Hall (334) 625.2118 montgomeryal.gov

Glenn Miller Holiday Concert featuring Airmen of Note

TBA @ Davis Theatre 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL Annual Glenn Miller Holiday Concert. This year’s performance is free to the public. Will be accepting canned food donations for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. This performance will be held at the Davis Theatre. Featuring The United States Air force Band, Airmen of Note, premier jazz ensemble, will perform holiday and Glenn Miller favorites. The Airmen of Note ensemble was created in 1950 to carry on the style and tradition of the Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Dance Band. (334) 241.9567 troy.edu/davistheatre

Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church Annual Christmas Production

TBA @ Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 East Washington St. Montgomery, AL Time to be announced. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1550 East Washington St., will host its Annual Christmas Production, by the Youth Dept. Join them as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. (334) 462.3048

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House 301 Columbus Street Montgomery, AL Join Old Alabama Town in December to celebrate the holiday season. Our house museums will be authentically decorated for the holidays. Early December. (334) 240.4500

oldalabamatown.com

The Shoppes at EastChase Pet Photos with Santa

7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL Saturdays + Sundays in December | Don’t forget your four-legged friends! Pets love Santa, too! Pet photos are available on Saturdays and Sundays in December and $5 for every pet photo will be donated to the Montgomery Humane Society. (334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

The Shoppes at EastChase Holiday Performances

7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL Be entertained with holiday-themed performances by community organizations every weekend in December. For a detailed list of performance dates and times, visit theshoppesateastchase.com.

(334) 279.6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

Millbrook

intersection at City Hall. Activities will be from 1:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Vendors will be set up at Village Green Park; there will be arts, crafts, and food. This is one of the great things about living in a small community - family fun, not too crowded and loads of excitement for everyone. No admission fee.

(334) 285.7232 cityofmillbrook.org

Prattville Christmas at East Memorial

December 2 @ East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road Prattville, AL 4 P.M. and 7 P.M. Our Celebration Choir, Orchestra, and Drama Team will present “The Songs of Christmas,” an East Memorial Christmas Night of Favorites. The seating is dessert-theater style and costs $2.00 to reserve your seat. (334) 365.7500

eastmemorial.org

Way Off Broadway Theatre’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

December 6-16 Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, directed by Joey Fine, by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. The show will open on Thursday, December 6, at 7:30 pm and will run Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm through December 16 at the Way Off Broadway Theatre (203 West 4th Street, Prattville). Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at cc.prattvilleal.gov or by calling or visiting the Special (334) 595.0854

wobt.prattvilleal.gov

Annual Christmas Concert by Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops

December 7 @ Doster Community Center 424 South Northington Street Prattville, AL On December 7 enjoy a Christmas Concert featuring the Community Chorus and the Prattville Pops. This annual concert will delight the entire family with Christmas songs and sing-a-longs. The concert will be held at Doster Community Center on South Northington in Prattville. 334-595-0854 pops.prattvilleal.gov

The Prattville Ballet’s “The Grinch Ballet”

December 8 @ Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre 7 p.m. Performed by students of C.J.’s Dance Factory and members of the Prattville Ballet at Jeff State Performing Arts Theatre in Clanton on Saturday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m. Five year old Addie Paulene landed the role of Cindy Lou Who, the little two year old tot that the Grinch ran into while he was on his mission to destroy Christmas! The role of Max, is the ever-loyal best friend to the grumpy Grinch, will be danced by 6 year old Paislee Smith. Creating a Santa suit and sleigh with his own dog Max as a “reindeer”, the Grinch travels to Whoville and steals all of the Whos’ Christmas gifts. He is almost discovered by Cindy Lou, but lies to her in order to escape. The Grinch then has a magical change of heart, a Christmas must see! (334) 467.8603

Millbrook Spirit of Christmas Parade, “A Musical Millbrook Christmas”

December 1 @ Sports Complex behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q and will end at the intersection at City Hall. Parade is at 2 p.m. Millbrook’s Annual Christmas Parade will begin at the Sports Complex behind Smokehouse Bar-B-Q and will end at the

City of Prattville Holiday Art Workshops

December 8 @ Pville Creative Arts Center and Gallery 342 South Chestnut Street Prattville, AL 10 am – 11:30 pm, 1 pm – 2:30 pm. On December 8, the Prattauga Art Guild will host FREE Holiday Art Workshops for children ages 5 to 12 at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery. The first will

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be from 10-11:30 am, and the second will be held from 1-2:30 pm. Children will create a fun holiday project to take home or give as a gift. Limited space is available for these workshops and reservations are required. (334) 595.0854

prattvilleal.gov

City of Prattville A Main Street Christmas December 11 @ Downtown Prattville 5 – 7:30 pm. Enjoy the lights and decorations, visit with Santa, and have fun while you shop Downtown Prattville for gifts for all the special people on your Christmas list. There will be caroling, children’s projects, hot chocolate, and more. Participate in the Chamber of Commerce Cash Mob for prizes when you shop downtown. Bring your family and friends and stroll through the lights of downtown and enjoy the dancing lights on the spillway and the 30’ Christmas Tree. (334) 595.0854

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Centerpoint Fellowship Church Christmas Eve services

December 24 @ Prattville Christian Academy 322 Old Farm Lane North Prattville, AL Monday, December 24 Candlelight services at 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. centeringlives.com

Wetumpka City of Wetumpka Wetumpka Tree Lighting

December 4 @ Gold Star Park 6 p.m. Photos with Santa at 5 p.m. and hot cocoa.

Centerpoint Fellowship Church Christmas Eve services December 24 9301 US Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL Candlelight service at 4:30 p.m. centeringlives.com

Birmingham and North McWane Science Center Magic of Model Trains

Thru January 6 @ McWane Center 200 19th Street N Birmingham, AL Back for its 11th year in a row, the Magic of Model Trains will return to spread some holiday cheer and amaze guests. Discover trains of every shape and size inside this popular exhibit of train displays. Every set in the exhibit is designed to scale with the size of the trains. The meticulous detail of the scenery includes covered bridges, downtown storefronts and, of course, several train stations that will keep your family entertained for hours. Sponsored by Royal Cup (205) 714.8300

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Alabama Ballet presents George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”

December 14 - 16, 21 - 23 - 23 2726 1st Avenue South Birmingham, AL Alabama Ballet is proud to present George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® as one of only eight companies in the world licensed by The Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies transport the young and young at heart to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets.

(334) 567.5147 cityofwetumpka.com

(205) 322.4300 alabamaballet.org

City of Wetumpka Christmas Decoration Contest

McWane Science Center Jingle Bell Breakfast

December 6 6:00 p.m. Businesses and residential. There will be judging to those who have submitted applications. Prizes will be awarded. (334) 567.5147 cityofwetumpka.com

Wetumpka Depot presents: “A Greater Tuna Christmas”

December 11, 13-16 @ Wetumpka Depot 300 S Main Street Wetumpka, AL In this hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna, it’s Christmas in the third-smallest town in Texas. Radio station news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the annual lawn-display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey’s production of A Christmas Carol is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun. A Tuna Christmas is a total delight for all seasons performed by two actors playing all 25 roles! Please call or visit our website for ticket information and pricing. (334) 868.1440 kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com wetumpkadepot.com

Wetumpka Nativity and Luminary Open House December 14 @ Downtown Wetumpka 6 p.m. (334) 567.5147 cityofwetumpka.com

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

TBA @ McWane Science Center 200 19th Street N Birmingham, AL Bring your little elves for a Merry Morning at McWane! Head to the North Pole where you will enjoy a hot holiday breakfast, make festive crafts, and have a very special visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! When breakfast is over, take a ride down the slide and head to the IMAX Dome for a private showing of Santa vs. the Snowman. Ticket includes same day admission. Make your reservation today for this family favorite holiday event. (205) 714.8300

mcwane.org

McWane Science Polar Express P.J. Party

TBA @ McWane Science Center 200 19th Street N Birmingham, AL Join us for a journey beyond your imagination aboard the Polar Express! Slip on your PJs and visit with Santa over a cup of hot cocoa and cookies. Then it’s time to “believe” as you experience Polar Express on the IMAX Dome. A special keepsake will be given to all children 12 and under who wear their pajamas. (205) 714.8300

mcwane.org

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speeds to the top of the world! Upon arrival at the brilliantly decorated North Pole, Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves board the train to visit with everyone, so be sure to bring your camera! You’ll enjoy chocolate milk and cookies and sing Christmas carols along with the live musician, Mr. Jim. Listen to a special Christmas story and receive a Christmas gift.

1(800) 943.4490

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Santa Claus Special Train Ride

December 1, 8 and 15 @ The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Santa rides the train with you! Tell him what you would like for Christmas as he poses for photos. Each child will receive a Christmas gift! 1(800)943.4490

hodrrm.org

Eclectic December 1 - 8 1733 Claud Road Eclectic, AL Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. Time slots are scheduled in 15 minute increments. If registering through the website, your reservation will be confirmed as soon as possible. Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses. (334) 578.4846 reservations@anelecticministry.org www.aneclecticministry.org

Eufaula/Dothan Eufaula Christmas Tour of Homes

December 1 Eufaula, AL Stroll through history and witness the magnificence of Eufaula’s finest homes all aglow in holiday splendor. Enjoy a seated luncheon or an elegant dinner at the grand historical Shorter Mansion. eufaulapilgrimage.com

The Nutcracker

December 6-9 @ Dothan Civic Center Dothan, AL Southeast Alabama Dance Company presents its annual performance of this holiday classic. Watch as snowflakes dance, flowers waltz, dolls come to life and the Nutcracker turns into a charming prince. Admission charged. southeastalabamadancecompany.org

Victorian Christmas

December 9 @ Landmark Park Dothan, AL 1:00-4:00p.m., Sample turn-of-the-century desserts, sip hot chocolate or mulled cider and try your hand at making traditional Christmas decorations. Free. (334) 794.3452 landmarkparkdothan.com

Just for Kids YMCA Camp Chandler Holiday Camps

North Pole Express Train Rides

December 1 - 2, 7 - 9 and 14 - 15 @ Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Please visit our website www.hodrrm.org for times. “All Aboard” says the conductor, and your journey begins. Through the dark night, the magical train

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December 20 - 22 1240 Jordan Dam Road Wetumpka, AL Arriving on Dec 20th at 4-5 p.m. and departing Dec. 22nd at 4-5 p.m. This adventure is for old and new campers (ages 5-14), old and new staff, friends and relatives. Fee: $115 (members) and $130 (nonmembers), which includes t-shirt and camp store. (334) 229.0031

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YMCA Goodtimes Holiday Childcare

2325 Mill Ridge Drive Montgomery, AL Program will run everyday except Thanksgiving Day or the day after. 7:00 a.m. thru 6 p.m. Cost per day; members $24 and non-members $29 (334) 279.8666

Lake Martin/Alex City Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Christmas Parade

December 3 @ Downtown Alexander City Alexander City, AL 6 p.m., One of East Alabama’s largest parades featuring elaborate floats, dancing groups, marching bands, horse-riding clubs and Santa Claus highlight. (256) 329.9227 www.alexandercity.org

Out of State/Georgia Stone Mountain Christmas

Thru January 6 @ Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA There is nothing like the Christmas season that magically transforms Stone Mountain Park into a land of enchantment. Within the glow of more than two million twinkling lights, you can watch live entertainment, engage in fun attractions and reconnect with friends and family during this special time of year. Make a Stone Mountain Christmas a part of your holiday tradition. Events include Wonderland Walkway, Snow Angel Castle, Holly Jolly Cabaret, The Polar Express 4D Experience, Snow Angel Fireworks and Snowfall Celebration, Sleigh Ride, Simply Christmas, Christmas Parade, Visit with Santa Claus, storytelling and live shows, great food and holiday shopping! (800) 401.2407 stonemountainpark.com

Magical Nights of Lights

November 16 – January 2 @ Lake Lanier 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Buford, GA Nightly 5:00-10:00pm. Rekindle an old tradition or create a new one at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s Magical Nights of Lights holiday celebration. A seven-mile drive through tour of animated, festive, holiday light displays. At the end of your tour, the Holiday Village awaits you with carnival rides and games, pony rides and numerous holiday treats. Warm up with a hot cup of cocoa or step inside Santa’s Workshop for some holiday shopping and a visit with Santa. And nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a visit to Legacy Lodge & Conference Center for a delectable Magical Nights of Lights dinner buffet, or stay the night so the kids can enjoy the time honored tradition of having Breakfast with Santa. lakelanierislands.com

Annual Fantasy In Lights

November 16- January 5 @ Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain, GA The most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south begins November 16- Jan. 5! With more than a dozen larger-than-life lighted scenes, Fantasy In Lights remains unique in that its scenes are custom-designed especially for Callaway Gardens–to celebrate not only the joy of the season but the wonder of nature in this idyllic setting. Drive your car or ride the Jolly Trolley to experience scenes like March of the Toy

Soldiers and Snowflake Valley. At Robin Lake Beach, enjoy ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Nativity’, light and sound shows enticing passers-by to stop, reflect and enjoy. Sunday, November 10, the annual March of Dimes Walk – one night each year is reserved for walkers only to hike the winter wonderland of Fantasy In Lights. No vehicles allowed!

mances create esprit de corps among soldiers and veterans, as well as provide patriotic spirit within the civilian community. Currently the MCoE Band, with its eight performing groups, accomplishes over 500 military missions a year in support of the military and civilian communities in and around Fort Benning. (706) 256.3612 rivercenter.org

(844) 512.3826 callawaygardens.com

Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain

November 17 – February 24 @ Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park! The 2017/2018 season opens November 18– February 25. Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park transforms into a winter wonderland with Snow Mountain. Bundle your family up and get ready for snow tubing, snowballs, snowmen and snow angels. Based at Stone Mountain Park’s famous Laser Lawn, Snow Mountain keeps your entire family busy for hours. A 400’ foot tubing hill and a snow play area filled with a blizzard of snow activities make Snow Mountain Atlanta’s not-tobe-missed winter attraction. There’s even a play zone reserved for your littlest snow bunnies. Snow Mountain’s state-of-the-art snow-making magic guarantees you tons of fresh snow daily. And with two Mountain SnoLifts to get you up the tubing hill, you’ll want to go again and again! (800) 401.2407 stonemountainpark.com

“Elf”

December 7 -23 @ Studio II Series McClure Theatre 103 Tenth Street Columbus, GA ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, Unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. (706) 327.3688

A Tuna Christmas

December 7-23, 19-22 @ Studio II Series McClure Theatre Back by popular demand, Jim Pharr and Ben Redding will be returning to the stage putting the fun in DisFUNction. Ben and Jim will play all 24 citizens of Tuna, the tiny Texas town that erupts in holiday mayhem every year with a disastrous production of “A Christmas Carol,” yard displays vandalized by the Christmas Phantom and a Humane Society overrun with iguanas, coyotes, sheep and myna birds. 60,000 patrons have made this a genuine Christmas tradition in Columbus.

River Center for Performing Arts Presents: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis

December 17 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 7:30 P.M. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from Chip’s groundbreaking Fresh Aire series, which introduced the distinctive Mannheim sound to all of America. Experience the magic as the sprit of the season comes alive with dazzling multimedia effects and the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller! (706) 256.3612 rivercenter.org

River Center for Performing Arts Presents: A Cantus Christmas

December 18 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 7:30 p.m. In its eighteenth annual holiday concert, the professional chorus CantusColumbus, directed by William J. Bullock, recounts the Christmas story with classical masterpieces and audience carols. The chorus is assisted this year by the renowned Vega String Quartet and the Legacy Hall concert organ and piano. This beautiful holiday tradition is the perfect way to prepare to receive the true message of the season. (706) 256.3612 rivercenter.org

Atlanta New Year’s Eve Peach Drop

December 31 @ Peachtree Street This Block Party for Thousands offers live Musical Performances by local artists and musicians, as well as a midnight Fireworks Spectacular. Tickets are available at a variety of local sources. Stay downtown and enjoy the festivities at Flatiron Building across from Woodruff Park,... enjoy the ‘official’ Peach Drop at midnight - followed by a really awesome New Year’s fireworks display, with live performances.

Selma Holiday Festival

(706) 327.3688 springeroperahouse.org

December 3-15 @ Performing Arts Center 1000 Selma Ave. Selma, AL A community celebration of the holiday season. A two week longcraft show and bake sale with Santa in attendance some afternoons. 9:30 am. -5:30pm.

River Center for Performing Arts Presents: McCoe Holiday Concert

Tallassee

December 15 @ River Center for Performing Arts 900 Broadway Columbus, GA 7:30 P.M. For over 50 years, the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band has taken great pride in entertaining the soldiers, military families, and civilians of the Fort Benning, Columbus, and Phenix City communities. The Band’s perfor-

Holiday Parade

December 1 10 a.m. Begins at Tallassee Church of Christ and goes thru Central Blvd down to Barnette Blvd. and end at Tallassee High school. (334) 283.5151 tallassee-al.gov

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Montg Pa

The Grinch

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: B+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Remaking a beloved classic is always a risky proposition. The 1966 television adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ timeless “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has been an annual seasonal tradition for generations of children. With its faithful retelling of the original story, whimsical mid-century aesthetic, unforgettable soundtrack, and flawless character animation (who can forget the Grinch’s evil grin?), it’s hard to beat. The big question in 2018 is: Does this year’s animated version live up to the original TV special? The answer is: Not quite, but it comes very, very close. The plot differs from the book at a few points but holds few surprises for older viewers. It also feels bloated, a natural result of stretching a children’s book to feature film length. That being said, this film shines in its visuals and animation. The sets are all beautifully rendered – from the Grinch’s lonely home to his friend’s over-decorated house, to the town of Whoville, which is a bright, festive, child’s fantasy – so popping with colorful decorations that it looks good enough to eat. The animation is also superior, with the Grinch’s fur depicted in exacting detail: you can see individual hairs blowing in the wind. The animators have managed to project the Grinch’s personality, even adding a touch of vulnerability and self-doubt that was missing in previous versions. Parents looking for a new family Christmas tradition could do worse than this cheerful, upbeat movie. It has very few content issues aside from slapstick violence which will only scare the most sensitive children. And it has wonderful messages about caring for others, treasuring family, reaching out to those who are alone, letting go of past hurts, changing for the better, and forgiving others.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A Watching a ballet performance of The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition for many families. This 19th century fairy tale about a girl whose toy nutcracker comes to life is most famous for its unmistakable music and whimsical characters. It’s also gone through countless film and stage adaptations-something Disney is clearly mindful of in this latest installment. If you’re looking for a faithful retelling of the classic, you can forget it. This version is deliberately different. Parents with sensitive little ones might want to note that giant, squirmy mouse-monsters aren’t the only frightening visuals. The land of carnival amusements has seen better days, and features plenty of leering sculptures and broken fair rides that emerge eerily from the fog. It’s also home to a host of hyperactive clowns who spring from one another’s rotund bodies like Russian nesting dolls. This nightmarish imagery is too dark for younger kids. Though the movie attempts the heartwarming messages of self confidence and cherishing family relationships, these moments don’t have the support of the script to make them meaningful. With the film’s “believe in yourself” themes and strong dose of girl power, Clara proves an almost identical character to Disney’s other recent leading ladies, such as Moana or Frozen’s Anna or Elsa. The film is visually stunning, and while this adds to the experience, it can’t salvage the poor pacing and weak characters. Like a mouthful of cotton candy, this particular take on The Nutcracker is pretty and sugary sweet, but ultimately hollow.

Ralph Breaks the Internet

Creed ll MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: C Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: BA sequel to 2015’s Creed, this film continues to follow the life and career of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), son of the famous champion Apollo Creed (originally played by Carl Weathers). With none other than Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in his corner, coaching him through his fights, Creed takes the Heavyweight Champion title. However, Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) returns with his son Victor (Florian Munteanu) and challenges Creed to a fight. Now Creed must balance his new family, his personal pride, and his Championship title against his desire for revenge against the son of the man who killed his father in a fight more than 30 years ago. The primary content issue parents will have with this film is the language. That said, the language in this film is primarily limited to one word (everyone’s favourite scatological term) repeated maybe a dozen times. Creed seems determined to limit all violence to the ring, and outside of that context, people are largely courteous. This being said, the story is too intense for children and the PG-13 rating is appropriate. With an exceptional cast turning in amazing performances, the highlight of the film is Sylvester Stallone: he plays the aging Rocky Balboa with class and charm and gives the picture a lot of heart. He is conflicted and scared, but through it all brings a sense of thoughtfulness and care to everything he does.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Six years after the conclusion of Wreck-It-Ralph, arcade game characters Ralph (John C. Reilly) and Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) have established a routine: they work in their games all day and hang out and grab a root beer at “Tapper” (a classic arcade game). While this suits Ralph just fine, Vanellope finds herself wishing for a life with more a few more unexpected turns in the road. Even her racing game has become too predictable! But when Ralph tries to help her by modifying the track, a frustrated player breaks the arcade cabinet for Vanellope’s game, and the arcade owner can’t afford to replace the part. The only place the part is available is on the internet, and it looks like Ralph and Vanellope will be able to sneak in to the worldwide web, but how will they find it once they’re there? And will they be able to pay for it? The movie’s only real problem is excessive and blatant product and corporate logo placement. By my count, there are no fewer than 24 instances of major product placement, from companies like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Amazon, eBay, and Google, etc. This kind of saturation marketing is more than a little irritating. Children growing up in the digital age are especially vulnerable to this kind of near-subliminal marketing. Cynical and all-consuming advertising aside, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” has a nice message about the values of friendship and the importance of maintaining healthy relationships. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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“It’s time for karate class,” I said to my 13-year-old son. “Do I have to go?” “Yes.” This has been a common exchange between us for a variety of activities over the past 10 years. He has tried everything from baseball to cooking class—yet nothing holds his interest as much as video games. Every now and then I wonder if it is worth investing money and time into classes or sports he doesn’t want to participate in. But if I hold off on signing him up for things, he does nothing except play video games until we try something 80 new again. It’s a never-ending cycle.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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Are Video Games Healthy? My son is not an anomaly. According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of teens—and 84% of teen boys—play video games. There is a lot of conflicting information about video game use, so it can be hard for parents to know what to allow. It’s screen time, of course, but video gaming is often also a social activity played together with friends either in the same room or online. And if it’s a popular pastime among a teen’s peer group, some parents may be inclined to let them play for an unlimited amount of time with their friends. Playing video games can have positive benefits, says Dr. Larry D. Rosen, a professor at California State University and author of The Distracted Mind. Gaming “can offer some skill-building, including reaction time, executive functioning, and strategic thinking,” says Rosen. He cautions, though, that “playing video games can be very addictive and create problematic thinking, including desensitization to violence.”

Video Game Obsession? Rosen recommends that video game play should be limited since research shows physiological arousal increases when playing—and kids need breaks from that. He suggests limiting gaming for teens to 60-90 minutes at a time, even if parents decide to allow more total time daily. Maria Sanders, a licensed social worker, and certified parent coach, also recommends creating clear boundaries with your teen regarding when and how long they are allowed to play. She says an example of boundaries might be letting teens choose to play an hour of video games either before or after completing homework. She encourages parents to learn more about their teen’s interest in video games. Sit down and play the games with them. “The child will see that you have an interest in what they are doing,” she says, “and you will learn about why they are so attracted to the game.”

Encouraging Other Activities Teens should live “balanced lives and not live solely in the video game,” says Sanders. But if your teen doesn’t express interest in anything else, it may be difficult 81

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to figure out which activity or sport to encourage. Sanders suggests asking your teen about the type of video games they like to play. Then you might be able to figure out an activity that uses similar skills or gameplay. An avid Fortnite player, for example, might enjoy a laser tag league. Parents should avoid simply announcing which activities their teen must do. Rosen stresses the importance of including the child in the decision-making process. With your child’s input, create a list of the types of activities they could do at home during unstructured times or when they feel bored. Similarly, involving your child in discussions about organized extracurriculars will prevent them from feeling forced into participating in certain activities.

Stay Positive About Video Games Often parents make comments like “video games are a waste of time” or “video games are unhealthy” in an effort to decrease video game use. Rosen says this almost always backfires. Instead, parents could reward the child for responsible behavior. For example, when a child demonstrates that they can stop playing

on their own without parent badgering, parents might loosen strict time limits on screen time. Instead of making negative statements about video games, Sanders says, “The best thing a parent can do is guide their child down a path of self-reflection. Asking questions like, I notice you seem pretty tired after playing video games. How are you feeling? will help your child figure out their own beliefs about video game use.” Parent negativity can make a teen feel as if they are being judged and misunderstood. Focus on their strengths while playing a video game—perhaps, for instance, their ability to help a friend get to another level. A parent should notice that ability and point out how it might connect to real-life situations. Next step: Parents can help them get out there and do just that.

Too Many Video Games: When to Worry Video game addiction is not yet a disorder recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. The World Health Organization, however, recently recog-

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nized the existence of “gaming disorder” for the first time. Excessive video game play and other types of addictions do show similar patterns, says Rosen. Some signs parents should look for are: • Isolating behavior or ignoring family and friends • Sneaking video game play at night or at friends’ houses • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns • Decline in academic performance or not doing homework • A need to continue playing video games beyond a time limit • An interest only in playing video games, at the expense of other activities • Always thinking about video games If you are concerned about your teen, you can contact a mental health professional to discuss counseling options. mp

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Twins Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.

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Going Solo: Single Player Wins

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Babies first experience solo play as they reach for mobiles, kick dangling toys in their bouncy seat and shake a rattle in their fist. But as they grow, children become more accustomed to playful interactions with parents and their peers. The importance of playing alone can get lost among the increasing social opportunities that many children enjoy. Nonetheless, solo play is vital to cultivating independence and encouraging individual problem solving. Playing alone also teaches kids how to self calm and to feel comfortable by themselves. The following toys and games offer ideal opportunities for kids to explore the ways they can be their own best playmate.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Kanoodle

RC Police Car

Colorful and compelling, Kanoodle is a tactile type of solitaire that stimulates threedimensional thinking in solo players. Using combinations of colored connected beads, the player follows images in the illustrated guide to construct vibrant designs that are either two-dimensional puzzles or layered structures. Visual cues, concentration, and experimentation all contribute to recreating the Kanoodle illustrations with the bead pieces. There are hundreds of possible combinations, but only one completes each puzzle.Compact and portable, the puzzle pieces fit inside the handy pocket-sized case with built-in game boards, so kids can Kanoodle anywhere!

There are vast options for remote control toys with varying degrees of performance and complexity. But the best start for a child’s RC journey is going to be a simply operated vehicle like the RC Police Car from Haktoys. Two directions of travel (forward and reverse left) and the simple two-button controller minimize frustration for new operators. Crafted from non-toxic plastic, the vehicle features honking sounds, music and flashing lights (which can also be turned off for quieter driving). The police car includes a removable officer for more pretend play options. Letting kids take the wheel empowers them with control and independence as they guide their RC Police Car to the rescue!

Find It Game Jr: Sesame Street

Little People Learn About Others

The popular Find It Games feature a sealed clear plastic tube filled with irregularly shaped pellets that hide distinctive treasures within their tumbled mass. The player consults a legend with cues to a series of themed objects that can only be found by spinning, twisting, shaking and tilting the cylinder. As the pellets shift, sharp eyes dart to find and identify the objects from the list. Specially designed for younger players, the Sesame Street Find It Game features extra figures to uncover and a Way to Play booklet with additional challenges as children start their addictive quest to find every signature object from the Sesame Street world, right between the palms of their hands.

Every spin reveals something new with this See ‘n Say toy. With a pull of the lever, the arrow will spin around the face before selecting one of eight different community members. Featuring a farmer, a teacher, a pilot and more familiar roles in our lives, each character shares a short phrase explaining how they help others. And while a child learns about others, they can also learn about themselves. A hinged ring flips open to reveal eight emotions with expressions that kids can explore. In addition to building a measure of dexterity and fine motor control as they steady the toy and pull the lever, there’s a fun quiz mode to help build their confidence! Ideal for solo play, this new See ‘n Say helps children learn about the people in their community while they also discover more about feelings.

(Haktoys)

(Educational Insights)

(Fisher Price)

(Find It Games)

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

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Meet the 2018

Families of the Year For 30 years, the Family Guidance Center of Alabama has sponsored Families of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding families nominated for exceptional family teamwork, individual growth and family involvement. This year four families from Alabama’s River Region were honored at a special ceremony at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts on November 18. In addition to the Family Guidance Center and Montgomery Parents magazine, sponsors of the program include: WSFA-TV, Aronov, Synovus, Cumulus Broadcasting, the J.K. Lowder Family Foundation and Minuteman Press. For more information about the awards selection or the Family Guidance Center, please call (334) 2704100 or visit www.familyguidancecenter.org.

The Jason & Margaret Borders Family Nominated by Claire Smith, this Montgomery family is involved in many activities that make their community a better place. As chair of the religion department at Huntingdon University, Jason helps leads students on trips throughout Turkey and Greece. Margaret works for Baptist Health and, when her children were younger, she passed up her own opportunities for professional advancement so that she could volunteer in the children’s schools. Now that Caleb is 19 and Leah Grace is 16, they are building on the foundations set by their parents as they keep bees and chickens at their home, participate in church activities and serve as wonderful role models for younger children. In addition to their other church commitments, Jason and Margaret lead a class for parents of children going through confirmation at First United Methodist Church. Through this class, they are able to help other families grow together in love and service. Margaret also leads a covenant group of female college students at Huntingdon, and Jason has helped students conduct vision testing for young children to prevent them from falling behind in reading due to correctable vision impairments.

The Ed & Kandi Allen Family Along with their sons—TJ, 18, and twins Wyatt and Colton, 16—Ed and Kandi Allen of Dadeville were nominated by James and Patty Jarrell of Notasulga, who have watched the family exhibit teamwork on their family’s horse ranch and cattle farm. The Allens also work together at their other family business of team roping productions. Ed started roping at an early age but let his sons decide for themselves it was something they also wanted to pursue. Each of the boys contributes to farm chores, beginning even before sun-up. “This teaches them responsibility and work ethic,” said Ed. “They are responsible for taking care of the animals before and after school.” In addition to taking care of the animals, the family spends several hours a day several days each week training for roping events. Then they spend many weekends traveling throughout the Southeast participating in rodeo competitions, where they discuss with each other what worked well and how to improve for the next time. The Allens also played an important role in helping start the Cowboy Church of Lee County. Montgomery Parents I December 2018

The Ken & Michelle Jimmerson Family Montgomery residents Ken Jimmerson, his wife Michelle, and their children Shaquina, 34; Olivia, 16; and Ken, Jr., 12, were nominated by Debbie Bailey, who became acquainted with them 11 years ago when their younger children started attending East Ann Learning Center. Now Olivia is a junior at Park Crossing High School, with dual enrollment at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and she participated in the Distinguished Young Women of Montgomery County program this year. Her brother, Ken Jr., is a 7th-grader at Floyd Middle Magnet School, where he 84

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is a member of the archery team and the National Junior Honor Society. Oldest daughter, Shaquina, is a licensed therapist with the Atlanta Missions Center in Georgia, and is mother of the Jimmersonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first two grandchildren, Miles and Saige. The Jimmersons are active members of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery. Ken is a retired Army captain who is now a technical support engineer. Michelle is retired from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. They stay involved in the lives of their extended family as well as their immediate family, even currently helping a family friend run a STEM program in Brewton, Ala.

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The Greg & Teresa Treloar Family The Treloar family, nominated by Tonya Speed, works together in everyday activities and special challenges. Son Ricky, now 17, was born with spina bifida and has been wheelchairbound since a detethering spinal cord surgery paralyzed him from the waist down at age 7. He has had to learn to walk three times, which took determination, motivation and encouragement from all family members. However, the Treloar family has not slowed down in community involvement and participation. Ricky is an Eagle Scout and even attended Sea Base Camp with other Boy Scouts in Key West, Fla., where he spent a week living on a sailboat and sailing around a coral reef. His sister, Amy, 13, is a Girl Scout who was in competitive gymnastics for eight years and continues to be on a competitive dance team. Both kids are in the marching band and on the honor roll at Montgomery Catholic High School, and are also involved in the church youth group. Both Greg and Teresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitments to their community are even reflected in their professions. Greg is a retired lieutenant firefighter with the Montgomery Fire Department after 28 years of service. Teresa taught various grades with the Montgomery Public School System for 34 years and is now a reading specialist. mp Edited by Alison K. Rouse 85

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, December 1

Wetumpka Depot Presents Junie B Jones: Jingle Bells and Batman Smells 7 p.m. Directed by Chris Kelly, this play is based on the beloved children’s series following Junie as she digs her way out of the challenges of grade school! Junie fans will love this endearing holiday take on the book of the same title. For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com. Arthritis Foundation’s 2018 Jingle Bell Run 7:30 a.m. activities begin; 8:30 a.m. race begins. Huntingdon College. Wear a holiday-themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Show off your ugly Christmas sweater. Complete a 5K run or walk with your team members, spreading smiles, good cheer and a winning spirit. For more info, e-mail lglass@arthritis.org or call (334) 219-8707. Holiday Open House at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1-4 p.m. Activities include festive studio activities, performances by local school choirs, and carriage rides. The galleries will be open, as will ArtWorks. Santa will also be here to take all the children’s holiday wish lists. Holiday Open House is free to attend, but visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots or canned goods for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Michael’s Kids Club -- Also Dec. 8 & 15 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included. Ages 3-8. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Dec. 1 is Advent Calendar; Dec. 8 is Dashing Reindeer; Dec. 15 is Christmas Frame. For more info, visit www.michaels. com/.

more than 25 singles on the charts. Tickets begin at $15. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Season of Light -- Through December 18 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 2 and 16. W.A. Gayle Planetarium. Season of Light explores the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up our lives during the December holiday season. It’s an exploration of the astronomical meanings behind seasonal traditions, including the “Star over Bethlehem.” General Admission: $6.50 per person for ages 5 and above. Doors open 30 minutes before show for ticket sales. Show starts promptly. For more info, visit www.troy.edu/planetarium/ or call (334) 625-4799.

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at

Old Cahawba’s Happy Birthday Alabama Presentation 10-11 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. Celebrate Alabama’s birthday at the site of its first permanent state capital. Gain new insight into Capital era Cahawba and early statehood while we sort bicentennial facts from fiction. After the presentation, you are invited to enjoy birthday cake in honor of our state, and then explore the ghost town of Old Cahawba! Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc.alabama.gov or www. facebook.com/oldcahawba. Admission is $8/person. Alabama River Region Ballet Presents The Great Montgomery Nutcracker -- Also December 2 7 p.m. Sat. and 2 p.m. Sun. Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery Street. Includes dancing of the Youth Ballet Company and students from the school. With spectacular backdrops, scenery and a growing Christmas tree, this ballet is truly magical. For tickets or more info, call (334) 356-5460 or visit www.riverregionballet.com/. Union Springs Red Door Theatre Presents The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular -Through December 2 7:30 p.m. performance Dec. 1 and 2:30 p.m. matinees Dec. 1 & 2. This holiday sequel to the hugely popular show The Honky Tonk Angels continues the comic escapades of three good ole country gals as they re-unite for a Christmas show like none other at The Hillbilly Heaven Club in Nashville. There are many surprising twists and turns in this musical com-

Holiday Pop-Up Shoppe -- Saturdays and Sundays through December 23 Holiday Pop Up Shoppe is an elevated holiday boutique located near Francesca’s at the Shoppes at EastChase featuring local makers, artists and retailers. For more info, e-mail swasserman@bayerproperties.com. Christmas Lights Festival at the Montgomery Zoo -- Select dates through December 25 5:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 6-9 and 13-25. 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery. See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland sparkling with thousands of lights and festive decorations. Take a leisurely stroll, a brisk train ride or see the lights from atop the Zoofari Skylift Ride. Visit Santa, enjoy the live nightly entertainment and no winter’s night would be complete without some warming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies. Call (334) 2404900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Sound of Music -- Through December 30 Music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein; directed by Rick Dildine. The beloved story of Maria, a young and spirited nun-turned-governess, and the Von Trapp family. This delightful musical will thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winning Best Score. Recommended ages 7+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353. Tour of Lanark Hike at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook -- Also January 5 Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an experienced ANC naturalist by your side. S aturday programs are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a look around the hands-on Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails. General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Sunday, December 2

Alabama Farmers Federation Presents Restless Heart at MPAC 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Restless Heart has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history, placing

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Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. All locations. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Dash through the snow in our hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a model sleigh pulled by a reindeer. Once your project is built, you and your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

edy revue, including a gospel soul sister who also happens to be a psychic manicurist. Songs include a Motown Christmas medley, country classics like “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton and comedy hits such as “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Tickets are $15 and may be ordered at (334) 7388687 or www.reddoortheatre.org.

First Sundays at One 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the Museum’s Permanent Collection in these FREE docent-led tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa. org/.

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Monday, December 3

The Alien Who Stole Christmas -- Through December 17 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Sun., Dec. 9. W.A. Gayle Planetarium. Take a tour of the winter’s evening sky and then join jolly ol’ Santa and concerned alien, Mr. Freep, as they explore the solar system’s planets and meet the Christmas Eve needs of their fictitious inhabitants. General Admission: $6.50 per person for ages 5 and above. Doors open 30 minutes before show for ticket sales. Show starts promptly. For more info, visit www.troy.edu/planetarium/ or call (334) 625-4799.

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63rd Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott 6-8 p.m. First Baptist Church, 347 N Ripley St., Montgomery. The event is free and open to the public and is part of the National Center’s Ralph D. Abernathy Civil Rights Lecture Series titled “The Mass Meetings of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Awakening of Black Militancy.” Rev. Abernathy was once the pastor of the church where this year’s celebration will occur. Call (334) 229-4824 or visit www.alasu.edu/ node/2996 for more info.

Tuesday, December 4

Wetumpka Christmas Tree Lighting Gold Star Park. 5 p.m. Pictures with Santa; 6 p.m. Tree Lighting. For more info, visit /www.cityofwetumpka. com/. Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Presents Elton John 8 p.m. Legacy Arena. Tickets begin at $96. For tickets or more info, visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 4588400.

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Calendar Wednesday, December 5

Pike Road Branch Library Holiday Open House 4-5:30 p.m. 9585 Vaughn Rd, Pike Road. Features crafts, refreshments and FREE pictures with Santa. Grown-ups should bring their own cameras for the photo opportunity. This is a come-and-go event so drop by anytime between 4 and 5:30 p.m. For more info, call (334) 244-8679 or e-mail cmwilliams@ mccpl.lib.al.us. Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch and Learn Series Open to the Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided. Poetry of Glass at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 4-5 p.m. Poet Janelle Green of Auburn University will lead a creative writing workshop for teens. Participants will compose illustrated verse in response to Lino Tagliapietra’s swirling glass creations. To register, e-mail epalmer@mmfa.org. Artful Yoga at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also December 19 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.

PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN

welcomes

DR. MALISSA HOY Now accepting new patients ages newborn to 18 years

Thursday, December 6

Harlem Globetrotters at Garrett Coliseum 7 p.m. Featuring some of the most elite dunkers on the planet, exceptional ball handlers, and Guinness World Record holders, a Globetrotters game is more than just basketball – they are the ultimate in family entertainment. The team will also bring the largest female roster in team history to fans across North America. After virtually every game, the Harlem Globetrotters remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans. Tickets are available at harlemglobetrotters.com, ticketmaster.com, the Garrett Coliseum box office, or by calling (800) 745-3000.

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Woodland Creek Holiday Market 5:30-7:30 p.m. 8800 Lodge Dr., Pike Road. Get your Christmas shopping done without even leaving the neighborhood! Support your neighbors’ small business and shop local! We’ll have jewelry, home goods, baby, children, & women’s clothing, door hangers, candles, and MORE. For more info, find us on Facebook. MPAC Presents Michael W. Smith with Special Guest Melinda Doolittle 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, received 2x RIAA MultiPlatinum, 6 Platinum and 16 Gold certified albums, earned three GRAMMY Awards, one American Music Award and over 45 Dove Awards. Tickets begin at $27. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100. Monthly Ladies Who Lunch Event 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Martha’s Place, located at 7798 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. Ladies Who Lunch will welcome Grace Harvey, founder of Pink

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FamilyCalendar and Pearls for Girls. Reservations are required to attend. Tickets are $14 and includes a buffet lunch, a beverage, dessert and gratuity. Local and surrounding professional and business women are encouraged to attend. For more info, visit www. tashamscott.com/ladies-who-lunch/. Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever -through December 16 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 203 West 4th Street, Prattville. Written by Barbara Robinson, directed by Joey Fine, by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at cc.prattvilleal.gov or by calling (334) 595-0854. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents It’s a Wonderful Life -- through December 16 7:30 performances except for 2 p.m. matinees December 9 & 16. Adapted for the stage by James W. Rodgers; based on the film by Frank Capra and story by Peter Van Doren Stern. Directed by John Collier. The saga of George Bailey, the everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him of a wonderful life. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheater.com/. Cloverdale Playhouse Presents Private Lives Through December 16 7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. Sundays. Noel Coward was a playwright famous for using comedy and escapism in the face of dark and difficult times. Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, and reignite the old spark. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger. A roundelay of affiliations ensues in this hilarious play. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org/special. Earth’s Heart: Connecting Cultures -- Also December 13, 20 & 27 2:30 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 Madagascar). 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/. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Gospel of Luke -through December 30 Actor Bruce Kuhn performs The Gospel of Luke with the passion and surprise of an eyewitness account. In a compelling ninety minutes, the tale comes alive with the urgency, fervor, and humor of someone who was there.Recommended ages 7+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353. Ukulele Jam -- Also January 3 5:30-7 p.m. Alabama River Region Arts Center, 300 W Tallassee St., Wetumpka. Free! First Thursday of every month. Call (334) 578-9485 to confirm schedule.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Friday, December 7

Prattville Christmas Concert 7 p.m. Doster Community Center on South Northington in Prattville. This annual concert featuring the Community Chorus and the Prattville Pops will delight the entire family with Christmas songs and sing-a-longs. For more info, call (334) 595-0854. 14th Annual Daddy Daughter Diamond Princess Ball 6-8 p.m. Ware-Farley-Hood House, 450 North Hull Street in Old Alabama Town. Fundraiser for Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery that is open to girls 6th grade and under. (Former princesses 7th grade and up are invited to become members of the DPB Board). Moms are not allowed! Dads, favorite uncles and grandfathers will be the girls’ dates for the evening of dancing, food and tiaras! Attire is black tie optional. For more info, call (334) 240-4617. The Living Christmas Tree -- through December 9 7 p.m. (also 4 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9). First Baptist Church, 305 S Perry St, Montgomery. Hear beautiful music from the choir of more than 150 singers with a full live orchestra and thousands of lights on the decorated tree! The program varies from year to year, so there is new music and a new program to experience. A variety of styles of Christmas music are presented…from traditional to new and exciting Christmas songs. For more info, call (334) 241-5156 or visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/lcttickets.

Saturday, December 8

Prattville Holiday Art Workshops 10-11:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m. The Prattauga Art Guild will host FREE Holiday Art Workshops for children ages 5 to 12 at the Prattville Creative Arts Center and Gallery. Children will create a fun holiday project to take home or give as a gift. Limited space is available for these workshops and reservations are required. For more info, call (334) 595-0854. Biscuits with Santa 10 a.m.-noon. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. Get your picture taken with Santa while enjoying hot biscuits and cocoa along with rides on the Biscuits Express and a Christmas movie on the videoboard! Bring a NEW toy for donation to the Salvation Army and receive FREE biscuits and hot cocoa! For more info, call (334) 323-2255 or find us on Facebook. Christmas on the Coosa 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Downtown Wetumpka. Christmas extravaganza with arts & crafts, parade at 2 p.m., food, classic car show (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), entertainment and activities on the Coosa River culminating with a spectacular fireworks exhibition at 6 p.m. For more info, call (334) 567-5147 or visit www.cityofwetumpka.com/. Capri Theatre Presents It’s a Wonderful Life 7:30 p.m. The Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless is partnering with the Capri Theatre for the 3rd annual sockball fight! Please bring a pair of clean, unused socks and join in our sockball fight before the show. All socks will be collected by MACH and given to the homeless in the Montgomery area. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Christmas at Lanark 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy hayrides, Christmas crafts, decorating cookies and much more! Learn how to create your own nature ornament, get pictures with Santa, enjoy our Christmas movie special and hot chocolate. General admission applies and includes awesome events throughout the day! For info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.

Black Jacket Symphony Presents Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Damn the Torpedoes at MPAC 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Join us as we celebrate the life of Tom Petty with a notefor-note, sound-for-sound recreation of Damn the Torpedoes, plus a full set of Tom Petty’s greatest hits. Tickets begin at $25. For more info, visit www. mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

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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.

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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. Brunch with Santa at EastChase -- Also December 15 9 a.m. Delicious brunch, kids’ activities and visits with Santa, all benefiting Child Protect, Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 and up. For the kiddos we have: photo ops with Santa and his elves, facepainting, craft activity and balloon artist. Ticket price includes brunch and kids’ activities, as well as tax and gratuity. For more info, visit www.theshoppesateastchase.com/ or call (334) 279-6046. AMC Theaters Offers Sensory-Friendly Movietimes -- Also December 22 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.

Sunday, December 9

MPAC Presents Jersey Boys 6 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The 2006 Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning Best

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FamilyCalendar Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were 30! Tickets begin at $77. For more info, visit www. mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100. Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Presents Trans-Siberian Orchestra 3 & 7:30 p.m. Legacy Arena. Tickets begin at $46. For tickets or more info, visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Tuesday, December 11

A Main Street Christmas in Prattville 5-7:30 p.m. Enjoy the lights and decorations, visit with Santa, and have fun while you shop Downtown Prattville for gifts for all the special people on your Christmas list. There will be caroling, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projects, hot chocolate, and more. For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov. Wetumpka Depot Presents A Greater Tuna Christmas -- through December 16 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 16. Directed by Kristy Meanor; written by Williams, Sears and Howard. Two actors portray the entire cast of characters in the tiny town of Tuna, Texas! For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com.

Wednesday, December 12

Airmen of Note Glenn Miller Christmas Concert 7-9 p.m. Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery Street. Free and open to the public but tickets are required. Tickets may be picked up during normal business hours at several locations in Montgomery and Prattville. For more info, call (334) 241-9567 or find us on Facebook.

1848 as revolution is breaking out across Europe. Season 3 will premiere January 13, 2019, on Alabama Public Television (APT). This exclusive event will feature a screening of the first hour of the season 3 premiere episode. A reception with music and light refreshments will be provided to attendees. Admission to both the presentation and the screening is free. No advance registration or tickets required. Call (334) 353-9270 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Friday, December 14

Nativity/Luminary Night & Downtown Wetumpka Open House 6 p.m. For more info, call (334) 567-5147 or visit www.cityofwetumpka.com/. Capital City Christmas Parade 6:15 p.m. Alabama State Capitol, 600 Dexter Ave. Parade route from Capitol steps to Dexter Fountain. For more info, call (334) 625-2100 or visit www. funinmontgomery.com. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets 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

For many more events, please check out our Holiday Happenings Guide on page 73! & 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.

Saturday, December 15

Old Alabama Town Holiday Open House 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Entrance at Lucas Tavern (corner of Jefferson and N. Hull Streets). Embrace the holiday spirit of the 19th century in Old Alabama Town! Traditional holiday craftmaking, stories of Christmas past, live holiday music, and costumed villagers will get everyone in the family in the spirit of this special season. Admission is free with a canned food donation to the Montgomery Area Food Bank. For more

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/.

Thursday, December 13

MPAC Presents Harry Connick, Jr. 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Join Harry and his amazing band as they celebrate New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 300th birthday and the influences that shaped his career. Enjoy the evening as Harry toasts this beloved city and also performs a selection of holiday favorites. Tickets begin at $68. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Archives Hosts Exclusive Preview Screening of Acclaimed PBS Series Victoria 5:30 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. One of the highest-rated dramas on PBS in the last 20 years, Victoria follows the epic life story of Queen Victoria, the most powerful woman of the 19th century. Season 3 begins in

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FamilyCalendar info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/. Old Alabama Town Revue 2 p.m. Old Church on Columbus Street at Old Alabama Town. Part of the Holiday Open House at Old Alabama Town. The theme is “Christmas Places” with both originals and old faves. Joining the Old Alabama Revue Crue will be guest stars Debbie and Bruce George along with Greta Lambert and Rodney Clark. If you’re just coming to the revue, enter through the gate at Columbus Street. Bring your whole family to this one-of-a-kind live show. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.landmarksfoundation.com/. Gator Tails at Alabama Nature Center 11:30 a.m. 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook. During this program you will get to learn about these prehistoriclooking creatures as well as get to meet our ANC resident “Delta,” the baby alligator! Kids will get to make a cool take-home alligator craft as part of the program. All materials provided. For more info, call (334) 285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org/. Third Saturday @ Art Museum 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view at the Museum in these FREE docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/. Toys 4 Tots/Food Drive Fundraiser Car Show 1-5 p.m. Quail Walk Golf Course parking lot on Highway 111, Wetumpka. Live band, Santa Claus, Pig Out BBQ, games and more. All cars, trucks and motorcycles welcome! $10 fee plus either two cans of non-perishable food or one new unwrapped toy per vehicle being shown. For more info, call (850) 339-0472 or (334) 478-3852.

Tuesday, December 18

Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $25. For more info, visit www. mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Wednesday, December 19

See Me: Exploring Self-Portraits at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 p.m. This exciting new program designed for students with special needs includes an exploration of portraits in the galleries followed by a visit to ArtWorks, where we will see ourselves in the mirrors of a giant kaleidoscope and the Tannenbaum digital screen. Afterward, participants will

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

create mixed-media self-portraits. This program is free and designed for ages 6 and older. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at edsecy@mmfa. org.

Thursday, December 20

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 “Dressing for Statehood: Textiles of Early Alabama,” presented by Diane Barnard. Call (334) 353-4726 or visit www. archives.alabama.gov. 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 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. There will be seasonal piano music while we pretend to be Santa’s elves. Wear your holiday sweater. Luncheon cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, December 17, to Cathy Donald at (225) 287-3693 or cathydonaldne@ gmail.com. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com for more info.

Friday, December 21

Blue Christmas 7-8 p.m. Frazer UMC East Sanctuary. Whether you’ve lost loved ones or had a difficult year, we recognize that the holidays aren’t as happy for some. That’s why we offer our annual Blue Christmas service on the Winter Solstice, the longest night service. We want to spend some time recognizing the pain and asking God for healing while thanking him for making his love available through the birth of Jesus. For more info, e-mail nepler@frazerumc.org or call (334) 495-6351.

Monday, December 31

Midnight in Montgomery -- Also January 1 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Hank Williams Museum, 118 Commerce Street. New Year’s Eve, there will be music and storytelling by Jason Petty leading up to the midnight hour commemorating the 66th anniversary of Hank Williams’s death. We will leave the Hank Williams Museum at 11:30 p.m. to arrive at the Oakwood Cemetery Annex to bring in the new year with Hank! Weather permitting. January 1 at 10 a.m., there will be a wreath laying ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery Annex. Join us as we celebrate the man and his music. Following the service, we will gather at the Museum for music by Mary Battiata and Pat Rance. For more info, call (334) 262-3600 or visit www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net/.

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes trouble-

shooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 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 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. Chinese Calligraphy Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers free classes (noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays) weekly through November 13 at AUM’s Clement Hall 203. Instructor is Ms. Yunjia Yang (Janice). For more info, contact her at yyang8@aum.edu or (334) 394-5922. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers beginner classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses (noon-1 p.m. Thursdays) are provided free as a service to the community through November 15 at AUM’s Clement Hall 203. Instructor is Mr. Xiaojun Sun (Jack). For more info, contact him at xsun@aum.edu or (334) 244-3624. Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series First Mondays every month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the

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FamilyCalendar 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 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 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. Sibling Preparation Class One-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. 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 December 19 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. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., at Vaughn Forest Church. 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 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.

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SupportGroups 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

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 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.

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 church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@ aol.com for more info.

Homeschool Support

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.

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.

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. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. 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.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

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 Memory Loss Support Group Meets at 6 p.m. third Wednesdays starting in October 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. 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. Call (334) 293-8574 or e-mail michelle.carothers@jackson.org.

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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 Mary Jo at 271-2280 or e-mail classicmjl@hotmail.com. 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 Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 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 2207555 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. 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.

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SupportGroups 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

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The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https://sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home. 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. 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/.

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info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. 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 playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Moms 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. 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

Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 365-5977. Post-abortion Support Group, Saint James United Methodist Church. Do you have a secret you have promised yourself “you are taking to the grave?” 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. 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. “Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.

Single Parents Support

God Will Make a Way, Frazer UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn to follow God’s principles to thrive relationally, emotionally, and spiritually in 12 key areas of life and use God’s wisdom to cope with your most difficult problems. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.

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.

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 2018 pageant date TBA. Visit www.alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info. D.A.T.S. M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move), a free online parent empowerment network 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 child’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.

Teens/Families Support

Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 2704100 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.

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

Pike Road Eagle Scout Recognized with Proclamation

Hunter Atkins, a Pike Road resident who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Tukabatchee Area Council’s Troop 15, was presented a proclamation of congratulations at the Nov. 13 Pike Road Town Council meeting. For his Eagle project, Atkins designed, built and installed a pergola and benches at the Old Harmony Cemetery near Lake Martin to provide a peaceful place for the community to reflect on the treasured history of the area. Shown are Pike Road Town Council members Rob Steindorff, Angie Bradsher, Leroy Tolliver, Chris Dunn and Betsy Atkins; the Atkins family; Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone; and Eagle Scout Hunter Atkins.

Johnson’s Martial Arts Wins Southern Region Open Karate Championships

Ten members of Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy won karate championships in three divisions October 27, at the 2018 Southern Region Open Karate Tournament held at the Dothan Civic Center, which was sponsored by the Dothan Leisure Services in conjunction with the National Peanut Festival Association. The winners shown below are Elysia Lewis, Angel Calloway, Byron Dixon, Coach Briana Jackson, Aiyanna Rockwell, Gabriel Hinson, Fred Crittenden, Johnny McCall, and instructor David Johnson (2018 Mens Grand Champion). Aysa Dorsey and Jonathan Roca also won but are not pictured.

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Wetumpka Boy Scout Dedicates WWI Monument

Following the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, Elmore County residents now have a permanent reminder of those who died during the conflict, near the entrance of the old county courthouse. For his Eagle project, Wetumpka Troop 13 Boy Scout Owen Tilley partnered with Farmer Memorial Co. and Funeral Ser-vices, LLC to establish a monument in memory of the 43 Elmore County residents who lost their lives during wartime. The monument was officially dedicated on Veterans’ Day Nov. 11. “During this centennial year, I feel it is appropriate to recognize them. Working with Farmer Memorial, I’ve created a monument which I believe will be a lasting memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I,” Tilley said. “I feel it is time to remember those who died and did not receive the recognition they deserve.” Tilley thanked Linda Blankenship from the Elmore County Probate Office, Nancy Dupree from the Alabama Department of Alabama Archives and History, and his father, Ken Tilley, who is a military historian, for their aid in researching the names and lives behind those being honored. “Many hours of research were conducted and documentation was found to have a complete list of those who were killed in action, died from wounds or went missing during World War I,” Tilley said. Ken Tilley said soldiers from throughout the county were honored, with the youngest at age 18, and the old-est at 32. www.montgomeryparents.com

Ala

Ald Ar

Dr.

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

First Baptist, Montgomery, 61

New Park, 79

Adventure Sports II, 66

Frazer Memorial UMC, 3

Newtopia, 2

Alabama Christian Academy, 29

Grant Joy Learning, 22

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 63

AL Dept. of Health, Inside Front

Guardian Credit Union, 15

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 57

AL School of Math & Science, 4

Guild Mortgage, 13

Prattville YMCA, 82

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 85

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 43

Professional Pediatrics, 12

Aldersgate UMC, 37

Hooper Academy, 30

Armory Athletics, 34 ASKIN/Synergy House, 49 Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 36 Baptist Health, 69 Chapman Orthodontics, 81 Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 87 Christmas on the Coosa, 47 Churchill Academy, 39 CMH Mobile Notary Services, 30

Integrative Wellness, 22 Jackson Hospital, 17 Kingry Orthodontics, 23 Lakeview Baptist Church, 34 Learning Tree Child Care, 52 Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, 49 Lola Photography & Portrait Studio, 81 Macon East Academy, 27 Mathnasium, 25

Pump It Up Party, 63 RR Dermatology and Laser, Inside Back Redland Baptist Church MMO, 66 Resurrection Catholic School, 89 Riverview Camp for Girls, 55 Saint James School, 1 Saint James UMC, 59 Spotless Cleaning Services, 8 Success Unlimited Academy, 33 Swim Prep, 57 Sylvan Learning Center, 31

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 28

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 31, 65

Montessori @ Mulberry, 19

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 7

Tomatino’s Pizza/Cafe Louisa, 35

Dr. Den Trumbull Book, 25

Montgomery Dermatology, 58

Trinity Presbyterian School, 9

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 82

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 94

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 49

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 72

Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 16

United Gymstars & Cheer, 71

Eastwood Christian School, 24

Montgomery Storks and More, 23

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 45

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 72

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 21

Vaughn Road Preschool, 41

Evangel Christian Academy, 36

Montgomery Zoo, 51

YMCA Montgomery, 45

Family Guidance Center, 40

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 11

Young Living Essential Oils, 22

Cornerstone Christian School, 20 Dentistry for Children, 28

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Missy: My mom’s advice when I told her I wanted to be a chef was pretty much “you can do anything you want if you work hard and commit yourself to get there!” I read my girls The Little Engine That Could because even when I was so overwhelmed trying to achieve my goal, I feel like that book was really my mom’s message to me! MP: You have had much training in the kitchen through culinary school and working in stressful environments, such as Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in San Francisco. Is there anything in that training that has helped you in parenting?

Missy Mercer

Missy: The hard work in a professional commercial kitchen definitely helps me with parenting in a couple of ways. First, no matter how tired you are...press on and do everything you need to do to make your children the happiest they can be and the best people they can be. I am serious a lot because of what we do and the stress of the everyday demands of what we do, so I feel like my kids have learned how to act and be kind around all kinds of people in different settings. The organizational aspect of my job has helped me stay two steps ahead of my twins all the time, so we can move smoothly through our mornings and evenings. And, like in a kitchen, the guest has no idea how stressed the kitchen crew is sometimes, nor do my children know the incredible balancing act.

MP: Missy, as a business owner, wife and mother you must stay really busy. How do you prioritize your time so that you have quality time with your family? Missy: We spend family time at home playing with the girls. They love to play games, swim and run around outside. We love the beach and the pool in the summer. The girls love to travel and go places. When we can, Browne and I try to have date nights every now and then. We like to go and see live music in Birmingham or Atlanta.

MP: You grew up in a warm, hardworking household and you have many fond memories of your parents. What do you think your girls will say about you one day? Missy: Hopefully they have learned from me the same lessons that I have learned from my parents: work hard...be strong, kind, and humble...appreciate all things...and do what you love! MP: What is one thing you never had that you want for your children? Missy: I don’t miss anything before my precious daughters. I prayed for one baby and I got two, and it is hard for me to remember what my life was like without them. My only regret is that my mom couldn’t see them grow up. She passed away when they were 15 months old.

MP: What do you do to keep your energy up?

MP: What advice would you give a new “twin” mom just beginning her parenting journey?

Missy: I try to keep my energy up by staying healthy through what I eat and exercising for stress release. I love doing Pilates and yoga. Sleep is always a good thing.

Missy: The best advice I can give to all new twin moms is to tell them it gets easier. Twin moms have a hard first couple of years!

MP: Our parents can often have very big influences on who we become. In what ways did your parents influence you?

MP: Missy, thank you for offering our community delicious, high quality foods! Will Tomatinos/Café Louisa have special holiday hours or specials?

Missy: My parents were huge influences in my life. Both of them had tremendous dedication and work ethic. And, if they did not like their jobs or were having any issues, they never complained about it. To me, it seemed that they were probably very reliable and dedicated employees. They also taught me that you need to spend your free time doing what you love with the people that you love!

Missy: The Café and Tomatinos will have normal hours with the exception of being open part of the day on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day. We will have seasonal offerings like iced sugar cookies, gingerbread cake and cookies, and cheese straws. Also, we will have Breakfast with Santa on Monday, December 24th, at the Café.

MP: Your mother was a highly skilled nurse and researcher, but her real passion was art. What was her advice to you when you decided you wanted to pursue the culinary arts?

Montgomery Parents I December 2018

Missy Mercer is the owner of Tomatinos/Café Louisa. She has been married to husband Browne for 14 years. They have twin daughters, Mary Alice and Anne (age 6).

www.montgomeryparents.com

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C O M M U N I C AT O R , CRITICAL THINKER AND MASTER OF THE COLOR WHEEL [ PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE—THE BEGINNING ]

What do MA graduates look like? Diverse in every way, yet they share surprisingly similar qualities. As early as kindergarten, The Montgomery Academy looks ahead to the kinds of qualities a young adult needs to succeed. Programs are structured, and experiences are designed around creating lifelong learners who challenge themselves. Co-curricular involvement is planned to champion honor, ethics, diversity and service. We do all this—but if you ask our first graders what they do in school, they’ll simply tell you they have fun. And show you their paintings.

Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y The Pursuit of Excellence in K-12 Education

COME SEE US AT K-VIEW, OUR KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM PREVIEW. PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE A DATE THAT IS CONVENIENT FOR YOU. Contact Rachael Gallagher, admissions@montgomeryacademy.org | 334.272.8210 | montgomeryacademy.org